Tag: mainstory

by David Bixenspan | davidbix@wrestlingobserver.com | Follow @davidbix

Tonight’s big show, with no UFC, is Invicta FC live on UFC Fight Pass from the Muncipal Auditorium in Kansas City, Missouri at 8:00 p.m. ET:

Amanda Cooper vs. Aspen Ladd

J.J. Aldrich vs. Daniela Kortmann

Jinh Yu Frey vs. Liz McCarthy

Sharon Jacobson vs. Jamie Moyle

Cindy Dandois vs. Megan Anderson

Andrea Lee vs. Rachel Ostovich

Roxanne Modafferi vs. Mariana Morais

DeAnna Bennett vs. Katja Kankaanpaa

Tonya Evinger (c) vs. Pannie Kianzad for the bantamweight title

Invicta cards are usually pretty fun (though a bit more hit or miss since UFC accquired their strawweight division), so this is worth checking out. Evinger is the queen of the non-UFC bantamweights, dominating everyone lately, but Kianzad is a legit prospect, so it’s a quality main event.

We’re looking for reports on:

* WWE in Calgary (Rollins vs. Ambrose, Wyatt vs. Reigns, Chris Jericho vs. Kevin Owens)

* WWE Huntsville, AL (Randy Orton vs. Sheamus, Ryback vs. Big Show plus Dolph Ziggler and Neville)

* NXT in Gainesville, FL.

* ROH in Chicago (Adam Cole & Kyle O’Reilly vs. Young Bucks, Roderick Strong vs. Bobby Fish, Jay Briscoe vs. Cedric Alexander, Dalton Castle vs. Beer City Bruiser, Mark Briscoe vs. Adam Page, ACH vs,. Matt Sydal).

Please send reports from major shows, recommended links, etc. to newstips@wrestlingobserver.com:

* Sunday has WWE in Jonesboro, AR (Rollins vs. Ambrose, Wyatt vs. Reigns) and Tupelo, MS (Orton vs. Sheamus, Ryback vs. Show).

* The World wrestling championship finals from Las Vegas will be airing Sunday at 8:30 p.m. Eastern on ESPN 2.  

* Raw will be live on Monday from Memphis

* SmackDown and Main Event will be taped Tuesday in Little Rock.

****

Figure Four Weekly:

The newest issue of Figure Four Weekly is now up for subscribers (subscribe to the site here and get access to Figure Four, the Observer, tons of audio, and more) featuring plenty of details on the Jimmy Snuka murder indictment including how the media covered his domestic abuse arrest and Nancy Argentino’s death back in 1993, just how on the ball Irv Muchnick was in writing about the case, the contradictions of the investigator, Snuka’s claims about his finances vs. the reality, and more.  On top of that, we have all the usual stuff like Vinny’s reviews and international news from Dr. Lucha Steve Sims and and Alan”4L” Counihan.

The recnt FREE Figure Four Weekly is still up with a look at the crazy story of why Gawker thinks the FBI may have helped Hulk Hogan cover up his racist and homophobic comments. A judge has ordered the FBI to turn over the records of their investigation, and what Gawker is saying in court about what has and hasn’t been turned over paints a very interesting picture.

Also, now available for the first time on Kindle (meaning Kindle devices and anything with the Kindle app) is Fall Guys, the seminal 1937 book that has been described as being like the 1930s version of the Wrestling Observer. It was surprisingly not on Kindle already, so we put together a nice version with a full table of contents w/ chapter marks, proper formatting on everything, etc. Right now it’s available from the American, Canadian, and Australian Amazon/Kindle stores OR you can also buy it from anywhere in the world on PayHip, who will provide you with both Kindle and ePub (every other e-reader) format files, and you can either sideload them to your device or have them email it to your Kindle.

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Wrestling Observer Newsletter:

A look at next weekend, which is one of the biggest weekends of the year with Bellator and CMLL having their biggest shows, plus a WWE PPV show and an ROH PPV, is one of the lead stories in the new issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.  We also have a look at the 2015 Hall of Fame ballot, tons more on the Jimmy Snuka case, An update on TNA and the future of Kurt Angle, a letter UFC sent to all its fighters about unionization, plus full coverage of UFC 191 and Battle of Los Angeles, and thoughts behind Raw & Smackdown doing record low numbers.

The latest issue of the Wrestling Observer: September 14, 2015 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Huge Weekend Preview, WWE/CMLL/ROH/Bellator

Web site subscriptions, which include access to both current and older newsletters as well as every audio show in the history of the site.  Sign up here for as low as $9.99 per month!

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 at via PayPal by sending a payment 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.

The Wrestling Observer ranges weekly from 35,000 to 50,000 words covering pro wrestling and MMA internationally. Each issue has coverage and analysis of all the major news, plus every issue breaks major news stories before the Internet sties and has the most complete look at the pro wrestling and MMA business anywhere, plus history pieces available nowhere else.

We look at next week’s big shows, including a preview of  CMLL’s main event, why L.A. Park is already gone from the promotion, and a preview of  both Raw and Night of Champions.

We’ve got more on the Jimmy Snuka case, with a background of WWE in 1983, Vince McMahon purchasing the company from his father, what was and wasn’t known in wrestling at the time, the first Snuka arrest, the decision made on Hulk Hogan being the face of the company’s expansion, the role Snuka’s autobiography played in his indictment, the corner saying why he felt there was no indictment and his quotes on the subject, new evidence, Buddy Rogers before his death talks about the subject, another coroner weighs in, a lawyer who investigated the case in 1983 weighs in, how Snuka handled his finances fro that point on, Snuka’s run in New Japan, the famous Brody & Snuka walking out on the tag tournament finals, what Vince McMahon was doing to protect Snuka, key Allentown officials talk cover-up rumors, WWE talks those rumors and more.

We also update the Kurt Angle TNA situation and why Angle said he was leaving the company when his contract expires in January.  We look at the situation with Destination America, what talent knows and how WWE fits into all this right now.

We look at the letter sent by UFC to all of its fighters regarding unionization and our thoughts on the subject.

We’ve got a look at the 2005 Hall of Fame ballot, a look at the new candidates and their credentials, candidates for the future, understanding of the process, as well as how everyone on this year’s ballot fared last year.

We also look back at research into the biggest draws of all-time on the ballot, as well how the candidates have done in various awards, in drawing power for their era, as well as match quality, how difficult it is to be voted in, and notes on a lot of this year’s modern candidates.

We have an update on Ronda Rousey and WrestleMania, an upcoming WWE wedding, John Cena injury notes, WWE asks fans about PPV start times and thoughts, update on Amanda from Tough Enough and what appears to be her new deal, WWE pulling out all stops for next months tour of Mexico and why, Dean Ambrose talks acting, Nikki Bella as Divas champion, Eric Bischoff appearing on WWE Network, Undertaker’s future, the signing of Kana and she talks coming to WWE, Zahra Schreiber talks her firing, some NXT matches, a WWE wrestler on a sabbatical, as well as the WWE business notes from the past week and highlights from all the house hows.

We also look at Hulk Hogan’s overseas talk shows, the death of Tommy Rogers of The Fantastics, Dave Brown retires from WMC TV and how it was celebrated locally, Axl Rotten’s future goals, CHIKARA King of Trios, Jeff Jarrett TV talks and the final GFW ballpark shows of the year and what is left on the schedule, Bob Backlund’s autobiography, update on Batista, the death of Jerry Prater, an instrumental figure in Florida wrestling in the 70s and the heyday of wrestling programs and magazines, the Carlos Maynez tribute show this past week featuring legends from the past, a Roddy Piper movie not released and the Darrell Dawkins connection with pro wrestling.

We also update things on Lucha Underground.

We look at next week’s ROH matches.

We look at a TNA wedding, lineups for the upcoming TNA shows, U.K. TNA ratings and updating Impact.

We also have Conor McGregor talking his future, McGregor vs. Faber and why it didn’t happen, key UFC announcements over the pat week including new shows, new main events and new title matches, the retirement of Sam Stout, Rousey doing “Road House,” next UFC TV events, update on Charles Oliveira, UFC’s most popular markets, how much Rousey and McGregor are carrying things right now and former UFC star buys $2.75 million mansion from a rock star.

We also look at Alexander Shlemenko’s attempt to get his steroid punishment over turned and his arguments, plus a new Bellator show was announced.

We also update Fedor Emelianenko and his situation, as well as a former WWE star debuts this week as an MMA announcer and top pro wrestling stars attending.  We also look at the results of the latest medical study on injuries suffered in boxing vs. MMA and where each is more and less dangerous than the other.  

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 sent to you today.

New subscribers ordering 24 or 40 issues have to let us know what major stories of the past 11 years you are most interested in and we’ll send the issue with the best coverage of that story. We’ve got coverage of every major PPV event and world wide spectacular, every major star switching promotions, histories of companies like FMW, Rings and New Japan, retirement and obit issues of every major star who fits into those descriptions over the past 11 years, as well as our biggest issue every year, the annual awards issue, and our most controversial issue of every year, the Hall of Fame issue.

Click here for the most requested Wrestling Observer back issues.

***

Saturday Daily Update

— Yesterday, WWE filed a motion for sanctions against lawyer Konstantine Kyros in the lawsuit where he’s representing Michelle James, Matt Borne’s next of kin. It covers the same things they’ve ben crying foul about for a while, like allegations of forum shopping, getting another lawyer to file a case so it wouldn’t be discovered that he was involved, defaming WWE in his complaints, etc.

— What happened at last night’s ROH show with the Young Bucks wrestling reDRagon unplanne. Mike Bennett & Matt Taven were delayed in  getting out of Boston and they didn’t arrive until really late.

— Fabricious Werdum is saying he wants to defend the UFC Heavyweight Championship in December or January, but Dana White is saying he’ll have to wait because the division is tied up. That makes it sound liKe Cain Velasques is no longer his first challenger, since he isn’t booked, or tht White isn’t married to booking him as challenger at all and wants to see how the Fall heavyweight fights play out.

— This does ot seem like a great sign: TNA added a Bobby Lashley vs. Gunner match from Xplosion t their YouTube channel yesterday. Gunner has not worked for TNA since April and the match was shot in February. It might have aired in some countires earlier in the year, Anyone in a country that gets Xplosion on TV have a better idea of if/when this aired before, if the commentary was the same if it did, etc?

— Dave has articles at MMAFighting about the ratings for the TUF premiere and the UFC 191 prelims.

— Rhyno talks NXT & more on Another Wrestling Podcast. On the Dudleys returning to WWE:

It’s return of veterans to the locker room on a full time schedule and that’s very important because not only is it important to learn from the veterans in the ring, not only by watching them and not only by working with them in the ring but seeing how they act and conduct themselves outside of the ring. Because a lot of veterans lets just face it, It’s just human life you learn from your mistakes, some people don’t but most of us do. And then the best thing to do is if you see a person who has made a mistake that has learned from it you can than prevent yourself from making a mistake. So thats the importance of having a veteran on a full time schedule, because you see how they travel, you see what they do, and what they don’t do and you realize why they do certain things and don’t do other things…and therefore as a veteran you become a leader. 

— The latest edition of Sean Wheelock and John McCarthy’s Let’s Get it On Podcast has an analysis of the disqualification at UFC 191, a conversation with Marc Raimondi about his series of articles covering unregulated MMA like Xplode Fight Series, and the usual assortment of listener questions. This is one of the best and most underrated MMA podcasts around and it should be part of every hardcore fan’s weekly rotation.

— All Star Wrestling  tonight at 7:00pm (doors open at 6:30):  Gabriel Gallo vs Matt XStatic, GIRLS GONE WRESTLING TITLE MATCH Chelsea Green(Champion) vs Violet, GIRLS TRIPLE THREAT MATCH Bambi Hall vs Malia Hosaka vs Waspette, Kenny Lush vs Christopher Ryseck, The Great Kasaki vs TKO Cody Smith . Meet the Wrestlers after the show at MAGS on 99!. Tickets are$15 Front Row and $12 General Admission. Available in advance at: Totem Hall  1380 Stawamus Rd, Squamish, British Columbia v8b 0b5

— Rock Solid Wrestling presents RUMBLE, Live Pro Wrestling In support of the Kawartha Lakes Special Olympics at the Lindsay Collegiate and Vocational Institute in Lindsay, Ontario. Doors Open: 7pm • Bell Time: 7:30 pm: Canadian Heavyweight Championship Match with Cody Deaner vs Andrew Davis, Jake O’Reilly vs Jaxon Jarvis, Scotty The Body vs Tornado, KC Spinelli vs Courtney Rush, Anthony Darko vs Chunk. E. Fresh. Tickets are $15, Available at: Bowlaway Lanes – 46 William St South- 705-324-7046 and Square Boy Pizza – 215 Kent St W, Lindsay – 1 705-324-3000.

— Wrestling And Respect returns to the UAW Hall in Lima, Ohio after a summer season of fairs and festivals events. On Saturday October 10th the “Spin The Wheel Challenge” comes back for a special night of wrestling action with all the titles on the line. With 30 wrestlers names on a spinning wheel, the fans spin the wheel to determine who faces who right then and there. If a champions name is spun the next spin of the wheel determines who they will face. You will see friends versus friends, foes versus foes, alliances may face alliances and even family versus family. There will even be 2 unannounced wrestlers names added the night of the event.

By Dave Meltzer

We’re looking for reports on tonight’s WWE show in Edmonton (Seth Rollins vs. Dean Ambrose, Bray Wyatt vs. Roman Reigns plus Sheamus and Kevin Owens) and ROH show in Dearborn, MI (Jay Lethal  vs. Mark Briscoe vs. Dalton Castle vs. Cedric Alexander, Matt Taven & Michael Bennett vs. Young Bucks, ACH vs. Matt Sydal, Jay Briscoe vs. Takaaki Watanabe, Kyle O’Reilly vs. Silas Young) at Dave Meltzerdave@wrestlingobserver.com”>

Invicta FC live on UFC Fight Pass tomorrow at 8 p.m. Eastern time

Amanda Cooper vs. Aspen Ladd

J.J. Aldrich vs. Daniela Kortmann

Jinh Yu Frey vs. Liz McCarthy

Sharon Jacobson vs. Jamie Moyle

Cindy Dandois vs. Megan Anderson

Andrea Lee vs. Rachel Ostovich

Roxanne Modafferi vs. Mariana Morais

DeAnna Bennett vs. Katja Kankaanpaa

Tonya Evinger vs. Pannie Kianzad for the bantamweight title

CMLL live at 9:30 p.m. Eastern from Arena Mexico with free streaming at www.clarosports.com/en-vivo/

Flyer & Robin vs. Artillero & Super Comando

Electrico & Shockercito & Ultimo Dragoncito vs. Demus 3:16 & Pequeno Violencia & Pierrothito

Angel de Oro & Blue Panther & Rey Cometa vs. Dragon Rojo & Polvora & Virus

La Mascara & Stuka Jr. & Titan vs. Barbaro Cavernario & Negro Casas & Rey Hechicero

Super Parka & Valiente & Volador Jr. vs. Dr. Wagner Jr. & Rush & Marco Corleone

Atlantis & Euforia & Ultimo Guerrero vs. La Sombra & Rey Escorpion & Thunder

New Japan on AXS at 9 p.m.

A.J. Styles vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi from last year’s Seibu Dome show

Legacy Fighting Championships at 10 p.m. on AXS

Emmanuel Rivera vs. Wes Sharp

Kathian Catron vs. Kaline Medeiros

Canaan Grigsby vs. Bilal Williams

Derrick Adkins vs. Jesse Chaffin

Caio Rocha vs. James Warren

J.C. Cottrell vs Ed Cline

We’re looking for reports on WWE shows Saturday in Calgary (Rollins vs. Ambrose, Wyatt vs. Reigns, Chris Jericho vs. Kevin Owens) and Huntsville, AL (Randy Orton vs. Sheamus, Ryback vs. Big Show plus Dolph Ziggler and Neville), NXT in Gainesville, FL and ROH in Chicago (Adam Cole & Kyle O’Reilly vs. Young Bucks, Roderick Strong vs. Bobby Fish, Jay Briscoe vs. Cedric Alexander, Dalton Castle vs. Beer City Bruiser, Mark Briscoe vs. Adam Page, ACH vs,. Matt Sydal).

Sunday has WWE in Jonesboro, AR (Rollins vs. Ambrose, Wyatt vs. Reigns) and Tupelo, MS (Orton vs. Sheamus, Ryback vs. Show).

The World wrestling championship finals from Las Vegas will be airing Sunday at 8:30 p.m. Eastern on ESPN 2.  

Raw will be live on Monday from Memphis

Smackdown and Main Event will be taped Tuesday in Little Rock.

A look at next weekend, which is one of the biggest weekends of the year with Bellator and CMLL having their biggest shows, plus a WWE PPV show and an ROH PPV, is one of the lead stories in the new issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.  We also have a look at the 2015 Hall of Fame ballot, tons more on the Jimmy Snuka case, An update on TNA and the future of Kurt Angle, a letter UFC sent to all its fighters about unionization, plus full coverage of UFC 191 and Battle of Los Angeles, and thoughts behind Raw & Smackdown doing record low numbers.

The latest issue of the Wrestling Observer: September 14, 2015 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Huge Weekend Preview, WWE/CMLL/ROH/Bellator

Web site subscriptions, which include access to both current and older newsletters as well as every audio show in the history of the site.  Sign up here for as low as $9.99 per month! 

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 Meltzerdave@wrestlingobserver.com”>

You can also order 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.

The Wrestling Observer ranges weekly from 35,000 to 50,000 words covering pro wrestling and MMA internationally. Each issue has coverage and analysis of all the major news, plus every issue breaks major news stories before the Internet sties and has the most complete look at the pro wrestling and MMA business anywhere, plus history pieces available nowhere else.

We look at next week’s big shows, including a preview of  CMLL’s main event, why L.A. Park is already gone from the promotion, and a preview of  both Raw and Night of Champions.

We’ve got more on the Jimmy Snuka case, with a background of WWE in 1983, Vince McMahon purchasing the company from his father, what was and wasn’t known in wrestling at the time, the first Snuka arrest, the decision made on Hulk Hogan being the face of the company’s expansion, the role Snuka’s autobiography played in his indictment, the corner saying why he felt there was no indictment and his quotes on the subject, new evidence, Buddy Rogers before his death talks about the subject, another coroner weighs in, a lawyer who investigated the case in 1983 weighs in, how Snuka handled his finances fro that point on, Snuka’s run in New Japan, the famous Brody & Snuka walking out on the tag tournament finals, what Vince McMahon was doing to protect Snuka, key Allentown officials talk cover-up rumors, WWE talks those rumors and more.

We also update the Kurt Angle TNA situation and why Angle said he was leaving the company when his contract expires in January.  We look at the situation with Destination America, what talent knows and how WWE fits into all this right now.

We look at the letter sent by UFC to all of its fighters regarding unionization and our thoughts on the subject.

We’ve got a look at the 2005 Hall of Fame ballot, a look at the new candidates and their credentials, candidates for the future, understanding of the process, as well as how everyone on this year’s ballot fared last year.

We also look back at research into the biggest draws of all-time on the ballot, as well how the candidates have done in various awards, in drawing power for their era, as well as match quality, how difficult it is to be voted in, and notes on a lot of this year’s modern candidates.

We have an update on Ronda Rousey and WrestleMania, an upcoming WWE wedding, John Cena injury notes, WWE asks fans about PPV start times and thoughts, update on Amanda from Tough Enough and what appears to be her new deal, WWE pulling out all stops for next months tour of Mexico and why, Dean Ambrose talks acting, Nikki Bella as Divas champion, Eric Bischoff appearing on WWE Network, Undertaker’s future, the signing of Kana and she talks coming to WWE, Zahra Schreiber talks her firing, some NXT matches, a WWE wrestler on a sabbatical, as well as the WWE business notes from the past week and highlights from all the house hows.

We also look at Hulk Hogan’s overseas talk shows, the death of Tommy Rogers of The Fantastics, Dave Brown retires from WMC TV and how it was celebrated locally, Axl Rotten’s future goals, CHIKARA King of Trios, Jeff Jarrett TV talks and the final GFW ballpark shows of the year and what is left on the schedule, Bob Backlund’s autobiography, update on Batista, the death of Jerry Prater, an instrumental figure in Florida wrestling in the 70s and the heyday of wrestling programs and magazines, the Carlos Maynez tribute show this past week featuring legends from the past, a Roddy Piper movie not released and the Darrell Dawkins connection with pro wrestling.

We also update things on Lucha Underground.

We look at next week’s ROH matches.

We look at a TNA wedding, lineups for the upcoming TNA shows, U.K. TNA ratings and updating Impact.

We also have Conor McGregor talking his future, McGregor vs. Faber and why it didn’t happen, key UFC announcements over the pat week including new shows, new main events and new title matches, the retirement of Sam Stout, Rousey doing “Road House,” next UFC TV events, update on Charles Oliveira, UFC’s most popular markets, how much Rousey and McGregor are carrying things right now and former UFC star buys $2.75 million mansion from a rock star.

We also look at Alexander Shlemenko’s attempt to get his steroid punishment over turned and his arguments, plus a new Bellator show was announced.

We also update Fedor Emelianenko and his situation, as well as a former WWE star debuts this week as an MMA announcer and top pro wrestling stars attending.  We also look at the results of the latest medical study on injuries suffered in boxing vs. MMA and where each is more and less dangerous than the other.  

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 sent to you today.

New subscribers ordering 24 or 40 issues have to let us know what major stories of the past 11 years you are most interested in and we’ll send the issue with the best coverage of that story. We’ve got coverage of every major PPV event and world wide spectacular, every major star switching promotions, histories of companies like FMW, Rings and New Japan, retirement and obit issues of every major star who fits into those descriptions over the past 11 years, as well as our biggest issue every year, the annual awards issue, and our most controversial issue of every year, the Hall of Fame issue.

Click here for the most requested Wrestling Observer back issues

FRIDAY’S NEWS UPDATE

• Somewhat quiet weekend with no major PPV shows, although next week more than makes up for it.  The biggest event is the Floyd Mayweather Jr. vs. Andre Berto fight, which Mayweather is claiming is his retirement fight, but nobody is buying it.  Right now, things aren’t looking good as there were more than 2,000 tickets unsold, all the closed-circuit airings in Las Vegas were quietly canceled and there is a lot of question regarding how the PPV will do.
• For what it’s worth, I was doing an economics class this morning at Kansas State University and when instructor Daniel Kuester asked the class, and this is not a sports class at all, how many people saw Mayweather vs. Pacquiao, about half the class raised their hand.  When he asked how many people are watching Mayweather vs. Berto tomorrow, not one person raised their hand.  He also asked how many people knew who Conor McGregor was and about one-third raised their hand.
• PW Insider is reporting that Monday’s Randy Orton angle was not for him to be on the Roman Reigns & Dean Ambrose team at Night of Champions, but it was to write him off for a few weeks with an injury.  For what that is worth, Orton is advertised as the top star on one of the weekend tours, as well as for both Raw on Monday and Smackdown on Tuesday.  It’s not like WWE doesn’t regularly change its minds, nor that its advertising isn’t always accurate either, however WWE did officially tell us that Orton would be working the weekend shows and the Memphis and Little Rock tapings Monday and Tuesday.  It is possible he could only be working dark matches.
• The public ticket sale for UFC 194, the Conor McGregor vs. Jose Aldo, Chris Weidman vs. Luke Rockhold, Yoel Romero vs. Jacare Souza, Max Holloway vs. Jeremy Stephens,. Urijah Faber vs. Frankie Saenz, Demian Maia vs. Gunner Nelson, Tecia Torres vs. Michelle Waterson and more show in Las Vegas started today.  Most of the tickets were already sold in pre-sale.  Tickets are priced at $178, $278, $403, $603, $853 and $1.253, so they are looking for another gate record out of this.     
• FanPicks.com, a Fantasy League sports site, has signed an endorsement deal with Hulk Hogan to be the site’s official spokesperson and Brand Ambassador.  The site said, “We all make mistakes and deserve second chances.  Hulk Hogan is an admired athlete and Global Icon.  For 3-plus decade, he has been inspiring fans around the world.  He spends a good amount of his time doing so much for numerous charities and causes.  He’s a perfect partner for us and together we will be making contributions to the Make-A-Wish Foundation on behalf of Hulk Hogan.”
• For NXT Takeover on 10/7, after last night’s show, they put tickets on sale to the fans in the building, and with only 400 seats, most were sold in a line that was about two hours long.  the remaining tickets were put on the Internet and sold out in six minutes.  The TV tapings the next night are also sold out.
• Spike will be airing two shows tonight building next Saturday’s Belllator show.  Spike airs PBC boxing in prime time.  After boxing, at about 11:15 p.m., they will air “Road to Dynamite.”  It’s possible I’ll be on that show because I spent an afternoon filming with Scott Coker a few weeks back going through his history.  At 12:15 a.m., they will air a Tito Ortiz special showing his training for his fight with Liam McGeary.
• 12 Rounds 3: Lockdown starts its very limited theatrical release this weekend.  I saw the trailer and Dean Ambrose came across real good.  looked
• So this is scary.  The ESPN poll for the greatest female athlete of all-time is coming down to Ronda Rousey vs. Serena Williams.  Williams in the bracketing of fan voting beat Cheryl Miller (86-14), Kerri Walsh & Misty May-Treanor (74-26), Babe Didrikson (67-33) and Steffi Graf (63-37).  Rousey beat Missy Franklin (63-37), Jackie JoyneKersee (53-47), Diana Taurasi (55-45) and Florence Griffith Joyner (57-43).
• Andrei Arlovski told Submission radio today that his right hand was not broken in Saturday’s fight with Frank Mir, only bruised.  He said he would be ready to fight again in December or January.
• Coming to the Evolve shows on 10/17 and 10/18 in New York are Rocky Romero, Willie Mack and Peter Kassa.  Romero will be teaming with Trent Baretta as Roppongi Vice.  Also on the shows are Timothy Thatcher, Caleb Konley, Tony Nese, Drew Gulak, Tracy Williams, TJ Perkins, Trevor Lee, Andrew Everett, Ethan Page and Matt Cage.
• Northeast Wrestling announced that its show scheduled for tomorrow at Susquehanna Bank Park in Williamsport, PA has been moveed to 9/27 at 4 p.m. due to weather issues. The meet and greet has been moved to 4 p.m.   For more info you can go to NortheastWrestling.com
• John Cena will be appearing as a guset host on the Today Show on Wednesday for the third time in recent weeks.
• Grand Slam Wrestling on Saturday night in Moosic, PA at the Youth Center.
• Bellator announced that Kimbo Slice will be coming to Saturday’s show.  Slice will be at the SAP Center at 3 p.m. for autographs and photos.
• Aggression Wrestling tonight in Lenoir, NC at the Caldwell County Fairgrounds with Mikal Judas, Washington Bullets, Slim J and more.
• My friend Jeff Bukantz related to me that he loved Bob Backlund’s autobiography.  He said it was great to relive the history of his title run in exact order, and it was interesting to read his constant paranoia over being double-crossed in the ring when it never happened and was never going to happen. 
• CMLL on Tuesday night in Guadalajara:  Jocker & Sadico b Frezzer & Nautilus, Omar Brunetti & Magnus & Molotov b Arkangel de la Muerte & El Hijo del Signo & Metalico, Dark Angel & Marcela & Silueta b Amapola & Dallys & Zeuxis, Angel de Oro & Blue Panther & Brazo de Plata b Euforia & Gran Guerrero & Niebla Roja, Negro Casas & Shocker & Ultimo Guerrero b Atlantis & La Mascara & Volador Jr., Marco Corleone b Mr. Niebla
• AAA talent on Tuesday night in Pachuca:  Diosa Atenea & Zuzu Divine b Princesa Mohicana & Xena, Bart & Homero Simpson (yes, really) b Los Minion Morada I & II, Gotita de Plata & Nino Hamburguesa & Goya Kong b Concord & Machine Rocker & Taya Valkyrie-DQ, Psycho Circus b Electroshock & El Hijo de Pirata Morgan & Parka Negra, Averno & Pentagon Jr. b Fenix & Myzteziz.  Myzteziz turned on Fenix and hit him with a chair shot to cause him to get pinned for the finish.
• Elegido & Laredo Kid vs. Difunto I & Psicosis headlines 10/8 in Laredo at the Coliseum.
• Lucha Libre VIP on Sunday in Pico Rivera, CA at the Sports Arena with Dragon Lee & Valiente & Zokre vs. Dr. Maldad & Misterioso Jr. & Shumu Jr. (thanks to Kris Zellner)
• What is billed as Blue Demon Jr’s 30th anniversary match, and didn’t they just do that at TripleMania, takes place on Wednesday night at Arena Lopez Mateos in Tlalnepantla with Demon Jr. & Canek vs. Pirata Morgan & Villano IV.
• All Pro Wrestling tonight in Daly City, CA at the Bayshore Community Center at 450 Martin St. (right near the Cow Palace) has JR Kratos vs. Chris Masters for the Universal title, Boyce LeGrande vs. Will Cuevas for the TV title, Reno Scum vs. The Freaks for the tag title, MVP vs. Dylan Drake, Timothy Thatcher vs Gangrel, Joey Ryan vs. Marcus Lewis vs. Juventud Guerrera, Idris Jackson vs. Sione Finau and more including Jeff Cobb and Joey Kristofferson.
• Big West Wrestling tomorrow night at the Lake City Cowling & Billiards in Kelowna, BC. 
• All Star Wrestling on 9/25 in Surrey, BC at the Cloverdale Fairgrounds with Gangrel vs. Adam Ryder as the main event.
• Maryland Championship Wrestling tonight in White Marsh, MD with Fan Appreciation tonight at Della Rose’s Avenue Tavern with The Bruiser & Jim Duggan & Patrick Clark (from Tough Enough) & Lio Rush vs. Ryan McBride & Ken Dixon & Dixon Line Security, plus Mickie James defends the MCW womens’ title against Amber Rodriguez.
• Jake Roberts vs. Steve Casey is the new match on today’s NWAClassics.com web site, with Jim Ross and Paul Boesch doing the announcing.

By Dave Meltzer

We’re looking for reports on tonight’s NXT tapings in Orlando at Dave Meltzer

Smackdown tonight from Wilkes-Barre:

Paige vs. Sasha Banks

Roman Reigns & Dean Ambrose & Jimmy Uso vs. Big E & Kofi Kingston & Xavier Woods

Sin Cara & Kalisto vs. The Ascension

Seth Rollins vs. Ryback non-title lumberjack match

New Japan runs at 5:30 a.m. tomorrow  Eastern time from Korakuen Hall in Tokyo live on New Japan World

Yohei Komatsu vs. David Finlay

Tiger Mask & Jushin Liger vs. Jay White & Sho Tanaka

Yuji Nagata & Manabu Nakanishi & Ryusuke Taguchi & Mascara Dorada & Juice Robinson vs. Toru Yano & Yoshi-Hashi & Gedo & Rocky Romero & Baretta

Kazuchika Okada & Kazushi Sakuraba vs. Tama Tonga & Cody Hall

Hiroshi Tanahashi & Hiroyoshi Tenzan & Satoshi Kojima & Kushida vs. Bad Luck Fale & Karl Anderson & Doc Gallows & Kenny Omega

Togi Makabe & Katsuyori Shibata vs. Kota Ibushi & Tetsuya Naito

Hirooki Goto & Tomoaki Honma vs. Shinsuke Nakamura & Tomohiro Ishii       

The last two matches are kind of unique and could be something.

There is an Invicta show tomorrow on Fight Pass from Kansas City.

A look at next weekend, which is one of the biggest weekends of the year with Bellator and CMLL having their biggest shows, plus a WWE PPV show and an ROH PPV, is one of the lead stories in the new issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.  We also have a look at the 2015 Hall of Fame ballot, tons more on the Jimmy Snuka case, An update on TNA and the future of Kurt Angle, a letter UFC sent to all its fighters about unionization, plus full coverage of UFC 191 and Battle of Los Angeles, and thoughts behind Raw & Smackdown doing record low numbers.

The issue is on the site right now at September 14, 2015 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Huge Weekend Preview, WWE/CMLL/ROH/Bellator

Web site subscriptions, which include access to both current and older newsletters as well as every audio show in the history of the site.  Sign up here for as low as $9.99 per month! 

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 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.

The Wrestling Observer ranges weekly from 35,000 to 50,000 words covering pro wrestling and MMA internationally. Each issue has coverage and analysis of all the major news, plus every issue breaks major news stories before the Internet sties and has the most complete look at the pro wrestling and MMA business anywhere, plus history pieces available nowhere else.

We look at next week’s big shows, including a preview of  CMLL’s main event, why L.A. Park is already gone from the promotion, and a preview of  both Raw and Night of Champions.

We’ve got more on the Jimmy Snuka case, with a background of WWE in 1983, Vince McMahon purchasing the company from his father, what was and wasn’t known in wrestling at the time, the first Snuka arrest, the decision made on Hulk Hogan being the face of the company’s expansion, the role Snuka’s autobiography played in his indictment, the corner saying why he felt there was no indictment and his quotes on the subject, new evidence, Buddy Rogers before his death talks about the subject, another coroner weighs in, a lawyer who investigated the case in 1983 weighs in, how Snuka handled his finances fro that point on, Snuka’s run in New Japan, the famous Brody & Snuka walking out on the tag tournament finals, what Vince McMahon was doing to protect Snuka, key Allentown officials talk cover-up rumors, WWE talks those rumors and more.

We also update the Kurt Angle TNA situation and why Angle said he was leaving the company when his contract expires in January.  We look at the situation with Destination America, what talent knows and how WWE fits into all this right now.

We look at the letter sent by UFC to all of its fighters regarding unionization and our thoughts on the subject.

We’ve got a look at the 2005 Hall of Fame ballot, a look at the new candidates and their credentials, candidates for the future, understanding of the process, as well as how everyone on this year’s ballot fared last year.

We also look back at research into the biggest draws of all-time on the ballot, as well how the candidates have done in various awards, in drawing power for their era, as well as match quality, how difficult it is to be voted in, and notes on a lot of this year’s modern candidates.

We have an update on Ronda Rousey and WrestleMania, an upcoming WWE wedding, John Cena injury notes, WWE asks fans about PPV start times and thoughts, update on Amanda from Tough Enough and what appears to be her new deal, WWE pulling out all stops for next months tour of Mexico and why, Dean Ambrose talks acting, Nikki Bella as Divas champion, Eric Bischoff appearing on WWE Network, Undertaker’s future, the signing of Kana and she talks coming to WWE, Zahra Schreiber talks her firing, some NXT matches, a WWE wrestler on a sabbatical, as well as the WWE business notes from the past week and highlights from all the house hows.

We look at Saturday’s UFC show, the business notes on the show, where the top guys go next along with match-by-match coverage, how much everyone earned, and poll results on the show.

We also have rundowns of the major TV shows of the past week.

We also go in depth on the Battle of Los Angeles tournament with match-by-match coverage for all three nights, what is PWG, the atmosphere and more.

We also have notes on the ratings of all the major television shows, including just how badly the main shows fared, and results of the major league arena events over the past week.

We also look at the affect that Dr. Wagner Jr. and L.A. Park have on business in Mexico, what dream of L.A. Park fell through, Rey Mysterio in AAA and notes on several big shows plus names they are talking about bringing in.

We also update the Dragon Gate tag team tournament and the NOAH Jr. tag team tournament.  We also look at New Japan’s next international tour, why Tenryu vs. Okada is taking place in November, what foreign stars are being discussed for New Japan, and Hiroshi Tanahashi doing the DDT show and the future of Yohei Komatsu and Sho Tanaka.

We also look at Hulk Hogan’s overseas talk shows, the death of Tommy Rogers of The Fantastics, Dave Brown retires from WMC TV and how it was celebrated locally, Axl Rotten’s future goals, CHIKARA King of Trios, Jeff Jarrett TV talks and the final GFW ballpark shows of the year and what is left on the schedule, Bob Backlund’s autobiography, update on Batista, the death of Jerry Prater, an instrumental figure in Florida wrestling in the 70s and the heyday of wrestling programs and magazines, the Carlos Maynez tribute show this past week featuring legends from the past, a Roddy Piper movie not released and the Darrell Dawkins connection with pro wrestling.

We also update things on Lucha Underground.

We look at next week’s ROH matches.

We look at a TNA wedding, lineups for the upcoming TNA shows, U.K. TNA ratings and updating Impact.

We also have Conor McGregor talking his future, McGregor vs. Faber and why it didn’t happen, key UFC announcements over the pat week including new shows, new main events and new title matches, the retirement of Sam Stout, Rousey doing “Road House,” next UFC TV events, update on Charles Oliveira, UFC’s most popular markets, how much Rousey and McGregor are carrying things right now and former UFC star buys $2.75 million mansion from a rock star.

We also look at Alexander Shlemenko’s attempt to get his steroid punishment over turned and his arguments, plus a new Bellator show was announced.

We also update Fedor Emelianenko and his situation, as well as a former WWE star debuts this week as an MMA announcer and top pro wrestling stars attending.  We also look at the results of the latest medical study on injuries suffered in boxing vs. MMA and where each is more and less dangerous than the other.  

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 sent to you today.

New subscribers ordering 24 or 40 issues have to let us know what major stories of the past 11 years you are most interested in and we’ll send the issue with the best coverage of that story. We’ve got coverage of every major PPV event and world wide spectacular, every major star switching promotions, histories of companies like FMW, Rings and New Japan, retirement and obit issues of every major star who fits into those descriptions over the past 11 years, as well as our biggest issue every year, the annual awards issue, and our most controversial issue of every year, the Hall of Fame issue.

Click here for the most requested Wrestling Observer back issues

THURSDAY’S NEWS UPDATE

• Total Divas on Tuesday night drew 1,143,000 viewers, which was well up from the prior week.
• The Ultimate Fighter last night did 622,000 viewers on FS 1.  That’s for the show with Conor McGregor and Urijah Faber as coaches.  The first show of last season did 490,000 viewers.
• Daniel Bryan talks his attempt to get back in the ring, Total Divas, his dream for the 2016 WrestleMania and more
• I’m not sure that this means anything, but on Tuesday there were 94,700 tweets regarding Kana signing with WWE.
• Catherine Jo Perry (Lana) had surgery on her left wrist today.
• The rainstorm in Japan that has been all over the news killed attendance at shows today in Japan.  The New Japan show was in the city where the river overflowed and there was blooding.  There were only 480 fans at the show and some left early, as there were homes lost and damaged in the city.
• Former Australian pro wrestling promoter Andrew McManus, 54, was arrested today at Melbourne Airport, among five people arrested in connection with allegations of cocaine importing and money laundering.  The FBI in the U.S. worked with New Zealand authorities on the case when Sean Carolan, an MMA fighter and racehorse trainer was discovered in 2011 with a black suitcase with $702,000 in cash in it.  He claimed the money came from Owen Hanson Jr., who was going to invest it in his weight loss business.  The authorities confiscated the money, but Carolan went to court to have it returned.  But in court, McManus claimed the money was his after an interview with police in 2012.  He said the money was from the Lenny Kravitz tour he had promoted in New Zealand, but he was using it to replay Hanson Jr., who had put up a deposit for a ZZ Top tour McManus promoted.  .
• The movie “12 Rounds 3:  Lockdown” with Dean Ambrose will have a limited theatrical release starting tomorrow. 
• UFC 194 tickets for 12/12 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena went quickly to Fight Club members yesterday.  Some seats were held back for today’s pre-sale using the code word GOBIG and some tickets will be put on sale Monday.  That’s the Conor McGregor vs. Jose Aldo and Chris Weidman vs. Luke Rockhold show that is expected to do another near record gate.  
• Tickets for UFC’s debut in Monterrey, Mexico go on sale to the public tomorrow.  A press conference was held toady in Monterrey with headliners Kelvin Gastelum, Ricardo Lamas, Diego Sanchez, Erik Perez, Leandro Silva, Efrain Escudero, Hector Urbina and Henry Cejudo.
• A few days ago, when we mentioned it would be good for all talent with WWE dreams to get rid of any photos in social media that have a sexual connotation or any tweets that contain anything that could be taken racially, it was regarding Nhooph Al-Areebi (Jasmin) since some tweets of hers were discovered by those in the company a few days ago.  The company issued a statement saying, “WWE conducted a thorough investigation and has determined that Nhooph-Al Areebie’s Twitter account was used without her knowledge when she was 16 and 17 years old.  Jasmin remains apologetic for any offensive remarks that were made.”
• The World Series of fighting announced three names to its Board of Directors, Mark Ford, the Executive Vice President of Global Advertising for Time Inc., Mike Stevens, the Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer for the New York Giants and John Weiser, the President of U.S. Distribution for Sony Pictures Television.  The promotion also announced the signing of Caros Fodor and Cory Devela, both former Strikeforce fighters.
• Global Force Wrestling announced for its 10/23 tapings in Las Vegas at the Orleans Arena, the last tapings on the current schedule, that PJ Black, Jigsaw, Christina Von Eerie, Amber Gallows, Chris Mordetzky, Bobby Roode, Reno Scum and the Bollywood Boyz will be appearing.
• Kurt Angle will be doing a speaking tour of the U.K.  Dates are:
  11/18 in London
  11/19 in Cardiff
  11/20 in Leicester
  11/21 in Rotherham
  11/22 in Edinburgh
  11/23 in Manchester
• NXT has announced more title matches for next week in Texas
• 9/17 in Houston Bayley vs. Emma for women’s title
• 9/18 in Austin Finn Balor vs. Baron Corbin for NXT title
• 9/19 in San Antonio Finn Balor vs. Tyler Breeze for NXT title
• Premier Wrestling on 9/19 in San Jose at Del Mar High School at 6 p.m..  Tickets are $5 off regular prices at www.premierwrestle.com  JR Kratos (8-2) vs. Jeff Cobb (6-2-1) headlines plus Nicole Savoy (2-1) & Kahmora (0-1) vs. Raze (0-1) & Kikyo Nakamura (0-0), Timothy Thatcher (3-2-1) vs. Joe Graves (2-0-1), Gabriel Gallo (3-0) vs. Dom Vitalli (1-2), Alexander Hammerstone (0-0) vs. Dylan Drake (4-4), Marcus Lewis (4-4) vs. Julio Pedroza (3-3), Tyler Bateman (0-2) vs. Dalton Frost (0-0) and Nick Ruiz (3-4) vs. Hawaiian Lion (0-0).
• There is a 35th anniversary of the 1980 Olympic wrestling team that was not allowed to compete due to the boycott at 4 p.m. tomorrow at the Gold Coast Hotel in Las Vegas.  The 18 surviving members of the team, including former pro wrestler Brad Rheingans and Great Wojo, will be there, a will Dan Gable, Lee Kemp and Randy Couture (who will represent the late Jeff Blatnick).
• Tanner Saraceno from Tough Enough will be fighting in the main event of an MMA show in Kuwait tomorrow night. 
• Lennie Hardt, the famous Pride ring announcer, will be doing the Bellator show in San Jose on 9/19. 
• Austin Matelson, who was in WWE developmental as Judas Devlin, is in the commercial for the new season of Big Brother. (thanks to Ross Blair)
• CWE on 9/25 in Steinbach, Manitoba at the Legion Community Hall has eight woman Battle Royal.
• Pure Wrestling Association on 9/19 in Kitchener, ONT at the Alpine Club and 9/13 in Kitchener, at the Williamsburg Town Centre Community Festival outdoors between 1 and 4 p.m.
• Absolute Intense Wrestling tomorrow night in Cleveland at Our Lady of Mount Carmel School headlined by Bob Holly.  Also on the show are Louis Lyndon, Johnny Gargano, Candice LaRae, Colt Cabana, Athena, Cliff Compton and Eddie Kingston.
• Rey Mysterio Jr. vs. Ricochet vs. P.J. Black in a three-way headlines a TV taping for Destiny World Wrestling on 10/3 at the Don Kolov Arena in Mississauaga, ONT.  There will only be 500 tickets available and they are expecting to sellout, as the ringside and VIP tickets are already gone. 
• Smash Canada vs. USA womens’ wrestling on Sunday at 5 p.m. at the Franklin Horner Community Centre with Nicole Matthews, Portia Perez, Jewells Malone, KC Spinelli, Jennifer Blake, Vanessa Kraven and Xandra Bale of Team Canada against Kimber Lee, Cherry bomb, Sassy Stephanie, Jessicka Havok, Veda Scott, Candice LaRae, Heidi Lovelace and Allysin Kay of Team USA.
• Great North Wrestling has a benefit show for the Canadian Cancer Society on Saturday at 1:30 p.m. at Hawkesbury Ford in Hawkesbury, ONT with Frenchy Martin managing Hannibal against Myzery Barbarian.
• Eddie Edwards headlines for New England Championship Wrestling on Saturday night at 7 p.m. at the Everett Rec Center in Everett, MA.  Slyck Wagner Brown vs. Mike McCarthy vs. Brad Hollister for the NECW title is one of the main events.
• Jim Ross is doing a talk show tonight in Knoxville.
• House of Hardcore runs 11/13 in Philadelphia at the 2300 Arena and 11/14 in Queens at the Elmcor Center with Ethan Carter III, Little Guido & Tony Mamaluke as the FBI, Rhino, Bobby Roode, Eric Young, Chris Hero, Austin Aries and Thea Trinidad.
• Vince Russo is doing a Q&A on 9/28 in Dublin, Ireland at the Academy Plaza.
• Tier One Wrestling on 10/2 at the R Studios in Queens, NY.
• Carolina Wrestling Showcase on Saturday night in Asheboro, NC with Gunner and C.W Anderson.
• Longtime Canadian independent wrestler Robby Royce announced he was retiring after 25 years.    
• ECW Press has a 50% off sale on all of their books, which includes the new Bill Apter autobiography.
• The new match uploaded to NWAClassics.com today is Wahoo McDaniel vs. The Spoiler in a two out of three falls match.
• PBC returns to NBC with a 4 p.m. show on Saturday headlined by Peter Quillin (31-0-1, 22 knockouts) vs. Michael Zerafa (17-1, 9 knockouts) from the Foxwood Resort Casino in Mashantucket, CT.
• A new comic book called Ringside #1 will be released on 11/25, written by Joe Keatinge.
• The South Jersey WrestleFest and Convention takes place on 10/11 in Woodbury Heights, NJ at the Community Center.  The convention starts at 3 p.m.  and features reps from  a number of independent promotions with New Jack, Sandman, Justin Credible and Raven. 
• A BBC piece on Lucha Libre
• Former pro wrestler Matt Ghaffari talks Alexander Kaerlin and Hulk Hogan among others
• Jessie Godderz on Big Brother at the 7:40 mark
• POP-TV also announced that Jessie will be “taking over” their network this Friday Night for their “Orwell Games” promotion at 12/11c.

by David Bixenspan | davidbix@wrestlingobserver.com | Follow @davidbix

Show notes for tonight:

NXT at 8:00 p.m. ET on WWE Network features has  Finn Balor and Samoa Joe vs. Lucha Dragons plus Johnny Gargano andTommaso Ciampa vs. Tyler Breeze and Bull Dempsey in Dusty Rhodes Tag Classic bouts.

UFC Tonight airs at 8:00 p.m. ET on Fox Sports 1.

Impact Wrestling at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT on Destination America features Matt Hardy and Rockstar Spud vs. Ethan Carter III and Tyrus, Drew Galloway vs. Chris Mordetzky, Brooke vs. Gail Kim. and more.

UFC Unleashed airs at 9:00 p.m. ET on Fox Sports 1 with a new episode featuring European fighters.

The Ultimate Fighter at 10:00 p.m. ET on Fox Sports 1 is the two hour season premiere with the elimination fights to see which lightweight fighters qualify for Conor McGregor’s Team Europe and Urijah Faber’s Team USA.

ROH at 11:00 p.m. ET on Destination America is a loaded episode with The Addiction (c) vs. The Young Bucks for the ROH Tag Team Championship and Jay Lethal (c) vs. Roderick Strong for the ROH World Heavyweight Championship.

Please send reports from major shows, recommended links, etc. to newstips@wrestlingobserver.com:

****

Figure Four Weekly:

The newest issue of Figure Four Weekly is now up for subscribers (subscribe to the site here and get access to Figure Four, the Observer, tons of audio, and more) featuring plenty of details on the Jimmy Snuka murder indictment including how the media covered his domestic abuse arrest and Nancy Argentino’s death back in 1993, just how on the ball Irv Muchnick was in writing about the case, the contradictions of the investigator, Snuka’s claims about his finances vs. the reality, and more.  On top of that, we have all the usual stuff like Vinny’s reviews and international news from Dr. Lucha Steve Sims and and Alan”4L” Counihan.

The recnt FREE Figure Four Weekly is still up with a look at the crazy story of why Gawker thinks the FBI may have helped Hulk Hogan cover up his racist and homophobic comments. A judge has ordered the FBI to turn over the records of their investigation, and what Gawker is saying in court about what has and hasn’t been turned over paints a very interesting picture.

Also, now available for the first time on Kindle (meaning Kindle devices and anything with the Kindle app) is Fall Guys, the seminal 1937 book that has been described as being like the 1930s version of the Wrestling Observer. It was surprisingly not on Kindle already, so we put together a nice version with a full table of contents w/ chapter marks, proper formatting on everything, etc. Right now it’s available from the American, Canadian, and Australian Amazon/Kindle stores OR you can also buy it from anywhere in the world on PayHip, who will provide you with both Kindle and ePub (every other e-reader) format files, and you can either sideload them to your device or have them email it to your Kindle.

****

Wrestling Observer Newsletter:

It’s a gigantic news week in the new issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter with the main feature story on everything that led to the indictment of Jimmy Snuka after 32 years, plus Irv Muchnick, who has reported on the story for years gives his views on the proceedings, and we also look at Hulk Hogan’s attempt at redemption of his character, the full story behind the shooting at the Performance Center, notes from Battle of Los Angeles, the retirement of Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira, Hayabusa walks to the ring, Bram gets arrested, WWE fires Zahra Schreiber, UFC brings back Travis Browne, a rundown of the PPV business in WWE in 2015 and the latest monthly business report from WWE & TNA.

The latest Wrestling Observer: September 7, 2015 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Snuka indicted, shooting at WWE Performance Center and tons more

Web site subscriptions, which include access to both current and older newsletters as well as every audio show in the history of the site.  Sign up here for as low as $9.99 per month!

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 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.

The Wrestling Observer ranges weekly from 35,000 to 50,000 words covering pro wrestling and MMA internationally. Each issue has coverage and analysis of all the major news, plus every issue breaks major news stories before the Internet sties and has the most complete look at the pro wrestling and MMA business anywhere, plus history pieces available nowhere else.

Our lead story goes back to 1983 with an in-depth look at the death of Nancy Argentino, how the media caused the case to be reopened, a look at the charges against Jimmy Snuka, the different statements on the subject by Snuka, Snuka’s lawyer speaks, notes on documentation and testimony from the time, lots of notes regarding evidence, where Jimmy Snuka stood in the wrestling business in 1983, how Buddy Rogers fits into this story, what Snuka told police the morning after Argentino died as well as testimony from those who treated Argentino before her death.

We also look at the autopsy report, the police report from that time, the strange question that was never answered regarding the case being dropped, what Snuka has said to different people, the brawl in Syracuse before Argentino’s death, how the pro wrestling business in 1983 is so completely different from today and the previous legal action regarding this case. 

Irv Muchnick also does a piece on the indictment talking about several points from the indictment.

We also look at Hulk Hogan appearing on Good Morning America and Nightline in a way to get his job back and repair his public image.  We look at the WWE reaction, what Hogan said, what does and doesn’t hold up, the timeline issues with his various stories, neighbors of his growing up contradict his story and more.

We also look at the story of the man who was shot in front of the Performance Center, the circumstances of the shooting, and the different things he had done in recent months regarding his obsession with wrestling.

We also look at Battle of Los Angeles, how the tournament went, highlights from the weekend and celebrities at the shows.

We also look back at the career of Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira, including his new job with UFC, his becoming the top heavyweight in the sport at one time, his background, his debut in RINGS, his move to Pride, his fight with Bob Sapp, his three fight series with Fedor and his UFC run.

We look at the arrest of Thomas “Bram” Latimer of  TNA, police details of what happened, TNA’s response and what is next for him.

We’ve got a story on Hayabusa, one of the best high flyers from 15-20 years ago and his attempted recovery from near paralysis.

We’ve got a look at Travis Browne and his reinstatement in UFC.

We look at the firing of Zahra Schreiber, the girlfriend of Seth Rollins, by WWE.

We also look at WWE & TNA business when it comes to house shows, merchandise, ratings and other categories for the past month.

We also have a PPV chart with how all the shows in the first seven months of the year have been, and compared them with the last few years.

We also look at WWE signing one of the major international women stars and why she’s not going to be wrestling in NXT, the return of Dr. Wagner Jr. & L.A. Park to Arena Mexico and how it got over, top pro wrestling star gets a reality show gig, and some major title changes.

We also look at maneuvering for the 2017 and 2018 WrestleMania, and the favorites, the 10/3 Madison Square Garden WWE live special, notes on lots of indie stars on WWE’s radar, ticket sales for NXT in the U.K., a new WWE movie, Update on Wade Barrett, action figure sales, announcing changes, SummerSlam edits, lots of notes on various WWE lawsuits, Dean Ambrose talks Renee Young, Fan tries to attack Ambrose, Sara Lee in NXT, plus notes on all the WWE & NXT house shows over the past week.

We also look at a number of top stars who worked recently in Bolivia, the last AAA TV taping and AAA wrestlers in a bodybuilding contest.

We update Wrestle-1 and the three generations of green mist stars trios match.

We also look at the Dragon Gate summer tag team tournament and its big show in Fukuoka and what came out of it.

We look at All Japan’s last major show and its current singles tournament.

We look at Pro Wrestling NOAH’s next major show, including a title match that was set up in the U.S., a well as the bracketing in the upcoming junior heavyweight tag team tournament.

We look at the weekend IGF show, a record that will be set at the next Tokyo Dome show, and the NWA title change.

We also look at U.S. stars who usually don’t tour Japan that are going shortly.

We’ve got more on the planned bio movie on Chris Benoit, Angelo Mosca getting his number retired, the weekend GFW shows and angles, Preston City Wrestling’s weekend show, former TNA star retires and a unique main event, plus early notes on this year’s WWC Anniversary show.

We also update the TNA TV situation, the Lucha Underground TV situation, the next ROH PPV show, new roles for people in ROH and notes from the weekend show.

We also look at changes in UFC main events, can UFC sell 70,000 tickets to its November show with Ronda Rousey, Rousey talks when she expects to retire, Cyborg, the date with the marine and notes about live shows on Fight Pass this month.  We also look at this week’s PPV show, talks about the Jan. 2 Las Vegas card, a star fighter retires, Chad Mendes wants a rematch with McGregor, what happened recently with Jose Aldo, Rousey T-shirt sales, plus lots of more fights.

We also have a look at Bellator’s next major show, including the updated card, as well as plans for the big November show.  We look at the Fan Fest with Fedor and Sakuraba, as well as notes on last week’s show.

We also look at the arrest of Chris Leben, and new restrictions on weight cutting that is being tried out for in California.

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 sent to you today.

New subscribers ordering 24 or 40 issues have to let us know what major stories of the past 11 years you are most interested in and we’ll send the issue with the best coverage of that story. We’ve got coverage of every major PPV event and world wide spectacular, every major star switching promotions, histories of companies like FMW, Rings and New Japan, retirement and obit issues of every major star who fits into those descriptions over the past 11 years, as well as our biggest issue every year, the annual awards issue, and our most controversial issue of every year, the Hall of Fame issue.

Click here for the most requested Wrestling Observer back issues.

***

Wednesday Daily Update

— Ronda Rousey has been tapped to take over the Patrick Swayze role as the lead in a remaeke of “Road House.” Swayze played a well-educated bouncer who protected a small town in Missouri from a corrupt businessman. Terry Funk has a role in the original, which used to air all the time on TBS when WCW was still around. In fact, the movie helped get over the surprise of Funk attacking Ric Flair at Wrestle War ’89: It was less than two weeks away from release at the time, so fans “knew” Funk had retired to become an actor.

—  Nhooph Al-Areebi is, thanks to Reddit, the latest NXT talent (or in the case of Jessicka Havok, NXT hopeful) to be outed as having posted various racially insensitive things on social media in the past. In her case, she was a teenager when she tweeted a few variations of the N-word among other things, including calling a black male wrestler her slave. She’s since deleted her Twitter account. If the lesson hasn’t been learned by now, don’t say this stuff, and if you did, clean it up when you’re trying to get into WWE.

— Nick Diaz (marijuana test failure), Rousimar Palhares (holding submission too long after rpated eye raking), and Jake Shuelds (threw a punch off his back at Palhares right after the fight ended) will all be on the docket for hearings at the next Nevada State Athletic Commission meeting this Monday.

— From Kris Zellner’s Lucha Report (full, illustrated version here): L.A. Park has been removed from all EMLL bookings for the immediate future after he used foul language after his match at Arena Mexico last Friday night. The promotion announced that Park’s actions didn’t meet the standards of their company and they can’t allow that lack of respect towards the fans. Park accepted his punishment and apologized to them so the promotion said that they left on good terms as well as saying that maybe down the road he may come back. Park will be replaced by Valiente on this Friday at Arena Mexico and Shocker on the 82nd Anniversario Show next Friday.

— Tommy Dreamer announced that House of Hardcore’s New York City debut will be November 14th at the ELMCOR Center in Corona, Queens. That’s the same day as the Big Event fan convention in Elmhurst and the Jersey All Pro Wrestling anniversary show in Rahway, New Jersey. On the HOH card will be Yoshihiro Tajiri, Ethan Carter III, Rhino, Bobby Roode, Tommy Dreamer, Austin Aries, Chris Hero, Eric Young, Guido Maritato & Tony Mamaluke (The FBI), Thea Trinidad, Justin Roberts and more.

— John Dodson is not happy with MMA fans blaming his loss to Demetrious Johnson on the bierh of his daughter.

— PWG has released the first Battle of Los Angeles 2015 DVD trailer.

—Newsday has an article about 50 NFL players who became pro wrestlers. Some of these aren’t entirely accurate.

— CWE Canada has a “Girls, Girls, Girls” card Friday Sept 25th- Steinbach, MB. Location: Steinbach Legion Community Hall (294 Lumber Ave.).  Time: Doors Open 6:30pm, Bell time 7pm. Tickets: VIP First Access Ticket $20, General Admission $15 in advance, $18 at the door. Advance Tickets Available At: The Edge Bar & Nightclub (Inside The Frantz Inn, 1000 Main St.) Purchase tickets online at diyobo.com. Main Event  is an 8 Women Over The Top Rope Battle Royal, Intergender Tag Team Match features  Kat Von Heez & “The German Juggernaut” Moses Luke vs. Violet & “The Rebel” Bobby Collins, Bambi Hall vs. Roni Nicole, Sahara Se7en vs. Aja Perera , Ashley Frost vs. Gisele Shaw. Plus “The Coach” Kelly Russell hosts and much more!

by David Bixenspan | davidbix@wrestlingobserver.com | Follow @davidbix

Show notes for tonight:

Total Divas at 9:00 p.m. ET on E! is titled “Gone with the Wine” and features Nikki Bella vacationing in Napa; Trinity/Naomi taking her family on a camping trip that nobody actually wants to go on, and Eva Marie having to choose between her career and her husband for some reason.

SmackDown and Main Event will be taped tonight in Wilkes-Barre, PA. Please send reports to newstips@wrestlingobserver.com,

****

Figure Four Weekly:

The newest issue of Figure Four Weekly is now up for subscribers (subscribe to the site here and get access to Figure Four, the Observer, tons of audio, and more) featuring plenty of details on the Jimmy Snuka murder indictment including how the media covered his domestic abuse arrest and Nancy Argentino’s death back in 1993, just how on the ball Irv Muchnick was in writing about the case, the contradictions of the investigator, Snuka’s claims about his finances vs. the reality, and more.  On top of that, we have all the usual stuff like Vinny’s reviews and international news from Dr. Lucha Steve Sims and and Alan”4L” Counihan.

The recnt FREE Figure Four Weekly is still up with a look at the crazy story of why Gawker thinks the FBI may have helped Hulk Hogan cover up his racist and homophobic comments. A judge has ordered the FBI to turn over the records of their investigation, and what Gawker is saying in court about what has and hasn’t been turned over paints a very interesting picture.

Also, now available for the first time on Kindle (meaning Kindle devices and anything with the Kindle app) is Fall Guys, the seminal 1937 book that has been described as being like the 1930s version of the Wrestling Observer. It was surprisingly not on Kindle already, so we put together a nice version with a full table of contents w/ chapter marks, proper formatting on everything, etc. Right now it’s available from the American, Canadian, and Australian Amazon/Kindle stores OR you can also buy it from anywhere in the world on PayHip, who will provide you with both Kindle and ePub (every other e-reader) format files, and you can either sideload them to your device or have them email it to your Kindle.

****

Wrestling Observer Newsletter:

It’s a gigantic news week in the new issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter with the main feature story on everything that led to the indictment of Jimmy Snuka after 32 years, plus Irv Muchnick, who has reported on the story for years gives his views on the proceedings, and we also look at Hulk Hogan’s attempt at redemption of his character, the full story behind the shooting at the Performance Center, notes from Battle of Los Angeles, the retirement of Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira, Hayabusa walks to the ring, Bram gets arrested, WWE fires Zahra Schreiber, UFC brings back Travis Browne, a rundown of the PPV business in WWE in 2015 and the latest monthly business report from WWE & TNA.

The latest Wrestling Observer: September 7, 2015 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Snuka indicted, shooting at WWE Performance Center and tons more

Web site subscriptions, which include access to both current and older newsletters as well as every audio show in the history of the site are at  Sign up here for as low as $9.99 per month!

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 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.

The Wrestling Observer ranges weekly from 35,000 to 50,000 words covering pro wrestling and MMA internationally. Each issue has coverage and analysis of all the major news, plus every issue breaks major news stories before the Internet sties and has the most complete look at the pro wrestling and MMA business anywhere, plus history pieces available nowhere else.

Our lead story goes back to 1983 with an in-depth look at the death of Nancy Argentino, how the media caused the case to be reopened, a look at the charges against Jimmy Snuka, the different statements on the subject by Snuka, Snuka’s lawyer speaks, notes on documentation and testimony from the time, lots of notes regarding evidence, where Jimmy Snuka stood in the wrestling business in 1983, how Buddy Rogers fits into this story, what Snuka told police the morning after Argentino died as well as testimony from those who treated Argentino before her death.

We also look at the autopsy report, the police report from that time, the strange question that was never answered regarding the case being dropped, what Snuka has said to different people, the brawl in Syracuse before Argentino’s death, how the pro wrestling business in 1983 is so completely different from today and the previous legal action regarding this case. 

Irv Muchnick also does a piece on the indictment talking about several points from the indictment.

We also look at Hulk Hogan appearing on Good Morning America and Nightline in a way to get his job back and repair his public image.  We look at the WWE reaction, what Hogan said, what does and doesn’t hold up, the timeline issues with his various stories, neighbors of his growing up contradict his story and more.

We also look at the story of the man who was shot in front of the Performance Center, the circumstances of the shooting, and the different things he had done in recent months regarding his obsession with wrestling.

We also look at Battle of Los Angeles, how the tournament went, highlights from the weekend and celebrities at the shows.

We also look back at the career of Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira, including his new job with UFC, his becoming the top heavyweight in the sport at one time, his background, his debut in RINGS, his move to Pride, his fight with Bob Sapp, his three fight series with Fedor and his UFC run.

We look at the arrest of Thomas “Bram” Latimer of  TNA, police details of what happened, TNA’s response and what is next for him.

We’ve got a story on Hayabusa, one of the best high flyers from 15-20 years ago and his attempted recovery from near paralysis.

We’ve got a look at Travis Browne and his reinstatement in UFC.

We look at the firing of Zahra Schreiber, the girlfriend of Seth Rollins, by WWE.

We also look at WWE & TNA business when it comes to house shows, merchandise, ratings and other categories for the past month.

We also have a PPV chart with how all the shows in the first seven months of the year have been, and compared them with the last few years.

We also look at WWE signing one of the major international women stars and why she’s not going to be wrestling in NXT, the return of Dr. Wagner Jr. & L.A. Park to Arena Mexico and how it got over, top pro wrestling star gets a reality show gig, and some major title changes.

We also look at maneuvering for the 2017 and 2018 WrestleMania, and the favorites, the 10/3 Madison Square Garden WWE live special, notes on lots of indie stars on WWE’s radar, ticket sales for NXT in the U.K., a new WWE movie, Update on Wade Barrett, action figure sales, announcing changes, SummerSlam edits, lots of notes on various WWE lawsuits, Dean Ambrose talks Renee Young, Fan tries to attack Ambrose, Sara Lee in NXT, plus notes on all the WWE & NXT house shows over the past week.

We also look at a number of top stars who worked recently in Bolivia, the last AAA TV taping and AAA wrestlers in a bodybuilding contest.

We update Wrestle-1 and the three generations of green mist stars trios match.

We also look at the Dragon Gate summer tag team tournament and its big show in Fukuoka and what came out of it.

We look at All Japan’s last major show and its current singles tournament.

We look at Pro Wrestling NOAH’s next major show, including a title match that was set up in the U.S., a well as the bracketing in the upcoming junior heavyweight tag team tournament.

We look at the weekend IGF show, a record that will be set at the next Tokyo Dome show, and the NWA title change.

We also look at U.S. stars who usually don’t tour Japan that are going shortly.

We’ve got more on the planned bio movie on Chris Benoit, Angelo Mosca getting his number retired, the weekend GFW shows and angles, Preston City Wrestling’s weekend show, former TNA star retires and a unique main event, plus early notes on this year’s WWC Anniversary show.

We also update the TNA TV situation, the Lucha Underground TV situation, the next ROH PPV show, new roles for people in ROH and notes from the weekend show.

We also look at changes in UFC main events, can UFC sell 70,000 tickets to its November show with Ronda Rousey, Rousey talks when she expects to retire, Cyborg, the date with the marine and notes about live shows on Fight Pass this month.  We also look at this week’s PPV show, talks about the Jan. 2 Las Vegas card, a star fighter retires, Chad Mendes wants a rematch with McGregor, what happened recently with Jose Aldo, Rousey T-shirt sales, plus lots of more fights.

We also have a look at Bellator’s next major show, including the updated card, as well as plans for the big November show.  We look at the Fan Fest with Fedor and Sakuraba, as well as notes on last week’s show.

We also look at the arrest of Chris Leben, and new restrictions on weight cutting that is being tried out for in California.

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 sent to you today.

New subscribers ordering 24 or 40 issues have to let us know what major stories of the past 11 years you are most interested in and we’ll send the issue with the best coverage of that story. We’ve got coverage of every major PPV event and world wide spectacular, every major star switching promotions, histories of companies like FMW, Rings and New Japan, retirement and obit issues of every major star who fits into those descriptions over the past 11 years, as well as our biggest issue every year, the annual awards issue, and our most controversial issue of every year, the Hall of Fame issue.

Click here for the most requested Wrestling Observer back issues.

***

Tuesday Daily Update

— TMZ has a story about Paige and Alicia Fox getting int an altercation with a bar patron at a steakhouse last night in Baltimore. Apparently, the woman started agressively taking photos and videos of them, drinks went flying, and employees threw all three out.

— From a reader: I attended the Raw in Tampa a few weeks ago. WWE sent me a survey today asking all kinds of questions about what I liked and didn’t like, and what I like and don’t like about the Network. But one question they asked was intriguing – it asked which PPV start time I would prefer out of 1PM, 5PM, 7PM and 8PM. Thought it was interesting.

— WWE raised over $200,000 for the families of deceased New York police officers and firefighters.

— Kotaku has an amusing article about game developer Jon Jones, who’s @JonJones on Twitter and…well, you can guess where it goes from there.

— Marc Raimondi is reporting at MMAFighting.com that the controversial unregulated Xplode Fight Series will start using th UMMAF (the American MMA sanctioning arm of the same organization that includes the IMMAF and KICK for kickboxing) as a third party sanctioning body. The UMMAF, which includes recognizable referees such as Steve Mazzagatti,  Kim Winslow, and Frank Trigg, typically does amateur cards but sees XFS as part of their mission since they run mixed amateur/pro events. Xplode has come under fire for booking extreme mismatches to help fighters (especially those from San Diego Combat Academy’s Team Hurricane Awesome and the now defunct Reign Training Center) pad their records, with many of the designated jobbers looking like they’re completely untrained.

— Main event fight announcement from Bellator: After his explosive Bellator MMA debut, Hisaki Kato (5-1) will return to action on November 20 at WinStar World Casino and Resort in Thackerville, OK., to main event “Bellator 146” against Melvin Manhoef (29-12-1, 2 NC).The middleweight contest will serve as the main event of “Bellator 146: Kato vs. Manhoef,” which airs live on Spike at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT, while preliminary bouts will stream on Spike.com at 6 p.m. CT.

 — WWE’s nw Monday Night War Vol. 2: Know Your Role set is out on DVD and Blu-Ray today. Also, Bob Backlund’s book is now in stock at and shipping early from Amazon.

— WrestlingDVDNetwork.com has revealed the following matches so far as being part of WWE’s upcoming “Owen: Hart of Gold” DVD set:

* Blue Blazer vs. Mr. Perfect – Meadowlands • May 8, 1989

* Owen Hart vs. Mark Kyle – World Championship Wrestling • March 16, 1991

* WWE Intercontinental Championship Match: Owen Hart vs. Shawn Michaels Wrestling Spotlight • August 28, 1993

* Exhibition Match: Owen Hart vs. Nick Barberri – WrestleMania XI Public Workout; Times Square, NYC • March 28, 1995

* North American Heavyweight Championship Match:  Owen Hart vs. Makhin Singh – Stampede Wrestling • May 1988

* Owen Hart vs. Bret Hart – WrestleMania X • March 20, 1994

* King of the Ring Finals: Owen Hart vs. Razor Ramon – King of the Ring • June 19, 1994

* Lumberjack Match for the WWE Championship: Owen Hart vs. Bret Hart – Portland, ME • August 17, 1994

* WWE Tag Team Championship Match: Owen Hart & Yokozuna vs. The Allied Powers – In Your House • July 23, 1995

* # 1 Contender for the WWE Championship: Owen Hart vs. Shawn Michaels – In Your House • February 18, 1996

— NWAClassics.com added a new Magnum T.A. vs. Ernie Ladd match today for subscribers.

— Dave has two new articles at MMAFighting.com:

Fortunes changed for five at UFC 191

UFC plans to have weekly live events on Fight Pass in near future

— Chikara King ofTrios 2015 Night 1 is now available.

— On the latest Between the Sheets podcast, Barbed Wire City director John Philapavage joins Kris Zellner and myself to discuss all of the wrestling news from September 1-7, 1995 including the premiere of WCW Monday Nitro with Lex Luger’s surprise appearance.

— Brian Fritz talks to Kana about signing with WWE at The Sporting News.

— Brandon Howard analyzes wrestlng TV show viewership at Voices of Wrestling.

— Great North Wrestling has a benefit show for the Canadian Cancer Society this Saturday, September 12th, at 1:30 pm at Hawkesbury Ford in Hawkesbury, Ontario. Former WWE manager Frenchy Martin will manage Hannibal in the main event when he takes on Myzery Barbarian. Carl Leduc, Jeremy Prophet, Sexy Eddy and other GNW regulars will be on the event. Greatnorthwrestling.ca 

— Empire Wrestling Federation results from  Knights of Columbus Hall September 4th 2015 Covina, CA: “The Sunset Blvd Bad Boy” Richie Slade def “The OC Assassin” RJ Ruiz, The Viking Warrior def Sergio Santana, EWF American Championship: “The Incredible” Anthony Idol (w/Walt Wizeone Zeman) def “The Baby Bull” Vance Garayt to become the NEW EWF American Champion, “Big Money” Tyshaun Prince def “The Definition of Pain” Terex, “Russian Chain Match” Gatson def “The SuperTsar” Sasha Darevko, EWF Tag Team Championship:

“Uptown” Andy Brown & Adrian Quest def The Congregation of Pain” (Friar Juan Roman & Archimedes) to become the NEW EWF Tag Team Champions, EWF Heavyweight Championship: The Man in Black (w/Gary Yap) def Misterioso Jr to retain the EWF Heavyweight Championship

By Dave Meltzer

We’re looking for your thoughts on Saturday night’s UFC 191 PPV show, so you can leave a thumbs up, thumbs down or thumbs in the middle along with a best and worst match to Dave Meltzer

We’re also looking for reports from Raw in Baltimore tonight with the Superstars matches, dark matches and anything else not evident from the live show at Dave Meltzer

We’re also looking for reports on these shows:

*WWE Friday night in Hampton, VA

*WWE Saturday night in Charlottesville

*WWE Saturday night in Wildwood, NJ

*WWE Sunday in Fairfax, VA

*GFW Friday in Waterloo, IA

Raw will be Monday night in Baltimore.

Smackdown and Main Event are taped Tuesday night in Wilkes-Barre, PA.

Dragon Gate has an iPPV at 5:30 a.m. Eastern early Wednesday morning

Mondai Ryu & Punch Tominaga vs. Lindaman & Draztick Boy

Masaaki Mochizuki & Big R Shimizu & Yosuke Santa Maria vs Genki Horiguchi & Jimmy Kanda & Naoki Tanizaki

Dragon Kid & Flamita vs. BxB Hulk & Kzy

T-Hawk vs. Eita

Cima & Gamma vs. Don Fujii & Ryo Saito in the Summer Action tag league

Shingo Takagi & Cyber Kong & Kotoka vs. Masato Yoshino & Akira Tozawa & Shachihoko Boy

Yamato & Naruki Doi vs. Jimmy Susumu & K-Ness in the Summer Action tag league  

Wrestling Observer Newsletter:

It’s a gigantic news week in the new issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter with the main feature story on everything that led to the indictment of Jimmy Snuka after 32 years, plus Irv Muchnick, who has reported on the story for years gives his views on the proceedings, and we also look at Hulk Hogan’s attempt at redemption of his character, the full story behind the shooting at the Performance Center, notes from Battle of Los Angeles, the retirement of Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira, Hayabusa walks to the ring, Bram gets arrested, WWE fires Zahra Schreiber, UFC brings back Travis Browne, a rundown of the PPV business in WWE in 2015 and the latest monthly business report from WWE & TNA. 

The latest Wrestling Observer: September 7, 2015 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Snuka indicted, shooting at WWE Performance Center and tons more

Web site subscriptions, which include access to both current and older newsletters as well as every audio show in the history of the site.  Sign up here for as low as $9.99 per month! 

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 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.

The Wrestling Observer ranges weekly from 35,000 to 50,000 words covering pro wrestling and MMA internationally. Each issue has coverage and analysis of all the major news, plus every issue breaks major news stories before the Internet sties and has the most complete look at the pro wrestling and MMA business anywhere, plus history pieces available nowhere else.

Our lead story goes back to 1983 with an in-depth look at the death of Nancy Argentino, how the media caused the case to be reopened, a look at the charges against Jimmy Snuka, the different statements on the subject by Snuka, Snuka’s lawyer speaks, notes on documentation and testimony from the time, lots of notes regarding evidence, where Jimmy Snuka stood in the wrestling business in 1983, how Buddy Rogers fits into this story, what Snuka told police the morning after Argentino died as well as testimony from those who treated Argentino before her death.

We also look at the autopsy report, the police report from that time, the strange question that was never answered regarding the case being dropped, what Snuka has said to different people, the brawl in Syracuse before Argentino’s death, how the pro wrestling business in 1983 is so completely different from today and the previous legal action regarding this case. 

Irv Muchnick also does a piece on the indictment talking about several points from the indictment.

We also look at Hulk Hogan appearing on Good Morning America and Nightline in a way to get his job back and repair his public image.  We look at the WWE reaction, what Hogan said, what does and doesn’t hold up, the timeline issues with his various stories, neighbors of his growing up contradict his story and more.

We also look at the story of the man who was shot in front of the Performance Center, the circumstances of the shooting, and the different things he had done in recent months regarding his obsession with wrestling.

We also look at Battle of Los Angeles, how the tournament went, highlights from the weekend and celebrities at the shows.

We also look back at the career of Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira, including his new job with UFC, his becoming the top heavyweight in the sport at one time, his background, his debut in RINGS, his move to Pride, his fight with Bob Sapp, his three fight series with Fedor and his UFC run.

We look at the arrest of Thomas “Bram” Latimer of  TNA, police details of what happened, TNA’s response and what is next for him.

We’ve got a story on Hayabusa, one of the best high flyers from 15-20 years ago and his attempted recovery from near paralysis.

We’ve got a look at Travis Browne and his reinstatement in UFC.

We look at the firing of Zahra Schreiber, the girlfriend of Seth Rollins, by WWE.

We also look at WWE & TNA business when it comes to house shows, merchandise, ratings and other categories for the past month.

We also have a PPV chart with how all the shows in the first seven months of the year have been, and compared them with the last few years.

We also look at WWE signing one of the major international women stars and why she’s not going to be wrestling in NXT, the return of Dr. Wagner Jr. & L.A. Park to Arena Mexico and how it got over, top pro wrestling star gets a reality show gig, and some major title changes.

We also look at maneuvering for the 2017 and 2018 WrestleMania, and the favorites, the 10/3 Madison Square Garden WWE live special, notes on lots of indie stars on WWE’s radar, ticket sales for NXT in the U.K., a new WWE movie, Update on Wade Barrett, action figure sales, announcing changes, SummerSlam edits, lots of notes on various WWE lawsuits, Dean Ambrose talks Renee Young, Fan tries to attack Ambrose, Sara Lee in NXT, plus notes on all the WWE & NXT house shows over the past week.

We also look at a number of top stars who worked recently in Bolivia, the last AAA TV taping and AAA wrestlers in a bodybuilding contest.

We update Wrestle-1 and the three generations of green mist stars trios match.

We also look at the Dragon Gate summer tag team tournament and its big show in Fukuoka and what came out of it.

We look at All Japan’s last major show and its current singles tournament.

We look at Pro Wrestling NOAH’s next major show, including a title match that was set up in the U.S., a well as the bracketing in the upcoming junior heavyweight tag team tournament.

We look at the weekend IGF show, a record that will be set at the next Tokyo Dome show, and the NWA title change.

We also look at U.S. stars who usually don’t tour Japan that are going shortly.

We’ve got more on the planned bio movie on Chris Benoit, Angelo Mosca getting his number retired, the weekend GFW shows and angles, Preston City Wrestling’s weekend show, former TNA star retires and a unique main event, plus early notes on this year’s WWC Anniversary show.

We also update the TNA TV situation, the Lucha Underground TV situation, the next ROH PPV show, new roles for people in ROH and notes from the weekend show.

We also look at changes in UFC main events, can UFC sell 70,000 tickets to its November show with Ronda Rousey, Rousey talks when she expects to retire, Cyborg, the date with the marine and notes about live shows on Fight Pass this month.  We also look at this week’s PPV show, talks about the Jan. 2 Las Vegas card, a star fighter retires, Chad Mendes wants a rematch with McGregor, what happened recently with Jose Aldo, Rousey T-shirt sales, plus lots of more fights.

We also have a look at Bellator’s next major show, including the updated card, as well as plans for the big November show.  We look at the Fan Fest with Fedor and Sakuraba, as well as notes on last week’s show.

We also look at the arrest of Chris Leben, and new restrictions on weight cutting that is being tried out for in California.

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 sent to you today.

New subscribers ordering 24 or 40 issues have to let us know what major stories of the past 11 years you are most interested in and we’ll send the issue with the best coverage of that story. We’ve got coverage of every major PPV event and world wide spectacular, every major star switching promotions, histories of companies like FMW, Rings and New Japan, retirement and obit issues of every major star who fits into those descriptions over the past 11 years, as well as our biggest issue every year, the annual awards issue, and our most controversial issue of every year, the Hall of Fame issue.

Click here for the most requested Wrestling Observer back issues

MONDAY’S NEWS UPDATE

• Bryan and I will be back tonight talking Raw and the rest of the latest news as well as taking your e-mail questions that can be sent to mailbag@wrestlingobserver.com
• For tonight’s Raw, Sting is scheduled on the show tonight.  Kane wasn’t there as of the last reports so his return, which was actually scheduled right after SummerSlam, may be delayed.  Paige vs. Sasha Banks in a rematch from last week was also announced.
• L.A. Park and CMLL are already splitsville after two weeks.  He’s off the anniversary show and also off the main event for this coming Friday night.
• CHIKARA King of Trios final night results from last night:
  Drago & Fenix & Aero Star b Max Smashmaster & Blaster McMassive & Flex Rumblecrunch
  A.J. Styles & Young Bucks b Team Fight Club Pro
  Princess Kimber Lee & Los Ice Creams & Jervis Cottonbelly b Chuck Taylor & Orange Cassidy & Drew Gulak & Swamp Monster
  Nokken & Pinkie Sanchez over The Throwbacks, Bee Boy & Genetic Grasshopper, Argus & Purpura, Simon Dean & Blue Meanie, 3.0, Pete Dunne & Morgan Webster, Ole Juke Joint & Missile Assault Ant, Orbital Adventure Ant & Action Rescue Ant and Osirian Portal
  Heidi Lovelace b The Boar of Moldova
  Mark Andrews b Shynron to win King of Voladores tournament
  Drago & Fenix & Aero Star b A.J. Styles & Young Bucks to win the King of trios
• If you are an independent wrestler and want to work for WWE, someone in the company noted please do not publicly post something asking to view an illegal stream of anything.  Apparently there was a very negative reaction internally to a wrestler publicly asking for a link to an illegal stream of Saturday’s UFC show.  It’s not that it’s UFC, but WWE is in the same business and feels that talent should be smart enough not to publicly ask for a link for an illegal stream because that’s a subject that hurts WWE business as well.  It was noted that a personal message asking someone that nobody would find out wouldn’t hurt anyone, but asking in social media is very different.  
• Chris Leben will be doing a live video at 5 p.m. Eastern at www.unfilteredmma.com to discuss his court case.
• Seth Rollins talks all kinds of things regarding his rise to the championship
• Dean Ambrose talks making his acting debut in 12 Rounds 3
• Dynamo Pro Wrestling from yesterday afternoon in St. Louis:  Ric Maverick NC Bahamut, Keon Option b Ozzie Gallagher, The Snitch b Rocket Mapache, Justin D’Air b Shawn Santel, Mike Sydal b Outkast, Ricky Cruz b Kevin Lee Davidson, Mike Outlaw b Mauler McDarby, Jake Dirden b Davey Richards (thanks to Patrick Brandmeyer)
• Trainwreck, which includes John Cena, was No. 9 at the box office in Australia this past weekend (thanks to James Stanios)
• Adrian Street vs. Bill Dundee is the new match today on NWAClassics.com
• WWE returns to San Diego on 10/26. 
• Grand Slam Wrestling on Saturday night in Moosic, PA at the Youth Center. 
• A clip of Barbie Bank (Kelly Kelly from tomorrow night’s episode of WAGS, which airs after Total Divas at 10 p.m. on E!
• Harley Race talks Hulk Hogan

ON THIS DAY IN PRO WRESTLING HISTORY INTERNATIONAL (thanks to Graeme Cameron)

1970 – El Texano beat El Gringo in Monterrey to win the UWA welterweight title

1971 – Red Bastien & Bill Howard beat Thunder Sugiyama & Rusher Kimura in Tokyo to win the vacant IWE tag tilters

1972 – Seiji Sakaguchi beat The Sheik in Osaka to win the United National title

1973 – Masked Lee & Lita Marez (the mother of Roller Derby’s Dave Marez) beat Jumbo Miyamoto & Mariko Akagi in Nagasaki to win the WWWA women’s tag title

1988 – Mogur beat Pierroth in Neza to win the Mexican national heavyweight title

1990 – Kenta Kobashi & Johnny Ace beat The Fantastics, Tommy Rogers & Bobby Fulton in Fukui to win the vacant All Asia tag titles

1994 – Atsushi Onita beat Mr. Pogo to win the FMW World brass Knux title

2002 – Yoshihiro Takayama beat Yoshinari Ogawa in Osaka to win the GHC heavyweight title

2014 – Astral beat Pequeno Olimpico in Mexico City to win the CMLL minis title.

By Dave Meltzer

We’re looking for reports on tonight’s WWE show in Hampton, VA (John Cena vs. Kevin Owens, Dolph Ziggler vs. Rusev) and GFW show in Waterloo, IA (Nick Aldis vs. Chris Mordetzky) at Dave Meltzer

Our only poll this weekend will be on the UFC 191 PPV tomorrow night from Las Vegas.

New Japan World on AXS TV at 9 p.m.

Tetsuya Naito vs. Kazuchika Okada

Ryusuke Taguchi vs. Desperado for IWGP jr. title

Shine iPPV from Ybor City, FL at www.WWNLive.com at 9 p.m. Eastern

Santana vs. Allysin Kay for the Shine championship

Vanessa Kraven vs. Athena

Jessicka Havok vs. LuFisto

Tracy Taylor vs. Su Yung no DQ street fight

Leah Von Dutch vs. Brandi Wine

Cherry Bomb vs. Taylor Made

Leva (Blue Pants) & Mia Yim (Jade in TNA) vs. Andrea & Jayme Jameson

Crazy Mary Dobson vs. Jessica James

Thunderkitty vs. Amanda Carolina Rodriguez

UFC 191 from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas

Fight Pass at 7 p.m. Eastern

Nazareno Malegarie vs. Joaquin Silva

Joe Riggs vs. Ron Stallings

FS 1 at 8 p.m. Eastern

Clay Collard vs. Thiago Trator

Jessica Andrade vs. Raquel Pennington

John Lineker vs. Francisco Rivera

Paul Felder vs. Ross Pearson

PPV at 10 p.m. Eastern

Paige VanZant vs. Alex Chambers

Corey Anderson vs. Jan Blachowicz

Anthony Rumble Johnson vs. Jimi Manuwa

Frank Mir vs. Andrei Arlovski

Demetrious Johnson vs. John Dodson for flyweight title

WWE runs Saturday night in Charlottesville, VA (John Cena vs. Kevin Owens) and Wildwood, NJ (Roman Reigns vs. Bray Wyatt, Ryback vs. Big Show, Luke Harper vs. Dean Ambrose) and GFW in Clinton, IA.

WWE runs Sunday in Fairfax, VA (John Cena vs. Kevin Owens) and Salisbury, MD (Roman Reigns vs. Bray Wyatt, Ryback vs. Big Show, Luke Harper vs. Dean Ambrose).

Raw will be Monday night in Baltimore.

Smackdown and Main Event are taped Tuesday night in Wilkes-Barre, PA.

It’s a gigantic news week in the new issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter with the main feature story on everything that led to the indictment of Jimmy Snuka after 32 years, plus Irv Muchnick, who has reported on the story for years gives his views on the proceedings, and we also look at Hulk Hogan’s attempt at redemption of his character, the full story behind the shooting at the Performance Center, notes from Battle of Los Angeles, the retirement of Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira, Hayabusa walks to the ring, Bram gets arrested, WWE fires Zahra Schreiber, UFC brings back Travis Browne, a rundown of the PPV business in WWE in 2015 and the latest monthly business report from WWE & TNA.

The latest Wrestling Observer: September 7, 2015 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Snuka indicted, shooting at WWE Performance Center and tons more

Web site subscriptions, which include access to both current and older newsletters as well as every audio show in the history of the site are at  Sign up here for as low as $9.99 per month!

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

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The Wrestling Observer ranges weekly from 35,000 to 50,000 words covering pro wrestling and MMA internationally. Each issue has coverage and analysis of all the major news, plus every issue breaks major news stories before the Internet sties and has the most complete look at the pro wrestling and MMA business anywhere, plus history pieces available nowhere else.

Our lead story goes back to 1983 with an in-depth look at the death of Nancy Argentino, how the media caused the case to be reopened, a look at the charges against Jimmy Snuka, the different statements on the subject by Snuka, Snuka’s lawyer speaks, notes on documentation and testimony from the time, lots of notes regarding evidence, where Jimmy Snuka stood in the wrestling business in 1983, how Buddy Rogers fits into this story, what Snuka told police the morning after Argentino died as well as testimony from those who treated Argentino before her death.

We also look at the autopsy report, the police report from that time, the strange question that was never answered regarding the case being dropped, what Snuka has said to different people, the brawl in Syracuse before Argentino’s death, how the pro wrestling business in 1983 is so completely different from today and the previous legal action regarding this case. 

Irv Muchnick also does a piece on the indictment talking about several points from the indictment.

We also look at Hulk Hogan appearing on Good Morning America and Nightline in a way to get his job back and repair his public image.  We look at the WWE reaction, what Hogan said, what does and doesn’t hold up, the timeline issues with his various stories, neighbors of his growing up contradict his story and more.

We also look at the story of the man who was shot in front of the Performance Center, the circumstances of the shooting, and the different things he had done in recent months regarding his obsession with wrestling.

We also look at Battle of Los Angeles, how the tournament went, highlights from the weekend and celebrities at the shows.

We also look back at the career of Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira, including his new job with UFC, his becoming the top heavyweight in the sport at one time, his background, his debut in RINGS, his move to Pride, his fight with Bob Sapp, his three fight series with Fedor and his UFC run.

We look at the arrest of Thomas “Bram” Latimer of  TNA, police details of what happened, TNA’s response and what is next for him.

We’ve got a story on Hayabusa, one of the best high flyers from 15-20 years ago and his attempted recovery from near paralysis.

We’ve got a look at Travis Browne and his reinstatement in UFC.

We look at the firing of Zahra Schreiber, the girlfriend of Seth Rollins, by WWE.

We also look at WWE & TNA business when it comes to house shows, merchandise, ratings and other categories for the past month.

We also have a PPV chart with how all the shows in the first seven months of the year have been, and compared them with the last few years.

We also look at WWE signing one of the major international women stars and why she’s not going to be wrestling in NXT, the return of Dr. Wagner Jr. & L.A. Park to Arena Mexico and how it got over, top pro wrestling star gets a reality show gig, and some major title changes.

We also look at maneuvering for the 2017 and 2018 WrestleMania, and the favorites, the 10/3 Madison Square Garden WWE live special, notes on lots of indie stars on WWE’s radar, ticket sales for NXT in the U.K., a new WWE movie, Update on Wade Barrett, action figure sales, announcing changes, SummerSlam edits, lots of notes on various WWE lawsuits, Dean Ambrose talks Renee Young, Fan tries to attack Ambrose, Sara Lee in NXT, plus notes on all the WWE & NXT house shows over the past week.

We also look at a number of top stars who worked recently in Bolivia, the last AAA TV taping and AAA wrestlers in a bodybuilding contest.

We update Wrestle-1 and the three generations of green mist stars trios match.

We also look at the Dragon Gate summer tag team tournament and its big show in Fukuoka and what came out of it.

We look at All Japan’s last major show and its current singles tournament.

We look at Pro Wrestling NOAH’s next major show, including a title match that was set up in the U.S., a well as the bracketing in the upcoming junior heavyweight tag team tournament.

We look at the weekend IGF show, a record that will be set at the next Tokyo Dome show, and the NWA title change.

We also look at U.S. stars who usually don’t tour Japan that are going shortly.

We’ve got more on the planned bio movie on Chris Benoit, Angelo Mosca getting his number retired, the weekend GFW shows and angles, Preston City Wrestling’s weekend show, former TNA star retires and a unique main event, plus early notes on this year’s WWC Anniversary show.

We also update the TNA TV situation, the Lucha Underground TV situation, the next ROH PPV show, new roles for people in ROH and notes from the weekend show.

We also look at changes in UFC main events, can UFC sell 70,000 tickets to its November show with Ronda Rousey, Rousey talks when she expects to retire, Cyborg, the date with the marine and notes about live shows on Fight Pass this month.  We also look at this week’s PPV show, talks about the Jan. 2 Las Vegas card, a star fighter retires, Chad Mendes wants a rematch with McGregor, what happened recently with Jose Aldo, Rousey T-shirt sales, plus lots of more fights.

We also have a look at Bellator’s next major show, including the updated card, as well as plans for the big November show.  We look at the Fan Fest with Fedor and Sakuraba, as well as notes on last week’s show.

We also look at the arrest of Chris Leben, and new restrictions on weight cutting that is being tried out for in California.

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 sent to you today.

New subscribers ordering 24 or 40 issues have to let us know what major stories of the past 11 years you are most interested in and we’ll send the issue with the best coverage of that story. We’ve got coverage of every major PPV event and world wide spectacular, every major star switching promotions, histories of companies like FMW, Rings and New Japan, retirement and obit issues of every major star who fits into those descriptions over the past 11 years, as well as our biggest issue every year, the annual awards issue, and our most controversial issue of every year, the Hall of Fame issue.

Click here for the most requested Wrestling Observer back issues

FRIDAY’S NEWS UPDATE

• UFC will be holding a press conference today at 3:30 p.m. Eastern time today from the MGM Grand Garden Arena which will be streamed live on the site. Those attending will be Daniel Cormier, Ronda Rousey, Jose Aldo, Conor McGregor, Rafael dos Anjos, Alexander Gustafsson, Holly Holm, Luke Rockhold, Donald Cerrone, Josh Barnett, Roy Nelson, Dustin Poirier, Joe Duffy, Vitor Belfort, Dan Henderson, Matt Brown, Kelvin Gastelum, Frankie Edgar and Chad Mendes.
  VIDEO: Watch today’s UFC GO BIG Campaign Launch Event
  Also check out the Weigh-ins right after:  UFC 191: Johnson vs. Dodson 2 weigh-in results and live video
  VIDEO: UFC 191 Countdown
  Check out Ryan Fredrick’s preview piece: UFC 191 Preview: 5 storylines to watch, betting odds & predictions
• The UFC show on 12/12 added Gunnar Nelson vs. Demian Maia in a battle of the two of the best submission guys in the company to the loaded show which last night added Urijah Faber vs. Frankie Saenz and Max Holloway vs. Jeremy Stephens.
• At the 9/19 Bellator show in San Jose, in the prelims, at two different times they will experiment with two fights going on at the same time.  There will be a ring and a cage both set up.  So they will have a kickboxing match inside the ring and the MMA match going on inside the cage.  It’s going to be a long show as they’ve got 20 fights on the card.  There will be 16 MMA fights and four kickboxing bouts.  
• While not officially announced, there are reports from Brazil that Miesha Tate vs. Amanda Nunes will be taking place.  That bout has been talked about ever since Tate was pulled from the Ronda Rousey fight.   No date or place is confirmed.
• We’ll see what happens.  Finn Balor and Samoa Joe are scheduled to headline for NXT in Jacksonville tonight.  Balor was on Twitter saying he was hiking in Ireland.  Balor was also advertised the last time NXT was in Jacksonville and wasn’t there.     
• Dean Ambrose on why he avoids social media in an interview  “There’s a whole world of weirdos out there.”
• Tommy Dreamer’s House of Hardcore promotion runs 11/13 in Philadelphia at the 2300 Arena and 11/14 in New York at the Elmcor Center in Queens, NY.
• Funny thing on WWE.com.  They are doing a Where are they now?  For Maria Kanellis, it says, “Today, she’s an actress, podcaster and honor student at Johnson & Wales University, where she’s studying for a degree in event management.”  That’s all true, but what is her actual job today?  
• Ryan Couture vs. Nick Gonzalez has been added to the 9/25 Bellator show in Hidalgo, TX at the State Farm Arena.  Couture vs. Gonzalez will air on the Spike.com prelims.
• CMLL on Tuesday night in Guadalajara:  Exterminador & Malefico b Magnum & Metatron, Cancerbero & Raziel & Virus b Esfigne & Pegasso & Starman, Metalico b Omar Brunetti, Angel de Oro & Brazo de Plata & Stuka Jr. b El Terrible & Rey Bucanero & Rey Escorpion, Atlantis & Marco Corleone & Valiente b Negro Casas & Mr. Niebla & Shocker-DQ (thanks to Kris Zellner)
• The new match added to NWAClassics.com today is Black Gordman vs. Omar Atlas.  Gordman was actually as far as I can tell, the inventor of the DDT.  He was doing it in Texas when Jake Roberts was starting out as a referee.  He brought the move into the U.S. in the 60s from Mexico.
• C.W. Anderson faces Matt Saigon in the main event for ECWA on 9/19 in Woodbury Heights, NJ at the Community Center.
• Pro Wrestling Illustrated released its top 500 this year at www.pwi-online.com  the top ten is Seth Rollins, John Cena, A.J. Styles, Roman Reigns, Shinsuke Nakamura, Randy Orton, Jay Briscoe, Rusev, Alberto el Patron and Kevin Owens.
• Tickets for NXT in Nashville went on sale at 10 a.m. local time today and they are almost sold out in a 2,000 seat concert hall.  Ringside at $105 sold out almost immediately (thanks to Chris Kunkel)
• Irv Muchnick on Toronto radio talking the Jimmy Snuka case
• Notes from yesterday’s UFC press conference.  Paige VanZant got more media attention than anyone else.  She was swarmed.  The next most attention was Demetrious Johnson, followed by Frank Mir.  Not many paying attention to John Dodson.  Anthony Johnson was super friendly to fans, above and beyond.  Lots of fans were from  England and Ireland.  Dana White took photos with every fan there for a long time after it was over.

ON THIS DAY IN PRO WRESTLING HISTORY INTERNATIONAL (thanks to Graeme Cameron)

1902 – George Hackenschmidt beat Tom Cannon in Liverpool, England to win the European Greco-Roman heavyweight title.  This was the win that set up Hackenschmidt coming to the U.S. as European champion for his first match with Frank Gotch in 1908.

1980 – Giant Baba beat Harley Race to win the NWA title in Saga

1989 – Cuchillo beat Super Astro in Monterey to win the UWA junior light heavyweight title

1992 – Bestia Salvaje bet Dandy in Mexico City to win the CMLL middleweight title

1994 – Pierroth beat Vampiro in Monterrey to win the FILL heavyweight title

2012 – Titan beat Polvora in Mexico City to win the Mexican national welterweight title