– The Shining Stars beat Dolph Ziggler & Jack Swagger in a lousy match. Swagger was pinned after finally getting the hot tag.
– Karl Anderson beat Jey Uso. Gallows was ringside, but didn’t wrestle. He did interfer. Lots of Usos signs, and there were a few Bullet Club chants.
– WWE Tag Team Champions The New Day got the biggest pop of the night, and beat the Vaudevillians in a long match. Everybody sold a lot.
– WWE Women’s Champion Charlotte pinned Natalya by using the ropes for leverage on a roll-up.
– Cesaro beat Alberto Del Rio in a decent match.
– In a three-way match with Seth Rollins, WWE Champion Reigns pinned AJ Styles after a ton of near falls in the main event. Crowd was three quarters behind Reigns with the rest behind Styles. AJ gave a quick smile when he heard people chanting for him. Rollins looked great. Match drew “this is awesome” chants.
Wrestling Observer Live with Mike Sempervive is back for the MOTHERSHIP EDITION. Two hours of your phone calls and tweets on everything from Impact Wrestling’s Slammiversary, stupid wrestler tweets, the World Cruiserweight Classic, the state of NXT and so much more! A fun show as always so check it out~!
The show opened with the announcer telling us there were two changes: Tony Nese being added to the cruiserweight match to make it a 5 way elimination match and the non-title Hot Sauce v Tim Thatcher match would now be a title match.
– Dark Match: Joe Coffey def. Rory Gulak via submission
Gulak did some sort of a Tye Dillinger gimmick where he would evade a move and yell “amazing” or something similar. Coffey put him in a ridiculous standing boston crab and Gulak tapped instantly.
– Cedric Alexander def. Fred Yehi via pin
I thought this ended up being the best singles match on the show. It had the stiffest forearms/chops of the evening, and that is saying a lot. It looked like Cedric forearmed Yehi a little too hard and Yehi started to lay them in which looked pretty real to me. There was a dive spot where Alexander knocked the barricade back into the people in the first row. They went into the ring and started exchanging big moves, finally ending with a flurry from Cedric that gave him the victory. Yehi stayed in the ring in shock while Cedric celebrated, Cedric went down to the mat and they exchanged a very manly handshake.
– Bravado Brothers def. Jason Cade and Darby Allin via pin
After some standard tag work in the ring, Bravados took them outside and smashed them into the barricades a few times. Action went back into the ring where Cade threw one of the brothers out of the ring. He then went over the barricade into the crowd. The spot of the night happened when Cade leaped from the apron onto a basketball hoop that was left down in the gym, then hit a hurricanrana on one of the Brothers (I still don’t know which one is which). Action found its way back into the ring where Bravado brothers hit their finish and got the pin.
– Matt Riddle def. Trevor Lee via submission
Pretty blah match except for a spot where Riddle was thrown into one of the barricades and they broke apart, crashing into the people in the first row. Riddle tapped him with the Bro-Mission.
– Evolve Champion Timothy Thatcher def. Hot Sauce Williams via submission
Hot Sauce sent the rest of Catch Point to the back because he didn’t want an asterisk next to his name when he won the title. Thatcher then entered with no title belt as Riddle had stole it from him. Thatcher was very technical and kicked out of a few moves that looked devastating. He ended up catching Hot Sauce in an armbar and tapped him.
After the match, Riddle entered with the belt and cut a promo on Thatcher saying he deserved a title shot. Stokely Hathaway then entered and told him his boy TJP earned a spot in the cruiserweight series and neither of the other two had one. He felt TJP deserved the next shot. Thatcher said he would give TJP the next shot, then it would be Riddle in a Last Man Standing match. Thatcher then exited the ring without trying to get his title belt from Riddle.
– Cruiserweight Elimination Match: Tony Nese pinned TJP in a match involved Drew Gulak, Lince Dorado, and Johnny Gargano
Tony Nese entered first and cut a promo on how all he wants is a shot to show to the world what he can do in the WWE cruiserweight tourney. They implied that if he won he would be in the series. All the other entrants came in one by one and cut similar promos. Gargano made some vague WWE references.
Very good match, non-stop action. Gargano was eliminated early via roll-up by Gulak. Lots of dive spots, the barricades were knocked silly this match. Dorado did a moonsault onto the 3 remaining competitors and right as he was setting it up, Drew Galloway and EC3 entered and beat up Gargano. They cut a promo but the mic wasn’t quite working. After the moonsault spot, Gulak slept outside for about 5 minutes. Back in the ring, Dorado was pinned. Next, Gulak was eliminated by TJP. Nese and TJP then battled for a solid 10 minutes. TJP kicked out of a sit out tombstone piledriver. Nese started yelling “I am not losing this match”, went into a hulk-up mode, and hit TJP with another piledriver then a 450 for the pin.
With the win, Nese is now in the WWE cruiserweight tournament.
Match almost immediately left the ring and they fought all over the gym. They tossed a plastic trash can around and Drew grabbed a half full Coke bottle out of it and smashed it on Ethan’s head. Drew went for a suplex on the outside and Page reversed it. Action went back to the ring and Drew emptied the ring of chairs, another barricade, then grabbed a fan’s plastic chair. Page then went outside and grabbed a tiny ladder. He Irish whipped Galloway into the ladder, which was propped up on the ring and barricade. The ladder went flying about 10 feet almost into the crowd. Match went back into the ring and Drew hit his dirty deeds finisher onto a couple of steel chairs for the pin.
After the match, EC3 came out to celebrate with Drew. He said his open challenge was off because he already beat everyone up in the back and there was no one left. Gargano then came out and cut more WWE related promos, said something about him being “best for business” and he “knows how to play the game”. Gargano then said he didn’t want to pin EC3 so this would be a last man standing match. EC3 accepted the challenge and Drew went to the back.
– Johnny Gargano def. EC3 via KO in a Last Man Standing match
Back and forth match, good action. EC3 got mad at the ref for not counting fast enough so he knocked him out. He beat Gargano up and went to the back for another ref. The second ref counted to 9, Gargano got to his feet and EC3 whacked him with a chair. The ref started counting from 1 and EC3 told him “no that’s not 1, its 10”. The ref disagreed and EC3 then knocked that ref out as well.
Galloway came in, and then the Catch Point stable came in to help Gargano. They cleared Drew from the ring and it was left with EC3 surrounded by three men and the third ref. EC3 pleaded to the ref who just patted him on the face, EC3 then turned around to eat a bunch of superkicks. The match ended with EC3 being superkicked into the ref who gave him the Stone Cold salute, then a pretty well executed stunner. EC3 was then tossed over the top onto a table that was at ringside that didn’t break and the ref counted to 10.
At that point, the four men in the ring celebrated and the ref got a nice pop for his stunner. After the cameras were off, the ref attempted a spin-a-roonie and The Worm…which weren’t great.
St. Paul, Minnesota: – World Heavyweight Champion Jim Londos defeated Ray Richards
1938
Waterloo, Iowa: – Al Bisignano went to a 60 minute draw with Earl Wampler – Otto Kuss beat Alford Johnson
1944
Des Moines, Iowa: – Earl Wampler beat Tom Zaharias in 2 out of 3 falls
1947
Kansas City, Kansas: – MWA Champion Orville Brown beat Lee Wykoff 2 falls to 1 – Sailor Fred Blassie beat Jack McDonald on a third fall DQ
1952
Kansas City, Kansas: – Heart of America Champion Sonny Myers beat Roy Graham 2 out of 3 falls – Ronnie Etchison and Bob Orton Sr. wrestled to a draw – Doug Henson defeated Bob Clay – Larry Hamilton beat Jack Hader via DQ
1958
Orange City, Iowa: – United States Heavyweight Champion Verne Gagne defeated Ernie Dusek in 2 out of 3 falls – Emil Dusek defeated Jack Pesek in 2 out of 3 falls
1962
Minneapolis, Minnesota: – AWA Champion Mr. M beat Larry Hennig – Pat O’Connor & Doug Gilbert beat Bob Geigel & Stan Kowalski
1964
Denver, Colorado: – AWA Champion Verne Gagne beat Fritz von Erich dq – Wilbur Snyder beat Mitsu Arakawa dq – The Crusher beat Doug Gilbert
1971
Omaha, Nebraska: – AWA Tag Team Champions Red Bastien & Hercules Cortez beat Mad Dog Vachon & Butcher Vachon – Midwest Champion The Claw (Tom Andrews) beat Dr. Big Bill Miller – Midwest Tag Team Champions Bob Ellis & Alberto Torres beat Ox Baker & Ali Ben Kahn
1974
Denver, Colorado: – Nick Bockwinkel & Ray Stevens beat The Crusher & Wahoo McDaniel to regain the AWA Tag Team Title in a Steel Cage Match – Ivan Putski beat Superstar Billy Graham via dq – Greg Gagne & Jim Brunzell beat Larry Heiniemi & Buddy Wolff in 2 out of 3 falls – Baron Von Raschke beat Geoff Portz – Kay Noble (sub Cora Combs) beat Vivian Vachon – Larry Hennig beat Paul Perschmann (Playboy Buddy Rose)
1975
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada: – AWA Champion Verne Gagne beat Billy Robinson by countout – Greg Gagne & Jim Brunzell beat Bobby Heenan & Ray Stevens – Dusty Rhodes beat Siegfried Steinke – Ivan Putski beat Buddy Wolff by dq – Roddy Piper beat Scotty Campbell
1976
Milwaukee, Wisconsin: – In a No DQ Match; Mad Dog Vachon & Baron Von Raschke beat Larry Hennig & Jos LeDuc – Verne Gagne & Greg Gagne beat Bobby Heenan & Ray Stevens
Chicago, Illinois: – AWA Champion Nick Bockwinkel beat Chris Taylor – The Crusher beat Bobby Duncum by dq – Blackjack Lanza beat Red Bastien – Wilbur Snyder beat Billy Red Cloud
1980
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada: – AWA Tag Team Champions Verne Gagne & Mad Dog Vachon beat Adrian Adonis & Jesse Ventura – In a Ladder Match; Dino Bravo beat Jerry Blackwell – The Crusher & Greg Gagne beat Nick Bockwinkel & Bobby Heenan – Steve Olsonoski beat Super Destroyer Mark II
1983
Las Vegas, Nevada: – AWA Champion Nick Bockwinkel beat Wahoo McDaniel – Ken Patera & Jerry Blackwell beat Mad Dog Vachon & Baron Von Raschke – AWA Light Heavyweight Champion Mike Graham beat Buck Zumhofe
1991
WCW Clash of Champions: Knoxville, Tennessee: – IWGP Tag Team Champions Rick & Scott Steiner defeated Masahiro Chono & Hiroshi Hase – WCW U.S. Champion Lex Luger defeated The Great Muta – WCW World Heavyweight Champion Ric Flair defeated Bobby Eaton in a two out of three falls match
1998
Tokyo, Japan: – Kenta Kobashi defeated Toshiaki Kawada for the All-Japan Triple Crown
2001
Baltimore, Maryland: – Test defeated Rhyno for the WWF Hardcore Title
2012
TNA Slammiversary: – Mr. Anderson defeated Sting for the TNA Heavyweight Title
Yujiro had Mao with him as she proceeded to do a very rated R dance. I don’t think we’ve seen her or any girl with Yujiro since the G1. They aired the match in full, and was fine. Very physical. Yujiro is one of those that are hit and miss as he can be very sloppy at times, but he was fine here for the most part. He got the sneaky win after Cody Hall interfered, allowing him to low blow Kojima and pin him with the Miami Shine.
Kojima says no matter how bad he looks, he promises to never give up. No matter how he does it, he will fight to the end.
Goto said that looking back, G1 25 was hard, but liked the breaks and this type of schedule fit him the most. He desires the belt that Okada had. Facing the Heavyweight champion as the Intercontinental champion…he never experienced that.
Hirooki Goto vs. Kazuchika Okada
This was another match where it started slow, turned into a pretty good back and forth match and evolved into something great. The crowd were into it and I think were genuinely interested in seeing the IWGP champion (at the time) face the Intercontinental champion (also at the time). Titles still mean a lot in Japan, unlike in US where I couldn’t tell you a lot of the current champions off the top of my head. Nice back and forth match with Hirooki Goto getting the clean win with the shouten kai. Hey, when the IWGP title is on the line he always has a better chance of winning. When it is on the line, well..
Goto says “I’VE CONQUERED IT!” to massive cheers. He wants the crowd to celebrate with three cheers, and they do. He says accidents don’t happen twice, we’ll beat the rest. Goto feels that he’s opened a new door. He welcomes anyone to challenge him for the IC title. He had mixed feelings beating Okada. 2015 was a year of change for him, and he’d like to challenge for the belt again.
Interestingly, a ROH commercial for Best in the World aired near the end of the program. Might not be too unusual, but it’s the first time I’ve seen during this show.
Enzo and Cass were so over with the crowd of course. A lot of comedic bits going in the match. The Dudleys were in charge most of the match until the hot tag to Cass. Then another hot tag to Enzo and eventually the finisher for the win.
Fandango vs. Goldust
There was some technical difficulties with the screen. Breeze came out to cause a distraction. Then, R-Truth came to Goldust’s aid which led to the pin on Fandango for the win. Then there’s a bit of dancing and rapping to close it out.
U.S. Champion Rusev (w/Lana) vs. Titus O’Neil
Pretty good match with a lot of “USA” chants but in the end, Rusev makes Tius tap out. Afterwards, Rusev keeps beating up on Titus when the Lucha Dragons come out for the save.
The Wyatt Family (Erick Rowan/Braun Strowman) vs. Big Show and Kane
Pretty good pops for both Show and Kane. Kinda of a slow match but in the end, Kane pinned Rowan for the win. Then both Kane and Big Show do a double choke slam on Strowman.
– Intermission
Eva Marie, Lana, and Dana Brooke vs. Summer Rae, Becky Lynch, and Sasha Banks
Lana did most of the work on her team and Becky took most of the shots. Sasha gets the hot tag, Bank Statement on Lana and she taps out.
Viktor vs. Zack Ryder
Pretty good match with some good spots. In the end, Zack hits his finisher and pins Viktor.
Kevin Owens vs. Sami Zayn vs. Dean Ambrose
Good match as always with these three. Everyone gets their spots and hit their signature moves. Dean hits Kevin with Dirty Deeds for the pin.
– Bullet Club member Adam Cole is in the hospital with pneumonia and has been pulled from tonight’s show and Sunday’s show in Milwaukee, WI. Will Ferrara takes his place to face Chris Sabin tonight.
– Dalton Castle def. Juice Robinson
Lots of comedy early on. It got more physical as it went on and lots of back and forth. They shake hands after the match, and TV Champion Bobby Fish comes out for a live Fish Tank with Dalton. Dalton requests for it to be a sitdown interview but they don’t have any chairs. Dalton has 2 more Boys come out and they form human chairs for them to sit on. Lots of comedy. They promise to remain friends after their match at Best in the World, but Fish says he doesn’t see Dalton as a champion, making him storm off. Neither one came off like a heel.
– Chris Sabin def. Will Ferrara
Decent match. Daniels comes out for commentary to lead into the next match.
– Silas Young/Beer City Bruiser def. War Machine and Moose/Lio Rush
Excellent match and easily the match of the night with nonstop action. Rush was the star despite being there to take the pin and the crowd came alive after being dead nearly the whole show so far.
– ACH def. Alex Shelly
Solid match. ACH cut a promo afterwards and calls Shelley one of his idols. Shelley puts him over to bring the show into intermission.
– Steve Corino comes for an interview after intermission. He cuts a promo on BJ Whitmer, who has been on commentary all night. He says a lot of nothing.
– Donovan Dijak def. Cheeseburger
About the match you’d expect with Cheeseburger getting little bursts of offense in only to be cut off seconds later and tossed around. Kaz’s turn to do commentary for the next tag match.
– ANX def. The Young Bucks and RPG Vice
Both ANX and RPG Vice work heel over the returning Bucks who haven’t missed a beat. King stole the pin on Trent after he got hit with a Meltzer Driver and said ANX was going to make wrestling great again.
– Michael Elgin def. Kamaitachi
Not a lot of people in the crowd were familiar with Kamaitachi, but got behind him when he was on offense. They raise each other’s arms after the match.
– Daniels comes out for one last time and cuts a promo hyping the main event. Quick promo, just some cheap heat and out come the tag teams.
– Briscoe Brothers def. ROH Champion Jay Lethal/Roderick Strong and ReDRagon
Fans were tired out by this point but got back into it towards the end. Bucks interfere and interrupt the Lethal Injection while Jay hits the Jay Driller on Strong to end the show.
Overall, there were no bad matches. The attendance seemed down from the last few shows run in Hopkins. No return date announced.
Bobby Roode made his WWE in-ring debut Saturday at the NXT show at the Download Festival in Derby, United Kingdom, defeating Angelo Dawkins.
Roode had very briefly been advertised for the tour, before it was pulled because they wanted his debut to be a surprise. He had appeared briefly on the last two NXT Takeovers in a backstage segment on Wednesday and in the crowd in Dallas.
It is expected the 39-year-old will work the remainder of the tour.
Here’s what happened Friday:
– Hugo Knox defeated Sawyer Fulton after hitting a split-legged moonsault
– Nikki Glencross defeated Peyton Royce after clamping on a swinging fisherman’s suplex.
– Baron Corbin returned to defeat Angelo Dawkins & Alexander Wolfe in a handicap match via End of Days. Corbin put Wolfe through a table after the match.
Here’s what happened Saturday for the first of two 90 minute sessions:
– No Way Jose def. Alex Wolfe
– Tye Dillinger def. Sawyer Fulton
– Carmella def. Nikki Glencross
– Bobby Roode def. Angelo Dawkins
– NXT Women’s Champion Asuka def. Peyton Royce
– Finn Balor and Hugo Knox def. NXT Tag Champions The Revival in a non-title match
Here are the results for the second 90-minute session:
Amid a quiet weekend in the world of combat sports, the calm got disrupted a bit Saturday afternoon with news that former TNA World Champion and NXT TakeOver background regular Bobby Roode made his promotional debut at the organization’s two day run at the UK-based Download Festival. Here’s a look at his entrance.
Roode downed Angelo Dawkins in his debut, and could be appearing Sunday as NXT has four hours of matches booked at the Festival. He didn’t appear on last Thursday’s TV tapings, but could be a presence via the magic of videotape with an official contract signing, a promo, etc.
So now what? With many of the top NXT talents expect to be brought up to WWE when the brand extension happens in July, NXT will still need to keep the cupboard stocked with a few veterans to mix with the up and comers. There’s also the concern of WWE bringing up too many talents and not having a plan on what to do with them — something that has plagued them in the past.
Saturday was a nice step forward for Roode and it will be fun to see how NXT debuts him and what the vision is for his career throughout 2016. With more of an opportunity to make an, ahem, impact in the WWE system than ever before, he picked a good time to explore his free agency options after what felt like a lifetime in TNA.
TNA SLAMMIVERSARY PPV FROM UNIVERSAL IN ORLANDO AT 8 P.M.
Bobby Lashley vs. Drew Galloway for the TNA title – match can only be won via knockout or submission
Jeff Hardy vs. Matt Hardy full metal mayhem
Jade vs. Sienna for Knockouts title
Abyss & Crazzy Steve vs. Jessie Godderz & Robbie E for tag titles
Trevor Lee vs. Eddie Edwards vs. DJ Zema Ion vs. Andre Everett for X title
Eli Drake vs. Bram for King of the Mountain title
Ethan Carter III vs. Mike Bennett
Grado & Mahabali Shera vs. The Tribunal
Sunday we’re looking for reports from WWE in Baton Rouge (Dean Ambrose, Kevin Owens, Rusev, Enzo, Cass, Kane, Big Show, Braun Strowman, Erick Rowan, Sami Zayn, Dudleys, Lane, Sasha Banks), Lake Charles, LA (Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins, A.J. Styles, Sheamus, Dolph Ziggler, Charlotte, Alberto Del Rio,Natalya, Luke Gallows, Karl Anderson, Usos, New Day), NXT in Darby, UK and ROH in Milwaukee at the Turner Hall Ballroom (Adam Cole vs Colt Cabana, Christopher Daniels vs. Kamaitachi plus the finals of Tag Wars).
Raw will be Monday in New Orleans including the return of Shane McMahon. It’ll be the go-home show for Money in the Bank. NXT also runs in Belfast, Northern Ireland. There are also TNA tapings in Orlando.
Smackdown and Main Event will be taped Tuesday in Biloxi, MS and NXT runs in Dublin, Ireland. There is also an almost live Impact in Orlando as well as the taping for the following week’s show.
TNA tapings will continue on Wednesday in Orlando. NXT will be in Liverpool, England.
If you’ve ever wanted to WATCH our radio shows here on the site, check out our Youtube page! No full video shows, but lots of video clips, full free audio shows that you can tell your friends about, and much more to come! Make sure you subscribe today!
A look at the lives and careers of Muhammad Ali and Kimbo Slice, the return of Brock Lesnar to UFC and the story behind it and coverage of the Best of the Super Juniors tournament are the lead stories in this week’s issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.
Our Ali story talks about the changes in public opinion on him going through the years, his place in culture, the Ali-Frazier fight, the Ali-Liston fights, his being banned from boxing, the creation of different world titles, the Ali-Foreman fight, the Thrilla in Manila, the inspiration of the movie Rocky, what Ali took from pro wrestling, Gorgeous George and Fred Blassie, and what he gave back to pro wrestling, the Ali vs. Inoki story, Ali’s appearances in relation to pro wrestling, Ali’s pro wrestling matches that are often forgotten, Ali working the first WrestleMania and the Superdome in New Orleans for Bill Watts, the sad ending of his career and the fraud on the public that was the Larry Holmes fight.
The death of Kimbo Slice is also covered. Read about the circumstances leading to the death, how he became famous, his real background, what he did between football and MMA, the Sean Gannon fight, Elite XC, his television ratings records, the crazy night that was supposed to be the Ken Shamrock fight, the death of Elite XC and how media a misunderstanding ended the promotion, Kimbo’s days in UFC, the highest rated season of Ultimate Fighter, and sustaining the drawing power. Plus, a look at Kimbo Slice and pro wrestling and why it was about to happen, and how it fell apart, is covered. There’s also look at Slice in boxing, and the Dada 5000 fight.
Finally, read about the Brock Lesnar to UFC deal, what Lesnar said about why he’s coming back should it be believed, the choice of Mark Hunt as the opponent, why the deal took so long to be announced, how this affects pro wrestling, Lesnar’s regrets about re-signing with WWE but why you can question that, the drug testing issue and the Ariel Helwani issue that reporting the story first turned into.
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.
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.
Canadian authorities reportedly dropped criminal charges against Teddy Hart stemming from sexual assault allegations in 2014. The case apparently lacked criteria needed for it to proceed. An attorney representing Hart says his client always maintained his innocence. Hart also signed a peace bond to not have any contact for two years with the two women who accused him of the charges. His attorney said Hart has no interest in contacting them.
Evolve runs their second iPPV in as many nights, heading to Orlando for an 8 PM start for Evolve 62. It looks like a fun show featuring their champ Timothy Thatcher, a five-way WWE cruiserweight tourney preview where Tony Nese can grab a spot if he wins, an ECIII open challenge, and more. Here’s a look at last night where Chris Hero made his presence felt.
In an update on the manslaughter trial of a Pennsylvania man accused of causing the death of an 18-month-old by imitating wrestling moves, a judge will not allow the prosecution to show jurors computer-generated videos of the moves. If the 21-year-old man on trial takes the stand to testify, the judge may allow the images shown during cross-examination. The injuries suffered were allegedly from the defendant imitating Undertaker’s Last Ride and Rock’s Rock Bottom. The defense says the death was an accident. The trial is set to begin on Wednesday.
A Fox Sports article looks back at Brock Lesnar and his first run in WWE with Lesnar quoted as saying his best friends on the road during that time period were vodka and Vicodin.
Here’s a look at the trailer for Gridlocked, a movie starring Trish Stratus, Danny Glover, and Dominic Purcell of Prison Break fame.
One blogger is calling the return of Brock to UFC a “huge risk”.
Here is a gallery listing 10 pro wrestlers with a background in MMA.
Big congrats to former WWF wrestler Big Bully Busick who beat cancer. Here’s the story.
Another gallery from an Alabama website lists 10 things pro wrestling fans hate about wrestling. The comments section is not very kind to wrestling fans questioning the IQ of fans, whether they should be allowed to vote and estimating the amount of front teeth they have retained.
An indie promotion out of Shelbyville, IN is running a show today as part of a day-long fundraiser benefiting a 5-year-old girl battling epilepsy. In an event that also features a motorcycle ride and a concert, the wrestling show itself features a title match and a battle royal where the winner will receive a trophy.
Another fundraiser for a volunteer fire department features a wrestling show in Pamplin, VA. The Times-Virginian (Appomattox, VA) has a story on the show set for next Saturday.
Chris Nowinski’s Concussion Legacy Foundation issued a release ahead of an article that is “attempting to create controversy where there is none.”
This week on 6:05 Superpodcast, David Bixenspan and Brian Last talk to John Arezzi about photographing the Muhammad Ali vs. Gorilla Monsoon angle, Don Laible about Dennis Coralluzzo, and AWA producer “Polish” Joe Ciupik about Larry Nelson and other crazy AWA characters in the ’80s. Also, Brian and Bix talk about Johnny Valentine vs. Bull Curry match on NWA On Demand and much more.
Catch Mid-States Wrestling tonight in Harrison, AR, at the Youth Center with Trevor Murdoch, Ace Steel, Bob Orton Jr. and TONYA HARDING.
In Your Face Wrestling tonight at Duanesburg YMCA in Delanson, NY with their Coronation Cup event with Bob Evans, HC Loc, and more.
Not only is Josh Gross’ Ali vs. Inoki book available for pre-order, Gross is involved with a documentary on the fight along with filmmaker Bobby Razak. Here’s the six-minute trailer.
June 11 – Mid States Wrestling in Harrison, AR at the Youth Center has Matt Riviera vs. Americos, Trevor Murdoch vs. Roosevelt, Bob Orton Jr. Vs. Michael Barry, plus Ace Steel and Tonya Harding refs an arm wrestling match.
June 11 – In Your Face Wrestling Presents: “Coronation Cup 2016” – Duanesburg YMCA (formerly Duanesburg Area Community Center) 221 Victoria Drive Delanson, NY, Only a 30 minute drive from Albany!
June 11 – SMASH wrestling in Oshawa, Ontario – Harmony Creek Community & Events Centre, 15 Harmony Road North, Oshawa, Ontario L1K6K8. Tickets here.
June 11 – Kayfabe Dojo Wrestling runs at Pineapple Jack’s in Rochester, NY, for a 4 PM show
June 11 – ECCW Port Coquitlam, BC at the Elks Hall #49.
June 11 – Lex Luger will appear in Gray, TN at the Daniel Boone High School for the Fountain of Life Bible Church’s Car and Bike show at 6 p.m. The show is free.
June 11 – The UWC returns to Kelly’s Bar/Banquet Hall, 14 Railroad Avenue, Wrightstown, NJ 08562. Facebook: www.facebook.com/UWCFanCave.
June 12 – TNA Slammiversary headlined by Drew Galloway vs. Bobby Lashley for the TNA title from Orlando
June 12 – Revolution Pro Wrestling in London, England headlined by Kurt Angle vs. Zack Sabre Jr.
June 17 – Absolute Intense Wrestling at Mentor-on-the-Lake, OH at Tequila Jaxx with Joey Janela vs. Facade, Shayna Baszler vs. Veda Scott, Laredo Kid, & B.J. Whitmer
June 17 – AAW “Killers Among Us,” Drago vs. Chris Hero, at 115 Bourbon Street (3359 w 115th Street Merrionette Park, IL) Tickets available.
June 18 – UFC in Ottawa: Rory McDonald vs. Stephen Thompson
June 19 – Steel Pro Wrestling runs at the KoC in Hamilton, ON.
June 19 – New Japan Dominion – Tetsuya Naito vs. Kazuchika Okada in an IWGP title match and Kenny Omega vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi in a ladder match for the IC title
June 19 – WWE Money in the Bank from the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas
June 24 – ROH Best in the World from Concord, NC with Jay Lethal vs. Jay Briscoe for the ROH title
June 24 – Isao Kobayashi vs. Justin Lawrence will appear on Spike.com at the Bellator Dynamite show in St. Louis. This is a combo MMA & kickboxing show.
June 25 – Pure Wrestling Association, Wakas Community Hall, 180 Tsulquate Rd, Port Hardy, BC
June 25 – Great North Wrestling returns to the Pembroke Memorial Centre, featuring Nicolai Volkoff. Tickets available here.
June 25 – The UWC returns to Kelly’s Bar/Banquet Hall, 14 Railroad Avenue, Wrightstown, NJ 08562. More information here.
June 25 – Ultima Lucha tapings in Boyle Heights, Los Angeles at The Temple
June 26 – Ultima Lucha tapings in Boyle Heights, Los Angeles at The Temple
July 1 – Pure Wrestling Association is proud to announce our 7th year as part of the Canada Day Celebration. Riverside Park Cambridge, Cambridge, Ontario N3H.
July 2 – Stars of Wrestling from Alameda, CA at the Alameda Point Gym has Bobby Lashley, Carlito and The Boogeyman appearing.
July 2 – NWA Cajun Heat in Morgan City, LA at the Municipal Auditorium with Jax Dane vs. Mustang Mike for the NWA title, and an appearance by Kevin Nash
July 7 – Rock Solid Wrestling runs in Sudbury, ON.
July 9 – Smash Wrestling in Fort Erie, ONT at the Native Friendship Center. Chris Hero will headline this fund raising event
July 17 – Lucha by the Water ft Blue Demon Jr! – Harbourfront Centre Theatre, 231 Queens Quay West, Toronto, Ontario M5J 2G8, 3-6 pm. Tickets here.
July 17 – Premier Wrestling at the IFDES Lodge and Portuguese Hall in Gilroy, CA with Joe Graves vs. Gabriel Gallo for the Premier. Tickets at www.premierwrestle.com.
July 22 – Ignite Wrestling in Fort Pierce, FL at the National Guard Armory on a show with Lince Dorado, Mr. 450 Hammet, Lio Rush, Martin Stone, Los Ben Dejos, and more
July 24 – Fenix vs. Pentagon Jr. headlines for Lucha Libre New York at Club LaBoom in Queens, NY
From Dave: For those coming to our convention 7/7 to 7/10 in Las Vegas, the people at The Las Vegas Fight Shop, who have been subscribers for probably 25 years, have a special to those coming. They have a Friday night from 6-8 p.m. signing with Randy Couture and a Saturday from Noon to 2 p.m. signing with Nate Diaz. The signings require the purchase of an Affliction shirt, but anyone from the site can get 20% off a shirt and VIP treatment to cut down the line. Also, anyone from the site who comes to the store can get 20 percent off anything all weekend.
Yehi won via submission after clamping on the Koji Clutch. Nese did a promo afterward saying despite his losing streak, he wants an opportunity in the WWE Cruiserweight Classic and he wants it Saturday night.
– Darby Allin vs. Ethan Page
Page won after hitting a package piledriver. Earlier in the match, Page gorilla press slammed Allin over the ropes and into a support beam that was said to be a big spot.
– Cedric Alexander vs. Matt Riddle
Riddle submitted Alexander with a neck crank after hitting a fisherman’s buster.
– Evolve Tag Team Champs Catch Point (Drew Gulak & Tracy Williams) vs. Bravado Brothers (Harlem & Lancelot Bravado)
Champs retain after Williams pinned Lancelot after a big DDT spot. Post-match, Catch Point are cutting a promo and calling out Evolve Champion Timothy Thatcher. Thatcher came out, and told the guys to get lost.
– Evolve Champion Timothy Thatcher vs. Chris Hero
Said to be a great match. Thatcher retained the gold by submitting Hero with a cross armbar.
Post-match, Riddle, Gulak, Williams, and Stokely Hathaway all came out to contront Thatcher. Williams wants his title shot Saturday and Thatcher agrees.
– Drew Galloway & Ethan Carter III vs. Johnny Gargano & TJ Perkins (Unsanctioned Street Fight)
Wild match that spilled everywhere including on the bar inside the arena and outside the arena. Big action, table spots, you name it. Gulak came out to check on Perkins after Galloway powerbombed him through a table. This brought Hero out who hit a piledriver on Gulak and then booted Gargano and piledrove him to turn on Evolve. ECIII hit the One Percenter on Perkins for the win.
Post-match promos by Galloway and Carter reveal a fourth member of their crew: Cody Rhodes! Rhodes will debut for the promotion on August 19th in Maryland against Gargano.
**********
Evolve 63 card — Saturday from Orlando, FL:
– Evolve Champion Timothy Thatcher vs. Tracy Williams
– WWE Cruiserweight Tournament preview: Johnny Gargano vs. Drew Gulak vs. TJP vs. Lince Dorado vs. Tony Nese elimination match. If Nese wins, he’s in the tourney.
– Anything Goes: Drew Galloway vs. Ethan Page
– ECIII open challenge to anyone on the Evolve roster
– Matt Riddle vs. Trevor Lee
– Fred Yehi vs. Cedric Alexander
– The Bravado Brothers vs. Jason Cade & Darby Allin
