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  • FRI UPDATE: TNA Cancels tour, James Storm, UFC on FOX

    This week’s polls are for Wednesday’s NXT show and Monday’s New Japan King of Pro Wrestling show.  We’re looking for your thoughts on both shows with a thumbs up, thumbs down or thumbs in the middle along with a best and worst match to Dave Meltzer

    We’re looking for reports on all three WWE shows in Saudi Arabia.  There was a show last night, another one tonight and the final show tomorrow.

    New Japan World Pro Wrestling Returns at 9 p.m. Eastern on AXS TV

    Kyle O’Reilly & Bobby Fish vs. Alex Shelley & Kushida vs. Young Bucks vs. Rocky Romero & Alex Koslov for IWGP jr. tag titles

    Ryusuke Taguchi vs. Kenny Omega for the IWGP jr. title

    This is the first of five straight weeks of matches from Wrestle Kingdom 9 at the  Tokyo Dome

    CMLL has the B block of the Universal Champion of Champions tournament tonight, starting at 9:30 p.m. Eastern time on www.ClaroSports.com

    It’s a one-night tournament with Atlantis, Mistico, Volador Jr., Mephisto, Negro Casas, Maximo, Valiente and Ephesto.  The winner meets Ultimo Guerrero (last week’s winner) for the championship next week.  The show will be airing on Claro Sports but it may be geo blocked for the United States.  I’ve seen all kinds of Twitter stuff listing it but last week’s show wasn’t available.

    Resurrection Fighting Alliance tonight at 10 p.m. Eastern on AXS TV

    Shai Lindsey (133.6) vs. Zach Riley (135.4)

    Vardan Sholinian (174.2) vs. Bojan Velickovic (174.4)

    Justin Linn (134) vs. Matt Lopez (138.8)

    Mike Jasper (183) vs. Gabriel Checco (184.6)

    Jocelyn Jones-Lybarger (115) vs. Zoila Frausto (116.6) for the first women’s strawweight title.  Because Frausto failed to make weight, Jones-Lybarger will win the title with a victory, but Frausto can not win the title if she wins. 

    Gilbert Smith (170) vs. Bristol Marunde (169.8) for welterweight title

    Spike has Glory Kickboxing tonight at 11 p.m. Eastern

    WWE has only the show in Saudi Arabia tonight.

    Saturday we’re looking for reports on WWE in St. Louis (Randy Orton, Bray Wyatt, Roman Reigns, Braun Strowman, New Day, Team BAD, Rusev, Ryback, Kevin Owens and Dudleys) and NXT in Winter Haven, FL.

    Sunday has WWE in Bloomington, IL (Randy Orton, Bray Wyatt, Roman Reigns, Braun Strowman, New Day, Team BAD, Rusev, Ryback, Kevin Owens and Dudleys).

    New Japan King of Pro Wrestling at 3 a.m. Eastern and Midnight Pacific late Sunday night on New Japan World – Kevin Kelly & Matt Striker will be doing the announcing in English for the first time on the service

    Jushin Liger & Tiger Mask & Ryusuke Taguchi & Kushida & Mascara Dorada vs. Juice Robinson & Yohei Komatsu & Sho Tanaka & David Finlay & Jay White

    Tomoaki Honma vs. Yoshi-Hashi

    Hiroyoshi Tenzan & Satoshi Kojima & Yuji Nagata & Manabu Nakanishi vs. Hirooki Goto & Katsuyori Shibata & Kota Ibushi & Captain New Japan

    Bobby Fish & Kyle O’Reilly vs. Rocky Romero & Baretta for the IWGP jr. tag titles

    Kenny Omega vs. Matt Sydal for IWGP jr. title

    Shinsuke Nakamura & Toru Yano & Kazushi Sakuraba vs. Karl Anderson & Doc Gallows & Bad Luck Fale

    Togi Makabe vs. Tomohiro Ishii for Never Open Weight title

    Hiroshi Tanahashi vs Tetsuya Naito for the Tokyo Dome title shot

    Kazuchika Okada vs. A.J. Styles for IWGP heavyweight title

    Since most of the top matches at the Tokyo Dome will be announced on Tuesday, the winners of the last two matches are almost certain to be the main event, and this show will probably set up the other key matches with different angles.

    Raw will be live from Chicago, generally one of the hottest WWE crowds anywhere, on Monday night.  So we’ll see if Chicago can stay up through a three hour show.  No  Brock Lesnar or Paul Heyman advertised.

    Smackdown and Main Event will be taped in Cincinnati on Tuesday.  No John Cena on the show, so Roman Reigns and Randy Orton are the advertised headliners.

    Wrestling Observer Newsletter

    An update on the status of Daniel Bryan is the lead story in the new issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter which is on the site right now and also can be subscribed to for home delivery.  We update his situation and how the decision on his future will be made shortly.  We also look at Daniel Cormier and the light heavyweight division and what the business notes say, the WWE’s Madison Square Garden event with Brock Lesnar, TNA’s Bound for Glory and world title tournament, Conor McGregor predicts the future once again, a pro wrestler is in the Japanese cabinet as well as our monthly look at the WWE and TNA’s business indicators. 

    We look at what Daniel Bryan said this past week regarding his future and how the decision will be made for him soon, and what he’d like to do if he wasn’t working for WWE.

    We look at Daniel Cormier vs. Alexander Gustafsson and the shadow over the light heavyweight division, the news coming out of UFC 192, and full coverage of the event with business notes, early PPV indicators and poll results.

    We look at the WWE Network special from Madison Square Garden, Brock Lesnar’s return, how the show was promoted, Chris Jericho’s 25th anniversary as a pro wrestler and match-by-match coverage with star ratings and poll results.

    CLICK HERE FOR A FULL WRESTLING OBSERVER PREVIEW

    The latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter: October 12, 2015 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Daniel Bryan’s pro wrestling future, UFC 192, WWE at MSG

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

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

    Rates are:

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

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

    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.

    CLICK HERE FOR A FULL WRESTLING OBSERVER PREVIEW

    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 NEWS UPDATE

    • TNA wrestlers were just informed today that the late October house show tour has been canceled.  Those were shows on 10/29 in Thiobodaux, 10/30 in New Orleans, 10/31 in Baton Rouge and 11/1 in Biloxi, MS.  The New Orleans show was billed as “The Battle of New Orleans” and was to be a PPV taping.  
    • James Storm has not signed with WWE and TNA has tried to make him an offer to return, reportedly with a big pay increase
    • Announcer/wrestler Devin Taylor and Cal Bishop were cut by WWE this week
    • Regarding the women from Shine at the NXT show last night, they were not signed by WWE but WWE had them on the radar and since they were in the area brought them in as extras. 
    • The fourth annual Grapple at the Garden show will be on 11/29 in Madison Square Garden.  22 colleges including Cornell (No. 5), Nebraska (No. 9), Illinois (No. 12) and Northwestern (No. 15) will compete.  In the past they’ve also had singles matches involving MMA stars who want to compete at MSG.  This will be the prelude of the first time ever that the NCAA tournament comes to MSG from 3/17 to 3/19.
    • Congratulations to Nick Massie (Nick Jackson) of the Young Bucks and his wife on the birth of his daughter early this morning.  
    • A preview of the Sting:  Into the Light DVD, that is being released this week, will air on the WWE Network after Raw this week.
    • There will also be a new Table for 3 show on Tuesday at 4 p.m. with Sting, DDP and Vader, followed by a WWE Rivalries show on the Ric Flair vs. Ricky Steamboat feud. 
    • For a clarification, Matt Riddle did an interview saying that WWE sent him to Evolve, which isn’t exactly the case but not untrue either.  WWE did recommend to Evolve to use him as noted in Observer stories in the past, but sent is too strong in the sense Evolve made the decision to use him on their own because they think he has potential.  While the nice comments HHH made about Gabe Sapolsky clearly indicate they are on really good terms and WWE is probably looking at some form of a deal, right now the deal would still be in the talking stages.
    • The 12/19 UFC on FOX main card will be Rafael dos Anjos vs. Donald Cerrone, Alistair Overeem vs. Junior Dos Santos, Nate Diaz vs. Michael Johnson and Randa Markos vs. Karllina Kowalkiewicz.  Jay Reddick has the story
    • Ronda Rousey on why she doesn’t cut weight before appearances and commercials
    • Hulk Hogan is hosting a pool party at Harrah’s Casino in Atlantic City on Saturday night at 10 p.m.  Cost is $20.
    • CWE has a 50 man Rumble to Remember on 12/4 in Winnipeg at the Holy Cross Gym.
    • Fight Night on 10/16 at Center Stage in Atlanta headlined by Clay Harvison vs. Jordan Rinaldi which will air live on AXS that night at 9 p.m.
    • Russia’s Vitaly Bigdash beat Igor Svirid at :36 of round via strikes to win the One middleweight championship Championship at the show earlier toady in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
    • Moose and Seiya Sanada appear on 10/10 for Superkick’d Pro Wrestling in Toronto at The Great Hall.
    • A new match released today at NWAClassics.com is Magnum T.A. & Mr. Wrestling II vs. Midnight Express where the losing team gets five lashes with a belt.
    • The ECWA women’s Super 8 tournament on 10/17 in Woodbury Heights, NJ at the Community Center has added Deonna Purrazzo, Terra Calaway, Xandra Bale and Kennadi Brink (formerly Jessie Kaye) to the field.  

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

    1968 – George & Sandy Scott beat The Assassins in Brisbane to win the IWA tag titles

    1988 – Charles Lucero beat Yoshihiro Asai (Ultimo Dragon) in Monterrey to win the UWA welterweight title

    1992 – Tomoko Watanabe beat Sakie Hasegawa in Tokyo to win the Japanese women’s title

    1993 – Sangre Chicana beat Fishman in Naucalpan to win the UWA light heavyweight title

    1994 – Takako Inoue & Kyoko Inoue beat Manami Toyota & Toshiyo Yamada in Kawasaki to win the WWWA tag titles

    2006 – Team 3-D won a three-way over Erica & Margaret (Aja Kong & Awesome) and Sodom & Gamorrah to win the Hustle tag team title

    2011 – Abyss & Chessman beat Extreme Tiger & Jack Evans in Monterrey to win the AAA tag team tiles and Electroshock won the Antonio Pena Cup

    2014 – Cima & Don Fujii & Gamma beat Naruki Doi & Cyber Kong & Kzy in Tokyo to win the Open the Triangle Gate titles

  • WWE NXT TV taping spoilers (10/8): new & familiar names, Nia Jax, Asuka, Finn Balor

    The big news from Thursday’s WWE NXT tapings at Full Sail University was former TNA Champion and multiple time TNA Tag Team Champion James Storm debuting tonight.

    Storm was at NXT’s weekend show in Nashville and backstage at TakeOver last night. He was given a win over Martin Stone, a former WWE contracted wrestler who worked the tapings as enhancement talent. Due to the TV schedule and even though he has been done with TNA for some time, he will continue to be appearing on TNA television for probably two more months, something discussed on Wrestling Observer Radio Wednesday night.

    *****

    Results submitted by John Carey

    – NXT Tag Team Champions The Vaudevillains over Dawkins & Fulton. The finish had to be reshot because Dawkins botched the sell on the finish. 

    – Nia Jax over Evie in a squash match.

    – Apollo Crews won a #1 contender battle royal match eliminating Baron Corbin to win. Notable entries included Johnny Gargano, Tommaso Ciampa & Martin Stone.

    – Asuka over Billie Kay in a squash match.

    – Enzo & Cass over Dawson & Wilder via Enzo roll up. Mechanics beat them down after the match.

    – James Storm over Martin Stone in a squash match.

    – Alexa Bliss over Peyton Royce

    – Emma over Shazza in a squash match

    – Chad Gable/Jason Jordan over Johnny Gargano & Tommaso Ciampa. Match went around 10 minutes and was the best match in the tapings to this point.

    – Nia Jax over Kay Lee Ray in a squash match

    – WWE NXT Champion Finn Balor over Tye Dillinger.

  • TNA and ROH Wednesday night ratings 10-7

    TNA’s follow-up to Bound for Glory on Wednesday night produced its best ratings numbers since September 9th.

    The beginning of the TNA title tournament did 335,000 viewers for the first-run Destination America episode and 112,000 for the replay. The replay was the second best replay number since the show moved to Wednesday at midnight.

    Ring of Honor did 175,000 viewers for their Field of Honor episode from MCU Field in Brooklyn featuring a Kazuchika Okada vs. Roderick Strong main event. It was the company’s best number ever in the 11 PM EST time slot.

    Here’s a look at last week’s ratings.

  • THURS UPDATE: WWE NXT Takeover, Mark Henry talks retirement, Dave Bautista married

    We’re looking for your thoughts on last night’s NXT 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 on the WWE house shows the next three days in Saudi Arabia, as well as on tonight’s NXT tapings at Full Sail University where they’ll be taping the next four weeks of television.

    Smackdown tonight on Syfy at 8 p.m.

    Dolph Ziggler vs. Big E

    Charlotte & Becky Lynch & Natalya vs. Bella Twins & Alicia Fox

    Ryback vs. Rusev

    Neville vs. King Barrett

    Randy Orton & Roman Reigns vs. Bray Wyatt & Braun Strowman

    Wrestling Observer Newsletter

    An update on the status of Daniel Bryan is the lead story in the new issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter which is on the site right now and also can be subscribed to for home delivery.  We update his situation and how the decision on his future will be made shortly.  We also look at Daniel Cormier and the light heavyweight division and what the business notes say, the WWE’s Madison Square Garden event with Brock Lesnar, TNA’s Bound for Glory and world title tournament, Conor McGregor predicts the future once again, a pro wrestler is in the Japanese cabinet as well as our monthly look at the WWE and TNA’s business indicators.

    The latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter: October 12, 2015 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Daniel Bryan’s pro wrestling future, UFC 192, WWE at MSG

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

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

    Rates are:

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

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

    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 what Daniel Bryan said this past week regarding his future and how the decision will be made for him soon, and what he’d like to do if he wasn’t working for WWE.

    We look at Daniel Cormier vs. Alexander Gustafsson and the shadow over the light heavyweight division, the news coming out of UFC 192, and full coverage of the event with business notes, early PPV indicators and poll results.

    We look at the WWE Network special from Madison Square Garden, Brock Lesnar’s return, how the show was promoted, Chris Jericho’s 25th anniversary as a pro wrestler and match-by-match coverage with star ratings and poll results.

    We also look at John Cena’s time off and what it entails, how that changes the European tour and the current lineups set for both November tours, WrestleMania tickets, Hell in a Cell card changes, what’s up with Paige, HHH talks NXT and difference with WWE, women, Jushin Liger, the chain of power and more.  HHH also talks Gabe Sapolsky.  We’ve got updates on Undertaker, Dwayne  Johnson, Chris Jericho, Ric Flair, Zeb Colter as well as a look at next season’s Total Divas.  We also look at a tryout camp just held, more on WWE legal actions, Paul Heyman gives his thoughts on Austin vs. Lesnar, a new WWE signing, plus notes from all the WWE & NXT arena events of the past week with business notes.  

    We also look at TNA’s Bound for Glory, the unique title tournament, plus a full rundown of the show with star ratings and poll results.

    CLICK HERE FOR A FULL WRESTLING OBSERVER PREVIEW

    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

    • Bryan I have both a show up on last night’s NXT show as well as all the latest news.  
      Wrestling Observer Radio 10/8: NXT Takeover Respect, tons of news and more!
    •  A new show today with Bruno Sammartino talking his recovery from surgery and his career, including the Shea Stadium match with Stan Hansen, the attempt to put together Sammartino vs. Ali, Sammartino vs. Andre, wrestling a bear and more.
      Wrestling Observer Radio 10/8 with BRUNO SAMMARTINO!
    • Check out: NXT TakeOver Respect live results: Bayley vs. Sasha Banks, Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic
    • Some notes from last night’s NXT show

    *There were people there all day waiting to get in, many before Noon.

    *James Storm was there but never shown on camera

    *Dark match was Bull Dempsey beating Sawyer Fulton with the sitting splash

    *Lots of Dusty Rhodes chants all night long

    *It’s only a few people who start all the chants

    *Hideo Itami and Sho Funaki were shown on TV, then went backstage.  They were only there for the shot

    *Stephanie McMahon was chanting “Women’s wrestling” with the crowd 

    *Bayley and Sasha Banks both looked exhausted leaving the building  

    • UFC on Fox 17: Myles Jury to face Charles Oliveira, plus one more
    • TNA announces UK shows will be recorded for TV
    • WWE Smackdown results (10/8): Roman Reigns & Randy Orton vs. Bray Wyatt & Braun Strowman
    • Exclusive for WrestlingObserver.com by Irv Muchnick Jimmy Snuka murder trial: Is involuntary manslaughter count the poison pill?
    • New Japan has a press conference at 4:30 a.m. Eastern time on Tuesday to announce Wrestle Kingdom 10.  That appears to mean the Okada vs. Styles and Tanahashi vs. Naito winners are a lock for the Tokyo Dome with no more matches to go.  The announcement will air live on New Japan World.
    • In an interview with Philly.com, Mark Henry said that he will be retiring shortly after WrestleMania, when his current three year deal expires.  He said he was going to retire in 2013 but Vince McMahon convinced him to stay, but he’s 100 percent done with wrestling at the end of this deal.  
    • WWE’s third quarter business report will be on 10/29.  That will be when the new network number will be released.  The stock may start rising in anticipation.
    • That’s what happened today, as it’s not up to $19.55 per share, up 78 cents for the day. 
    • Tommaso Ciampa was at the show last night because he’s working the NXT TV tapings tonight but he is still a free agent, they are just using him on television at this point.
    • Notes on the new A.J. Styles action figure
    • Congratulations to Dave Bautista, who was married over the weekend.  Among those at the wedding were friends like Jimmy Noonan, Chris Jericho and MVP.
    • Rosa Mendes was just engaged to boyfriend Bobby Schubenski in Paris, France.  The couple is expecting their first child in February.  This will all be covered in the Total Divas show next season.
    • The most recent Tokyo Dome show from 1/4 starts airing tomorrow night on AXS and will continue for the next five weeks, complete with Mauro Ranallo calling both Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Kota Ibushi and Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Kazuchika Okada.
    • The WWE is looking for a Branding Vice President to work under Stephanie McMahon.  The job entails setting strategy to grow revenue and generate positive perception of the brand.
    • Tommy Rich headlines for Hoosier Pro Wrestling on 11/7 in Columbus, IN at the 4-H Fairgrounds.
    • Pure Wrestling Alliance on 10/23 in Guelph, ONT
    • Alpha-One on 11/15 at Crazy Bill’s in Hamilton, ONT. 
    • Cody Deaner vs. Eric Young headlines the Jingle Bells Brawl on 12/5 in St. Catherines, ONT at the Merritton Community Centre.
    • The TLC PPV presale for the 12/13 show in Boston at the TD Garden is WWETLC.  The presale is going on right now.
    • There is a presale going on for the 12/30 Holiday show at the Royal Farms Arena in Baltimore with the code WWELIVE  Appearing are Seth Rollins, Roman Reigns, Randy Orton, Bray Wyatt, Kane and more.  The presale goes through 10 p.m. tomorrow night.
    • XICW 15th year Bash on 10/18 at The Ritz in Detroit with P.J. Black, Sonjay Dutt, Rhino an Truth Martini.
    • Dory Funk’s BANG on 10/24 in Reddick, FL at the People Power Festival (which has nothing to do with John Laurinaitis).  There’s an all you can eat festival featuring a pro wrestling show with all cage matches.
    • NWA Smoky Mountain Wrestling on 10/17 in Elizabethton, TN, at the High School, featuring Ricky Morton and an appearance of Ricky Steamboat.
    • CWE on 12/2 in Yorkton, Saskatchewan at the Yorkdale Central School will include a $5 donation of each ticket sold to the cancer fund for Ron Rurak, a suppoerter of the promotion
    • CHIKARA runs on 10/10 in Haverhill,MA at St. Joseph’s School.
    • Former WWE performer Romeo Roselli was in a Miley Cyrus wedding digital short on the season premiere of Saturday Night Live.
    • The World Series of Fighting announced an eight-man lightweight tournament for 11/20 in Phoenix at the Comerica Theater.  The show airs on NBC Sports Network.  The eight men involved are Luis Palomino, Brian Foster, Mike Ricci, Islam Mamedov, Brian Cobb, Jorge Patino, Joao Zeferino and Rich Patishnock.
    • Classic Championship Wresting on 10/24 in Chatham, ONT at the WISH Centre headlined by Cody Deaner vs. Derek Wylde.
    • CZW iPPV on Saturday night from Flyers Skate Zone in Voorhees, NJ.  The show is available at CZWrestling.com at 8 p.m. Eastern time.
    • River City Wrestling on 10/23 in Selma, TX at Retama Park.  Tanaka, Hernandez and April Hunter all appear.
    • Barrie Wrestling on 11/7 in Barrie, ONT.
    • Battlarts Pro Wrestling on 10/17 at Santino Marella’s Don Kolov Arena in Mississauaga, ONT featuring Sanyu from Japan.
    • CWE on 12/3 in Brandon, Manitoba at the Houston’s County Roadhouse.
    • All-Star Wrestling Fight Night on 10/23 at the Cloverdale Fairgrounds in Surrey, BC featuring a Battle Royal.
    • ONE Championship has a show tomorrow in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia headlined by middleweight champion Igor Svirid vs. Vitaly Bigdash.  The show airs on iPPV as well as on The Fight Network starting at 9 a.m. Eastern time. 
    • Jim Cornette interviewed Irv Muchnick on the Jimmy Snuka case at www.MLWRadio.com
    • WWE Network three month gift cards are now available at WalMart.
    • Mick Foley will be replacing Ric Flair in an appearance on an 11/7 show in Nashville at the Fairgrounds. 
    • Barbie Blank talks the TV show WAGS and her situation with WWE
    • Is he the sleaziest man around wrestling?
    • A video promoting the upcoming WWE 2K Sports game
    • FoxSports.com interview with Chris Jericho talking about his 25-year wrestling anniversary, his start to where he is now, how he has stayed relevant, when he really felt he understood wrestling, his future including WrestleMania 32 and more.

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

    1973 – Masked Lee & Juanita de Hoyas beat Miyoko Hoshino & Peggy Kuroda to win the WWWA tag tiles

    1989 – Mitsuhiko Nishiwaki & Madusa beat Manami Toyota & Toshiyo Yamada to win the annual tag team tournament

    1997 – El Hijo del Santo beat Felino in Leon to win the WWA welterweight title

    2001 – Kendo Ka Shin beat Masayuki Naruse in Tokyo to win the IWGP jr. title

    2004 – Takao Omori beat Masato Tanaka in Tokyo to win the Zero-One United National title

    2004 – L.A. Park beat Nicho in Tijuana to win the XLAW heavyweight title

    2004 – Universo 2000 beat Canek in the finals of the Leyenda de Azul tournament at Arena Mexico

    2005 – Brock Lesnar won a three-way over Kazuyuki Fujita and Masahiro Chono in Tokyo to win the IWGP heavyweight title plus Black Tiger (Rocky Romero) beat Tiger Mask to win the IWGP jr. title

    2006- Great Sasuke beat Super Delfin in Morioka to win the Tohoku jr. title

    2007 – Hiroshi Tanahashi beat Yuji Nagata in Tokyo to win the IWGP heavyweight title

    2012 – Lance Archer & Davey Boy Smith Jr. beat Satoshi Kojima & Hiroyoshi Tenzan in Tokyo to win the IWGP tag titles

    2012 – KENTA (Hideo Itami) & Maybach Taniguchi beat Magnus & Samoa Joe in Yokohama to win the GHC tag titles

  • Jimmy Snuka murder trial: Is involuntary manslaughter count the poison pill?

    by Irvin Muchnick

    The stipulation by prosecution and defense to bypass the formality of a preliminary hearing in the Jimmy Snuka-Nancy Argentino murder case in Pennsylvania has given us yet another major clue as to the potential end game of this outrageous 32-year-long saga of provincial cover-up.

    Lehigh County District Attorney James Martin (who just so happened to have been first assistant district attorney in 1983 — though you wouldn’t know that from reading the Allentown Morning Call) had petitioned Judge Maria Dantos to summarily find probable cause on the basis of the Snuka indictment presentment, which was publicly announced last month. Martin’s deputy, Charles Gallagher, argued that It would squander judicial resources not to accept the insignificant level of hearsay in a second-hand summary of the testimony of 20 grand jury witnesses. Snuka has a constitutional right to a fair trial, but not to a redundant preliminary hearing. Just get on with the trial.

    Snuka’s new lawyer, Robert J. Kirwan II, said fine — but first give us access to all the grand jury testimony, and keep those details sealed from public view.

    Kirwan has reiterated Snuka’s position that what happened to Ms. Argentino, his girlfriend, in May 1983 in Room 427 of the George Washington Motor Lodge in Whitehall was “an accident.” In the process, the parties jointly lay the groundwork for what could become the next and final step: a guilty plea to the charge of involuntary manslaughter — while letting the Superfly off the hook for the more serious charge of third-degree murder.

    It is intuitive that the prosecution’s chief challenge in convincing a jury that Snuka is guilty of murder, beyond a reasonable doubt, is the three-plus decades of reasonable doubt emanating from D.A. Martin and Detective Gerald Procanyn themselves. This adds up to an indictment not of WWF’s most popular wrestler of the early 1980s so much as of the criminal justice system of the Lehigh Valley. It’s also the reason why we have the saying “Justice delayed is justice denied.”

    But when all is said and done, a plea deal might be the best option for the Martin gang. If Kirwan is an even halfway decent defense lawyer, he will focus on impeaching the details — the pettier, the better — in the grand jury testimony. Across all this minutiae from nearly two dozen third parties (who, it must be emphasized, did not themselves witness exactly what went down with Snuka and Nancy), there are bound to be inconsistencies. Whether those inconsistencies bear meaningfully on the guilt of the defendant is not his problem. Let’s say one witness testified that Snuka beat his wife daily, while another said it was only monthly — presumably, that’s a defect on a par with Snuka’s multiple versions of how Nancy fell and hit her head while peeing at a roadside stop … or is that she fell during horseplay with Snuka in the motel room … is it that she was pushed by the 250-pound wrestler and struck her head on a blunt object during a lovers’ quarrel … or ….

    Hey, let’s just call it even!

    All along, I’ve felt involuntary manslaughter was the curious count of the indictment. It’s the kind of thing thrown in to enable face-saving and an unsatisfactory denouement. Snuka can defiantly say, in effect, “OK, I should have called 911 earlier — but as to the rest, you’ve got nothing.” Under Pennsylvania law, I.M. is focused on gross negligence or recklessness, not on direct agency, whether intentional or not, in another person’s death. It is a misdemeanor. It is not a felony.

    The whole idea of an involuntary manslaughter count is fishy. In Pennsylvania, I.M. it carries a statute of limitations of two years. D.A. Martin has not explained what makes this charge tenable 30 years past expiration. The only theory I’ve heard so far from experts is that, perhaps, special circumstances allow the prosecutor to “toll,” or stop the clock, on the S.O.L.

    I keep falling back on the idea that the real Jimmy Snuka verdict here is the one of history. In light of the foregoing, we can debate whether a 72-year-old man with cancer should be incarcerated. What the upcoming national (not local) media coverage of this whole episode seems certain to expose is the cronyism, corruption, and incompetence of the Lehigh County police and courts. That this was all the launchpad of what would become the World Wrestling Federation’s historic, industry-transforming expansion is, I believe, no accident.

    The 2013 ebook, JUSTICE DENIED: The Untold Story of Nancy Argentino’s Death in Jimmy “Superfly” Snuka’s Hotel Room, annotates our original article and benefits a women’s shelter in Nancy’s memory. You can order the ebook for $2.99 on Amazon Kindle (http://amzn.com/B00CPTP6VM) or a PDF copy by email (send $2.99 via PayPal to nancyargentino@gmail.com). One hundred percent of the proceeds are donated by the Argentino family, in Nancy’s memory, to the women’s shelter in development at the Salerno, Italy, church Centro Evangelical dei Fratelli.

  • New Japanese MMA promotion with Fedor: Rizin Fighting Federation

    Two-time Observer Awards promoter of the year winner Nobuyuki Sakakibara announced today in Tokyo the formation of his new promotion, the Rizin Fighting Federation, a new attempt to rekindle the heyday of Japanese MMA, complete with a New Year’s Eve show that will air in the U.S. in prime time on Spike TV.

    What was announced is two shows, both at the Saitama Super Arena, one on 12/29 and the other on 12/31.

    The biggest news is that Fuji TV, one of the major networks in Japan, will broadcast the event. Fuji TV was the network that broadcasted Pride until it was dropped in the wake of media stories about Yakuza influence in the promotion, which led to the group’s demise.  It was not made clear if the show would air live in Japan, with the indication that Fuji TV would air it as a special built around the fights of Fedor Emelianenko and New Japan’s Kazushi Sakuraba, who was the biggest name Japanese star announced as competing.

    Among the plans for the promotion include an eight person heavyweight tournament with $500,000 going to the winner, which would be taking place at some point in the future.

    The rules will be similar to that of Pride, with men’s fights being 20 minutes in length with rounds of ten minutes, five minutes and five minutes, and using the old Pride judging criteria.  Moves like soccer kicks and knees to the head of a downed opponent will be legal.  The fights will be fought inside a ring, but the ring would have five ropes instead of three or four.  Women’s fights will be three five minute rounds.  There will also be non-MMA rules fights, such as kickboxing fights, on the December shows.

    Sakakibara was looking to link the world’s of amateur wrestling, pro wrestling, MMA, Jiu Jitsu and kickboxing.  Appearing from pro wrestling were Sakuraba and Nobuhiko Takada, who will be a figurehead officer such as in the heyday of Pride.  Tomiaki Fukuta, the chairman of the Japanese amateur wrestling association was also there.

    Rena Kubota, a female star of kickboxing and Shoot boxing promotions in Japan will debut in MMA, as will Gabi Garcia, a ridiculously muscular world super heavyweight Jiu Jitsu champion.

    The main event on 12/29 pits Kazushi Sakuraba vs. Shinya Aoki in a battle of Japan’s original submission king against Japan’s current submission star.  Aoki, who is smaller than Sakuraba, is the current One lightweight champion.

    Also at the press conference were Scott Coker from Bellator and Jon Slusser of Spike TV.  Coker said that Bellator fighters would be on the show and that Sean Grande and Jimmy Smith would be announcing.

    Sakakibara said talent would come from Bellator, BAMMA, KSW, Bushido, Jungle Fight, Desert Force, Deep, Shoot, Pancrase and ZST promotions.

    No opponent was named for Emelianenko.  MMA Fighting had reported Jaideep Singh, a kickboxer who has only fought once in MMA, as the foe.

  • TNA announces UK shows will be recorded for TV

    As has been expected, TNA officially announced that its three January shows in the U.K. will be television tapings for Impact.

    Impact’s best shows of 2015 were the shows taped in the U.K. with the larger crowds that made the product seem more lively and major league like.

    TNA announced that appearing at the tapings would be Grado, Eddie Edwards, Davey Richards, Ken Anderson, Tigre Uno, Mahabili Shera, GailKim, Velvet Sky, Madison Rayne, Kurt Angle, Bobby Lashley, Matt Hardy,Ethan Carter III, Drew Galloway, Eric Young, Bobby Roode, Rockstar Spud,Taryn Terrell, Brooke, Robbie E and Mark Andrews.

    The shows are 1/29 at the Manchester Arena; 1/30 in London at SSE Arena at Wembley and 1/31 in Birmingham at the Barclaycard Arena.​

  • Ring of Honor results and recap 10/3: Kazuchika Okada vs Roderick Strong

    The Big Takeaway – More canned matches that were taped before the PPV and no follow-up from All-Star Extravanza more than two weeks after that show. The main event was one of the best TV matches in North America so far this year.

    This show was taped from the Field of Honor event in Brooklyn on Summerslam weekend and took place in a Baseball stadium. Very cool visual. This also kept up the theme of ROH vs New Japan.

    The Time Splitters (IWGP Junior Heavyweight champion Kushida/Alex Shelley) vs The Briscoes (Mark and Jay Briscoe)

    Briscoes were in and out of the crowd during their entrance and when they did wide shots, you got a really good picture of how empty the stadium actually was but the main shot made it look like the place was packed. They also had the crowd miced really well. Prince Nana joined Kelly and Corino on commentary.

    Early on the commentators were talking more about Adam Page and Jay Briscoe than anything in this match. Shelley and Kushida were kind of teasing dissension as at one point, Kushida had his back to the ring and was slamming Shelley’s arm against the ropes repeatedly with the idea that it was one of the Briscoes’ arm but Kushida didn’t know. Then Shelley had his back to the ring when Kushida was trying to make a tag. The announcers didn’t even reference any of this. Then just as quickly as all of that started, it was dropped and the Time Splitters were working together again.

    Shelley took out Jay Briscoe with a jumping knee off the apron, which allowed Kushida to hit a moonsault press for a near three. They brawled in the ring for a bit. Jay recovered and was brawling on the outside with Shelley. Kushida locked in the Hoverboard lock on Mark, while Jay was still outside the ring but Jay made it in to  make the save.

    All four in the ring and Shelley stretched Jay out, while Kushida did the “You can’t see me” gesture to him and hit the sliding dropkick on him. Double running knees on Mark and then the Time Splitters hit a combination Superfly splash (Shelley) and standing Shooting Star Press (Kushida) on Mark but Briscoe kicked out at two. Shelley actually counted along with the ref and reacted the same as he did on the kickout.

    Time Splitters were setting up a doubleteam Sliced Bread but Jay broke it up. Razor’s edge by Mark into a Diamond Cutter by Jay on Shelley only got a two count. Jay then hit a Jay Driller on Shelley for the win. The last five minutes were fun.

    WINNERS – THE BRISCOES by pinfall

    All four guys shook hands after the match. After a break, we got a gauntlet for a TV title match that was joined in progress with Cedric Alexander vs Watanabe. Alexander was laying cocky heel and wasted too much time, allowing Watanabe to roll away from a frog splash. He then hit a neckbreaer/Sunton splash for two.

    Alexander hit a Death Valley Driver for 2. Alexanders hit a series of running dropkicks in the corner to fire up the crowd. This brought out Moose. The distraction allowed Watanabe to hit a German suplex and a Half Nelson Suplex. A headbutt, followed by a forearm smash and finally the STO got the pin for Watanabe, who will now get a TV title shot (and by “will get”, the match happened two weeks ago….more on this later).

    Inside ROH was up next with Mandy Leon, sporting Jay Lethal’s new T-shirt. This week focused on the Adam Page/Jay Briscoe feud, complete with Page calling out Briscoe a couple months back when Briscoe wasn’t even there. Then we got the verbal exchange from them a couple weeks later, when Briscoe answered the challenge but BJ Whitmer wouldn’t accept. Then we got the match, which wasn’t really a match as much as a 3  on 1 attack at the hands of the Decade. This ended with Page hitting the Rampage onto a pile of chairs and setting up next week’s main event, which is a NO-DQ rematch of the two.

    Main Event – Roderick Strong vs IWGP Heavyweight Champion Kazuchika Okada (non-title)

    Nigel replaced Nana on commentary. Okada was insanely over with this crowd, as they exploded on the opening notes of his entrance theme and chanted his name throughout the entrance. They did adhere to the Code of Honor prior to the match.

    LETS GO RODDY/O-KA-DA chants before they even locked up. Strong got the better of things early on, leading in and out of the first commercial break, slowing down the match with mat work and submission set-up moves. Strong was very subtly acting like a heel, taunting Okada after hitting moves.

    After about 10 minutes, they were brawling outside on the field and Strong suplexed Okada into the crowd, drawing a HOLY $hit chant from the crowd. Strong then hit a gourbuster onto the ring barricade and then went back into the ring to try and get a countdown win. Nigel criticized this strategy, saying he was giving Okada too much time to recover and should’ve stayed on him.

    Okada made it back before the 20 count and Okada soon took control with a neckbreaker. They went back and forth for the next few minutes with both guys hitting moves but not going for covers. Crowd chants of THIS IS WRESTLING started up. Okada hit a standing dropkick onto Strong, who was on the top turnbuckle, to knock him out of the ring going into a second break.

    Back from break and Strong hit a backbreaker onto the ring apron on Okada and then rolled him into the ring for a 2 count. Okada hit a shoulderbreaker and both guys were down in the centre of the ring. When they got back to their feet, they treaded forearm uppercuts and chops and Shelley got the better of it. Shelley set up for a superplex but Okada pushed him off the top. Shelley hit an enziguri on Okada, who was still on the top rope and then hit the Superplex but only got a 2.

    Strong then locked in the Strong-hold (Boston Crab) in the center of the ring. Okada managed to make it to the ropes to break it up. Strong then hit a series of forearms and whipped Okada into the ropes but Okada hit the picture perfect dropkick to stop his momentum. Okada set up the Rainmaker but Strong powered out with a forearm smash and a series of jumping knees and then hit the Sick Kick for the near fall that everyone thought was the finish.

    Crowd and the announcers were going nuts at this point. Okada then hit a tombstone piledriver but didn’t go for the cover. A second Tombstone and then the Rainmaker pose but again, Shelley powered out of it. German suplex by Okada and looked like he was going to go for a second but hit the Rainmaker instead, which was of course the finish.

    WINNER – KAZUCHIKA OKADA by pinfall

    Just an outstanding main event that would not be out of place as a PPV main event. They pushed that the rest of the card is available on the ROH as a VOD and that next week, we’ll get the TV title match between Jay Lethal and Watanabe.

    Which brings me to a point that needs to be made here. This is now the third show since the PPV and there has been zero follow-up on any of the stuff from that show, which is a problem in 2015. The Adam Cole angle where he reunited with the Kingdom is something that they absolutely should be talking about by now. As well, one of the big selling features of the show was the angle between Dalton Castle and Silas Young and “the boys”. We should be seeing vignettes with Young trying to turn the boys into men by now. I would hope they’re coming but by the time they do, the match will be a couple months old. This is something they really need to work on if they hope to expand their fanbase. Bell to bell, they’re without a doubt the best company in North America, at least in terms of ones that have television but they need to update their presentation.

  • UFC on Fox 17: Myles Jury to face Charles Oliveira, plus one more

    On Wednesday, the UFC announced two fights for their 12/19 big FOX show in Orlando, headlined by UFC lightweight champion Rafael dos Anjos against Donald Cerrone.

    The first is the featherweight debut of Myles Jury as he drops down a weight class to face Charles Oliveira. Jury comes into his new division having gone 15-1 as a lightweight, his only loss coming at the hands of Cerrone in January. Oliveira was last seen awkwardly losing a first round affair against Max Holloway in Saskatoon, Canada, due to a freak torn esophagus injury that stopped the fight early.

    Also announced was the UFC debut of Karolina Kowalkiewicz, a 7-0 fighter from Poland, against Randa Markos. Markos went to the semifinals in the TUF women’s strawweight title tournament, losing to eventual title challenger Jessica Penne. Markos last won a decision over Aisling Daly at UFC 186.

  • UFC TUF 22: McGregor vs. Faber episode 5 results & recap 10-7

    It’s a whole new season and Conor McGregor is the reason, as he and Urijah Faber go toe to toe as coaching foes on The Ultimate Fighter. They won’t duke it out after the season is done, but there’s still pride on the line, not to mention Conor’s reputation as the newest badass on the block.

    Join us each episode for “The Notorious Quote of the Week” as Conor puts his mouth where UFC’s money is! We’ll also spice things up with some predictions for week two about who could go all the way this season – two “Fighters to Watch” for each recap.

    The Notorious Quote of the Week is Conor McGregor at the bar: “Is this the menu? That’s it? Just give me everything – thanks.”

    Marcin Wrzosek handed the U.S. team their first loss last week with a two round decision. Team Europe is going to try to capitalize by having Saul Rogers face Billy Quarantillo. Rogers is more experienced so UFC is promoting it as an “upset” if Quarantillo wins.

    McGregor on why he picked Rogers: “I paid attention to whose energy is right, whose body is right, who’s ready to go.” He felt Saul was showing all the signs of being ready. Meanwhile at the house Tom Gallicchio makes no excuses for losing his fight last week. He admits he was beaten by the better man.

    Saul Rogers talks about his two kids, and he says the one thing he hopes to impart to them is “Whatever you love doing stick with it” because that’s his approach to fighting. He also says he doesn’t make a game plan for opponents – he just tries to be as sharp as he can be for each opponent.

    McGregor shows his team some takedown techniques, and says the position of the head when you’re clinched up is the key. Everybody’s happy with the drilling but apparently after the commercial break he takes them all out for SAKE BOMBS.

    Billy Quarantillo talks about how he got hooked the first time he learned a submission, and that he feels like Rogers won’t want to stand and trade with him. Faber: “Billy has a lot of tenacity and he tries really hard, but his technique is far behind.” Faber gives him some personal instruction on how to move off his back and get good positions.

    Martin Svensson and Mehdi Baghdad are both thrilled to be learning from the best fighter in the world. Going out for drinks turned out to be a c–ktease – nobody gets crazy. I have to be honest that 20 minutes into the show this isn’t a great episode.

    Rogers and Quarantillo are my “Fighters to Watch” this week just because nobody else is standing out or doing noteworthy. Svensson may have had more lines than anybody else this episode but all he says is McGregor is great and Rogers is great. Yawn.

    McGregor is teaching Team Europe more techniques for staying balanced on your feet when someone has your leg high in the air. Saul weighs in at 156. Quarantillo weighs in at 155 even. Both teams are equally confident in their man.

    Finally something interesting is happening – Chris Gruetzemacher is starting to crack under the pressure of being on the show. He says he misses his coaches, his lifestyle, his ability to take time away FROM training when he wants. He’s saying he wants out in the worst way.

    Lightweight: Saul Rogers (Europe) vs. Billy Quarantillo (USA)

    Rogers is in the gray trunks, Quarantillo the blue. There are 22 minutes left so we’re in for at least two full rounds. Quanantillo’s first takedown is stuffed and Rogers is on top in half guard as it goes to the ground. Rogers hammers away with unchecked lefts to the head as he tries to get up, and nearly throws him back to the ground. Quarantillo is warned not to grab the fence. Rogers is on top again in half guard with 2 minutes gone and stands up to drop bombs, then he’s the one warned not to grab the fence. Rogers takes the back as they scramble and McGregor warns him not to rush and keep his position – but he does and winds up on top of Quarantillo as he tries to keep distance with butterfly guard. Rogers finally pushes his way back into full guard and almost finishes R1 in side but Quarantillo gets back up right before the bell. 10-9 Rogers.

    Rogers has a takedown 21 seconds into R2. Quarantillo is warned about fingers in his face. He tries to heel hook Rogers but Rogers just gets back on top in guard. I don’t feel like we’re going to a third round unless Quarantillo does something crazy… and soon. Rogers takes his back halfway through the round, Quarantillo stands up off it, and Rogers takes him right back down. He’s got side at 3:15. Rogers is really pouring it on with hammers and elbows against the fence with 30 seconds left. Quarantillo never did anything.

    Dana White: “He manhandled Billy. He showed he’s one of the favorites to win this thing.”

    20-16, 20-17 and 20-17 all for Saul Rogers. McGregor announces Mehdi Baghdad (Europe) vs. Julian Erosa (U.S.) as his pick. Join us next week!