The absurdity of “The Final Deletion” ultimately proved to be a success for TNA Wrestling.
According to ShowBuzzDaily, this week’s edition of Impact did 410,000 viewers on television, up from 322,000 viewers the previous week. It was the highest rated episode of Impact on Pop TV and the highest rated episode since May 2015.
TNA put a lot of effort into promoting the event and generated a significant social media buzz. They sent out screeners of the match and uploaded video of various people from the wrestling and film industries reacting to it.
TNA hopes that the buzz they created with the Final Deletion will lead to sustained ratings succes, and that will be tested with next week’s Destination X edition of Impact featuring Bobby Lashley vs. Eddie Edwards in a title vs. title match.
Given the success of the Final Deletion, it wouldn’t be surprising to see the organization think outside of the box with similar ideas and use similar promotional tactics in the future.
Here are a few more notes in the aftermath of Jon Jones being pulled from the main event at UFC 200 over a potential anti-doping violation from a test taken on June 16th.
Daniel Cormier was said to be far more than distraught after all the preparation he’s done for this fight. Exactly what happens with him will likely be determined early tomorrow. He’s trained very hard but this was a different level of letdown than most late replacement fights.
Among the fighters who have asked to face Cormier on short notice are Gegard Mousasi, Michael Bisping, Ilir Latifi, Zack Cummings and Tom Lawlor. One would expect many more will also make themselves available first thing in the morning.
From a name standpoint and storyline standpoint, Bisping is the guy to put in. It would be the first champion vs. champion match since Georges St-Pierre vs. B.J. Penn. Bisping just beat one of Cormier’s best friends. It’s a no-lose situation for Bisping, who would be getting a guy on an emotional roller coaster and he’d still be middleweight champion with a loss, but be part of one of the biggest shows in history. This would also salvage the show as much as any replacement at the last moment could salvage it.
Mousasi is dangerous and has fought at light heavyweight before and done well, and has trained for the show. There’s no story there. At the end of the day, Cormier has probably put in too much in the way of preparation to be off the show. It’s simply too many millions of dollars potentially to not fight if the opportunity arises.
Jon Jones will be doing a press conference at the MGM Grand at 8:30 a.m. tomorrow morning to give an explanation of what happened.
Mark Hunt and Brock Lesnar’s public workouts have been moved to 10 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. respectively
The biggest week in UFC history with four live events takes place with UFC 200, Brock Lesnar, five championship fights, the Hall of Fame and even a potential sale of the company all in the news.
The full list of participants and first round matches were announced for this summer’s Super J-Cup today with the first round taking place on July 20th at Korakuen Hall inTokyo, Japan. If you enjoyed the Will Ospreay vs. Ricochet match, it’s unfortunately not happening again as Ricochet is not in the tournament. However, if that match is any indication, there’s a ton of other potential awesome matchups. This is going to be worth going out of your way to see.
The original Super J-Cup was held in 1994, and is widely regarded as one of the greatest professional wrestling shows of all time. Our own Dave Meltzer called the 1994 Super J-Cup “the most incredible single night of wrestling ever.” Does this line-up have the potential to top it? We will find out, starting on July 20 leading to the finals on August 21.
The 10th annual Wrestling Observer/F4W convention in Las Vegas takes place during UFC’s International Fight Week from July 7 – 11. Stay up to date on all the latest wackiness by following Ed in San Antonio on Facebook. Plus, follow us on @WONF4W or @BryanAlvarez. We will be live tweeting from all the events. Use #F4WVegas to get in on the fun.
If you’ve ever wanted to WATCH our radio shows here on the site, check out our Youtube page! No full video shows, but lots of video clips, full free audio shows that you can tell your friends about, and much more to come! Make sure you subscribe today!
It’s a double issue week featuring a look back 40 years at what was the biggest undertaking up to that point in pro wrestling history, and Inoki vs. Ali match, how it came together, what happened that night, coverage of the upcoming G-1 Climax tournament, coverage of Ultima Lucha 3 and details on where the company stands, full coverage of the WWE cruiserweight classic, ROH Best in the World coverage as well as a look at those coming and going from the promotion, the death of Ryan Jimmo, the life and times of Gypsy Joe, and far more about the fallout of the Roman Reigns suspension.
The lead story details this years G-1 tournament including what will air in English, newcomers to the tournament, some interesting political news regarding who is and isn’t in it, as well as a complete lineup for every show.
This issue looks at the background of Ali vs. Inoki, the first time boxer vs. wrestler with major stars came close to happening, boxing champions who did wrestling and wrestlers who faced boxers including involving one of the all-time greats, Thesz vs. Marciano talk, and the two best known mixed matches prior to Ali vs. Inoki in the U.S.
There is also a look at Japanese pro wrestling in the 70s and how that led to the match, the business of Billy Robinson involving Inoki vs. Baba, how Inoki was being marketed, and the attempts to put together Ali vs. Bruno Sammartino and how that led to this.
The goals of Ali vs. Inoki for the New Japan side, the pro wrestling angles, just how big the match was why the match wasn’t a work, where Ali’s career stood at the time, media coverage, how the terrible rules were the reason the fight, Sammartino’s broken neck and return, Stan Hansen becoming a superstar in Japan, and why Ali vs. Inoki was not a success in much of the U.S, and much more in this issue of the Wrestling Observer.
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.
For the United States, it is $13 for 4 issues, $32 for 12, $61 for 24, $101 for 40 and $131 for 52. In Canada and Mexico, rates are $14.50 for 4, $35 for 12, $67 for 24, $111 for 40 and $144 or 52. In Europe, you can get the fastest delivery and best rates by sending to moonsault@mediaplusint.com. For the rest of the world, rates are $16.50 for 4, $44 for 12, $85 for 24, $141 for 40 issues and $183 for 52.
If you order by mail with a check, cash or money order (P.O. Box 1228, Campbell, CA 95009-1228), you can get $1 off in every price range.
If you are a new subscriber ordering 24 or more issues, you can get one free classic issue of your choice sent to you today. With a 40-issue subscription, you can get two free classic issues.
Boom! Studios will be releasing a WWE comic bookand WWE graphic novels. So, if you can’t get enough WWE with all of the new content the impending brand split is giving us, you can collect the comic books too.
Revolution Pro Wrestling announced Marty Scurll vs. Jay White for their August 7th show at The Cockpit in London.
TOMORROW – Rock Solid Wrestling runs in Sudbury, ON.
TOMORROW – UFC Fight Night Las Vegas at MGM Grand. Rafael Dos Anjos vs Eddie Alvarez for the UFC lightweight title
FRIDAY – The Ultimate Fighter 23 Finale at MGM Grand in Las Vegas. Joanna Jedrzejczyk vs Claudia Gadelha for the UFC strawweight title
SATURDAY – UFC 200 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Jon Jones vs Daniel Cormier for the UFC light heavyweight title; Brock Lesnar vs Mark Hunt; Miesha Tate vs Amanda Nunes for the UFC women’s bantamweight title; Jose Aldo vs Frankie Edgar for the interim UFC featherweight title
SATURDAY – New England Championship Wrestling presents World Women’s Wrestling at The Brockton Fair, 600 Belmont St, Brockton, MA
SATURDAY – Pure Wrestling Association “Summer Assault” 11 Year Anniversary – Alpine Club, 464 Maple Avenue, Kitchener, Ontario
SATURDAY – All Pro Wrestling + Fit of Mind present: #MalaceInThePalace from the Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco, CA.
SATURDAY – Upstate Pro Wrestling in Rochester, NY, features Ethan Page, HC Loc, a triple threat match main event, and more.
SATURDAY – Smash Wrestling in Fort Erie, ONT at the Native Friendship Center. Chris Hero will headline this fundraising event.
July 13 – UFC Fight Night in Sioux Falls, SD. Michael McDonald vs John Lineker
July 16 – In Your Face Wrestling Presents: “Malicious Intent” – Polish Community Center, 225 Washington Avenue Extension, Albany, NYwww.iyfwrestling.com
July 16 – Bellator 158 : London featuring Paul Daley vs Douglas Lima, Michael Venom Page, Linton Vassell and Matt Mitrione
July 17 – Lucha by the Water ft Blue Demon Jr! – Harbourfront Centre Theatre, 231 Queens Quay West, Toronto, Ontario M5J 2G8, 3-6 pm. Tickets here.
July 17 – Premier Wrestling at the IFDES Lodge and Portuguese Hall in Gilroy, CA with Joe Graves vs. Gabriel Gallo for the Premier. Tickets at www.premierwrestle.com.
July 22 – Ignite Wrestling in Fort Pierce, FL at the National Guard Armory on a show with Lince Dorado, Mr. 450 Hammet, Lio Rush, Martin Stone, Los Ben Dejos, and more
July 22 – AIW runs on 7/22 in Cleveland, OH, with Ethan Page vs. Josh Prohibition vs. Josh Alexander, and Johnny Gargano & Candice LeRae vs. Ethan Carter III & Karlee Perez
July 22 – The Lou Thesz Hall of Fame weekend show in Waterloo, IA, featuring Ricochet vs. Sami Callihan, Wes Brisco, B. Brian Blair, Jessika Havok, Tessa Blanchard, a steel cage match and more – This is the weekend Dave Meltzer will be honored.
July 22 – Bellator 159 from Mulvane, KS. Darrion Caldwell vs Joe Taimanglo. Melvin Guillard vs David “Caveman” Rickells
July 23 – Live Pro Wrestling, Glengarry Sports Palace, 170 McDonald Blvd. Alexandria, Ontario
July 23 – UFC on FOX from Chicago – Holly Holm vs Valentina Shevchenko.
July 23 – AAW in Merrionnette Park, IL, with Sami Callihan vs. Pentagon Jr., Zack Sabre Jr., Marty Scurll; Tommaso Ciampa; Fenix; Johnny Gargano, and plenty more. Here’s what you missed on their last show.
July 23 – Masters of Ring Entertainment in Wilmington, NC, as part of Pro Wrestling Fan Expo 3 will feature Jeff Jarrett vs. ECIII vs. James Storm, announced by Jarrett in this video.
Merritton Community Centre 7 Park Ave St. Catharines, ON
July 24 – Crossfire Wrestling – Merritton Community Centre, 7 Park Avenue St. Catharines ON, for our 5 year Anniversary show “BRING THE HEAT V”
July 24 – PWEclipse – Summer Surrender, Oshawa, Ontario
July 24 – Fenix vs. Pentagon Jr. headlines for Lucha Libre New York at Club LaBoom in Queens, NY
July 30 – WSOF 32: Moraes vs. Hill 2 – Live on NBCSN from Everett, Washington. Also featuring Ben “Phoenix Jones” Fodor vs Caros Fodor in a brother vs brother fight
July 30 – Smash Wrestling – Oshawa Music Hall, 39 King St E, Oshawa, Ontario L1H 1B2
July 31 – BATTLEWAR 36; Les Foufounes Électriques, 87 Sainte-Catherine Street East
Montreal, QC
Aug 21 – Chavo Guerrero Jr. will appear for Smash Wrestling on in Pickering, Ontario at Super Showdown lV.
In celebration of yesterday’s Fourth of July holiday, John Cena posted a video on his Twitter account celebrating the diversity of America in conjunction with advocacy group Love Has No Labels. The full version of the PSA was later uploaded online.
The Raw rating will be in later than normal due to the holiday weekend, but given the poor reception to the food fight and the lackluster booking, it is expected that it will be the lowest rated Raw program of all time.
Smackdown is tonight in Toledo. No John Cena or Seth Rollins advertised. Dean Ambrose, A.J. Styles and Kevin Owens are the top names advertised.
The 10th annual Wrestling Observer/F4W convention in Las Vegas takes place during UFC’s International Fight Week from July 7 – 11. Stay up to date on all the latest wackiness by following Ed in San Antonio on Facebook. Plus, follow us on @WONF4W or @BryanAlvarez. We will be live tweeting from all the events. Use #F4WVegas to get in on the fun.
If you’ve ever wanted to WATCH our radio shows here on the site, check out our Youtube page! No full video shows, but lots of video clips, full free audio shows that you can tell your friends about, and much more to come! Make sure you subscribe today!
It’s a double issue week featuring a look back 40 years at what was the biggest undertaking up to that point in pro wrestling history, and Inoki vs. Ali match, how it came together, what happened that night, coverage of the upcoming G-1 Climax tournament, coverage of Ultima Lucha 3 and details on where the company stands, full coverage of the WWE cruiserweight classic, ROH Best in the World coverage as well as a look at those coming and going from the promotion, the death of Ryan Jimmo, the life and times of Gypsy Joe, and far more about the fallout of the Roman Reigns suspension.
The lead story details this years G-1 tournament including what will air in English, newcomers to the tournament, some interesting political news regarding who is and isn’t in it, as well as a complete lineup for every show.
This issue looks at the background of Ali vs. Inoki, the first time boxer vs. wrestler with major stars came close to happening, boxing champions who did wrestling and wrestlers who faced boxers including involving one of the all-time greats, Thesz vs. Marciano talk, and the two best known mixed matches prior to Ali vs. Inoki in the U.S.
There is also a look at Japanese pro wrestling in the 70s and how that led to the match, the business of Billy Robinson involving Inoki vs. Baba, how Inoki was being marketed, and the attempts to put together Ali vs. Bruno Sammartino and how that led to this.
The goals of Ali vs. Inoki for the New Japan side, the pro wrestling angles, just how big the match was why the match wasn’t a work, where Ali’s career stood at the time, media coverage, how the terrible rules were the reason the fight, Sammartino’s broken neck and return, Stan Hansen becoming a superstar in Japan, and why Ali vs. Inoki was not a success in much of the U.S, and much more in this issue of the Wrestling Observer.
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.
For the United States, it is $13 for 4 issues, $32 for 12, $61 for 24, $101 for 40 and $131 for 52. In Canada and Mexico, rates are $14.50 for 4, $35 for 12, $67 for 24, $111 for 40 and $144 or 52. In Europe, you can get the fastest delivery and best rates by sending to moonsault@mediaplusint.com. For the rest of the world, rates are $16.50 for 4, $44 for 12, $85 for 24, $141 for 40 issues and $183 for 52.
If you order by mail with a check, cash or money order (P.O. Box 1228, Campbell, CA 95009-1228), you can get $1 off in every price range.
If you are a new subscriber ordering 24 or more issues, you can get one free classic issue of your choice sent to you today. With a 40-issue subscription, you can get two free classic issues.
To promote Tuesday night’s Hardy vs. Hardy: The Final Deletion spectacle, TNA has uploaded video of several people in the wrestling and film industries reacting to the match.
Ring of Honor World Champion Jay Lethal will throw out the ceremonial first pitch at Wednesday night’s Tampa Bay Rays game against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida.
Cody Rhodes will now face Zack Sabre Jr. in his first match since leaving the WWE on August 19th at Evolve 66 in Joppa, MD after Johnny Gargano was removed from the show because of another commitment. Also announced was Rhodes vs. Chris Hero at Evolve 67 in Brooklyn, NY the next night.
Conor McGregor’s interview for ESPN The Magazine’s Body Issue was one of the lead stories on ESPN’s website Tuesday. McGregor talks about dreaming of becoming a fighter, his fighting style and how he would have fared if he had chosen boxing as a career.
After an injury to Linton Vassell, Francis Carmont will now face Lukasz Klinger on the main card of Bellator 158 on July 16th at the O2 Arena in London. Bellator also announced that James Mulheron will face London native Neil Grove on the show’s prelims.
World Series of Fighting announced that they have signed bantamweight Jesse Brock to a multi-fight agreement.
Forrest Griffin and Dan Hardy will hold a party for UFC Fight Pass subscribers at The Pool at the Red Rock Casino Resort & Spa on July 6th at 6:30 p.m. PT.
Cody Rhodes will be the first guest on Ric Flair’s new podcast this Wednesday. The show will be available on http://www.MLWRadio.com, iTunes, Stitcher and at RicFlairShow.com.
Prior to his appearance at this weekend’s Heroes & Villains fan fest, Rhodes did his first interview since leaving WWE with the Walker Nation podcast. Rhodes talks about preferring the developmental model of OVW to NXT, falling briefly out of love with wrestling after losing to the Big Show at WrestleMania 28, never winning the Money in the Bank briefcase despite being told twice that he was going to and working with WWE to write a book about his father.
Adam Cole was on the Chad Dukes Wrestling Show this week talking about joining the Bullet Club, being on Cody Rhodes’ list of desired opponents and the Will Ospreay vs. Vader controversy.
GOUGE Wrestling on July 4th in Raleigh, NC: Timmy Lou Retton b Zane Riley in a wave the flag match to retain the GOUGE Title, Roni Nicol b Maddi Max, Waylon Maze & Juan Jeremi b Mickey Gambino & Jimmy Jack Funk Jr. to win the GOUGE Tag Team Titles, Seymour Snott b Chet Snerling, Noise Pollution b Otto Schwanz & El Dinero Blanco, Livid the Clown b Mamma’s Boy, No Direction b Johnny Flawless & Victor Andrews, Old School b Ryker Flamingo
July 7 – Rock Solid Wrestling runs in Sudbury, ON.
July 7 – UFC Fight Night Las Vegas at MGM Grand. Rafael Dos Anjos vs Eddie Alvarez for the UFC lightweight title
July 8 – The Ultimate Fighter 23 Finale at MGM Grand in Las Vegas. Joanna Jedrzejczyk vs Claudia Gadelha for the UFC strawweight title
July 9 – UFC 200 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Jon Jones vs Daniel Cormier for the UFC light heavyweight title; Brock Lesnar vs Mark Hunt; Miesha Tate vs Amanda Nunes for the UFC women’s bantamweight title; Jose Aldo vs Frankie Edgar for the interim UFC featherweight title
July 9 – Pure Wrestling Association “Summer Assault” 11 Year Anniversary – Alpine Club, 464 Maple Avenue, Kitchener, Ontario
July 9 – All Pro Wrestling + Fit of Mind present: #MalaceInThePalace from the Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco, CA.
July 9 – Upstate Pro Wrestling in Rochester, NY, features Ethan Page, HC Loc, a triple threat match main event, and more.
July 9 – Smash Wrestling in Fort Erie, ONT at the Native Friendship Center. Chris Hero will headline this fundraising event.
July 13 – UFC Fight Night in Sioux Falls, SD. Michael McDonald vs John Lineker
July 16 – In Your Face Wrestling Presents: “Malicious Intent” – Polish Community Center, 225 Washington Avenue Extension, Albany, NYwww.iyfwrestling.com
July 16 – Bellator 158 : London featuring Paul Daley vs Douglas Lima, Michael Venom Page, Linton Vassell and Matt Mitrione
July 17 – Lucha by the Water ft Blue Demon Jr! – Harbourfront Centre Theatre, 231 Queens Quay West, Toronto, Ontario M5J 2G8, 3-6 pm. Tickets here.
July 17 – Premier Wrestling at the IFDES Lodge and Portuguese Hall in Gilroy, CA with Joe Graves vs. Gabriel Gallo for the Premier. Tickets at www.premierwrestle.com.
July 22 – Ignite Wrestling in Fort Pierce, FL at the National Guard Armory on a show with Lince Dorado, Mr. 450 Hammet, Lio Rush, Martin Stone, Los Ben Dejos, and more
July 22 – AIW runs on 7/22 in Cleveland, OH, with Ethan Page vs. Josh Prohibition vs. Josh Alexander, and Johnny Gargano & Candice LeRae vs. Ethan Carter III & Karlee Perez
July 22 – The Lou Thesz Hall of Fame weekend show in Waterloo, IA, featuring Ricochet vs. Sami Callihan, Wes Brisco, B. Brian Blair, Jessika Havok, Tessa Blanchard, a steel cage match and more – This is the weekend Dave Meltzer will be honored.
July 22 – Bellator 159 from Mulvane, KS. Darrion Caldwell vs Joe Taimanglo. Melvin Guillard vs David “Caveman” Rickells
July 23 – Live Pro Wrestling, Glengarry Sports Palace, 170 McDonald Blvd. Alexandria, Ontario
July 23 – UFC on FOX from Chicago – Holly Holm vs Valentina Shevchenko.
July 23 – AAW in Merrionnette Park, IL, with Sami Callihan vs. Pentagon Jr., Zack Sabre Jr., Marty Scurll; Tommaso Ciampa; Fenix; Johnny Gargano, and plenty more. Here’s what you missed on their last show.
July 23 – Masters of Ring Entertainment in Wilmington, NC, as part of Pro Wrestling Fan Expo 3 will feature Jeff Jarrett vs. ECIII vs. James Storm, announced by Jarrett in this video.
Merritton Community Centre 7 Park Ave St. Catharines, ON
July 24 – Crossfire Wrestling – Merritton Community Centre, 7 Park Avenue St. Catharines ON, for our 5 year Anniversary show “BRING THE HEAT V”
July 24 – Fenix vs. Pentagon Jr. headlines for Lucha Libre New York at Club LaBoom in Queens, NY
July 30 – WSOF 32: Moraes vs. Hill 2 – Live on NBCSN from Everett, Washington. Also featuring Ben “Phoenix Jones” Fodor vs Caros Fodor in a brother vs brother fight
July 30 – Smash Wrestling – Oshawa Music Hall, 39 King St E, Oshawa, Ontario L1H 1B2
July 31 – BATTLEWAR 36; Les Foufounes Électriques, 87 Sainte-Catherine Street East
Montreal, QC
Aug 21 – Chavo Guerrero Jr. will appear for Smash Wrestling on in Pickering, Ontario at Super Showdown lV.
The Big Takeaway: Two more matches announced for Battleground. They aren’t rushing the John Cena-A.J. Styles singles rematch. Instead, it will be a trios match with Enzo Amore, Big Cass and Cena vs. The Club. Also announced for the show was Natalya vs. Becky Lynch.
It was a holiday-themed Raw where the company knew beforehand it would get a low rating, perhaps the lowest in show history. So they handled it like a throwaway show. No Shane or Stephanie McMahon. Names like Mark Henry, Jack Swagger and Zack Ryder were in the main event. And the zany opening would have fit right in during a 1985 Saturday Night’s Main Event episode.
Show Recap:
They signed on with a scene straight from Tuesday Night Titans. Almost the entire roster was sitting around eating a Fourth of July meal together. R-Truth led the group in singing Naughty by Nature’s “Hip Hop Hooray.” Then the Vaudevillains asked them to leave the stage and Aiden English started singing the Declaration of Independence. Bubba Ray Dudley threw guacamole on him, but before a food fight could start, The Miz and Maryse got up to plug the July 19th draft live on SmackDown.
Miz said that tonight was not about food fights, which led to Dolph Ziggler spraying chocolate syrup on him. Someone threw macaroni onto Maryse, and the food started flying everywhere while the “War of 1812” played. While everyone was pelting each other with anything you can think of, Apollo Crews and Cesaro were oblivious to it all, focusing solely on their arm wrestling match. Bo Dallas was about to dump the punch bowl over Enzo Amore, but Big Cass stopped him and Dallas got the punch dumped on his head instead. Kevin Owens hid under a table in an attempt to escape the madness.
The Big Show was enjoying chicken wings when Kalisto doused him with cake. Show threw a chicken wing at Kalisto, but he ducked and it hit Kane instead. Kane and Show teased choke slamming each other when they saw Heath Slater laughing at them. So Kane and Show gave Slater a double chokeslam through a table. Everyone laughed as Slater was down and out, and then the room cleared. Owens got up from under the table unscathed and said, “This would never happen on Canada Day.” Then a cake wound up in his face. Owens screamed, stopped to lick the icing, then screamed some more.
Lillian Garcia performed the National Anthem.
United States Champion Rusev defeated Titus O’Neal via submission to retain the U.S. Championship (5:42)
Rusev got the clean submission with the Accolade after two roundhouse kicks. Titus O’Neal stayed in it for about 35 seconds before he tapped. O’Neal hit Clash of the Titus but Rusev kicked out. It appeared Rusev was supposed to get his hands on the ropes to force a break, but he was too far away. After he won, Rusev denounced America as Lana smiled. Lana was an afterthought here, she didn’t come out with Rusev during his ring entrance and only stood in front of the hard camera when the match went to the floor.
The Bella Twins were pictured on the cover of the new Latina Magazine.
Dallas, Curtis Axel and Slater came out dressed as minutemen. Slater had the complete Spirit of ’76 gear on, and was selling the chokeslam from earlier with his arm in a sling and his head bandaged. Enzo and Cass interrupted Dallas for their routine. Amore said it was the Fourth of July so it was only right to give the fans some Star Spangled Banter. Amore actually reeled off all the presidents of the United States in order, which had to take his entire Independence Day to memorize, and said they would all be insulted if they saw the Social Outcasts dressed like they were.
Enzo & Cass defeated Bo Dallas & Curtis Axel (2:04)
Enzo pinned Dallas after the Bada Boom Shaka Laka. Axel and Dallas wrestled with blue robes and British court dress wigs on. Enzo posed in the wig after the win.
Charlotte and Dana Brooke came out. Charlotte said Sasha Banks gets a lot of people to chant “We Want Sasha,” but chants don’t pay the bills. Charlotte said Banks was all hype. Banks came out to interrupt the two and said Charlotte would never be her. Charlotte said she didn’t want to be Banks, but Banks said that Charlotte has done almost everything she can do over the past year except beat her. Banks said Charlotte would have never won at WrestleMania if it wasn’t for her father and said she would dominate Charlotte when they meet.
Charlotte said next week would be the one year anniversary of their debut on the Raw roster and she’s held the WWE Women’s Championship almost that entire time, so that makes her the boss. Banks started saying all the things that make her a true boss. Brooke tried to give Banks a forearm, but Banks easily ducked that and sent Brooke out of the ring. Charlotte kicked Banks in the head and said her reign had only begun. Charlotte tried to lift Banks up, but Banks escaped and hit the Back Stabber, followed by the Bank Statement. Brooke pulled Charlotte out of the ring for the save.
WWE Champion Dean Ambrose defeated I-C Champion The Miz in a nontitle match (9:35)
Ambrose won with Dirty Deeds after a series of near falls following a small package, a victory roll and a schoolboy cradle. Miz clamped on the Figure Four, which they’re still trying to get over as a submission finisher. Ambrose sold the leg effectively for the rest of the match as Miz attempted the Skull Crushing Finale but failed, leading to the finish. Miz was down for a long time after the match and the referee checked on him outside the ring.
Post-match, Seth Rollins came out for his match with Ziggler. Rollins and Ambrose had a face off as Rollins passed by him on the ramp. Ambrose ran back to the ring like he was going to attack Rollins, but instead went to the commentator’s table, where he started doing analysis at the Spanish table.
Brock Lesnar’s opponent for SummerSlam will be announced on this week’s SmackDown. If you’re wondering how much Saturday’s UFC fight was mentioned, the answer is zero.
Seth Rollins defeated Dolph Ziggler (11:15)
Rollins won with the Pedigree. Ziggler hit his jumping DDT, but Rollins was up within five seconds of taking it. Immediately, Ziggler tried for the Zig Zag, but Rollins blocked it and hit the finish. Solid match.
Post-match, Rollins stood on the announcer’s table and cut a promo on Roman Reigns, saying that Reigns needs to take shortcuts in order to achieve anything in life, just like all of the fans. Rollins said Reigns should be ineligible for the main event of Battleground, which got cheered.
Rollins walked past Ambrose at the commentator’s table dismissively, then started talking about how he was going to take his championship back from Ambrose at Battleground. Ambrose stood on the Spanish announce table and said that Rollins could have it, he threw the belt at Rollins, then jumped him. It ended with Ambrose giving Rollins Dirty Deeds onto the Spanish announce table.
The Wyatt Family have a new vignette look. Bray Wyatt said New Day comes from a world that doesn’t exist because the power of positivity doesn’t actually exist. In the world he comes from, the pains of the real world are apparent. Wyatt invited them into their world where he would deliver them the truth, because the power of positivity is nothing but a fairy tale.
They aired another Baron Corbin video where JBL called him a future world champion.
Vickie Guerrero came out for the first time in two years as the latest authority figure. She was a total heel, still using her “Excuse Me” catchphrase. She reminded the fans she was the former general manager of SmackDown and Raw. She said that while Shane and Stephanie McMahon are handling Raw, SmackDown can’t be left in the hands of Teddy Long or Kane, but it should be left for her to run. She submitted her name for the job of SmackDown COO and dropped in her famous cackle. Security had to force her out.
Big Show lined up members of his American team for the 16-man elimination tag like he was General Patton addressing his troops. His team consists of the Dudley Boyz, Kane, Zack Ryder, Jack Swagger, Crews and Mark Henry. He gave them a rah-rah speech about how this would not be a walk in the park, but they wouldn’t be afraid, they would never back down, this was the Fourth of July and they were Americans. They were going to show the same fight against the International Alliance that soldiers showed 240 years ago to win America’s freedom.
Vickie was being hauled out when she ran into Ziggler. She claimed that she was invited by Shane and Stephanie. Ziggler said he had never seen that woman before in his life, then hopped back on the phone with someone to say, “Yeah, I lost but I tried really hard.”
The Golden Truth defeated The Vaudevillains (1:25)
R-Truth pinned English with Solid Gold, which is a Powerbomb/Final Cut combination. R-Truth now has the lyrics to his rap song on the screen so fans can try to follow along. Fandango and Tyler Breeze watched from ringside.
Life Lessons with Bob Backlund is next. Backlund wanted to know what Darren Young’s finisher was. He said the Gut Check. Backlund wanted to know what his submission finisher was, but Young said he didn’t have one. Backlund gave him permission to use the crossface chicken wing, which was the last move Randy Savage sold before he left the WWE. Young was thrilled that Backlund would give him his finisher.
John Cena came out and actually chided the fans for lack of crowd heat. Fans started the usual dueling chants, and Cena started in on A.J. Styles. Cena said he knew Styles would bring out the best in him. But he was disappointed when Styles couldn’t stand on his own two feet and leaned on the shoulders of Karl Anderson and Luke Gallows to defeat Cena at Money in the Bank. Now he has to worry about The Club every time he steps into the ring. Cena said he was sick of looking over his shoulder and challenged them to come out.
Styles, Anderson and Gallows came out. Styles said Cena was pathetic for crying about a personal setback. If he wanted to talk about something being unfair, Styles said they arrived in Japan this past weekend for a heroic return. Instead, all they saw was Cena’s face all over posters and walls. But The Club proved they ran Tokyo this weekend and soon they would run the WWE.
Styles said the reason why The Club always stays by his side is because Cena could bury him at any point, just as he’s done many times before. Styles also mentioned how no WWE superstar is coming out to help Cena because Cena has put himself on an island. No other WWE superstar can relate to Cena, but they can relate to The Club. He said most superstars would love to beat up Cena, but they were the only ones who had the balls to get it done.
Styles said they would continue to beat up Cena because there was nothing more fun to do. They vowed to do it week after week after week for the rest of the year. When Labor Day rolls around, Styles asked Anderson what he was going to do? He said beat up Cena. Styles asked Gallows what he was going to do for Halloween. Gallows said he was going to dress up as Bushwhacker Luke and beat up John Cena. Styles said he was thinking about dressing up as Brutus “The Barber” Beefcake, do some strutting and cutting, and beat up John Cena. Anderson said for Christmas, he would hang out with his hot Asian wife and beat up John Cena. Then they said for the Fourth of July, they were going to beat up John Cena.
The Club surrounded the ring and immediately put the boots to Cena. Styles laid in the punches, as did Gallows. Enzo and Cass came out for the save. Cass gave Gallows a big boot while Cena threw Styles out of the ring and Enzo disposed of Anderson.
The Shining Stars said Puerto Rico wasn’t over-commercialized like the United States.
Becky Lynch defeated Summer Rae via submission (2:58)
Becky Lynch won with Dis-arm-her. They botched a vertical suplex spot where Lynch fell right on top of her head. She looked shaken up but finished the match. Natalya watched the match from backstage.
The multinational team of Chris Jericho, Sin Cara, Sami Zayn, Kalisto, Cesaro, Owens, Alberto Del Rio and Sheamus were backstage. Jericho was the captain. Del Rio wanted to know who made him the captain of the team. Jericho started speaking Spanish to Del Rio. Everyone started talking until Owens, deadly serious, said he was ready to beat some American ass after what happened to him earlier tonight in the food fight. Jericho told the rest of the team to “watch out for it.” Zayn asked, “What is it?” Jericho said “It” and walked off. Zayn, Cara, Cesaro and Kalisto vowed to stay together in unison because the rest of the team made them look bad.
Enzo and Cass did a product placement for Sonic restaurants. There’s now a “How You Doin?” lunchbox. They’re naturals as product guys.
New Day came out. Kofi Kingston said a lot of people think the Wyatt Family are weird looking hillbillies. Big E said rumor has it the Wyatt’s don’t stray far from the family tree, they keep it Archie Bunker, as in “All in the Family.” Kingston said they like the Wyatts and the Wyatts like them because why else would they invite them to their world.
Erick Rowan popped up on the TitanTron. He said the sound of laughter is a precious thing. Braun Strowman said the sound of a scream is music to his ears. Wyatt said the New Day should come to his world and seek the truth like men. Wyatt said it’s a challenge to see if they’re men or cowards. He wanted to know how far they would go to fight for what they believe in. Wyatt said the New Day started this, and he must end it.
Kingston said they accept and they would spray positivity all over the place. Big E started to quote Lil’ John and said they would spray positivity “to the windows to the wall,” but Xavier Woods screamed at his cohorts and said Wyatt is a true threat. He couldn’t understand why Kingston would fight them on their grounds. Woods said everything up to now has been fun and games, but if they don’t see the threat that Wyatt poses to them, he doesn’t think the New Day will survive. Woods walked off while Big E and Kofi watched on.
Team USA (The Big Show, Zack Ryder, The Dudley Boyz, Jack Swagger, Mark Henry, Kane and Apollo Crews) defeated the International Alliance (Chris Jericho, Lucha Dragons, Sami Zayn, Kevin Owens, Cesaro, Sheamus and Alberto Del Rio) in a 16-man elimination tag team match in 22:14.
Bubba Ray eliminated Cara after a 3-D in 1:05. In an instant, Sheamus gave Bubba Ray a Brogue Kick, and Kalisto pinned Bubba at 1:16. Cesaro eliminated Devon Dudley via submission with a Sharpshooter after a 10-rep Giant Swing at 5:34. Jericho (who was born in New York while his father played for the Rangers) pinned Jack Swagger with a Codebreaker after he broke up a Swagger Bomb at 7:44, which made it 7-on-5 in favor of the Internationals.
The 12 remaining men filled the ring for a brawl to go into a commercial. Mark Henry eliminated Kalisto after the World’s Strongest Slam at 13:18. There was another instant elimination when Owens got Henry up for the Pop-Up Power Bomb at 13:34. Owens threw Ryder into Zayn, and then Zayn ran in to start brawling with Owens. Kane was about to give Zayn a choke slam, but Owens ran in with a chair and popped Zayn in the back. That got Owens disqualified at 14:46, even though he did it to his own partner. Then Kane grabbed the chair and hit Owens with it. That got Kane disqualified at 15:13. Kane choke slammed Zayn anyway. Crews ran in and gave Zayn a splash for the pin at 15:45. Then Sheamus gave Owens a Brogue kick and pinned him at 15:56.
At this point, the Internationals began arguing with each other and Cesaro started throwing forearms against his heel partners. Cesaro went for the Neutralizer on Ryder, but Ryder turned it into a jackknife cradle for the surprise pin at 18:31. So it was 3-on-2 for the Internationals, with Jericho, Del Rio and Sheamus vs. Show and Ryder. Show eliminated Jericho with the Knockout punch at 20:05. Show pinned Del Rio with a choke slam at 20:26. Suddenly it was 2-on-1 for the Americans. Sheamus gave Ryder a powerslam, but Ryder kicked out. Show grabbed Sheamus by the throat and threw him into the Rough Ryder, and Ryder got the pin on Sheamus for the American victory. Show and Ryder did the woo-woo-woo chant as a giant American flag came down above the ring.
The rating for tonight’s WWE Raw show is not likely to be good, as in the past when Raw has fallen on July 4th, the drop has been huge from the week before. Everyone knows that going in so whatever the number is, when it comes to talking about patterns and such, you can really throw it away. Next week will bounce back, but should still be below normal levels due to Home Run Derby. Everything really changes with the draft on the 19th and there should be strong motivation early on when it comes to both shows. I expect hotter shows as far as angles and pushing of new talent, but there is also a question of whether the casual audience will be into watching so much wrestling every week so closely bunched together.
The two big things to look for on Raw is if there is any mention at all of Brock Lesnar or his fight during the body of the show (given that WWE hasn’t mentioned it yet, it looks like they aren’t going to) and if UFC purchases ads or the cable companies place ads during Raw, since one would think that’s the prime audience to try and push UFC 200 in front of. If I’m UFC I’d be advertising heavily this week on Raw and Smackdown with Brock Lesnar emphasized ads.
We’re also looking for reports from Raw tonight with the non-Raw stuff such as Superstars, dark matches or any observations that wouldn’t be evident from watching the live show to NewsTips@WrestlingObserver.com. The show is from Columbus, OH. Dean Ambrose vs. The Miz in a rematch from Smackdown, Rusev vs. Titus O’Neil for the U.S. title and a Team USA vs. Team International 16 man elimination match have all been announced. Shane McMahon is scheduled to return and there will be a former General Manager appearing which is believed to be Vickie Guerrero.
Smackdown is Tuesday night in Toledo. No John Cena or Seth Rollins advertised. Dean Ambrose, A.J. Styles and Kevin Owens are the top names advertised.
We’re also looking for your thoughts on yesterday’s New Japan Kizuna Road show, thumbs up, down or in the middle, best and worst match to Dave@WrestlingObserver.com.
The 10th annual Wrestling Observer/F4W convention in Las Vegas takes place during UFC’s International Fight Week from July 7 – 11. Stay up to date on all the lastest whackiness by following Ed in San Antonio on Facebook. Plus, follow us on Twitter as we (Bryan), will be live tweeting from all the events. Use #F4WVegas to get in on the fun.
If you’ve ever wanted to WATCH our radio shows here on the site, check out our Youtube page! No full video shows, but lots of video clips, full free audio shows that you can tell your friends about, and much more to come! Make sure you subscribe today!
It’s a double issue week featuring a look back 40 years at what was the biggest undertaking up to that point in pro wrestling history, and Inoki vs. Ali match, how it came together, what happened that night, coverage of the upcoming G-1 Climax tournament, coverage of Ultima Lucha 3 and details on where the company stands, full coverage of the WWE cruiserweight classic, ROH Best in the World coverage as well as a look at those coming and going from the promotion, the death of Ryan Jimmo, the life and times of Gypsy Joe, and far more about the fallout of the Roman Reigns suspension.
The lead story details this years G-1 tournament including what will air in English, newcomers to the tournament, some interesting political news regarding who is and isn’t in it, as well as a complete lineup for every show.
This issue looks at the background of Ali vs. Inoki, the first time boxer vs. wrestler with major stars came close to happening, boxing champions who did wrestling and wrestlers who faced boxers including involving one of the all-time greats, Thesz vs. Marciano talk, and the two best known mixed matches prior to Ali vs. Inoki in the U.S.
There is also a look at Japanese pro wrestling in the 70s and how that led to the match, the business of Billy Robinson involving Inoki vs. Baba, how Inoki was being marketed, and the attempts to put together Ali vs. Bruno Sammartino and how that led to this.
The goals of Ali vs. Inoki for the New Japan side, the pro wrestling angles, just how big the match was why the match wasn’t a work, where Ali’s career stood at the time, media coverage, how the terrible rules were the reason the fight, Sammartino’s broken neck and return, Stan Hansen becoming a superstar in Japan, and why Ali vs. Inoki was not a success in much of the U.S, and much more in this issue of the Wrestling Observer.
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.
For the United States, it is $13 for 4 issues, $32 for 12, $61 for 24, $101 for 40 and $131 for 52. In Canada and Mexico, rates are $14.50 for 4, $35 for 12, $67 for 24, $111 for 40 and $144 or 52. In Europe, you can get the fastest delivery and best rates by sending to moonsault@mediaplusint.com. For the rest of the world, rates are $16.50 for 4, $44 for 12, $85 for 24, $141 for 40 issues and $183 for 52.
If you order by mail with a check, cash or money order (P.O. Box 1228, Campbell, CA 95009-1228), you can get $1 off in every price range.
If you are a new subscriber ordering 24 or more issues, you can get one free classic issue of your choice sent to you today. With a 40-issue subscription, you can get two free classic issues.
Wrestling Observer Newsletter BACK ISSUE
READ IT HERE: May 24, 1999 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: ECW Hardcore Heaven/WWF No Mercy – Amidst rumors flying everywhere of the possible demise of the company and others who are talking that the company is a short period away from growing bigger than ever, the ECW Hardcore Heaven PPV came off like a show that was a bridge for the company to something new, but when it was over, there were still no answers over whether what is new is good news or bad news… Current subscribers click here to continue reading.
MONDAY NEWS UPDATE
I want to wish everyone a happy Fourth of July to everyone reading and their families.
Bryan and I will be back tonight talking Raw, more WWE news and taking questions you can send to MailBag@WrestlingObserver.com.
One of the saddest issues in Observer history is up today, looking at the death of Owen Hart. Owen Hart was an inspiration to a generation of Canadian wrestlers in particular and one of the most well-respected performers and people of his era. Deaths in wrestling are all tragic in some form and it’s tasteless to rank them, but because of the nature of how this happened, it was different than most of the rest.
New Japan announced that Mark & Jay Briscoe vs. Adam Page & Yujiro Takahashi for the IWGP tag title will be on the 8/14 Tokyo Sumo Hall show which is the same night as the G-1 finals. Jay Lethal will also be appearing at the end of the current tour. It’s also official that Hiroyoshi Tenzan is replacing Satoshi Kojima in the G-1.
If you are coming to Las Vegas for our convention, our friend Scott Stern at the Las Vegas Fight Shop has signings on Friday from 6-8 p.m. with Randy Couture and Saturday from Noon to 2 p.m. with Nate Diaz. Signings require purchase of an Affliction T-shirt but if you are a member of the web site you can get a 20 percent discount on the shirt and a VIP line pass to save time. Also, if you are a web site member you can get 20 percent off all merchandise the entire weekend.
The UFC 200 press conference will be Wednesday at Noon at the KA Theater at the MGM Grand with Dana White, Daniel Cormier, Jon Jones, Brock Lesnar, Mark Hunt, Miesha Tate, Amanda Nunes, Frankie Edgar, Jose Aldo, Cain Velasquez and Travis Browne. It is free and open to the public.
WWE
WWE will be releasing the Scott Hall “Living on a Razor’s Edge” DVD tomorrow talking about his famous ups, downs and more recent ups in his life. The DVD includes Scott Hall & Dan Spivey as the American Starship tag team form 1984, his move to the AWA with Curt Hennig, his run as the Diamond Studd, Razor Ramon and the big run as part of the NWO.
Advertised for the WWE house shows this coming weekend on 7/8 in Oshawa, ONT, 7/9 in Toronto at the Ricoh Coliseum (where they will likely announce Survivor Series information) and 7/10 in London, ONT is Dean Ambrose vs. A.J. Styles vs. Seth Rollins for the WWE title, Kevin Owens vs. Sami Zayn, Charlotte vs. Paige vs. Natalya for the women’s title, New Day vs. Braun Strowman & Erick Rowan for the tag titles plus The Usos, Sheamus, Cesaro, Apollo Crews, Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson.
There was a WWE reference on Match Game on ABC last night. Alec Baldwin said that Justin Bieber and Dwayne Johnson would have a match at WrestleMania and it would be billed as The Rock vs. ?. The contestant said “the Pillow,” but none of the celebrities matched the answer. They noted that Bieber considered appearing at the 2014 SummerSlam show. (thanks to Brian Henke)
Cody Rhodes and Chavo Guerrero Jr will be appearing for Smash Wrestling on 10/23 in Toronto at the Franklin Horner Community Centre. Smash has a charity fund raiser show on Saturday night in Fort Erie, ONT headlined by Chris Hero.
TV Azteca America in the U.S. now has a two-hour CMLL block. What they are airing is a replay show from 4-5 p.m. and a first run show from 5-6 p.m. The first run show is the top matches from Arena Mexico’s Friday night shows from a few weeks ago.
Hoosier Pro Wrestling in Columbus, IN raised more than 1,000 cans of food for the Roby & America Anderson Eastside Community Center to feed those in need with a show on Saturday night: Cousin Cooter b Wicked Clown in a cowbell on a pole match, Dynamite Dillen b Drax O’Brien, Scarecrow Eddie Felson b Bobby Black-DQ, Big Country & Clint Poe b Bobby Black & Troy Van Zant, Vic the Bruiser b Lightning Bolt Johnson, Dynamite Dillen won 12 man Battle Royal. Next show is 8/5 in Nashville, IN at the Brown County Fair and 8/6 in Columbus, IN at the HPW Arena.
New England Championship Wrestling from Saturday night in Brockton, MA: Mike Graca b Jacob, Vampire Sethoran b Ty Shine, Dan Terry & Vern Vicallo b Kool People, Brute Van Slyke DCOR Giant Pharaoh, Heavy Hitter b Minute Men, Brad Hollister b Slyck Wagner Brown, Nikki Valentine & Vanity Vixsin b Mistress Belmont & Davienne, Kris Pyro b Scott Levesque, Tod Loco b Mike McCarthy. Next show is an all-women’s show on 7/9 at the Brockton Fair. The show is free with a fair admission.
Crossfire Wrestling on 7/24 in St. Catharines, ONT with Cody Deaner vs. Jeremy Elliott as the main event.
Combat Zone Wrestling on Friday night in Chicago at the Bottom Lounge with Matt Tremont vs. Isaias Velasquez for the CZW title and Prince Mustafa Ali vs Jonathan Gresham for the Freelance title, plus Robert Anthony vs. Ethan Page in a 2/3 falls ladder match. They also runSaturday night in Dayton at the Rockstar Arena with Tremont vs Rickey Shane Page for the CZW title, Lio Rush vs. AR Fox for the wired title, David Crist vs. David Starr 2/3 falls and DJ Hyde vs. Jake Crist in a no rope barbed wire death match.
Grand Slam Wrestling on 7/9 in Moosic, PA at the Moosic Youth Center.
UPW on 7/9 in Rochester, NY at the Eagles Club.
Alpha 1 Wrestling from yesterday in Hamilton, ONT: Alessandro del Bruno b Speedball Mike Bailey, Ethan Page b Cheeseburger, Theory of Evolution b Tarbernak De Team, Dick Justice b Danny Orlando, Cheech & Justin Sane & Gavin Quiinn b Rickey Shane Page & Brent Banks & Alex Daniels, Kobe Durst b David Starr, Josh Alexander & Kobe Durst b Scotty O’Shea & Ethan Page in a crazy match. Next show is 8/21 with Josh Alexander vs. Matt Riddle and Joey Kings vs Ethan Page.
Pure Wrestling Association has its 11th anniversary show on 7/23 in Kitchener, ONT and also runs 7/31 in Thedford, ONT.
Tammy Sytch will appear for NWA Smoky Mountain Wrestling on 8/6 in Kingsport, TN at the Civic Center.
NWA Mid South from Saturday night in Morgan City, LA before 780 fans: John Saxon & Barrett Brown b Dark Circle, Psycho Mike b Stan Sweetan, Rob Conway b Rodney Mack-DQ, Matt Riviera b Jeremy Moore in a cage match to win the Mid South title, Mustang Mike b Greg Anthony to win the National title. Kevin Nash also made a guest appearance at the show.
Sting and Lex Luger will be making appearances on the MCW Pro show on 7/26 at the MCW Arena for the company’s 16th annual Shane Shamrock Cup. The first round matches in the Shamrock Cup are Tommaso Ciampa vs. Jason Kincaid, Sonjay Dutt vs. Chuck Lennox, Travis Gordon vs. LSG vs. Facade, Brandon Scott & Sean Carr vs Robert Locke & Joe Keys (winner of the fall advances). The losers advance to a last chance Battle royal for a spot in the finale and Lio Rush, last year’s winner, gets a bye into the finale.
It’s almost ironic in the sickest of ways. From Owen Hart’s first few matches as a full-time pro wrestler in the spring of 1986, it seemed apparent he would achieve great fame and become a pivotal figure in the history of this industry. And he did, in a way nobody could have ever been morbid enough to guess.
Joe Jares, a longtime sportswriter whose father was a well-known pro wrestler and whose early 70s book on pro wrestling was a rarity in that era, passed away on Saturday at the age of 78.
Jares was a well-known sportswriter at the time whose father, who used the name Brother Frank Jares, and on occasion, The Thing, was a journeyman pro wrestler when he was growing up. Jares’ book, which Scott Teal just reprinted with Crowbar Press, was just about the only book of that era which wrote about pro wrestling seriously, but was in no ways knocked the profession.
The book was derived from a 1966 article he wrote called “My Father, The Thing” in Sports Illustrated.
Jares’ book covered pro wrestling as best as it was remembered before historians in the last few decades separated a lot of the fiction from histories due to more extensive research. Jares spoke to the leaders in pro wrestling telling stories about famous matches, biggest gates (most real, a few that didn’t happen) and weaving it in with how the business was and his fathers’ stories to him.
Jares spent 15 years with Sports Illustrated and also worked for a number of Los Angeles newspapers including the Herald-Express, the LA Times, and The Daily News where he was sports editor. He wrote books on other sports as well, including basketball and tennis, and later taught sports reporting at his alma mater of USC. He was inducted into the school’s Hall of Fame in 2015.
This is the biggest week in UFC history coming up, with shows on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, and championship matches all three nights. There’s been lots of promotion. An interesting note is if the Brock Lesnar vs. Mark Hunt fight will be mentioned on Raw, as this would be the last Raw episode leading to the fight. Probably not, since aside from a web site article when it was announced, WWE has done nothing to promote it. It’s pretty clear whatever WWE is getting out of the deal wasn’t contingent on the buy rate or else they’d have pushed it. Although she has to take it and can’t respond, you can just imagine Stephanie McMahon seething about what Lesnar said at the UFC media call this past week about how he doesn’t give a shit about what she thinks.
The UFC preview show airs tonight at 10:30 p.m. Eastern and 7:30 p.m. Pacific on FS 1. It’s a one hour show on the big four fights on PPV: Lesnar vs. Hunt, Daniel Cormier vs. Jon Jones, Miesha Tate vs. Amanda Nunes and Frankie Edgar vs. Jose Aldo. FOX will be airing the show on 7/9 at 2 p.m., or a few hours before the card starts.
We’re also looking for your thoughts on today’s New Japan Kizuna Road show, thumbs up, down or in the middle, best and worst match to Dave@WrestlingObserver.com.
Raw will be Monday night from Columbus, OH. Given that Raw is on July 4th, it is likely to be the lowest rating for a Raw show in the history of the show. Dean Ambrose vs. The Miz in a rematch from Smackdown, Rusev vs. Titus O’Neil for the U.S. title and a Team USA vs. Team International 16 man elimination match have all been announced. Shane McMahon is scheduled to return.
Smackdown is Tuesday night in Toledo. No John Cena or Seth Rollins advertised. Dean Ambrose, A.J. Styles and Kevin Owens are the top names advertised.
The 10th annual Wrestling Observer/F4W convention in Las Vegas takes place during UFC’s International Fight Week from July 7 – 11. Stay up to date on all the lastest whackiness by following Ed in San Antonio on Facebook. Plus, follow us on Twitter as we (Bryan), will be live tweeting from all the events. Use #F4WVegas to get in on the fun.
If you’ve ever wanted to WATCH our radio shows here on the site, check out our Youtube page! No full video shows, but lots of video clips, full free audio shows that you can tell your friends about, and much more to come! Make sure you subscribe today!
It’s a double issue week featuring a look back 40 years at what was the biggest undertaking up to that point in pro wrestling history, and Inoki vs. Ali match, how it came together, what happened that night, coverage of the upcoming G-1 Climax tournament, coverage of Ultima Lucha 3 and details on where the company stands, full coverage of the WWE cruiserweight classic, ROH Best in the World coverage as well as a look at those coming and going from the promotion, the death of Ryan Jimmo, the life and times of Gypsy Joe, and far more about the fallout of the Roman Reigns suspension.
The lead story details this years G-1 tournament including what will air in English, newcomers to the tournament, some interesting political news regarding who is and isn’t in it, as well as a complete lineup for every show.
This issue looks at the background of Ali vs. Inoki, the first time boxer vs. wrestler with major stars came close to happening, boxing champions who did wrestling and wrestlers who faced boxers including involving one of the all-time greats, Thesz vs. Marciano talk, and the two best known mixed matches prior to Ali vs. Inoki in the U.S.
There is also a look at Japanese pro wrestling in the 70s and how that led to the match, the business of Billy Robinson involving Inoki vs. Baba, how Inoki was being marketed, and the attempts to put together Ali vs. Bruno Sammartino and how that led to this.
The goals of Ali vs. Inoki for the New Japan side, the pro wrestling angles, just how big the match was why the match wasn’t a work, where Ali’s career stood at the time, media coverage, how the terrible rules were the reason the fight, Sammartino’s broken neck and return, Stan Hansen becoming a superstar in Japan, and why Ali vs. Inoki was not a success in much of the U.S, and much more in this issue of the Wrestling Observer.
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.
For the United States, it is $13 for 4 issues, $32 for 12, $61 for 24, $101 for 40 and $131 for 52. In Canada and Mexico, rates are $14.50 for 4, $35 for 12, $67 for 24, $111 for 40 and $144 or 52. In Europe, you can get the fastest delivery and best rates by sending to moonsault@mediaplusint.com. For the rest of the world, rates are $16.50 for 4, $44 for 12, $85 for 24, $141 for 40 issues and $183 for 52.
If you order by mail with a check, cash or money order (P.O. Box 1228, Campbell, CA 95009-1228), you can get $1 off in every price range.
If you are a new subscriber ordering 24 or more issues, you can get one free classic issue of your choice sent to you today. With a 40-issue subscription, you can get two free classic issues.
Wrestling Observer Newsletter BACK ISSUE
READ IT HERE: May 24, 1999 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: ECW Hardcore Heaven/WWF No Mercy – Amidst rumors flying everywhere of the possible demise of the company and others who are talking that the company is a short period away from growing bigger than ever, the ECW Hardcore Heaven PPV came off like a show that was a bridge for the company to something new, but when it was over, there were still no answers over whether what is new is good news or bad news… Current subscribers click here to continue reading.
SUNDAY NEWS UPDATE
Bryan and I will be back tonight talking Raw preview, New Japan Kizuna Road, CMLL Anniversary show and taking questions you can send to MailBag@WrestlingObserver.com.
Both the New Japan show today and the CMLL iPPV on Friday night were really good.Matt Sydal & Satoshi Kojima& Ricochet (pictured above) beat The Young Bucks & Kenny Omega to win the trios titles. The Young Bucks & Omega all came out wearing WWE New Day T-shirts. Proof that New Japan is very different from WWE where such a thing could never happen.
Central Intelligence featuring Dwayne Johnson is estimated at No. 6 at the box office this weekend at $12.33 million in week three. I just saw that movie last night and it was hilarious.
Pro Wrestling NOAH will decide its reps in the upcoming Super J Cup tournament on Tuesday at Korakuen Hall in Tokyo with the winners of Yoshinari Ogawa vs. Taiji Ishimori, Kenou vs. Genba Hirayanagi and Hajime Ohara vs. Daisuke Harada winners going to the tournament which starts on 7/20 at Korakuen Hall. The Tuesday show also features Naomichi Marufuji & Toru Yano (Yano will be on the next ROH PPV show in Las Vegas) defending the GHC tag titles against Minoru Suzuki & Takashi Iizuka.
The movie “Marauders” with Dave Bautista had a limited release this weekend. It can also be purchased via digital download and on iTunes. Bautista plays an FBI agent investigating a series of bank heists. Bruce Willis also stars.
Sexy Star unmasked at a boxing show last night in Mexico City and said she was going into that sport. She hasn’t been wrestling anywhere but Lucha Underground for a while having quit AAA. She’s talked about going into boxing for some time and her husband, Jhonny Gonzalez, is a well-known boxer, and before that she dated the even bigger name boxer Erik Morales.
WWE
The WWE crew flew home yesterday from Japan. They have the traveling day off and start back at Raw tomorrow.
There will be a former General Manager on Raw on Monday. It’s not Paul Heyman, as we’ve noted, as he’s involved in marketing a bikini contest being held at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas starting today and will be there all week.
Richard Abreu, who is 7-2 and came from TUF Brazil, had a potential Anti-Doping violation stemming from an out-of-competition test. USADA informed UFC of the issue earlier today.
Cody Runnels will be appearing as a guest star in an upcoming episode on the fall season of “Arrow,” the show with Stephan Amell. He feuded with Amell in WWE last year building up a match at SummerSlam. Both were at a pro wrestling convention in New Jersey making the announcement, saying that the two of them have become friends.
Sorry to hear about the death of Bonnie Gomez, the wife of the late Pepper Gomez. She passed away on Friday. There will be a service next week in Alameda, where she has lived most of her life.
The fake Bobby Heenan and Cyndi Heenan twitter accounts were both taken down today.
Preston City Wrestling from yesterday in Blackpool, UK before 200 fans for a packed house: Iestyn Rees b El Ligero, Martin Kirby & Joey Hayes b Chris Masters & Dave Rayne, Team Single DCOR London Riots (to set up a street fight match on 8/6), Billy Gunn b Bob Holly (crowd loved them both, fans were chanting “1998” at both of them), Viper b Sammy Stoker, Sha Samuels & Lionheart b Noam Dar & Grado, Zack Sabre Jr. b Bubblegum in a very good match. Sabre said he wanted to face Bubblegum again on 9/24. (thanks to Steve Magnnis)
Here is an update on all the issues with the University of Minnesota wrestling program, and the alleged drug issues and J Robinson (the coach who has been very successful in building the program to one of the strongest in the country and a former college roommate of Gerald Brisco).
Michael Beadle beat Greg Anthony last night in Morgan City, LA to win the NWA National championship during a show called Cajun Heat that drew more than 1,000 fans.
Lucha Xtreme TV results from last night in Fresno: Manny Fernandez b Dark Usagi, Big Dogg b Donny Suarez, Anthony Idol b Chris Nar, Homicide b Anthony Idol.
A new company called Best in the West says they will be running monthly in the Fresno area and opening up a wrestling school. They are going head-to-head with Lance Cardoza & Manny Fernandez’s Lucha Xtreme on 7/16. Best in the West will be in Madera at the Elks Lodge #1918 with at 6 p.m. Wiseguy vs. Chupacabra. Lucha Xtreme will be in Fresno at the Tioga Sequoia Beer Garden as part of a wrestling and stand up comedy TV tapings with Fernandez and Homicide as the top names. (thanks to Jon Southerland)
CMLL from Tuesday night in Guadalajara: Magnum & Vaquero Jr. b Diplomatico & Carlo Roggi, Escandalo & Fujin & Raijin b Pegasso & Starman & Triton, Esfinge b Furia Roja in a mask vs. mask match (Roja unmasked as Ivan Alejandro Lemus Perez, 20 years old from Guadalajara, 6 years experience), Diamante Azul & Michael Elgin & Maximo Sexy b El Terrible & Rey Bucanero & Vangellys, Atlantis & Kushida & Volador Jr. b Tama Tonga & Tanga Roa & Mr. Niebla-DQ.
PMLL from Friday night in Tijuana: Exodo & Galaxy b Alastor & Thunder Kid, Cheyenne & Martinete b Efekto & Pitbull, Dinastia & Octagoncito b Mini Abismo Negro & Mini Psycho Clown, Amnesia & Extassis b Argenis & Elegido, Super Rhino b Drakma in a loser loses his mask match that also included Luminoso, Shamu, Zaeta, Romeo, Dick Angelo Jr., and Scream (Drakma unmasked as Eduardo Gonzalez, 35, from Toluca, with 17 years experience), Bestia 666 was the last guy left in a cage with Pentagon Jr., Damian 666 and Nicho, The Psycho Circus b Averno & Chessman & Villano IV to win the Frontera Cup). (thanks to Kris Zellner)
Caristico and La Mascara appear on 7/23 in Pacoma, CA at the San Fernando Valley Boys & Girls Club.
Fenix vs. Pentagon Jr. takes place on 7/24 in Woodside, NY at Club LaBoom.
Laredo Kid vs. Brian Cage headlines on 7/13 in Benbrook TX a the Camp Bowie Bingo Hall.
Michael Elgin & Kushida & Mascara Dorada vs. Tama Tonga & Tanga Roa & Mr. Niebla headlines tomorrow night in Puebla for CMLL.
Caristico & Mascara Aerea & Mascara Dorada vs. Mr. Elektro (Electroshock) & Rey Escorpion & Rush headlines on 7/15 in Tijuana at Auditorio Municipal.
