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  • WWE RAW live results: Extreme Rules go-home show with Styles-Reigns, Ambrose-Jericho

    The Big Takeaway:

    Another show built around Shane and Stephanie ruling the roost. They ordered two separate matches, presided over a contract signing that was the main event segment and ended with Stephanie decking Ric Flair in Greensboro. The show had two very good tag team matches but lagged during the final hour. 

    Show Recap: 

    The Usos will face Karl Anderson and Luke Gallows later tonight. A.J. Styles came out and said he was tired of Roman Reigns calling him a liar, and well as various places he’s gone to and social media. Styles showed off tweets from fans who thought Styles’ relationship with Anderson and Gallows was a ploy to make him WWE World Heavyweight Champion. Styles talked about headlining the Tokyo Dome in front of 60,000 fans, and he didn’t need any help getting to the top. 

    Reigns came out. “What an ovation!” screamed JBL as thunderous boos echoed in the background and Reigns walked past a “When it Reigns, it Bores” sign. Reigns said Styles has won championship after championship, but if you ask him, it doesn’t matter unless he’s wearing THE championship. Fans chanted for Seth Rollins, which seemed to iritate Reigns. Reigns said he would be in the Usos corner, and asked Styles if he was going to be in the Club’s corner? Styles said he would.

    Styles said Reigns was THE guy who he was going to beat this Sunday at Extreme Rules. Reigns said Styles couldn’t beat him one-on-one, and the Usos would be at ringside with him to prove that the bloodline could beat the clubline. Anderson & Gallows came out. The Usos ran out from the crowd to join Reigns and Reigns punched Styles out of the ring just as Styles was about to strike. It appeared security was confiscasting anti-Reigns signs during this segment because they cut to tight shots of Reigns face while guards worked around ringside.  

    Cesaro and Sami Zayn went to a no contest (1:40)

    Kevin Owens and the Miz were at ringside. After Sami Zayn sent Cesaro out of the ring, Owens got up from the commentary table and acted like he was going to leave, but attacked Miz instead. The two ended up in the ring, where Owens and Zayn brawled, as did Cesaro and Miz. 

    This led to Shane McMahon coming out to a big pop. He arranged for Zayn and Cesaro to team against Miz and Owens. Then Stephanie McMahon came out. She changed the match to Zayn and Owens vs. Miz and Cesaro, and if Owens walked out, he would lose his spot in the Fatal Four Way at Extreme Rules. 

    Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens defeated the Miz and Cesaro (10:47) 

    Zayn pinned the Miz after the Helluva Kick. Miz and Cesaro starting arguing, and it led to Cesaro giivng him the Skull Crushing Finale. After Zayn got the pin, Owens gave him a superkick, then proclaimed himself the winner of the match. Owens was the straw that stirred this drink and was very entertaining. He even got a run wild sequence that included a Cannonball on Cesaro, which the fans went nuts for. Byron Saxton said “I can’t believe we’re seeing Zayn and Owens teaming together.” Aside from the decade they spent teaming together in ROH and other indys, I totally agree. Reminded me of watching WWE Superstars back in the day and Gorilla Monsoon would call Lanny Poffo a youngster after he had wrestled for 15 years. 

    Renee Young asked Chris Jericho in his dressing room about Dean Ambrose requesting a meeting with him tonight. Jericho said he wanted Ambrose to apologize for destroying his $15,000 jacket last week, which was as much an institution in the WWE as Andre the Giant. He talked about how the jacket belonged in the Smithsonian. 

    The Shining Stars defeated Scott Jackson and Brian Kennedy (1:33) 

    Epico pinned Brian Kennedy with the Shining Star, which is the old Total Elimination. Since they were in Greensboro, this was your basic 1980s squash match that aired on Mid-Atlantic Championship Wrestling every Saturday night. Even the jobbers names sounded like something that Bob Caudle would say. A word has yet to be created to adequately describe the indifference the crowd had for the Shining Stars in their debut, whose gimmick is they beat up guys from the host cities hometown to prove Puerto Rico is the most beautiful place on Earth. Before we go comparing this to the Reverend D-Von, Kane’s twin brother and Outback Jack, let’s remember the New Day was the least over thing in this company 18 months ago. 

    OK, I’m done pretending. These guys couldn’t get heat in Texas wearing Jose Bautista jerseys. 

    Ambrose came out. There was an angle on SmackDown where Jericho put Ambrose in a straight jacket, and Ambrose said he felt something in his head that snapped a little. He called Jericho out. Jericho came out and ordered Ambrose to apologize for his jacket, which he called an important part of his legacy. Jericho actually was a heel trying to get heat. And he got it. Remarkable. 

    Ambrose said he wasn’t apologizing and challenged him to a match at Extreme Rules. Jericho said he would take $15,000 out of Ambrose’s ass. Ambrose asked if Jericho was sure. Jericho said people liked to call Ambrose a lunatic, but he was a lunatic because there was no one in the company crazier than him. He’s faced every fighter the company has thrown at him for 17 years and is a 6-time world champion. Jericho said he would punish Ambrose with no remorse, with a smile on his face and without a tear in his eye. Jericho did his new catchphrase of “The gift of Jericho. Drink it in.” 

    Ambrose said he had a gift for Jericho. A cage came down from the roof with this music that sounded like the “Psycho” theme. Ambrose said he talked to Shane and Ambrose got to have the first-ever Asylum match. It was a cage match with a straight jacket, a barbed wire 2×4, the ghost of Mitch the Plant, a fire extinguisher, a strap, a mop and bucket and various other objects. Ambrose said there would be no escaping the cage and Jericho would never, ever be the same again. 

    Dana Brooke defeated Becky Lynch (3:41) 

    Brooke won when Becky Lynch attempted a sunset flip, but Brooke sat down. Weird spot early in Lynch jumped off the apron for a double axehandle that appeared to connect, but wasn’t supposed to. Brooke then had to no-sell it and threw Lynch into the dasherboards. Brooke was shown earlier being snobby to a guy, saying if he worked out and dressed better, maybe she would take him seriously. Lynch has become the jobber Diva, it appears. 

    Bob Backlund appeared as Darren Young’s life coach. Backlund asked Young what time it was. Young pulled out his phone. Backlund thought he was going to call the operator and ask what time it was. Young talked about trying to organize the Desktop on his phone. Backlund thought he meant organizing his desk by putting a calendar over it. Backlund ordered him to do 200 squats. And that’s how the second “Make Darren Young Great Again” skit ended. Well, the newest Young push is still more alive than Ted Cruz’s campaign. 

    Shane watched this unfold. Stephanie wanted to know why Shane didn’t run the whole Asylum match by her. Shane wondered why didn’t Stephanie run by changing the tag team match by him. Bubba Ray and Devon Dudley came in. Bubba Ray said they’ve heard about the New Era, but they wanted to show what guys from the Attitude era. Devon Dudley wanted to face two little guys from North Carolina and rough them up. Shane spoke up and said one of the Dudleys could face Big Cass. The Dudleys could pick out which one would get the honors. Shane got to do Enzo Amore’s catchphrase. 

    Breezango defeated The Golden Truth (1:55) 

    Tyler Breeze pinned Goldust after R-Truth accidentally hit Goldust with a flying side kick. Breezango is Tyler Breeze and Fandango, who turned on their respective partners on SmackDown. The Golden Truth got a big introduction video that was twice as long as the match, showing how this debut was six months in the making. Naturally, they lost and teased dissension, which we saw earlier from two other teams. 

    Goldust was mad at Truth afterwards. Truth said they need to get their timing together. Fandango and Breeze dropped by to laugh at them. At first, Goldust was unsure if Truth would be a good partner, but after Breezango laughed at them, he agreed they should remain a team and get revenge. 

    The New Day came out. It looked like fans had Booty-O boxes left and right. Kofi Kingston said he didn’t understand why the Vaudevillains said a bygone era was a better era. They pulled off a huge box that Xavier Woods claimed was a Delorian time machine. Big E. tried to claim it was really a large refrigerator box with a keyboard that was really sticky, but Woods wouldn’t let him finish. T

    hey got inside the box and it was pretty funny. The machine went back in time and Kofi Kingston’s old Jamacian “S.O.S’ music started playing. Kingston started doing his old Jamacian accent. Woods said they didn’t go back far enough. They got back in the box and Kofi’s smartphone had turned into a old camera with a light bulb on top. Aiden English and Simon Gotch then ran up from behind and jumped the New Day, giving Woods and Kingstgon the Whirling Dervish. 

    The Usos defeated Karl Anderson and Luke Gallows (12:46) 

    Very good match, better than the first match of the night. After the Usos hit double superkicks on Anderson and Gallows, Jey Uso pinned Anderson after a splash. Anderson hit a spinebuster on Jey for a very good near fall. Styles and Reigns were at ringside in opposing corners. A group of fans were still chanting for Rollins. Jey Uso has so much charisma, his hot tag won the crowd over, even with Reigns at ringside. 

    Postmatch, Gallows hit Reigns from behind. This led to the Usos and Anderson/Gallows brawling again, where Anderson threw Jey Uso into the steps. Styles was left in the ring trying to use the chair against Reigns, but Reigns caught Styles with an uppercut before he could. Reigns hit Styles with the chair across the back. Gallows and Anderson ran in, only to each take Superman Punches. Styles recovered to deliver three chair shots across Reigns’ back. Then Styles delivered the Styles Clash onto the chair on Reigns to sizeable cheers. 

    Big Cass defeated Devon Dudley (:59) 

    Big Cass won with the East River Crossing, or the old Chris Harris Catatonic. Cass did a prematch promo where he compared Devon to Urkel from Family Matters and Bubba Ray to Fred Flintstone. 

    Alberto Del Rio defeated Kalisto (C) in a nontitle match (11:05)

    Sin Cara watched the match from the back when Rusev jumped him with a superkick, then dragged him to ringside. That got the crowd interested because they would get to see Lana, who got chants. Once Rusev showed up at ringside, Kalisto was distracted, giving Alberto Del Rio the opening to hit the backstabber for the pin. Earlier, Kalisto tried to hit a huracanrana off the apron, but Del Rio slung him into the barricade. 

    Postmatch, Rusev attacked Kalisto, giving him the Accolade when he bent as far as humanly possible. Rusev grabbed the U.S. Championship and threw on a prone Kalisto. 

    Stephanie and Shane were in the ring for the contract signing for Charlotte vs. Natalya for the WWE Women’s Championship match at Extreme Rules. Shane got “Shane O’Mac” chants. She was about to introduce Charlotte when Ric Flair interrupted her and introduced his daughter. Michael Cole gave a rundown of Flair’s career in Greensboro, mentioning his first match in the Greensboro Coliseum was against Chuck O’Connor, who would go on to be Big John Studd. Sadly, Cole also mentioned Flair’s last match in Greensboro, in 2008 against HHH. That will forever go down as the night HHH refused to job in Flair’s last match in Greensboro, opting for a lame DQ finish where William Regal ran in to punch HHH with brass knux. 

    Natalya came out and said Charlotte was once someone she respected and had integrity. Natalya said Charlotte even defeated her for Charlotte’s first NXT championship without the help of her creepy father. Natalya said that is the Charlotte she would like to beat at Extreme Rules, but that person doesn’t exist. Charlotte replied that Natalya was delusional, and the fans weren’t there to cheer for her, they were there for Charlotte.

    It was meant to be a heel interview, as Charlotte said she could punch all of their best friends in the face and they would still cheer for her because they worship the ground that she walks on. Charlotte proclaimed herself as a living, breathing goddess. Those lines got the crowd against her, but it wasn’t genuine heat. Charlotte gave Natalya a “Whoo.” Ric started to say “Whoo,” but Charlotte told him to start because it was her ring. Charlotte said this was a waste of her time to talk about how bad she would be Natalya and asked to sign the deal. Charlotte looked at the contract, then asked “What is this?” 

    Shane included an added stipulation that if Ric even walks down to the ring, then Charlotte would forfeit the WWE Women’s Championship. Why was this news? Stephanie made that stipulation two weeks ago. 

    At that point, Shane brought security down to escort Flair away. Stephanie said if Charlotte didn’t sign the contract, then she would forfeit the championship. So Charlotte was essentially forced into the match. Charlotte signed the deal. 

    Flair got pissed at Stephanie, saying she was the worst businesswoman of all time. Shane tried to calm him down. Flair then took off his watch and his coat, acting like he was going to square off against Shane, who tried to let cooler heads prevail. Stephanie stepped between Shane and said he may have respect for Flair, but she doesn’t. Stephanie did slapped Flair, who had to take a delayed bump. This led to audible “Stephanie” chants that sure did come and go quickly. 

    Security stepped in to keep Flair out of the ring. Meanwhile, Natalya put Charlotte in the sharpshooter and Charlotte tapped out. Basically another segment to get the McMahons over. 

    SUMMARY: 

    How can a show be bad when it has A.J. Styles, Sami Zayn, Kevin Owens, Cesaro, and some very good tag teams? When it turns into another episode of “The McMahons,” which this show became after the first hour. They just can’t help themselves. The Styles/Reigns buildup was very good. 

  • UFC 198 Curitiba live results: Fabricio Werdum vs. Stipe Miocic

    Welcome to our live coverage of UFC 198: Werdum vs. Miocic from the Arena de Baixada in Curitiba, Brazil. The UFC brings their biggest event to Brazil as they visit a soccer stadium, the fourth stadium show in company history, with a headline bout featuring UFC Heavyweight Champion Fabricio Werdum defending against Stipe Miocic. The co-main event is a pivotal bout in the middleweight division as Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza takes on Vitor Belfort. Also on the card is the UFC debut of Cris Cyborg as she takes on Leslie Smith. Follow along with our live coverage of the event beginning at 6:15 PM eastern time with preliminary action all the way thru the main card.

    PRELIMINARY CARD (UFC FIGHT PASS- 6:15 PM ET/3:15 PM PT)

    FEATHERWEIGHTS- RENATO MOICANA (9-0-1, 1-0 UFC) VS. ZUBAIRA TUKHUGOV (18-3, 3-0 UFC)

    ROUND 1- This is an interesting battle of young prospects. The huge crowd is already very loud. They trade punches and Moicana comes back with some leg kicks. Tukhugov complains about a low blow but there is no break. They trade again and Moicano lands a nice left hand. Tukhugov misses a head kick and Moicana lands a couple of leg kicks. Tukhugov lands a left hand. Tukhugov lands a left and Moicano stumbles to the mat and Tukhugov goes into his guard. Moicano goes to rubber guard. Moicano is looking to go for a triangle choke. Not a lot happening as Moicano abandons the triangle attempt. Tukhugov with some strikes and eats an upkick from Moicano. They scramble and Moicano has a brief look at a choke from the back but they get to their feet. Crazy end to the first. Close round. 10-9 Moicano.

    ROUND 2- Moicano with a right hand early. Tukhugov looking for a head kick but eating the jab from Moicano. Moicano with some leg kicks and then a stiff jab. Tukhugov misses a big left hand. They trade punches. Moicano lands a low blow but the referee doesn’t see it. Moicano looks to pressure but Tukhugov fires back with punches. They each land in a wild exchange. Tukhugov shoots for a takedown but Moicano stuffs it and looks for a choke but Tukhugov scrambles out. Each man landing but Moicano controlling the center with leg kicks. Moicano lands a nice right hand. Tukhugov with a left hand and misses a spinning attack. Moicano with some leg kicks and goes high. Moicano with an uppercut and a high kick. 10-9 Moicano, 20-18 Moicano.

    ROUND 3- They trade as this fight is close and could come down to this round. Tukhugov has a cut under his left eye. Moicano lands a big punch on Tukhugov. Tukhugov goes for a takedown but Moicano scrambles out of the position and they are on their feet. Moicano with a jab. They call timeout to check the cut but fight continues. They trade punches as Tukhugov lands a nice left hand. Tukhugov with a quick takedown but they get up to their feet. Moicano with a big knee to the body. Tukhugov lands a punch but Moicano comes back with a series of punches. Moicano with a spinning head kick and then a quick left hand. Tukhugov shoots for a takedown but it is stuffed. They scramble to their feet. 10-9 Moicano, 30-27 Moicano.

    Official Result- Renato Moicano def. Zubaira Tukhugov by split decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)

    WELTERWEIGHTS- SERGIO MORAES (10-2, 4-1 UFC) VS. LUAN CHAGAS (14-1, 0-0 UFC)

    ROUND 1- Chagas makes his UFC debut on short notice. Chagas looking to land early and Moraes goes for a takedown but the fence gets in the way. Chagas with a combo and a series of leg kicks. Chagas misses a spinning head kick. Chagas with a head kick that was blocked. Chagas with a leg kick and one to the body. Moraes with a leg kick. Moraes with a nice uppercut. They scramble. Chagas with a hard inside leg kick. Moraes with a big right hand. They trade leg kicks. Chagas drops Moraes with a head kick but lets Moraes back up. Moraes is still stunned after the head kick with under a minute left in the round. Chagas with a front kick to the body and then drops him with a left hand. Moraes inviting him down but Chagas gets away and they are on their feet. Chagas with a head kick and some punches to end the round. 10-9 Chagas.

    ROUND 2- Chagas lands a combo to start the second. Moraes with a big right hand and then misses a big swing. Left hook from Moraes. Chagas with a right hand and then two leg kicks. Chagas with another leg kick. Chagas with a combo and Moraes counters with a big right hand. They clinch and Chagas with a knee. Chagas misses a spinning wheel kick. Moraes with a kick and Chagas goes to the mat for a moment as he may be tired. Moraes with a right hand against the fence. They trade punches. Moraes grabs the neck and drops down for the guillotine and looking for the submission. Moraes has it tight but Chagas somehow gets free and is in the guard. Moraes landing some punches from the bottom as Chagas doing nothing from the top. They are stood up from the referee. Moraes goes for the takedown and they scramble to the mat. Chagas looks for mount but they scramble with Moraes on top and he lands an elbow and some punches from the top. 10-9 Moraes, 19-19.

    ROUND 3- Chagas misses two left hands and eats a right hand from Moraes. Moraes gets a takedown and is in the half-guard of Chagas. He looks to go to full mount but gets back into full guard. Moraes with an elbow from the top. Moraes gets to his feet and lands a big right hand and Moraes goes back into the guard. Chagas is exhausted on the mat. Moraes looking to pass guard. Moraes looking for mount from the half-guard. Moraes gets into side control. Chagas looks to spin out and gives up his back. Chagas attempts to roll out but eats punches from Moraes. Chagas looks for a leg lock. Moraes keeps the back. Moraes has the back but Chagas is defending. They get to their feet but Moraes still has the back. Slow end to the fight. 10-9 Moraes, 29-28 Moraes.

    Official Result- Sergio Moraes vs. Luan Chagas scored a split draw (28-29, 29-28, 28-28)

    LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHTS- (#10) ANTONIO ROGERIO NOGUEIRA (21-7, 4-4 UFC) VS. (#11) PATRICK CUMMINS (8-3, 4-3 UFC)

    ROUND 1- Cummins with a leg kick. Nogueira misses a left hand but defends a takedown attempt from Cummins. Cummins with a leg kick. Nogueira with a left hand. Cummins with a head kick that is blocked but he lands a leg kick and one to the body. Cummins with a leg kick. They trade punches. Nogueira with a big left hand and then another and Cummins is in trouble. Cummins grabs the leg and pushes the fight against the fence. They break. Cummins with two kicks, one high and one to the leg. They trade punches. Nogueira with a big right hook and Cummins is hurt. Nogueira looking for the finish as he lands more punches. Big left hands from Nogueira and he drops Cummins. Nogueira with punches from the top looking for the finish. Cummins gets up and Nogueira lands some more left hands and the fight is stopped! The crowd erupts as Nogueira gets the standing knockout win.

    Official Result- Antonio Rogerio Nogueira def. Patrick Cummins by TKO (punches) at 4:52 of Round 1

    PRELIMINARY CARD (FOX SPORTS 1- 8 PM ET/5 PM PT)

    BANTAMWEIGHTS- (#12) JOHN LINEKER (26-7, 7-2 UFC) VS. ROB FONT (12-1, 2-0 UFC)

    ROUND 1- Lineker is one of the more exciting fighters in the UFC. Font missing some kicks to start. Lineker lands a right hand and then a left hook. They trade punches as Font is just staying out of range. Font with a front kick. Lineker just misses an overhand right. Lineker lands a left hook. Lineker lands a combo. Font with a leg kick. Lineker with a combo to the body. Lineker with some body shots and leg kicks Font who goes to the mat for a moment. They trade punches and Lineker lands good to the body. Font circling against the cage and they go to the mat and Lineker is in the side position on top. Lineker with punches from the top and they get to their feet. Lineker with more body punches. Font misses a head kick. 10-9 Lineker.

    ROUND 2- Lineker with a leg kick and then a huge left hook. Lineker with a series of leg kicks. Font lands some jabs. Lineker with a solid combo. Lineker with a left hook and then lands a combo as Font misses the jab. Lineker with a leg kick. Font with a leg kick. Lineker with a left uppercut and right hand. Font with a leg kick and Lineker fires back with some big punches to the body. Font lands a couple of good punches. Lineker really controlling the center of the Octagon. Font with a leg kick. Lineker with a combo to the body. Font with the jab. Lineker looks for a takedown but Font defends. Font ducks under a punch and goes for a takedown but Lineker defends it as well. Font with an uppercut. Lineker with a high kick but then lands a leg kick. 10-9 Lineker, 20-18 Lineker.

    ROUND 3- Lineker with some leg kicks. Font lands a left hand. Font with a leg kick but Lineker counters with some right hands. Lineker with a body kick. They trade punches in close range. Lineker with some good left hands against the fence. Font falls to the mat in an exchange and Lineker is on top next to the fence. Lineker with some big punches from the top. Lineker with some knees to the body on the mat. Font gets to his feet and they are back up. Font just misses a head kick. Font with a leg kick and Lineker catches it and counters with a right hand and they go to the mat. Lineker in the guard of Font and landing punches and elbows from the top. Lineker moves to half-guard and goes into side control. Lineker with some knees. They scramble to their feet. Lineker urging Font to attack. They go to the mat and Lineker is landing big punches as the crowd goes wild to end the fight. 10-9 Lineker, 30-27 Lineker.

    Official Result- John Lineker def. Rob Font by unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 30-26)

    LIGHTWEIGHTS- FRANCISCO TRINALDO (19-4, 9-3 UFC) VS. YANCY MEDEIROS (12-3 1 NC, 3-3 1 NC UFC)

    ROUND 1- Medeiros with a body kick. Trinaldo with a brief takedown but they end clinching against the fence. Trinaldo with double underhooks looking for a takedown. Medeiros reverses and looks for his own takedown but Trinaldo reverses again. They trade knees to the body. Both men battling in the clinch. They break. Trinaldo with a leg kick. Trinaldo with a big left hand and they clinch again. They trade punches as they break. They trade body kicks. Trinaldo with a big left hand. A nice combo from Trinaldo and he lands another big left hand and then a right hand. Another left hand from Trinaldo. He rocks Medeiros with another left hand. Trinaldo with more left hands and Medeiros is in trouble. Medeiros is eating the punches and he will survive the round on wobbly legs. He was close to being done there. 10-8 Trinaldo.

    ROUND 2- Trinaldo with a body kick. Medeiros with a body punch and then a body kick. They trade strikes. Trinaldo lands a right hand and then the left hand. More big punches from Trinaldo land. Medeiros lands a right hand and then another. Medeiros with a front kick to the body. Trinaldo takes a deep breath and lands a leg kick. Trinaldo with a body kick and then two left hands. Trinaldo with another left hand. They clinch and Trinaldo with a knee to the body as he sprawls. They get up and Medeiros eats a head kick on the way up. Trinaldo with another series of left hands. Medeiros in trouble again. Trinaldo with a hard body kick. Trinaldo with a nice combo. Medeiros with a right hand to the body and then another. Trinaldo counters with a left hand. Trinaldo with a body kick. Medeiros with a big right hand that drops Trinaldo. Medeiros with punches from the top but the round ends. 10-9 Trinaldo, 20-17 Trinaldo.

    ROUND 3- Medeiros might need a finish here and he was close. They trade punches. Trinaldo with a leg kick. Trinaldo lands a counter left hand. Medeiros with a spin kick to the body following a body punch. Trinaldo with a left hand to the body. Trinaldo with a left hand. Trinaldo with a hard body kick. Trinaldo rocks Medeiros with a left hand and then a flying knee. Trinaldo with a left hand and he is looking for a finish. Trinaldo with a combo and a body and then a head kick and a left hand against the fence. More punches from Trinaldo. He drops Medeiros with a left hand and more punches from the top by Trinaldo. Trinaldo in side control with hammerfists. Medeiros not defending much. They scramble to their feet. Medeiros is out on his feet and this should be stopped. More left hands from Trinaldo. Knees to the body and they go to the mat. Hammerfists from Trinaldo. This fight should be stopped. More punches from the top by Trinaldo. Medeiros gets to this feet. Takedown by Trinaldo and more punches from the top. Medeiros scrambles to the half-guard. Medeiros with punches to the body from the top. He somehow survived the fight. 10-9 Trinaldo, 30-26 Trinaldo.

    Official Result- Francisco Trinaldo def. Yancy Medeiros by unanimous decision (29-26, 30-27, 30-26)

    MIDDLEWEIGHTS- THIAGO SANTOS (12-3, 4-2 UFC) VS. NATE MARQUARDT (34-15-2, 12-8 UFC)

    ROUND 1- Marquardt with a leg kick. Santos with a leg kick. They trade kicks. Santos with a leg kick and then a head kick. Marquardt with a leg kick. Santos with a leg kick and Marquardt comes back with his own. Santos with a body kick. Santos with a body kick. Santos with a left hand that drops Marquardt. They get to their feet. Santos with a left kick and then a combo from Santos finishes Marquardt. Santos with the knockout win!

    Official Result- Thiago Santos def. Nate Marquardt by knockout (punches) at 3:39 of Round 1

    WELTERWEIGHTS- (#6) DEMIAN MAIA (22-6, 16-6 UFC) VS. (#8) MATT BROWN (20-13, 13-7 UFC)

    ROUND 1- Brown got hit by some fans during his walkout and actually threw a punch back at one. Brown with a right hand. Maia shoots for the takedown and gets it and this is his world. Maia moves to the back. They are standing and Maia has the back and putting pressure on Brown’s knees. They go to the mat and Maia still has the back of Brown. Maia looking for the choke but Brown defending. Maia with punches from the back. Maia looking for the choke yet again. Maia with more punches from the back as he looks to get his arm under the neck. Brown looks to reverse and now has the top as Maia looked for an arm. 10-9 Maia.

    ROUND 2- Maia goes right back for a takedown but Brown defends. Maia goes right back for another and drives Brown to the fence and has a single leg. Maia gets the fight to the mat. Maia has the back again. They get to their feet but Maia trips them back to the mat and still has the back of Brown and is looking for the choke. Maia with punches from the back. Brown is looking for a stand-up but isn’t going to get it. Maia with more punches from the back. Brown is able to get on top and land punches as the round ends. 10-9 Maia, 20-18 Maia.

    ROUND 3- Maia goes for a takedown but it is defended. Maia with a left hand and misses another takedown attempt. Maia with a right hand and goes for a takedown. Brown lands some punches and they get to their feet. Maia looking for a takedown again. They go to the mat and Brown is on top. Maia ends up on top in a scramble. Maia flattens Brown out on the mat and is in the guard. They get to their feet and Maia takes the back of Brown. They go back to the mat and Maia is looking for a choke yet again. Maia still looking for the choke. Brown has defended the choke well all fight. Maia with more punches from the back. Maia has the arm under the chin and the choke is tight. Brown submits! Maia gets the win by rear-naked choke and the crowd goes wild.

    Official Result- Demian Maia def. Matt Brown by submission (rear-naked choke) at 4:31 of Round 3

    MAIN CARD (PPV- 10 PM ET/7 PM PT)

    WELTERWEIGHTS- WARLLEY ALVES (10-0, 4-0 UFC) VS. BRYAN BARBERENA (11-3, 2-1 UFC)

    ROUND 1- Alves with a body kick and takes the fight down and has the neck looking for a guillotine choke. Barberena gives a thumbs up that he is good but Alves still has the neck. Barberena escapes and lands a couple punches from the top. They scramble to their feet. They break and Alves misses a spinning wheel kick. They trade against the fence. Alves with a head kick and then a right hand and combo. They clinch and Barberena with an elbow. They break and Alves with a hard punch to the body. Barberena with a right hook. Alves with a combo. Alves with a big body kick and then a big combo against the fence. Alves with a straight right hand. Barberena with an inside leg kick. Alves with an uppercut against the fence. Barberena with some low kicks and a knee in the clinch. Close round. 10-9 Alves.

    ROUND 2- Alves with a right hand and a body kick. Alves with two right hands and another big body kick. Alves is cut under his left eye. Alves with a leg kick and a right hand. Alves with a right hand and then a body kick. Alves with a right hand to the body. Both men trading jabs against the fence and they clinch. They break and Alves takes a deep breath. Both men trading punches and Alves lands a big body kick. They clinch and Barberena lands an elbow on the break. Trading punches again. Barberena with a leg kick and another. Alves is starting to slow down. Barberena lands a solid combination and then another. They trade and Barberena gets the better of it. Barberena with a body kick. Close round again. 10-9 Barberena, 19-19.

    ROUND 3- Alves comes out quick with a combo and a body kick. Alves misses a big head kick. Barberena with a leg kick. Alves with the double jab. Barberena slips to the mat and Alves quickly grabs the neck but they get to their feet and clinch against the fence. They trade punches after a break. Both men looking tired, Alves moreso. Both men with front kicks to the body. Alves with a nice combo. Alves with a flying knee. Barberena lands some elbows. They clinch and Alves with some knees to the body. Barberena with a right hand and lands a left hand. Barberena with a good combination but Alves counters with his own. Both men are throwing for the fences. Alves with a left hand. Barberena with a combo. Alves with a body kick. They trade in the clinch. Both men landing and Alves misses a wheel kick. Barberena lands a good combo and is looking to make a closing impression. Alves with a right hand. Both men trade to end the fight. Very close fight. 10-9 Barberena, 29-28 Barberena.

    Official Result- Bryan Barberena def. Warlley Alves by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

    LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHTS- (#8) MAURICIO RUA (23-10, 7-8 UFC) VS. (#12) COREY ANDERSON (8-1, 5-1 UFC)

    ROUND 1- Rua with an early leg kick. He lands another after both feint punches. Rua with another leg kick. Rua with another followed by an uppercut. They trade punches. Rua with an overhand right. Rua with an uppercut followed with a leg kick. Rua with another big leg kick. Anderson goes for a leg kick and Rua goes for a takedown but it is defended. Anderson goes for a flying knee but Rua lands a right hand. They clinch and the crowd starts to boo. They break and Anderson with a nice right hand. They trade and Rua with a leg kick. They trade in a wild exchange. Anderson with a head kick. Anderson lands a left hook. Anderson with a leg kick. Anderson with a combo. Anderson with a double jab. Rua with a big left hand that drops Anderson and he goes for a finish but the round ends before he can get it. That was close. 10-9 Rua.

    ROUND 2- Rua with a leg kick. They trade wild exchanges. Rua with a leg kick and Anderson counters with a combo that was mostly blocked. Anderson scores a takedown and is in the half-guard. They scramble to their feet and are clinched against the fence. Rua with a knee to the body and Anderson lands his own and they break. Anderson with a jab and he shoots for another takedown but Rua defends it. They tie up against the fence. Anderson with short punches. They break and Rua circles away. Rua with an uppercut as he blocks a takedown attempt. Anderson with another takedown but Rua right back up. They trade punches. Rua with a leg kick and he drops Anderson again with a right hand at the end of the round. He lands two punches but again the round ends before he can get a finish. 10-9 Anderson, 19-19.

    ROUND 3- Rua with a leg kick. They trade punches. Anderson goes for a takedown and gets it against the fence. Anderson with some punches and elbows from the top. Anderson smothering Rua on the mat. Rua gives up his back as he tries to scramble to his feet. They are up and they break. Rua with a leg kick. Anderson goes for another takedown and Rua defends it. Anderson grabs the leg and finishes the takedown but they get right back up. Anderson with a knee. They scramble to the mat and right back up. Anderson still looking for the takedown but Rua defending and landing some small punches. Anderson digging for the takedown still. They break and Anderson with a flying knee and another takedown attempt as the fight ends. Boring last round. 10-9 Anderson, 29-28 Anderson.

    Official Result- Mauricio Rua def. Corey Anderson by split decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)

    140-POUND CATCHWEIGHT- CRIS CYBORG (15-1 1 NC, 0-0 UFC) VS. LESLIE SMITH (8-6-1, 2-2 UFC)

    ROUND 1- Cyborg is making her long-awaited UFC debut. Cyborg with a right hand to start. A big combo from Cyborg lands. Cyborg with a head kick. Big combo from Cyborg drops Smith and Cyborg looking to finish. Smith is hurt and Cyborg with some punches from the top and this fight is stopped. Cyborg with the knockout win in her UFC debut. Fight was stopped early looking at replays and Smith is not happy about it.

    Official Result- Cris Cyborg def. Leslie Smith by TKO (punches) at 1:21 of Round 1

    MIDDLEWEIGHTS- (#2) RONALDO SOUZA (22-4 1 NC, 5-1 UFC) VS. (#3) VITOR BELFORT (25-11, 14-7 UFC)

    ROUND 1- Big fight that could determine next middleweight title challenger. Souza with a body kick. Belfort fakes a flying knee and stuffs a takedown attempt. They clinch against the fence and Belfort lands a knee. Souza gets a takedown and is on top against the fence. Souza with short elbows from the top. Belfort is cut open and bleeding pretty badly right now. They call timeout at a wrong time for the cut to be checked. The doctor clears Belfort and they continue in the position they were in. Souza passes guard and Belfort ends on top and they scramble to the feet. They are clinched against the fence. Belfort pulls guard and Souza lands from the top. Belfort with a couple of upkicks but Souza is landing a lot from the top. Souza in mount and landing big elbows and punches with less than a minute left. Belfort in a lot of trouble. Souza with more punches from the top and the fight is stopped. Souza gets the TKO win in a dominant showing.

    Official Result- Ronaldo Souza def. Vitor Belfort by TKO (strikes) at 4:38 of Round 1

    UFC HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP- (C) FABRICIO WERDUM (20-5-1, 8-2 UFC) VS. (#3) STIPE MIOCIC (14-2, 8-2 UFC)

    ROUND 1- They trade kicks to start. They trade leg kicks. Werdum with a body kick and then one to the leg. Werdum with a right hand. Miocic with a combo. Werdum lands a right hand. Miocic with a leg kick. Werdum looks to grab a leg but Miocic shakes it off. Miocic lands a right hand. They trade leg kicks. Miocic lands a left hand. They trade right hands. Miocic then lands a big right hand and Werdum is out cold! A one-punch knockout and Miocic has won the UFC Heavyweight Championship.

    Official Result- Stipe Miocic def. Fabricio Werdum by knockout (punch) at 2:47 of Round 1

  • Bellator 154 live results: Phil Davis vs King Mo

    Bellator MMA is back on Spike TV with a show starting earlier than usual, at 8 pm eastern/5 pm pacific. Originally scheduled as a “tent-pole” show, the card has been ravaged by injury and tragedy and is a shell of what it once was. The show, from San Jose, lost the Josh Thomson vs. Michael Chandler fight, which would have been even more important given lightweight champion Will Brooks is no longer with the promotion.  Jordan Parsons passed away when he was hit crossing the street by somebody who had no business driving.

    Former Strikeforce Champion King Mo Lawal, fresh off his win in the Rizin Heavyweight tournament on their New Year’s Eve shows, takes on former UFC veteran Phil Davis, who won a one-night tournament of his own last September in Bellator in San Jose. The winner will get a shot at Champion Liam McGeary later this year. The rest of the card is mostly unknowns with another former Strikeforce fighter, Evangelista Santos, going up against Saad Awad in the co-main event. Santos fights on the same night that his more famous ex-wife Cris Cyborg makes her UFC debut in an odd coincidence.

    Not a big crowd, but you wouldn’t expect it to be with a one fight show and no local stars.  The crowd is about what WWE would draw for a house show in this building.

    ANDRE FIALHO (7-0) VS. RICK REGER (7-1), WELTERWEIGHTS

    First round:  Fialho is from Portugal but he’s an AKA fighter out of San Jose, while Reger is also a Bay Area fighter.  Reger with low kicks.  Fialho knocked him down with a  right.  Fialho looks a lot bigger.  Reger working for a takedown.  Knee by Fialho.  Low kick by Fialho.  Fialho landing solid shots.  He dropped him again but Reger back up.  Fialho dropped him a third time with a right uppercut and finished him with a punch on the ground.  2:11

    Fialho said that he wants to be world champion and he’s going to get that belt.

    They just announced tonight’s show is dedicated to the memory of Jordan Parsons. 

    On the screen they are doing a music video somewhat like you’d see at a UFC live event.  It’s updaed because it showed Andrey Koreshkov beating Benson Henderson.

    ADAM PICCOLOTTI (7-0) VS. RAY WOOD (7-1), LIGHTWEIGHTS

    First round:  Piccolott is a Bay Area fighter who is he crowd favorite.  Wood with a side kick.  Another side kick by Wood.  Nice head kick by Wood and Piccolotti took him down off that.  Short slam by Piccolotti.  Piccolotti with punches.  Piccolotti with full mount and bow he’s got his back.  He’s working for the choke already. .  Now he’s working for a head and arm choke.  Piccolloti with punches from the mount. He’s jumped on Wood’s back and is again working for a choke, and this time he’s got it.  Piccolotti looked quite good on the ground here.  3:17

    They noted Piccolotti was supposed to fight Parsons.  He said it was tough and emotional but he pushed through it.  He said he wants to fight as much as possible and doesn’t want to wait six months to fight again.  

    JEREMIAH LABIANO (9-3) VS. JOSH SAN DIEGO (6-1), BANTAMWEIGHTS

    First round:  Both are Bay Area fighters.  Labiano from Hayward and San Diego from Milpitas.  He must get teased ridiculously with that name.  San Diego tagged him.  San Diego with a high kick.  San Diego with a takedown.  Labiano up.  Knee by  San Diego.  Labiano going for a takedown but can’t get it.  San Diego threw a kick and Labiano used it to take him down and threw some punches late.  10-9 San Diego

    Second round:  Body kick by San Diego.  Not much happening this round.  San Diego moving fowward.  He’s throwing kicks that are being blocked.  Now Labiano with a kick that was blocked.  Labiano  in with a punch and San Diego with a body kick. Left by and knee by San Diego.  Boyd kick by Labaino.  Body kick by Labiano.  Labiano going for a takedown.  San Diego with elbows and Labiano took  him down.  San Diego back up.  San Diego threw a spinning elbow at the bell.  Close round for Labiano.  19-19.

    Third round:  Body shot by Labiano.  Right by San Diego.  Body kick by San Diego.  Spinning backfist by Labiano somewhat blocked.  San Diego moving forward.  Labiano with a series of kicks  and now going for a takedown.  Labiano got him down.  John McCarthy ordered a standup.  San Diego blocked a takedown, ended up on top in the mount and pounded him out with wild and hard punches and elbows as the round came to a close.  San Diego won the round in the last 15 seconds. 29-28 San Diego.

    Scores:  All scored it 29-28 for San Diego.

    They announced Michael Chandler will face Patricky Pitbull Freire on June 24th in St. Louis for the vacant lightweight title.  Chandler is talking about Jordan Parsons and the Bellator scholarshp fund in his name to train at the J Robinson camp.

    SAAD AWAD (18-7) VS. EVANGELISTA CYBORG SANTOS (21-16), WELTERWEIGHTS

    First round:  Santos has a grea look for a fighter and an awesome video wall entrance.  Awad is moving up from lightweight.  Santos used to be a middleweight.  Hard low kick by Santos.  Both throwing knees from the clinch.  Santos trying for a takedown.  He put Awad on his back.  Cyborg is holding him down to the first boos of the show.  Awad working for an armbar and Santos is working for a heel hook.  Awad kicking him while Santos continues to work for the heel hook.  Awad got on top and is throwing a lot of punches now.  Santos is hurt bad.  There’s a ton of unanswered punches here.  Awad kept pounding on him.  I’m surprised this hasn’t been stopped.  Awad keeps throwing punches.  Santos is bleeding now.  Finally it was topped about 30 punches late.   4:31

    Awad said he wants to move to 155 pounds and face Josh Thomson next.

    PHIL DAVIS (15-3, 1 NO CONTEST) VS. KING MO LAWAL (19-4, 1 NO CONTEST), LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHTS

    First round:  Mo got light cheers, no boos.  Fans have no emotional attachment to either of these guys.  Davis threw  a kick short.  Mo with a hard right.  Body kick by Davis.  Left and right by Mo. Body shot by Mo.  Left and right by Mo.  Body kick by  Davis.  Body shot by Mo.  Davis with a body kick and Mo caught the leg.  Davis tried for a takedown and didn’t come close.  Davis again went for the takedown and Mo stopped it easily.  Hard low kick by Davis.  Body kick by Davis.  Mo 10-9.

    Second round: Body kick by Davis.  Davis wih a kick and Mo caught the leg and took him down.  Davis right back up.  Davis missed a crazy kick and nearly fell on his ass.  Davis with punches.  Davis kicked him low.   Crowd is ooing as little is happening.  Low kick by Davis.  Body kick by Davis.  Body kick by Davis.  Low kick by Davis. Both missing punches.  Body kick by Davis and Mo with a punch.  Davis with a left and a front kick.  Crowd booing.  Davis with ar ght.  Body kick by Davis.  DMo i with pucnehs but mose missed.  Davis went fo rakedown and din’t get it.  Rihgt hby Mo.  Body kciks by Davis.  Davis so 19-19 after two.

    Third round:  Mo landed a right but missed a follow up.  Body kick by Davis. A knee by Davis. Mo with a left.  Both missing shots.  Crowd booing.  Mo landed as he moved in.  Mo landing a left.  Another left by Mo  Mo moving in but not landing.  Good right by Davis hurt Mo and he took him down.  Davis is pounding on him on the ground.  That shot probably won Davis the fight.  Davis has his back.  Davs working for a Kimura.  Mo reversed to the top.  Davis landing shots has Mo hurt.  Davis slipped on a high kick but Mo was slow to capitalize on it.  Crowd really liked the ending.  Mo just looked too tired and slow at the end.  Davis 29-28.

    Scores:  29-28, 30-27, 30-27 Davis.  Some booing of the decision 

    Phil Davis and Liam McGeary were in the cage together.  McGeary said he was knocking im out definitely.  Davis told him “Good luck” in a loud and sarcastic manner.  They shook hands when it was over. 

  • WWE RAW live results: The build toward Extreme Rules, Styles, Reigns, The McMahons

    The Big Takeaway: Vince McMahon took one look at a 7-footer the day after WrestleMania. Six weeks later, even without one singles match, he main evented Raw. That’s the position that Big Cass found himself in against Chris Jericho, though the match itself didn’t happen and Cass was only a bit player in the final segment. Show had a solid angle between Roman Reigns and A.J. Styles. Match of the night was Sami Zayn vs. The Miz. 

    Chris Jericho came out for the Highlight Reel.

    He claimed Dean Ambrose was supposed to be his guest tonight, but after Jericho attacked him with Mitch the Plant last week, Ambrose suffered whiplish, vertigo and a bulging disc.  Jericho said Ambrose may not be in the WWE for a long, long time. Jericho uncovered the remains of Mitch the Potted Plant, which got a “Mitch” chant. Let the record show a root from the dirt resting on a stool is more over than the WWE World Heavyweight Champion.

    Jericho said Mitch and Ambrose had a lot in common. They both came to the WWE to entertain people, but both underestimated the tsunami known as Chris Jericho. Now, like Mitch, Ambrose is a shattered mess of dust and bones waiting for someone to put him back together again. Jericho showed tweets from fans exressing sorrow over Mitch’s death. Jericho took credit for putting Ambrose in a St. Louis hospital, and claimed Mitch had more charisma than Ambrose. Jericho could glue Mitch together, glue it back together, sell it to a flea market for $12  and it would still be worth more than Ambrose.  Jericho said he understands why fans relate to Ambrose, because Ambrose was a loser and a slob just like the fans.

    Jericho proclaimed himself the Hailey’s Comet of the WWE, because talent like him comes around once every 76 years. He invited fans to drink in the Gift of Jericho and posed. 

    Big Cass came out without Enzo Amore. Cass said if this was the Gift of Jericho, he better have a receipt because he wanted his money back. Cass said Jericho was one of the greatest of all time, but Jericho didn’t understand this was the new era. Cass said the phrase “We have arrived” wasn’t a cry for attention, it was a warning. Cass said “I have arrived” and  Jericho better get out of his way or he would run through Jericho. Jericho said Cass should run to the hospiital and check on his buddy “Enzo Annoying.” Jericho claimed he heard Enzo was staying at the same hospital as Ambrose. Too bad the New Day showed Amore checking out of the hospital last week. Cass challenged him to a fight. 

    Jericho reminded Cass he was the best in the world at what he does. Cass said he was 7 feet tall and the crowd added in “And you can’t teach that.” Jericho didn’t the usual heel routine of walking off. Cass gave him the “Sawft” catchphrase. Jericho jumped on the apron, but Cass gave him the big boot to the floor. Michael Cole and Byron Saxton couldn’t stop talking about how Cass was 7-feet tall. It looks like they’re putting the wheels in motion already for Cass to become a singles star, which is par for the Vince McMahon-owned course. 

    – Jericho walked up to Stephanie McMahon for our weekly emasculation of talent. Jericho said Shane McMahon was responsible for the new era of Raw, and he and Stephanie could help destroy it. Stephanie was a babyface this time, ordering Jericho to face Cass in the main event, then ordering him never to put a wedge between her and her brother. Like there wasn’t a wedge between them already. Are we supposed to forget Stephanie’s interviews she cut on Shane leading up to the WrestleMania match, as well as the match itself? 

    Baron Corbin did an inset promo saying he wasn’t part of the New Era, he was only out for himself. 

    Baron Corbin defeated Dolph Ziggler (8:32) 

    Corbin won with the End of Days. Earlier, Dolph Ziggler kicked out of the Deep 6. Ziggler got a near fall with a Famouser in a good match. 

    – Charlotte and Ric Flair walked up to Shane McMahon. Flair congratulated Shane for his match at WrestleMania and claimed Shane’s top of the cage elbow against Undertaker was the greatest move he had ever seen. Imagine if Shane had actually hit the move. Charlotte asked Shane to reverse Stephanie’s decision to ban Flair from ringside at Extreme Rules. Not only did Shane not reverse the decision, but said Flair was banned from ringside tonight. 

    – A.J. Styles, Karl Anderson and Luke Gallows, now known as “The Club,” did an interview with Jojo. Styles brought up being power bombed by Roman Reigns onto the table last week. Styles said the Club is officially back together again tonight, but made it clear he would defeat Reigns on his own at Extreme Rules. 

    R-Truth defeated Fandango (2:11)

    R-Truth won with the Truth Detector. The deal is Goldust and Fandango have formed a tag team called “Goldango.” Tyler Breeze and Truth responded by forming a team called “The Gorgeous Truth” in an attempt for Goldust and Truth to make each other jealous. Just before the finish, Fandango pushed Truth into Breeze, who didn’t look happy with Truth despite his partner winning. Announcers were so bored with the match, JBL mentioned Ozzy Osbourne’s hair stylist. Michael Cole acted like he had no idea what he was talking about and asked how Sharon would react to that, apparently oblivious to reports that Ozzy and Sharon have split. 

    – Kevin Owens, the Miz and Cesaro were backstage with Stephanie and Shane. Stephanie spoke up and said they would face each other for Miz’s Intercontinental Championship at Extreme Rules. Miz objected because he could lose his championship without getting pinned. Stephanie said no one asked him what he thought. Sami Zayn walked in and objected, saying he deserves an opportunity. Zayn challenged Miz to a match tonight, and if Zayn wins, then the Extreme Rules match becomes a four-way.

    Shane and Stephanie were fine with it, despite Miz’s objections. Stephanie then dismissed everyone. Stephanie and Shane then had a moment of togetherness, complimenting each other over how they handled the situation. I hope the babyface outsmarts the Authority before the payoff of this Stephanie-Shane angle. Otherwise,  Shane is going to look some kind of bad when Stephanie inevitably turns on him. 

    Paige defeated Charlotte (C) in a nontitle match (7:42)

    Overloaded booking at the finish. Charlotte tried to cradle Paige with her feet on the rope. Natalya jumped on the apron. Flair, despite being barred from ringside, ran out. Paige was distracted. This brought out Shane, who had a team of officials bring Flair to the back. With all of this going on, Paige pinned Charlotte with a schoolgirl cradle. Charlotte looked distraught that she may not be able to beat Natalya at Extreme Rules without her father at ringside. 

    Sami Zayn defeated the Miz (C) in a nontitle match

    A great performance by Zayn, who won with the Helluva Kick. Miz worked over Zayn’s right knee, and the crowd was right behind up, particularly after Miz put on the Figure Four. Miz tried to get the pin on a rollup using the ropes, but the referee caught him. Zayn made his comeback with the Blue Thunder Bomb. A very good match. Zayn is now in the fatal four-way for the I-C title at Extreme Rules.

    – Becky Lynch was asked by Renee Young about Emma thumbing her in the eye last week. Emma claimed it was accidental. Lynch said it was on purpose. Emma walked up and said it was just like Lynch to blame her loss on other people. Then Dana Brooke, making her Raw debut, snuck up on Lynch and jumped her from behind. Emma and Brooke talked about being a team on NXT and talked about beating up Lynch just like it was the old days. Brooke teased giving Lynch another cheap shot, but held up. 

    – Darren Young did a vignette said life is what you make it, and said he needed a person in his life to guide him. Bob Backlund popped up on a split-screen. Young asked him to be his life coach. Backlund said he would be Young’s wrestling coach. Young said he didn’t need a wrestling coach, he needed a life coach. Backlund interrupted him and said he’s never been a life coach before, but the first thing Young needs to understand is “Wrestling is Life.” Then came a onscreen promo lifted directly from Donald Trump’s campaign, entitled “Making Darren Young great again.” 

    – Xavier Woods hosted an episode of “Up Up Down Down,” featuring Ziggler. It was a product placement for Pizza Hut. Big E. took two slices, leaving Ziggler empty handed, which is a metaphor for his year so far. 

    – Zack Ryder told Shane the ladder match at WrestleMania was proof he belonged in the WWE. Owens walked in and accused Shane of handing Zayn a chance at the Intercontinental Championship, and said Shane was getting in a habit of handing title shots to people who are undeserving. Ryder mentioned he beat Owens at WrestleMania. Owens correctly mentioned that Ryder didn’t beat him. Ryder brought up being in the Fatal Fourway match at Extreme Rules. Shane ordered Owens would face Ryder in a match tonight, and if Owens lost, he would lose his spot in the Fourway at Extreme Rules. 

    – Reigns and the Usos were hanging out backstage. Reigns said tonight was about beating the Club and representing the Family (the name for their team) to the fullest in an elimination match. Reigns said they would eliminate Anderson and Gallows as a team, but Reigns would take care of Styles by himself. 

    Sin Cara defeated Rusev (3:45) 

    Sin Cara won after another distraction finish. Rusev got out of the way of a senton and hit a thrust kick. He called for the Accolade, but Kalisto jumped on the apron. For some reason, Lana jumped on the apron, as well. Rusev got distracted by all this and Cara pinned him with a schoolboy cradle for the same finish we saw in Charlotte’s match. Kalisto did a Facebook interview. It was like he was reading from the Crash Davis school of interviews. He might as well have said “I just want to give it my best shot and good lord willing, it will work out.  I’m just happy to be here.” In fact, that wasn’t far from what he did say. 

    – The final Shining Stars of the Caribbean vignette arrive. They will arrive next week to remind us that, somehow, Primo and Epico have jobs and Damien Sandow doesn’t.  

    The Family defeated The Club in an elimination match (11:39) 

    Styles was disqualified after Anderson hit Reigns with a chair outside the ring. The Club got the man advantage when Anderson pinned Jey Uso with a schoolboy cradle at 2:38. Jimmy Uso evened things up at 4:42 by pinning Anderson with a small package. Styles pinned Jey Uso during a commercial break with the Phenomenal Firearm. Reigns made it a 1-on-1 match with Styles when he pinned Gallows at 9:17. 

    The Usos ran down after the DQ and jumped Anderson and Gallows, who threw the Usos out of the ring. Reigns recovered to give Anderson and Gallows spears. This led to a terrific staredown between Reigns and Styles that was so solid, it had portions of the crowd chanting for Reigns. Reigns had a chair as he gazed at Styles, who was standing on the apron ready to deliver the Phenomenal Forearm. Reigns said he didn’t need to chair to beat up Styles and tossed it aside. Styles threw the chair back at him.

    When Reigns picked it up, Styles did a springboard, but Reigns picked up the chair, so Styles rolled out of the ring. Styles reminded Reigns the chair would be fair game when they meet at Extreme Rules. This was very well laid out. Of all the times not to have Reigns in the main event segment, it came during his best angle of the year. 

    Kevin Owens defeated Zack Ryder (4:03)

    Owens won with the Pop-Up Power Bomb. Ryder’s biggest spot was hitting the Randy Savage Elbow for a near fall. Owens retains his spot for the I-C title fourway at Extreme Rules

    – Cass did an interview with Young. More scripted crap that this company just can’t drag themselves away from. Cass dedicated the match to Amore. 

    – Former WWE writer Freddie Prinze Jr. did a promo for the new show “First Impressions,” then started chanting for the New Day. This led to New Day coming out. The Vaudevillains did an insert promo saying they would take the tag team championships from New Day at Extreme Rules. New Day did a promo where they were confused about the Vaudevillains name, they held up a giant Booty-O, and got the crowd to chant “All hail to Booty-Ohhh.” Big E. said the Vaudevillains were from a by-gone era, an era that wasn’t very good for people like us: people who used smart phones. It led to them getting the crowd to chant “New Day Rocks.” 

    The Dudley Boyz defeated the New Day (C) in a nontitle match (5:08)

    Aiden English and Simon Gotch ran down to jump Woods, leading to Big E. getting involved. In the midst of all this, Devon Dudley pinned Kofi Kingston with a short-armed clothesline. Postmatch, the Vaudevillains gave Kingston the Whirling Dervish. 

    The main event match between Jericho-Cass, which was promoted for two hours, never got going.

    Cass made his ring entrance. Jericho was in the midst of his entrance when, just as his jacket started to lite up in the dark, someone could be seen jumping him. That person put on Jericho’s jacket, it lit up, then the mystery figure got in the ring. It was Ambrose, who started to tear up the jacket. Jericho ran down and put the fists to Ambrose. Jericho was incensed his jacket was destroyed and started to leave, but Cass blocked his path and threw him in the ring. Ambrose gave Jericho Dirty Deeds, then pulled out a pair of scissors and tore the jacket into shreds. Some of the bulbs and fuses that light the jacket starting blowing, which made for an interesting visual. Jericho was left screaming at Ambrose about how his $15,000 jacket was ruined. 

    Shane and Stephanie watched this scene from backstage. They each complimented the other about how good a job they had done throughout the night. Stephanie suggested their next step should be an episode of “Ride Along,” but Shane didn’t think they were ready for that. Shane said goodnight. As Shane walked away, Stephanie looked at the framed photo of Shane as a toddler with Vince McMahon before they went to his first wrestling show in Worcester, Mass. She had a blank look on her face, then she vaguely grinned. 

    SUMMARY: 

    The main programs of Reigns-Styles and Jericho-Ambrose were built very well tonight. This was an interesting show in terms of hour structure and how it relates to ratings. Putting Cass in the main event slot is just Vince’s theory of relying on the big guys when the chips are down. It’s too early to be breaking up the Enzo & Cass tag team, and clearly the company thought building Cass for the main event was a better idea than actually having him wrestle in it. Unfortunately, the words “New era” have now entered the dreaded WWE lexicon of staged terms that come off as lame, joining such hits as “Diva Revolution,” “WWE Universe” and “WWE Superstar.” And it’s only going to grow over time. 

  • ROH Global Wars 2016 live results: Jay Lethal vs. Colt Cabana; loads of NJPW stars

    On Sunday night in Chicago Ridge, IL, the stars of Ring of Honor will battle the stars of New Japan Pro Wrestling at Global Wars, part of a unique series of early-spring events between the promotions that have been running for the past few years here in the U.S. and Canada.

    Tonight’s PPV lineup is a strong one, headlined by a title match with the longtime champion Jay Lethal defending against a returning and popular challenger in Colt Cabana. You can email feedback to the show (positive/negative/neutral) to dave@wrestlingobserver.com

    **********

    RODERICK STRONG VS. ADAM PAGE VS.  ACH VS. DALTON CASTLE – WINNER GETS A TV TITLE SHOT 

    Crowd was weak early, but picked up when ACH did a flip dive. The match kept moving with a lot of good moves. The finish saw Strong use a superplex, gutbuster and sick kick on Page, but then Castle used the bang a rang, dropping Strong onto Page and Castle pinned Page.   

    After the match, Strong got mad saying that he’s the best wrestler in the company and had the TV title shot.

    JUSHIN LIGER & CHEESEBURGER VS. CHRISTOPHER DANIELS & FRANKIE KAZARIAN

    They did the big upset finish as Daniels was being cocky and doing finishers on Cheeseburger when Cheeseburger pinned Daniels with a front rolling cradle.  Right before the finish, Daniel & Kazairan laid out Liger with Celebrity Rehab and Liger landed on his head.  He was selling the neck but it was clearly a sell spot but he was out for the rest of the match.

    Daniels and Kazarian laid out Cheesebuger as Daniels gave him a low blow. They used the Best Meltzer Ever after the match, which is a combination tombstone piledriver and Daniels coming off the top rope onto him.

    ROH TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS WAR MACHINE VS. MARK & JAY BRISCOE

    War Machine retained when Hanson gave Jay a spin kick and then they used the Fallout on Mark — a move where Hanson came off the top rope while Rowe held Mark up. Hanson pinned Mark. This was a wild match. The crowd miking on this show is weak or the crowd is real quiet. The match wasn’t smooth at all, but there were a lot of big moves and the crowd did give them a “This is awesome” chant. Jay put Hanson through a table with a double foot stomp.  There were several dives and they did a lot of big stuff.  Hanson also kicked out of both Froggy Bow (elbow off the top) by Mark and the Jay driller by Jay. Fans chanted “Thank you” when it was over. 

    IWGP CHAMPION TETSUYA NAITO VS. KYLE O’REILLY (NON-TITLE)

    This was the best actual wrestling so far on the show, very good and Naito came across like a superstar but the crowd miking issue took this match down. O’Reilly did all of his stuff with the various submissions and Naito did his usual spots and mannerisms. The crowd at points lightly booed O’Reilly, but mostly were into the match. O’Reilly got a near fall with a bridging back suplex but Naito used a spinebuster and Destino for the pin.  After the match, Naito used a low blow on O’Reilly and then threw the belt in the air.  Before the match, Naito also dropped the belt down and showed no respect for it.

    HIROSHI TANAHASHI & MICHAEL ELGIN VS. KAZUCHIKA OKADA & MOOSE

    This was a significant result because Tanahashi & Elgin are a regualr New Japan tag team and they lost this match. Moose speared Elgin and Okada then hit Elgin with the Rainmaker to win. The fans were really into Tanahashi vs. Okada when they were in together.  A lot of good stuff here including Okada and Moose both doing the dropkick with Tanahashi and Elgin sitting on the middle rope. Moose did a dive off the top rope to the floor on both Tanahashi and Elgin. Elgin did a delayed vertical suplex on Moose.  The crowd knew most of the spots, even chanting “Ace” when Tanahashi did the Moose arm deal.  People were on their feet a lot and did another “This is awesome” chant but it still felt quiet a lot. Good match.

    TV CHAMPION TOMOHIRO ISHII VS. BOBBY FISH

    They put over that Fish is 39 years old and this may be his last big chance. This was weird because Ishii worked the same kind of match he’d work if it was a Japanese big show and Fish was right with him but the crowd was so quiet. Fish won the title clean in the middle by choking Ishii all the way out. Ishii never tapped but went out. The crowd was shocked tHat was the ending. You can tell the place is porly miked beause everyone is standing, you can see people chanting but can barely hear it.  This was the best match so far. Really hard hitting from start to finish, hard chops & hard kicks by Fish, Ishii did his headbutt spots and a delayed superplex spot.

    YOUNG BUCKS & TAMA TONGA & TANGA LOA VS. KUSHIDA & MATT SYDAL & CHRIS SABIN & ALEX SHELLEY

    This was a fast paced match with all kinds of big moves. The match was built around the Bucks setting a record for the world’s largest superkick party for a superkick record.  Mr. Wrestling III had a superkick counter, but it totaled zero superkicks. This had the most reaction of anything on the show.  Kushida and Sydal are two of the best wrestlers in the world, and Shelley did a lot of unique moves. The Bucks mostly were selling stuff while Tonga & Loa played monsters no selling stuff. After Kushida did a flip dive over the post onto Tonga & Loa, the Bucks used the Meltzer Driver on Shelley for the pin.

    They had a confrontation at the desk with Mr. Wrestling III and B.J. Whitmer, who came out wearing a Masked Superstar mask since Superstar was a big rival of Wrestling II.  Whitmer handed him a flash drive and told him to go to his hotel room and watch what’s on it after the show — clearly the next stage in the Corino vs. Whitmer feud.

    They noted that they didn’t introduce the new Bullet Club member. That is still to come.

    ROH CHAMPION JAY LETHAL VS. COLT CABANA

    They were out there having a good match. Cabana was really over with the crowd, being it was in Chicago. Taeler Hendrix interfered and Nigel McGuinness and ref Todd Sinclair ejected her, McGuiness dragging her to the back. Cabana had Lethal in the Billy Goat’s Curse when Hendrix came back out and dragged Sinclair out of the ring. The Bucks came out, seemingly to superkick Hendrix for interfering, but she moved and they nailed Sinclair. But then they nailed Hendrix anyway.

    The Bucks had two Bullet Club shirts and gave them to Lethal and Cabana. Then the lights went out. Adam Cole was in the ring with a Bullet Club shirt when they came on and they all superkicked Lethal and Cabana and a million security guards. Everyone was superkicking everyone, including Kevin Kelly, Mr. Wrestling III, a camera man and even Mr. Massie (the Bucks’ father). He jumped in the ring and they stopped Cole from superkicking him, but then they superkicked him. 

    Tonga & Loa spray painted BC on a table and Loa powerbombed a security guard through the table. This was all very reminiscent of an NWO-era Nitro show. The crowd kind of booed them as it was designed as a heel turn. They put zip ties on Lethal, and Cole kept superkicking him. Cole grabbed the belt, clearly teasing the idea that Cole was going after the title next. 

    At another point, after they took out the announcers, Matt got on the headset and pretended to be Jim Ross doing “This man has a family” and “stomping a mudhole” and called Nick “King.”  So, the show ended with a ring and floor with more than a dozen people laid out and the Bucks, Cole, Tonga, and Loa left standing.

  • UFC Fight Night 87 Rotterdam live results: Alistair Overeem vs. Andrei Arlovski

    Welcome to F4WOnline.com’s live coverage of UFC FIght Night 87: Overeem vs. Arlovski from the Ahoy Rotterdam in Rotterdam, The Netherlands. This marks the first time the UFC has held an event in The Netherlands. The event is headlined by a five-round bout in the UFC heavyweight division as Alistair Overeem looks to secure the next title shot when he puts his three-fight win streak on the line against former UFC Heavyweight Champion Andrei Arlovski. Follow along with our live coverage of the event beginning at 10:30 AM eastern time with preliminary action all the way thru the main card.

    UFC Fight Night 87 DFS Playbook

    Coverage provided by Paul Fontaine

    PRELIMINARY CARD (UFC FIGHT PASS- 10:30 AM ET/7:30 AM PT)

    FLYWEIGHTS- ULKA SASAKI (18-3-2, 1-2 UFC) VS. WILLIE “Whoopass” GATES (12-6, 1-2 UFC)  (Rich Mitchell – ref)

    Gates out to “Purple Rain” by Prince so he wins some points from me right away. And Ulka Sasaki counters that with Hunter Hearst Helmsley’s “Ode to Joy”. Advantage Gates. 

    Sasaki looks like a rail at this weight. He shoots for a takedown right away but Gates defends against the cage. Sasaki completes it 45 seconds in. Gates working for a triangle but Sasaki fights him off. Gates to his feet at 1:45 but Sasaki takes his back standing. Gates landing punches to Sasaki’s head but Sasaki won’t let go of his back. Sasaki with another takedown at 2:45. Gates up at 3:15 and they’re in a cage clinch with Gates in control. Sasaki stuffed on a takedown attempt and eats  a hard punch from Gates that stuns him. Gates with a hard knee to the head and follows up with a punch combo. 10-9 Sasaki but close

    Sasaki with a takedown 30 seconds in after eating some punches standing. Gates with a guillotine from a sitting position but gives up on it quickly. Gates to his feet at 1:15 and has Sasaki pinned against the cage. Sasaki gets control but Gates landing elbows to the head. Sasaki with another takedown at 1:45. Gates gives up his back at 2:00 and Sasaki with a full body lock. Sasaki landing elbows and punches to the head to set up a rear naked choke. Sasakigets the choke at 3:30 and Gates taps quickly.

    WINNER – ULKA SASAKI (19-3-2) by submission (rear naked choke) at 3:30 of the 2nd rd

    WELTERWEIGHTS- LEON EDWARDS (10-3, 2-2 UFC) VS. DOMINIC WATERS (9-4, 0-2 UFC) (Lukasz Bosacki – ref)

    Waters out to “Run this Town” by Rhianna and Jay Z. Good tunes so far today.  Edwards counters with “Mo Money, Mo Problems” by Notorious B.I.G. Dead heat right there. Lot of heat between these guys and this one should be fun.

    Waters gets  a takedown 30 seconds in. Edwards up right away and takes Waters down. Waters working for an armlock and Edwards stands up to escape. Waters shoots for a takedown and eats a hard shot to the head from Edwards at 2:00. Edwards uses a front headlock to keep Waters down after defending the takedown. Edwards takes his back at 3:00 and then gets mount at 3:15. Edwards not doing anything from mount as Waters is holding him close. Edwards finally landing some punches and elbows at 4:30 and then working for a shoulder lock. 10-9 Edwards

    Waters shoots for a takedown right away, eats a knee and then gets taken down by Edwards. Edwards actually landing more punches from guard than he did from mount. Edwards into side control at 1:30. Ref stands them up at 2:15 though. Waters rocks Edwards with a punch after the standup  but Edwards goes to a cage clinch right away. Quick separation. Edwards knocks Waters down with a jab at 3:30 but lets him up. Waters initiates a cage clinch at 3:45 and takes Edwards’ back standing. Waters with a takedown off a suplex at 4:30 and Edwards landed hard. Might be enough to steal him the round. Waters lands a few light punches before the buzzer. Very close. 10-9 Waters, 19-19

    Waters eats a hard high kick to the head early. Both corners though Edwards won both rounds, which could be right. Waters with a takedown at 1:00. Waters landing light punches to the body but not even trying to advance and Edwards to his feet at 1:45. Edwards lands a front kick to the face and Waters shoots for a takedown but stuffed easily by Edwards. Edwards with a flying knee followed by a punch combo. Waters shoots for a takedown and they end up in a cage clinch. Waters completes at 3:15 but Edwards right up. Waters still in control of a cage clinch. Edwards lands a knee to the body on another takedown attempt by Waters and ends up on top of him. Edwards landing punches to the body and head. Edwards landing elbows as well as the round ends. 10-9 Edwards, 29-28 overall

    WINNER – LEON EDWARDS (11-3) by unanimous decision (30-27 x 3)

    FLYWEIGHTS- (#5) KYOJI HORIGUCHI (16-2, 5-1 UFC) VS. NEIL SEERY (16-11, 3-2 UFC) (Marc Goddard – ref)

    The string of awesome walkout songs came to a crashing halt here. No idea what song either guy used. Seery’s still pic looks like he’s 36 going on 100. Horiguchi cornered by Sami Zayn…no wait, that’s former WEC Champion Mike Brown.

    Horiguchi knocks down Seery with a punch combo 30 seconds in and all over him but Seery weathers it. Seery sweeps and almost ends up on top but does get to his feet. Horiguchi with a takedown at 1:15. Seery working for an armlock but gives it up quickly. Seery to his feet and in control of a cage clinch. Quick separation. Crowd is loving this. Both guys throwing bombs at 2:00. Horiguchi knocks Seery down with a punch at 2:15. Seery to his feet quickly. Seery bleeding under his left eye. Horiguchi with a takedown at 3:15. Seery landing some elbows to the head from the bottom. Horiguchi postures up and drops a hammer fist. Horiguchi into side control at 3:45 and working for a head and arm choke. Seery to his feet at 4:30. Horiguchi with a hard body kick. Almost a 10-8 but definitely Horiguchi’s round, 10-9

    Horiguchi backs up Seery with a punch combo early. Seery now cut under his right eye and bleeding heavily. Horiguchi takes him down at 45 seconds. Seery to his feet at 1:15. Horiguchi covered in Seery’s blood as well. Seery advancing for the first time in the fight. Seery with a takedown attempt but Horiguchi ends up taking his back standing. Seery escapes fairly quickly. Seery continuing to advance but Horiguchi landing punches while retreating and moving out of the way of Seery’s punches for the most part. Horiguchi with a nice punch combo at 4:00. Horiguchi with a takedown at 4:30. Closer round but still clearly to Horiguchi and he’s now up 20-18

    Seery advancing to start again. His corner seems to have closed the cut but there’s still a lot of swelling around that eye. Horiguchi initiates a cage clinch at 1:30 and gets a takedown off a trip. Horiguchi stands up and Seery follows. Horiguchi rocks Seery with a punch but he stays on his feet. Another hard shot from Horiguchi sends Seery reeling into the cage but again he stays up. Seery still advancing and shoots for a takedown at 2:30 which ends up in a cage clinch. Horiguchi gets control. Cut around Seery’s right eye has opened up again and bleeding heavily. Seery breaks free from the clinch but Horiguchi takes him down off a single leg. Seery up quickly. Horiguchi landing knees to the body while maintaining control of a clinch. Separation at 4:15. Seery stuns Horiguchi with a body shot but he recovers quickly. Seery gets a takedown at 4:45 but Horiguchi sweeps into top position. 10-9 Horiguchi, 30-27 overall

    WINNER – KYOJI HORIGUCHI (17-2) by unanimous decision (30-26; 30-27 x 2)

    PRELIMINARY CARD (FOX SPORTS 1- 12 PM ET/9 AM PT)

    LIGHTWEIGHTS- YAN CABRAL (12-2, 2-2 UFC) VS. REZA MADADI (13-4, 2-2 UFC) (Leon Roberts – ref)

    Madadi with a takedown attempt early but stuffed by Cabral. Cabral stuffed on a takedown attempt of his own at 1:00. These guys look like middleweights after seeing two flyweight fights on the prelims. They are big lightweights. Madadi in control of a cage clinch at 2:00. They trade light knees but nothing much happening. Separation at 3:00. Cabral lands a knee to the body and then shoots for a takedown but stuffed by Madadi. They’re in another cage clinch and crowd getting restless. Cabral finally gets a takedown out of the clinch at 4:00. Cabral working for a Kimura and uses it to advance into mount. Cabral takes his back and working for a rear naked choke while securing a body lock. Madadi to his feet and escapes right before the round ends. 10-9 Cabral

    Crowd boos heavily when they didn’t touch gloves to start the round. Then they exploded with cheers when they did. Then they did it again to an even louder pop. That was great. Madadi advancing and lands a punch combo at 1:15. Cabral with a takedown attempt. Madadi ends up in a cradle position with control of Cabral but Cabral escapes and gets up. Back to a cage clinch at 1:45 with Cabral in control. Ref warns them at 2:30 with not much happening. They separate on their own at 2:45. Back to a cage clinch with Madadi in control at 3:30. Madadi landing knees to the body but the ref’s had enough and breaks them. Both swinging wild punches but missing and then Madadi gets a takedown. Cabral landing punches from the bottom and Madadi stands up, making Cabral follow him. Madadi with a nice punch combo and then clinches up on the cage again as the round ends. 10-9 Madadi, 19-19

    Madadi rocks Cabral with a hard right early and Cabral shoots for a takedown. They end up in another cage clinch. Separation at 1:00. Madadi lands a spinning back fist and Cabral shoots for another takedown. Madadi with a front headlock choke but gives it up quickly. Madadi rocks Cabral with punches and the ref steps in to stop him as Cabral was out on his feet.

    WINNER – REZA MADADI (14-4) by TKO at 1:56 of the 3rd round

    LIGHTWEIGHTS- JON TUCK (9-2, 3-2 UFC) VS. JOSH EMMETT (9-0, 0-0 UFC) (Rich Mitchell – ref)

    Tuck gets the party going around with “Jump Around” by House of Pain. Emmett seems very relaxed and confident for a guy making his UFC debut on less than one week’s notice. Tuck opens up with a nice punch combo. Emmett landing punches of his own and mixes in a hard body kick at 1:45. Emmett falls after missing a head kick and Tuck follows him to the ground, briefly taking his back but Emmett up quickly. Emmett stalking him now and picking him off with punches. Emmett shoots for a takedown right before the round ends but stuffed. 10-9 Emmett

    Tuck rocks Emmett with a knee to the head early but doesn’t follow up and Emmett recovers. Emmett with a nice kick/punch combo at 2:45 but really not much happening other than both guys trading single shots. Crowd whistling/booing at 4:30 as nothing is happening. Emmett rocks Tuck with a hard left at 4:45. I almost never do this but that was a 10-10 round, 20-19 Emmett

    Emmett opens with a punch combo. Round is going the same as Round 2 for the most part although Emmett is definitely more active. Crowd is very quiet. Emmett with some bleeding on his nose from a Tuck punch. Tuck advancing at 2:45 and the crowd is really starting to turn on the fight. Jon Anik says it’s the first time tonight but it’s definitely not. Emmett acting like he may have broken a finger and Tuck is picking up the pace at 3:45. Tuck chasing him down but not really throwing much of anything. Tuck finally hits him with a punch combo and follows up with a knee. Emmett literally running away at 4:30. Tuck stuns him with a combo at the end. 10-9 Tuck, 29-29 overall. Apparently, Emmett’s bone was sticking out of his finger at the end of the round. 

    WINNER – JOSH EMMETT (10-0) by split decision (29-28 x 2; 28-29)

    Emmett’s finger was mangled as they did a close-up of it in his post fight interview. 

    MIDDLEWEIGHTS- MAGNUS CEDENBLAD (13-4, 3-1 UFC) VS. GARRETH MCLELLAN (13-3, 1-1 UFC) (Lukasz Bosacki – ref)

    McLellan looks like a long-lost member of the Wyatt family and comes out to 80’s classic “Thunderstruck” by AC/DC. Cedenblad couldn’t look more different. Like a really tall accountant. 

    Cedenblad with early cage control but it’s McLellan landing more shots, mostly kicks to the body and legs. Cedenblad knocks McLellan down with what might’ve been his first landed punch at 2:30 but McLellan right up. Cedenblad lands another hard right at 4:15. McLellan misses a spinning back fist right before the buzzer. 10-9 Cedenblad

    Cedenblad rocks McLellan with a kick to the body and then finishes him off with punches.

    WINNER – MAGNUS CEDENBLAD (14-4) by TKO at 47 seconds of the 2nd round

    LIGHTWEIGHTS- RUSTAM KHABILOV (19-3, 4-2 UFC) VS. CHRIS WADE (11-1, 4-0 UFC) (Leon Roberts – ref)

    Khabilov gets the first takedown off a clinch at 1:15 but Wade right up. Both guys mostly trading leg kicks for the first two minutes. Crowd solidly behind Khabilov with RUSTAM chants. Wade with the first punch combo after a front kick to the body of Khabilov at 3:00. Wade initiates a cage clinch. Khabilov takes control, takes the back of Wade and gets a takedown. Wade up at 4:15 but Khabilov takes him down again and nails him with hammerfists to the head. Khabilov still on his back in a front headlock position. 10-9 Khabilov

    Khabilov controlling the pace early. Wade knocks Khabilov down with a head kick and follows him to the ground but Khabilov recovers quickly and ends up on top. Khabilov takes his back. Wade escapes into top position but gets caught in a triangle at 1:45. Wade escapes and still in top position but Khabilov has him tied up in the guard pretty well. Khabilov bleeding from the mouth, probably from the kick. Wade not able to do anything from the guard, despite his corner telling him to strike. Wade stands up at 4:00 and Khabilov follows him. Khabilov with a punch combo backs Wade up. Khabilov with a takedown at 4:30. Khabilov working for a head and arm choke and lands some elbows to the head. 10-9 Wade, 19-19 overall

    Wade advancing to start the round. Nice punch exchange 45 seconds in. Khabilov takes Wade’s back standing at 1:15 and gets a takedown. Khabilov with a full body lock on the ground. Wade landing light punches to the head while Khabilov working for a choke. Khabilov landing hard punches to the head and gives up the body lock to improve position. Khabilov takes the back again and landing a ton of punches to the head and body. Wade desparately trying to get to his feet and does at 3:30 but Khabilov takes him right back down, landing in his guard. Khabilov into side control at 4:15 and continuing to land punches. Wade briefly up at 4:45 but Khabilov takes him right back down again. 10-8 Khabilov. 29-27 overall

    WINNER – RUSTAM KHABILOV (20-3) by unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28 x 2)

    MAIN CARD (FOX SPORTS 1- 2 PM ET/11 AM PT)

    WOMEN’S STRAWWEIGHTS- (#10) KAROLINA KOWALKIEWICZ (8-0, 1-0 UFC) VS. HEATHER JO CLARK (7-4, 1-0 UFC) (Marc Goddard – ref)

    Clark is fighting for the first time since the TUF 20 finale in December 2014. They pretty much trade single shots for the first 90 seconds. Clark with a punch combo and initiates a cage clinch at 2:00. Quick separation. Clark with another punch combo and back to the cage clinch at 2:45. Quick separation. KK slips off a high kick attempt but Clark lets her up. Clark initiates another cage clinch. Separation at 4:00 as KK punches out of it. Nice punch exchange at 4:15. KK stuns Clark with a spinning back kick. Clark initiates another cage clinch and landing punches to  the body as the round ends. 10-9 Clark

    Kowalkiewicz more aggressive to start the 2nd. Nice punch combo from KK 45 seconds in. Clark initiates a cage clinch and gets a flash takedown but KK right up. Nice punch combo at 2:15 from KK. Clark with a cut on the side of her nose and she initiates another cage clinch at 2:45. KK gets separation after a series of knees to the body but Clark clinches up again the first chance she gets. KK lands elbows to the head and breaks out of the clinch, chasing Clark across the cage. KK with a Muay Thai clinch in the centre and lands knees to the body. KK with a takedown and takes Clark’s back, working for an armbar. She loses position but holds on to the armbar right before the round ends. 19-19, rd 2 for KK

    Kowalkiewicz advancing again to start. Clark pushes her against the cage and clinches at 1:30. KK landing body punches and gets separation fairly quickly. KK rocks Clark with a punch combo and tries for a takedown but they end up in a cage clinch. Clark ends up in control. Quick separation and KK with another punch combo. Clark goes for the takedown but KK lands some knees to the body. Clark clinches on the cage but KK separates quickly. Clark now advancing. KK lands a hard knee to the body and follows up with a punch combo. Clark clinches up on the cage again at 4:15. KK separates and just peppering Clark with punches and elbows. KK landing a ton of punches right before the bell, almost finishing Clark. 10-9 Kowalkiewicz, 29-28 overall

    WINNER – KAROLINA KOWALKIEWICZ (9-0) by unanimous decision (30-27 x 2, 29-28

    KK gets a post-fight interview and thanks all the fans from Poland and asks for a top 5 fighter next time out. Best use of mic time so far tonight. 

    LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHTS- (#14) NIKITA KRYLOV (19-4, 4-2 UFC) VS. FRANCIMAR BARROSO (18-4, 3-1 UFC)  (Lukasz Bosacki – ref)

    Krylov was called “The Miner” in the pre-fight video package but was back to “Al Capone” by the time Buffer did the ring intros. Krylov rocks Barroso early with punches but the Brazilian clinches up on the cage to stop his momentum. Krylov landing knees to the legs from the clinch. Crowd booing 1:45 in as not much happening, unusual for a Krylov fight. He’s only been out of the first round once according to the announcers. Separation at 2:15 and both guys landing punches. Barroso lands an uppercut and shoots for a takedown at 2:45 and they end up in a cage clinch. Barroso completes the takedown at 3:15 but Krylov up quickly. Krylov advancing. Krylov with a punch combo backs Barroso up and they clinch again. Krylov landing knees to the legs and body. Separation at 4:15. Another cage clinch at 4:30 initiated by Krylov and then Krylov separates with a punch combo to close the round. 10-9 Krylov

    Krylov all over Barroso with punches and kicks to start the round and they end up in another cage clinch. After Krylov tries to separate, Barroso gets a takedown. Krylov sweeps to top position. As Krylov tries to posture up, he’s nailed by an upkick. Krylov warned for a headbutt to the chest but gets to keep his position. They bring Marc Rattner in and he questions that decision as well. Krylov in his guard and landing punches to the head. Krylov postures up to improve position and ends up in a triangle but he quickly escapes. Krylov takes his back at 3:00 and secures a rear naked choke and gets the quick tap.

    WINNER – NIKITA KRYLOV (20-4) by submission (rear naked choke) at 3:11 of the 2nd round

    And he changed his nickname again, as Buffer refers  to him as “The Miner” in the winner’s announcement. 

    WOMEN’S BANTAMWEIGHTS- (#14) GERMAINE DE RANDAMIE (5-3, 2-1 UFC) VS. ANNA ELMOSE (3-0, 0-0 UFC) (Rich Mitchell – ref)

    de Randamie is from the Netherlands and gets a superstar reaction coming out. Elmose looks so happy. Crowd exploding with every shot that de Randamie lands early but Elmose pushes her into a cage clinch. early. Crowd going nuts with chants I can’t make out. Elmore landing just enough punches to avoid a separation . de Randamie lands knees to the body to break free and the crowd explodes with each one. Elmose with a takedown attempt but de Randamie defends and ends up on top. Crowd is so loud with each punch landed, it can’t help but influence the judging. de Randamie landing hard knees to the body against the cage and Elmose down. One more shot and the ref steps in to stop it and the place comes unglued. Can’t imagine what it will be like if Overeem knocks out Arlovski.

    WINNER – GERMAINE DE RANDAMIE (6-3) by KO at 3:46

    In her post-fight promo, Jon Anik brought up that she was offered the Cyborg fight next week in Brazil but turned it down to be on this card in her home country. That fight would make sense to do next if Cyborg beats Leslie Smith. 

    WELTERWEIGHTS- (#13) ALBERT TUMENOV (17-2, 5-1 UFC) VS. GUNNAR NELSON (14-2-1, 5-2 UFC) (Marc Goddard – ref)

    Nelson opens up with a punch combo. Nelson standing there with his chin out, daring Tumenov to hit him. Tumenov advancing. Nelson with a side kick that pushes Tumenov back into the cage. Nelson with a takedown at 2:00 and moves quickly into mount. Nelson not doing a lot from the position but does land a couple hard elbows. Tumenov escapes at 4:30. Tumenov with a nice punch combo and a side kick before the buzzer. 10-9 Nelson

    Tumenov advancing to start. Tumenov with swelling on his forehead from those elbows from mount in Round 1. Nelson shoots for a takedown and they’re in a cage clinch 45 seconds in. Tumenov has a big cut on his back, not sure where it happened. Nelson with a takedown at 1:30 and right into side control. Nelson into mount at 2:15. Tumenov tries to escape and gives up his back. Nelson with a full body triangle and landing punches to the head from behind. Nelson working for a choke and he gets it and the quick tap.

    WINNER – GUNNAR NELSON (15-2-1) by submission (rear naked choke) at 3:15 of the 2nd round

    HEAVYWEIGHTS- (#12) ANTONIO SILVA (20-7-1, 3-5-1 UFC) VS. STEFAN STRUVE (26-8, 10-6 UFC) (Leon Roberts – ref)

    Crowd is so loud you can barely hear Buffer’s intro. Struve drops Silva with a knee early and finishes him with elbows on the ground. Crowd is going nuts. Silva is completely done as a fighter.

    WINNER – STEFAN STRUVE (27-8) by TKO at 16 seconds

    That was the third fastest finish in UFC HW history. He dedicated the fight and performance to Jordan Parsons, who passed away earliest this week. He did a promo in Dutch with no translater that the crowd seemed to  like. 

    HEAVYWEIGHTS- (#3) ALISTAIR OVEREEM (40-14 1 NC, 5-3 UFC) VS. (#5) ANDREI ARLOVSKI (25-11 1 NC, 14-5 UFC) (Marc Goddard – ref)

    Place came unglued for Overeem’s entrance, as expected. Arlovski advancing to start and opens up with a punch combo that seems to hurt Overeem but he weathers it. Arluvski backs him up to the cage at 1:00 and they’re in a cage clinch. Crowd chanting for Overeem and the ref warns them to work as they’re stalled against the cage. Overeem escapes after a knee to the body but Arlovski still advancing. Overeem clinches in the centre and lands some knees to the body but Arlovski separates. Arlovski lands a hard body kick followed by a leg kick and the crowd explodes for each one. Overeem gets a trip takedown after a couple more leg kicks at 4:00. Overeem landing punches to the head and body from guard. Overeem postures up and gets nailed by an Arlovski upkick so he backs off a bit. 10-9 Overeem but close

    Arlovksi advancing to start again. Overeem rocks Arlovski with a punch to the face but Arlovski fires back with a crisp cobo. Overeem drops Arlovski with a front kick and then finishes him off with punches on the ground. Arlovski actually looked really good up until that kick. Overeem is a serious contender. 

    WINNER – ALISTAIR OVEREEM (41-14) by TKO at 1:12 of the 2nd round.

    Overeem dislocated his toe after the head kick and the doctor put it back into place after the fight. 

    Overeem had his goals set out before the promo. He challenged the winner of Miocic/Werdum to a title fight at MSG in November and then promised to defend the title next year in The Netherlands. 

  • WWE RAW live results: Reigns vs Styles Extreme Rules, Stephanie and Shane

    The Big Takeaway: 

    The first night of the Shane/Stephanie co-ownership of Monday Night Raw featured Shane getting about seven minutes of airtime. Stephanie got about 25. Of course, she did segements where she was a heel and a babyface, as well. The Roman Reigns/ A.J. Styles match at Extreme Rules will be a no-DQ match. Rusev is the new #1 contender for the U.S. Championship. As usual, Kevin Owens was the highlight of the show, once again having the best match of the show. Crowd was more lively than recent weeks, but Stephanie’s presence just dragged the show down. 

    Show Recap:

    Stephanie McMahon came out, introduced as one-half of “The Power of Monday Night Raw.”

    Shane McMahon came out to interrupt her. Stephanie said in the seven years that Shane was absent from the company, she learned how to accomplish a lot about business. So she offered Shane a gift to show of support in the new partnership. It was a framed picture of an infant Shane with Vince McMahon, the same picture that Vince destroyed in the buildup to WrestleMania.

    Stephanie then offered Shane the microphone to hear his ideas for tonight’s show. Shane said he was touched and offered to hear Stephanie’s ideas for the show. Stephanie polled the fans, who wanted to hear what Shane had to say. Before he could start, Kevin Owens walked down. Owens said it was a lovely sight to see Stephanie and Shane together, getting along. Owens said he had an idea of his own, to give him a rematch for the Intercontinental Championship. He talked as if his program with Sami Zayn was over.

    Owens kissed up to Stephanie saying she was a smart businesswoman, and claimed he was owed a title shot in his contract. Shane said that was a valid point. Then Cesaro came out with his 007 entrance. Cesaro said he had The Miz beat last night, but lost because of Owens interference. Owens thought he was talking about Zayn.

    Shane ordered an immediate Owens vs. Cesaro match with the winner getting a shot at the Miz.

    Cesaro defeated Kevin Owens by DQ (11:30)

    The Miz and Maryse were at ringside. Owens grabbed the Intercontinental belt to hit Cesaro, but Miz grabbed it. Miz and Owens had words. Cesaro jumped in to go after both men. This led to Miz doing a run-in for the DQ. Miz and Owens put the boots to Cesaro before Zayn ran out to give Owens the Helluva Kick. He tried to give Miz the Helluva Kick, but Maryse pulled him to safety. Zayn then grabbed the Intercontinental Championship and the crowd chanted “Yes” while Miz watched on.

    Ever notice how often Owens either opens or closes the show? I guess it says it all about how often the company wants a hot opener to start off the show because he’s the best heel they have. Cesaro did the Uppercut Train spot right away, then did a somersault bodyblock off the barricade. Later, Cesaro did a Gut Wrench Superplex that popped the crowd. Owens gave Cesaro a necksnap to the floor, then followed with the frog splash off the apron.

    Stephanie walked backstage where she came upon Dean Ambrose. Ambrose told her he didn’t believe that Stephanie had changed a bit and she was the same vindictive person she has always been. Stephanie wanted to prove she has changed and asked to be a guest on the Ambrose Asylum tonight. He agreed.

    R-Truth talked to Tyler Breeze. The idea was Truth was trying to make Goldust jealous by being friends with Breeze, but Breeze ignored Truth’s claims that Babe Ruth shot Abraham Lincoln. Or the fact that Truth had made his own selfie stick out of a tree branch. Sure, what’s next? Leicester City wins the Premier League? Goldust walked in and said he didn’t need Truth because he found a partner. Fandango. Goldust got mad at Truth and said he would never forget the name of—then Fandango said his name. This is like the Police Academy of wrestling programs. No one laughs at them, but they keep coming out with more.  

    A.J. Styles talked with Karl Anderson and Luke Gallows, who said he didn’t know what he was going to do with them. They told him he was phenomenal last night against Reigns, but Styles reminded them he lost. Gallows said at Extreme Rules, Styles would beat Reigns in a no-DQ match. Reigns walked in and said he respected Styles, but he didn’t respect Gallows and Anderson. Reigns said he didn’t think Styles could beat “The Guy” on his own. He then questioned whether Styles, Gallows, and Anderson could beat “the three of them” and the Usos walked in. A trios match between the three is set for tonight.

    Tyler Breeze defeated Goldust (1:47)

    JBL talked about what would Dick the Bruiser or Lou Thesz would think of Fandango. It wouldn’t be nearly as bad as what they would say if they ever saw who was in the WWE Hall of Fame ahead of them. Breeze won with a schoolboy cradle when Goldust got distracted by Fandango and Truth dancing. Breeze again ignored Truth after getting his first win of 2016, and that includes house show matches. He even lost to Titus O’Neal last week.

    The New Day came out.

    The Vaudevillains will face New Day for the tag team titles at Extreme Rules. Kofi Kingston mentioned the WWE #1 Contenders Tag Team Tournament came to an abrupt end after the injury to Enzo Amore. They replayed his severe concussion, with Michael Cole saying all over tests came back negative at a hospital. Big E. said they had a Tweet that would put a smile on the fans’ faces. Xavier Woods claimed Beyonce slid up in his DMs last night, then admitted it wasn’t true. That showed a tweet showing Enzo had been released from a hospital, which got “How U Doin’” chants. Woods claimed they sent him a box of Booty-Os cereal and a dash of unicorn magic to get better.

    The Vaudevillains came out. Aiden English said what happened last night was tragic, but it was a tough business and tough things happen. He said a real man would have gotten back up. Real men like Simon Gotch and himself, who represent the skills of a bygone era. Gotch said they made Enzo the realest guy in the emergency room, then asked him “How are you doing?”

    The Dudley Boyz came out. Bubba Ray Dudley said the Vaudevillains didn’t beat anyone last night. They just stood there and twirled their mustaches like the Monopoly man. Bubba, who did a babyface promo, said they should restart the tag team tournament right now.

    Then Enzo and Cass’s music played, but it was only Colin Cassady who came out. It’s pretty telling who has the charisma on that team because the crowd wanted to see Enzo so badly, when they got only Cassidy, the pop was a disappointment. He told “Simon and Garfunkel” to tell Mrs. Robinson they’ll be late for dinner. Cassady said the Vaudevillains messed with his family last night, and said they would finish what the Vaudevillains started last night. Cassady jumped in and everybody started brawling with each other. They just cut to a commercial. It led to Cassady and the New Day vs. The Vaudevillains and the Dudley Boyz.

    The New Day and Colin Cassady defeated The Dudley Boyz and The Vaudevillains (15:46)

    Good match with several hot tags. Cassady pinned Devon with East River Crossing. Bubba Ray had given Cassady a back suplex and called for the 3-D, but Kingston cut that off with a springboard crossbody on Bubba Ray. JBL mentioned being in a bar fight once with Devon because of a bar tab. Michael Cole asked if that was part of the show, but JBL indicated it wasn’t.

    They wished the Rock a Happy Birthday and mentioned he won his first WWE World Championship in St. Louis at the Survivor Series. Oddly enough, Rock won a tournament over Mankind in among the first of countless variations of the Montreal Screwjob, with the latest being last night. In fact, they showed a replay of Charlotte-Natalya moments later. They even showed Charles Robinson dressing up as Little Natch in 1999 WCW, the worst year for any company in wrestling history. Just seeing replays of Robinson wrestling Gorgeous George with Asya in the background made me dizzy.  

    They replayed the Reigns-Styles confrontation. Just like the WWE Website is editing negative Reigns signs off of various pictures, they cut down the nat sound where Reigns got booed again.

    Emma defeated Becky Lynch (5:42)

    Emma won after thumbing Becky Lynch in the eye, then gave her a Michinoku Driver. No idea what sense that finish made since Emma just jobbed in her Raw debut as a heel. Lynch showed some good babyface fire in her comeback.

    Primo and Epico were back with another Puerto Rico vignette. They put over the lunch they had as compared it to the lousy fast food in America. And you thought the 1-800-Sheamus vignettes were pointless.

    Ambrose came out and said his houseplant was named “Mitch.”

    Stephanie came out. Ambrose said after the main event of Payback last night, she had to be boiling mad deep inside. Stephanie was happy over the new era of the WWE. Ambrose brought up Reigns spearing Stephanie at WrestleMania, then showed a photo. He said she got speared out of her Tina Turner boots. Stephanie admitted she got too involved and Reigns taught her a vaulable lesson.

    Ambrose brought up Shane returning to Raw after seven years away to everyone’s delight. “Shane O’Mac” chants. Ambrose said Shane was running Raw better than the Authority ever did. Stephanie said the WWE Universe was loyal to Shane, and she appreciates the loyalty even after Shane abadoned them for seven years. Ambrose said Stephanie has proved her loyalty to the company, missing dance recitals, children’s birthday parties and countless other activites with her children just to attend company functions. He contrasted that to Shane, who attended all of his family’s activities, yet still maintained as much of a share of the company now as Stephanie does. That set her off, though not in a screaming fit.

    Stephanie took a moment to compose herself and said she understood why her father did what he did. After awhile, things need to change. Stephanie said she felt things need to change right now, and she announced that the Ambrose Asylum was cancelled. Stephanie asked Ambrose if that was a lesson that hurts. She told Ambrose to get to stepping and clean the set up. Ambrose said it hurts, he thought he was going to be the next Jimmy Fallon. He carried Mitch the Plant out. Crowd was begging for Ambrose to give Stephanie Dirty Deeds or something resembling a comeback, but that doesn’t exist in a company that can’t get stars over anymore. Stephanie then announced Chris Jericho was return with the Highlight Reel.

    Jericho walked down and he and Ambrose were brawling immediately. JBL said this is what Jay Leno and David Letterman always wanted to do. The fight spilled into the ring, where Jericho gave Ambrose a Codebreaker. He threw the Ambrose Asylum sign on the ground and kicked Ambrose out of the ring. Jericho took Mitch the Plant and smashed it over Ambrose’s head.

    Rusev won a battle royal to become the new #1 contender for the U.S. Championship (13:38)

    Kalisto was at ringside on commentary. Aside from mentioning Harley Race was in the back tonight, he was vanilla. The battle royal also included Konnor, Del Rio, Damien Sandow, Bo Dallas, Curtis Axel, Sheamus, Zack Ryder, Sin Cara, Stardust, Apollo Crews, Darren Young, Baron Corbin, and Dolph Ziggler. Before the match, they showed the League of Nations breaking up on SmackDown. After Del Rio eliminated Cara, it was down to Rusev, Del Rio, Sheamus and Ryder. The three heels worked together to beat up Ryder, but then turned on each other. Del Rio eliminated Sheamus at 12:12. Then Del Rio was eliminated by Ryder at 12:37. Man, if Del Rio was an NFL free agent, he’d be named Dwayne Bowe. Unreal how much potential has been squandered with him. Ryder got some hope spots against Rusev, including hitting the Broski Boot. He went for the Rough Ryder, but Rusev grabbed him and threw him over. Lana came down to celebrate with Rusev. Crews was thrown out by Sheamus in 1:55. Why embarass him so early? Also, Corbin was eliminated by Ziggler. Corbin responded by throwing Ziggler into the post, leading to Rusev eliminating him. 

    Charlotte and Ric Flair came out. They replayed the double cross again. Charlotte said Natalya and Bret Hart pushed her to the limit, but she managed to retain the Women’s Championship. Charlotte was surprised to read tweet after tweet after the match about the controversy over how the Flairs screwed over the Hart Family. So Charlotte brought out Robinson to answer all questions about last night’s match. 

    Charlotte asked Robinson to tell the truth. Crowd chanted “Cheater” at her. She shouted them down saying the queen is talking. She asked if Natalya tapped out. Robinson said she did, but she was screaming “I tap out. I tap out.” Flair called Robinson “Little Naitch.” Charlotte asked Robinson if his background with the Flair family had anything to do with his decision. Robinson said “Yes,” then corrected himself and said no. Charlotte asked Robinson if the decision was final. With a smile, Robinson said Yes. 

    Natalya came out and said this wasn’t about Robinson or Charlotte, it was about Flair. She accused him of paying Robinson to screw Natalya out of the women’s championship. She said everyone knows the truth, the Harts are the best there is, the best there was and the best there ever will be. 

    Charlotte tried to jump Natalya, who blocked her and punched her out of the ring. Natalya had a staredown with Flair, who took off his coat, Hall of Fame Ring and watch, then walked right into a Natalya slap. Natalya put Flair in the sharpshooter until Charlotte pulled him out of the ring. Segment got good heat. Natalya took Flair’s watch and ring. 

    Charlotte nursed Flair backstage where Stephanie walked up. Stephanie said Charlotte would face Natalya in a submission match, then asked Flair to be banned from ringside. Stephanie said some said that Flair was becoming a distraction to make sure that Charlotte was on her “A” game. I could make no sense out of that. Stephanie asked Flair to do a “Whoo.” Flair just glared at her. Another segment where they try to make Stephanie the biggest star in the company instead of just purely making her a heel. Why not have Shane ban Flair? 

    A.J. Styles, Karl Anderson and Luke Gallows defeated Roman Reigns and the Usos (11:29)

    Styles pinned Jimmy Uso after the Phenomenal Forearm. Uso had a good near fall on Styles after a crossbody. At various points, Gallows and Anderson would do heel spots on Jey Uso, but Styles would get mad at them. 

    Before Styles got the pin, Gallows and Anderson laid out Reigns with a flying kick while Reigns was on Gallows’ shoulders. This led to the postmatch, where Gallows and Anderson wanted Styles to hit Reigns with a chair. Styles picked up the chair, then threw it down. This led to Anderson and Gallows putting the boots to Reigns. Jey used the chair on Styles, then saved Reigns by knocking Anderson and Gallows out of the ring. Styles got the chair back and hit the Usos with it.  

    As the Usos went to the floor, Reigns recovered and hit Styles with a Superman punch. Reigns, upset over seeing his cousins injured by Styles, threw Styles to the floor and gave him a running power bomb onto the announcer’s table. 

    SUMMARY: 

    The problem with heel authority figures is they make the wrestling seem secondary. Stephanie McMahon can be an effective character when she doesn’t get herself over first. But that’s not how she’s utilized, and it hurts the show in the long run. As for Reigns, he got his usual reception tonight. Dueling chants in the main event, with women and children supporting him. He’s very much the new Cena, in that regard. Styles looks like someone who fans have accepted in the main event role. 

  • WWE Payback live results: Roman Reigns vs. AJ Styles; Kevin Owens vs. Sami Zayn

    WWE’s first big event since Wrestlemania plays out Sunday night with Payback where an Internet fan favorite battles an Internet scourge for what was once the biggest prize in the business in the main event. Five titles will be on the line tonight at the Allstate Arena in Rosemont, IL, outside Chicago. This is the fourth Payback event in company history, and Reigns has been in the main event for the last three.

    Pre-Show:

    DOLPH ZIGGLER VS. BARON CORBIN

    Corbin took most of the match, had Ziggler up for a power bomb but flipped him backwards instead into the post.  Corbin then started stalling and celebrating and they were totally teasing the idea that Corbin was taking it for granted.  Corbin got in the ring and Ziggler pinned him with a schoolboy.  It was fine for a preshow match.   

    U.S. CHAMPION KALISTO VS. RYBACK

    They went really fast and did a lot of near falls ending with Ryback missing a splash off the top rope and Kalisto pinned him with Salida del Sol.  A few botched spots but it was okay.  Kalisto did a tope and some spinning moves. 

    New Day did an interview saying they were going to be at ringside for the tag team tournament final later tonight.

    Main Card:

    WWE TAG TEAM TOURNAMENT FINALS: ENZO & CASS VS. VAUDEVILLAINS

    There was a legit injury a few minutes into the match. Simon Gotch threw Enzo Amore out of the ring.  Amore’s left arm caught the middle rope as he was sliding and his head hit the middle rope and then the back of Enzo’s head hit the apron and he fell to the floor.  Ref Dan Engler immediately put up an “X” and they stopped the match.  It was legit as the cameras quickly went to the announcers while medical personnel were working on Enzo and he was carried out.  No announcement was made and JBL and Byron Saxton looked pretty concerned.

    They said that Enzo can move his extremities and is talking and was rushed to the hospital.

    SAMI ZAYN VS. KEVIN OWENS

    Excellent match.  Owens, who a bloody nose, won clean with a superkick and the pop up power bomb.  Owens stepped on him after the match.  Owens slapped him in he face and threw him out of the ring when it was over.   They worked this more like a Japanese match than a WWE match with the pacing and Zayn popping up from moves as opposed to long term selling.  The crowd was going pretty nuts in spots, particularly the usual Zayn dive from the floor into and out of the ring with the DDT on the floor.  Owens did a cool frog splash.

    Owens wanted Byron  Saxton to come in the ring.  Owens teased opening the ropes for him but then didn’t.  Saxton asked if the rivalry was over.  Owens said he beat Zayn.  Owens said he finally put to rest the question after 14 years, he’s the better man.  Now he wants the IC title back.  Saxton noted the match was next.  Owens said he didn’t know the match was next but he’s staying to do commentary in the match. 

    I-C CHAMPION THE MIZ VS. CESARO

    The match was good.  It was a set up for a four-way program for the title with Owens and Zayn.  Zayn ran down to ringside during the match.  Zayn attacked Owens.  They were fighting.  In the ring Cesaro used a giant swing and had the crossface on.  Miz was tapping but ref John Cone was distracted by breaking up Zayn and Owens.  Cesaro let go of the move and knocked both Zayn and Owens off the apron and Miz schoolboyed him for the pin to keep the title.

    After the match, Cesaro laid out Miz with the neutralizer.  Owens superkicked Cesaro.  Owens also power bombed Zayn again and went to power bomb Miz, but Maryse pulled Miz out of the ring to safety.  Owens grabbed the belt.

    They announced Enzo was in the hospital and able to communicate with the medical staff and move his arms and legs.  He was knocked out at one point before waking up backstage before they rushed him to the hospital.

    CHRIS JERICHO VS. DEAN AMBROSE

    Another excellent match.  Ambrose did a tope and may have hit Jericho head first because he came up bleeding from the nose.  Jericho also hit the back of his head on the German table.  Ambrose won clean with Dirty Deeds after Jericho went for the quebrada but Ambrose got his knees up and threw a seris of knees to set up the finish.  This was more Americanzied than Zayn vs. Owens.  There were several spots coming off the  Walls of Jericho used.

    Mauro Ranallo interviewed A.J. Styles, and he asked about Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson.  He said it’s one-on-one tonight.

    They showed Shane McMahon talking to Sasha Banks. 

    WWE WOMEN’S CHAMPION CHARLOTTE (WITH RIC FLAIR) VS. NATALYA (WITH BRET HART)

    The match was going well when they redid the 1997 Survivoir Series finish.  Charlotte put Natalya in the sharpshooter and ref Charles Robinson called for the bell even though Natalya didn’t submit  After the match, Bret Hart knocked down Ric Flair, Charles Robinson ran off, Natalya put Charlotte in the sharpshooter and Flair and Charlotte both tapped.  Natalya was doing a great job of selling the knee most of the way refusing to submit to the figure four.  The match was designed to build a rematch more than be a great match building to a conclusion.  Not sure if there weren’t better ways to get where they were going but that’s the way they know.

    Vince McMahon called out Stephanie and Shane.  Will update later as we had technical issues on the site but the end result was Vince chose that both would have to get along and run Raw together and it starts a new era.  Obviously they needed a shock and change to Raw with the ratings the way they were, but more McMahons isn’t new but the same thing they’ve been doing for two decades.  Stephanie did a big speech about all she accomplished.  Shane had newspaper clippings claiming he was doing a great job and Vince said he didn’t care what the media thought or anyone thought.

    – Enzo had a concussion but all other tests have come back negative. He is believed to be out of the hospital right now.

    WWE CHAMPION ROMAN REIGNS VS. A.J. STYLES

    The match was designed to get over Stephanie and Shane.  Fans hated Reigns of course with “Roman sucks” chants.  After Reigns got to the ropes after the calf crusher, he was out of the ring.  Styles did the springboard forearm to the floor and they all went through one of the announcers tables.  It was an amazing spot, particularly in slow motion. Styles barely got up, tried to get Reigns in the ring but Styles couldn’t get him in, jumped in himself and won via count out. 

    Shane came out and restarted the match as a no count out match. They went about two minutes and Styles came off the top rope into a punch by Reigns which was low.  The ref DQ’d Reigns so again Styles won but didn’t win the title. Of course, Stephanie came out and restarted the match.

    The third match had some cool stuff.  Styles kicked out of a Superman punch.  Reigns hit a second Superman punch and Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson ran in and pulled Styles out of the ring.  They double teamed and laid out Reigns with the boot of doom since this was a no DQ match.  Then they left.  Styles hit the springboard forearm but Reigns got his foot on the ropes.  The Usos came out to fight Anderson and Gallows.  Styles went to the top rope but Reigns shoved him off and Styles flew to the floor but landed on everyone.  Reigns then did a running dive over the top.  The match continued and Styles hit a springboard 450 but  Reigns kicked out.  Styles went for the Styles Clash, but Reigns backdropped him over the top rope.  Reigns went for a  Superman punch but Styles snapped his neck on the top rope.  Reigns then speared Styles and pinned him.  The announcers put over how Reigns earned the win.

    It felt more like a TNA main event with all the overbooked stuff at the end.  Styles was excellent in his timing.  When it was over, the stars were the McMahons who were all together and Vince said the match was great, asked Stephanie & Shane if Styles deserved a rematch, they both said he did, and it’s an Extreme Rules match in three weeks on the Extreme Rules PPV. 

  • WWE RAW live results: Gallows & Anderson debut against The Usos

    Despite practically being in the company’s backyard, tonight’s Raw will be the first one to originate from Hartford in nearly two years. Karl Anderson and Luke Gallows will debut against the Usos. Shane McMahon will likely make another appearance, though whether he “runs the show” tonight as acting GM remains to be seen.

    The WWE website is also promoting Dean Ambrose trying to get revenge on Chris Jericho after the main event of last week’s show, where Jericho gave Ambrose a Codebreaker after his win over Kevin Owens. Also, the finals of the tag team tournament to determine the new #1 contenders for the WWE Tag Team titles between Enzo Amore and Colin Cassady vs. The Vaudevillains, with the winners getting the New Day, most likely at Payback. 

    Our coverage beings at 8 ET. Please join us. 

    The Big Takeaway:

    For the first time since WrestleMania, Stephanie McMahon appeared to announce to Shane McMahon that this Sunday, her father would decide between Shane or the Authority who would get to control Raw again. It was the only segment of the show with Stephanie. No HHH tonight. Once again, the program benefitted without the Authority’s ubiquitous presence. Very good build to the main event of Roman Reigns vs. A.J. Styles with the underlying theme of whether Styles was in cahoots with Karl Anderson and Luke Gallows. In fact, Anderson and Gallows were put over strong in their Raw debut, winning cleanly over the Usos. Plus, there was a package building up Kevin Owens vs. Sami Zayn, which was one of the best pieces building up a WWE undercard program in ages.

    Show Recap:

    There was a graphic dedicating the show to Chyna. There was no ceremony where the entire roster came out for a 10-bell salute or anything of that nature.

    Shane McMahon started the show again, but before long Stephanie McMahon walked out for the first time since WrestleMania. She wanted a hug, but Shane wasn’t willing. Stephanie said the fans were from Hartford and sick of the same politicians smiling fake smiles and telling them what they want to hear. Stephanie mentioned being born in Hartford so she was one of them. She talked about being on the phone with politicians who wanted to honor her, “Harford’s favorite daughter,” potentially honoring her with a statue.

    Stephanie got down to business and said tonight was the last night where Shane would run Raw. This Sunday, at Payback, Vince McMahon would decide once and for all (or until the next ratings slide) who runs Raw. Shane asked the fans who they wanted to see run Raw, and naturally Shane got all the cheers. Stephanie said Vince was smart enough to never put the decison making in the fans’ hands. Wasn’t she just complimenting them earlier? Very nicely, Shane asked Stephanie to leave the ring. Stephanie grasped on to the ropes, so Shane said since she wouldn’t leave, he brought down security. Three guards came out to “Yes” chants and Shane told Stephanie to “leave our ring.” Shane motioned to the fans. Stephanie left, getting in Shane’s face before doing so.

    It was hilarious watching Stephanie leave. Guards acted like they were trying to escort Brock Lesnar out, right down to Stephanie telling one of the guards not to touch her. When one of them did, Stephanie slapped him and actually kicked him down. He had to sell it like he had been punched by Jon Jones. Two other guards hauled Stephanie off.

    Shane turned his attention to tonight’s show and introduced A.J. Styles, who got easily his softest Raw reaction since debuting.

    A.J. Styles defeated Sheamus (14:23)

    Physical match. One thing Styles does very well is wrestle to the strengths of his opponent to make them look good, as well as himself. Sheamus dodged a quebrada and threw Styles into the ring steps. Sheamus clamped on the Irish Cloverleaf, but Styles made the ropes. Sheamus missed a Brogue Kick against the ropes, and Styles hit the Phenomenal Forearm for the pin.

    Karl Anderson and Luke Gallows, wearing matching white robes, came out to applaud Styles postmatch. Styles looked confused. For some reason, with that look, Gallows and Anderson reminded me of WCW jobber tag team extraordinaires Disorderly Conduct.

    Roman Reigns watched this backstage and got his usual standing boo ovation from the fans. The Usos joined him, and they were all unanimous in thinking Styles, Anderson and Gallows were working together. The Usos told Reigns they had his back. Evidently, this wasn’t miced up very well in the building because the fans chanted “We can’t hear you.”

    The New Day came out and put over the tag team tournament, sponsored by Booty-Os. Xavier Woods said the tag team that wins the tournament would party like it’s “1999” in a Prince tribute.

    The Vaudevillains came out and said they would win the tournament. Aiden English sang “WWE World Tag Team Championships” like he was trying out for a barbershop quartet. English said they would party like it’s 1869. Simon Gotch said they would defeat Enzo Amore and Colin Cassady, who came out to a huge reaction. Amore said he wanted to run down a beach into his own arms, but that’s impossible. Cass looked at him weird after that, then did his “Sawft” catchphrase.

    Big E. got the fans to chant “New Day rocks” while Enzo and Cass and the Vaudevillains glared at each other.

    Anderson and Gallows were shown leaving Styles dressing room as more supposed evidence that he was working for A.J.

    John Cena’s tweets about returning to Raw on Memorial Day weekend were shown.

    Karl Anderson and Luke Gallows defeated the Usos (12:50)

    Anderson pinned Jimmy Uso after a Magic Killer. Match was designed to get Gallows and Anderson over as strong heels because they were on offense most of the way in a longer match. The Reigns backlash is starting to rub off on the Usos, who got an “Usos suck” chant from a minority of the crowd. Anderson used the Divorce Court on Jey Uso’s injured left shoulder. Later, Gallows pushed Jey off the top rope into the barricade shoulder first. Jimmy Uso got the hot tag shortly after a commercial and caught Gallows with a tope.

    Anderson and Gallows continued to beat on the Usos until Reigns came out. At least there were a few audible cheers which were quickly drowned out by the boobirds. Reigns cleaned house in short order to save his cousins, including an awesome clothesline on Anderson.

    Styles did an interview with Renee Young that was interrupted by Anderson and Gallows. Styles wanted to know why Anderson and Gallows couldn’t stay out of trouble. Anderson said they knew Styles could win the WWE World Heavyweight Championship by himself, but they always had his back. Gallows said their friendship would be forever. They shook hands.

    Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens program continues with a video package that was very good. Owens said they met at a wrestling show, they traveled together. There were photographs of them posing together as teenage friends at various landmarks. Zayn said they attended each other’s weddings and he was at the hospital when Owens’ son was born. They showed the angle from NXT when Zayn won the NXT Championship, but Owens laid him out. Owens said it hurt him to achieve his goal first. Zayn said Owens told them they were like brothers, but shouldn’t Owens be happy for him if they were like brothers? Owens talked about beating up Cena on his first night in the company, winning the Intercontinental Championship and winning at WrestleMania. Zayn said when he was out with an injured shoulder, he felt like Owens took his spot on Raw, which stung. Zayn said he enjoyed throwing Owens out at the Royal Rumble. Owens said Zayn was the one making the issue between them personal. This was a tremendous hype piece detailing the history of the two men. In particular, Owens did these Bret Hart-style subtle heel statements, such as proclaiming himself the victim.

    Sami Zayn defeated Rusev (11:56)

    Rusev hit Zayn with a nice superkick and teased the Accolade, but Zayn kicked Rusev to the ropes and pinned him after a schoolboy cradle. That’s the best they could do to put over Zayn? Lana, who was back accompanying Rusev, screamed at Zayn and threw her shoes at him. That was weird. Shouldn’t she have attacked him with the shoes? Whole match was odd considering Rusev is yesterday’s news as a single, Zayn is the one in a program, yet Rusev controlled most of the way.

    Owens ran out and hit Zayn from behind in the postmatch for the heel heat, which was the best reaction of the match. Crowd has been dead tonight.

    Apollo Crews did an interview with Young. Stardust walked in. Apollo talked about how great it was to work with Stardust’s father, Dusty Rhodes. Stardust did an impression of Dusty, who said not even Dusty could make Crews a star. Crews needs to watch Connor McGregor interviews as a lesson on how to draw money, because this current track is going to leave him on a one-way path to Superstars.

    Apollo Crews defeated Stardust (3:07)

    Crews won with the Screwdriver Power Bomb. He did a standing moonsault, but there’s something lacking with Crews.

    Ambrose came out to run down Jericho and said he didn’t want to host an edition of the Ambrose Asylum because he was not in the mood for fun and games. Ambrose cut a good promo about how he punches people in the face and gets punched beccause what he does for a living isn’t pretty. He called out Jericho, who came out with his magic scarf.

    Jericho called Ambrose a disrespectful, stupid idiot and did some old school heel stuff. He reiterated that he was the best in the world at what he does, he wins matches, he makes history, he commands respect from every man he steps in the ring with. Jericho ordered Ambrose to kiss his $1500 boots. Apparently, Jericho went to the same cobbler as Tully Blanchard in 1985. Then he demanded that Ambrose apologize to him for taking the Highlight Reel away from him or else he would be sorry.

    Ambrose said he was sorry that he paid so much money for those ugly ass shoes. He was sorry Jericho was walking around with a scarf with a Bon Jovi haircut and was sorry he would have to beat Jericho at Payback. But he wasn’t sorry for this and he jumped Jericho. Ambrose threw Jericho out of the ring and started clearing the announce table. Then Jericho tripped Ambrose on the table. Ambrose fell face first. Jericho then put Ambrose in the Walls of Jericho on the announcer’s table. This reminded me of Paige putting various women in the PTO on the table during her brief heel run last fall. Jericho is one talented man. These fans were ready to cheer him, but he got some heat from a lethargic crowd after a simple angle.

    Natalya defeated Emma via submission (2:12)

    Natalya won via sharpshooter. Charlotte and Ric Flair were at ringside. Emma does a 2:00 submission job as she’s in the starting blocks as a heel? Aren’t there a half dozen other women who could have been flown in for this match?

    There was a video package paying tribute to Chyna. It featured tweets from Trish Stratus, Lita, Shawn Michaels, HHH, Stephanie McMahon, Steve Austin, Charlotte, Natalya, Shane, and the Rock. Highlights included her victory over Jeff Jarrett to win the Intercontinental Championship in the six-figure payoff match, as well as her entering the 1999 Royal Rumble, where she actually threw out Mark Henry. And a month later, Henry was in bed with Mae Young. Sweet Christ, did this company try to get Henry to quit.  The Monday Night Wars led to the most unique careers in the history of this business. Goldberg is probably tops on that list. Debut in 1997, world champion nine months later, 15 months undefeated, out of the business by 2005. Chyna is the female equivalent. There are few who fell victim to the harsh reality that invades pro wrestling’s fantasy world harder than her, as well.

    Damien Sandow vs. Baron Corbin never got going as Dolph Ziggler attacked Corbin during his ring entrance. It looked like Ziggler wanted to give Corbin a famouseron the floor, but Corbin avoided it and simply ran off. Crowd seemed happy to see Sandow again, although he only got a cameo. He didn’t get a ring entrance, however.

    Another vignette from the Colons. This week they picked up women from a Puerto Rican nightclub and enjoyed fine drinks. Heat magnets.

    The Miz and Maryse came out. Miz ran down fans who thought he would lose to Cesaro this Sunday at Payback. He kissed Maryse and said the Intercontinental Championship was more than a title, it was legendary. The greatest competitors have held this championship and Cesaro never has. He called fans who held up “Cesaro Section” signs as mindless wonderers who tried to empower themselves by talking with other internet trolls. He pointed to Maryse and said this is what the Miz section looks like.

    Cesaro came out with his James Bond entrance again and said fans were too educated to start cheering for the Miz. This led to Miz to do his Travis Bickle impression from Taxi Driver. He said “You talkin to me?” Cesaro said the only movie the Miz belonged in was “Jackass.” Wonder if that was some shade thrown at Shane since he was the one who brought in Johnny Knoxville and Shane O. for an ill-fated Raw angle in 2007 which was supposed to lead up to SummerSlam. Knoxville and Steve laughed while getting pounded by Umaga, which led to the entire idea being scrapped. The two men exchanged Clint Eastwood catchphrases before Miz decided to leave instead of squaring off. Then Miz tried to jump Cesaro, who caught him with a hoisting uppercut. Michael Cole, clearly brushed up on his Eastwood knowledge, called that “Sudden Impact,” the movie which spawned the line “Go ahead, make my day.” Maryse covered up Miz from any further damage. Good segment.

    Reigns and Styles had a staredown backstage. Styles turned his cap backwards and said he was going to take his title. Reigns muttered something about Anderson and Gallows to Styles.

    Roman Reigns (C) defeated Alberto Del Rio in a nontitle match (12:58)

    The whole idea of the League of Nations appears to have been dropped as it was never mentioned when Alberto Del Rio, Sheamus or Rusev were in action tonight. Instead of an angle to split them up, they’ve just quietly disbanded. Until they get back together again out of nowhere. Sort of like the Filet o’ Fish. You think it’s gone for good from the McDonald’s menu, then it randomly pops up again. It’s the Sarah Palin of food.

    Anyway, Del Rio went for the armbar, triggering a Reigns comeback. Reigns actually got some “Let’s go Roman” chants. This may have been his best Raw reception of the year, and it still sounded like he was booed by 70% of the fans. He hit a Drive-By kick that sent Del Rio into the post. Del Rio came back with a superkick while Reigns’ was kneeling. Del Rio missed the Tree of Woe kick when Roman laid down, and Reigns hit the Superman’s Punch. Then Disorderly Conduct, er, Anderson and Gallows came out. A distracted Reigns almost got pinned with a schoolboy cradle by Del Rio, but Reigns kicked out, hit the spear and pinned Del Rio.

    Anderson and Gallows immediately jumped Reigns. Styles ran down and ordered them to back off. Anderson and Gallows left, but Reigns hit Styles with a Superman’s punch. Reigns hit Gallows with a Superman’s Punch, but Styles hit Reigns with a Phenomenal Forearm. Anderson and Gallows smiled like Styles were in collusion, but Styles and Regins sold the punches they laid on each other. Pretty good pop for Styles nailing Reigns.

    SUMMARY:

    Another in a line of shows that have been very good. The storyline with Styles, Reigns, Anderson and Gallows have made sense and have built very well. All the matches on this show were solid, aside from the squashes. Above all, most of the shows since WrestleMania have been fun, particularly this one. The build for Owens-Zayn was excellent tonight, and Jericho’s angle with Ambrose was very good, to boot.

  • UFC 197 Las Vegas live results: Jon Jones vs. Ovince Saint Preux

    Welcome to F4WOnline.com’s live coverage of UFC 197: Jones vs. Saint Preux from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. The event is headlined by a bout for the UFC Interim Light Heavyweight Championship as former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Jon Jones makes his anticipated return to action to take on Ovince Saint Preux, who replaced an injured Daniel Cormier in what was originally supposed to be a rematch for the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship held by Cormier and previously held by Jones. In the co-main event, it is another title fight as UFC Flyweight Champion Demetrious Johnson looks to make another title defense as he welcomes challenger and former Olympic medalist Henry Cejudo, who puts his undefeated record on the line. Also on the card is former UFC Lightweight Champion Anthony Pettis as he takes on Edson Barboza. Follow along with our live coverage of the event beginning at 6:30 PM eastern time with preliminary action all the way thru the main card.

    We’re looking for your thoughts on the show, so you can leave a thumbs up, thumbs down or thumbs in the middle and a best and worst match to dave@wrestlingobserver.com

    UFC 197 DFS Playbook
    UFC 197 Observer Picks & Preview

    Coverage provided by Dave Meltzer

    PRELIMINARY CARD (UFC FIGHT PASS- 6:30 PM ET/3:30 PM PT)

    LIGHTWEIGHTS- EFRAIN ESCUDERO (24-10, 5-6 UFC) VS. KEVIN LEE (11-2, 5-2 UFC)

    First round:  Right and left by Lee and body kick.  Lee  with a left.  Lee continues to land.  Escudero got behind him and tried for a takedown.  Lee up and tried a takedown  and now Lee tried a suplex but Escudero blocked.  Lee got a momentary takedown.  Lee let him go.  Lee with a body kick.  Escudero coming backs with punches late in the round.  Escudero got a takedown.  Lee 10-9.

    Second round:  Lee with a right.  Lee has him against the fence.  Escudero got a single leg but couldn’t get the takedown.  Lee with a knee to the body.  Body kick by Lee.  Both landed.  Escudero has him against the fence.  Escudero with a right.  Left by Escudero.  Lee 20-18, but this round was closer.

    Third round:  Lee throwing front kicks.  Escudero with an accidental low kick.  Lee in with a body kick.  Escudero with a left.  Escudedro with knees to the thigh.  Lee got underneath and slammed him down.  Lee landing lefts.  Lee grabbed a guillotine but Escudero escaped.  Lee landing punches on the ground.   Lee with body punches and elbows from the top.    Should be Lee 30-27 or maybe 29-28.

    Scores:  All three have it 29-28 for Lee.

    LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHTS- MARCOS ROGERIO DE LIMA (13-3-1, 2-1 UFC) VS. CLINT HESTER (11-5, 4-2 UFC)

     First round:  De Lima throwing kicks.  De Lima knocked him down with a right hook counter to the ear.  He’s on top with punches to the side of the head.  De Lima with more punches.   De Lima remains on top in guard.  Nothing happening and  boring.  Now de Lima  broke fee and is landing a lot of hard punches.  He pummeling Hester from the top and got the submission with a head and arm choke.

    HEAVYWEIGHTS- WALT HARRIS (7-4, 0-3 UFC) VS. CODY EAST (12-1, 0-0 UFC)

     First round:  East landed a nice right. Harris missed a high kick and East hit a body kick.  Body kick by Harris.  East landing punches.  East landing a lot.  Kick by East landed like it was an  Arena Mexico finish.   Harris with a body kick.  Both swing like rock em sock em robots and the crowd picked up big.  Body kick by Harris.  Good pace and good movement for big guys here.  East with two rights and Harris countered and dropped him with a counter left to the jaw.  Harris landing big punches on the ground. Now he’s landing elbows.  More big punches by Harris and it was stopped. East took a real beating from a big hard hitting guy here.  4:18

    PRELIMINARY CARD (FOX SPORTS 1- 8 PM ET/5 PM PT)

    LIGHTWEIGHTS- GLAICO FRANCA (13-3, 1-0 UFC) VS. JAMES VICK (8-0, 4-0 UFC)

     First round:   Franca with low kicks and took Vick down.  Second takedown by Franca.  Franca staying on top.  Vick up and landed a body kick.  Franca pushed him against the fence.  Vick with a spin kick to the body.  Viick landing all kinds of shots but Franca took him down again.   Close round Franca 10-9.

    Second round:  Between rounds they are checking Franca’s right eye but they let him continue.  It’s not bleeding but it was poked.  Vick taking him apart with punches at 6-foot 2 and a lightweight.  Franca tagged him back.  Spinning backfist by Franca landed.  Franca took him down with a hip toss.  Vick  back up.  High kick and knee by Vick. Vick has the big edge standing with his reach and accuracy.  Franca fired back with a hard right.  Front kick by Vick.  Spin kick to the body by  Vick.  Vick’s round so 19-19.

    Third round:  Vick landing lefts.  Vick with lefts and rights.  Vick continuing to land lefts.  Jumping knee by Vick.  Franca landed a hard right.  Vick continues to jab.  Low kick by Franca.  Vick is dancing away a lot now which could hurt him but he’s clearly superior standing.  Great front kick to the head by Vick.  Good fight.  Crowd liked it 29-28 Vick.

    Scores:   29-28, 29-28 and 30-27 Vick

    WOMEN’S STRAWWEIGHTS- (#2) CARLA ESPARZA (10-3, 1-1 UFC) VS. (#14) JULIANA LIMA (8-2, 2-1 UFC)

    First round:  Slow start as in nothing happening.  Esparza with punches and Lima going for a takedown.  Lima with punches and Esparza took her down.  Esparza gave her a short power bomb off an armbar attempt.  Lima tried for another armbar and Esparza out.  Lima tried for it again and Esparza with another short power bomb.  Nice up kick by Lima and another.  Esparza with punches from the top but doing no damage.  Lima with another up kick. Esparza cradled her and punched her a few times.  Esparza 10-9.

    Second round:   Lima swinging wildly.  Lima with a kick and Esparza slammed her down after grabbing the leg.  That kick was a bad idea.  Esparza with a lot of punches but again no real damaging blows.  Esparza again with a short power bomb.  Lima up with 30 seconds left and took Esparza down but Esparza right back up.  Lima working for a takedown late but didn’t get it.  Esparza 20-18.

    Third round:  Esparza took her down to start the third round.  Another up kick by Lima.  Lima back up with 3:00 left.  Esparza took her down right away.  Lima up.  Esparza took her down again.   Esparza with a few punches.  Lima reversed with 1:17 left.  Lima is in side control.  Esparza regained guard.  Boring fight.  Esparza 30-27.

    Scores:  All three have it 30-27 for Esparza.     

    WELTERWEIGHTS- DANNY ROBERTS (12-1, 1-0 UFC) VS. DOMINIQUE STEELE (14-6, 1-1 UFC)

    First round:  Steele dropped him with a right early.  Roberts worked for a triangle but didn’t get it.  Roberts up with 2:50 left in the round.  Body kick by Roberts.  Another body kick by Roberts.  Big left by Roberts.  Steele went for the takedown off a missed punch but couldn’t get it.  They traded knees.  Steele 10-9.

    Second round:  Knee to the body by Roberts.  Roberts with a body kick and punches.  Roberts landing more punches.  Steele with a knee to the body.  Roberts with a knee.  Roberts with an elbow.  Roberts with more punches. Front kick by Roberts.  Roberts landing several punches.  Roberts with a head kick.  Steele spun and got behind Roberts.  Roberts’s round so 19-19 after two.

    Third round:   Steele with a high takedown.  Roberts landed elbows.  Steele went for a takedown but Roberts is defending well  Steele now got him down.  Roberts throwing elbows from the bottom.  Herb Dean ordered a standup.  Steele landed a knee to the head and now both are swinging wildly and Steele took him down again.  Steele 29-28.
    Scores:  All three have it 29-28 for Roberts.  The crowd is booing like crazy.  Steele is in disbelief as is the crowd.    

    FLYWEIGHTS- (#14) SERGIO PETTIS (13-2, 4-2 UFC) VS. CHRIS KELADES (9-2, 2-1 UFC)

    First round:   Pettis seemed to land more and be more technical.  He got a takedown with  a trip late.  Pettis 10-9.

    Second round:   Kelades put Pettis down  and Pettis threatened with a triangle.  Pettis reversed to the top.  Both landing.  Nice head kick by Pettis.  Body kick by Pettis. Pettis 20-18.

    Third round:  Pettis with a takedown.  Pettis landing punches.  Kelades back with punches.  Pettis went for a takedown and didn’t get it.  Pettis with a front headlock.  Pettis shooting for a takedown.  Kelades went for a choke at the horn.  Pettis 30-27.

    Scores:  All three scored it 30-27 for Pettis.  You’ve never seen such a rushed decision announcement in your life. 

    MAIN CARD (PPV- 10 PM ET/7 PM PT)

    FEATHERWEIGHTS- YAIR RODRIGUEZ (6-1, 3-0 UFC) VS. ANDRE FILI (15-3, 3-2 UFC)

    First round:   Rodriguez threw a crazy kick that missed.  Takedown by Rodriguez off a kick.  Rodriguez landing hard elbows.  Rodriguez now holding him down.  Rodriguez in side control.  Fili back up with 45 seconds left. Nice sweeping low kick took Fili off his feet.  Fili dropped him with a left jab.  Hard low kick by Rodriguez.  Body kick by Fili and a takedown by Fili.  Rodriguez  back up.  Great round.  10-9  Rodriguez..

    Second round:  Fili tripped Rodriguez down on a kick but let him back up.  Rodriguez with a takedown.  Rodriguez knocked him cold with a knockout of the year jumping kick.  This will be in the all-time highlight reel.  It was a jumping left switch kick to the head.  Fili is okay but he went out immediately.  2:15

    MIDDLEWEIGHTS- (#7) ROBERT WHITTAKER (15-4, 6-2 UFC) VS. (#13) RAFAEL NATAL (21-6-1, 9-4-1 UFC)

    First round:   Ozzie, Ozzie, Ozzie chants for Whittaker.  Body kick by Whittaker.  Body kick by Natal.  Low kick by Whittaker.  Low kick by Natal.  Both swinging hard.  Left by  Whitaker.  Natal got behind him but Whittaker escaped.  Natal with a low kick.  Whittaker hurt him with punches and Natal went down.  Natal got back up.  Left by Whittaker.  Whittaker landed another left.  Whittaker 10-9.

    Second round:  Natal with a low kick.  Both throwing punches.  Whittaker’s left leg is all bruised up. Low kick by Natal.  Whittaker missed on a punch. Natal landed a counter.  Whittaker bleeding from the nose.  Natal taking over this round.  Natal knocked him off his feet, more a trip than a knockdown. Now Whittaker landing.  Nice left by Whittaker.  Low kick by Whittaker.  Jumping kick by Whittaker.   Could go either way, I’ve got it 19-19 with it going to Natal.

    Third round:  Whittaker threw a kick that landed low and the bout was stopped for a time out.  Whittaker with a body kick.  Whittaker’s left leg is so beat up.  Whittaker now with low kicks.  Left by Whittaker.  Front kick and low kick by Whittaker and followed with a right.  Hard left by Whttaker.  Natal with low kicks.  Left by Whittaker.  High kick by Whittaker knocked him down and Natal up and both swinging wildly as the fight ended.  Crowd liked the fight.  29-28 Whittaker.

    Scores:   29-28, 30-27 and 30-27 Whittaker      

    Whittaker said he injured his right hand early so was mostly throwing lefts.  He said he got tired in the second round and Natal was really tough.

    LIGHTWEIGHTS- (#3) ANTHONY PETTIS (18-4, 5-3 UFC) VS. (#8) EDSON BARBOZA (16-4, 10-4 UFC)

    First round:  Body kick by Barboza.  Low kick by Barboza.  Pettis with a counter off a kick by Barboza.  Good left by Barboza.  Low kick by Barboza.  Low kick by Barboza.  Big right by Barboza.  Another right by Barboza.  Spin kick to the body by Barboza.  Pettis tried a takedown and couldn’t get it.  Spin kick to the head by Barboza.  Pettis tried a flying kick that missed.  10-9 Barboza.  Good round.

    Second round:   Barboza with a body kick as Pettis tried for takedown.  Pettis landed a right. Pettis in with punches.  Pettis with a body kick.  Big right by Barboza.  Barboza with  a nice combo.  Pettis tried a takedown and didn’t get it.  Hard body kick by Barboza.  Trading punches.  Pettis tried a cartwheel kick that missed.  Barboza 20-18.

    Third round:  Pettis with a cartwheel kick that didn’t land solid.  Barboza put him down with a low kick.  Low kick by Barboza.  Barboza kicked him in the groin.  Brief time out and back in action.  Big low kick and another by Barboza.  The two kicks sounded like a shotgun going off.   Two more low kicks by Barboza.  Left by Barboza.  Another low kick by Barboza.  Left and low kick by Barboza.  Another low kick.  Barboza really taking over now. Pettis tried for a takedown and didn’t come close.  Spin kick by Barboza.  Pettis missed a spin kick.  Barboza 30-27

    Scores:    29-28, 29-28 and 30-27 Barboza. 

    UFC FLYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP- (C) DEMETRIOUS JOHNSON (23-2-1, 11-1-1 UFC) VS. (#2) HENRY CEJUDO (10-0, 4-0 UFC)

    First round:  They are shooting Joseph Benavidez at ringside.  Cejudo definitely got the bigger reaction.  Some boos, but not many for Johnson.  Low kick by Cehjudo.  They are in a clinch.  Both trading knees.  Johnson landed a right.  High kick by Johnson blocked.  Back to a clinch.  Takedown by Cejudo.  Place went nuts for this.  This is the most intense I’ve ever seen a crowd at a Johnson fight.  Johnson back up.  Back to a clinch.  Knee by Johnson.  Johnson landing a lot of knees.  An elbow and knees hurt Cejudo and and knee to the body put him down and a few punches later it was over.   2:49

    UFC INTERIM LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP- (#1) JON JONES (21-1, 15-1 UFC) VS. (#6) OVINCE SAINT PREUX (19-7, 7-2 UFC)

    First round:   Spin kick to the body by Johes.  Johes kicked the knee.  Jones missed a front kick.  OSP missed a punch.  Another kick to the knee by Jones.  Kick to the body by Jones.  Jones caught a  kick by OSP.  Side kick by Jones.  Jones throwing kicks to the knee.  OSP kicked the knee.  Body kick by Jones.  Spin kick by Jones.   Left  by OSP.  Jones with  a knee to the body.  Jones 10-9.

    Second round:   Jones tried for a single leg but gave it up when OSP landed punches.  Body kick by Jones.  Body kick by Jones.  OSP chant.  Left to the body by Jones.  Knee by OSP.  Real loud OSP chants.  Jones firing elbows and knees now.  Jones with elbows.  OSP hurt him with a punch.  He missed another one.  Jones with a high kick but didn’t connect with any damage.  Spin kick to the body by Jones.  Big right by OSP.  Left by OSP.  Spin kick to the head by Jones.  Crowd really buzzing because OSP did land some shots.  Still Jones 20-18.

    Third round:   Jones with all kinds of kicks to the knee.  Jones with a left.  OSP landed some punches.  Jones with another kick to the knee.  Spinning punch by Jones.  Left by Jones.  Left  to the body by Jones.  Body kick by OSP.  Left by Jones.  Left by OSP.  Fans booing because it’s not that great of a fight.  Jones with a  high kick.  Left and right by OSP.  Body kick by Jones.  Another body kick by Jones.  Left and right by OSP.  Jones back to attacking the knee.  OSP missed big punches.  He’s too slow and telegraphing them.  Jones 30-27.

    Fourth round:  Crowd booing a lot.  Body kick by OSP.  Body kick by Jones.  Jones working for a takedown.  He picked him up and slammed him and OSP back up.  Jones landed a knee.  Crowd booing again.  Elbows by Jones.  Left to the body by Jones.  Jones took him down again.  He’s in side control.  Elbow by Jones.  OSP nearly escaped.  Jones has his back with 33 seconds left.  Jones with punches,  a kick to the body and an elbow and a stomp.  Jones had him nearly beat at the end of the round.  10-8 round Jones 40-35.

    Fifth round:   Jones with a body kick.  Jones with a left.  Spin kick to the body by Jones. Uppercut by Jones.  Another uppercut by Jones.  Jones with a high sidewalk slam into side control.  Kick to the body by Jones and OSP back up.  Jones  missed a  high kick.  Trading punches  as Jones had OSP backed into the fence.  OSP just too tired to do anything as time ran out.  Jones 50-44.

    Scores:  50-44, 50-45 and 50-45 for Jones

    Jones said this isn’t the real belt.  Said it took him a while to pull the trigger.  Fans booed him when it was over.  I was watching and anticipating and imagining but I wasn’t going for it, watching instead of reacting.  Said he physically felt amazing, mentally said he felt he was sucking.  Said his problems didn’t play into the fight.  Said he really needed that fight.  Said he needed a fight like that before the title match.  Really excited to fight Daniel Cormier.  I’ll be back in practice Tuesday and Wednesday.  Then said he loved the fans.  Lukewarm at best reaction.

    OSP interivew.  Said Jon was the best pound for pound and said he only had three weeks to get ready so he thought he did a good job.  Said his arm his killing him from blocking a high kick.  Said he’s consistent and tactical.