Tag: main story

Amid a quiet weekend in the world of combat sports, the calm got disrupted a bit Saturday afternoon with news that former TNA World Champion and NXT TakeOver background regular Bobby Roode made his promotional debut at the organization’s two day run at the UK-based Download Festival. Here’s a look at his entrance.

Roode downed Angelo Dawkins in his debut, and could be appearing Sunday as NXT has four hours of matches booked at the Festival. He didn’t appear on last Thursday’s TV tapings, but could be a presence via the magic of videotape with an official contract signing, a promo, etc.

So now what? With many of the top NXT talents expect to be brought up to WWE when the brand extension happens in July, NXT will still need to keep the cupboard stocked with a few veterans to mix with the up and comers. There’s also the concern of WWE bringing up too many talents and not having a plan on what to do with them — something that has plagued them in the past.

Saturday was a nice step forward for Roode and it will be fun to see how NXT debuts him and what the vision is for his career throughout 2016. With more of an opportunity to make an, ahem, impact in the WWE system than ever before, he picked a good time to explore his free agency options after what felt like a lifetime in TNA.

[Josh Nason]

TNA SLAMMIVERSARY PPV FROM UNIVERSAL IN ORLANDO AT 8 P.M.

• Bobby Lashley vs. Drew Galloway for the TNA title – match can only be won via knockout or submission
• Jeff Hardy vs. Matt Hardy full metal mayhem
• Jade vs. Sienna for Knockouts title
• Abyss & Crazzy Steve vs. Jessie Godderz & Robbie E for tag titles
• Trevor Lee vs. Eddie Edwards vs. DJ Zema Ion vs. Andre Everett for X title
• Eli Drake vs. Bram for King of the Mountain title
• Ethan Carter III vs. Mike Bennett
• Grado & Mahabali Shera vs. The Tribunal

Sunday we’re looking for reports from WWE in Baton Rouge (Dean Ambrose, Kevin Owens, Rusev, Enzo, Cass, Kane, Big Show, Braun Strowman, Erick Rowan, Sami Zayn, Dudleys, Lane, Sasha Banks), Lake Charles, LA (Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins, A.J. Styles, Sheamus, Dolph  Ziggler, Charlotte, Alberto Del Rio,Natalya, Luke Gallows, Karl Anderson, Usos, New Day), NXT in Darby, UK and ROH in Milwaukee at the Turner Hall Ballroom (Adam Cole vs Colt Cabana, Christopher Daniels vs. Kamaitachi plus the finals of Tag Wars).

Raw will be Monday in New Orleans including the return of Shane McMahon. It’ll be the go-home show for Money in the Bank. NXT also runs in Belfast, Northern Ireland. There are also TNA tapings in Orlando.

Smackdown and Main Event will be taped Tuesday in Biloxi, MS and NXT runs in Dublin, Ireland. There is also an almost live Impact in Orlando as well as the taping for the following week’s show.

TNA tapings will continue on Wednesday in Orlando. NXT will be in Liverpool, England.

THE ROUND-UP

• NXT Download Festival results: Bobby Roode makes in-ring debut; surprise return
• Evolve 62 results & video highlights: Hero vs. Thatcher III; Tony Nese gets WWE tourney opp
• F4W / Wrestling Observer annual VEGAS convention information (updated)
• UFC featherweight contender Chad Mendes flagged by USADA
• The Week In British Wrestling: Where does Will Ospreay’s BOSJ win rank historically?

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 6/9/2016: Will Christopher Nowinski testify in WWE concussion lawsuit? – 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 are included in the lawsuit.

Wrestling Observer Newsletter

READ IT HERE: June 13, 2016 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Deaths of Muhammad Ali and Kimbo Slice, Brock Lesnar returning to UFC, more

A look at the lives and careers of Muhammad Ali and Kimbo Slice, the return of Brock Lesnar to UFC and the story behind it and coverage of the Best of the Super Juniors tournament are the lead stories in this week’s issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.

Our Ali story talks about the changes in public opinion on him going through the years, his place in culture, the Ali-Frazier fight, the Ali-Liston fights, his being banned from boxing, the creation of different world titles, the Ali-Foreman fight, the Thrilla in Manila, the inspiration of the movie Rocky, what Ali took from pro wrestling, Gorgeous George and Fred Blassie, and what he gave back to pro wrestling, the Ali vs. Inoki story, Ali’s appearances in relation to pro wrestling, Ali’s pro wrestling matches that are often forgotten, Ali working the first WrestleMania and the Superdome in New Orleans for Bill Watts, the sad ending of his career and the fraud on the public that was the Larry Holmes fight.

The death of Kimbo Slice is also covered. Read about the circumstances leading to the death, how he became famous, his real background, what he did between football and MMA, the Sean Gannon fight, Elite XC, his television ratings records, the crazy night that was supposed to be the Ken Shamrock fight, the death of Elite XC and how media a misunderstanding ended the promotion, Kimbo’s days in UFC, the highest rated season of Ultimate Fighter, and sustaining the drawing power.  Plus, a look at Kimbo Slice and pro wrestling and why it was about to happen, and how it fell apart, is covered. There’s also look at Slice in boxing, and the Dada 5000 fight.

Finally, read about the Brock Lesnar to UFC deal, what Lesnar said about why he’s coming back should it be believed, the choice of Mark Hunt as the opponent, why the deal took so long to be announced, how this affects pro wrestling, Lesnar’s regrets about re-signing with WWE but why you can question that, the drug testing issue and the Ariel Helwani issue that reporting the story first turned into.

CLICK HERE FOR A FULL PREVIEW.

Current 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.

Rates are:

For the United States, it is $13 for 4 issues, $32 for 12, $61 for 24, $101 for 40 and $131 for 52. In Canada and Mexico, rates are $14.50 for 4, $35 for 12, $67 for 24, $111 for 40 and $144 or 52.  In Europe, you can get the fastest delivery and best rates by sending to moonsault@mediaplusint.com  For the rest of the world, rates are $16.50 for 4, $44 for 12, $85 for 24, $141 for 40 issues and $183 for 52.

If you order by mail with a check, cash or money order (P.O. Box 1228, Campbell, CA 95009-1228), you can get $1 off in every price range.

If you are a new subscriber ordering 24 or more issues, you can get one free classic issue of your choice sent to you today.  With a 40-issue subscription, you can get two free classic issues. 

Check out the latest online Wrestling Observer BACK ISSUE: May 3, 1999 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Death of Rick Rude, WWF Backlash review, more. A look at the life and career of Rick Rude, a review of WWF Backlash, plus tons more.

SATURDAY NEWS UPDATE

Canadian authorities reportedly dropped criminal charges against Teddy Hart stemming from sexual assault allegations in 2014. The case apparently lacked criteria needed for it to proceed. An attorney representing Hart says his client always maintained his innocence. Hart also signed a peace bond to not have any contact for two years with the two women who accused him of the charges. His attorney said Hart has no interest in contacting them.

Evolve runs their second iPPV in as many nights, heading to Orlando for an 8 PM start for Evolve 62. It looks like a fun show featuring their champ Timothy Thatcher, a five-way WWE cruiserweight tourney preview where Tony Nese can grab a spot if he wins, an ECIII open challenge, and more. Here’s a look at last night where Chris Hero made his presence felt.

In an update on the manslaughter trial of a Pennsylvania man accused of causing the death of an 18-month-old by imitating wrestling moves, a judge will not allow the prosecution to show jurors computer-generated videos of the moves. If the 21-year-old man on trial takes the stand to testify, the judge may allow the images shown during cross-examination. The injuries suffered were allegedly from the defendant imitating Undertaker’s Last Ride and Rock’s Rock Bottom. The defense says the death was an accident. The trial is set to begin on Wednesday.

WWE & Pro Wrestling

Dave Bautista teaches Hollywood couple Anna Faris and husband Chris Pratt (Guardians of the Galaxy, Jurassic World, Parks & Rec) some wrestling moves.

• Last night in Arena Mexico, Rey Cometa beat Cavernario to win the Mexican national welterweight title in a match worth checking out. The Cubs Fan has a breakdown of the entire card that also featured a trios match in the main event.
• VICE has an article headlined “How Robert Rodriquez’s Lucha Libre Telenovela Helped Me Love Professional Wrestling Again”
• In an interview plugging Raw in New Orleans, Luke Gallows talks about The Club and their role in WWE.
• One young fan totally marked out for the surprise return of Seth Rollins at Extreme Rules.
• Our NXT TV recapper Arya Witner had TNA World Champion Drew Galloway on the Wrestling Outsider Podcast.
• A Fox Sports article looks back at Brock Lesnar and his first run in WWE with Lesnar quoted as saying his best friends on the road during that time period were vodka and Vicodin.
• Here’s a look at the trailer for Gridlocked, a movie starring Trish Stratus, Danny Glover, and Dominic Purcell of Prison Break fame.

• One blogger is calling the return of Brock to UFC a “huge risk”.
• Here is a gallery listing 10 pro wrestlers with a background in MMA.
• Big congrats to former WWF wrestler Big Bully Busick who beat cancer. Here’s the story.
• Another gallery from an Alabama website lists 10 things pro wrestling fans hate about wrestling. The comments section is not very kind to wrestling fans questioning the IQ of fans, whether they should be allowed to vote and estimating the amount of front teeth they have retained.
• A Scottish promotion is celebrating their fifth anniversary and bringing in Billy Gunn and Sean Waltman for shows in July.
• Kevin Owens did some press for a Texas newspaper.
• An indie promotion out of Shelbyville, IN is running a show today as part of a day-long fundraiser benefiting a 5-year-old girl battling epilepsy. In an event that also features a motorcycle ride and a concert, the wrestling show itself features a title match and a battle royal where the winner will receive a trophy.
• Another fundraiser for a volunteer fire department features a wrestling show in Pamplin, VA. The Times-Virginian (Appomattox, VA) has a story on the show set for next Saturday.
• Chris Nowinski’s Concussion Legacy Foundation issued a release ahead of an article that is “attempting to create controversy where there is none.”
• A wrestling show headlined a fundraiser last weekend that benefited a 16-year-old Georgia native who is battling cancer.
• This week on 6:05 Superpodcast, David Bixenspan and Brian Last talk to John Arezzi about photographing the Muhammad Ali vs. Gorilla Monsoon angle, Don Laible about Dennis Coralluzzo, and AWA producer “Polish” Joe Ciupik about Larry Nelson and other crazy AWA characters in the ’80s. Also, Brian and Bix talk about Johnny Valentine vs. Bull Curry  match on NWA On Demand and much more.
• Catch Mid-States Wrestling tonight in Harrison, AR, at the Youth Center with Trevor Murdoch, Ace Steel, Bob Orton Jr. and TONYA HARDING.
• In Your Face Wrestling tonight at Duanesburg YMCA in Delanson, NY with their Coronation Cup event with Bob Evans, HC Loc, and more.
• This week’s Wrestling Weekly podcast featured Les Thatcher talking about the late Danny Miller.

UFC & MMA

• Not only is Josh Gross’ Ali vs. Inoki book available for pre-order, Gross is involved with a documentary on the fight along with filmmaker Bobby Razak. Here’s the six-minute trailer.
• As of now, Chad Mendes still has yet to comment on USADA flagging him for an out of competition violation. For what? We have no idea.
• In case you missed it, Bryan Alvarez’s weekly show with UFC light heavyweight Tom Lawlor went up last night for subscribers.
• Our Josh Nason had UFC commentator Jon Anik on Punch-Out this week.

​SUMMER EVENTS CALENDAR

TODAY (JUNE 11) in professional Wrestling History: Rick Rude wins Southern Title; AJ Styles wins TNA/NWA Title

• June 11 – Mid States Wrestling in Harrison, AR at the Youth Center has Matt Riviera vs. Americos, Trevor Murdoch vs. Roosevelt, Bob Orton Jr. Vs. Michael Barry, plus Ace Steel and Tonya Harding refs an arm wrestling match.
• June 11 – In Your Face Wrestling Presents: “Coronation Cup 2016” – Duanesburg YMCA (formerly Duanesburg Area Community Center) 221 Victoria Drive Delanson, NY, Only a 30 minute drive from Albany!
• June 11 – SMASH wrestling in Oshawa, Ontario – Harmony Creek Community & Events Centre, 15 Harmony Road North, Oshawa, Ontario L1K6K8. Tickets here.
• June 11 – Kayfabe Dojo Wrestling runs at Pineapple Jack’s in Rochester, NY, for a 4 PM show
• June 11 – ECCW Port Coquitlam, BC at the Elks Hall #49.
• June 11 – NECW presents the 2016 IRON 8 Championship, Saturday Night, June 11 in Wakefield, MA
• June 11 – Lex Luger will appear in Gray, TN at the Daniel Boone High School for the Fountain of Life Bible Church’s Car and Bike show at 6 p.m. The show is free. 
• June 11 – The UWC returns to Kelly’s Bar/Banquet Hall, 14 Railroad Avenue, Wrightstown, NJ 08562. Facebook: www.facebook.com/UWCFanCave.
• June 12 – TNA Slammiversary headlined by Drew Galloway vs. Bobby Lashley for the TNA title from Orlando
• June 12 – Revolution Pro Wrestling in London, England headlined by Kurt Angle vs. Zack Sabre Jr.
• June 17 – Absolute Intense Wrestling at Mentor-on-the-Lake, OH at Tequila Jaxx with Joey Janela vs. Facade, Shayna Baszler vs. Veda Scott, Laredo Kid, & B.J. Whitmer
• June 17 – AAW “Killers Among Us,” Drago vs. Chris Hero, at 115 Bourbon Street (3359 w 115th Street Merrionette Park, IL) Tickets available.
• June 18 – UFC in Ottawa: Rory McDonald vs. Stephen Thompson
• June 18 – New England Fights (NEF) returns to the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine with “NEF 24: PROMISED LAND.” Tickets for “NEF 24” are on sale now.
• June 19 – Steel Pro Wrestling runs at the KoC in Hamilton, ON.
• June 19 – New Japan Dominion – Tetsuya Naito vs. Kazuchika Okada in an IWGP title match and Kenny Omega vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi in a ladder match for the IC title
• June 19 – WWE Money in the Bank from the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas 
• June 24 – ROH Best in the World from Concord, NC with Jay Lethal vs. Jay Briscoe for the ROH title 
• June 24 – Isao Kobayashi vs. Justin Lawrence will appear on Spike.com at the Bellator Dynamite show in St. Louis. This is a combo MMA & kickboxing show.
• June 25 – Pure Wrestling Association, Wakas Community Hall, 180 Tsulquate Rd, Port Hardy, BC
• June 25 – Great North Wrestling returns to the Pembroke Memorial Centre, featuring Nicolai Volkoff. Tickets available here.
• June 25 – The UWC returns to Kelly’s Bar/Banquet Hall, 14 Railroad Avenue, Wrightstown, NJ 08562. More information here.
• June 25 – Ultima Lucha tapings in Boyle Heights, Los Angeles at The Temple
• June 26 – Ultima Lucha tapings in Boyle Heights, Los Angeles at The Temple
• July 1 – Pure Wrestling Association is proud to announce our 7th year as part of the Canada Day Celebration. Riverside Park Cambridge, Cambridge, Ontario N3H. 
• July 2 – Stars of Wrestling from Alameda, CA at the Alameda Point Gym  has Bobby Lashley, Carlito and The Boogeyman appearing.
• July 2 – NWA Cajun Heat in Morgan City, LA at the Municipal Auditorium with Jax Dane vs. Mustang Mike for the NWA title, and an appearance by Kevin Nash
• July 7 – Rock Solid Wrestling runs in Sudbury, ON.
• July 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 – Smash Wrestling in Fort Erie, ONT at the Native Friendship Center. Chris Hero will headline this fund raising event
• July 17 – Lucha by the Water ft Blue Demon Jr! – Harbourfront Centre Theatre, 231 Queens Quay West, Toronto, Ontario M5J 2G8, 3-6 pm. Tickets here.
• July 17 – Premier Wrestling at the IFDES Lodge and Portuguese Hall in Gilroy, CA with Joe Graves vs. Gabriel Gallo for the Premier. Tickets at www.premierwrestle.com.
• July 22 – Ignite Wrestling in Fort Pierce, FL at the National Guard Armory on a show with Lince Dorado, Mr. 450 Hammet, Lio Rush, Martin Stone, Los Ben Dejos, and more
• July 23 – Chikara Pro announced a doubleheader event at Toronto’s Franklin Horner Community Center.
• July 24 – Fenix vs. Pentagon Jr. headlines for Lucha Libre New York at Club LaBoom in Queens, NY

From Dave: For those coming to our convention 7/7 to 7/10 in Las Vegas, the people at The Las Vegas Fight Shop, who have been subscribers for probably 25 years, have a special to those coming. They have a Friday night from 6-8 p.m. signing with Randy Couture and a Saturday from Noon to 2 p.m. signing with Nate Diaz. The signings require the purchase of an Affliction shirt, but anyone from the site can get 20% off a shirt and VIP treatment to cut down the line. Also, anyone from the site who comes to the store can get 20 percent off anything all weekend.

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Remembering The Greatest

Today, an estimated 14,000 people attended a Muslim funeral in Louisville, Kentucky for one of, if not the most, famous athletes in the world, Muhammad Ali. As a three-time heavyweight boxing champion of the world, Ali was best known for his gift of promos. Unfortunately, the Parkinsons disease that ended the champion’s career, also left him speechless for the last decade or so of his life. He was an exceptional athlete, a humanitarian, a political activist, but most of all, an entertainer. Ali knew how to promote a fight, and anyone coming up in the world of combat sports would be doing themselves a favor by learning from “The Greatest.” 

Start by watching this is the fantastic HBO tribute to Muhammad Ali. 

Learn all about the birth of MMA by reading Josh Gross’ book on the Ali vs. Inoki fight, which is now available on Amazon.

Finally, Muhammad Ali will be forever linked with the world of pro wrestling. 

[Dan Velten]

We’re looking for your thoughts on both last night’s NXT Takeover show and Tuesday’s New Japan Best of the Super Junior tournament finals so you can send a thumbs up, thumbs down or thumbs in the middle along with a best and worst match for each show to Dave@WrestlingObserver.com.

SMACKDOWN TONIGHT AT 8 P.M. ON THE USA NETWORK

• Enzo Amore & Big Cass vs. Luke Gallows & Karl Anderson
• Cesaro & Sami Zayn vs. Alberto Del Rio & Kevin Owens
• Becky Lynch vs. Dana Brooke
• Kalisto vs. Baron Corbin
• Dean Ambrose vs. Chris Jericho

THE ROUND-UP

• WWE Smackdown results: Dean Ambrose vs. Chris Jericho 
• TUF 22 episode 8 preview: A look at Abdel Medjedoub vs. Josh Stansbury
• How Brock Lesnar can help Samoa Joe become the next WWE monster
• NXT TakeOver live results: Samoa Joe vs. Finn Balor cage match; Nakamura vs. Austin Aries
• Lucha Underground results: Ultima Lucha Dos hype begins; big main event

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 6/9/2016: Will Christopher Nowinski testify in WWE concussion lawsuit? – 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 are included in the lawsuit.

Wrestling Observer Newsletter

READ IT HERE: June 13, 2016 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Deaths of Muhammad Ali and Kimbo Slice, Brock Lesnar returning to UFC, more

A look at the lives and careers of Muhammad Ali and Kimbo Slice, the return of Brock Lesnar to UFC and the story behind it and coverage of the Best of the Super Juniors tournament are the lead stories in this week’s issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.

Our Ali story talks about the changes in public opinion on him going through the years, his place in culture, the Ali-Frazier fight, the Ali-Liston fights, his being banned from boxing, the creation of different world titles, the Ali-Foreman fight, the Thrilla in Manila, the inspiration of the movie Rocky, what Ali took from pro wrestling, Gorgeous George and Fred Blassie, and what he gave back to pro wrestling, the Ali vs. Inoki story, Ali’s appearances in relation to pro wrestling, Ali’s pro wrestling matches that are often forgotten, Ali working the first WrestleMania and the Superdome in New Orleans for Bill Watts, the sad ending of his career and the fraud on the public that was the Larry Holmes fight.

The death of Kimbo Slice is also covered. Read about the circumstances leading to the death, how he became famous, his real background, what he did between football and MMA, the Sean Gannon fight, Elite XC, his television ratings records, the crazy night that was supposed to be the Ken Shamrock fight, the death of Elite XC and how media a misunderstanding ended the promotion, Kimbo’s days in UFC, the highest rated season of Ultimate Fighter, and sustaining the drawing power.  Plus, a look at Kimbo Slice and pro wrestling and why it was about to happen, and how it fell apart, is covered. There’s also look at Slice in boxing, and the Dada 5000 fight.

Finally, read about the Brock Lesnar to UFC deal, what Lesnar said about why he’s coming back should it be believed, the choice of Mark Hunt as the opponent, why the deal took so long to be announced, how this affects pro wrestling, Lesnar’s regrets about re-signing with WWE but why you can question that, the drug testing issue and the Ariel Helwani issue that reporting the story first turned into.

CLICK HERE FOR A FULL PREVIEW.

Current 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.

Rates are:

For the United States, it is $13 for 4 issues, $32 for 12, $61 for 24, $101 for 40 and $131 for 52. In Canada and Mexico, rates are $14.50 for 4, $35 for 12, $67 for 24, $111 for 40 and $144 or 52.  In Europe, you can get the fastest delivery and best rates by sending to moonsault@mediaplusint.com  For the rest of the world, rates are $16.50 for 4, $44 for 12, $85 for 24, $141 for 40 issues and $183 for 52.

If you order by mail with a check, cash or money order (P.O. Box 1228, Campbell, CA 95009-1228), you can get $1 off in every price range.

If you are a new subscriber ordering 24 or more issues, you can get one free classic issue of your choice sent to you today.  With a 40-issue subscription, you can get two free classic issues. 

Check out the latest online Wrestling Observer BACK ISSUE: May 3, 1999 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Death of Rick Rude, WWF Backlash review, more. A look at the life and career of Rick Rude, a review of WWF Backlash, plus tons more.

THURSDAY NEWS UPDATE

Impact on Tuesday night for the Slammiversary go-home show did 326,000 viewers, which is slightly above average since they went to one show a week.  

A correction from last night’s show and the Observer, in the story on Kimbo Slice when I said they were looking at transferring him to Cleveland for a heart transplant, it was actually the Cleveland Clinic in Atlantis, FL, not Cleveland, OH.

This web site is having its annual get together from 7/7 to 7/10 in Las Vegas in conjunction with International Fight Week. For more information go on Facebook and search for 10th annual F4W convention.

Gzim Selmani & Sunny Dhinsa, The Authors of Pain, were the team that attacked Jason Jordan & Chad Gable last night. In a dark match, Adrienne Reese was given the new name Amber Moon, and she beat Peyton Royce.

Bellator’s 7/16 show at the O2 Arena in London which fell apart due to the death of Kimbo Slice, as well as Josh Koscheck falling out of the show, has announced Paul Daley vs. Douglas Lima as the new main event plus Michael Page vs. Evangelista Cyborg Santos and Linton Vassell vs. Francis Carmont as the top bouts.

WWE

• NXT Takeover Brooklyn tickets for 8/20 at the Barclays Center are available on pre-sale right now using the code WWENXT. The pre-sale ends tomorrow at 10 p.m. and the regular sale goes into effect at Noon on Saturday. The names listed are Finn Balor, Samoa Joe, Shinsuke Nakamura, Asuka, Bayley, American Alpha and The Revival.
• Pro Wrestling Sheet reported that Rich Swann may be out of the cruiserweight classic due to a shoulder injury suffered a few months ago.
• Six-year-old Max has been diagnosed with stage 4 neuroblastoma for the second time. He’s a huge WWE fan and his family is not looking for any monetary donations but if anyone has anything related to WWE that thet would like to donate that he can play with while being treated there will be an event on 6/19 in Dublin, Ireland at the Woolshed Pub collecting donations. More on this here.
• A video all Nakamura fans will enjoy is here. 
• The WWE stock closed today down 13 cents per share at $17.91.
• A story on WWE production trucks can be read here.
• Here is a story on Pat Patterson’s autobiography.
• More stuff on WWE collectibles is here.
• Here is Sasha Banks promoting an event this weekend in Waco, TX.

UFC

• Mark Hunt claims Brock Lesnar is juiced to the gills.
• USADA gave Lesnar an unannounced drug test today.
• Frankie Edgar is opening a UFC Gym on Saturday in North Brunswick, NJ. The 25,000 square foot facility will be located at 1846 US Highway 1. There will be a 30 foot Octagon, strength training, cardio machines, battle ropes, agility ladders, a bag room, a BJJ studio, fitness rooms and more. The grand opening on Saturday will include a Frankie Edgar seminar at 10 a.m., a grappling seminar with Matt Hughes at 11:30 a.m., a BJJ seminar with Rafael Natal at 2 p.m., plus also appearing throughout the day will be Eddie Alvarez, Edson Barboza and Renzo Gracie.
• Chris Weidman had successful neck surgery yesterday and said he’ll be able to start hard sparring in six weeks and has issued a challenge to Michael Bisping for Madison Square Garden. The two have gone back-and-forth on Twitter with Bisping telling Weidman that he should beat Luke Rockhold first. He’s telling Rockhold the same thing.
• UFC has announced an 8/6 show in Salt Lake City, which would be the first time they ever have done a show in the state of Utah. They tried many years ago and sold so few tickets that they decided to cancel the show and move it, and not to go back. This will be an FS 1 show headlined by Alex Caceres (coming off his win on Saturday night) vs. Yair Rodriguez.
• Nick Hein vs. Tae Hyun Bang has been added to the 9/3 show in Hamburg, Germany. Hein on the show only makes sense because he’s one of Germany’s better-known fighters.  
• Joshua Stansbury won a unanimous decision over Abdel Medjeboub on Ultimate Fighter last night which gave Joanna Jedrzejczyk’s team her first win after losing every fight so far this season. (thanks to Steve Juon)

MISCELLANEOUS

• Evolve tomorrow night in Ybor City, FL at The Orpheum for an iPPV at www.WWNlive.com at 9 p.m. Eastern time

Timothy Thatcher vs. Chris Hero for the Evolve title

Drew Gulak & Tracy Williams vs. Bravado Brothers for the tag titles

Johnny Gargano & TJP vs. Drew Galloway & Ethan Carter III

Matt Riddle vs. Cedric Alexander

Anthony Nese vs. Fred Yehi

Ethan Page vs. Darby Allin

• Evolve on Saturday night in Orlando at the Downtown Rec Center at 8 p.m. Eastern

Johnny Gargano vs. Drew Gulak vs. TJ Perkins vs. Lince Dorado (all four are in the WWE cruiserweight classic)

Drew Galloway vs. Ethan Page

Ethan Carter III vs. ?

Timothy Thatcher vs. Tracy Williams

Matt Riddle vs. Trevor Lee

Fred Yehi vs. Cedric Alexander

Bravado Brothers vs. Jason Cade & Darby Allin

• Evolve’s new Mini Doc on Timothy Thatcher is here. It’s a unique new promotional direction.
• Evolve and Beyond Wrestling announced separate shows both on 7/17 in Melrose, MA at the Memorial Hall. Appearing for Evolve are Timothy Thatcher, Drew Gulak, Tracy Williams, Drew Galloway, Zack Sabre Jr., Marty Scurll, TJP, Matt Riddle, Ethan Page, Fred Yehi and Cedric Alexander.  
• Elite Lucha Libre runs tonight at Arena Mexico with Atlantis vs. Ultimo Guerrero and Negro Casas vs. Cibernetico.  Casas vs. Cibernetico is a first-time ever meeting of two of the biggest names of the past 20 years.  Flamita also debuts on the show.
• We get questions from time to time about getting tickets for New Japan big shows from outside Japan. Here is where to go.
• Drew Galloway talks his main event with Bobby Lashley on Sunday here.
• There will be a lot of Jim Ross on television tomorrow night. He’ll be announcing New Japan at 8 p.m. for a one hour show tomorrow night on AXS, and then live on CBS Sports Network with Sean Wheelock doing Knockout Night at the D boxing at 11 p.m. Eastern time (8 p.m. Pacific).
• Anna Faris trains pro wrestling with her husband Chris Pratt and Dave Bautista here. 
• 40 years ago today, CWF sold out the Miami Beach Convention Center with a loaded show with Dusty Rhodes & King Curtis Iaukea vs. The Assassin & The Missouri Mauler (a brother combination), plus Mike Graham vs. Bob Orton Jr. for the Florida title, Bob Roop & Bob Orton Sr. vs. Jack & Jerry Brisco, Steve Keirn & Bob Backlund vs. Randy Culley & Jim Lancaster, Billy Robinson vs. Ray Stevens and Greg Valentine vs. Pak Song.
• Shannon Moore has moved to Orlando and will be taking pro wrestling books through Bill Behrens at showbis@aol.com. Also taking bookings include Joey Ryan out of Los Angeles, Mikael Judas out of Greenville, SC as well as Eric Bischoff, Scott Hall, Sean Waltman, Kevin Nash, DDP, Rick Steiner, Tommy Dreamer, Drew Galloway, Matt Sydal, Stevie Richards, Nunzio, Tony Mamaluke, Kenn Doane, Shane Helms, Abyss, Hernandez, Mike Posey, Jimmy Rave, Slim J, Moose, Al Snow and Blue Meanie. Available, but only outside the U.S. and Canada, are Jay Lethal, Christopher Daniels and Frankie Kazarian.
• ROH has announced a 7/8 all-women’s show in Baltimore at 5 p.m. the William J. Myers Pavilion and admission is free, taped for the ROH YouTube channel. Those wrestling include Amber Gallows, Crazy Mary Dobson, Deonna Purrazzo, Faye Jackson, Jenny Rose, Kelly Klein, Kennadi Brink, Mandy Leon, Solo Darling, Sumie Sakai, Taeler Hendrix and Veda Scott.
• This week on Fite TV

Tomorrow night at 9 p.m. Eastern will be Knockout Night at the D called by Jim Ross & Sean Wheelock.  This also airs on CBS Sports Network and is free

Tomorrow night at 10 p.m. is Evolve from Ybor City, FL as listed above for $14.99

Saturday at 7 p.m. has amateur boxing from Cartersville, GA for $9.99

Saturday at 8 p.m. has Evolve from Orlando for $14.99

Sunday at 8 p.m. has TNA Slammiversary from Orlando for $39.99

• Jim Ross talks to Jeff Hardy about Slammiversary.
• This Week on FITE TV video is here.
• A story on trying to save the old Mid South Coliseum in Memphis can be read here.
• New England Championship Wrestling on 6/11 in Wakefield, MA at the Americal Civic Center for the Ion 8 championship. It will be an eight-person one night tournament with last year’s winner, Mike McCarthy, Chris Escobar, Todo Loco, Jay Freddie, Slyck Wagner Brown, T.J. Warren, Kevin Tibbs and Brad Hollister.
• Great North Wrestling results from Saturday night in Smith Fails, ONT before 325 fans: Hannibal b Al Snow to retain Canadian title, Kevin Lee Davidson b The Spoiler, Soa Amin b Giant Darko, Lady Yasmine b Florence Riley, Bruiser & Blade b Freak Nation, Fabulous Jacques b Preston Perry-DQ, Jeremy Prophet b Grapecrusher, Davidson won 30 man Battle Royal.  Next show is 6/25 in Pembroke, ONT with Nikolai Volkoff.
• Hoosier Pro Wrestling from Saturday night in Columbus, IN: It opened with  salute to Muhammad Ali and Beverly Dundee. Eddie Felson won three-way over Timmy Danger and Jonathan Wolf, JKO b KC Huber, TVZ won over TJ & Shawn Kemp and The Bambino Family, Wicked Clown b Cooter, Drax O’Brien b Dynamite Dillen, Rob Conway b Shawn Cook, Vic the Bruiser b Lighting Bolt Johnson. Next show is 7/2 at Aaron’s Lot in Columbus for the annual Can Food Drive show. Admission is six cans of food and bring your own lawn chairs with start time at 6:30 p.m.
• VCW on 6/30 in Toronto at the Super Wonder Gallery.
• Superkick’d Pro Wrestling on 7/8 in Toronto at the Great Hall with eight matches and live music.
• There is a new book out called “The Golden Era of Amateur Wrestling: the 1980s” by Reginald Rowe looks back at 29 Hall of Fame member and 11 nominees for the NCAA 75th anniversary wrestling team including five of the best amatuer wrestlers ever, Bruce Baumgartner, David Schultz, Melvin Douglas, Andre Metzger and Kenny Monday. The book is available at Amazon and major book stores.
• CZW Tournament of Death on Saturday at 2 p.m. at 179 Ebenzer Church Road in Townsend, DE. The first round matches are Tim Donst vs. Rickey Shane Page fans bring the weapons, Alex Colon vs. Danny Havoc in a light tube death match, Masada vs. Conor Claxton in a barbed wire madness match and Jeff Connonball vs. Matt Tremont in a Home Run Derby match. There will also be a Devon Moore vs. Dale Patricks scaffold match, DJ Hyde vs. Josh Crane in a panes of glass match and Aaron Williams vs. Ron Mathis in a death match.
• Kevin Nash, Scott Hall and Damien Sandow appear tomorrow night for Jimmy’s Seafood Slamboree on 6/10 at the MCW Arena in Joppa, MD. Sandow will be wrestling under the name Aaron Stevens, his previous ring name. Lio Rush is also on the show. Hall & Nash won’t be wrestling.
• Matt Riviera suffered a stinger on Saturday night at an NWA Midwest show in Marion, OH. He was wrestling Matt Taylor, who did a plancha but overshot. His left arm went numb but it came back after two minutes and he was able to finish the match. He won’t be missing any ring time.
• VII Pro Wrestling on 7/15 at Dawley Town Hall in Telford, UK with Will Ospreay as the headliner along with Ryan Smile and Pete Dunne.
• CHIKARA has a doubleheader at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. on 7/23 in Toronto at the Franklin Horner Community Center.
• Pro Wrestling Zero Hour on 6/19 in Hamilton, ONT at the Knights of Columbus.
• ECWA on 6/18 in Springfield, PA at the Springfield Ice Rink has Scotty 2 Hotty and Shockwave the Robot plus Tony Atlas vs. Eric Martin.  
• Wrestling Revolver tomorrow night in Clive, IA at the Seven Flags Event Center with John Hennigan (Johnny Mundo) vs. Billy Gunn, Rhino vs. Trevor Lee, Tommy Dreamer vs. Arik Cannon in a Hardcore match, PJ Black vs. Michael Elgin, Bob Holly vs. Sami Callihan, plus Jody Kristofferson, AR Fox, Jessicka Havok and Scotty 2 Hotty. There is a pre-fight party tonight at the VooDoo Lounge in Des Moines for music and ticket giveaways and the VooDoo Lounge will also host a post-fight party. 
• Even though they are feuding on television, the Hardys are scheduled as a tag team on 6/18 for Keystone Wrestling in Lancaster, PA at the Lancaster Host Resort Conference Center.
• Smash Wrestling on 6/11 in Oshawa,ONT at the Harmony Creek Community & Events Centre.
• Pure Wrestling Association on 6/25 in Port Hardy, BC at the Wakas Community Hall and 6/24 in Courtenay, BC at the K’omoka Band Hall.
• PWA on 7/1 in Cambridge, ONT at Riverside Park has a 2 p.m. show.
• Blue Demon Jr. appears on 7/17 for Lucha Toronto at the Harbourfront Centre Theatre along with Lince Dorado.
• Border City Wrestling on 8/20 in Tecumseh, ONT at the Royal Canadian Legion featuring Dutch Mantell.
• House of Hardcore on 8/6 in Pasadena, TX at the Convention Center has Tommy Dreamer & Mickie James vs. Pepper Parks & Cherry Bomb plus Billy Gunn, Carlito, MVP, Sandman and Tony Nese.
• Glory announced a 7/22 show in Norfolk VA.
• Jim Duggan is doing a fundraiser.
• A story on Jack Gallgher, who is headed to the WWE cruiserweight classic is here. 

Today in Professional Wrestling History: Strangler Lewis, AJ Styles, Jeff Jarrett & CM Punk

• Please send feedback to FeedBack@WrestlingObserver.com
• Please send show results and news tips to NewsTips@WrestlingObserver.com
• Please send Wrestling Observer Radio questions to MailBag@WrestlingObserver.com

For those curious as to how USADA and UFC will be handling Brock Lesnar and PED testing, we’ve got a lot more on the story here. Basically, since the USADA drug testing standards were not in place when Brock Lesnar announced his retirement from UFC in 2011, he will not have to fulfill the 4 months of pre fight testing. He is being treated like a newly contracted fighter, who just happens to have a fight in a month. So he has only been eligibile for testing since last Friday. However, since he has been under contract to WWE in the last 5 years, he has theoretically been tested and clean since his 2011 retirement.  

Muhammad Ali’s funeral takes place in Louisville tomorrow. It was the will of Muhammad Ali to have a free funeral for all to attend, because he really was the people’s champ. The city of Louisville made 15,000 tickets available for free to people who registered, and those tickets were claimed within an hour. The sad part is that many of those tickets are now for sale on the secondary market for hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars. Ali had been clear with his people that when the time came, he wanted everyone to have a chance to share in the memories and legacy that he left for all of us, for free, not for profit, because above all else, Ali stood for freedom. 

[Dan Velten]

THE ROUND-UP

• TNA Impact Wrestling results: Slammiversary go-home show with Broken Matt Hardy
• WWE Smackdown spoilers: The Club vs. Enzo & Cass; Chris Jericho vs. Dean Ambrose
• WWE interested in UFC’s Paige VanZant for SummerSlam
• WWE Raw ratings slightly up from last week
• WWE Superstars results: ‘The Demonic’ Viktor vs. Jack Swagger, plus Paige in action!

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 6/9/2016: Will Christopher Nowinski testify in WWE concussion lawsuit? – 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 are included in the lawsuit.

Wrestling Observer Newsletter

READ IT HERE: June 6, 2016 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: More details on WWE brand split, Jimmy Snuka found incompetent, more

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.

CLICK HERE FOR A FULL PREVIEW.

Current 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.

Rates are:

For the United States, it is $13 for 4 issues, $32 for 12, $61 for 24, $101 for 40 and $131 for 52. In Canada and Mexico, rates are $14.50 for 4, $35 for 12, $67 for 24, $111 for 40 and $144 or 52.  In Europe, you can get the fastest delivery and best rates by sending to moonsault@mediaplusint.com  For the rest of the world, rates are $16.50 for 4, $44 for 12, $85 for 24, $141 for 40 issues and $183 for 52.

If you order by mail with a check, cash or money order (P.O. Box 1228, Campbell, CA 95009-1228), you can get $1 off in every price range.

If you are a new subscriber ordering 24 or more issues, you can get one free classic issue of your choice sent to you today.  With a 40-issue subscription, you can get two free classic issues. 

Check out the latest online Wrestling Observer BACK ISSUE: May 3, 1999 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Death of Rick Rude, WWF Backlash review, more. A look at the life and career of Rick Rude, a review of WWF Backlash, plus tons more.

WEDNESDAY NEWS UPDATE

Tonight is big night for NXT as they run their latest TakeOver special event on the WWE network. We have a full preview from our own Arya Witner here. The full card is as follows:

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

Nakamura will make his way back to Japan on the WWE main roster. At this point he is scheduled for matches against Kevin Owens and Bray Wyatt. We have more on that story here.

Former UFC Lightweight champion Anthony Pettis has announced that he will moving down a weight class and hopes to make his featherweight debut in August. I guess Pettis didn’t think there was a big enough log jam at 145 and needed to wedge himself in there. Pettis is on a 3 fight losing streak at 155, with losses the champion Raphael Dos Anjos, Eddie Alvarez, and Edson Barboza. 

Frankie Edgar is opening up the largest UFC Gym in New Jersey, located in North Brunswick. They are hosting a grand opening at the 25,000 square foot facility this Saturday from 9am-4pm with Edgar, Matt Hughes, Eddie Alvarez, Edson Barboza, Renzo Gracie, and Rafael Natal. 

WWE & Other Wrestling

• The Shockmaster is coming to San Diego Comic Con….kind of.
• Our Kyle Johnson thinks Samoa Joe can be the next great WWE monster with some help from Brock Lesnar.
• Here’s a review of the upcoming Pat Patterson book and an interview with co-author Bertrand Hebert.
• Jerry Lawler talks about the impact Muhammad Ali had on him.
• Here’s an article on Hacksaw Jim Duggan doing celebrity charity work for police officers.
• Here’s a look inside the Mid-South Coliseum as a group is trying to save it. According to this piece, it’s been 10 years before people have been able to see inside.
• The Buffalo wrestling scene and the late Ilio DiPaolo is featured in this article.
• Pro Wrestling Tees and TNA Wrestling announced a partnership on Wednesday.
• WWE has just added a new fleet of production trucks to their fleet. With SmackDown running live soon, it was time for an upgrade. 

UFC

• Here’s an in-depth look at tonight’s TUF fight from our Steve Juon.
• Kimbo Slice’s death was all over the Sun-Sentinel here and here, and the Miami Herald here, here, and here.
• FITE.tv put up some Muhammad Ali docs as well as some Jim Ross interviews with some regional MMA fighters from shows their air.
• With no UFC or Bellator, the biggest show of this weekend is probably Titan FC 39 on UFC Fight Pass. The show starts at 7 pm eastern on Friday with three title fights. Former Strikeforce, Dream and WSOF fighter Gesias Cavalcante square off for the vacant lightweight title in the main event. Featherweight champion Andre Harrison defends his belt in the co-main and former UFC fighters Dhiego Lima and David Michaud fight for the vacant welterweight title as well.
• Lightweights Nick Hein vs Tae Hyun Bang have been added to the Sept 3rd UFC show in Hamburg.
• Nordine Taleb has been pulled from his fight with Alan Jouban, scheduled for the July 7th show in Las Vegas. That’s the first of 3 straight nights for UFC in conjunction with International fight week. UFC will likely be looking to find a replacement to face Taleb

EVENTS

• TODAY – 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 10 – Maryland Championship Wrestling is hosting Jimmy’s Seafood Slamboree in Joppa, MD, with a meet and greet featuring Kevin Nash, Scott Hall, Damien Sandow, JOHNNY CRAB CAKES, and more. Sandow and Colt Cabana are working the show as well.
• June 11 – Kayfabe Dojo Wrestling runs at Pineapple Jack’s in Rochester, NY, for a 4 PM show
• June 11 – ECCW Port Coquitlam, BC at the Elks Hall #49.
• June 11 – NECW presents the 2016 IRON 8 Championship, Saturday Night, June 11 in Wakefield, MA
• 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 11 – The UWC returns to Kelly’s Bar/Banquet Hall, 14 Railroad Avenue, Wrightstown, NJ 08562. For more information, call 609-792-9328 or like us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/UWCFanCave.
• June 12 – TNA Slammiversary headlined by Drew Galloway vs. Bobby Lashley for the TNA title from Orlando
• June 12 – Revolution Pro Wrestling in London, England headlined by Kurt Angle vs. Zack Sabre Jr.
• June 17 – Absolute Intense Wrestling at Mentor-on-the-Lake, OH at Tequila Jaxx with Joey Janela vs. Facade, Shayna Baszler vs. Veda Scott, Laredo Kid, B.J. Whitmer 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 18 – New England Fights (NEF) returns to the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine with “NEF 24: PROMISED LAND.” Tickets for “NEF 24” are on sale now.
• June 19 – Steel Pro Wrestling runs at the KoC in Hamilton, ON.
• 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 – Great North Wrestling returns to the Pembroke Memorial Centre, featuring Nicolai Volkoff. Tickets available here.
• June 25 – The UWC returns to Kelly’s Bar/Banquet Hall, 14 Railroad Avenue, Wrightstown, NJ 08562. More information here.
• June 25 – Ultima Lucha tapings in Boyle Heights, Los Angeles at The Temple
• June 26 – Ultima Lucha tapings in Boyle Heights, Los Angeles at The Temple
• July 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 7 – Rock Solid Wrestling runs in Sudbury, ON.
• July 7-11 The 10th annual Wrestling Observer/F4W convention in Las Vegas, EdinSanAntonio has all the information up on Facebook, or email him at F4Wfan@hotmail.com.
• 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 23 – Chikara Pro announced a doubleheader event at Toronto’s Franklin Horner Community Center
• 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.

Today in Professional Wrestling History: Triple H wins King of the Ring; Samoa Joe wins TNA King of the Mountain

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• Please send show results and news tips to NewsTips@WrestlingObserver.com
• Please send Wrestling Observer Radio questions to MailBag@WrestlingObserver.com

BROCK LESNAR’S UFC RETURN

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.

Jim Ross talks the Lesnar fight

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

We’re looking for live reports on these weekend shows to newstips@wrestlingobserver.com

*ROH in Friday night Collinsville, IL

*WWE Saturday night in Lubbock, TX

*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.

THE ROUND-UP

• WWE confirms Brock Lesnar for SummerSlam, calls UFC fight a “one off”
• Don Frye named to UFC Hall of Fame 2016 class

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.

Wrestling Observer Newsletter

READ IT HERE: June 6, 2016 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: More details on WWE brand split, Jimmy Snuka found incompetent, more

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.

CLICK HERE FOR A FULL PREVIEW.

Current 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.

Rates are:

For the United States, it is $13 for 4 issues, $32 for 12, $61 for 24, $101 for 40 and $131 for 52. In Canada and Mexico, rates are $14.50 for 4, $35 for 12, $67 for 24, $111 for 40 and $144 or 52.  In Europe, you can get the fastest delivery and best rates by sending to moonsault@mediaplusint.com  For the rest of the world, rates are $16.50 for 4, $44 for 12, $85 for 24, $141 for 40 issues and $183 for 52.

If you order by mail with a check, cash or money order (P.O. Box 1228, Campbell, CA 95009-1228), you can get $1 off in every price range.

If you are a new subscriber ordering 24 or more issues, you can get one free classic issue of your choice sent to you today.  With a 40-issue subscription, you can get two free classic issues. 

Check out the latest online Wrestling Observer BACK ISSUE: April 26, 1999 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Davy Boy Smith recovering in the hospital, UFC to be sanctioned by Nevada State Athletic Commission, more. This past week has seen Davey Boy Smith, going stir crazy in a Calgary Hospital, attempt to start battling back after the worst year in his life.

MONDAY NEWS UPDATE

Ariel Helwani goes deep into his relationship with Dana White and the UFC in this solo edition of the MMA Hour.  Plus more on the situation:  Dana White on the ban of Ariel Helwani from getting credentialed at UFC shows, AP covered the story and yet Another story on the situation

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.
• A story on Bobby Horne of Men on a Mission
• 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 – NECW presents the 2016 IRON 8 Championship, Saturday Night, June 11 in Wakefield, MA
• 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 18 – New England Fights (NEF) returns to the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine with “NEF 24: PROMISED LAND.” Tickets for “NEF 24” are on sale now.
• 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 7-11 The 10th annual Wrestling Observer/F4W convention in Las Vegas, EdinSanAntonio has all the information up on Facebook, or email him at F4Wfan@hotmail.com.
• 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.

Today in Professional Wrestling History: Eric Bischoff downs Terry Funk for WCW Hardcore title

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One thing that is really a shame from last night is that the Michael Bisping story of capturing the title walking off a movie set on two weeks notice was trumped so badly by the other big stories that took place. 

It’s created an interesting dynamic because Bisping has always been the guy in the middleweight division everyone wanted to fight with the idea he’s good, but beatable. In a fight with top guys, anything can happen and how history changes based on luck, flukes, and inches. It also makes truly dominant fighters like Anderson Silva, Demetrious Johnson, Jon Jones and GSP in their primes even more remarkable. St-Pierre and Silva each may have fallen victim to the bad luck of inches, but they compiled long sets of wins before that happened.  Johnson and Jones have not, and Johnson hasn’t even been tested in a long time. 

We talked extensively about the Brock Lesnar story last night on the show. Lesnar’s opponent is expected to be announced tomorrownight on ESPN. OfficiallyUFC said there would be more on his fight in the next 48 or more hours. The thing is, he can get hurt, even if they put him against an opponent everyone feels he can beat. It’s a weird dynamic for UFC using somebody not under contract for a one-off. 

Clearly Lesnar isn’t doing this for anything less than a ton of money. I don’t know when the deal was put together and finalized, but Lesnar has been training consistently since April. Josh Barnett has pushed for the fight but I can’t see him facing someone at that level. Still, in the past, Lesnar always had wanted to face the top guys and not waste time facing secondary guys. Of course, everything is different now. 

He’s not about chasing the title, or at least there’s no indication he is. Frank Mir, the most logical opponent, is on a drug suspension. Cain Velasquez, who at one point he was interested in facing again, is against Travis Browne. Fedor Emelianenko, who Lesnar had agreed to face a few years ago, is fighting on the 17th. 

We’re looking for your thoughts on last night’s UFC 199, as well as today’s Lucha World Cup and tomorrow morning and Tuesday morning’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.

We’re looking for live reports on these weekend shows to Dave@WrestlingObserver.com.

*ROH in Friday night Collinsville, IL

Saturday night we’re looking for reports from:

*WWE Saturday night in Lubbock, TX

*WWE today in Amarillo (Roman Reigns, A.J. Styles, Seth Rollins, Alberto Del Rio, Charlotte, Rusev, Usos, Kalisto, Dolph Ziggler, Baron Corbin, Cesaro)

*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)

*ROH today in Columbus, OH at the Ohio Expo Building (Jay Briscoe vs. Roderick Strong, Christopher Daniels & Frankie Kazarian defend the tag title against War Machine, Adam Cole vs. Lio Rush, Dalton Castle vs. Kamaitachi) 

NEW JAPAN WORLD MONDAY AT 5:30 A.M. EASTERN TIME FROM SENDAI (English language commentary)

Kazuchika Okada & Hirooki Goto & Yoshi-Hashi vs. Tetsuya Naito & Seiya Sanada & Evil

• Volador Jr. vs. Will Ospreay
• Ricochet vs. Chase Owens
• Bobby Fish vs. Tiger Mask
• Jushin Liger vs. Trent Baretta
• Matt Sydal vs. David Finlay
• Kyle O’Reilly vs. Rocky Romero
• Ryusuke Taguchi vs. Gedo
• Kushida vs. Bushi

Raw will be Monday in Oklahoma City.  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)

• Best of the Super Juniors championship match

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.

THE ROUND-UP

• WWE confirms Brock Lesnar for SummerSlam, calls UFC fight a “one off”
• Don Frye named to UFC Hall of Fame 2016 class
• Major news on UFC 200: Brock Lesnar is coming back
• Conor McGregor vs. Nate Diaz II official for August’s UFC 202
• F4W / Wrestling Observer annual VEGAS convention information (updated)

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.

Wrestling Observer Newsletter

READ IT HERE: June 6, 2016 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: More details on WWE brand split, Jimmy Snuka found incompetent, more

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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Check out the latest online Wrestling Observer BACK ISSUE: April 26, 1999 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Davy Boy Smith recovering in the hospital, UFC to be sanctioned by Nevada State Athletic Commission, more. This past week has seen Davey Boy Smith, going stir crazy in a Calgary Hospital, attempt to start battling back after the worst year in his life.

SUNDAY NEWS UPDATE

SUNDAY’S NEWS UPDATE

Sorry this is late but I had a later than usual flight out of Los Angeles and it’s just been a crazy weekend. Our weekend show talking Brock Lesnar, UFC 199, McGregor vs. Diaz and some more Ali is up on the site. We did a special Friday night show on Ali as well.

The HBO piece on Ali, I haven’t seen it yet but people have told me this was incredible. 

Here are the standings going into tomorrow’s final day of the Super Junior tournament:

A block

• Ryusuke Taguchi 4-2
• Kushida 4-2
• Matt Sydal 4-2
• Kyle O’Reilly 4-2
• Rocky Romero 3-3
• Bushi 3-3
• David Finlay 1-5
• Gedo 1-5

B block

• Volador Jr. 4-2
• Ricochet 4-2
• Will Ospreay 3-3
• Jushin Liger 3-3
• Bobby Fish 3-3
• Tiger Mask 3-3
• Chase Owens 2-4
• Trent Baretta 2-4

In the Lucha Libre World Cup at Palacio de Los Deportes, today’s show has:

*Team USA of Cheerleader Melissa & Santana Garrett & Sienna vs. Team Canada of Allie & Taya & K.C. Spinelli in a third place match

*Team Mexico of Lady Apache & Mari Apache & Fabi Apache vs. Team Japan of Aja Kong & Yuki Miyazaki & Sumire Natsu for the championship

*A four-team elimination match with Team Zero One-Oudou of Masato Tanaka & Ikuto Hidaka & Akebono vs. Team Mexico legends of Canek & Blue Demon Jr. & La Parka vs. Team International of Mil Muertes & Apolo & Rockstar Spud vs. Team TNA of  Eli Drake & Ethan Carter III & Tyrus which is essentially for fifth place

*Team Mexico of Pentagon Jr. & Psycho Clown & El Texano Jr. vs. Team NOAH of Naomichi Marufuji & Taiji Ishimori & Maybach Taniguchi in a semifinal match

*Team Mexico Lucha Underground of Rey Mysterio Jr. &  Dragon Azteca Jr. & Dr. Wagner Jr. vs. Team USA Lucha Underground of Brian Cage & Johnny Mundo & Chavo Guerrero Jr. in a semifinal

*The two losers of the semifinals battle for third place

*The two winners of the semifinals meet for the championship

In the weekend Google searches, UFC 199 did 500,000 plus searches which is the same level as the previous two shows did. It beat the NHL game for the top searched thing in the U.S. on Saturday.  Brock Lesnar was No. 5 at 200,000.  Conor McGregor and Nate Diaz did not rank.  Dan Henderson was No. 20 with 20,000.  Muhammad Ali was by far the most searched term of the weekend with well over 10 million searches, which is the top number listed. 

WWE

• Congratulations to former WWE stars  Adam “Edge” Copeland and Beth (formerly Phoenix) on the birth of a daughter, Ruby, on Tuesday.
• WWE is going to start pushing Bill Goldberg with the video game deal as the WWE network will be releasing a Bill Goldberg collection of matches tomorrow. It’ll feature his biggest matches from WCW against Hugh Morrus, Steve McMichael, William Regal (the famous match that was made out to be something it wasn’t as it was not a shoot, just a match that fell apart), Raven, Hulk Hogan, DDP, Kevin Nash, Scott Hall, Bret Hart, The Rock and HHH.
• The Network has also released three famous AWA shows, the April 23, 1983 Super Sunday show with Hulk Hogan vs. Nick Bockwinkel for the AWA title and Mad Dog Vachon & Verne Gagne vs. Sheik Adnan Al-Kaissie & Jerry Blackwell (an interesting match is a pre-Brutus Beefcake called Eddie Boulder facing Wahoo McDaniel), the April 20, 19806 Wrestlerock show from the Metrodome in Minneapolis with The Road Warriors vs. Michael Hayes & Jimmy Garvin, Greg Gagne & Jimmy Snuka vs. Bruiser Brody & Nord the Barbarian, leading to Verne Gagne vs. Kaissie, Stan Hansen vs. Nick Bockwinkel for the AWA title, Harley Race vs. Rick Martel, Barry Windham & Mike Rotunda vs. Fabulous Ones; and the December 13, 1988 Superclash show headlined by Jerry Lawler vs. Kerry Von Erich for the AWA title vs. World Class title.
• Interesting to note that the day after Muhammad Ali passed away, that Gorilla Monsoon, who did the angle with him in 1976 to build up the Inoki match for the U.S. audiences, would have turned 79.
• A story on American Alpha can be read here.

UFC

• Fedor Emelianenko vs. Fabio Maldonado will air on Fight Pass on 6/17 from St. Petersburg, Russia.
• The Atlantic has a story on Conor McGregor. (thanks to Richard Orloski) 
• In the picks from last night:

4-1:  Ryan Frederick, Paul Fontaine

3-2:  John Pollock, Josh Nason, me, David Bixenspan, Steve Juon, Front Row Brian

2-3:  Mike Sempervive, Mike Sawyer

• During the UFC show on BT Sport last night in the U.K., they are advertising the Bellator show with Kimbo Slice vs. James Thompson from the O2 Arena and that tickets are on sale. (thanks to Matthew Singh-Dosanjh) 

MISCELLANEOUS

• Brandi Runnels (Eden Stiles) at this point is going to be working outside wrestling while Cody will be working indies. The one announced show with Cody vs. Mike Bennett with Brandi Rhodes, as she’s being called, is more to do a story of counteracting Maria Kanellis. But it’s not going to be a regular thing at this point.
• Pro Wrestling Sheet is reporting that Adam Rose will use his party boy gimmick on the Indies using the name Aldo Rose and will be taking indie bookings. Right now he can’t appear on TV or iPPV until the late summer. He said, “Ain’t no more PG in this party.”
• Lots of ROH media for their shows this weekend. Here is an article on BJ Whitmer.
• This is an interview with Jay Lethal, with more on the past weekend of ROH.
• Here is a fun article about Kazarian and Daniels, also known as the Addiction.
• Here is another ROH article promoting this past weekends shows.
• Casting Networks Inc. has a listing for anyone who has worked in WWE before as a wrestler or a Diva for a television commercial. It is listed as an Amazon series commercial with a pay rate of $100 per hour. They are looking for men and women 18-45 and they want talent to submit using their old WWE wrestling names.
• A story on the Kenny Jay vs. Muhammad Ali pro wrestling match that many people have forgotten is here.
• Gawker confident in its appeal in the Hogan suit was covered in the BBC.
• New European Championship Wrestling, which is Alex Wright’s group in Germany has signed a new international TV deal that began on Friday night with HD Fightbox as we noted eariler in the week.  It’s a monthly airing of a show in a minor station in Germany that also airs in Austria and Switzerland mostly as part of an on-line television providers package.  The station also airs ROH but only the most hardcore of fans would get the station because it’s not a regular TV station that everyone gets.  There was a minor buzz when they announced a TV deal but this I’m told ended up viewed as a disappointment as it’s an obscure online only channel and fans could already get the shows on VOD on Vimeo, so it wasn’t breaking new ground.  
• wXw ran its Shortcut to the Top, a Royal Rumble for a world title shot last night in Oberhausen, Germany before 575 fans.  The big news was Tommy End announcing his final sow on 8/13 in Cologne and that End would also produce a matinee show that day at 2 p.m.  Karesten Beck won the match but there was a surprise return of  Chris Hero unannoucned.  Hero has been in Europe.  Beck had retired in March.  They also announced a streaming service called wXw Now that will launch on 8/13.  They also announced a world tag team tournament from 9/30 to 10/2 with David Starr & Shane Strickland (Killshot from Lucha Underground) appearing.  Full results:  Kim Ray b Francis Kaspin, Absolute Andy & Marius Al-Ani b Emil Sitoci & Marty Scurrll, Melanie Gray b Kim Lee Ray, Da Mack b Sasa Keel, Dirty Dragon & Ilja Dragunov & Julian Negro b Michael Dante & Mikey Whiplash & Tommy End, Jurn Simmons b John Klinger in 27:40 to retain their title, Beck won the 30 man Rumble. (thanks to John Carey & Markus Gronemann)
• Preston City Wrestling yesterday in Preston, England:  Roy & Zak Knight & Alex Boylan b Joey Hayes & Martin Kirby & Jimmy J, Dave Mastiff b Charlie Garrett, Dave Rayne b Iestyn Rees, Drew Galloway b Lionheart, El Ligero b Speedball Mike Bailey, Rob Lynch & James Davis & Sammy Smooth b Bubblegum & T-Bone & Rampage Brown, Noam Dar b Sha Samuels, Drew Galloway won gauntlet match over Roy Knight, Zak Night, Alex Boylan, Dave Mastiff and El Ligero to earn a title shot.  Galloway will face Sha Samuels on 6/25, a free Tribute to the Troops show at the 3,000-seat Guild Hall.  Ligero vs. Bailey said to be great.  (thanks to Jan Buxton)
• Revolution Pro from today in London:  Rob Lias won a three-way, Noam Dar b Sha Samuels, Chris Garrett & Joel Redman b Hunter Brothers, Josh Bodom b Speedball Mike Bailey, Trent 7 b Anarchist James, Marty Scurll b Big Damo, Jinny b Addy Starr, Pete Dunne b Matt Cross.  Scurll vs. Damo said to be great.  Zack Sabre Jr. attacked Damo after the match.
• CCW on 6/10 in Chatham, ONT at the Chatham Kinsmen Fair at 6:30 p.m.
• Conquer Pro Wrestling from last night in Orlando:  Monster b Leo Gold, Chuckles & Haitian Sensation b Kodi & Koko, Queen Raquel b Thea Trinidad to win women’s title, Chris Melendez b Irish Jack, Short n Sweet b Jason Static.  They have a show on Friday at the Giraffas Brazilian Grill in Orlando with Santana Garrett, Raquel and Thea Trinidad.
• Lucha Xtreme TV taping tonight in Hanford, CA at the Long Field Center with Homicide vs. Mortal plus Eddie Kingston debuts.

EVENTS

• TONIGHT – AAA’s Victoria World Cup men and women’s trio tournament finals at Los Palacio de los Deportes in Mexico City which will be a live iPPV show
• TONIGHT – Silver Star Promotions at the 4 Ever Arena in Fort Worth has Caristico & El Hijo del Fishman vs. Silver Star & Psicosis Jr. 
• 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 – NECW presents the 2016 IRON 8 Championship, Saturday Night, June 11 in Wakefield, MA
• 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 – 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 18 – New England Fights (NEF) returns to the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine with “NEF 24: PROMISED LAND.” Tickets for “NEF 24” are on sale now.
• 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 7-11 The 10th annual Wrestling Observer/F4W convention in Las Vegas, EdinSanAntonio has all the information up on Facebook, or email him at F4Wfan@hotmail.com.
• 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 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.

Today in Professional Wrestling History: Eric Bischoff downs Terry Funk for WCW Hardcore title

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