Paypress testing

Tag: main story

  • Daily Update: Cena shirt cancelled, UFC FN 88, Omega vs. Elgin

    UFC Fight Night 88 is set up to be a fun show with Thomas Almeida taking on Cody Garbrandt in the main event. It’s a big stage for both of these men who will headling the Fox Sports 1 show which starts at 6 pm eastern tomorrow evening on UFC Fight Pass. The semi-main event features the return of longtime former bantamweight (135lb) champion Renan Barao moving up to featherweight (145lb) to face Jeremy “Lil Heathen” Stephens. Barao looks to get back on track after being twice derailed by now ex-bantamweight champion TJ Dillashaw.

    In the only women’s fight on the card, it’s do or die for Sara McMann who needs a win desperately to stay in the hunt, but she’s facing a really tough opponent, Jessica “Evil” Eye. Both women need a win here if they ever want to get a shot at the 135lb women’s bantamweight champion Miesha “Cupcake” Tate. It should be a really fun show. Check out the Observer’s live coverage starting tomorrow at 6 Eastern, 3 Pacific.

    Saturday we’re looking for reports on the WWE shows in Peoria, IL (Roman Reigns, Sheamus, Kevin Owens, Dudleys, Enzo, Cass, Sami Zayn, Charlotte, Natalya) and Winnipeg (Big Show, Chris Jericho, Kane, Erick Rowan, Braun Strowman, Dean Ambrose, New Day, Rusev, Kalisto, Alberto De Rio, Paige, Becky Lynch, Sasha Banks).

    NEW JAPAN BEST OF THE SUPER JUNIORS TOURNAMENT FROM OSAKA AT 3 A.M. EASTERN SUNDAY MORNING/SATURDAY NIGHT ON NEW JAPAN WORLD

    • Hiroyoshi Tenzan & Michael Elgin & Volador Jr. vs. Tomohiro Ishii & Trent Baretta & Will Ospreay
    • Yuji Nagata & Manabu Nakanishi & Jushin Liger & Tiger Mask vs. Bobby Fish & Jay White & Juice Robinson & Katsuyori Shibata
    • David Finlay vs. Gedo
    • Rocky Romero vs. Bushi
    • Satoshi Kojima & Yoshitatsu & Captain New Japan & Ricochet vs. Kenny Omega & Bad Luck Fale & Yujiro Takahashi & Chase Owens
    • Kazuchika Okada & Hirooki Goto & Yoshi-Hashi vs. Tetsuya Naito & Evil & Seiya Sanada
    • Matt Sydal vs. Kyle O’Reilly
    • Kushida vs. Ryusuke Taguchi

    Sunday we’re looking for reports on WWE shows in Madison, WI (Roman Reigns, Sheamus, Kevin Owens, Dudleys, Enzo, Cass, Sami Zayn, Charlotte, Natalya) and LaCrosse, WI (Big Show, Kane, Erick Rowan, Braun Strowman, Dean Ambrose, New Day, Rusev, Kalisto, Alberto Del Rio, Paige, Becky Lynch and Sasha Banks).

    UFC FROM THE MANDALAY BAY EVENTS CENTER IN LAS VEGAS ON SUNDAY

    Fight Pass bouts at 6 p.m. Eastern

    • Adam Milstead vs. Chris De La Rosa
    • Bryan Caraway vs. Aljamain Sterling

    FS 1 at 7 p.m. Eastern

    • Shane Campbell vs. Erik Koch
    • Jake Collier vs. Alberto Pereira Uda
    • Abel Trujillo vs. Jordan Rinaldi
    • Sara McMann vs. Jessica Eye
    • Josh Burkman vs. Paul Felder
    • Jorge Masvidal vs. Lorenz Larkin
    • Chris Camozzi vs Vitor Miranda
    • Tarec Saffiedine vs. Rick Story
    • Jeremy Stephens vs. Renan Barao
    • Cody Garbrandt vs. Thomas Almeida

    NEW JAPAN BEST OF THE SUPER JUNIORS FROM TOTTORI ON MONDAY (taped for New Japan World available later in the day)

    • Trent Baretta vs. Chase Owens
    • Tiger Mask vs. Will Ospreay
    • Bobby Fish vs. Volador Jr.
    • Jushin Liger vs. Ricochet

    Raw is Monday from Green Bay featuring the return of John Cena plus a Dolph Ziggler vs. Baron Corbin match.

    NEW JAPAN BEST OF THE SUPER JUNIORS FROM HIROSHIMA ON TUESDAY (taped for New Japan World available later in the day)

    • Bushi vs. David Finlay
    • Matt Sydal vs. Rocky Romero
    • Kushida vs. Gedo
    • Ryusuke Taguchi vs. Kyle O’Reilly

    Smackdown and Main Event will be taped on Tuesday in Rockford, IL.

      THE ROUND-UP

      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 5/23/2016: More strange developments in WWE’s concussion lawsuit deposition – Last week we talked a bit about both Evan Singleton’s deposition in the WWE concussion lawsuit as well as a video of a concussion presentation held in developmental during Singleton’s time under contact. Among other topics, there’s been a bit more movement on that front.

      Wrestling Observer Newsletter

      READ IT HERE: May 30, 2016 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Return of Seth Rollins and the WWE brand split, plus tons of news

      With two of the biggest news stories of the year, the WWE brand split and the UFC sale both in play, we’ve got a new issue of the Observer packed with news.

      Our lead story looks at the brand split, with what we do know, what has and hasn’t been decided and the background of how it went down. There’s also more info on the UFC sale talks.  Plus there is coverage of the return of Seth Rollins, the build to Money in the Bank and have coverage of Extreme Rules, the negotiations for a Conor McGregor vs. Nate Diaz fight and look more at the Floyd Mayweather vs. McGregor rumors. Take an in-depth look at the departure of Cody Runnels (Rhodes) from WWE and his future prospects, plus look at his complaints regarding people in the company. All this plus a look at the New Japan Super Juniors tournament, the funding of the Hulk Hogan lawsuit, the World Cup trios tournament coming up and a feature on the last PWG show.

      The lead story looks at every aspect of the brand split.  It looks at the original goals and reasons for it and what did and didn’t work, plus how it’ll be different this time, how the touring will work, and an examination of what talent knows and tentative plans in place.  Vince McMahon’ reaction is a big part of this, and this issue explains how the deal went down, the story behind the story and other aspects to be considered. There’s also a look at Smackdown going live, the affect on the fan base, the affect on TNA and why it was important to get Smackdown away from Thursday.

      Another big story in this issues is Extreme Rules, the decision to make Seth Rollins a heel and current plans for Money in the Bank, and also match-by-match coverage with star ratings and poll results.

      Details about what’s going on with Conor McGregor, including Colin Cowherd’s claim that Mayweather vs. McGregor is happening, as well as a look at the Nate Diaz negotiations last week and what McGregor has said publicly.

      Finally, this issue looks at Cody Runnels leaving WWE, what he said was the reason why, and a look into those reasons, and a look at the realities of WWE business decisions and his background.

      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 19, 1999 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Davey Boy Smith hospitalized with spinal infection, WCW Spring Stampede. The health situations involving both Davey Boy Smith and Japanese woman wrestler Emiko Kado took turns for the worst this past week.

      SATURDAY NEWS

      Pro Wrestling Sheet is reporting WWE canceled plans for John Cena merchandise that looked to be inspired by the classic Pabst Blue Ribbon beer logo. Yesterday, the official twitter account for PBR tweeted a picture of a new Cena shirt that went on sale Friday alongside a photo of him wearing a shirt with the PBR logo. The tweet also reads: “A message to @JohnCena & the @WWE: We have a chokehold called the Cease & Desist. Pretty sure we see you.” Notably, the color scheme of red, white and blue could also be interpreted as a patriotic theme especially considering Cena returns to Raw on a national holiday this Memorial Day. Nevertheless, the shirt in question is no longer for sale on WWE Shop. Other new Cena merchandise is similarly patriotic with one shirt dubbed as “American Pride”. 

      Univision and Penske Media are two groups possibly interested in buying Gawker. Penske media already owns Variety and Deadline.com among other publications. With Nick Denton looking at possibly owing the Hulkster 140 million dollars once everything settles, it may be a wise time to start liquidating assets. For more on the story, check out this article. 

      Cody “Stardust” Rhodes / Runnels sent out an interesting tweet today. Runnels has sent a tease that he will be available to work in just under three months. It is unclear what name he will choose as Rhodes is a family name, but not a legal name. At this point, nobody can say for sure who or where he will be working but he added a list of opponents he’d like to work with: Adam Cole, Dalton Castle, Kurt Angle, Chris Hero, The Miracle (Mike Bennett), Moose, Pat Buck, Young Bucks, Trevor Lee, Katsuyori Shibata and Roderick Strong. His tweet was a photo of the list of names and the only words “After 8/19.”

      WWE & Professional Wrestling

      • This week on 6:05 Superpodcast, Brian Last and David Bixenspan talk to Kenny “Starmaker” Bolin (as close to “out of character” as he’ll ever get) about his childhood friendship with Jim Cornette, working for Nick Gulas, and much more. Plus: More discussion of the best wrestling families and tons of other old-school topics.
      • John Cena has much more to say on his return to Raw this coming Monday, as well as his thoughts on Camp WWE.  
      • Bayley is doing some press for the upcoming NXT tour.
      • No, it’s not a Silicon Valley plotline: the founder of eBay is powering Gawker’s appeal of the Hulk Hogan lawsuit victory where he’s being powered by another Silicon Valley billionaire.
      • Friend of the site Pat LaPrade did a Slam Wrestling column on the first-ever all Canadian main event on a New Japan show: Michael Elgin vs. Kenny Omega.
      • While the headline ‘Tony Schiavone working at Starbucks?’ is designed for that sympathy click, he actually wants to do it in order to stay busy with his other sports gigs. Here’s the local news story.
      • Johnny Kidd’s final wrestling match is today against Chikara’s Mike Quackenbush. Here’s a feature on it.

      UFC & MMA

      • Fight Network announced Friday that UK’s Insane Championship Wrestling (a group our Alan Boon talks about frequently in his weekly British wrestling column) is coming to their airwaves with a weekly TV show airing Fridays at 1 AM, part of a wrestling block that starts Thursday nights with AAA and CMLL.
      • The NWA announced Friday that they are expanding into NYC with NWA Big Apple Wrestling, increasing their total number of licensed promotions to 30.
      • FITE.tv has a mix of free and paid combat sports content up this weekend.

      EVENTS

      • May 28 – Mayhem in the Magnolia State, Louisville Coliseum. This show is a benefit for Kamala.
      • 28 – Absolute Intense Wrestling “2016 JT Lightning Invitational Tournament,” Our Lady Of Mount Carmel, 1355 West 70th Street, Cleveland, Ohio
      • May 30 – Jake Roberts will be appearing in Burbank next monday at 8pm at Flappers Comedy.
      • June 4 – UFC 199 from the Forum in Los Angeles with Michael Bisping getting his first title opportunity of his career battling Luke Rockhold for the middleweight belt
      • June 4 – In celebration of Metro Pro’s Sixth Anniversary, Demolition (Ax & Smash) will be in action on Saturday, Turner Recreation Center in Kansas City, Kansas. The event address is: 831 S. 55th St., Kansas City, KS 66106 – Tickets can be bought in advance.
      • June 5 – 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
      • 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 – 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 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 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.

      Today in Professional Wrestling History: Crusher & The Bruiser win AWA World Tag Team Titles; Bruno vs. Superstar Graham

    • Daily Update: NJPW lineup, WWE 24 Seth Rollins, UFC 199 call

      With a huge weekend of ringed combat ahead of us this Memorial Day, let’s look at some of the potential awesomeness… AJ Styles vs. Shibata from NJPW on Friday night sounds great. I know this match happened a while ago, but if watching Styles last Sunday didn’t make you want to see more of him, then you’re not a real wrestling fan. Go sit in the corner… From CMLL, if you’ve never seen Blue Panther, Blue Panter Jr. and THE Panther together, you’re missing out. Only in Mexico would a team like this exist… From the best of the Super Juniors, you’ve definintely got to check out Matt Sydal vs. Kyle O’Reilly. These two are possibly the best two workers from ROH getting to have a super juniors match in Japan. I know these two will be motivated to have an awesome performance… And don’t sleep on Trent Baretta in this tournament. He’s set up to face Chase Owens. Baretta and Romero have become a really fun act in ROH and Japan and Baretta on his own is vastly underrated… From the MMA world, a match I’m really looking forward to on UFC Fight Night 88 is Jeremy Stephens vs. Renan Barao. Stephens takes a beatin’ like no other, and Barao, can toss a beatin’ on anyone, even the best. I expect to see Barao back in old form landing big kicks as the “Lil Heathen” demands him to keep bringining it… So sit back and relax. The Wrestling Observer has you covered. 

      [Dan Velten]

      NEW JAPAN WORLD PRO WRESTLING ON FRIDAY NIGHT ON AXS TV AT 8 P.M.

      The show returns with the first of several two hour specials from the 2015 G-1 Climax tournament

      • Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Kota Ibushi
      • A.J Styles vs. Katsuyori Shibata
      • Tetsuya Naito vs. Bad Luck Fale

      CMLL FROM ARENA MEXICO IN MEXICO CITY ON FRIDAY NIGHT

      • Oro Jr. & Soberano vs. Cancerbero & Raziel
      • Marcela & Princesa Sugei & Silueta vs. Amapola & Dallys & Zeuxis
      • Blue Panther & Blue Panther Jr. & The Panther vs. Ephesto & Luciferno & Mephisto
      • Guerrero Maya Jr. vs. Felino
      • Diamante Azul & Marco Corleone & Titan vs. Kraneo & Rey Bucanero & Ripper
      • Maximo Sexy & Mistico & Stuka Jr. vs. El Terrible & Shocker & La Mascara

      NEW JAPAN BEST OF THE SUPER JUNIORS TOURNAMENT FROM OSAKA AT 3 A.M. EASTERN SUNDAY MORNING/SATURDAYNIGHT ON NEW JAPAN WORLD

      • Hiroyoshi Tenzan & Michael Elgin & Volador Jr. vs. Tomohiro Ishii & Trent Baretta & Will Ospreay
      • Yuji Nagata & Manabu Nakanishi & Jushin Liger & Tiger Mask vs. Bobby Fish & Jay White & Juice Robinson & Katsuyori Shibata
      • David Finlay vs. Gedo
      • Rocky Romero vs. Bushi
      • Satoshi Kojima & Yoshitatsu & Captain New Japan & Ricochet vs. Kenny Omega & Bad Luck Fale & Yujiro Takahashi & Chase Owens
      • Kazuchika Okada & Hirooki Goto & Yoshi-Hashi vs. Tetsuya Naito & Evil & Seiya Sanada
      • Matt Sydal vs. Kyle O’Reilly
      • Kushida vs. Ryusuke Taguchi

      UFC FROM THE MANDALAY BAY EVENTS CENTER IN LAS VEGAS ON SUNDAY

      Fight Pass bouts at 6 p.m. Eastern

      • Adam Milstead vs. Chris De La Rosa
      • Bryan Caraway vs. Aljamain Sterling

      FS 1 at 7 p.m. Eastern

      • Shane Campbell vs. Erik Koch
      • Jake Collier vs. Alberto Pereira Uda
      • Abel Trujillo vs. Jordan Rinaldi
      • Sara McMann vs. Jessica Eye
      • Josh Burkman vs. Paul Felder
      • Jorge Masvidal vs. Lorenz Larkin
      • Chris Camozzi vs Vitor Miranda
      • Tarec Saffiedine vs. Rick Story
      • Jeremy Stephens vs. Renan Barao
      • Cody Garbrandt vs. Thomas Almeida

      NEW JAPAN BEST OF THE SUPER JUNIORS FROM TOTTORI ON MONDAY (taped for New Japan World available later in the day)

      • Trent Baretta vs. Chase Owens
      • Tiger Mask vs. Will Ospreay
      • Bobby Fish vs. Volador Jr.
      • Jushin Liger vs. Ricochet

      Raw is Monday from Green Bay featuring the return of John Cena plus a Dolph Ziggler vs. Baron Corbin match.

      NEW JAPAN BEST OF THE SUPER JUNIORS FROM HIROSHIMA ON TUESDAY (taped for New Japan World available later in the day)

      • Bushi vs. David Finlay
      • Matt Sydal vs. Rocky Romero
      • Kushida vs. Gedo
      • Ryusuke Taguchi vs. Kyle O’Reilly

      Smackdown and Main Event will be taped on Tuesday in Rockford, IL.

        THE ROUND-UP

        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 5/23/2016: More strange developments in WWE’s concussion lawsuit deposition – Last week we talked a bit about both Evan Singleton’s deposition in the WWE concussion lawsuit as well as a video of a concussion presentation held in developmental during Singleton’s time under contact. Among other topics, there’s been a bit more movement on that front.

        Wrestling Observer Newsletter

        READ IT HERE: May 30, 2016 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Return of Seth Rollins and the WWE brand split, plus tons of news

        With two of the biggest news stories of the year, the WWE brand split and the UFC sale both in play, we’ve got a new issue of the Observer packed with news.

        Our lead story looks at the brand split, with what we do know, what has and hasn’t been decided and the background of how it went down. There’s also more info on the UFC sale talks.  Plus there is coverage of the return of Seth Rollins, the build to Money in the Bank and have coverage of Extreme Rules, the negotiations for a Conor McGregor vs. Nate Diaz fight and look more at the Floyd Mayweather vs. McGregor rumors. Take an in-depth look at the departure of Cody Runnels (Rhodes) from WWE and his future prospects, plus look at his complaints regarding people in the company. All this plus a look at the New Japan Super Juniors tournament, the funding of the Hulk Hogan lawsuit, the World Cup trios tournament coming up and a feature on the last PWG show.

        The lead story looks at every aspect of the brand split.  It looks at the original goals and reasons for it and what did and didn’t work, plus how it’ll be different this time, how the touring will work, and an examination of what talent knows and tentative plans in place.  Vince McMahon’ reaction is a big part of this, and this issue explains how the deal went down, the story behind the story and other aspects to be considered. There’s also a look at Smackdown going live, the affect on the fan base, the affect on TNA and why it was important to get Smackdown away from Thursday.

        Another big story in this issues is Extreme Rules, the decision to make Seth Rollins a heel and current plans for Money in the Bank, and also match-by-match coverage with star ratings and poll results.

        Details about what’s going on with Conor McGregor, including Colin Cowherd’s claim that Mayweather vs. McGregor is happening, as well as a look at the Nate Diaz negotiations last week and what McGregor has said publicly.

        Finally, this issue looks at Cody Runnels leaving WWE, what he said was the reason why, and a look into those reasons, and a look at the realities of WWE business decisions and his background.

        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 19, 1999 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Davey Boy Smith hospitalized with spinal infection, WCW Spring Stampede. The health situations involving both Davey Boy Smith and Japanese woman wrestler Emiko Kado took turns for the worst this past week.

        FRIDAY NEWS

        There will be a new WWE 24 show debuting after Monday Night RAW on Monday on the WWE Network. “Seth Rollins: Redesign. Rebuild. Reclaim” will look at the former WWE Champion’s recovery from a career-threatening injury over the last 6 months. It should be interesting to see if he recovers at the normal human rate, or the super-human pro wrestler rate.

        The chair of Kentucky’s boxing and wrestling commission wants to end a state rule that ends a wrestling match when one of the wrestlers starts bleeding. WWE won’t bring TV back there until the law is changed, and supplied a statement in the story. MMA and boxing aren’t bound to the same rule for some reason.

        We have the full audio from Thursday’s UFC 199 conference call featuring middleweight champion Luke Rockhold, Michael Bisping, bantamweight champion Dominick Cruz, and Urijah Faber. This is sure to be an exciting PPV card and I can’t imagine the conference call being any less entertaining.

        WRESTLING

        MMA

        • ONE Championships ran earlier today in Bangkok. Yoshitaka Naito won the strawweight title in the main event. Murat Gafurov retained the middleweight title in the co-main and Christian Lee, who doesn’t turn 18 until next month, scored his 5th straight first round finish on the undercard. Full report is up here.
        • Former bantamweight title contender Joe Soto steps in to replace Kid Yamamoto at UFC Ottawa next month against Chris Beal.
        • Miesha Tate was poking the bear during an interview on SiriusXM yesterday.

        EVENTS

        • May 28 – Mayhem in the Magnolia State, Louisville Coliseum. This show is a benefit for Kamala.
        • May 27 & 28 – Absolute Intense Wrestling “2016 JT Lightning Invitational Tournament,” Our Lady Of Mount Carmel, 1355 West 70th Street, Cleveland, Ohio
        • May 30 – Jake Roberts will be appearing in Burbank next monday at 8pm at Flappers Comedy.
        • June 4 – UFC 199 from the Forum in Los Angeles with Michael Bisping getting his first title opportunity of his career battling Luke Rockhold for the middleweight belt
        • June 4 – In celebration of Metro Pro’s Sixth Anniversary, Demolition (Ax & Smash) will be in action on Saturday, Turner Recreation Center in Kansas City, Kansas. The event address is: 831 S. 55th St., Kansas City, KS 66106 – Tickets can be bought in advance.
        • June 5 – 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
        • 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 – 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 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 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.

        Today in Professional Wrestling History: Thor Hogan wins Central States Title; Owen Hart wins IWGP Jr Heavyweight Title

      • Daily Update: Hogan’s secret backer, NXT TakeOver, Sasha and Enzo return

        Peter Thiel admitted in a New York Times article that he was, as reported earlier in the week by Forbes, secretly funding Hulk Hogan’s lawsuit, noting that most people can’t defend themselves and even a famous millionaire like Terry Bollea didn’t have the resources to do this one alone. He said he had planned this against Gawker several years ago. “I refuse to believe that journalism means massive privacy violations. I think much more highly of journalists than that. Its precisely because I respect journalists that I do not believe they are endangered by fighting back against Gawker.” 

        Thiel said the published estimates of him spending $10 million were “roughly in the ballpark.” He said this is not a business venture and he’s not expecting any money out of funding Hogan’s case. He said he considered this “one of my greater philanthropic things that I’ve done. I think of it in those terms.” He also said this is not the only case that he’s funded. Here is another article on this aspect of the on-going Hulk Hogan saga.

        We’re looking for reports on tonight’s NXT house show in Lakeland, FL to newstips@WrestlingObserver.com.

        SMACKDOWN TONIGHT AT 8 P.M. ON USA NETWORK

        • Zack Ryder vs. Alberto Del Rio in a Money in the Bank qualifier
        • Rusev vs. Kalisto for the U.S. title
        • Natalya vs. Dana Brooke
        • R-Truth & Goldust vs. Fandango & Tyler Breeze
        • The Miz vs. Cesaro for IC title

        NEW JAPAN BEST OF THE SUPER JUNIORS TOURNAMENT LIVE FROM TOKYO KORAKUEN HALL AT 5:30 A.M. EASTERNFRIDAY MORNING ON NEW JAPAN WORLD

        • Matt Sydal & Michael Elgin vs. Rocky Romero & Yoshi-Hashi
        • Yuji Nagata & Hiroyoshi Tenzan & Manabu Nakanishi & David Finlay & Kyle O’Reilly vs. Katsuyori Shibata & Kushida & Ryusuke Taguchi & Juice Robinson & Jay White
        • Tiger Mask vs. Chase Owens
        • Trent Baretta vs. Bobby Fish
        • Satoshi Kojima & Yoshitatsu & Captain New Japan vs. Kenny Omega & Bad Luck Fale & Yujiro Takahashi
        • Kazuchika Okada & Hirooki Goto & Tomohiro Ishii & Gedo vs. Tetsuya Naito & Seiya Sanada & Evil & Bushi
        • Jushin Liger vs. Volador Jr.
        • Ricochet vs. Will  Ospreay 

        On  Friday, we’re looking for reports on the WWE house show in Springfield, IL (Roman Reigns, Sheamus, Kevin Owens, Dudleys, Enzo, Cass, Sami Zayn, Charlotte, Natalya) and the NXT show in Cocoa Beach, FL to newstips@WrestlingObserver.com

        NEW JAPAN WORLD PRO WRESTLING ON FRIDAY NIGHT ON AXS TV AT 8 P.M.

        The show returns with the first of several two hour specials from the 2015 G-1 Climax tournament

        • Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Kota Ibushi
        • A.J Styles vs. Katsuyori Shibata
        • Tetsuya Naito vs. Bad Luck Fale

        CMLL FROM ARENA MEXICO IN MEXICO CITY ON FRIDAY NIGHT

        • Oro Jr. & Soberano vs. Cancerbero & Raziel
        • Marcela & Princesa Sugei & Silueta vs. Amapola & Dallys & Zeuxis
        • Blue Panther & Blue Panther Jr. & The Panther vs. Ephesto & Luciferno & Mephisto
        • Guerrero Maya Jr. vs. Felino
        • Diamante Azul & Marco Corleone & Titan vs. Kraneo & Rey Bucanero & Ripper
        • Maximo Sexy & Mistico & Stuka Jr. vs. El Terrible & Shocker & La Mascara

        Saturday we’re looking for reports on the WWE shows in Peoria, IL (Roman Reigns, Sheamus, Kevin Owens, Dudleys, Enzo, Cass, Sami Zayn, Charlotte, Natalya) and Winnipeg (Big Show, Chris Jericho, Kane, Erick Rowan, Braun Strowman, Dean Ambrose, New Day, Rusev, Kalisto, Alberto De Rio, Paige, Becky Lynch, Sasha Banks).

        NEW JAPAN BEST OF THE SUPER JUNIORS TOURNAMENT FROM OSAKA AT 3 A.M. EASTERN SUNDAY MORNING/SATURDAYNIGHT ON NEW JAPAN WORLD

        • Hiroyoshi Tenzan & Michael Elgin & Volador Jr. vs. Tomohiro Ishii & Trent Baretta & Will Ospreay
        • Yuji Nagata & Manabu Nakanishi & Jushin Liger & Tiger Mask vs. Bobby Fish & Jay White & Juice Robinson & Katsuyori Shibata
        • David Finlay vs. Gedo
        • Rocky Romero vs. Bushi
        • Satoshi Kojima & Yoshitatsu & Captain New Japan & Ricochet vs. Kenny Omega & Bad Luck Fale & Yujiro Takahashi & Chase Owens
        • Kazuchika Okada & Hirooki Goto & Yoshi-Hashi vs. Tetsuya Naito & Evil & Seiya Sanada
        • Matt Sydal vs.. Kyle O’Reilly
        • Kushida vs. Ryusuke Taguchi

        Sunday we’re looking for reports on WWE shows in Madison, WI (Roman Reigns, Sheamus, Kevin Owens, Dudleys, Enzo, Cass, Sami Zayn, Charlotte, Natalya) and LaCrosse, WI (Big Show, Kane, Erick Rowan, Braun Strowman, Dean Ambrose, New Day, Rusev, Kalisto, Alberto Del Rio, Paige, Becky Lynch and Sasha Banks).

        UFC FROM THE MANDALAY BAY EVENTS CENTER IN LAS VEGAS ON SUNDAY

        Fight Pass bouts at 6 p.m. Eastern

        • Adam Milstead vs. Chris De La Rosa
        • Bryan Caraway vs. Aljamain Sterling

        FS 1 at 7 p.m. Eastern

        • Shane Campbell vs. Erik Koch
        • Jake Collier vs. Alberto Pereira Uda
        • Abel Trujillo vs. Jordan Rinaldi
        • Sara McMann vs. Jessica Eye
        • Josh Burkman vs. Paul Felder
        • Jorge Masvidal vs. Lorenz Larkin
        • Chris Camozzi vs Vitor Miranda
        • Tarec Saffiedine vs. Rick Story
        • Jeremy Stephens vs. Renan Barao
        • Cody Garbrandt vs. Thomas Almeida

        NEW JAPAN BEST OF THE SUPER JUNIORS FROM TOTTORI ON MONDAY (taped for New Japan World available later in the day)

        • Trent Baretta vs. Chase Owens
        • Tiger Mask vs. Will Ospreay
        • Bobby Fish vs. Volador Jr.
        • Jushin Liger vs. Ricochet

        Raw is Monday from Green Bay featuring the return of John Cena plus a Dolph Ziggler vs. Baron Corbin match.

        NEW JAPAN BEST OF THE SUPER JUNIORS FROM HIROSHIMA ON TUESDAY (taped for New Japan World available later in the day)

        • Bushi vs. David Finlay
        • Matt Sydal vs. Rocky Romero
        • Kushida vs. Gedo
        • Ryusuke Taguchi vs. Kyle O’Reilly

        Smackdown and Main Event will be taped on Tuesday in Rockford, IL.

          THE ROUND-UP

          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 5/23/2016: More strange developments in WWE’s concussion lawsuit deposition – Last week we talked a bit about both Evan Singleton’s deposition in the WWE concussion lawsuit as well as a video of a concussion presentation held in developmental during Singleton’s time under contact. Among other topics, there’s been a bit more movement on that front.

          Wrestling Observer Newsletter

          READ IT HERE: May 30, 2016 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Return of Seth Rollins and the WWE brand split, plus tons of news

          With two of the biggest news stories of the year, the WWE brand split and the UFC sale both in play, we’ve got a new issue of the Observer packed with news.

          Our lead story looks at the brand split, with what we do know, what has and hasn’t been decided and the background of how it went down. There’s also more info on the UFC sale talks.  Plus there is coverage of the return of Seth Rollins, the build to Money in the Bank and have coverage of Extreme Rules, the negotiations for a Conor McGregor vs. Nate Diaz fight and look more at the Floyd Mayweather vs. McGregor rumors. Take an in-depth look at the departure of Cody Runnels (Rhodes) from WWE and his future prospects, plus look at his complaints regarding people in the company. All this plus a look at the New Japan Super Juniors tournament, the funding of the Hulk Hogan lawsuit, the World Cup trios tournament coming up and a feature on the last PWG show.

          The lead story looks at every aspect of the brand split.  It looks at the original goals and reasons for it and what did and didn’t work, plus how it’ll be different this time, how the touring will work, and an examination of what talent knows and tentative plans in place.  Vince McMahon’ reaction is a big part of this, and this issue explains how the deal went down, the story behind the story and other aspects to be considered. There’s also a look at Smackdown going live, the affect on the fan base, the affect on TNA and why it was important to get Smackdown away from Thursday.

          Another big story in this issues is Extreme Rules, the decision to make Seth Rollins a heel and current plans for Money in the Bank, and also match-by-match coverage with star ratings and poll results.

          Details about what’s going on with Conor McGregor, including Colin Cowherd’s claim that Mayweather vs. McGregor is happening, as well as a look at the Nate Diaz negotiations last week and what McGregor has said publicly.

          Finally, this issue looks at Cody Runnels leaving WWE, what he said was the reason why, and a look into those reasons, and a look at the realities of WWE business decisions and his background.

          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 19, 1999 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Davey Boy Smith hospitalized with spinal infection, WCW Spring Stampede. The health situations involving both Davey Boy Smith and Japanese woman wrestler Emiko Kado took turns for the worst this past week.

          THURSDAY NEWS

          HHH on Twitter yesterday noted that the name of the 6/8 NXT Takeover show would be “Takeover: The End.” Some people seem to think that means it’s the end of NXT. It isn’t. It’s just likely the end of the Samoa Joe vs. Finn Balor program with their third meeting in a cage.

          We’re sorry to hear about the death today of Beverly Crookshanks, better known as Beverly Dundee. Dundee was the wife of Bill Dundee who was part of a huge angle in Memphis where after Bill lost his hair in a match with Jerry Lawler, he put up his wife’s hair to get another shot at Lawler’s hair. Lawler won again and mocked Dundee for years about shaving his wife’s head and him having to go home to a bald woman. She had a stroke several months ago and her health had declined since then. Here is a youtube video where you can see Lawler and Dundee.

          UFC light heavyweight champion Daniel Cormier has been named the honorary chairman of the World Cup of Wrestling which takes place on 6/11 and 6/12 at the Forum in Los Angeles.  All six members of the freestyle Olympic team are scheduled to represent the U.S.

          Sasha Banks has been cleared to work after what is believed to have been a concussion. She will be working in Winnipeg and LaCrosse, WI at the house shows this weekend. Not sure about TV. On the original plans for Money in the Bank, she was to have a match and to return to TV to build it.

          Enzo Amore is also scheduled for house shows this weekend in Springfield, IL, Peoria and Madison, WI.

          WWE

          • Brandi Runnels talks her departure from WWE.
          • Ric Flair and Ricky Steamboat will be appearing together on 7/23 at The Sands Resort in Bethlehem, PA for a Q&A show. Former ROH owner Cary Silkin said that he would be going to that event to try and collect $41,000 the he said Flair owes him for not living up to his contract and quitting on ROH in 2010.
          • John Cena talks about building the WWE brand. 
          • Randy Orton and his new wife are expecting a daughter in November.
          • There will be a new episode of Camp WWE put on the network tonight at 10 p.m.
          • On NXT last night, they started promoting the debut of Andrade Cien Almas, who is the former La Sombra.
          • WWE stock, which fell last week due to Vince & Linda McMahon selling stock, is back to normal range as it was up 13 cents per share today to $17.43.

          UFC

          • Alex Caceres replaces B.J. Penn as the opponent for Cole Miller on the 6/4 UFC show in Los Angeles.  
          • Matt Brown vs. Jake Ellenberger was announced for UFC 201 on 7/30 in Atlanta.
          • Kid Yamamoto pulled out of his 6/18 fight with Chris Beal. He’s being replaced on the show by Joe Soto.
          • Jim Alers vs. Jason Knight was added to the 7/23 show in Chicago.

          MISCELLANEOUS

          • Mike Tyson has joined the cast of “Kickboxer: Retaliation,” which is the movie starring Dave Bautista, Jean Claude Van Damme, Paige VanZant, Gina Carano and Georges St-Pierre.
          • Dixie Carter did media in India and said TNA was looking for a female pro wrestler from India.
          • The first series of Ring of Honor action figures are now up for preorder at www.figurestoycompany.com and www.wrestlingsuperstore.com. This series features Jay Lethal, Jay Briscoe, Mark Briscoe, and Kevin Steen. Figures are available individually or as a complete set with some special deals available when you order. Estimated delivery is in July.
          • An interview with Ricochet is here. 
          • Chris Honeycutt vs. Mikkel Parlo at middleweight has been added to the 6/17 Bellator show in Fresno at the SaveMart Center.
          • New England Championship Wrestling’s Iron Man 8 championship takes place on 6/11 in Wakefield, MA. There will be four singles matches and the four winners come back in a four-way 45 minute match where whoever wins the most falls in 45 minutes is the winner. Announced in are Slyck Wagner Brown, Brad Hollister, Chris Escobar, Tod Loco, Kevin Tibbs and the rest are to be announced.
          • Former WCW and TNA employee Jason Hervey, best known as Eric Bischoff’s warner in BHE, was arrested in January according to TMZ reports that came out today, noting he had spent 48 hours behind bars for a DUI and carrying a weapon while under the influence charge as there was allegedly a loaded handgun in his car when pulled over. Hervey is best known for his days as a child actor on “The Wonder Years” TV show.  
          • AAW on 6/17 in Merionette Park, IL at 115 Bourbon Street with Sami Callihan & Dave Crist vs. Eddie Kingston & Homicide, Davey Vega & Mat Fitchett vs. Devin & Mason Cutter, Chris Hero vs Drago, Zack Sabre Jr. vs. Johnny Gargano, Tommaso Ciampa vs. ?, plus AR Fox, Aerostar, Trevor Lee, Andrew Everett, Cedric Alexander, Drew Gulak, Silas Young, Moose, Candice LaRae, Heidi Lovelace, Jessicka Havok, Kimber Lee and Kongo Kong.
          • Metro Pro Wrestling’s sixth anniversary show features Demolition on 6/4 in Kansas City at the turner Rec Center.
          • Woman’s Fatale 19 is in Ste-Therese, Quebec at the Cultural Centre Communautiare.
          • WCWF has its third anniversary show on 6/4 at 7 p.m. at the Yuba Sutter Fairgrounds in Yuba City headlined by Nathan Brick vs. Lord Luxury.
          • Legends of the Ring on 6/11 in Monroe, NJ at the Crowne Plaza Hotel has an autograph show with Matt & Jeff Hardy, Bret Hart, Gene Okerlund, Sting, Booker T, Stevie Ray, Demolition, Warlord, Barbarian, Candice Michelle, Dutch Mantell, Terry Funk, Scott Steiner and Butch Reed. 
          • CWE tonight in Brandon, Manitoba at the Assiniboine Community College with Frankie Kazarian & Silas Young vs. Orin Veidi & Jacob Savage and Lio Rush vs. Jason Kincaid vs. AJ Sanchez.
          • Evolve on 6/11 in Orlando at the Downtown Rec Center
            Elimination match:  Johnny Gargano vs. Drew Gulak vs. TJP vs. Lince Dorado vs. ?
            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 Brother vs. Jason Cade &Darby Allin
          • Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame show from Friday night in Wichita Falls, TX before 450 fans:  Americos b Jastin Taylor, Greg Anthony b Matt Riviera, Moonshine Mantell b Double D, Charlie Haas b Houston Carson, Tim Storm b Andrew Anderson.  Eric Embry, David Manning and Gary Young attended the show.
          • The J.T. Lightning 24-man Invitational tournament takes place on 5/27 and 5/28 in Cleveland at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel.  Dylan Postl (Swoggle as he’s now gong) appears plus opening round matches of Colt Cabana vs. Homicide, Dan Severn vs. Colin Delaney, Brian Myers vs. Billy Gunn, Josh Alexander vs. Johnny Gargano, Ray Rowe vs. Big Damo, Little Guido vs. Tim Donst, Tyson Dux vs. Tracy Williams, Cedric Alexander vs. Veda Scott, DJ Zema Ion vs. Laredo Kid, Alex Daniels vs. Britt Baker, Louis Lyndon vs. Cheech and BJ Whitmer vs. Candice LaRae.
          • Lex Luger appears on 6/11 in Gray, TN at Daniel Boone High School for a combination wrestling show at Fountain of Life Bible Church’s Car and Bike show.  The event has free admission.
          • John LaRocca and Alan Counihan talk the Champion Carnival tournament.
          • Here is a story comparing Conor McGregor vs. Floyd Mayweather to the Ali vs. Inoki match 40 years ago.
          • Here is a story on an indie event in Louisville.
          • A review of the autobiography of Jeannie Clarke-Williams, a former wrestling valet in WCCW and WCW who was married to Chris Adams and Steve Austin can be read here.

          Today in Professional Wrestling History: Smoking Gunns win WWF Tag Team Titles; Eric Young wins TNA TV Title

        • Daily Update: Smackdown to Tuesdays live, brand split

          The big news of today, and really for the week, month and maybe the year, is that WWE and USA Network is moving Smackdown to Tuesdays and running it as a live show. Additionally, they are going to attempt to relaunch the brand split and according to our Dave Meltzer, they are going to be aggressive in signing talent outside the company to help restock the cupboards.

          As history has told us, WWE’s first brand split eventually failed due to the crossover of the big stars on their two shows — especially guys like John Cena. If they want to truly create two brands, they need to be two distinct brands with different aesthetics that may have WWE DNS but not the same look, feel, and even sound. Unfortunately, that also might mean a return to the dual champion era with one distinctively being pushed far heavier than the other. (Basically, the WWE title defended on RAW and especially when Cena wore the strap.)

          There are still questions to be answered (dual tours? Dual monthly Network events? What about NXT?), but this is the company’s latest attempt to do something different with the 5+ live hours they have on USA every week. NXT showed that when done organically, uniquely, and firmly using wrestling’s roots as the foundation, having two promotions under one banner can work if you put them in two different parts of the wrestling universe and believe in both succeeding equally.

          But if WWE doesn’t learn from history, they are doomed to repeat it….with just as much McMahon on our TV screens as ever.

          [Josh Nason]

            THE ROUND-UP

            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 5/23/2016: More strange developments in WWE’s concussion lawsuit deposition – Last week we talked a bit about both Evan Singleton’s deposition in the WWE concussion lawsuit as well as a video of a concussion presentation held in developmental during Singleton’s time under contact. Among other topics, there’s been a bit more movement on that front.

            Wrestling Observer Newsletter

            READ IT HERE: May 23, 2016 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: WWE Extreme Rules preview, Vince McMahon sells portion of WWE stock, tons more

            A look at what’s next for WWE after Extreme Rules, the UFC sale with lots of exclusive info, Vince & Linda McMahon selling their stock, Chris Weidman’s injury and how that changes plans, the staggering drop in kids viewing for WWE and exactly who watches the TV today, plus UFC 198 coverage and Best of The Super Juniors tournament news are among the stories covered in the new issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.

            More on the injury returns and summer ideas and why WWE could have its deepest talent roster in a long time in very short order. Plus, talk about the NXT/WWE balance and why talent is actually more important for arena business if in NXT.

            There is also an extensive look at the Extreme Rules show.

            In addition, updates on the UFC sale, including news about who is in, who is not in, what it all means, what is being sold, where Dana White and Lorenzo Fertitta fit in and UFC fixture who indicates he’s likely gone if the sale goes through, all in covered in this issue.

            A glimpse into Vince McMahon’s stock sale, what it means, how much money did he get, and how his stock sale only increased the difference in the value of UFC vs. WWE, and for how much Vince McMahon bought the company.

            More on the injury to Chris Weidman, how it happened, his future, Michael Bisping’s title shot and more on UFC 1999.

            Also in this issue, find out who watches WWE on television and how many in each different age group.

            Find out how WWE has changed the schedule of the Cruiserweight tournament and why, more on the arrest of Adam Rose, more on Stephanie McMahon’s book, how Stephanie will be pushed on television going forward, how Stephanie will be marketed as the face of the company, and another WWE firing.

            Finally, there’s full coverage of UFC 198, including business notes including early estimates on success, ramifications of the show, match-by-match coverage, looking at the judging of close fights and poll results.

            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 19, 1999 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Davey Boy Smith hospitalized with spinal infection, WCW Spring Stampede. The health situations involving both Davey Boy Smith and Japanese woman wrestler Emiko Kado took turns for the worst this past week.

            WEDNESDAY NEWS

            Diego Brandao was given a nine month suspension from the NSAC for his marijuana test failure following his fight with Brian Ortega. Brandao was subsequently released from UFC but will be eligible to fight again on October.

            The probability of Hulk Hogan getting $140 million increased as Gawker’s attempt to get a retrial was tossed out of court today. Gawker wanted a new trial because, well, the first one didn’t go their way, but they still have the right to appeal. This case is still far from over.

            There’s much more on the story of the secret backer of Hogan lawsuit via Huffington post and Forbes Tech. Here’s a piece from the Washington Examiner, another piece from Forbes, and finally a third piece from the NY Times. This trial gets more Hollywood everyday. 

            WRESTLING

            ​MMA

            • TUF 22 winner Ryan Hall will face Alex White at the UFC Fight Night show in South Dakota on July 13th. This will be his first fight since dominating Artem Lobov in the tournament final last December
            • ONE Championships has an event Friday morning at 6 am eastern from Bangkok, Thailand with a strawweight title fight between Dejdamrong Sor Anyuaysirchoke defending against Yoshitaka Naito. Featherweight champion Murat Gafurov takes on challenger Kazunori Yokota in the co-main. Teen sensation Christian Lee is on the undercard with his 5th fight in less than a year and he’s won the previous four via early stoppage.
            • Dan Severn talks about MMA, Ken Shamrock, and some pro wrestling on this podcast.
            • Scottish fan favorite Robert Whiteford has been cut from UFC after two straight losses. The 33-year-old featherweight had a 2-3 record in UFC, fighting mostly on European shows.
            • Shane Carwin is teasing a comeback at the age of 41. He wants to capture the UFC heavyweight title or just “beat up Brock Lesnar again”.
            • Here’s a funny video showing a Roberto Duran inside fighting clinic with a random Shane Mosley appearance in the background. (Thanks to John Ringo)

            EVENTS

            • TONIGHT – Canadian Wrestling’s Elite, Souris & Glenwood Memorial Complex (32 – 3rd Ave West)
            • May 28 – Mayhem in the Magnolia State, Louisville Coliseum. This show is a benefit for Kamala.
            • May 27 & 28 – Absolute Intense Wrestling “2016 JT Lightning Invitational Tournament,” Our Lady Of Mount Carmel, 1355 West 70th Street, Cleveland, Ohio
            • May 30 – Jake Roberts will be appearing in Burbank next monday at 8pm at Flappers Comedy.
            • June 4 – UFC 199 from the Forum in Los Angeles with Michael Bisping getting his first title opportunity of his career battling Luke Rockhold for the middleweight belt
            • June 4 – In celebration of Metro Pro’s Sixth Anniversary, Demolition (Ax & Smash) will be in action on Saturday, Turner Recreation Center in Kansas City, Kansas. The event address is: 831 S. 55th St., Kansas City, KS 66106 – Tickets can be bought in advance.
            • June 5 – 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
            • 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 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 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 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.

            Today in Professional Wrestling History: 5/25 Shawn Michaels & Steve Austin win WWF World Tag TeamTitles

          • Daily Update: Raw after Extreme Rules, Seth Rollins, McGregor vs. Mayweather

            According to some fans, WWE had a “thumbs in the middle” night on Sunday with Extreme Rules. The show was basically nothing, but it did have two excellent matches. The first excellent was the four way for the Intercontinental Championship featuring Miz vs. Cesar007 vs. Sami Zayn vs. Kevin Owens. This match was incredibly paced and well worked with a lot of innovative maneuvers, and more importantly, the crowd was into it. I’d put it up there with the best matches of WWE so far in 2016.

            However, the main event Extreme Rules match for the WWE title between Roman Reigns and AJ Styles was “phenomenal.” Styles proved why he is the man in a career making performance. It was awesome to see this “outsider” get a chance to showcase his abilities. However, in the end, it was all about the return of Seth Rollins who ran in after the match to lay out Reigns. Rollins received an enormous babyface reaction upon doing so, and it was a tremendous way to go off the air on Sunday night. 

            However, more important than what happened on Sunday was the follow up on Monday Night Raw. There was a lot of positive speculation from fans on social medial all day, but the final rating was up very slightly. Nonetheless, many were not happy after watching Raw. Our own Alan O’Brien has an excellent piece on how WWE immediately screwed it up. He points out the comparison of bringing Alberto Del Rio back as a face only to turn him heel immediately, which is exactly what they did with Rollins. In the case of Del Rio, it was a bad decision. As of right now, it sure seems like a bad decision to turn Rollins. 

            Only time will tell if the “New Era” of WWE will yield positive returns. However, if making AJ Styles into a bonafide star is the only thing that happens, that may be enough to consider it successful. 

            [Dan Velten]

            NEW JAPAN BEST OF THE SUPER JUNIORS ON TUESDAY FROM YAMAGATA (this won’t air live but should be up sometime Tuesday on New Japan World)

            • Tiger Mask vs. Volador jr.
            • Jushin Liger vs. Chase Owens
            • Bobby Fish vs. Ricochet
            • Will Ospreay vs. Trent Baretta

            Smackdown and Main Event will be taped on Tuesday in Norfolk, VA. Roman Reigns & Usos vs. A.J. Styles & Luke Gallows & Karl Anderson is the advertised main event. 

              THE ROUND-UP

              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 5/23/2016: More strange developments in WWE’s concussion lawsuit deposition – Last week we talked a bit about both Evan Singleton’s deposition in the WWE concussion lawsuit as well as a video of a concussion presentation held in developmental during Singleton’s time under contact. Among other topics, there’s been a bit more movement on that front.

              Wrestling Observer Newsletter

              READ IT HERE: May 23, 2016 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: WWE Extreme Rules preview, Vince McMahon sells portion of WWE stock, tons more

              A look at what’s next for WWE after Extreme Rules, the UFC sale with lots of exclusive info, Vince & Linda McMahon selling their stock, Chris Weidman’s injury and how that changes plans, the staggering drop in kids viewing for WWE and exactly who watches the TV today, plus UFC 198 coverage and Best of The Super Juniors tournament news are among the stories covered in the new issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.

              More on the injury returns and summer ideas and why WWE could have its deepest talent roster in a long time in very short order. Plus, talk about the NXT/WWE balance and why talent is actually more important for arena business if in NXT.

              There is also an extensive look at the Extreme Rules show.

              In addition, updates on the UFC sale, including news about who is in, who is not in, what it all means, what is being sold, where Dana White and Lorenzo Fertitta fit in and UFC fixture who indicates he’s likely gone if the sale goes through, all in covered in this issue.

              A glimpse into Vince McMahon’s stock sale, what it means, how much money did he get, and how his stock sale only increased the difference in the value of UFC vs. WWE, and for how much Vince McMahon bought the company.

              More on the injury to Chris Weidman, how it happened, his future, Michael Bisping’s title shot and more on UFC 1999.

              Also in this issue, find out who watches WWE on television and how many in each different age group.

              Find out how WWE has changed the schedule of the Cruiserweight tournament and why, more on the arrest of Adam Rose, more on Stephanie McMahon’s book, how Stephanie will be pushed on television going forward, how Stephanie will be marketed as the face of the company, and another WWE firing.

              Finally, there’s full coverage of UFC 198, including business notes including early estimates on success, ramifications of the show, match-by-match coverage, looking at the judging of close fights and poll results.

              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 19, 1999 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Davey Boy Smith hospitalized with spinal infection, WCW Spring Stampede. The health situations involving both Davey Boy Smith and Japanese woman wrestler Emiko Kado took turns for the worst this past week.

              TUESDAY NEWS

              Even with UFC featherweight champion Conor McGregor under contract to UFC, the story about him boxing Floyd Mayweather is still getting a lot of play in the sports media with mid-September Las Vegas dates being speculated on. This was discussed at length on many daily sports shows including FS1’s Colin Cowherd and Prime Time Sports in Canada.

              Former WWE security director Jimmy Noonan was on Fox News talking about what some of the talents are “really like” and what his duties were. He talked about where fans are the craziest and some stories on Brock Lesnar. It’s a short clip, but an interesting one.

              Last Friday’s Bellator 155 on Spike did 653,000 viewers, right around their year to date average. It was down about 8% from last Saturday’s show (Phil Davis vs. King Mo), but up from the May 2015 show on the same weekend. The show was headlined by the lackluster Rafael Carvalho vs. Melvin Manhoef middleweight title bout.

              WRESTLING

              MMA

              • In the sweet irony department, Rousimar Palhares is complaining about illegal blows in his quick KO loss on Saturday’s Venator show in Italy.
              • AKA head Javier Mendez came on Submission Radio to discuss why his charge Luke Rockhold’s upcoming UFC 199 title fight with Michael Bisping is going to be taken very seriously even though Rockhold has already beaten him. You can listen to the interview here.
              • Here’s a Bleacher Report feature on the conflict of interest between MMA managers representing fighters and also running smaller organizations.

              EVENTS

              • TONIGHT – Frankie Kazarian and Silas Young team up and Lio Rush takes on Jason Kincaid for CWE in Regina, Saskatchewan at The Exchange (2431 8th Ave) – Purchase tickets online.
              • May 27 & 28 – Absolute Intense Wrestling “2016 JT Lightning Invitational Tournament,” Our Lady Of Mount Carmel, 1355 West 70th Street, Cleveland,Ohio
              • June 4 – UFC 199 from the Forum in Los Angeles with Michael Bisping getting his first title opportunity of his career battling Luke Rockhold for the middleweight belt
              • June 4 – In celebration of Metro Pro’s Sixth Anniversary, Demolition (Ax & Smash) will be in action on Saturday, Turner Recreation Center in Kansas City, Kansas. The event address is: 831 S. 55th St., Kansas City, KS 66106 – Tickets can be bought in advance.
              • June 5 – 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
              • 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 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 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 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 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.

              Today in Professional Wrestling History: 5/24 Harley Race defeats Dory Funk for NWA World Title; Flair regains NWA World Title over Von Erich

            • Daily Update: Raw, Money in the Bank, Seth Rolins returns

              Raw is at the Royal Farms Arena in Baltimore tonight. They’ll be starting work on the Money in the Bank show and the big thing will presumably Seth Rollins’ return interview as the show last night seemed to indicate a Roman Reigns vs. Seth Rollins title program. They’ll also be pushing John Cena’s return next Monday and we’ll get new directions for a lot of the key talent. They are advertising Roman Reigns & Dean Ambrose & AJ Styles vs. Sheamus & Chris Jericho & Kevin Owens, but that means nothing as they just announce matches locally and don’t deliver them most of the time. We’re looking for live reports with Superstars matches, dark matches or anything else that isn’t part of the live show at newstips@wrestlingobserver.com

              We’re looking for your thoughts on last night’s Extreme Rules show, 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

              NEW JAPAN BEST OF THE SUPER JUNIORS ON MONDAY FROM NIIGATA (this won’t air live but should be up sometimeMonday on New Japan World)

              • Matt Sydal vs. Bushi
              • Kyle O’Reilly vs. Gedo
              • Ryusuke Taguchi vs. David Finlay
              • Kushida vs. Rocky Romero

              NEW JAPAN BEST OF THE SUPER JUNIORS ON TUESDAY FROM YAMAGATA (this won’t air live but should be up sometimeTuesday on New Japan World)

              • Tiger Mask vs. Volador jr.
              • Jushin Liger vs. Chase Owens
              • Bobby Fish vs. Ricochet
              • Will Ospreay vs. Trent Baretta

              Smackdown and Main Event will be taped on Tuesday in Norfolk  Roman Reigns & Usos vs. A.J. Styles & Luke Gallows & Karl Anderson is the advertised main event. We’re looking for reports on that at newstips@wrestlingobserver.com

                THE ROUND-UP

                If you’ve ever wanted to WATCH our radio shows here on the site, check out our new 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 5/16/2016: WWE concussion lawsuit deposition takes a strange turn – Details on the developments in WWE’s concussion lawsuit, and more. Find out all the details in this weeks issue of Figure Four Weekly.

                Wrestling Observer Newsletter

                READ IT HERE: May 23, 2016 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: WWE Extreme Rules preview, Vince McMahon sells portion of WWE stock, tons more

                A look at what’s next for WWE after Extreme Rules, the UFC sale with lots of exclusive info, Vince & Linda McMahon selling their stock, Chris Weidman’s injury and how that changes plans, the staggering drop in kids viewing for WWE and exactly who watches the TV today, plus UFC 198 coverage and Best of The Super Juniors tournament news are among the stories covered in the new issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.

                More on the injury returns and summer ideas and why WWE could have its deepest talent roster in a long time in very short order. Plus, talk about the NXT/WWE balance and why talent is actually more important for arena business if in NXT.

                There is also an extenisve look at the Extreme Rules show.

                In addition, updates on the UFC sale, including news about who is in, who is not in, what it all means, what is being sold, where Dana White and Lorenzo Fertitta fit in and UFC fixture who indicates he’s likely gone if the sale goes through, all in covered in this issue.

                A glimpse into Vince McMahon’s stock sale, what it means, how much money did he get, and how his stock sale only increased the difference in the value of UFC vs. WWE, and for how much Vince McMahon bought the company.

                More on the injury to Chris Weidman, how it happened, his future, Michael Bisping’s title shot and more on UFC 1999.

                Also in this issue, find out who watches WWE on television and how many in each different age group.

                Find out how WWE has changed the schedule of the Cruiserweight tournament and why, more on the arrest of Adam Rose, more on Stephanie McMahon’s book, how Stephanie will be pushed on television going forward, how Stephanie will be marketed as the face of the company, and another WWE firing.

                Finally, there’s full coverage of UFC 198, including business notes including early estimates on success, ramifications of the show, match-by-match coverage, looking at the judging of close fights and poll results.

                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 19, 1999 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Davey Boy Smith hospitalized with spinal infection, WCW Spring Stampede. The health situations involving both Davey Boy Smith and Japanese woman wrestler Emiko Kado took turns for the worst this past week.

                MONDAY NEWS

                Bryan and I will be back tonight to talk Raw, the Shane McMahon interview, and more on Cody Rhodes as well as take your e-mail questions to mailbag@wrestlingobserver.com.

                Pop TV President Brad Schwartz did an interview with PW Insider giving TNA a vote of confidence, saying what station would cancel its second highest rated show. Well, that’s actually happened quite a number of times to wrestling shows including TNA last year. Schwartz did the interview no doubt because of all the stuff about canceling the replay on Saturday after just four weeks and no mentions at all in the upfronts in March about TNA when plugging shows. Schwartz claimed when they started on the station they wanted to give as many people as possible a chance to find it, so they premiered it and repeated it, but now repeats don’t make sense with VOD and DVR’s and people watching when they want to anyway. The problem is Pop is not a staggered network like most entertainment networks so prime time means 6 p.m. on the West Coast, which is why Destination America would do the midnight replay, so they have a prime time showing. He tried to give the idea that it was the plan to do so for a few months and then cut down to one airing, which makes zero sense because why do the time slot change just a month ago if the plan was to dump it? He did explain about growing up watching wrestling on Saturday mornings, but again, if that’s the case you don’t dump it in four weeks. He noted they never marketed the Saturday show and the plan was always to have one two hour broadcast. He claimed repeats don’t work, although that’s notable because Pop’s highest rated show is a repeat.

                The ESPN 30 for 30 piece of Ric Flair was written about in Sports Illustrated this week. Rory Karpf is the director. The piece will be 90 to 120 minutes. The WWE has been fully cooperative as far as allowing them to use footage because of the WWE/ESPN relationship. 

                Sports Illustrated today made a list of the 50 fittest female athletes in the world. They have an explanation of how they do the lists, but it appears to me they’re looking for women who are athletes and also ripped. But from combat sports and wrestling these were the names on the list:

                • 31 – Kayla Harrison – U.S. women’s judo star who is likely to go into MMA after the Olympics
                • 30 – Miesha Tate
                • 26 – Michelle Waterson
                • 24 – Ashley “Charlotte” Fliehr
                • 19 – Ronda Rousey (you knew she’d be on the list)
                • 9 – Holly Holm
                • 7 – Claressa Shields – U.S. women’s boxing Olympic gold medalist

                        No. 1 was listed as Jessica Ennis-Hill, a women heptathlete.

                Results in the best of the Super Juniors earlier today from Niigata:

                • Matt Sydal (1-1) beat Bushi (0-2)
                • Kyle O’Reilly (2-0) beat Gedo (1-1)
                • Ryusuke Taguchi (2-0) beat David Finlay (0-2)
                • Rocky Romero (2-0) beat Kushida (0-2)

                        So a tournament story is the champ and top Japan current junior heavyweight has to play catchup.

                WWE

                • The Shane McMahon interview with Mick Foley on his return will air for one hour after Raw ends on the WWE network. 
                • For the weekend, WWE was the No. 5 most searched term yesterday with 200,000 for the PPV. That’s normal range for a WWE PPV show, but down from Payback which was 500,000. The Billboard Music Awards had 2 million and the Golden State Warriors had 1 million. But they beat the Penguins and the French Open. 
                • Ted DiBiase on Twitter mentioned to say prayers for George Steele who was going through some health issues. Best of luck to him in his current situation. He’s beaten some major health issues in the past.
                • Enzo Amore has been back traveling and will be at TV tonight. That doesn’t mean he’ll be used but it does mean he’s doing better, which is a good sign.  
                • Big E has been announced as attending the Tragos/Thesz Hall of Fame ceremony in Waterloo, IA. He played football for the Iowa Hawkeyes and prior to that, was state heavyweight champion in high school in Florida. Dan Gable said, “I’m excited to have WWE Superstar Big E at one of our biggest events of the year. Working together always yields the best results. We appreciate the support of WWE.” Gerald Brisco is a huge supporter of the Dan Gable Museum and the Tragos/Thesz Hall of fame. He’ll be doing an autograph session on 7/23 at 2 p.m. and will attend the induction banquet which includes myself, Bob Backlund, Chael Sonnen, Joe Blanchard, Lex Luger, and JJ Dillon being honored.
                • For those traveling to Las Vegas for Money in the Bank, the Electric Daily Carnival will be in town all weekend and that will bring 100,000 tourists into town. Hotel in Las Vegas are now charging for parking for the new arena, but if you’re an MLife member, parking is free.
                • The company this past week taped Ride Along shows with the announcers, Michael Cole, JBL and Byron Saxton, and another with The Dudleys.
                • After the show last night they announced a return to the Prudential Center on 11/1, which will be a Smackdown taping.
                • Finn Balor is headed to the HMV Super Store at 333 Yonge St. in Toronto tomorrow at 5 p.m. for an autograph session.
                • WWE stock was down 39 cents per share to $16.64.  The decline is likely due to the news Vince McMahon sold so many shares at $16.50 last week.

                UFC

                • Paige VanZant has been inked and a role was especially created for her in the movie “Kickboxer:  Retaliation” after producers saw her on Dancing With the Stars.  Dave Bautista, Jean Claude Van Damme and Gina Carano are the three leads in the movie.
                • Joe Rogan is in Rolling Stone talking about UFC and Conor McGregor and even stronger about leaving. 

                MISCELLANEOUS

                • A note regarding last night’s show when we were talking about the six-man opener on Saturday’s New Japan show and how well Will Ospreay worked with Volador Jr., while Ospreay doesn’t have experience in Mexico, he actually trained at a Lucha Libre school in London for some time so knows the style.
                • Wrestling Revolver on 6/10 in Cliva, IA at the Seven Flags Event Center features John Hennigan (Johnny Mundo) vs. Billy Gunn, Rhino vs. Trevor Lee, Tommy Dreamer vs. Bull James in a Hardcore match, Bob Holly vs. Sami Callihan, Su Yung vs. Jessicka Havok, Scotty 2 Hotty vs. Jack Evans, AR Fox vs. Michael Elgin plus PJ Black and Jody Kristofferson appear.
                • The Pentagon Black appearing this coming weekend in Shawnee, KS, is not Pentagon Dark or Pentagon Jr. from Lucha Underground, but the second Pentagon that worked in AAA.  He hasn’t lived in Mexico in many years.
                • Wrestling Invades America from yesterday in Swansea, IL:  Da’Marius Jones won over Paco Gonzalez and Mike Outlaw, Justin D’Air b Rosko, Barackus & Tyler Copeland b Kevin Lee Davidson & Brandon Aarons, Billy McNeil b Ace Hawkins, Jim Hoffarth b Jimmy D & Bobby D in a handicap match, Brandon Espinosa b Blake Belakis (thanks to Patrick Brandmeyer)
                • Pro Wrestling Eclipse from last night in Oshawa, ONT:  Kobe Durst b Jake Parnell, Jim Nye & Buck Gunderson won over Jason Roberts & Mikey Finnegan and Vaughn Vertigo & Gabriel Fuerza, Michael Elgin NC Tyler Tirva, Ethan Page b Everett Connors, Jewells Malone won four-way over K.C Spinelli, Kaitlin Diamond and Xandra Bale, Phil Atlas d Space Monkey, Cody Deaner & Michael Elgin & Josh Alexander b Tyler Tirva & Tyson Dux & Joshua James.  Next show is 7/1, a free show as part of the Canada Day celebrations.
                • In the Marvel Agents of Shield show, there was a line where a military guy was yelling at the leader of Shield (a comic organization dealing with superhero threats and issues) and said, “That was stupid.  Really stupid.  Like betting on WrestleMania stupid.” (thanks to Mike DeGeorge)
                • Fenix vs. Pentagon Jr. takes place for Lucha Libre New York on 7/24 in Woodside, NY at  Club LaBoom.
                • Volador Jr. defends his UIPW title against both Caristico and Misterioso on 6/11 in Montebello, CA at the Grace Baptist Academy.
                • There is a Rayo de Jalisco Jr. 40th anniversary show on 6/18 in San Luis Potosi, Mexico with Ray & Lover Boy & Silver King vs. Capitan Furia & L.A. Park & El Hijo de L.A. Park as the main event.
                • Ignite Wrestling from Friday night in Fort Pierce, FL:  Klassic Brothers b Jude Jean & Josh Parker, Angel Rose b Red Velvett, Martin Stone & Aaron Epic b Rex Bacchus & Slade Porter, Kota Sekifuda b Jester Yorick, Jon Cruz & Jay Rios b Dirty Blondes, JB Cool b Mark Silva, Kahagas b Damian James, TNT b Braydon Knight & Chico Adams, Mr. 450 Hammet b CJ O’Doyle, Lince Dorado b Rhett Giddins (thanks to Kim Artlip)
                • Absolute Intense Wrestling’s 24-man JT Lightning Invitational tournament takes place on 5/27 and 5/28 in  Cleveland at Our Lady of Mt Carmel, with Homicide, Dan Severn, Tim Donst, Ray Rowe, Louis Lyndon, Tyson Dux, Tracy Williams, DJ Zema Ion, Colin Delaney, Cheech, Big Damo from the U.K,. Laredo Kid, Alex Daniels, B.J. Whitmer, Britt Baker, Brian Myers, Colt Cabana, Billy Gunn, Cedric Alexander, Veda Scott, Little Guido, Johnny Gargano, Candice LaRae and Josh Alexander.  Opening round matches are Severn vs. Delaney, Myers vs. Gunn, Alexander vs. Gargano, Rowe vs. Damo, Guido vs.  Donst, Dux vs. Williams, Alexander vs. Veda Scott, DJZ vs Laredo Kid, Daniels vs Baker, Lyndon vs. Cheech and Whitmer vs. LaRae.
                • TCW from yesterday in Rozano, Milan, Italy:  Antoninio Bellavita b Kombat Komedian to win Revolution title, Antonio Bellavita & Rocco Gioiello & Domenico Dinamite b Martini & Claudio Campari & Ciro Friariello, Saetta Nera b Fenice Rossa, Marchese b Darkness II, Marchese b Death Mask, Marchese b Break Bonsai, Pain b Marchese-DQ, Backslash & Oxlade Black b Sami Grayson & Violent Joe Turbo b Paziente Zero, Scandalo b Darkness II (thanks to Alessio Garbini)
                • CHIKARA’s U.K. tour is 5/27 to 5/30 with shows in Birmingham, Manchester, North Shields and Glasgow.  In Glasgow, the main event is Princess Kimber Lee vs. Hallowicked for the Grand Championship of Chikara.
                • Dynamo Pro Wrestling on 5/28 in St. Louis at the Ready Room.
                • Here is a David Crockett interview preview.

                EVENTS

                • June 4 – UFC 199 from the Forum in Los Angeles with Michael Bisping getting his first title opportunity of his career battling Luke Rockhold for the middleweight belt
                • June 5 – 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
                • 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 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 18 – UFC in Ottawa: Rory McDonald vs. Stephen Thompson
                • June 19 – New Japan Dominion, one of the company’s biggest events of the year, featuring Tetsuya Naito vs. Kazuchika Okada in an IWGP title match and Kenny Omega vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi in a ladder match for the IC title
                • June 19 – WWE Money in the Bank from the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas 
                • June 24 – ROH Best in the World from Concord, NC with Jay Lethal vs. Jay Briscoe for the ROH title 
                • June 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 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.

              • Daily Update: NJPW Super J, WWE Extreme Rules

                New Japan Pro Wrestling’s Best of the Super Juniors tournament kicked off in style with Kushida vs. Kyle O’Reilly in the main event. We’ll have coverage of every show of the tournament, and our Zach Dominello did a big preview piece for the entire tournament that’s a must-read. There’s also a preview in audio form on the latest DKP show featuring Alan and guest Mark Robinson.

                NEW JAPAN BEST OF THE SUPER JUNIORS ON SUNDAY FROM SHIZUOKA (this won’t air live but should be up some time during Sunday on New Japan World)

                • Jay White & David Finlay vs. Yoshi-Hashi & Rocky Romero
                • Yuji Nagata & Satoshi Kojima & Kyle O’Reilly & Matt Sydal vs. Juice Robinson & Ryusuke Taguchi & Kushida & Katsuyori Shibata
                • Tiger Mask vs. Ricochet
                • Jushin Liger vs. Bobby Fish
                • Volador Jr. vs. Trent Baretta
                • Will Ospreay vs. Chase Owens
                • Hiroshi Tanahashi & Yoshitatsu & Captain New Japan vs. Kenny Omega & Bad Luck Fale & Yujiro Takahashi
                • Kazuchika Okada & Hirooki Goto & Tomohiro Ishii & Gedo vs. Tetsuya Naito & Seiya Sanada & Evil & Bushi

                WWE EXTREME RULES ON SUNDAY AT 7:30 P.M. EASTERN FROM THE PRUDENTIAL CENTER IN NEWARK, NJ ON THE WWE NETWORK AND PPV

                • Dolph Ziggler vs. Baron Corbin preshow match
                • Kalisto vs. Rusev for U.S. title
                • Usos vs. Luke Gallows & Karl Anderson tornado match
                • Dean Ambrose vs. Chris Jericho asylum cage match
                • Charlotte vs. Natalya submissions match for women’s title
                • New Day vs Vaudevillains for tag team title
                • The Miz vs. Cesaro vs Sami Zayn vs. Kevin Owens for IC title
                • Roman Reigns vs. A.J. Styles in an extreme rules match for the WWE title

                NEW JAPAN BEST OF THE SUPER JUNIORS ON MONDAY FROM NIIGATA (this won’t air live but should be up sometimeMonday on New Japan World)

                • Satoshi Kojima & Jay White & Ricochet vs. Tomohiro Ishii & Yoshi-Hashi & Will Ospreay
                • Yuji Nagata & Jushin Liger & Tiger Mask vs. Katsuyori Shibata & Juice Robinson & Volador Jr.
                • Matt Sydal vs. Bushi
                • Kyle O’Reilly vs. Gedo
                • Ryusuke Taguchi vs. David Finlay
                • Kushida vs. Rocky Romero
                • Hiroshi Tanahashi & Yoshitatsu & Captain New Japan & Bobby Fish vs. Kenny Omega & Bad Luck Fale & Yujiro Takahashi & Chase Owens
                • Kazuchika Okada & Hirooki Goto & Trent Baretta vs. Tetsuya Naito & Seiya Sanada & Evil

                Raw will be Monday night in Baltimore at the Royal Farms Arena.

                NEW JAPAN BEST OF THE SUPER JUNIORS ON TUESDAY FROM YAMAGATA (this won’t air live but should be up sometimeTuesday on New Japan World)

                • David Finlay & Ryusuke Taguchi vs. Gedo & Yoshi-Hashi
                • Yuji Nagata & Satoshi Kojima & Kyle O’Reilly & Matt Sydal vs. Katsuyori Shibata & Kushida & Juice Robinson & Jay White
                • Tiger Mask vs. Volador jr.
                • Jushin Liger vs. Chase Owens
                • Bobby Fish vs. Ricochet
                • Will Ospreay vs. Trent Baretta
                • Hiroshi Tanahashi & Yoshitatsu & Captain New Japan vs. Kenny Omega & Bad Luck Fale & Yujiro Takahashi
                • Kazuchika Okada & Hirooki Goto & Tomohiro Ishii & Rocky Romero vs. Tetsuya Naito & Seiya Sanada & Evil & Bush

                Smackdown and Main Event will be taped on Tuesday in Norfolk.  

                  THE ROUND UP

                  If you’ve ever wanted to WATCH our radio shows here on the site, check out our new 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 5/16/2016: WWE concussion lawsuit deposition takes a strange turn – Details on the developments in WWE’s concussion lawsuit, and more. Find out all the details in this weeks issue of Figure Four Weekly.

                  Wrestling Observer Newsletter

                  READ IT HERE: May 23, 2016 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: WWE Extreme Rules preview, Vince McMahon sells portion of WWE stock, tons more

                  A look at what’s next for WWE after Extreme Rules, the UFC sale with lots of exclusive info, Vince & Linda McMahon selling their stock, Chris Weidman’s injury and how that changes plans, the staggering drop in kids viewing for WWE and exactly who watches the TV today, plus UFC 198 coverage and Best of The Super Juniors tournament news are among the stories covered in the new issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.

                  More on the injury returns and summer ideas and why WWE could have its deepest talent roster in a long time in very short order. Plus, talk about the NXT/WWE balance and why talent is actually more important for arena business if in NXT.

                  There is also an extenisve look at the Extreme Rules show.

                  In addition, updates on the UFC sale, including news about who is in, who is not in, what it all means, what is being sold, where Dana White and Lorenzo Fertitta fit in and UFC fixture who indicates he’s likely gone if the sale goes through, all in covered in this issue.

                  A glimpse into Vince McMahon’s stock sale, what it means, how much money did he get, and how his stock sale only increased the difference in the value of UFC vs. WWE, and for how much Vince McMahon bought the company.

                  More on the injury to Chris Weidman, how it happened, his future, Michael Bisping’s title shot and more on UFC 1999.

                  Also in this issue, find out who watches WWE on television and how many in each different age group.

                  Find out how WWE has changed the schedule of the Cruiserweight tournament and why, more on the arrest of Adam Rose, more on Stephanie McMahon’s book, how Stephanie will be pushed on television going forward, how Stephanie will be marketed as the face of the company, and another WWE firing.

                  Finally, there’s full coverage of UFC 198, including business notes including early estimates on success, ramifications of the show, match-by-match coverage, looking at the judging of close fights and poll results.

                  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. 

                  All the news from WrestleMania 15, the All Japan Tokyo Done show, and more will be in the latest back issue. Check out the latest online Wrestling Observer BACK ISSUE: April 12, 1999 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Wrestlemania 15 business numbers, details on All Japan’s Tokyo Dome show, plus tons more. Both Davey Boy Smith and Japanese rookie woman wrestler Emiko Kado were both remaining in bad condition after an illness and in-ring injury respectively. 

                  SATURDAY NEWS

                  Friday night’s Bellator 155 show on Spike wasn’t great and got even worse with the main event. The middleweight title fight between champ Rafael Carvalho and Melvin Manhoef was five rounds of a whole lot of nothing other than a lot of boos from the Boise, ID, faithful. Despite the lackluster fight, Carvalho did so little that it was assumed Manhoef would take the title. But that’s why judges exist and the champ retained via split decision. Ugh.

                  Trailer here for the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie, which includes Sheamus in a featured role.  So I guess that means we have done more promotion for Sheamus’ appearance in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles than WWE has.

                  Tickets for the final day of the WWE Cruiserweight Classic, the live finals, are already sold out.

                  The Shane McMahon “tell-all” podcast with Mick Foley as host airs this Monday after Raw on the WWE Network.

                  WWE & PRO WRESTLING

                  • As yesterday was the 5th anniversary of Randy Savage’s death, SI’s Extra Mustard section devoted some space and several articles about him. Here’s where you find ‘em.
                  • In case you missed it, our Gary Mehaffy talked with Hornswoggle about his WWE release and what’s next. An interview with the recently released Rich Brennan is also coming to the site this weekend.
                  • TNA announced their team for the AAA Lucha Libre World Cup: EC3, Tyrus, and Eli Drake.
                  • Smackdown was up this week to 2.295 million viewers, up from last week’s 2.62 million.  Will be interesting to see how the two-hour Raw replay that aired on Syfy in the old Smackdown time slot last night does.
                  • CHIKARA’s ANIVERSARIO tour with Fight Club: Pro is running all over the United Kingdom, kicking off last night in Wales.More details and tickets is available here.
                  • Big Japan announced a big tag title match to headline their next Korakuen Hall show on May 30th. It will be Ryota Hama & the returning Hideyoshi Kamitani defending their titles against “The Twin Towers” Kohei Sato & Shuji Ishikawa. Last year on the same date, in the same building, Sato & Ishikawa were a part of an incredible MOTY level tag against Daisuke Sekimoto & Yuji Okabayashi.
                  • Joey Ryan won DDT’s Iron Man Heavymetalweight championship today. He is the 1,073rd champion in the illustrious history of the hottest potato championship in wrestling. Former champs include a ladder, a curry, a camerman, a Yoshiaki Fujiwara and the belt itself.
                  • The Stardom girls are touring Europe at the moment. Today in France, Io Shirai defended her World Of Stardom title and Mayu Iwatani defended her Wonder Of Stardom belt in France today.
                  • The new issue of the Tabloid The Globe has a full page feature on Dwayne Johnson. Nice facts as the feature is called “10 things you don’t know about Dwayne Johnson”. (Thanks to Paul Kacprzak)

                  Here’s the tour:

                  Saturday 21st May at FIXXION WAREHOUSE, WOLVERHAMPTON, ENGLAND

                  Sunday 22nd May at BUSH HALL, LONDON, ENGLAND

                  Friday 27th May at ASTON UNI STUDENT UNION, BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND

                  Saturday 28th May at THE UNION, MANCHESTER, ENGLAND

                  Sunday 29th May at LINSKILL CENTRE, NORTH SHIELDS, ENGLAND

                  Monday 30th May at ST. LUKES, GLASGOW, SCOTLAND

                  • Voices of Wrestling’s Brandon Howard did an interesting beginner’s guide to WWE business
                  • ECWA returns to action tonight in New Castle, DE, at the United Methodist Church.
                  • Here’s a story about Bill DeMott, after his daughter’s death, teaming up with the police department at her alma mater to fight drunk driving. (Thanks to Jay Reddick)
                  • Our Kyle Johnson wrote a column wondering what happened to the WWE U.S. title in such a short amount of time.
                  • Quebec indie NSPW has their Golden Opportunity VIII show tonight at Quebec’s Horizon Center where an old school hair vs. hair match will be on the show.
                  • Here’s a story on WWE hopefuls rescuing a puppy in Orlando.
                  • More news on the Jimmy Snuka trial. Snuka is now claiming that he can’t remember his own mother’s name.  

                  UFC & MMA

                  • Victory FC 50 runs tonight on UFC Fight Pass at 9 pm eastern with a headliner of heavyweights Abe Wagner and Daniel Gallemore. Former UFC fighters Yuri Villefort and Jake Lindsey are in separate fights on the undercard
                  • UFC Fight Pass has another show Sunday afternoon with Shooto Brasil 63. Main Event is for the featherweight title with Champion Felipe Froes defending against Marcos Vinicius. The rest of the card is all Brazilian fighters with no name value in North America
                  • Ian McCall will return to a UFC ring for the first time since January 2015 as he faces Justin Scoggins at UFC 201 in a fight just announced today.
                  • The cast of ‘It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia hung with Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone. Here’s the video.

                  Miscellaneous

                  • This week on 6:05 Superpodcast with Brian Last and David Bixenspan, Jim Cornette returns to the show to talk about riots, watch notable squash matches, and much more. Plus Kenny Bolin joins the show for the Dennis Of the Week to discuss his friendship with the late, great, Dennis Coralluzzo.
                  • Bartolo Colon has trademarked the name “Big Sexy” for a potential athletic apparel line. Move over Big Sexy Kevin Nash.
                  • 5/26 – IWA Mid South presents RETRIBUTION, Jammerz Rollerdome, 1515 Lynch Ln, Clarksville, IN

                  EVENTS

                  • We want to wish a happy birthday to friend of the site Leva Bates who turns 33 today.
                  • June 4 – UFC 199 from the Forum in Los Angeles with Michael Bisping getting his first title opportunity of his career battling Luke Rockhold for the middleweight belt
                  • June 5 – 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
                  • 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 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 18 – UFC in Ottawa: Rory McDonald vs. Stephen Thompson
                  • June 19 – New Japan Dominion, one of the company’s biggest events of the year, featuring Tetsuya Naito vs. Kazuchika Okada in an IWGP title match and Kenny Omega vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi in a ladder match for the IC title
                  • June 19 – WWE Money in the Bank from the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas 
                  • June 24 – ROH Best in the World from Concord, NC with Jay Lethal vs. Jay Briscoe for the ROH title 
                  • June 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 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.

                • Bellator 155 live results: Carvalho vs. Manhoef disaster

                  Bellator returns to Spike TV with a show headlined by what should be a fun middleweight title fight between two striking specialists. Champion Rafael Carvalho defends his belt against Melvin Manhoef, who also fights for Bellator’s kickboxing division.

                  The co-main features 2-time featherweight champion Pat Curran against former WSOF champ Georgi Karakhanyan, with the winner hoping to earn a title shot down the line. The show also features the return of Joey Beltran to the heavyweight division, the last person to go more than a round with Cris Cyborg – former Strikeforce bantamweight champ Marloes Coenen – and unbeaten heavyweight Augusto Sakai staking his claim to the vacant strap in that division.

                  Live action kicks off on Spike TV at 8 pm eastern but the prelims feature a fight worthy of the main card  with lightweight contenders Marcin Held and Dave Jansen squaring off. We’ll have coverage of that fight as well as the main card kicking off around 8 pm.

                  Bellator prelims results:

                  Vince Morales (4-1) TKO (punches) over Hamilton Ash (3-2)

                  Joe Hamilton (4-0) submisssion (RNC) over Tyler Freeland (4-1)

                  Casey Johnson (5-0) submission (RNC) over Brendan Raftery (4-3)

                  Jesse Brock (22-8) submission (RNC) over Olly Badstreet (39-13)

                  Marcin Held (21-4) vs Dave Jansen (21-3) LIGHTWEIGHTS

                  Held all over Jansen with punches early and they clinch on the cage. Quick separation but Held lands a hard punch combo at 1:00. Jansen with a takedown and working for a neck crank. Held is a wizard on the ground so this is risky. Held landing punches from his back and opens up a cut over Jansen’s left eye. Jansen lets the choke go and attempts to move into mount but Held grabs his feet, attemping a foot lock. Jansen escapes but Held sweeps into top position. Jansen takes his neck and tries to wall walk to his feet. He makes it up at 3:30 and Held follows. Held with a takedown at 3:45. Held landing punches from the top and scoring with elbows to the head as well. Jansen to his feet just before the bell. Very close round. 10-9 Held

                  Jansen advancing early. Held nails a spinning back head kick and then gets a takedown at 1:00. Held landing punches and elbows to the head and Jansen bleeding all over the place from a cut behind his ear. Held continuing to land punches and elbows while looking for a sub. Ref stands them up to look at the cut on Jansen. Jansen gets a takedown on the restart but Held quickly sweeps into top position and into side control at 3:45. Held with an inverted heel hook at 4:00 and then transition to a straight foot look. Jansen escaps but Held right back into top position, dropping punches and elbows. Jansen’s face is a bloody mess and Jimmy Smith gets in references to Bruiser Brody and Abdullah the Butcher. 10-8 Held, 20-17

                  Both guys trading punches to start. Jansen initiates a cage clinch at 45 seconds. Held takes control and gets the takedown at 1:00. Jansen manages to sweep into top postion at 1:15. Jansen briefly takes his back but Held rolls into a leglock position and then a kneebar. Jansen escapes but Held still working the leg and landing punches from his back. Jansen to his feet and Held follows and they end up back in a cage clinch. Jansen with a standing headlock and tries for a takedown but Held sweeps to his back and then captures an arm. Held also landing elbows to the body. Jansen escapes and ends up on top. Jansen landing punches and elbows from the top. Held to his feet and then takes Jansen down when he tries for a guillotine. Held landing elbows and punches from the top. Jansen trying to get to his feet but eating punches and Held holds him down. Jansen bleediing profusely again. Held continuing to land punches as the fight ends. 10-9 Held, 30-26 Held

                  WINNER – MARCIN HELD (22-4) by unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28 x 2)

                  MAIN CARD (SPIKE TV – 9 PM EASTERN)

                  JOEY BELTRAN (17-12) VS CHASE GORMLEY (12-5) HEAVYWEIGHTS  (Tom Supnet – ref)

                  Beltran is back to heavyweight after fighting as low as middleweight. He’s giving up a lot of size here as Gormley cuts to make 265. Gormley opens up with leg kicks and quickly takes cage  control. Beltran landing leg kicks from distance. Gormley landing 3 kicks to every 1 for Beltran through the first half of the round and controlling the cage. Sean Grande promising some big news later on tonight, which seems like an every show occurence. Beltran with a nice punch combo at 4:00. Gormley retreating for the first time in the fight. Beltran again chasing him down with punches at 4:45. 10-9 Gormley

                  Beltran opening up with punches. Gormley still throwing mainly kicks. Fight is mainly in the centre for the first half of the round with the activity about even. Beltran landing more punches this round. Neither guy able to mount any kind of sustained offence through 4 minutes. Beltran starting to control the pace in the last minute and starting to land some combos. Very close round, 10-9 Beltran, all tied up after 2.

                  Beltran rocks Gormley with a punch early and Gormley responds with a takedown attempt that Beltran defends well at 45 seconds. Punch combo from Beltran at 1:15. Beltran pushing the pace pretty clearly now. Gormley barely even landing kicks any more, just trying to avoid Beltran’s strikes. Gormley starting to land leg kicks again at 4:00. Beltran still advancing, throwing single strikes. Another very close round, 10-9 Beltran but could go either way. 29-28 Beltran

                  WINNER – CHASE GORMLEY (13-5) by split decision (28-29; 29-28 x 2)

                  MARLOES COENEN (23-6) VS ALEXIS DUFRESNE (5-2) WOMEN’S FEATHERWEIGHTS (Jason Herzog – ref)

                  Dufresne clinches up right away and scores a takedown. Coenen working for an armbar from her back. Dufresne escapes and landing punches from guard. Coenen working for a neck crank. Dufresne escapes again. Coenen with a guillotine attempts that she gives up on quickly. Coenen far more active from her back as Dufresne is just trying to hold her down. Coenen sweeps into top position at 2:45. Dufresne still has her arms tied up. Dufresne working for a triangle from her back and also landing kicks to the body and punches to the head. Dufresne gets the triangle at 4:00 and also landing punches to the head. It’s essentially Undertaker’s Hell’s gate and then she gets the armbar for the finish

                  WINNER – ALEXIS DUFRESNE (6-2) by submission at 4:33

                  That was one of the biggest upsets of the year and Dufresne claims that Coenen disrespected her at the weigh-ins and that’s what fueled her. She dedicated the win to her daughter who she gave birth to last Thanksgiving. She joins Meisha Tate as the only two women to ever submit Coenen. 

                  DAN CHARLES (10-3) VS AUGUSTO SAKAI (9-0) HEAVYWEIGHTS  (John McCarthy – ref)

                  Sakai is just a massive heavyweight at 6 ft 4 and is another who cuts to 265. He’s 4-0 with 3 KOs in Bellator. Charles is one of the guys whose lost to Lashley in Bellator. Charles initiates a cage clinch 30 seconds in. Sakai powers out of it. Charles pushing the pace early. Charles landing leg kicks from distance. Sakai throwing hard front kicks that are just missing. Sakai nails a head kick and then kicks Charles HARD in the groin and he goes down like he’s been shot, screaming in pain. Charles shakes it off after about 90 seconds, which is impressive cause that’s one of the worst nut shots you’ll ever see. Charles landing body kicks on the restart. Sakai hits him again with one of the first kicks he threw and Charles goes down instantly, almost as bad as the first one. Charles threw a kick at the same time that almost hit Sakai in the groin. Sakai basically pleading with McCarthy not to dock him a point but to no avail. That could be huge  because this round is close. Sakai continuing to throw kicks and almost no punches. Charles not doing much after the restart and Sakai just landing a couple of kicks. 10-8 Charles but it easily could be 9-9

                  Big announcements coming for Dynamite 2 later tonight. Charles opening with kicks to the body and legs again. Sakai scoring the occasional single kick. Charles grazes Sakai with a low kick but Sakai shakes it off without stopping the fight. Sakai may not have landed a punch through the first half of the fight. Sakai starting to take over cage control at 3:00. Sakai starting to land with more frequency at 4:00, all with kicks. This is a boring fight. Charles lands a hard punch to the head at 4:30. Close round, maybe to Sakai 10-9, 19-18 Charles after 2

                  Charles with a takedown to start the round that wakes the crowd up but Sakai up quickly and they’re back to sleep. Sakai landing his kicks a little more frequently, landing mostly to the body and head. Seems hesitant to throw the leg kick after the point deduction. Sakai is not getting a title shot after this, whether he wins or not. Charles doing almost nothing, Sakai very slightly more than nothing, which may be enough to take the round. Sakai actually landing a few hard leg kicks in the last minute and stalking Charles. Sakai even throws a couple of punches that looked like they missed. 10-9 Sakai so I’ve got it as a draw

                  NO WINNER – MAJORITY DRAW (scores 30-26 Charles, 28-28 x 2)

                  The two big announcements were Joe Schilling facing Kato in a kickboxing match immediately following Dynamite 2 on Spike and Ilemi-Lei Macfarlane facing Rebecca Ruth in what I’m assuming will be a Spike.com prelim fight. That was underwhelming. 

                  PAT CURRAN (21-7) VS GEORGI KARAKHANYAN (24-5-1) FEATHERWEIGHTS (Jason Herzog – ref)

                  Both guys really tentative for the first 90 seconds. Curran starting land leg kicks at 1:45. Karakhanyan controllign the cage. Curran with a punch combo at 2:00. Curran knocks Karakhanyan down with a punch to the head and pounces on him. After an initial flurry, he lets up and Karakhanyan gets some time to recover. Curran slowly starting to advance while also looking for a choke at 3:30. Curran into mount at 4:15 but Karakhanyan escapes quickly and briefly to his feet but goes to his back and brings Curran into his guard. Nothing happened for the rest of the round. 10-9 Curran

                  Karakhanyan shoots for a takedown to start round 2 and Curran stuffs it and ends up on top. Karakhanyan tying up the arms of Curran and then briefly tries a guillotine at 1:15. Curran takes his back at 1:30. Curran trying to secure a body lock and gets it at 2:00. Karakhanyan nailed him with punches as Curran lies on his back, still controlling the back. Karakhanyan escapes at 3:00 and works Curran back to guard. Karakhanyan with a guillotine attempt at 3:15 and uses it to get to his feet and then sweep to top position. Neither guy doing much on the ground with Karakhanyan in Curran’s guard. Ref stands them up at 4:30. Karakhanyan controlling things and lands a couple of kicks before the round ends. Very close, 10-9 Curran, 20-18

                  Karakhanyan misses on a takedown attempt to start the round. Karakhanyan advancing and Curran landing leg kicks and punches while retreating. Curran takes his back standing at 1:45  but Karakhanyan works him to the front and takes him down at 2:15. Curran with a guillotine attempt from his back. Karakhanyan escapes but not doing anything from up top. Crowd starting to boo. Curran landing some elbows to the head from the bottom. Karakhanyan working for a triangle from half-guard but Curran works him back to full guard. Karakhanyan with some light punches to the body just before the round ends. 10-9 Karakhanyan, 29-28 Curran overall but it all depends how they score round 2. 

                  WINNER – PAT CURRAN (22-7) by unanimous decision (scores 29-28 x 3)

                  MAIN EVENT FOR THE BELLATOR MIDDLEWEIGHT TITLE:

                  CHAMPION RAFAEL CARVALHO (12-1) VS MELVIN MANHOEF (30-12-1) (John McCarthy – ref)

                  Both guys keeping their distance early. Crowd starting to boo at 1:15 as neither guy has landed a strike. Carvalho controlling the pace and lands a kick from distance at 2:30 that may be the first strike landed. Jimmy Smith calls it a “regrettably cautious start from both fighters” . Boos are getting really loud at 3:15. McCarthy stops the fight and warns them to fight. What?  I mean, what’s he going to do? This is like the MR Wrestling 3 counter gimmick with the Young Bucks last weekend. 4:30 in and still nothing. Manhoef lands a kick at 4:45. Grande says it was the first strike landed. 10-10, no question. 

                  Manhoef pushing the pace early. Manhoef throws a punch and follows up with a kick at 45 seconds, the most sustained “action” of the fight. Manhoef with a hard kick to the body at 1:30. Official stats for round 1 were Manhoef 1/6 in strikes landed, Carvalho 1/13 in strikes landed. Crowd booing again at 2:30 as they’ve slowed down. Carvalho starting to advance now. Crowd getting really loud again with the booing at 3:45. Manhoef lands two leg kicks and follows up with punches at 4:00. Carvalho still advancing. Carvalho with a knee to the body and they clinch up. Carvalho with a knee that looked low and McCarthy steps in but Carvalho wants to keep fighting. Carvalho with 2 elbows to the head after McCarthy stopped it. Replay looked like it might have hit the gut. 10-9 Manhoef

                  Manhoef with a punch combo to open. Carvalho with an eye poke 15 seconds in. McCarthy had warned him earlier in the fight but didn’t dock a point. On the restart, he had his fingers out again and McCarthy stopped it again and warned Carvalho. Carvalho with a takedown attempt at 1:30 and they end up in a cage clinch. Manhoef gets control and then throws Carvalho off, landing a hard punch on the way out. Carvalho clinches right back up again and takes Manhoef down. Manhoef to his feet at 2:30. Carvalho with another low blow. I dont know if this is eligible for the Wrestling Observer awards but this is the worst show of the year, bar none. McCarthy calls the corner over and warns the corner to control their fighter. No pont deduction, though. Carvalho shoots for  a takedown again at 3:45 but Manhoef defends it. Crowd booing heavily again as they’re clinched on the cage with nothing happening. Manhoef punches his way out of it at 4:45. This could be Carvalho’s round. 10-9 Carvalho, 29-29 so far

                  Carvalho shoots for a takedown 30 seconds in but stuffed by  Manhoef. Manhoef lands a hard kick on the way out. Carvalho lands a knee to the body and then gets a takedown at 1:15. Carvalho right into side control. Carvalho just holding him down, nothing even attempting anything from side control and the crowd  booing heavily. And then he just lets Manhoef up. This is awful. Terrible. No good. Just really, really bad. Announcers are talking like Manhoef’s up three rounds. He could be. I don’t care. Carvalho just waving his arms around at 3:30 and Manhoef just standing there. Crowd booing heavily. McCarthy warning them to fight again. Booing is getting ridiculously loud. Carvalho walking away from Manhoef with his hands on his hips and Manhoef just doing nothing. They walked back to their corners before the bell even rang. “Beyond my comprehension”, Jimmy Smith said as the round ended. Another 10-10

                  Crowd starting to do random chants to entertain themselves now. Manhoef with a superman punch landing and the crowd like that. Manhoef with a nice punch combo at 1:00. Hard body kick from Manhoef at 1:15. Carvalho shoots for a takedown at 1:45. Manhoef defends it but Carvalho holds onto him in a cage clinch. Ref warning them to work. Manhoef landing light punches to the head. Manhoef ends up falling on top of him and into mount briefly but Carvalho just stands up. Manhoef takes him right back down. And nothing happening again. Ref warns them to work again. Manhoef up at 3:30 and Carvalho follows him. Carvalho back to walking around with his hands on his hips. Crowd booing louds and McCarthy steps in between them and tells them to fight. Manhoef lands a couple of single strikes from distance. Crowd booing heavily at the end. 10-9 Manhoef, 49-48 overall

                  WINNER – RAFAEL CARVALHO (13-1) by split decision (47-48-29; 48-47 x 2)

                  Sean Grande said that the only thing worse than that fight was the decision. Jimmy Smith that he is “DISGUSTED that this fight went this way for Rafael Carvalho” and that he’s disgusted for this sport right now. And followed up by saying that’s all he can say on TV. Wow.

                  I mean, that was a bad decision but far from the worst you’ll ever see. It was just a really bad fight and I don’t know how you pick a winner in the 2 rounds I scored 10-10. It sounded like Jimmy dropped his headset while Grande was talking as the show went off the air. 

                  This was easily the worst MMA card I’ve ever seen topped off by what may have been the worst fight in this century. 

                • Daily Update: McGregor on ESPN, HBK to NHL, Bellator, PWG, NJPW

                  Conor McGregor met with Dana White and Lorenzo Fertitta on Wednesday night in Los Angeles. Nothing was announced but McGregor said things were worked out and there will be a lengthy ESPN interview on ESPN on Sunday at 10 a.m. McGregor vs. Diaz is still expected at some point this summer. Clips from the interview can be seen here.

                  We’ve got a pretty full weekend coming up headlined by Extreme Rules from Newark, NJ. That’s the only show we’ll be doing polls on as we’ll save the Japan stuff for the finals of the tournament on 6/7.

                  We’re looking for reports on the WWE house show in Utica, NY (Roman Reigns, Kevin Owens, Dolph Ziggler, Charlotte, Sasha Banks, Big Cass, Dudleys, Usos, Luke Gallows, Karl Anderson,. Sami Zayn) and NXT in Venice, FL to dave@wrestlingobserver.com

                  There is no New Japan World on tonight or Inside MMA on AXS due to a music festival.  Both return next week with New Japan starting a long stretch of G-1 Climax 2015 matches starting next Friday.

                  BELLATOR TONIGHT FROM BOISE, ID ON SPIKE TV AT 9 P.M EASTERN

                  • Joey Beltran (14-9, 236.8) vs. Chase Gormley (8-4, 264.5)
                  • Augusto Sakai (3-0, 262.5) vs. Dan Charles (10-3, 242.2)
                  • Marloes Coenen (23-6, 145.6) vs. Alexis Dufrense (5-2, 150.7) – Dufrense badly missed weight  
                  • Pat Curran (20-7, 145.7) vs. Georgi Karakhanyan (24-5-1, 145.1)
                  • Rafael Carvalho (12-1, 184.3) vs. Melvin Manhoef (27-11-1, 185) for the middleweight title

                  They are also doing for the first time a major fight, Marcin Held vs. Dan Jansen, at www.spike.com at about 8:30 p.m. as they are trying to push digital with key matches like UFC does with Fight Pass.

                  CMLL LIVE FROM ARENA MEXICO AT 9:30 P.M. EASTERN at www.clarosports.com//en-vivo2/

                  • Vaquerita & Lluvia vs. Comandante & Tiffany
                  • Esfinge & Fuego & Triton vs. Hechichero & Puma & Tiger
                  • Rey Cometa & Stuka Jr. & Titan vs. Cavernario & Misterioso Jr. & Polvora
                  • Angelo de Oro vs. Dragon Rojo Jr.
                  • Atlantis & Mistico & Valiente vs. Euforia & Ultimo Guerrero & Negro Casas
                  • Rush & Rey Escorpion & Pierroth vs. La Mascara & Shocker & El Terrible

                  PWG TONIGHT IN RESEDA, CALIFORNIA

                  • Trevor Lee vs. Andrew Everett
                  • Dalton Castle vs. Adam Cole
                  • Drew Galloway vs. Brian Cage
                  • Jeff Cobb vs. Chris Hero
                  • Mark Andrews vs. Marty Scurll
                  • Roderick Strong vs. Sami Callihan
                  • Michael Elgin vs. Kamaitachi

                  TNA VICTORY ROAD DEBUTS TONIGHT ON THE FITE APP AND PPV WITH A TAPED SHOW

                  • Ethan Carter III vs. Eli Drake
                  • James Storm vs. Bram
                  • Velvet Sky vs. Marti Bell
                  • DJ Zema Ion vs. Andrew Everett
                  • Eddie Edwards vs. Trevor Lee
                  • Bro Mans vs. Tom LaRuffa & Pierre Marceau (Sylvester Lefort & Marcus Louis in NXT)
                  • Chris Melendez vs. Beauregarde
                  • Bobby Roode vs. Pepper Parks
                  • All winners in a Royal rumble match where the winner gets a future TNA title match

                  NEW JAPAN BEST OF THE SUPER JUNIORS TOURNAMENT OPENS AT 5:30 A.M. EASTERN TIME SATURDAY MORNING LIVE ON NEW JAPAN WORLD FROM KORAKUEN HALL IN TOKYO

                  • Bobby Fish & Volador Jr. & Satoshi Kojima vs. Tomohiro Ishii & Trent Baretta & Will Ospreay – Some kind of ridiculous talent for an opening match
                  • Yuji Nagata & Jushin Liger & Tiger Mask vs. Katsuyori Shibata & Juice Robinson & Jay White
                  • Hiroshi Tanahashi & Yoshitatsu & Captain New Japan & Ricochet vs. Kenny Omega & Bad Luck Fale & Yujiro Takahashi & Chase Owens
                  • Kazuchika Okada & Hirooki Goto & Yoshi-Hashi vs. Tetsuya Naito & Seiya Sanada & Evil
                  • David Finlay vs. Rocky Romero
                  • Gedo vs. Bushi
                  • Ryusuke Taguchi vs. Matt Sydal
                  • Kushida vs. Kyle O’Reilly

                  We’re looking for reports on Saturday’s WWE shows in Albany, NY (Roman Reigns, Sheamus, Sami Zayn, Big Cass, Dudleys, Natalya, Dolph Ziggler, Charlotte, Usos, Luke Gallows, Karl Anderson) and Reading, PA (Dean Ambrose, Kane, Big Show, Braun Strowman, Erick Rowan, Kevin Owens, New Day, Alberto Del Rio, Sasha Banks, Becky Lynch, Cesaro) and NXT in Winter Haven, FL to Dave@wrestlingobserver.com.  

                  NEW JAPAN BEST OF THE SUPER JUNIORS ON SUNDAY FROM SHIZUOKA (this won’t air live but should be up some time during Sunday on New Japan World)

                  • Jay White & David Finlay vs. Yoshi-Hashi & Rocky Romero
                  • Yuji Nagata & Satoshi Kojima & Kyle O’Reilly & Matt Sydal vs. Juice Robinson & Ryusuke Taguchi & Kushida & Katsuyori Shibata
                  • Tiger Mask vs. Ricochet
                  • Jushin Liger vs. Bobby Fish
                  • Volador Jr. vs. Trent Baretta
                  • Will Ospreay vs. Chase Owens
                  • Hiroshi Tanahashi & Yoshitatsu & Captain New Japan vs. Kenny Omega & Bad Luck Fale & Yujiro Takahashi
                  • Kazuchika Okada & Hirooki Goto & Tomohiro Ishii & Gedo vs. Tetsuya Naito & Seiya Sanada & Evil & Bushi

                  WWE EXTREME RULES ON SUNDAY AT 7:30 P.M. EASTERN FROM THE PRUDENTIAL CENTER IN NEWARK, NJ ON THE WWE NETWORK AND PPV

                  • Dolph Ziggler vs. Baron Corbin preshow match
                  • Kalisto vs. Rusev for U.S. title
                  • Usos vs. Luke Gallows & Karl Anderson tornado match
                  • Dean Ambrose vs. Chris Jericho asylum cage match
                  • Charlotte vs. Natalya submissions match for women’s title
                  • New Day vs Vaudevillains for tag team title
                  • The Miz vs. Cesaro vs Sami Zayn vs. Kevin Owens for IC title
                  • Roman Reigns vs. A.J. Styles in an extreme rules match for the WWE title

                  NEW JAPAN BEST OF THE SUPER JUNIORS ON MONDAY FROM NIIGATA (this won’t air live but should be up sometimeMonday on New Japan World)

                  • Satoshi Kojima & Jay White & Ricochet vs. Tomohiro Ishii & Yoshi-Hashi & Will Ospreay
                  • Yuji Nagata & Jushin Liger & Tiger Mask vs. Katsuyori Shibata & Juice Robinson & Volador Jr.
                  • Matt Sydal vs. Bushi
                  • Kyle O’Reilly vs. Gedo
                  • Ryusuke Taguchi vs. David Finlay
                  • Kushida vs. Rocky Romero
                  • Hiroshi Tanahashi & Yoshitatsu & Captain New Japan & Bobby Fish vs. Kenny Omega & Bad Luck Fale & Yujiro Takahashi & Chase Owens
                  • Kazuchika Okada & Hirooki Goto & Trent Baretta vs. Tetsuya Naito & Seiya Sanada & Evil

                  Raw will be Monday night in Baltimore at the Royal Farms Arena.

                  NEW JAPAN BEST OF THE SUPER JUNIORS ON TUESDAY FROM YAMAGATA (this won’t air live but should be up sometimeTuesday on New Japan World)

                  • David Finlay & Ryusuke Taguchi vs. Gedo & Yoshi-Hashi
                  • Yuji Nagata & Satoshi Kojima & Kyle O’Reilly & Matt Sydal vs. Katsuyori Shibata & Kushida & Juice Robinson & Jay White
                  • Tiger Mask vs. Volador jr.
                  • Jushin Liger vs. Chase Owens
                  • Bobby Fish vs. Ricochet
                  • Will Ospreay vs. Trent Baretta
                  • Hiroshi Tanahashi & Yoshitatsu & Captain New Japan vs. Kenny Omega & Bad Luck Fale & Yujiro Takahashi
                  • Kazuchika Okada & Hirooki Goto & Tomohiro Ishii & Rocky Romero vs. Tetsuya Naito & Seiya Sanada & Evil & Bush

                  Smackdown and Main Event will be taped on Tuesday in Norfolk.  

                    THE ROUND UP

                    If you’ve ever wanted to WATCH our radio shows here on the site, check out our new 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 5/16/2016: WWE concussion lawsuit deposition takes a strange turn – Details on the developments in WWE’s concussion lawsuit, and more. Find out all the details in this weeks issue of Figure Four Weekly.

                    Wrestling Observer Newsletter

                    READ IT HERE: May 23, 2016 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: WWE Extreme Rules preview, Vince McMahon sells portion of WWE stock, tons more

                    A look at what’s next for WWE after Extreme Rules, the UFC sale with lots of exclusive info, Vince & Linda McMahon selling their stock, Chris Weidman’s injury and how that changes plans, the staggering drop in kids viewing for WWE and exactly who watches the TV today, plus UFC 198 coverage and Best of The Super Juniors tournament news are among the stories covered in the new issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.

                    More on the injury returns and summer ideas and why WWE could have its deepest talent roster in a long time in very short order. Plus, talk about the NXT/WWE balance and why talent is actually more important for arena business if in NXT.

                    There is also an extenisve look at the Extreme Rules show.

                    In addition, updates on the UFC sale, including news about who is in, who is not in, what it all means, what is being sold, where Dana White and Lorenzo Fertitta fit in and UFC fixture who indicates he’s likely gone if the sale goes through, all in covered in this issue.

                    A glimpse into Vince McMahon’s stock sale, what it means, how much money did he get, and how his stock sale only increased the difference in the value of UFC vs. WWE, and for how much Vince McMahon bought the company.

                    More on the injury to Chris Weidman, how it happened, his future, Michael Bisping’s title shot and more on UFC 1999.

                    Also in this issue, find out who watches WWE on television and how many in each different age group.

                    Find out how WWE has changed the schedule of the Cruiserweight tournament and why, more on the arrest of Adam Rose, more on Stephanie McMahon’s book, how Stephanie will be pushed on television going forward, how Stephanie will be marketed as the face of the company, and another WWE firing.

                    Finally, there’s full coverage of UFC 198, including business notes including early estimates on success, ramifications of the show, match-by-match coverage, looking at the judging of close fights and poll results.

                    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. 

                    All the news from WrestleMania 15, the All Japan Tokyo Done show, and more will be in the latest back issue. Check out the latest online Wrestling Observer BACK ISSUE: April 12, 1999 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Wrestlemania 15 business numbers, details on All Japan’s Tokyo Dome show, plus tons more. Both Davey Boy Smith and Japanese rookie woman wrestler Emiko Kado were both remaining in bad condition after an illness and in-ring injury respectively. 

                    FRIDAY NEWS

                    Shawn Michaels will be featured at Game 5 of the Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Tampa Bay Lightning Stanley Cup game on Sunday night on NBC Sports Network.This has become a pretty big story in hockey. One of the Penguins lines named themselves HBK and Michaels found out and started watching the Penguins games and they made arrangements for him to be a special guest of the game at the Consol Energey Center in Pittsburgh. 

                    Today is the fifth anniversary of the death of Randy Savage. There may be some media surrounding that coming out.

                    Dixie Carter, Eric Sherman and John Gaburick are doing a business meeting in India this week. Topics will include the tour of India that their contract with Sony Six stipulates plus TNA’s attempt to sell a percentage of the company.     

                    Starting tonight, Syfy will be airing a two-hour edited version of the Raw from Monday, airing from 8-10 p.m. The idea would be to boost the Syfy ratings. It’s interesting because for years USA has had the belief of not airing a Raw replay for fear it would hurt the original numbers. Syfy was out of the top 25 cable stations in prime time ratings last week. USA was No. 6, although without wrestling they would fall to No. 11.

                    One of the craziest stories is that on the Venator Fighting Championships show tomorrow in Milan, Italy, Jason “Mayhem” Miller showed up and missed weight by 24 pounds (209 pounds for a middleweight title match with Luke Barnatt). Barnatt will instead will fight to establish a new champion against Stefan Croitoru while Miller was able to cut to 205 and will be fighting Mattia Schiavolin at light heavyweight.

                    WWE

                    • A.J. Styles is off the weekend house shows to rest for Extreme Rules. He has a bad ankle. Styles hasn’t wrestled since 5/9. He was to work in Utica and Reading.
                    • Tickets for the Cruiserweight Classic for dates of 6/23, 7/14, 8/26 and 9/14 went on sale this morning. Only about 400 tickets were available for each show and priced at $15 and $20, so they sold very quickly. They may have all sold out at this point as the last I checked, the finals were sold out and the other dates only had a handful of seats remaining. The finals will air live on the WWE Network.
                    • Kevin Owens and Tyler Breeze have raised more than $61,000 for the victims of the Fort McMurray, Alberta fires. A story on their fund raising can be read here.
                    • Although this was reported a long time ago, Dwayne Johnson officially signed on for “The Janson Directive,” in what is hoped to be turned into a spy thriller franchise. Johnson will also be an Executive Producer. Baywatch, that Johnson stars in with Zac Efron, will be released in theaters on May 17, 2017.
                    • The Bellas are at Wizard World in Philadelphia on 6/5 from Noon to 4 p.m. 
                    • Dolph Ziggler was on the Fox Business Channel. I’m not exactly sure what the point was, but he was there talking about T-shirts that flatten your belly.
                    • Paul London on his time in WWE from the Pancakes and Powerslams show: When you work there, you eat so much crap. It’s like middle school all over again when you work there, on any level that you’re at. I don’t care if you’re the megastar or the opening guy, corporate office guy, whatever. At some point in your tenure there, you’re gonna be treated like garbage, absolute garbage. And like less of a human being, like the stuff you wipe off of your shoe that you stepped in by accident. And you’re gonna be treated like that constantly. It’s a constant mental hazing. It’s disgusting. It’s a horrible, horrible place to work, absolutely awful place to work. So, it’s not good for human beings of any nature. It was just things that would numb you to life working there. 

                    UFC

                    • The UFC will be working with the California State Athletic Commission for the 6/4 show in Los Angeles as they will be allowing weigh-ins as early as 10 a.m. on Friday to give the fighters six extra hours to rehydrate. It’s already been experimented with in Kansas and Connecticut. Of course the fighters like it because it gives them hours of more recuperation time.     
                    • Stipe Miocic returned to a hero’s welcome in Cleveland and has been guests of the Cavs and Indians games already this week. Miocic, who was a good enough baseball player to get major league interest, took batting practice with the Indians and hit one into the stands.
                    • Added activities to UFC Fight week in July are the U.S. Nationals and U.S Open Jiu Jitsu tournaments from 7/8 to 7/10 at the Las Vegas Convention Center at the site of the UFC Fan Expo.

                    MISCELLANEOUS

                    • Johnny Kidd wants Simon Cowell to back at new U.K. wrestling show that he feels could revitalize the game.
                    • Eli Drake & Tyrus & Ethan Carter III will be Team TNA in the upcoming Victoria World Cup tournament on 6/3 and 6/5 in Puebla and Mexico City.
                    • The biggest independent show in Quebec in years is Saturday night in Quebec City at the Horizon Center as Marko Estrada goes for the all-time record for longest title reign.  If he beats Travis Toxic, he would be champion through September where he’d beat a record set by Edouard Carpentier in the glory days of Quebec wrestling with 974 days consecutively holding a major title.  Cedric Alexander faces jr. chap Mat Angel and Shayne Hawke vs. Alex Price in a hair match plus there is a Team Montreal vs. Team Quebec City cage match.
                    • A video building up Ethan Carter III’s matches in Evolve on 6/10 in Ybor City and 6/11 in Orlando can be seen here. 
                    • Evolve announced a house show at 4 p.m. on 7/16 in Queens, NY with the idea the show would end and give people enough time to attend Madison Square Garden that night.  Timothy Thatcher vs. Marty Scurll for the Evolve title headlines.
                    • Canek, the king of Mexican wrestling in the late 70s, now almost 64, captured the IWL heavyweight title beating Mr. Jack (a former rival) for the vacant title on Tuesday night in Pachuca.
                    • A story on 50s shooter Joe Pazandak who will be inducted tomorrow into the Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame in Wichita Falls, TX is here. A second story can be read here.
                    • Here is a story on Lio Rush.
                    • Sami Callihan talks his Lucha Underground deal. 
                    • Irv Muchnick talks the Jimmy Snuka case at 1310 News in Ottawa.
                    • Quinton Jackson and Sal Guerrero Jr. (Chavo Guerrero Jr.) are in a movie called “Vigilante Diaries” that Anchor Bay Entertainment is releasing for a theatrical run on 6/24 and on DVD on 7/5. 
                    • CWE tonight in Sherwood Park, Alberta at the Millennium Place with Frankie Kazarian & Danny Duggan vs. A.J. Sanchez & Joey Keys plus Silas Young vs Nite and Lio Rush vs. Travis Cole, plus Johnny Devine. The promotion said that if 500 tickets are sold, they will donate $1,500 to the Alberta Cancer Society and they are also raising money for the Edmonton Women’s Shelter.
                    • Undefeated Phil Hawes, who was most recently beaten on Ultimate Fighter, signed with World Series of Fighting and will debut on 6/17 in Mashantucket, CT against Joshua Key (6-11, 2 on contests) on the NBC Sports show. Mike Ricci vs. Jason High is also on that show.
                    • NWA Smoky Mountain Wrestling on 6/4 in Sneedville, TN at the Old Hancock County High School.
                    • Pure Wrestling Association on 5/21 in Kitchener, ONT at the Alpine Club.
                    • Lucha Libre Mexicana on 5/28 in San Antonio at Randy’s Ballroom with Super Parka, El Hijo de L.a. Park, Damian 666 and more.  On 6/3 in Benbrook, TX at the Camp Bowie Bingo Hall is Aerostar vs. Flamita vs. Laredo Kid vs. Septimo Dragon.  On 6/4 in Houston at Atlantico Hall is Aerostar & Laredo Kid vs. Flamita & Ultimo Ninja.
                    • Silver Star Promotions on 6/5 in Fort Worth at the 4 Ever Arena has Caristico & El Hijo del Fishman vs. Psicosis Jr. & Silver Star.
                    • UIPW on 5/29 in Montebello, CA at the Grace Baptist Academy has Mr Aguila, Stuka Jr., Teddy Hart, Steve Pain, Thunder Rosa (Kobra Moon) and more.
                    • There is a 5/27 show in Tijuana at the Auditorio with Atlantis & Caristico & Valiente vs. Cibernetico & Sharly Rockstar & Ultimo Guerrero.
                    • There is a 6/3 show in Tijuana at the Auditorio with L.A. Park vs. Rush vs. Cibernetico plus Mistico & Extreme Tiger & Rey Hours (Dragon Azteca Jr. in Lucha Underground) vs. Mr Aguila & El Hijo de L.A. Park & Mephisto. (thanks to Kris Zellner) 
                    • RF Video announced DVD releases of a David Crockett three-hour interview talking about his entire career in wrestling including the Crockett vs Vince wars, plus Tommy Dreamer hosts an interview with Rob Van Dam, a three-hour conversation about the old days of ECW. 

                    EVENTS

                    • June 4 – UFC 199 from the Forum in Los Angeles with Michael Bisping getting his first title opportunity of his career battling Luke Rockhold for the middleweight belt
                    • June 5 – 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
                    • 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 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 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 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 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.

                  • DR. KEITH PRESENTS: The Super Juniors Wrestling Contest!!!

                    Great news, dear listeners! The DKP returns to F4W shores with a bumper episode blending two of the loveliest things in the world: lovely wrestling and lovely songs!

                    First up. Mark Robinson joins Alan to preview New Japan’s upcoming Best Of The Super Juniors tournament which kicks off this weekend at Korakuen Hall. Mark and Alan run down all of the participants, the key matchups and the most tantalising prospects brought about by this stacked field. It’s looking like being the summer of the junior heavyweights in Pro Wrestling this year and it kicks off in a big way with the BOSJ!

                    Then we move to something…a little bit different! Alan calls up his buddy THE LORCSTER to discuss this past weekend’s EUROVISION SONG CONTEST!!! Yes the event that brings Europe together in one campy, harmonious party – this year featuring the world’s most splendid man Justin Timberlake!!! A fun show so CHECK IT!!!

                    Right click save