In a statement released tonight by UFC, the ban on Ariel Helwani and others at MMAFighting.com is no more.
“Following a conversation with with the editorial team at SB Nation, UFC willl not prevent MMAFighting.com from receving media credentials to cover live UFC events. We respect the role the media plays in our sport and beyond, including MMAFighting’s ability to report news. However, in our opinion, we believe the recurring tactics used by its lead reporter extended beyond the purpose of journalism. We feel confident our position has now been adequatly communicated to the SB Nation editorial team.
UFC’s goal as the world’s leading mixed martial arts promotion is to cultivate interest in its world-class athletes and events, and deliver for the fans. We will continue to introduce this sport and its athletes to new fans across the world, and we will do so by working alongside media across all platforms.”
MMA star and YouTube street fighting sensation Kevin “Kimbo Slice” Ferguson has passed away at the age of 42 Monday, reportedly due to heart failure.
TMZ reported on Monday evening that Ferguson had been rushed to the hospital and was in a dire situation, and social media reports started to file in later that he had passed away. American Top Team, where Ferguson trained, confirmed the news on their Twitter account.
— American Top Team (@AmericanTopTeam) June 7, 2016
Ferguson rose to stardom on YouTube as a street fight legend, and parlayed that into an MMA career. He fought on the first-ever MMA event broadcast on network television — EliteXC: Primetime in May 2008 — where he defeated James Thompson. He famously lost to Seth Petruzelli later in 2008 in EliteXC’s final event. He went on to appear on UFC’s The Ultimate Fighter and fought Roy Nelson in the most watched fight aired on cable during that TUF season.
He went on to have a 1-1 record inside the Octagon, being released following a loss to Matt Mitrione.
Ferguson moved onto professional boxing and compiled a 7-0 record before returning to MMA with Bellator MMA. He defeated Ken Shamrock at Bellator 138 in June 2015, and followed that up with a second straight win in the infamous February bout against Dhafir “Dada 5000” Harris in February where Harris claimed he died during the fight and was hospitalized for several days following due to renal failure.
Ferguson failed a drug test afterward failing for nandralone and elevated testosterone levels. He was suspended for 90 days, far from the standard suspensions found in most states. Ferguson was booked to rematch Thompson at the upcoming Bellator 158 event on July 16 in London, England.
A statement from Bellator’s Scott Coker:
We are all shocked and saddened by the devastating and untimely loss of Kimbo Slice, a beloved member of the Bellator family.
One of the most popular MMA fighters ever, Kimbo was a charismatic, larger-than-life personality that transcended the sport.
Outside of the cage he was a friendly, gentle giant and a devoted family man. His loss leaves us all with extremely heavy hearts, and our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Ferguson family and all of Kimbo’s friends, fans, and teammates.
A statement from UFC:
UFC is saddened to learn of the passing of Kevin Ferguson, known to fans around the world as Kimbo Slice.
Slice will forever be a part of UFC history as a contestant on season 10 of The Ultimate Fighter in 2009, and for having fought twice inside the Octagon at The Ultimate Fighter Finale and UFC 113. He carried himself as a true professional during his time in our organization.
While he will never be forgotten for his fighting style and transcendent image, Slice will also be remembered for his warm personality and commitment to his family and friends.
UFC offers its sincere condolences to Slice’s family, friends and teammates at American Top Team.
Taya pinned Santana after hitting her with a Northern Lights suplex and a kick to the head in about 7 minutes.
Hugo speculates to Josh about TNA hosting the World Cup next year.
Victoria Trophy
The 4 losing teams from Night 1 are placed in a modified battle royale. One member of each team enters the ring, and when someone is eliminated by going over the top rope, his teammate enters the match, and the match continues until there are 2 participants at which point it becomes a singles match.
First entrants are Eli Drake for Team TNA, Blue Demon Jr for Team AAA Legends, Akebono for Team Japan-Odo/Zero-One, and Rockstar Spud for Team Rest of the World
Drake is eliminated after being knocked over in a superplex attempt. Tyrus throws EC3 into the ring. Rockstar Spud does some comedy sumo spots with Akebono, and then pulls a Mil Mascaras. Apolo replaces him. EC3 knocks Blue Demon Jr off the apron. Canek replaces. Canek eliminates Apolo, Mil Muertes enters as final member of Team Rest of the World.
Akebono gets eliminated and in a scary moment, has his leg stuck in the ropes and dangles. Doctors were tending to him, and Tanaka replaces him. EC3 calls Tyrus into the ring for extra muscle, and gets thrown out by Tyrus as Hugo wonders “Is this legal?” and Josh replies “No.” After a few more eliminations, the final 2 were Mil Muertes and Tyrus with Muertes pinning Tyrus after a Flatliner. Rockstar Spud celebrates in the ring as Mil and Apolo blow him off.
Men’s Semifinal 1: Team AAA vs Team Japan-NOAH
Crowd was pretty hot, Psycho Clown pins Taniguchi with a frog splash in 6 or 7 minutes.
Men’s Semifinal 2 – Team LU vs Team AAA International
Dario comes out with Team LU and spends the match standing behind the tournament judges staring and wondering “Why did I put Chavo on my team”. Dr Wagner gets a promo in, but at least this time the clock wasn’t running like on Night 1. Easily the first match worth trying to catch if you missed it. Last 2 minutes were incredibly intense and ended with Brian Cage pinning Dragon Azteca Jr in 9:58 after reversing a tilt-a-whirl DDT into a Drill Claw.
Women’s 1st place match- Team Japan vs Team Mexico
Aja Kong waffles all of the Apaches with a garbage can in the last 25 seconds as the ref is distracted. No pinfall attempts made. First match to meet overtime. Aja Kong vs Faby Apache is first OT and goes the limit. Yuki Miyazaki vs Mary Apache is second OT. Josh learns the etymology of Hurricanrana after Miyazaki busts one out on Apache. Close nearfalls with Apache powerbombs and superplexes. Miyzaki kickouts at 2.9 for both moves. Ref was Marty Elias of LU, which drew massive heat. Mary Apache pins Miyazaki after a Michinoku driver. Only the final OT really had some great heat and a good story. Marty might need to have pulled a Hebner if Team Japan won that, but it built heat for the AAA/LU final.
Men’s 3rd place match – Team Japan-NOAH vs Team AAA International
They’re skipping the 10 minute regulation and going straight to sudden death.
OT1 – Marifuji vs Dr. Wagner Jr – No Wagner promo. Submission holds traded, ends with Wagner locking Marifuji in a small package as time expired.
OT2 – Taniguchi vs Dragon Azteca Jr – Not too many pinfalls, it ends with an Azteca cannonball plancha with 14 seconds left.
OT3 – Ishimori vs Rey Mysterio Jr – Rey went for a 619 early but it was caught by Ishimori and reversed into a gutbuster. Eventually Ishimori ended in the ropes again, and ended up eating a 619 and the frog splash for a pin with about 55 seconds left on the clock.
Men’s 1st place match – Team AAA vs Team LU
AAA is attacked by LU as they enter. Great action, Chavo appears to be hurt. Pentagon Jr counters an End of the World by Mundo and hits a package piledriver, but runs out of time before he can get a pinfall.
OT1 – Chavo vs Texano
Story of this OT is that Chavo is working hurt. Not sure if the injury is legit, but he gets a bit of offense in and is cut off by Texano. Pattern repeats until Chavo tries a Frankensteiner, which is reversed into a top rope power bomb with 15 seconds to go. Texano can’t move after the landing and time expires.
OT2 – Cage vs Psycho Clown
In the final minute, Psycho Clown has a pinfall cover but Mundo distracts the ref by grabbing his leg and Cage kicks out. Cage goes for a power bomb, but Clown reverses into a Canadian Destroyer. Visual pinfall, but ref doesn’t get into the ring with less 10 seconds left and time expires.
OT3 – Mundo vs Pentagon Jr
With about a minute left, Pentagon cinches in the armbreaker, but Cage pulls the ref out. Chavo blasts Pentagon with a chair, Mundo hits the End of the World and gets the pinfall. Disappointing end and beers start flying.
Dario gets on the mic as Team LU retreats up the ramp. Dario is pelted with garbage and joins them. Now we know why Mexico hates Chavo. Team AAA cuts a babyface promo against LU’s antics.
Award ceremony starts
Johnny Mundo wins best flying move
Best match is awarded to LU vs AAA International.
Best female wrestler is Mary Apache
Best male wrestler is Pentagon Jr. Pentagon stares at Team LU and slowly backs down the ramp.
The latest battleground in the WWE concussion litigation is whether or not Christopher Nowinski can be compelled to testify. Issues cited in a WWE opposition to the plaintiffs’ effort include:
With 13 days until Money in the Bank, Raw originates tonight from Oklahoma City. The WWE is promoting the Club as its new top heel group, which is new considering its a pushed faction that has no connection to the Authority. At least, not yet. A.J. Styles, as the group’s mouthpiece, will likely be relied upon to give a promo explaining his attack on John Cena last week.
It could also be another night of returns. Bray Wyatt has been rumored to return imminently. With only two weeks to go before the show, there’s only three matches announced for Money in the Bank, and even the Money in the Bank match itself is unclear. Originally, there were seven participants announced, but only six are currently listed.
**********
The Big Takeaway:
This was a show that was full of talking and not much action. John Cena and A.J. Styles had a verbal joust full of inside references. Cena said wrestling Styles at Money in the Bank was a dream match (and was promoted that way throughout the show), then called Styles a bust because he lost to Roman Reigns twice. Teddy Long made a surprise return, booked to look like a out of touch goof who had no idea what the current fans want to see. The only match officially made for Money in the Bank is a Fatal Four-Way for the WWE tag team titles with The New Day vs. Anderson & Gallows vs. Enzo & Big Cass vs. the Vaudevillains.
Show Recap:
The show started with the six men involved in the Money in the Bank match already in the ring hovering on top of their own ladders.
Kevin Owens put down Sami Zayn as being less famous than the other five. Chris Jericho said he was more famous than any of them. Owens said he would be more famous than any of them because he will be the one who will take the Money in the Bank briefcase and the other five will be in his shadow. Dean Ambrose wanted to skip the talking and get to fighting. Owens talked him down and said he would get the briefcase some more and said he would take on all comers as champion. Owens said he wouldn’t defend the title against any of the men in the ring, but he would face anyone else, including the Nation of Domination, Waylon Mercy or the Four Horsemen.
Alberto Del Rio ignored Ambrose’s pleas to start fighting and said Zayn was a dog covered in fleas compared to him. Crowd actually started chanting “Si, si, si.” Cesaro spoke up before Jericho shouted him down and reminded everyone he created the Money in the Bank match. Cesaro then asked “How come you’ve never won a Money in the Bank match?” Jericho said he had. Zayn asked which one? Jericho mumbled something about the first one. Then he said the sixth one in Appleton, Wisconsin. Cesaro acted like had no idea what Jericho was talking about and called him a stupid idiot.
Jericho did his new “Gift of Jericho, Drink it in, man” catchphrase. Ambrose climbed up and punched Jericho. They all started brawling.
Then, out of nowhere, Teddy Long made a surprise return to “Teddy” chants. Long heard that SmackDown was heading to Tuesdays live. Teddy was all over the place on the mic. He said SmackDown was the longest running network wrestling show. Michael Cole had to issue a correction afterwards saying SmackDown was the 2nd longest weekly episodic series in television history. Cole had to explain the entire purpose of the Long cameo afterwards. Ordinarily, Long said he would arrange a disqualification match (that’s what he said), a six-way match and various other stipulation matches. Everyone looked confused.
Stephanie McMahon came out acting like she had no idea Long was going to be there. She asked what Long was doing. Long said he wanted to run SmackDown. Stephanie said a decision on who would run SmackDown hasn’t been decided yet. Teddy asked to see Shane McMahon. Stephanie said Shane was on vacation and asked him to get to stepping. Long wanted to dance off the stage, but Stephanie ordered that his music not be played.
Stephanie said Zayn would face Del Rio; Ambrose would take on Owens, and Cesaro takes on Jericho immediately. Then Stephanie ordered Long’s music to be played and she danced to the back. This was a really weird segment that Stephanie actually had to save.
Cesaro defeated Chris Jericho via submission (12:05)
Cesaro used a 13-rep Giant Swing then used a Boston Crab to get the tapout. Earlier, Jericho blocked an attempt at the Giant Swing and turned it into a small cradle. Some spots were mistimed, including Cesaro going for a springboard uppercut but Jericho catching him with a Codebreaker. Overall, a solid match.
– Anybody else notice the Money in the Bank music is also Donald Trump’s WWE music from WrestleMania 23?
– They honored Muhammad Ali by showing tribute tweets from HHH, Bret Hart, Shane McMahon and Steve Austin.
An amazing but perplexing video package aired focusing on Seth Rollins.
It was basically a five-minute version of the documentary that’s airing on the WWE Network. They showed the debut of the Shield at Survivor Series 2012, where they jumped Ryback. Rollins said, in or out of the Shield, he always wanted to be the best, not one of the best. Rollins said people misunderstand his relationship with Roman Reigns. He doesn’t dislike Reigns, it’s just that Reigns is in the wrong place at the wrong time. Rollins said when he won the WWE World Heavyweight Championship at WrestleMania, it was his moment, not Reigns.
They replayed his injury in Dublin, Ireland. There were even videos of Rollins as an infant playing with a Hulk Hogan stuffed action figure, pinning it to win the championship. When the video of Rollins’ surgery aired, he was shown cutting a promo from his bed, slurring his speech, saying he was coming back for his championship on day one. Cameras caught him watching Reigns beat HHH at WrestleMania from a luxury suite. Rollins said Reigns was a placeholder, not a real world champion.
Reigns is just sitting on Rollins’ throne, keeping it warm for him. Rollins said Reigns has never beaten him. It was such a good piece…so how are fans supposed to treat Rollins as a heel now? This is something straight out of Florida Championship Wrestling in the 1970s if an injured babyface sidelined for six months was rehabbing for a run against Dory Funk Jr for the NWA strap.
U.S. Champion Rusev defeated Jack Swagger via countout in a nontitle match (3:36)
Rusev and Jack Swagger did a double clothesline spot on the floor that looked still as hell. Titus O’Neal was on commentary. As the referee got closer to a 10 count, Rusev kicked Swagger into O’Neal and got back in the ring for the win. Postmatch, Swagger and O’Neal sent Rusev packing. Odd to see two babyfaces send one heel out of the ring. Swagger was over in his home state.
John Cena came out.
He said you don’t know what you got until its gone. Last week, there was energy and excitement when A.J. Styles and Cena was in the ring together. He called it a once in a generation moment. He tried to get it over like it was the 2002 staredown between the Rock and Hulk Hogan, then started doing his own dueling chants to mimmick what the crowd was doing. Cena said he’s only had electricity like that with one other Superstar, the Rock. Cena said for 15 years, people had been curious to see Styles vs. Cena. But Cena wanted to know why Styles chose the easy way out.
Cena wanted Styles to come out and explain himself. Styles, Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson came out. Crowd had more dueling chants. Styles said he took the easy way out because he had a plan to punch Cena right in the face. And it worked perfectly. Styles said Cena insults him. He said Cena was great on his morning shows and his movies. But Cena insults him when the bell rings. And Cena knows deep inside that “You can’t beat me.” Styles says his kids ask him all the time why doesn’t he wrestle Cena. He answers because if he did, he would run rings around Cena.
Cena said Styles’ jokes are as outdating as his jorts. Cena said he looks at Styles as someone who worked two decades to get to the Royal Rumble, and failed. He failed twice against Reigns for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship. Cena said Styles was a bust. Styles said attacking him was desperate. Cena said Styles didn’t know who he was dealing with because he failed twice against Reigns, and now he was going after him?
Styles shot back that he could go back to Japan tomorrow and sell it out tomorrow. He said he nothing else to prove because he has nothing left to lose, so that makes him dangerous. Styles said after someone wrestles Cena, they get out the shovels and bury Cena’s opponent. Styles said Cena didn’t know who he was dealing with.
The Club went to the ring and surrounded Cena. The New Day ran down to join Cena and chase them away and it ended. A trios match between the three was announced for later tonight. A strange promo by Cena. On one hand, he compared Styles to the Rock. Then minutes later, he called him a bust. Styles did a promo straight from the heart of every Internet fan, or anyone else who has paid attention over the last 11 years. It was the time for Styles to give the best promo of his life, and it was very good.
The Vaudevillains defeated Enzo Amore and Big Cass by DQ (2:22)
Aidan English teased throwing out Enzo Amore over the top rope the same way he did at Payback. He threw Amore to the ropes, but Amore slid under the ropes and still sold it like he suffered a concussion. Big Cass went nuts, pounding English in the corner. The referee called for the bell when Cass refused to back off. Fans booed the DQ. Cass gave Simon Gotch the East River Crossing. Enzo got back in the ring. It’s clear they want Cass to break out of the singles pack because he’s tall, but he doesn’t have the charisma that Enzo has. Big Cass quoted Ali. Enzo Amore brought up the Vaudevillains knocking him out and said he could blow a bubble with a Now-A-Later.
Zayn did an interview saying he would have to consider himself an underdog against Del Rio tonight because ADR has captured the World Heavyweight Championship. Del Rio showed up and said if Zayn won the Money in the Bank briefcase, it would prove all those people who Zayn could never win wrong. But Del Rio said Zayn’s dream is his reality and Zayn was destined to stay in the same spot he’s in now.
– More tribute tweets to Ali from Cena, Stephanie, Jerry Lawler and Mick Foley.
Long walked up to Stephanie dancing to his music, which was the ring tone on his phone. Long said if he was running SmackDown, he would take Enzo & Cass, the Vaudevillains, Anderson and Gallows and the New Day in a four-way for the tag team titles. Stephanie blew off that idea and asked Long how he got back security. Long pulled out a dollar bill and said “it makes you go holla holla.” Stephanie just glared at him. Teddy showed himself out. First thing Stephanie did was arrange the Fatal Four-Way tag team match that Long suggested for Money in the Bank.
Alberto Del Rio pinned Sami Zayn (8:18)
Surprisingly one-sided match where Del Rio won with the diving double foot stomp off the top rope. Zayn didn’t get much of a comeback after the heat. In fact, he didn’t even get a ring entrance. Del Rio’s first attempt at the double foot stop led to Zayn throwing him off the top rope. But Del Rio was back up in no time for the finish.
Ambrose walked backstage with Owens laughing at him. Owens said he was concerned for Ambrose, not just because of the Money in the Bank match, but because Ambrose has been more off the deep end than usual. Ambrose asked if Owens thought he was off when he beat him for the Intercontinental Championship. Owens said Ambrose needed help. Ambrose said Owens is the one who needs help.
Reigns got a video package just like Rollins from earlier.
They showed Reigns pinning Daniel Bryan to win the tag team titles. Reigns said Rollins thinks he’s the smartest guy on Earth. Reigns said he felt betrayed when Rollins broke up the Shield. He said being in the main event of WrestleMania against Brock Lesnar was a roller coaster by itself. When Rollins cashed in the Money in the Bank contract, Rollins took away his WrestleMania moment. His wife, father and daughter were all there.
He felt anger, but sometimes anger is the best motivator a man can have. Reigns said Rollins has always attacked him from behind because Rollins is scared of him. Reigns said there will be a big fight feel (Cole used those exact words earlier) at Money in the Bank since it will be in Las Vegas. Reigns said he’s expecting a better Seth Rollins, and he will beat a better Seth Rollins.
Dean Ambrose defeated Kevin Owens (6:33)
Ambrose won with Dirty Deeds. Before the finish, Ambrose went for a tope, but Owens caught him and rammed his back into the apron. Owens followed with a Bullfrog splash. Crowd was quiet for much of the match until Ambrose did a superplex. After the match, Ambrose pulled out a ladder and climbed to the top. Why did he do that? To show he could climb a ladder? The answer, of course, was to give Owens a chance to recover and throw Ambrose off the ladder and scream how he would win Money in the Bank.
– Life Lessons with Bob Backlund had Darren Young saying he’s been running. Backlund said Young should always be walking and that he hasn’t run since 1978. Young said that was long before he was born. Backlund said he had Young’s car keys and he wanted him to walk eight hours to Backlund’s house. Young just walked off unhappy about walking eight hours.
Charlotte and Dana Brooke came out.
Cole said the world was still reeling about what Charlotte said to Ric Flair two weeks ago. I’m still reeling from Stephanie stealing her heat last week. Charlotte acted like she was going to apologize for saying what she said to her father. Charlotte said when she said Flair was dead to her, she meant professionally. She still wants to spend the holidays with her father, work out with her father, etc. But she didn’t want Flair stealing her spotlight.
Natalya and Dana Brooke came out laughing over Charlotte’s acting routine. Charlotte said Natalya had a trainwreck of a family and they should have their own reality show on E! Lynch said Brooke would eventually get stabbed in the back by Charlotte. Natalya warned Brooke that Charlotte was a master manipulator, something she and Lynch learned the hard way. Brooke looked at Charlotte like she was concerned and started to walk over towards Charlotte and Natalya. Then Brooke punched Natalya, who fell over Lynch. Brooke gave Lynch a Samoan Driver whie Charlotte held Natalya in a Dragon Sleeper and they posed over the babyfaces bodies.
Primo and Epico did a promo about how great drinks in Puerto Rico are.
Tyler Breeze and R-Truth went to a no contest (:53)
Goldust and Fandango brawled into the ring for a quick DQ. Long came out and ordered the rematch restarted. Everyone just glared at him like he was crazy. Security ordered Long out with no more action between these four, and not a moment too soon. Breeze and Fandango did an inset promo where Breeze shaved Fandango’s back. Fandango said something about how having the right lotion on your body makes your muscles aerogigantic.
– Long walked out before we got our weekly “Stephanie chews someone out” moment. Stephanie scolded Long and said Raw was going to be in the hands of someone young, vivacious and strong, and it was going to be her, not her brother Shane. She said Raw wasn’t going to be in the hands of old, incompetent, out of touch geezer. The irony alert was instantly activated from the local Emergency Alert System. Then she ordered Long to get the hell out of her building.
– Ali tribute tweets from Vince McMahon, Booker T and Flair were shown. Cole introduced a tribute package to Ali, showing his knockouts of Sonny Liston and George Foreman. They showed Ali talking about how much Gorgeous George and Freddie Blassie influenced him. There was rare footage of Vince interviewing him with Blassie managing him, I assume for the buildup that aired on ABC’s Wide World of Sports that built up his match with Antonio Inoki. Plus, there was the angle with Gorilla Monsoon. Of course, there was also his appearance at WrestleMania I. Crowd gave the video package a standing ovation.
– They announced the Ambrose Asylum next week would return with Reigns and Rollins as the guest. So it’s a Shield reunion, even though Stephanie cancelled the Ambrose Asylum a month ago. We didn’t even get Shane texting in an order to revive the show, they just advertised it with no warning.
– New Day came out and compared The Club with the Mickey Mouse Club. Kofi Kingston said they were the WWE World Tag Team Champions, and that was the only club that mattered. It all started as a three-on-three fight that ended with Styles giving Xavier Woods the Styles Clash on the floor. Woods was carried to the back and they carried on with the bout now a 2-on-3 handicap match.
The Club defeated The New Day in a handicap match (5:12)
Styles pinned Kingston after the Phenomenal Firearm. Kingston got a near fall earlier after the SOS. Afterwards, Anderson and Gallows threw Big E. into the dasheboards. Cena ran out for the save and he decked Anderson and Gallows. Styles retreated. Anderson and Gallows jumped back on the apron, and Styles wallopped Cena from behind. Kingston gave Styles a missile dropkick. Big E. gave Anderson the Big Ending, and Cena gave Gallows the AA.
During the match, Styles gave Big E the Pele Kick on the floor, and Gallows followed with the Yakuza kick. The crowd actually chanted for Cena after that. Cole mentioned it’s been 288 days since the New Day recaptured the WWE World Tag Team Titles.
SUMMARY:
The highlight of the show was the video package for Rollins. It was almost as good as the documentary made about him on the network. The timing of the video is the lingering question. Why didn’t they show that in the month preceding his return, then have him come back as a babyface to feud with Reigns? Rest of the show was ordinary in front of the deadest Raw crowd since WrestleMania.
One would think that the numbers that Lesnar is bringing in and whatever WWE is getting financially or in trade value or however the deal they made it worth the risk since the deal got done. Lesnar described it as business when it comes to WWE’s position on Lesnar fighting.
Just to clarify something talked about, Laz Benitez of the New York State Athletic Commission told Live Audio Wrestling that “Potential participation by Mr. Lesnar in an August WWE event would depend on his medical fitness and physical condition at the time of the professional wrestling show. No person is allowed to participate in a professional wrestling exhibition in New York State until he or she is cleared medically fit to do so by a New York State licensed physician.” That doesn’t answer the question regarding if there is a Nevada commission suspension for a knockout, provided one happens, and whether New York would allow a fighter suspended from sparring and fighting to do a pro wrestling match. Really, it should all be on a case-by-case basis and depend on if there is a medical suspension. The full story.
Pro wrestling is regulated in the state of New York but there is no precedent regarding medical suspensions, which states are supposed to enforce, from MMA and them being recognized when it comes to pro wrestling. That could be significant if Lesnar gets hurt against Mark Hunt in relation to SummerSlam. It’s just another risk.
Paul Heyman will have an interview on his Heymanhustle.com site at 7 p.m. Eastern tonight with Brock Lesnar.
We’re looking for your thoughts on Saturday night’s UFC 199, Sunday’s Lucha World Cup and today and tomorrowmorning’s New Japan shows, so you can leave a thumbs up, thumbs down or thumbs in the middle along with a best and worst match to dave@wrestlingobserver.com
*WWE today in Lawton, OK (Kane, Big Show, Dean Ambrose, Kevin Owens, Paige, Enzo, Cass, Dudleys, Apollo, Crews, Sheamus, New Day, Erick Rowan, Braun Strowman)
Raw is tonight in Oklahoma City. We’re looking for reports on this show as well with dark matches and Superstars matches. John Cena, Seth Rollins and Chris Jericho are all booked on the show along with the usual regulars.
NEW JAPAN WORLD TUESDAY AT 5:30 A.M. EASTERN TIME FROM SENDAI (English language commentary)
Jay White vs. David Finlay
Yoshitatsu & Captain New Japan vs. Yujiro Takahashi & Chase Owens
Yuji Nagata & Manabu Nakanishi vs. Juice Robinson & Katsuyori Shibata
Hiroyoshi Tenzan & Kyle O’Reilly & Bobby Fish vs. Tomohiro Ishii & Rocky Romero & Trent Baretta
Kushida & Ricochet & Matt Sydal vs. Volador Jr. & Tiger Mask & Jushin Liger
Michael Elgin & Satoshi Kojima vs. Bad Luck Fale & Kenny Omega
Kazuchika Okada & Hirooki Goto & Yoshi-Hashi & Gedo vs. Tetsuya Naito & Seiya Sanada & Evil & Bushi
Ryusuke Taguchi vs. Will Ospreay for the Best of the Super Juniors championship
NXT TAKEOVER THE END ON WEDNESDAY AT 8 P.M. FROM FULL SAIL UNIVERSITY IN WINTER PARK, FL
Andrade Cien Almas vs. Tye Dillinger
Asuka vs. Nia Jax for women’s title
Jason Jordan & Chad Gable vs. Scott Dawson & Dash Wilder for tag titles
Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Austin Aries
Samoa Joe vs. Finn Balor cage match for the NXT title
Smackdown and Main Event will be taped on Tuesday in Wichita. John Cena is not scheduled but Seth Rollins and Chris Jericho are scheduled.
If you’ve ever wanted to WATCH our radio shows here on the site, check out our Youtube page! No full video shows, but lots of video clips, full free audio shows that you can tell your friends about, and much more to come! Make sure you subscribe today!
Figure Four Weekly 5/30/2016: Big Vito’s deposition – If you thought Evan Singleton’s deposition went badly for the plaintiffs in the WWE concussion lawsuit, then that appears to be nothing compared to what happened a week later during Vito LoGrasso’s deposition on May 18th. Given the back and forth over LoGrasso claiming that head injuries caused partial deafness when, in the past, he had spoken of having a hearing impairment since birth, the deposition promised to be interesting. It over-delivered.
A huge double issue of the Observer is out this week, including the real catalyst behind the WWE brand split, a breakdown of the roster, justice denied again in the Jimmy Snuka case, Ricochet vs. Will Ospreay and the Super Juniors tournament plus a full rundown, the story behind Bill Goldberg and the WWE video game and the Brock Lesnar tease, famous boxer vs. pro wrestler fights, WWE schedule and injury rates, business rundowns from the past two months for WWE & TNA, updates on cable stations that carry wrestling and MMA, and one of the greatest territorial business runs in history in the life and career of Cowboy Frankie Laine.
Our lead story looks at the WWE brand split, why it happened, what is known that isn’t a secret, ads out post brand split, plans for the split two months ago and what the ad department was told then, what different arenas have been told this week, thoughts behind decisions having too be made, plus a roster rundown on what positions WWE is strong and weak in, and where NXT talent should fit in and who is ready, or who can fill a slot.
There is also an update on the Jimmy Snuka situation, with a realistic view if there will be a trial and what the time frame is and what happens next.
This issue also looks at the Will Ospreay vs. Ricochet match, Vader’s reaction, Super Juniors standings and rundowns of the shows plus looking at where things are going.
Updates on Money in the Bank, stars returning to television soon, how the NBA & NHL playoffs coincide with wrestling the next two weeks, an update on NXT, lots of WWE performers off TV for the next several weeks, notes from lawsuit depositions that are eye opening, Cena getting a gigantic endorsement deal, Rollins return news, injury updates, lots of Dwayne Johnson news, WrestleMania in the future notes, notes on how little talent gets told in advance about things, who watches what on WWE network, plus we’ve got rundowns of every WWE & NXT events over the past week and business notes on the shows, all included in in this issue.
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UFC needs to have a zero tolerance policy regarding its fighters using any kind of racial, ethnic or sexual slurs going forward and needs to publicly address it since the news of Michael Bisping using a gay slur has broken in a number of places. This took place either just seconds after we’d left the press conference, or it was said and we couldn’t hear it just as the press conference was breaking up. I saw the two going back-and-forth verbally after the press conference was over but couldn’t hear what was said and didn’t know until much later. Bisping used a gay slur in arguing with Rockhold, did immediately figure out he made a mistake and asked that it be deleted. Bisping needs to apologize quickly for that remark even though from reading the verbiage, it appeared he was sorry and admitted his error immediately.
Bray Wyatt has been medically cleared and is expected to debut imminently, as in as soon as tonight, but if not, very shortly. If he is to debut, he’s likely to be slotted into Money in the Bank in some form. Wyatt was a babyface and the Wyatt family were being turned to face the League of Nations when he got hurt. Now there are no more League of Nations and WWE is still at the top, weaker on the heel side.
WWE
Just because of all the questions regarding NXT Takeover and UFC 202 going head-to-head, right now the Barclays Center is still listing the Takeover show on 8/20. As noted last week, the WWE web site had removed the show from the schedule but as they told me, it was put back on and listed for a 7:30 p.m. start time. If they start the network show at 8 p.m., the show would end very shortly into the start of the PPV which starts at 10 p.m. It should be noted that Jeremy Botter at Flo Wrestling has reported that C.M. Punk vs. Mickey Gall will be on that show. I can’t confirm that but Gall has said the fight will take place at the end of the summer and based on other news I’d heard over the weekend regarding that fight, that would indicate if that fight was on PPV, that UFC 202 or 203 would make the most sense.
Elias Samson suffered a broken left ankle according to WWE.com in his injury on Friday night in Nashville at the NXT show in the match with Andrade Almas. Dr. Chris Amann told wwe.com that he will be put in a case and crutches but is expected to make a full recovery.
Julia Jensen was announced today as the new Vice President of the Brand Department. She will report directly to Stephanie McMahon. She will work across business units to help drive revenue and enhance the company’s brand reputation with advertisers business partners, media and investors. She came from Mattell where she spent 15 years as Vice President of Global Brands Communications.
Paul Levesque will be holding a pre-Takeover press conference tomorrow morning.
The story of Vince McMahon as told by Vince McMahon
Results from Amarillo yesterday: R-Truth b Tyler Breeze, Cesaro b Primo, Karl Anderson b Jey Uso, Dolph Ziggler b Baron Corbin via DQ, Charlotte b Natalya to retain the women’s title, Rusev b Sin Cara to retain the U.S. title, Roman Reigns retained the WWE title over Seth Rollins, Sheamus and A.J. Styles in a match with great crowd heat. (thanks to Kale Steed)
It should be noted that Styles was booed heavily at all the weekend shows so there was no issue with fans going with the turn.
The second season of Swerved will be available in its entirely after the conclusion of Raw tonight.
The stock closed up 12 cents today to $17.80 per share.
MISCELLANEOUS
Mike Tenay on his podcast talked about his meetings with Muhammad Ali as he and his wife through a mutual connection were able to meet him several times in Las Vegas and he did his magic tricks for them.
PCW from Saturday night in Los Angeles: Joe Graves b Alexander Hammerstone, Luster the Legend & Adam Thornstowe b Zokre & Phoenix Star, Kevin Martenson b Timothy Thatcher, Almighty Sheik b Douglas James, Scorpio Sky b Ryan Taylor, Willie Mack won three-way over Jeff Cobb and JR Kratos. Main event was said to be really strong and then Teddy Hart showed up and took the focus away from the match. Then he left and came back with his cat. Essentially he stole focus off the ring. Hart was originally set for a singles match with Mack and when they didn’t know if he would be appearing, they moved Mack into a three-way main event.
Brittany Fetkin, the former Devin Taylor in NXT, did her first show since being released on Saturday’s PCW show doing interviews for www.pacificcoastwrestling.com
Ric Flair’s podcast host Conrad Thompson is doing a fund raiser for LLS, the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society at www.ConradCares.com
Zach Gowen will be apppearing on the TV show “America’s Ninja Warrior next week (thanks to Danny Jackpot)
Wrestlezone Scotland before 1,300 fans in Aberdeen, Scotland from Saturday night: Blue Thunder b Lord Mr. Malice, Alan Sterling & Damien & William Sterling b Johnny Lions & Mr. P & Kaden Garrick, Lewis Girvan & Viper b Aspen Faith & Sammii Jayne, Bingo Ballance b Stevie Xavier, Tatanka b Big Damo, Bryan Tucker b Shawn Johnson, Carlito & Bull Dempsey & Hurricane b Chris Archer & Mikkey Vago & Lou King, Scotty Swift b Crusher Craib to keep the Wrestlezone title.
Congratulations to Alex Marvez on the birth of daughter Natalya Alexis.
Al Snow on Cody Rhodes and Mick Foley HERE and HERE
EVENTS
June 7 – New Japan Best of the Super Juniors finals from Sendai live on New Japan World
June 8 – NXT Takeover from Full Sail University in Winter Park, FL featuring Samoa Joe vs. Finn Balor in a cage match plus a loaded lineup that includes American Alpha vs. The Revival and probably Shinsuke Nakamura vs Austin Aries, which could be WWE’s match of the month.
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. There will be a wrestling card in conjunction with the show.
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 and more.
June 17 – AAW “Killers Among Us” features Zack Sabre Jr. vs. Johnny Gargano, Drago vs. Chris Hero, and more at 115 Bourbon Street (3359 w 115th Street Merrionette Park, IL) All Ages Event – Tickets available.
June 18 – UFC in Ottawa: Rory McDonald vs. Stephen Thompson
June 19 – New Japan Dominion, one of the company’s biggest events of the year, featuring 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 as the top prelim fight Bellator Dynamite show in St. Louis. This will be a combination MMA and kickboxing show.
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 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, Rob Conway vs. Rodney Mack and an appearance by Kevin Nash.
July 9 – Smash Wrestling in Fort Erie, ONT at the Native Friendship Center. Chris Hero will headline this fund raising event to raise money for the Godson of Jeremy Elliott, who Hero will wrestle. Elliott’s Godson is a patient at the CPRI Treatment Center.
July 17 – Premier Wrestling at the IFDES Lodge and Portuguese Hall in Gilroy, CA with Joe Graves (5-1-1) vs. Gabriel Gallo (5-0-1) for the Premier title plus the Premier Women Athletes title with Raze (3-2) vs. Shayna Baszler (1-0), Jeff Cobb (6-6-1) vs. JR Kratos (9-3-1), Nicole Savoy (3-3) vs Desi de Rata (0-0) and Alexander Hammerstone (2-0) vs. Douglas James (1-0). Tickets are available at www.premierwrestle.com
July 22 – Rachel Ellering appears for 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.
August 13 – Rey Mysterio Jr. will headline a show at Montgomery High School in San Diego, his alma mater, for Viva La Lucha promotions. Also appearing are Konnan, Psicosis, Johnny Mundo, Teddy Hart and TJ Perkins.
After the events of UFC 199 that saw veteran journalist and MMA personality Ariel Helwani, as well as Casey Leydon and Esther Lin, have their UFC credentials pulled because Helwani broke the news that Brock Lesnar was returning to the Octagon, the Canadian reporter was a guest on several high-profile sports shows Monday giving his side of things.
The day began on The Dan Patrick Showwhere he addressed the incident that occurred between he and UFC officials, specifically Dana White. Here are the bullet points from the interview that went about 15 minutes or so:
Dan Patrick, when leading into the interview, said UFC was reached for comment and refused. Dana just said that Ariel was “too negative”
Helwani said that he first reported that Conor-Nate was finalized and was told that he had jumped the gun. A couple hours later, they made the announcement. He says that he’s batting 1.000 on breaking stories
He then reported that Brock was coming back at 5 pm pacific (about 3 hours prior to UFC announcing it during the PPV)
He was approached right before the main event and told that Dana White wanted to see him. He first refused to go. Then someone else came and told him that he had to come now. He brought his videographer with him and they went and saw White. Dana told him “get out of here, you’re done. Go cover Bellator or something, you’re done here” “you’re too negative and Lorenzo Fertita is not a fan of yours and he made the call to kick you out of here”. A PR person told Ariel that he should’ve asked UFC for a comment before running with the story
Ariel thanked Dana for everything he’d done and hoped he’d reconsider at some point. At that point, he and his co-workers were escorted from the building.
He said that Dana was “very upset” and that his face was red. He also speculated that perhaps White didn’t really want to do this. On multiple occasions, he said that this was Lorenzo’s call and that he is finished and will never cover this organization again
Patrick asked Helwani about getting dropped from FOX. Ariel said that it’s “100% fact” that he was dropped because UFC told them to. Over the last few months of his time at FOX, he was criticized for “out-scooping” UFC on stories.
He brought up the fact that other journalists have had to go through this but didn’t mention their names
Dan Patrick offered to apply for a credential for the next UFC show and then hire Ariel to be his MMA correspondent. Ariel kind of chuckled that one off. He speculated that UFC would probably deny the request anyway
He said that he needs to get the word out about what journalists are having to go through when dealing with UFC.
Patrick finished the segment by saying that they reached out to UFC but they never got back to the show producer
Then, it was time for The MMA Hour where he went for two hours explaining a sordid and confusing relationship with the UFC and Fox that included praise, physical assault, and revelations:
Dave Meltzer and Bryan Alvarez discuss the Brock Lesnar story in a breaking news audio update, available now for subscribers. Lesnar’s opponent at UFC 200 will be Mark Hunt, as announced today on ESPN Sportscentre. The bout will take place July 9th at the T-Mobile Arena as part of International Fight Week, the same week as this website’s annual convention.
Wrestling Observer Radio with Bryan Alvarez and Dave Meltzer is back with a breaking news audio talking Brock Lesnar and his deal to fight Mark Hunt and how it could affect SummerSlam and more, what Dana White has said about Arial Helwani, Michael Bisping and the slur caught on tape Saturday night, Bray Wyatt’s return and more! A fun show as always so check it out~!
Here we are, one day before the Best of the Super Juniors winner is determined. A lot of questions still remain, the most important one being…who will win their block? We’ll find out tonight as we’re live in Sendai featuring action in both blocks.
Baretta vs. Jushin Thunder Liger
Quick match, but fine while it lasted. Liger was the latest example of the New Japan dopey babyface falling for a handshake. It’s funny how no one ever learns. Baretta kicked out of a Liger bomb at one point. They had some solid back and forth while it lasted, with Baretta getting the win with the Dudebuster.
Bobby Fish vs. Tiger Mask
Another good back and forth match. Fish is good at striking, Tiger Mask does well with it too and the two meshed pretty well here. Tiger Mask kicked out a falcon arrow but Fish sinked in the leg lock for the submission.
Ricochet vs. Chase Owens
Yujiro accompanied Owens to ringside, and sure enough interfered freely throughout the match. Ricochet finally did a great senton dive to the floor that wiped him out. Ricochet busted out a Regalplex and a 450 splash but Yujiro pulled out Tiger Hattori out of the ring. Hattori sent him to the back as Owens got a rollup attempt out of the way. Owens introduced a chair, Ricochet grabbed it but as the ref was taking it away from him Owens pulled something out of his trunks and hit Ricochet for another nearfall. Owens kicked out a benadryller and a brainbuster. Ricochet went to the top rope but Yujiro came out and distracted again. He wiped out Yujiro and went for a phoenix splash but Owens countered, rolled him up with the O’Connor roll and with Yujiro’s help pinned Ricochet to put him out of the tournament. This was really fun.
Will Ospreay vs. Volador Jr.
The winner here goes to the finals tomorrow. This is actually really spectacular booking as they’ve been teasing the match between these two since the start of the tour. Lots of great high flying moves from both guys. Volador wiped out Ospreay on the outside with an asai moonsault; Ospreay hopped over Volador, flipped and hit a great looking DDT for a near fall. Great match with a really awesome finish. Volador went for the Spanish fly but Ospreay landed on his feet, jumped to the middle rope and hit the springboard stunner for the win. Will Ospreay wins the B Block and advances to the finals tomorrow.
Kazuchika Okada, Yoshi-Hashi and Hirooki Goto vs. Sanada, Evil and Tetsuya Naito
Naito fist bumped with Steve Corino before the match. He then focused his attention to Milano, who pretended to read his notes when Okada jumped him. Wild brawl out of the ring to start. Everyone you’d think that would work together did. Really good match, one of the better ones they’ve had on this tour. Some really great, fast paced action toward the end. Yoshi-Hashi nearly falls prey to the skull end but Goto saves the match. Sanada finally gets the pinfall with a moonsault.
Kyle O’Reilly vs. Rocky Romero
Romero flew off with a great knee to O’Reilly after smashing his leg on the turnbuckle. O’Reilly busted out the second Regalplex of the night for a cool nearfall. Romero was planted with a brainbuster, Rocky kicked out but was immediately put in the armbar. He fought hard and managed to get to the ropes. They did a great sequence with Rocky finishing it off with a sliced bread for a close nearfall. He hits a knee strike and pins O’Reilly, putting him out of the tournament. This was really great.
David Finlay vs. Matt Sydal
Good action. Sydal worked over Finlay a lot but Finally did get some offense in. Sydal caught him with a hurricanrana off the top rope and tried for a shooting star press but Finlay moved out of the way. Sydal fought back with a kick to the temple, then pinned Finlay with the shooting star press. Sydal, Kushida and Taguchi are all still alive at this point.
Ryusuke Taguchi vs. Gedo
Taguchi comes out wearing a bandana in the same style of Gedo, which of course Gedo is not a fan of. They brawl to the outside where Gedo blatantly uses the bell hammer to attack Taguchi. I guess we’re just doing ECW rules at this point in New Japan. Taguchi makes a comeback with some hip attacks, including a flying one to the outside. Taguchi goes for the rainmaker (I guess to taunt Okada, who is at ringside) but Gedo manages to dodge but gets smacked with a kick. Gedo hit the Complete Shot but when going for the Gedo clutch, Taguchi manages to reverse it, bridge Gedo and gets the win. That puts Sydal out. If Kushida wins, he advances, if not Taguchi wins.
Kushida vs. Bushi
Bushi jumped Kushida early and spiked him with a DDT on the apron. After a countout tease (there’s been a LOT of these in this tournament) Kushida comes back and we have a nice back and forth contest going here. Kushida fought for the armbar but Bushi escaped, bumped the ref, misted Kushida and hit the codebreaker but Kushida kicked out after all that. A second codebreaker clinches the win for Bushi.
That makes it Will Ospreay vs. Ryusuke Taguchi tomorrow in the Best of the Super Juniors final.
Bushi misted the title and threw it at Kushida after the match, saying he wants the title. That’s a natural title program somewhere down the line. Lots of challengers between him, whoever wins BOTSJ and whoever wins the Super J Cup.
Really good show, by the way. Lots of fun action and the evolving standings throughout added drama to a lot of the matches.
FINAL POINT TALLIES:
Block A:
Ryusuke Taguchi – 10
Matt Sydal – 10
Kyle O’Reilly – 8
Kushida – 8
Rocky Romero – 8
Bushi – 8
Gedo – 2
David Finlay – 2
Block B:
Will Ospreay- 8
Ricochet – 8
Volador Jr. – 8
Bobby Fish – 8
Jushin Thunder Liger – 6
Tiger Mask – 6
Baretta – 6
Chase Owens – 4
Tomorrow’s lineup starting at 5:30 a.m.:
Jay White vs. David Finlay
Yoshitatsu & Captain New Japan vs. Chase Owens & Yujiro Takahashi
Manabu Nakanishi & Yuji Nagata vs. Juice Robinson & Katsuyori Shibata
Hiroyoshi Tenzan & Kyle O’Reilly & Bobby Fish vs. Tomohiro Ishii & Rocky
Romero & Trent Baretta
Kushida & Ricochet & Matt Sydal vs. Jushin Liger & Tiger Mask & Volador
Jr.
Satoshi Kojima & Michael Elgin vs. Kenny Omega & Bad Luck Fale
Dan Miller, a pro wrestling star for about 30 years, passed away this morning one day after his 84th birthday.
Miller was the younger brother of Hall of Famer Big Bill Miller. The two were often tag team partners including a run in 1965 where they defeated Bill Watts & Gorilla Monsoon to win the WWWF U.S. tag team title, the forerunner of today’s WWE tag team title.
Miller consistently held regional titles throughout North America as well as the All-Asia tag title with Frank Valois in Japan.
He had settled in Florida where he worked for years behind the scenes for the Florida wrestling office.
Brian Blair sent a letter on Saturday informing a number of his friends that Miller was in hospice care and it wouldn’t be long until he was in a better place.
Miller made the request to go into hospice care a few days earlier.
Miller was best known for a tag team with his older brother, but also held major tag team tiles with Ron Etcihison, Whipper Billy Watson, Nick Kozak, Fred Curry, Jose Lothario and Fritz Von Erich.
During his career he also held the top singles titles in Texas, Florida, the Mid Atlantic region as well as for Leroy McGuirk’s promotion in the days before the Mid South era.
