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  • July 4, 2016 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: NJPW G1 tournament preview, Ali vs. Inoki anniversary, more

    The 26th annual G-1 Climax tournament which, in the last few years, has gained more international interest as the period with a large percentage of what will be the year’s best matches, was officially announced this past week.

    Current subscribers click here to continue reading.

  • WWE NXT results: American Alpha + Authors of Pain + Revival = tag team chaos!

    The Big News: Chaos reigned supreme in the tag team division with three teams vying for the titles, but The Authors Of Pain seem more content with destroying American Alpha than trying to capture gold.

    The Medium News: Finn Balor and Shinsuke Nakamura are friends…but have no problem ripping each other’s heads off in 2 weeks.

    The Little Beaver Sized News: Gargano & Ciampa are now on a full fledged winning streak, having defeated The Hype Bros in the main event

    Alexa Bliss pinned Carmella

    NXT’s pixie-sized Diva is here to kick off the show this week against the most fabulous girl on the show. Alexa is so short…(How short is she?)…Alexa is so short that when she is standing on top of a fallen Carmella, she is still shorter than the referee.

    This match was solid, yet unspectacular. They have both improved to the point that it is not embarrassing to see them on tv. The only rough spot was when Carmella was standing on the apron, Alexa reached over the top rope to throw Carmella down, which was difficult since Alexa is barely taller than the top rope.

    Alexa threw a temper tantrum when she didn’t get a pin. My grandmother would have threatened to put her over her knee for that. Carmella used a kick to the head and a Bronco Buster, but still almost lost to a roll up. Finally, Alexa won with Twisted Bliss, which is the new name for the Sparkle Splash. That makes sense since she no longer dresses like a pixie cheerleader.

    ********

    We got “exclusive comments” from Shinsuke Nakamura. Nakamura talked about how well he knows Finn Balor, and about how he supported Balor when he left Japan and watched him every week on NXT. He reiterated that he wants to become an NXT icon and in order to do that, he has to beat Balor. He vows to give us something sensational in two weeks.

    ********

    Bayley cut a promo backstage saying it feels amazing to get back in the ring and get a win last week. She feels 100% and is ready to get her championship back. Alexa Bliss walked up and said she deserved the title shot more and if Bayley wants a title shot, she has to go through her.

    ********

    Andrade Cien Almas defeated Noah Potjes

    Noah Potjes had one previous match on NXT: a tag match last month where he was only called Noah and now, not only did he get a last name, but he got to walk down the ramp and get a ring introduction on tv!

    Andrade looked good here, including a spot where Noah shot him off and ducked down, but when he came off the ropes, Almas hit a really nice dropkick to his fallen foe. Almas won with the running double knees in the corner.

    ********

    Austin Aries said he is the Greatest Man Who Ever Lived and since the moment he walked into NXT, the fans should have felt privileged to see him compete. No Way Jose hasn’t done anything in his career and hasn’t beaten anyone, but the fans explode because he shakes his butt. He attacked Jose because of the fat, pasty, ugly fans and vowed that everything that happens now is our fault.

    ********

    Finn Balor did his own backstage promo. He reiterated what Nakamura said earlier about them being friends. He came to NXT two years ago and never thought he’d see Nakamura again, but he got goosebumps when he found out his friend had signed with NXT. Balor said they may have faced each other in Japan, but this feels different, this feels special.

    ********

    Next week: Bayley vs Alexa Bliss

    ********

    Johnny Gargano & Tommaso Ciampa defeated Hype Bros

    A month ago, Gargano & Ciampa won a match. Two weeks later, they won again, making it two in a row. If they beat the Hype Bros tonight, they will be on a winning streak. Their quest for a third straight win didn’t start well when Rawley literally caused Gargano to fly across the ring, crashing painfully to the mat.

    Ryder tagged in and immediately got taken down and beaten on by Gargano and Ciampa. A wild free for all broke out, culminating with Rawley hitting a nice clothesline outside to Gargano. Mojo used a Pounce on Ciampa and they set up the Hype Ryder, but Gargano broke it up and took Mojo’s head off with a super kick.

    After an exciting series of near-finishers and roll ups, Gargano & Ciampa got their elusive winning streak with the double kick to the head.

    ********

    After the match, Ciampa and Gargano took the mic to announce they wanted a title shot at The Revival, who they defeated a month ago.

    This brought out American Alpha, who were champions until just three weeks ago. Gable said they are not next in line, American Alpha is. Jason Jordan vowed revenge on The Authors Of Pain and they will show The Revival that they are the alphas of NXT. Is it sad I forgot all about The Authors Of Pain?

    Out came The Revival, who told them that as champions, they drive the car and man the ship. They are calling the shots and feel neither team deserve title shots. They also said they dictate the terms.

    This brought out William Regal, who pointed out that he dictated the terms. Mr. Regal did say Ciampa & Gargano deserve a title shot, but before that happens, it will be Revival vs American Alpha in a 2 out of 3 falls match for the titles next week.

    The babyface teams shook hands and Gargano & Ciampa left. The Authors of Pain suddenly hit the ring and laid out Gable & Jordan. Gargano & Ciampa ran down and also got beat up. American Alpha made a comeback, leading to Jordan actually suplexing one of them, but ultimately both got laid out with the combination legsweep/clothesline. Paul Ellering came out on the ramp and beckoned his boys away as the show ended.

    That does it for this week. Until next week, remember to say your vitamins and take your prayers!

  • A Chicago Weekend at SHIMMER pt. 1

    Submitted by EdinSanAntonio

    This past weekend, I made my way to Chicago to attend the SHIMMER DVD tapings. Twice a year, Dave Prazak and his crew bring in the best women’s wrestlers from around the world (U.S., England, Ireland, Scotland, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Canada, etc). 

    Many women wrestlers in WWE and NXT have made stops there over the years. If you think NXT has great women’s wrestling, you can see 60 to 70 matches as good or better at these shows.

    The tapings are usually held at the Berwyn Eagles Club on Saturdays and Sundays, but this year, a Friday night show was added. The Saturday show was held at Logan Square, and if I have one complaint from the weekend, it was damn hot waiting in line to get in to the show. It didn’t help that the show was running a little late. I’m from Texas and I’m complaining about it, so that tells you it had to be hot!

    Thankfully, once we got in, it felt fine. As soon as I entered, I ran into Dr. Keith Lipinski of this website and also Dave Prazak. I spoke with them and then made my way to my front row center seat.

    Veda Scott defeats Nixon Newell

    Veda is the perfect person to start the show. The fans here hate her with a passion and she plays it up big time. This was Nixon’s first time with SHIMMER and she did not disappoint. She did a great job and is a very attractive girl.

    Shayna Baszler defeats Rhia O’Reilly

    Shayna made a great debut here and won with a TKO that caused me to text Lance Storm and tell him Shayna just killed his girl. Rhia is awesome, and has one of the best intros with kick ass ring music and circles the ring carrying the Irish flag.

    Kellie Skater defeats Vanessa Kraven, Shazza McKenzie, and LuFisto in a 4-way match

    Over the past couple years, Skater has become one of the best women’s workers in the world. Kraven is a monster, Shazza is really good and has one of the cutest faces you will ever see. LuFisto is a legend and is still great.

    Viper defeats Jessica Havok

    This was one hell of a “mean guy” match, or should I say “mean women’s” match. Viper from the UK and also made her debut here. She is a female version of Earthquake, only better. Havok was also good in the match.

    Mia Yim & Kay Lee Ray Defeat Yumi Ohka and Melanie Cruise

    This was the debut of Team WDSS (We Do Stupid Sh*t) of Mia and Ray, and they make one hell of an awesome team. Cruise was taking the place of Cheerleader Melissa and kind of looks like she is Melissa’s bigger older sister. Ohka is always good.

    Arisa Nakajima defeats Nicole Matthews

    Arisa brought her JPW title with her, and had a great match with the former SHIMMER champ Nicole. Matthews is one of the best heels in wrestling.

    Ruo Mizunami defeats KC Spinelli

    Ruo is a veteran of the ring and is still going strong. KC danced to Ruo’s music and was having a great time. No one has more fun at a show then her.

    Heart of SHIMMER Champion Nicole Savoy defeats Crazy Mary Dobson

    Nicole has become one of the top workers in a very short time, and like Shayna, she uses a lot of BJJ in her match. She almost has a counter into a submission for everything. I love Crazy Mary and she is awesome, but how do you get a title shot when you are 1-4 in your last SHIMMER matches? I guess it’s about heart and not win-loss records for this title.

    SHIMMER Tag Team Champions The Kimber Bombs (Kimber Lee and Cherry Bomb) defeat Team Slap Happy (Evie and Heidi Lovelace)

    This is the match I really came to see and it is also the match where I wanted to kick Prazak after. This match was built up from the past tapings and looked like it was time for new champs, but sadly, it wasn’t as the Kimber Bombs cheated to win using the title belts. The bombs are incredible heels, and Heidi is one of the top women in the US. Evie is one of my favorites, and is just amazing in everyway. Her offense is incredible, her kicks are the best, and she is such a great babyface in peril. I love this woman.

    SHIMMER Champion Madison Eagles defeats Courtney “The Demon” Rush

    Last taping, Rush started to change into a vampire or something. She has since become a possessed demon from hell. This match featured an attempted exorcism as Eagles used forks as a cross and started yelling, “The power of Christ compels you!” Sadly, this did not work so Eagles then poured salt all along the ring to keep the Demon from getting back in, and it worked until Rush grabbed the ref and pulled him out, moving the salt in that area away and was able to get back in the ring.

    After Eagles won, Arisa came out to challenge Madison and we have a main event for the next tapings.

    **********

    After the show, the girls came out to sell their gimmicks and take pictures with the fans. I always make it a point to buy stuff as this is a big part of their pay, so I bought Mia Yim’s newest T-shirt and 8×10’s of other girls. Some of the performers I talked to that night were Mia (who’s been a friend of mine for awhile now), Solo Darling (who didn’t wrestle on this show but was going to on the next ones), Shazza (who was very accessible), and Kellyanne (who was not able to wrestle because of an injury which is sad because she stole the show last year and became one of my favorites).

  • Daily Update: UFC Fight Week press, Steph talks Lesnar, WWE Cruiserweights

    UFC 200/International Fight Week press is in full swing.Here’s the full audio of one of the media calls featuring lightweight champion Rafael dos Anjos, challenger Eddie Alvarez, and interim featherweight title contenders Frankie Edgar and Jose Aldo.

    Also part of International Fight Week is the unlikely tag team of UFC and Hank Hill. The character from the King of the Hill animated series is plugging UFC 200 in ads during the Adult Swim programming block on Cartoon Network. The ads are specific to the Adult Swim brand and are reportedly the brainchild of Dana White. In one commercial, Hank drinks beer and argues with another character about who is winning the Jones vs. Cormier fight. More animated ads will air later this year on Cartoon Network to promote other UFC cards.

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

    THE ROUNDUP

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

    ​If you’ve ever wanted to WATCH our radio shows here on the site, check out our Youtube page! No full video shows, but lots of video clips, full free audio shows that you can tell your friends about, and much more to come! Make sure you subscribe today!

    Figure Four Weekly

    READ IT HERE: Figure Four Weekly 6/27/2016: WWE concussion lawsuit update, more – For now, the WWE concussion lawsuit continues to center around the matter of whether or not Christopher Nowinski can be deposed by the plaintiffs, with WWE sides arguing back against yet again in court filings this past week and Nowinski’s lawyer joining in.That said, the most newsworthy part of the story comes from a literal footnote in WWE’s pleading, which refers to an affidavit attached to the filing… Subscribers click here to continue reading.

    Wrestling Observer Newsletter

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

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

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

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

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

    Subscribers click here to continue reading.

    You can also order the print Observer right now and get it delivered to your door via mail, by sending your name, address, Visa or Master Card number and an expiration date to Dave Meltzer.

    You can also order print issues at www.paypal.com directing funds to dave@wrestlingobserver.com.

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    If you 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. 

    Wrestling Observer Newsletter BACK ISSUE

    READ IT HERE: May 24, 1999 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: ECW Hardcore Heaven/WWF No Mercy – Amidst rumors flying everywhere of the possible demise of the company and others who are talking that the company is a short period away from growing bigger than ever, the ECW Hardcore Heaven PPV came off like a show that was a bridge for the company to something new, but when it was over, there were still no answers over whether what is new is good news or bad news… Current subscribers click here to continue reading.

    WEDNESDAY NEWS UPDATE

    WWE

    • In a recent interview with Business Insider, Stephanie McMahon was asked about Brock Lesnar fighting at UFC 200 and gave interesting insight into the WWE’s thought process. McMahon describes the fight as something they don’t necessarily support, but outlines why she feels the WWE and UFC are not in competition with each other.
    • As discussed on Wrestling Observer Radio, everyone in the WWE Cruiserweight Classic had to actually make weight for the tournament. WWE posted the video last night. Also, in case you missed the opening ceremonies, that’s on YouTube as well and has well over 700,000 views already.
    • The Huntington, WV Herald-Dispatch has a short article on Cesaro’s path to the WWE and what it takes to make it in professional wrestling in advance of Sunday’s WWE house show in the area.

    PRO WRESTLING

    • Dave Bautista joined former WWE writer Alex Greenfield for a particularly noteworthy conversation on Wednesday’s MLW Radio Writers Room podcast. Bautista talks candidly about the creative dissatisfaction he had with his 2014 WWE run, his thoughts on modern WWE crowds and leaving the company originally in part because of acting opportunities being given to John Cena that weren’t afforded to him.
    • Ring Rust Radio had former TNA World Heavyweight Champion Drew Galloway on the show this week.
    • Pro Wrestling Guerrilla announced Dalton Castle, Pete Dunne, Sami Callihan, Tommy End, Trevor Lee, Adam Cole, John Hennigan (Lucha Underground’s Johnny Mundo and the former John Morrison) and Jack Gallagher as the next entrants in their 2016 Battle of Los Angeles tournament.
    • Evolve will hold WWE Cruiserweight Classic Spotlight Matches at their events this summer. Announced matches are: Johnny Gargano vs. Cedric Alexander and Zack Sabre Jr. vs. TJ Perkins at Evolve 64 on July 16th in Queens, NY. Tommaso Ciampa vs. Cedric Alexander at Evolve 65 on July 17th in Melrose, MA. Drew Gulak vs. Tony Nese and TJ Perkins vs. Cedric Alexander at Evolve 66 on August 19th in Joppa, MD. And Zack Sabre Jr. vs. Cedric Alexander at Evolve 67 on August 20th in Brooklyn, NY.
    • UPROXX mashes up NBA players with their pro wrestling counterparts.
    • WWE Hall of Famer Nikolai Volkoff did an interview with Great North Wrestling’s The Hannibal TV talking about Russian characters in wrestling, Brock Lesnar’s return to MMA at UFC 200 and modern wrestling.

    UFC & MMA

    • Emmanuel Sanchez vs. Daniel Weichel has been added to Bellator 159, set for Friday, July 22nd in Mulvane, KS.
    • One of WSOF’s top prospects returns to action as Phil Hawes (4-0) faces veteran Louis Taylor (12-3) in a middleweight fight on their Everett, WA, show on July 30th. We’re still awaiting word if that will be in conjunction with Bryan Alvarez Appreciation Night.

    Miscellaneous

    • Today, Headlock for Hunger presents Jim Ross and Jimmy Garvin. They will be at Ingles store 7, on Tunnel 29 road in Asheville, North Carolina, from 4:30-7:00. This is a food drive.
    • Ian Hamilton has a review of the WhatCulture “Loaded” debut YouTube show on BackBodyDrop.com.
    • Here’s more on the University of Minnesota drug scandal. According to the article, coach J Robinson told police investigators in April that he had “fully taken care of” his team’s drug problem and refused to turn over the names of student-athletes involved.
    • Results: Paragon Pro Wrestling on Fight Network June 26 – PPW champion Alex Chamberlain defeated Lemon Drop, Scotty O’Shea and Kid Quick defeated Royce Isaacs and Hubby Cub, Gangrel defeated Beast the Butcher, PPW tag team champions Wes Brisco and Jesse Sorenson retained the titles defeating former champions Caleb Konley and Drew Donovan.
    • Nigel McGuinness has a new podcast up on iTunes. It’s not really wrestling oriented but if you’re interested, it is called “My Unconventional Life”.

    SUMMER EVENTS CALENDAR

    • July 1- PWEclipse – Presents a free event for Canada day at Lakeview Park, Oshawa.
    • 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 7-11 The 10th annual Wrestling Observer/F4W convention in Las Vegas, EdinSanAntonio has information up on Facebook, or email him F4Wfan@hotmail.com
    • July 9 – All Pro Wrestling + Fit of Mind present: #MalaceInThePalace from the Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco, CA.
    • July 9 – Upstate Pro Wrestling in Rochester, NY, features Ethan Pate, HC Loc, a triple threat match main event, and more.
    • July 9 – Acclaim Pro Wrestling presents: Star-Mageddon 6!
    • July 9 – Smash Wrestling in Fort Erie, ONT at the Native Friendship Center. Chris Hero will headline this fundraising event.
    • July 16 – In Your Face Wrestling Presents: “Malicious Intent” – Polish Community Center, 225 Washington Avenue Extension, Albany, NY www.iyfwrestling.com
    • 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 22 – AIW runs on 7/22 in Cleveland, OH, with Ethan Page vs. Josh Prohibition vs. Josh Alexander, and Johnny Gargano & Candice LeRae vs. Ethan Carter III & Karlee Perez
    • July 22 – The Lou Thesz Hall of Fame weekend show in Waterloo, IA, featuring Ricochet vs. Sami Callihan, Wes Brisco, B. Brian Blair, Jessika Havok, Tessa Blanchard, a steel cage match and more – This is the weekend Dave Meltzer will be honored.
    • July 23 – Live Pro Wrestling, Glengarry Sports Palace, 170 McDonald Blvd. Alexandria, Ontario        
    • July 23 – Chikara Pro announced a doubleheader event at Toronto’s Franklin Horner Community Center.
    • July 23 – AAW  in Merrionnette Park, IL, with Sami Callihan vs. Pentagon Jr., Zack Sabre Jr., Marty Scurll; Tommaso Ciampa; Fenix; Johnny Gargano. Here’s what you missed.  
    • July 23 – Masters of Ring Entertainment in Wilmington, NC, as part of Pro Wrestling Fan Expo 3 will feature Jeff Jarrett vs. ECIII vs. James Storm, announced by Jarrett.
    • July 24 – Fenix vs. Pentagon Jr. headlines for Lucha Libre New York at Club LaBoom in Queens, NY
    • July 30 – WSOF32: Moraes vs. Hill 2 – Live on NBCSN from Everett, Washington
    • July 30 – Smash Wrestling – Oshawa Music Hall, 39 King St E, Oshawa, Ontario L1H 1B2
    • July 31 – BATTLEWAR 36; Les Foufounes Électriques, 87 Sainte-Catherine Street East Montreal, QC

  • Daily Pro Wrestling History (06/29): Bockwinkle awarded AWA Title; Austin wins WWF Title

    1944

    Kansas City, Kansas:
    – Lee Wykoff beat Dave Levin to capture the MWA World Heavyweight Title

    1963

    St. Paul, Minnesota:
    – Crusher beat Moose Evans in 2 out of 3 falls
    – AWA Tag Team Champions Ivan Kalmikoff & Karol Kalmikoff beat Tiny Mills & Stan Kowalski
    – Don McClarty beat Joe “Tiger” Tomasso 
    – Doug Gilbert no contest Iron Mike DiBiase  

    Waterloo, Iowa:
    – AWA Champion Verne Gagne defeated Bob Orton
    – The Medics defeated Steve Bolus & Steve Kovacs  
    – Bob Geigel beat Ray Gordon

    1967 

    Amarillo, Texas:
    – Nick Kozak won a Russian Roulette battle royal for $1,000
    – Kinji Shibuya beat Dory Funk Jr to win North American Title
    – Bearcat Wright & Thunderbolt Patterson beat AWA Tag Team Champions Larry Hennig & Harley Race by dq 
    – Nick Kozak drew The Alaskan

    1968 

    Bloomington, Minnesota:
    – AWA Champion Verne Gagne beat Larry Hennig
    – The Crusher & Bill Watts beat Harley Race & Dr. X
    – Mad Dog Vachon beat Dutch Savage

    1972 

    Kansas City, Kansas:
    – Rufus R. Jones defeated Juan Sebastian
    – Omar Atlas & Bob Geigel defeated Chati Yokouchi & Yasu Fuji
    – Harley Race beat Pat O’Connor 
    – The Stomper & Danny Little Bear beat Roger Kirby & Black Angus

    Fargo, North Dakota:
    – In a cage match; The Crusher beat Ivan Koloff
    – Wahoo McDaniel beat Larry Hennig 
    – Dusty Rhodes beat Don Muraco

    1973 

    Denver, Colorado:
    – The Crusher & Wahoo McDaniel beat Superstar Billy Graham & Ivan Koloff in 2 out of 3 falls
    – Billy Robinson beat Ray Stevens via dq
    – Geoff Portz beat Rene Goulet 
    – Greg Gagne beat Bill Crouch

    Mexico City, Mexico:
    – Kim Sung Ho defeated Alfonso Dantes for the EMLL NWA Light Heavyweight Title

    1974 

    Minneapolis, Minnesota:
    – Ivan Putski beat Superstar Billy Graham by countout 
    – Billy Robinson beat Larry Heiniemi

    Chicago, Illinois:
    – AWA Tag Team Champions Nick Bockwinkel & Ray Stevens beat Wahoo McDaniel & Chris Taylor 
    – Bobo Brazil beat Baron Von Raschke by dq

    1986

    Denver, Colorado:
    – Stan Hansen vs. Nick Bockwinkle for the AWA Title never took place. (Hansen was ordered to lose the belt to Bockwinkle and refused and left the building, ran over the AWA belt with his pickup and mailed the belt back to Gagne). The AWA announced that since World Champion Stan Hansen refused to wrestle Nick Bockwinkle, Hansen was stripped of the title and Bockwinkle was named the new champion 
    – Verne Gagne & Greg Gagne & Jimmy Snuka beat Nord The Barbarian & Boris Zhukov & Sheik Adnan
    – AWA Tag Team Champions Buddy Rose & Doug Somers beat Midnight Rockers 
    – Sherri Martel beat Candi Devine

    1992 

    Memphis, Tennessee:
    – Tom Prichard defeated Brian Christopher for the USWA Southern Heavyweight Title 

    1998

    Cleveland, Ohio:
    – Steve Austin defeated Kane for the WWF World Heavyweight Title

    1999 

    Fayetteville, North Carolina:
    – The Hardy Boyz defeated Faarooq & Bradshaw for the WWF World Tag Team Titles

    2008

    WWE Night of Champions: Dallas, Texas:
    – Jeff Hardy defeated Montel Vontavious Porter    
    – John Morrison and The Miz defeated Finlay and Hornswoggle to retain the WWE Tag Team Championship
    – Matt Hardy defeated Chavo Guerrero (with Bam Neely) to retain the WWE United States Championship    
    – Mark Henry defeated Kane and Big Show to win the ECW Championship
    – Ted DiBiase and Cody Rhodes defeated Hardcore Holly in a Handicap match for the World Tag Team Championship    
    – Kofi Kingston defeated Chris Jericho (with Lance Cade) to capture the WWE Intercontinental Championship    
    – Mickie James defeated Katie Lea Burchill (with Paul Burchill) to retain the WWE Women’s Championship    
    – Edge defeated Batista to retain the World Heavyweight Championship
    – Triple H defeated John Cena to retain the WWE Championship

  • WWE Smackdown spoilers: Dean Ambrose vs. Miz in a champion vs. champion match

    This week’s Smackdown featured a skeleton crew because the majority of the top stars are in Honolulu, Hawaii, for Wednesday’s house show after which they head to Japan for two days. Seth Rollins vs. Kevin Owens vs. Dean Ambrose for the WWE title headlines the July 1st show, while Chris Jericho vs. Dean Ambrose vs. Seth Rollins for the WWE title headlines night two. Asuka vs. Natalya for the NXT Title, John Cena vs. AJ Styles, Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Chris Jericho, and Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Kevin Owens are also on the tour.

    Smackdown results:

    – Cesaro won a four-way over Apollo Crews, Sheamus, and Alberto Del Rio to become the top contender for the U.S. title.

    – U.S. Champion Rusev then beat Cesaro to retain. Rusev vs. Titus O’Neil was announced for the July 4th Raw.

    – Dana Brooke beat Billie Kay of NXT fame.

    – The Miz TV segment with Dean Ambrose built to a WWE Champion vs. IC Champion match as the main event of the show.

    – Erick Rowan & Braun Strowman won a squash match.

    – Sasha Banks beat Summer Rae.

    – WWE Champion Dean Ambrose beat I-C The Miz to retain.

  • TNA Impact Wrestling results: World Champ Lashley vs. EC3 vs. Galloway

    Previously on Impact:

    Last week on Impact, Jeff Hardy defeated his brother Broken Matt Hardy in a Six Sides of Steel Cage Match. Jeff further broke Matt by putting him through two tables and a pile of chairs. Also, Billy Corgan advised Dixie Carter to take a leave of absence due to her issues with Maria and The Miracle. On top of that, The Miracle defeated Eddie Edwards for the X Division title and promised to cash it in for a world title shot at Destination X. Life is full of miracles.

    Tonight on Impact:

    On tonight’s Impact, Bobby Lashley will defend the TNA World title against both Drew Galloway and Ethan Carter III in an electric main event. Additionally, Sienna will defend her TNA Knockouts title against future hall of famer, Gail Kim.

    Show Recap:

    The night kicks off with The Miracle and Maria already in the ring. Maria calls Billy Corgan a fair leader and thanks him for getting Dixie to take a leave of absence. This prompts her to welcome us to her show. She looks marvelous in her sparkly blue short shorts. The Miracle recaps winning the X Division title and brings up world champion Lashley. Lashley interrupts and is upset that The Miracle mentioned his name. The Miracle promises to cash in the X Division title for a title shot at Destination X. 

    EC3 heads down to the ring, and promises to win the world title tonight. He says The Miracle won the X Divison title by kissing up to a Rockstar and cheating.

    This brings out the subtle heel Corgan. Billy said that he’s an icon outside of wrestling. Billy is upset that EC3 brought him up; the struggle has officially become real at Impact High School. EC3 thinks that The Miracle should defend the belt tonight and Billy agrees. Billy announces that The Miracle will defend that title against the winner of an X Division Battle Royal later tonight. The Miracle and Lashley jump EC3, but Drew Galloway ran down for the save. Drew went to hit the Claymore on Lashley but he moved and hit EC3 instead. 

    – In the locker room, EC3 and Drew argued about the events that just happened. It got really heated. The other wrestlers in the locker room tried to separate them.

    TNA Knockouts Champion Sienna vs. Gail Kim

    As Gail made her way to the ring, Josh reminds us that Gail will be inducted into the TNA Hall of Fame. Allie and Sienna to come out. Allie congratulates Gail for her Hall of Fame induction, but feels that Gail should retire.

    Gail and Sienna have a really good match. Sienna used power moves to dominate Gail. Gail hit the blockbuster and Allie jumped on the apron. Jade ran out and went to hit the package piledriver on Allie. Marti Belle ran out and knocked out Jade. Allie distracted Gail and Sienna hit the Silencer to win the match.

    – In the back, Broken Matt arrived to the Impact Zone. His wife Reby pushed him in a wheelchair as he held Maxel in his lap. He’s still broken and isn’t done with Brother Nero, aka Jeff Hardy.

    – The Miracle and Drew argue in the back. Miracle tells Drew the real problem is EC3. Drew tells Miracle not to underestimate the X Division guys. 

    Fact Of Life with King Of The Mountain Champion Eli Drake

    Eli called everyone dummies, yeah. He talked about being the KOTM champion and that guys who had been with the company a long time were jealous. Eli brings out his guest James Storm.

    Eli talks about Storm being a TNA original and wonders if he’s jealous of Eli. Storm calls him Eli “Dork”. Eli pressed his “Dummy, Yeah” Button and pointed at a different crowd member. Storm wants to play a drinking game: drink anytime Eli presses the “Dummy, Yeah” Button. Eli pulls out a jug of water and the crowd booed the water. Storm changed the drinking game to a slapping game. Eli teases pressing the button. Eli finally pressed the button and Storm gave him the Last Call Superkick.

    – The “TMZ” interview guys ask Jeff if he saw Matt. Jeff says they’re going meet face to face to find a solution for Matt.

    – We got a fake infomercial for “The Fixer”. 

    – In the back, Rosemary tries to seduce and convince Bram to join Decay. It was both scary and strangely a turn on. This segment caused lots of weird feelings.

    – Broken Matt comes to the ring with his new piano theme music. Reby pushed him down in a wheelchair. Matt was dramatic and played the part well here. He made Reby push him around the ring while he berated the “creatures” and blames them for following Brother Nero. He said he’s had a lot of bad memories in the Impact Zone. He’s not the only one. Matt called out Jeff to the ring. Josh wondered if Jeff would come to the ring as we cut to commercial.

    – Back from commercial, Jeff makes his way down. Matt tells him that he needs one more match and needs to win. He wants six weeks to “recuperate from his life threatening injuries”. Matt says that whoever wins this match will own the name and brand “Hardy”. Matt asked Jeff if he agrees to the stipulation for the match. Jeff says yes and starts to do the Daniel Bryan “Yes” Chant.

    Matt gets out of the wheelchair and attacks Jeff from behind. Broken Matt gave Jeff the Twist of Fate with Jeff’s head wedged in a chair. Matt says the match will take place next week but not in the Impact Zone. The final match will take place at their home in Cameron, North Carolina. Matt called it The Final Deletion and kept screaming it over and over.

    – We get another fake infomercial for “The Fixer”. They even leave a fake number to call.

    X Division Battle Royal: Eddie Edwards, DJ Z, Andrew Everett, Trevor Lee, Rockstar Spud, Braxton Sutter and Mandrews

    The Miracle and Maria are doing commentary for the battle royal. The Miracle doesn’t think anyone in the battle royal can beat him. Not a bad battle royal. Each guy had a chance to shine. Spud was the first eliminated followed by Mandrews and DJ Z.

    The final four were Braxton, Edwards, Lee, and Everett. Eddie and Everett ended up on the apron. Miracle left commentary and distracted Eddie, which led to his elimination. The Helms Dynasty double-teamed Sutter until Sutter suddenly eliminated both.

    Post-match, The Helms Dynasty triple teamed Sutter and left him in the middle of the ring.

    X Division Champion “The Miracle” Mike Bennett w/ “The First Lady of Wrestling” Maria Kanellis Bennett vs. Braxton Sutter

    The Miracle demanded the match start right away. He took his time taking off his ring jacket. Sutter rolled up Miracle for a near fall but Miracle quickly hit the MIP for the win to retain the title.

    – In the back, Mahabali Shera is worried about facing Al Snow and The Tribunal. He pointed out it’s 3 against 2. Grado said he’ll handle it and had a third man. Grado made a reference to the main event of the 1996 Bash At The Beach, which Shera didn’t get. One can only assume that they saw the infomercials for “The Fixer” and hired his services.

    -In the back, Sutter talks about his loss moments ago. He realizes he’s swimming with sharks and is going to show everyone that he is also a shark.

    Mahabali Shera, Grado, and Tyrus vs. Al Snow and The Tribunal (Basile Baraka & Baron Dax)

    Grado and Shera introduce their partner and problem fixer, Tyrus. Tyrus is apparently a babyface now; I may have missed his turn. Tyrus throws The Tribunal around and stalks Snow around the ring. The heels get the heat on Grado and isolate him in their corner. Tyrus gets the hot tag and runs wild. He scores the pin for his team. Apparently, Tyrus’s new gimmick is he’s a problem solver and you can hire him to solve your problems.

    – In the back, Shera wants to celebrate their victory by eating. He’s very hungry but he won’t be paying for Grado.

    – Still in the back, The Miracle says his match with Braxton earlier was the most difficult of his life. The Miracle promises to cash in the X Division title at 9pm next week.

    TNA World Champion “The Destroyer” Bobby Lashley vs. Drew Galloway vs. Ethan Carter III

    This was a really good main event. EC3 and Drew tease fighting but instead chase Lashley. Drew and EC3 take turns stomping Lashley in the corner. Drew and EC3 try to one up each other with moves on Lashley. Drew and EC3 argue which gives Lashley the advantage on EC3. Drew just sits back and watches. Drew and EC3 hit dives on Lashley on the outside.

    EC3 and Drew trade punches in the middle of the ring. Drew chopped EC3 so hard it busted open EC3’s chest. Drew hit the Futureshock DDT but Lashley broke up the pin fall. EC3 set up for the One Percenter but Drew hit the Claymore on EC3 and Lashley hit Drew with The Spear. Lashley hit The Spear on EC3 for the win and retained the World Title.

    Next Time on Impact:

    Next week on Impact, Broken Matt Hardy and Jeff Hardy will have their final battle at their home in Cameron, North Carolina. 

  • Even with weak TV competition, RAW ratings drop to 3.09 million viewers

    After last week’s current day strong RAW number following the surprising Dean Ambrose WWE title win, ratings came down for the Monday, June 27th edition of the show on a night without strong television competition.

    Raw did 3.09 million viewers, the lowest number on a night without major team sports competition since 1997 . That’s the second lowest numbers outside of football season or major holidays, beating only the 2.96 million viewers drawn two weeks ago against game five of the NBA playoffs.

    The ratings pattern showed that people were at a low level of interest going in with a unusually weak first hour. There was some second hour growth, and a small third hour decline. However, it wasn’t the usual big third hour drop so the fans who were there stuck through the show for the most part. 

    Raw was third for the night on cable, trailing TNT’s Rizzoli & Isles (4.36 million viewers) and TNT’s Major Crimes (3.99 million viewers), barely beating Fox News Channel’s The O’Reilly Factor (3.05 million viewers).

    Viewership dropped 11 percent from last week, showing the big gain caused by the post-Money in the Bank buzz didn’t sustain.

    The Olympic swimming trials on NBC did 5.17 million viewers, so one can argue there was some sports competition, but that was only against the first hour of the show.

    The three hours were:

    • 8 p.m. 3.10 million viewers
    • 9 p.m. 3.17 million viewers
    • 10 p.m. 3.01 million viewers

  • Daily Pro Wrestling History (6/28): Bow down to “King” Ken Shamrock; AWA Battle By The Bay

    1923

    St. Louis, Missouri: 
    – Wladek Zbyszko defeated Ivan Orloff in 2 straight falls (Wladek Zbyszko was billed as the World Greco-Roman wrestling champion)
    – Jack Kelly defeated Barney Kuczma 

    1939 

    St. Louis, Missouri:
    – Warren Bockwinkel beat Swede Swenson
    – Joe Stecher defeated Joe Millich 
    – Jim Logas beat Mannie Marqulis

    1946

    St. Joseph, Missouri:
    – Mildred Burke beat Juanita Coffman
    – Bobby Bruns defeated Ray Villmer
    – Bill Lee double countout with Dean Detton 
    – Sonny Myers defeated Nate Brown

    1955 

    Minneapolis, Minnesota:
    – Butch Levy & Leo Nomellini beat Kinji Shibuya & Ike Eakins
    – Ilio DiPaolo beat Shag Thomas (as King Toby)
    – Johnny Kostas drew Dick the Bruiser (Bruiser Afflis)
    – Red Bastien beat Al Warshawsky

    1962

    Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada:
    – Ilio DiPaolo & Joe Scarpello defeated Mr. M and Bob Geigel to become the first AWA Canadian Open Tag Team Champions in a one night tournament

    1963 

    Lewiston, Minnesota:
    – AWA Tag Team Champions Ivan Kalmikoff & Karol Kalmikoff beat Doug Gilbert & Don McClarty in 2 out of 3 falls

    1966 

    Davenport, Iowa:
    – AWA Tag Team Champions Dick the Bruiser & the Crusher beat Mad Dog Vachon & the Alaskan
    – Billy Red Cloud beat Chris Markoff
    – Wilbur Snyder beat Big K by dq 
    – Eddie Sharkey drew Doug Gilbert

    1969

    Bloomington, Minnesota:
    – In a Non title match; Bill Watts beat AWA Champion Verne Gagne
    – Flying Redheads Red Bastien & Billy Red Lyons beat Mad Dog Vachon & Butcher Vachon
    – Wilbur Snyder beat Dr. X by dq
    – Pampero Firpo beat Stan the Moose 
    – Bob Geigel beat Rene Goulet

    1974 

    Sheboygan, Wisconsin:
    – The Crusher beat Larry Hennig
    – Wahoo McDaniel beat Larry Heiniemi (sub Billy Graham) in 2 out of 3 falls
    – Greg Gagne beat Buddy Wolff by dq 
    – Jim Brunzell pinned Bill Howard

    1975 

    St. Paul, Minnesota:
    – AWA Champion Verne Gagne no contest Baron Von Raschke
    – Chris Taylor beat Mad Dog Vachon by countout  
    – Greg Gagne & Jim Brunzell beat Mitsu Arakawa & Kim Duk

    1978

    Davenport, Iowa:
    – AWA Champion Nick Bockwinkel beat Rufus R Jones 
    – Pat Patterson & Ray Stevens beat Jim Brunzell & Steve Olsonoski (sub Greg Gagne)

    1979 

    Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada:
    – Billy Robinson & Verne Gagne beat Pat Patterson & Ray Stevens
    – AWA Champion Nick Bockwinkel beat Super Destroyer Mark II by dq
    – Billy Robinson beat Lord Alfred Hayes by count out
    – Stan Hansen & Bobby Duncum beat Greg Gagne & Wahoo McDaniel
    – Jesse Ventura beat Paul Ellering 
    – Buddy Wolff beat Ron Ritchie

    1980 

    Milwaukee, Wisconsin:
    – In a No DQ Match; AWA Tag Team Champions Verne Gagne & Mad Dog Vachon beat Adrian Adonis & Jesse Ventura
    – In an Arm Wrestling (Special Referee: The Crusher) Dino Bravo beat Jerry Blackwell 
    – Tito Santana beat Super Destroyer Mark II

    1981 

    St. Paul, Minnesota:
    – AWA Champion Nick Bockwinkel beat Baron Von Raschke
    – Jesse Ventura beat The Crusher by dq
    – Tito Santana no contest Sheik Adnan
    – AWA Light Heavyweight Champion Mike Graham beat Buck Zumhofe
    – In a Handicap Match; Jerry Blackwell beat Ben Deleon & Juan Valez
    – Adrian Adonis beat Jim Brunzell 
    – Brad Rheingans beat Laurent Soucie

    1982 

    Madison Square Garden:
    – Chief Jay & Jules Strongbow defeated Mr. Fuji & Mr. Saito for the WWF Tag Team Titles

    1986 

    AWA Battle by the Bay: Oakland, California:
    – Jerry Blackwell beat AWA Champion Stan Hansen by dq
    – Nord The Barbarian beat Nick Bockwinkel
    – Curt Hennig & Midnight Rockers beat Buddy Rose & Doug Somers & Alexis Smirnoff
    – Scott LeDoux no contest Larry Zbyszko
    – Colonel DeBeers beat Brad Rheingans (sub Scott Hall)
    – Jimmy Snuka beat Jay York
    – Sherri Martel beat Candi Devine to win AWA ladies title 
    – Earthquake Ferris beat Ali Kahn

    1993 

    Council, Virginia:
    – The Bruise Brothers defeated the Rock n’ Roll Express for the Smoky Mountain Wrestling Tag Team Titles

    Memphis, Tennessee:
    – Jeff Jarrett defeated Brian Christopher for the USWA Southern Heavyweight Title 

    1997 

    Inglewood, California:
    – Chris Jericho defeated Syxx for the WCW Cruiserweight Title 

    1998 

    WWF King of the Ring | Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania:
    – Ken Shamrock defeated Rocky Maivia to win the King Of The Ring tournament
    – The Undertaker defeated Mankind in a Hell In A Cell match 
    – Kane defeated Steve Austin in a First Blood match to win the WWF World Heavyweight Title

    2009 

    Sacramento, California | WWE Great American Bash
    – Rey Mysterio defeated Chris Jericho in a title vs. mask match to win the WWE Intercontinental Title
    – Edge and Chris Jericho defeated Carlito & Primo and Ted DiBiase & Cody Rhodes to win the WWE Tag Team Championship 
    – Michelle McCool defeated Melina to win the Diva’s Title

    2012

    Orlando, Florida:
    – Badd Influence (Christopher Daniels & Frankie Kazarian) defeated Kurt Angle & AJ Styles to win the TNA World Tag Team Titles

  • WWE Superstars spoilers & other RAW live notes

    Thanks to Chris

    The following notes are from RAW in Tampa, FL, Monday night.

    Superstars TV results:

    – Dolph Ziggler was announcing Superstars with Tom Phillips and David Otunga this week.

    – Golden Truth beat The Ascension in about five minutes when Goldust got Victor with the Final Cut.

    – Baron Corbin def. Jack Swagger with the End of Days in about seven minutes.

    *********

    – After Raw, the Club and Seth Rollins surrounded Dean Ambrose when Big Show, Enzo, and Cass came out. It turned into an 8-man tag that broke down into everyone hitting finishers with Big Show pinning Anderson with the chokeslam.

    – During Raw, the reactions for John Cena were far and away louder than for anyone else. It wasn’t close.

    – The crowd lost steam with Kane being the mystery opponent for Miz and never really got fully back into the show at that point. Given that it was Florida, a lot were expecting Finn Balor or Nakamura since they were both seen around the arena earlier.

    It was interesting that they were not offering refunds for Roman Reigns not appearing as if Cena or Austin were pulled from a show in the past, they would offer refunds.

    – Shane McMahon was also advertised but wasn’t there.