Wrestling Observer Radio with Bryan Alvarez and Dave Meltzer is back today with a breaking news audio on the death of Kevin Randleman.
Blog
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Former UFC heavyweight champion Kevin Randleman passes away at 44
In somewhat of a surprising story, news broke Thursday night that former UFC heavyweight champion Kevin Randleman has passed away at just 44 years old. Bleacher Report’s Jeremy Botter tweeted that he had confirmed the news, adding that Randleman went to the hospital with pneumonia and had heart failure.
An outstanding college wrestler at Ohio State, Randleman was a presence in the UFC’s pre-Zuffa years, fighting seven times in the promotion (4-3), defeating Pete Williams to win the vacant heavyweight title at UFC 23 in November 1999. He defended it against Pedro Rizzo before dropping it to Randy Couture in November 2000. He spent the majority of the 2000s for Japan’s PRIDE, but found his way stateside to end his career, dropping four straight in Strikeforce and regional promotions.
While his 17-16 record is a bit lackluster on paper, Randleman fought a who’s who of major MMA names like the aforementioned Couture, Rizzo, Chuck Liddell, Shogun Rua, Mirko Cro Cop, Rampage Jackson, Sakuraba, and Fedor Emelianenko in a 15-year-career.
Randleman did have a daliance with pro wrestling, working for AJPW’s Wrestle-1 promotion, Pro Wrestling Zero-One and Hustle.
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Daily Update: CM Punk, Mark Nulty passes, Colt Cabana mini series
We’re looking for your thoughts on today’s New Beginnings in Osaka so you can leave a thumbs up, thumbs down or thumbs in the middle along with a best and worst match to Dave Meltzer
We’re also looking for reports on the NXT house show tonight in Jacksonville at Dave Meltzer
SMACKDOWN TONIGHT ON THE USA NETWORK AT 8 P.M.
A.J. Styles & Chris Jericho vs. Curtis Axel & Adam Rose
Sasha Banks vs. Naomi
Sin Cara & Kalisto & Neville vs. The Ascension & Stardust
A.J. Styles vs. Chris Jericho
The show also features a lot of highlights from the Daniel Bryan retirement from Raw.
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Figure Four Weekly
Figure Four Weekly 2/1/2016: Weekly Hogan/Gawker update
A look at the past weeks developments in the Hulk Hogan and Gawker lawsuit.Wrestling Observer Newsletter
The Latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter: February 15, 2016 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Daniel Bryan retires
The newest issue of the Wrestling Observer is one of the best of the year. A very detailed look at the end of Bryan Danielson’s career and retirement. Looking back at sports, pro wrestling and the ramifications that are and are not being talked about. Danielson’s retirement is a big story, both his short and long term impact on pro wrestling. How his story will act as a catalyst for change not only within pro wrestling but all contact sports. If you are a wrestling fan, a sports fan or a science fan, this may be the most important issue of the year.
Bryan Danielson’s retirement speech, career highlights, home town, character both in and out of the ring, booking, the crazy way he ended up as champion for the first time, the birth of the “Yes” chant, the build to WrestleMania 30 & 31, the various exams, why he wanted to continue wrestling and WWE didn’t, his goals outside of WWE and why he changed his mind in the last few weeks.
The quandary he was in about continuing his career, how his career began, the formation of ROH and the changing landscape of independent wrestling, the changing ideas of what a pro wrestling headliner can look like, the first time I ever saw him wrestle while sitting with Red Bastien and Nick Bockwinkel
The suspension of Titus O’Neil, a longtime WWE star talking about going into another sport, another star looking at retiring soon, lots of WrestleMania plans including an early summer major match, Steve Austin’s WrestleMania status, update on promotion of Stephanie McMahon, star who may be interested in returning, Fast Lane, A.J. Styles talks his beginnings in WWE and how hard he tried to hide the Royal Rumble story, how DDP figured in Styles’ return, Linda McMahon forms a new company, Roman Reigns in Raw main events, WWE cuts five in developmental, new WWE books. New announcer hired, Update on many Tough Enough competitors from the past season, plans for a WWE show taped this summer, international star WWE has interest in, as well as a look at all the weekend house shows from WWE & NXT with business notes.
F4WOnline.com SALE! One full month of unlimited access for only $3.99!
PLUS MUCH MORE! CLICK HERE FOR A FULL WRESTLING OBSERVER PREVIEW
You can also order the print Observer right now and get it delivered to your door via mail, by sending your name, address, Visa or Master Card number and an expiration date to Dave Meltzer
You can also order print issues at www.paypal.com directing funds to dave@wrestlingobserver.com
Rates are:
For the United States, it is $13 for 4 issues, $32 for 12, $61 for 24, $101 for 40 and $131 for 52. In Canada and Mexico, rates are $14.50 for 4, $35 for 12, $67 for 24, $111 for 40 and $144 or 52. In Europe, you can get the fastest delivery and best rates by sending to moonsault@mediaplusint.com For the rest of the world, rates are $16.50 for 4, $44 for 12, $85 for 24, $141 for 40 issues and $183 for 52.
If you order by mail with a check, cash or money order (P.O. Box 1228, Campbell, CA 95009-1228), you can get $1 off in every price range.
If you are a new subscriber ordering 24 or more issues, you can get one free classic issue of your choice sent to you today. With a 40 issue subscription, you can get two free classic issues sent to you today.
Click here for the most requested Wrestling Observer back issues.
Check out the latest Online Wrestling Observer BACK ISSUE: Jan 4, 1999 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Starcade review, Jaguar Yakota retires, more
A look at how promotions did in 1998 overall, a review of Starcade with Nash pinning Goldberg, Jaguar Yakota retires, plus tons more.THURSDAY NEWS UPDATE
C.M. Punk had successful back surgery yesterday and should be back training in four to six weeks after a herniated disc in his lower back.
John Cena’s new TV show, “American Grit,” will debut on the FOX Network on 4/14. The bad news is it’s slated for 9 p.m., meaning it goes head-to-head with Smackdown.
Colt Cabana is starting a three part mini series called Colt Cabana’s Pro Wrestling Fringe, covering stories on pro wrestling. The first episode features Cabana and Rob Naylor talking about Jorge “Giant” Gonzalez, the second has David Bixenspan and Cabana talking about Sputnik Monroe’s desegregating sports in Memphis through wrestling, and the third has me talking about Tom Magee, the guy who was supposed to replace Hulk Hogan as WWF champion, but in fact, barely made it to television.
The ROH/New Japan cards for 2/19 and 2/20 at Korakuen Hall, which will include a few title matches, will be announced on Saturday.
Wrestlecon has announced for 4/2 in Dallas a ten man tag match with teams captained by Joey Ryan and Jeff Jarrett, plus Matt Hardy vs. Lance Storm and Will Ospreay vs. Marty Scurll. A ridiculous amount of talent will be appearing including Matt Hardy, Jake Roberts, Jim Duggan, James Storm, DDP, Vince Russo, Great Muta, Shawn Michaels, Ivan Putski, Bobby Heenan, Road Warrior Animal, Tito Santana, Gene Okerlund, Kevin Nash, Greg Valentine Scott Hall, Tully Blanchard, Shane Douglas, Tommy Dreamer, Lex Luger, Scott Steiner, Eddie Edwards, Davey Richards, Abyss, Trevor Lee, Mickie James, Billy Gunn, Marty Jannetty, Bart Gunn, Bob Holly, Honky Tonk Man, Kevin Kelly, Brian Lawler Savio Vega, Rick Steiner, Magnus, Missy Hyatt, Scott Norton, Kevin Sullivan, Sami Callihan, Ricochet, Brian Cage, and more.
Ken Shamrock vs. Royce Gracie and Kimbo Slice vs. Dada 5000 Bellator on 2/19 preview is on 11 p.m. tomorrow night on Spike. Another show, called “Unrivaled: Royce Gracie,” will air on Monday night after Raw on Spike at 11 p.m.
John LaRocca wrote this about the passing of Mark Nulty, which is covered on the front page:
Hearing of Mark Nulty’s passing today really hit me hard, and I have never met the man personally. I have been a member of the www.wrestlingclasssics.com message board for a number of years now. I discovered it from reading the Wrestling Observer News Letter as being a place were not only a lot former wrestlers and educated fans talked about the wrestling business. For years I stayed away from message boards talking about pro wrestling because it was all just trash talking each other.
Wrestling Classics was a message board were you could have a nice conversations educated wrestling fans on various topics from matches, angles from the past to current happenings in pro wrestling. One thing that I really admired Mark Nulty for was even at times things would start to get heated, Nulty would put out that flame quickly by reminding everyone this board everyone can post their opinion. Nulty’s knowledge of happenings in the Texas territory was always a joy to read and I always looked forward to see his responses on posts.
Thank you Mark for all you done in the wrestling business and creating a great website were educated, classy fans can talk about this crazy sport we love, pro wrestling
WWE
- They were shooting a bunch of stuff, for potential release on the network or on DVD, regarding Daniel Bryan on Monday in Seattle.
- Daniel Bryan appeared this morning on Good Morning America.
- Nigel McGuinness wrote a story on Bryan Danielson’s retirement
- Tickets for Monday’s Raw in Anaheim have been going really fast. The sales picked up as soon as A.J. Styles was announced believe it or not. Raw hasn’t sold out yet this year but this one looks to sell out by the weekend.
- After the earnings call this morning, the stock dropped 81 cents per share to close at $14.94, the lowest in a long time.
- A special show on the very first WrestleMania in 1985 will air at 10:30 p.m. Eastern tomorrow night on the MSG Network. Among those interviewed were Vince McMahon, Roddy Piper and Hulk Hogan. Hogan’s quotes were a nice work of fiction saying that when he went in the ring, he was afraid Piper and Paul Orndorff would break Mr. T’s leg.
- Steve Austin will be doing a live podcast after Raw on Monday night with Big Show.
- Tickets go on sale on 2/20 for a 4/11 Raw taping at the Staples Center in Los Angeles.
- WWE will be producing a DVD called “Life on the Razor’s Edge: The Scott Hall Story” that comes out in July.
UFC/MMA
- UFC Fight Pass announced a deal with Glory kickboxing where they will air monthly Glory events live starting with the 2/26 show in Chicago headlined by Joe Schilling vs. Mike Lemaire. The Glory deal also gives Fight Pass access to more than 2,000 hours of kickboxing footage, including the complete K-1 library of more than 100 events. They will also be airing Eddie Bravo Invitational Jiu Jitsu, with the first live BJJ show in April, and they expect five or six shows this year.
- Added to the 3/20 UFC in Brisbane, Australia are Rin Nakai vs. Leslie Smith and Ben Nguyen vs. Justin Scogggins.
- Rafael Natal vs Robert Whittaker has been added to the 4/23 UFC PPV in Las Vegas.
- Bellator also announced the signing of Brazilian women Brauna Ellen (2-0) of Sao Paulo, Bruna Vargas (2-0 of Porto Alegre) and Kenya Miranda of Belo Horizonte.
- Jason “Mayhem” Miller was reportedly arrested for a DUI this weekend. Because of Miller’s past issues when being arrested, when police got the tip that Miller was driving erratically, they sent 15 police and a K-9 unit after him. He was arrested on a suspicion of a DUI charge and taken to jail. Miller didn’t get violent, past getting mouthy with officers according to a report on TMZ.
- Kendall Grove vs. Francisco “Kiko” France has been added to the 2/26 Bellator show in Mulvane, KS, which is headlined by Marcos Galvao defending the bantamweight title against former champion Eduardo Dantas.
MISCELLANEOUS
- New IWGP jr. tag champs Ricochet & Matt Sydal are available for bookings at www.sbibookings.com Sydal is based in Tampa and Ricochet in Orlando. Tessa Blanchard who is based in Charlotte is also available.
- Chuck Marlowe, the television voice of Indiana basketball in the 60s, 70s and 80s, as well as host of Big Time Championship Wrestling in the 60s passed away this week at the age of 86. Marlowe is in the Indiana Broadcasting Hall of Fame.
- Here’s a link to a short local TV news video on the Preston City Wrestling shows from last weekend, featuring brief comments from Billy Gunn, Ken Anderson and PCW owner, Steven Fludder
- Zack Sabre Jr. discusses Triple H, Finn Balor, possible future in the WWE
- The second Lucha Underground comic book
- Maryland Championship Wrestling on Saturday night in Joppa, MD featuring Matt & Jeff Hardy. King McBride vs Matt Hardy, with Jeff in his corner, headlines the show.
- Louis Mucciolo, better known as Louie Spicolli, would have turned 45 yesterday.
- Combat Zone Wrestling has a live iPPV on Saturday night from Flyers Skate Zone in Voorhees, NJ. The show is headlined by Matt Tremont vs. Devon Moore in a ladder match, Lio Rush vs. Joey Janela in a 2/3 fall match, BLK Jeez & Pepper Parks vs. Team Tremendous and Speedball Mike Bailey vs. Sami Callihan. There is also a 4 p.m Womens Superstars Uncensored show with Jessicka Havok vs. LuFisto, Leva Bates vs. Hania and more.
- IWA East Coast on 2/27 in Nitro WV headlined by Matt Tremont vs. Viper for the CZW title.
- Robbie E has been announced for the ECWA Super 8 tournament on 4/23 in Woodbury Heights, NJ.
- NWAClassics.com, the streaming home of the Houston Wrestling tape library, uploaded a mixed tag from 1980 with Vickie Williams & Billy the Kid vs. Irma Gonzalez (a legend in Mexico) & Little Lone Eagle.
- House of Hardcore on 4/15 in Queens, NY at the Elmcor Center has Billy Gunn, Sami Callihan, Brian Cage, Rhino, Eddie Kingston, Brian Myers, Lance Archer, Davey Boy Smith Jr., Thea Trinidad, Chris Hero, Colt Cabana, Pepper Parks, Cherry bomb and Tommy Dreamer. 4/16 in Philadelphia has Gunn, Cage, Rhino, Callihan,, Kingston, Archer, Smith Jr., Trinidad, Jade, Cabana, Parks, Hero and Dreamer. 5/7 in Niagara Falls, ONT at the Scotiabank Centre has Bobby Roode, Rhino, Dreamer, Cabana, Parks, and RJ City.
- Tickets for the ROH/New Japan shows in May are on sale for 5/14 New York at Terminal 5 for ROH ringside members. Tickets go on sale to the public tomorrow at 10 a.m. Eastern.for 5/11 in Toronto.
- A benefit show is being put on for Pato Soria, the father of Shocker on 2/27 in Mexico City, with family vs. family on top with Rush & Dragon Lee & Mistico (all brothers) vs. La Mascara & Robin & Maximo.
- ACH, Matt Cross and Ray Rowe appear for Chilanga Mask on 3/20 in Coacalco, Mexico.
- Gilbert Smith replaces Michael Page on the 3/4 Bellator show in Thackerville, OK headlined by Joe Warren vs. Darion Caldwell.
- Premier Wrestling on 3/6 in Gilroy, CA at the IFDES Lodge Portuguese Hall at 5 p.m. with JR Kratos (9-2-1) defending his title against Joe Graves (4-1-1), Raze (2-2) defending the women’s athlete title against Nicole Savoy (3-2), plus Jeff Cobb, and a match of MMA fighters with Shayna Baszler facing Colleen Schneider in Schneider’s pro wrestling debut. You can get $5 off all tickets at www.premierwrestle.com
- Atlantis & Delta vs. Euforia & Ultimo Guerrero headline 2/25 at the Coliseum in Laredo, TX.
- Rush headlines on 3/19 in Phoenix at the ASU Academy Elementary Gym.
- UIPW on 2/27 in Montebello, CA at the Grace Baptist Academy with Steve Pain & Machiko vs. Teddy Hart & Datura.
ON THIS DAY IN WORLD PRO WRESTLING HISTORY: AJ Styles wins the IWGP Title; Dory Funk Jr wins NWA Title
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WON Preview: Bryan Danielson retires
Online Subscribers read it now: February 15, 2016 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Daniel Bryan retires
F4WOnline.com SALE! One full month of unlimited access for only $3.99!
The newest issue of the Wrestling Observer is one of the best of the year. A very detailed look at the end of Bryan Danielson’s career and retirement. Looking back at sports, pro wrestling and the ramifications that are and are not being talked about. Danielson’s retirement is a big story, both his short and long term impact on pro wrestling. How his story will act as a catalyst for change not only within pro wrestling but all contact sports. If you are a wrestling fan, a sports fan or a science fan, this may be the most important issue of the year.
Bryan Danielson’s retirement speech, career highlights, home town, character both in and out of the ring, booking, the crazy way he ended up as champion for the first time, the birth of the “Yes” chant, the build to WrestleMania 30 & 31, the various exams, why he wanted to continue wrestling and WWE didn’t, his goals outside of WWE and why he changed his mind in the last few weeks.
The quandary he was in about continuing his career, how his career began, the formation of ROH and the changing landscape of independent wrestling, the changing ideas of what a pro wrestling headliner can look like, the first time I ever saw him wrestle while sitting with Red Bastien and Nick Bockwinkel
The suspension of Titus O’Neil, a longtime WWE star talking about going into another sport, another star looking at retiring soon, lots of WrestleMania plans including an early summer major match, Steve Austin’s WrestleMania status, update on promotion of Stephanie McMahon, star who may be interested in returning, Fast Lane, A.J. Styles talks his beginnings in WWE and how hard he tried to hide the Royal Rumble story, how DDP figured in Styles’ return, Linda McMahon forms a new company, Roman Reigns in Raw main events, WWE cuts five in developmental, new WWE books. New announcer hired, Update on many Tough Enough competitors from the past season, plans for a WWE show taped this summer, international star WWE has interest in, as well as a look at all the weekend house shows from WWE & NXT with business notes.
The lastest Wrestling Observer Newsletter
February 15, 2016 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Daniel Bryan retires
An in depth look at the career of Daniel Bryan.F4WOnline.com SALE! One full month of unlimited access for only $3.99!
You can also order the print Observer right now and get it delivered to your door via mail, by sending your name, address, Visa or Master Card number and an expiration date to Dave Meltzer
You can also order print issues at www.paypal.com directing funds to dave@wrestlingobserver.com
Rates are:
For the United States, it is $13 for 4 issues, $32 for 12, $61 for 24, $101 for 40 and $131 for 52. In Canada and Mexico, rates are $14.50 for 4, $35 for 12, $67 for 24, $111 for 40 and $144 or 52. In Europe, you can get the fastest delivery and best rates by sending to moonsault@mediaplusint.com For the rest of the world, rates are $16.50 for 4, $44 for 12, $85 for 24, $141 for 40 issues and $183 for 52.
If you order by mail with a check, cash or money order (P.O. Box 1228, Campbell, CA 95009-1228), you can get $1 off in every price range.
If you are a new subscriber ordering 24 or more issues, you can get one free classic issue of your choice sent to you today. With a 40 issue subscription, you can get two free classic issues sent to you today.
Click here for the most requested Wrestling Observer back issues.
Check out the latest Online Wrestling Observer BACK ISSUE: February 15, 1988 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: A Tale of Two Hebners
All the details on Hulk Hogan losing the WWF title to Andre the Giant in a historic angle, plus tons of news and notes.The Wrestling Observer ranges weekly from 35,000 to 50,000 words covering pro wrestling and MMA internationally. Each issue has coverage and analysis of all the major news, plus every issue breaks major news stories before the Internet sties and has the most complete look at the pro wrestling and MMA business anywhere, plus history pieces available nowhere else.
We’ve also got the weekly coverage of all the ratings of the major shows, results from the major league events held around the world, and the major TV show rundowns.
Also in this issue:
–Komatsu & Tanaka debut in Mexico
–A look at Friday’s show at Arena Mexico
–A look at Lucha Libre Elite
–An international promotion has apparently inked a U.S. television deal
–A look at the backstage issues in AAA
–Why many of the wrestlers are unhappy
–How the economy in Mexico is making it very difficult for the promotions in ways you normally wouldn’t think
–A look back at how this exact situation took AAA down from its early heyday
–Why Mexican talent is appearing more and more in the U.S.
–Strange story involving Sexy Star and the mixed tag team titles
–AAA TV taping notes
–Dragon Gate’s big match where the losing faction has to split up
–Notes on the New Japan World service
–Notes on this week’s two New Japan PPV shows
–Hiroshi Tanahashi talks the loss of Shinsuke Nakamura
–Tanahashi talks other aspects of New Japan
–A.J. Styles talks his time in New Japan
–Jim Ross starts announcing New Japan this past week
–Notes on the death of Axl Rotten
–A look at the new concept of FITE TV, a streaming service that will include a lot of pro wrestling and MMA content
–A look at Jim Ross’ involvement in the business
–A look at PWG’s show this week
–Two of the best indie wrestlers to battle in Dallas over Mania weekend
–More on the Hall of Fame honorees for this year
–Sting back on the road
–Lucha Underground season three schedule
–Plans going forward for the company
–Notes from Lucha Underground television
–Complete lineup for the next ROH iPPV show
–ROH inks international TV deal
–Notes on the next major New Japan/ROH May tour
–New ROH signings
–A look at ROH TV over the next month plus
–Notes on the TNA firing of Awesome Kong
–Update on TNA offices move
–Update on Davey Richards
–Update on UFC 199
–C.M. Punk injury notes
–Notes on the next several UFC PPV shows
–Jon Jones update
–Major UFC star talking potential retirement after upcoming title fight
–Ronda Rousey update
–UFC’s next major show on FOX
–Update on Conor McGregor
–Update on B.J. Penn’s return
–Yoel Romero drug test
–Tim Means says the drug he failed his test was one he’s never heard of
–Another UFC drug test failure
–Lots of new UFC fights
–Dana White talks why he made a mistake with Sage Northcutt
–Who was the masked man who attacked Josh Barnett at the UFC workouts
–New fighters debut
–More on Bellator signing Chris Leben
–Benson Henderson talks trying pro boxing
If you are a new subscriber ordering 24 or more issues, you can get one free classic issue of your choice sent to you today. With a 40 issue subscription, you can get two free classic issues sent to you today.
New subscribers ordering 24 or 40 issues have to let us know what major stories of the past 11 years you are most interested in and we’ll send the issue with the best coverage of that story. We’ve got coverage of every major PPV event and world wide spectacular, every major star switching promotions, histories of companies like FMW, Rings and New Japan, retirement and obit issues of every major star who fits into those descriptions over the past 11 years, as well as our biggest issue every year, the annual awards issue, and our most controversial issue of every year, the Hall of Fame issue.
Click here for the most requested Wrestling Observer back issues.
Rates are:
For the United States, it is $13 for 4 issues, $32 for 12, $61 for 24, $101 for 40 and $131 for 52. In Canada and Mexico, rates are $14.50 for 4, $35 for 12, $67 for 24, $111 for 40 and $144 or 52. In Europe, you can get the fastest delivery and best rates by sending to moonsault@mediaplusint.com For the rest of the world, rates are $16.50 for 4, $44 for 12, $85 for 24, $141 for 40 issues and $183 for 52.
If you order by mail with a check, cash or money order (P.O. Box 1228, Campbell, CA 95009-1228), you can get $1 off in every price range.
If you are a new subscriber ordering 24 or more issues, you can get one free classic issue of your choice sent to you today. With a 40 issue subscription, you can get two free classic issues sent to you today.
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WWE Cologne, Germany, results: Dean Ambrose vs. Rusev, Roman Reigns/Alberto del Rio street fight
Submitted by Max Schwager from the Lanxess Arena in Cologne, Germany (2/11)
– Dolph Ziggler defeated Kevin Owens via Superkick (10:00).
– Cesaro was in the ring. He announced tonight’s main event: Roman Reigns vs. Alberto Del Rio in a Cologne Street Fight.
– Jack Swagger defeated Bo Dallas via Patriot Lock (10:00). Neither guy got a reaction.
– Goldust defeated Tyler Breeze via powerslam (2:00). Again, neither guy got a reaction. Breeze protests after the match, challenges anyone in the back to a match. R-Truth answers.
– R-Truth defeated Tyler Breeze via Lie Detector in five seconds.
– WWE Intercontinental Champion Dean Ambrose def. Rusev (w/ Lana) via roll-up (15:00). The crowd chanted “We want Lana”. She answered with “That’s nice, but I don’t like you”.
– WWE Divas Champion Charlotte (w/Ric Flair) def. Paige via Natural Selection (10:00) in a non-title match. Summer Rae was special ref and was very slanted toward Charlotte. At one point, he pulled the “I can’t count because my hand hurts.” After the match, Paige put Summer Rae in the PTO.
– Big Show & The Usos (Jimmy Uso & Jey Uso) defeated WWE Tag Team Champions The New Day (Big E, Kofi Kingston & Xavier Woods) after Show hit the chokeslam on Big E. (10:00). Big Show was super over.
– Roman Reigns def. Alberto del Rio in a Cologne street fight after hitting the spear.
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WWE Bremen, Germany results: Roman Reigns vs. Alberto del Rio
Submitted by Max Schwager from the ÖVB Arena in Bremen, Germany (2/10)
– The Usos (Jimmy Uso & Jey Uso) & The Big Show defeated The New Day (Big E, Kofi Kingston & Xavier Woods).
– Cesaro was in the ring. He announced tonight’s main event: Roman Reigns vs. Alberto Del Rio in a street fight.
– Jack Swagger defeated Tyler Breeze
– WWE Divas Champion Charlotte (w/ Ric Flair) defeated Paige. Summer Rae was the special refereee and was very one-sided. Once Paige tried to cover Charlotte, Summer didn’t count because her hand was “hurting”.
– WWE Intercontinental Champion Dean Ambrose def. Kevin Owens
– Goldust defeated Bo Dallas in 10 seconds. Dallas protests after the match, challenges anyone in the back to a match. R-Truth answers. (By the way, this is exactly what happened last November during the European Tour).
– R-Truth defeated Bo Dallas in five seconds
– Dolph Ziggler def. Rusev (w/ Lana). During the match, Rusev started a “Scheiß HSV”-chant which means “sh*tty HSV”. HSV is a German soccer club from Hamburg.
– Roman Reigns defeated Alberto Del Rio in a street fight.
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WOL: FREE SHOW talking Daniel Bryan, WWE Network numbers, more!
Wrestling Observer Live with Bryan Alvarez and Mike Sempervive is back today to talk all the hottest topics in wrestling today — Daniel Bryan’s retirement, WWE earnings and WWE Network numbers, and more! Run-ins by Chris Harrington, an interview with Dave Meltzer, and best of all — IT’S FREE! Spread the word and the show wherever you’d like! And if you love it, Thursday and Friday only you can sign up for a month of full access for only $3.99! wrestlingobserver.com!
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Mark Nulty of Wrestling Classics passes away
Mark Nulty, who was a former wrestling announcer and ring announcer who was in charge of the Wrestling Classics web site and message board passed away last night after a long battle with lung cancer.
If I go back through the formative years of me getting involved in wrestling and the key people who changed the direction of my life, Mark Nulty would be very high on the list. He was a best friend when we were in our early 20s, really responsible in many ways for me ending up living in Texas in 1983-84 during the heyday of World Class Wrestling.
He was just starting out in wrestling at the time, working as a sports reporter side by side with me at the Wichita Falls Times and Record News. He had just broken into wrestling, running local shows with Joe Blanchard’s Southwest Championship Wrestling, including the retirement match of Danny Hodge. He and Robert Hernandez actually pioneered what we do now, doing the forerunner of podcasts, except they were on audio cassettes and marketed by mail. He and I did some early shows together as a guest, and even were co-announcers on a wrestling pilot. We actually first came in contact when he was a subscriber, and then we for years traded tapes from different territories.
He ended up in Ocala, FL and remained close with wrestling. He announced for a number of independent promotions over the years, also ring announced and even at one time hosted the Cauliflower Alley banquet.
His major work in wrestling was with the Wrestling Classics site, which he started in 1999, and featured personal forums for both Lou Thesz and Jack Brisco when the two were still alive.
His close friend Paul Herzog reported that he found out one year ago that he had stage IV lung cancer, which he kept very quiet. He started on chemotherapy and the treatment appeared to work as he was in remission. But it never quite went away and a few months ago scans revealed it had spread into his abdomen. More chemotherapy and drugs this time had little effect, and three weeks ago the cancer had spread to his brain.
My deepest sympathies to Erin and Evan. While time and circumstances take people in different directions, and knowing Mark, he would never even intimate to anyone how he shaped my life when we were both much younger, I hope his wife and son understand his significance.
To me, just the fact that Thesz and Brisco would regularly post on his site, as do a number of ex-wrestlers, spoke volumes for what he created.
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WWE 2015 Q4 investors call: Record yearly revenue, Network subscribers, more
Here’s the full audio from the WWE 2015 Q4 conference call. Visit our Twitter profile for more analysis and insight from Chris Harrington, a contributor to SeekingAlpha.com, as the conference happened.
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NJPW Beginnings live results: IWGP Heavyweight championship Kazuchika Okada vs Hirooki Goto
This morning’s New Japan show puts current champion and potential new ace of the promotion Kazuchika Okada against perennial challenger Hirooki Goto. While Goto has had many opportunities at grabbing the top title in New Japan, he always seems to be just one win away from the coveted prize. He’s been on a more rebellious streak as of late, taking out Okada at every opportunity, including press confrences. Is this the edge he needs to win the gold?
Also tonight is Katsyuori Shibata taking on Tomohiro Ishii for the NEVER title, Toru Yano and the Briscoes defending their six man NEVER titles against Bullet Club members Bad Luck Fale, Tama Tonga and Yujiro Takahashi, as well as several matches aimed at building towards the next New Beginnings show, set to be held on Valentines Day.
Coverage provided by Dave Meltzer starts at 12AM PST tonight.
JAY WHITE VS. DAVID FINLAY
I loved this match Just a perfect prelim opener, technically awesome. Like usual with New Japan openers, it was too short. White caught Finlay doing a cannonball, turned it into a half crab, then a full crab and finally a lion tamer for the submission.
JUSHIN LIGER & TIGER MASK & RYUSUE TAGUCHI VS. KAZUSHI SAKURABA & YOSHI-HASHI & GEDO
Lots of buffering issues during this match. Liger & Tiger & Taguchi won. I think Gedo lost the fall, which would make sense. During intermission they’ll probably show a replay. It looked fine, just like a usual match in that spot on the card.
YUJI NAGATA & MANABU NAKANISHI VS. SATOSHI KOJIMA & HIROYOSHI TENZAN
The match was good when Nakanishi wasn’t in. Unfortunately, he was in a lot. About what you’d figure from these guys in this spot. The crowd liked it. Kojima & Tenzan used the 3-D on Nakanishi and Kojima pinned Nakanishi after two lariats. They all shook hands after. Nagata then issued a challenge and Kojima seemed to accept. They all shook hands again. The crowd popped for the mic work and all four stood on he ropes in four corners as the crowd cheered.
MICHAEL ELGIN & KUSHIDA & JUICE ROBINSON VS. TETSUYA NAITO & EVIL & BUSHI
The heels won when Bushi blew mist and nailed Kushida with a toipe and Evil used an STO on Robinson for the pin. Before the match, Naito started bullying TV announcer Shimpei Nogami and tore his Blue Justice shirt. Elgin’s power moves when he tagged in for the first time got over bigger than anything. He pressed Bushi and then held him up for one arm before dropping him.
MARK & JAY BRISCOE & TORU YANO VS. BAD LUCK FALE & TAMA TONGA & YUJIRO TAKAHASHI FOR HE NEVER SIX MAN TITLES
Fale & Tonga & Yujiro won the titles. They started off doing comedy and kind of lost the crowd and never got them back. I think they feel the need to elevate the other Bullet Club members right now. The finish saw Fale hit the grenade on Jay. Yano gave Fale & Yujiro both low blows, but Tonga then gave Yano a low blow and a double arm DDT for the pin.
MATT & NICK JACKSON DEFEND IWGP JR. TAG TITLES AGAINST RICOCHET & MATT SYDAL AND BOBBY FISH & KYLE O’REILLY
Lots of streaming issues here. Best match so far but how good I couldn’t really tell. Ricochet & Sydal won the titles with Ricochet doing a shooting star press on Nick and Sydal doing the same move at the same time on Matt. Cody Hall interfered a few times and carried Kyle O’Reilly to the back before the finish. Ricochet seemed the most popular. A lot of good moves and dives, a tower of doom spot.
KATSUYORI SHIBATA VS. TOMOHIRO ISHII FOR NEVER OPEN WEIGHT TITLE
This was fantastic. The usual hard chops, elbows and clotheslines, cool submissions, no sell spots that you’d expect. They were slapping the hell out of each other, Shbiata used a choke and then the penalty kick for the pin to retain. Ishii was bleeding from the mouth from about halfway into the match. Ishii doing his super sell job as he was carried to the back. They did spots early where each guy allowed the other to suplex and then the guy would get up after being suplexed. They did this about seven times and some great exchanges. The crowd was more into Shibata. Shibata also did a great flying armbar and triangles and armbars on the ground. You got the sense Shibata is going to get the position Nakamura had.
HIROSHI TANAHASHI & TOGI MAKABE & TOMOAKI HONMA VS. DOC GALLOWS & KARL ANDERSON & KENNY OMEGA
This sets up the IC and tag title match on Valentine’s Day in Niigata. The Bullet Club had to win this one. They pretty much destroyed them Omega worked over Tanahashi’s bad shoulder. After the match they destroyed Tanahashi. They used chair shots to the shoudler, Matt Jackson came off the top with a chair to the shoudler. Omega came off the top rope with a high fly flowwhile Tanahashi’s arm was held over a garbage can with the splash on the arm. It was a total post-match destruction They did what they had to do to get Omega over in the spot he’s in For the match itself, Anderson used the gunstun on Honma, then they laid out Makabe with the Magic killer and Omega used a reverse Frankensteiner on Tanahashi before Omega finally used the one winged angel on Honma for the pin. Pretty good, not off the charts.
KAZCHIKA OKADA VS. HIROOKI GOTO FOR IWGP HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE
Goto is all painted up like Hakushi. Very good match but this never got to the level of most IWGP title matches. It’s really clear watching this show how much losing Nakamura hurts. Okada kept going for the rainmaker and Goto kept head-butting him. But finally Okada hit it, then followed with two more rainmakers and got the pin Goto had nearly won with the shouten kai, but Okada barely got his hand on the rope. I don’t think people believed Goto could win. Gedo is now doing a promo for Okada. Now Okada is doing the promo One thing about this match is that the crowd was completely behind Okada but didn’t seem to care much about Goto.