WWE officially sent out a release announcing the signing of Kanako Urai, better known as Kana, a Japanese woman wrestler who will start in Orlando at the end of the month.
Kana actually signed in early August and was shown with Ric Flair and Sgt. Slaughter at the NXT takeover event.
By Dave Meltzer
We’re looking for your thoughts on Saturday night’s UFC 191 PPV show, so you can leave a thumbs up, thumbs down or thumbs in the middle along with a best and worst match to Dave Meltzer
We’re also looking for reports from Raw in Baltimore tonight with the Superstars matches, dark matches and anything else not evident from the live show at Dave Meltzer
We’re also looking for reports on these shows:
*WWE Friday night in Hampton, VA
*WWE Saturday night in Charlottesville
*WWE Saturday night in Wildwood, NJ
*WWE Sunday in Fairfax, VA
*GFW Friday in Waterloo, IA
Raw will be Monday night in Baltimore.
Smackdown and Main Event are taped Tuesday night in Wilkes-Barre, PA.
Dragon Gate has an iPPV at 5:30 a.m. Eastern early Wednesday morning
Mondai Ryu & Punch Tominaga vs. Lindaman & Draztick Boy
Masaaki Mochizuki & Big R Shimizu & Yosuke Santa Maria vs Genki Horiguchi & Jimmy Kanda & Naoki Tanizaki
Dragon Kid & Flamita vs. BxB Hulk & Kzy
T-Hawk vs. Eita
Cima & Gamma vs. Don Fujii & Ryo Saito in the Summer Action tag league
Shingo Takagi & Cyber Kong & Kotoka vs. Masato Yoshino & Akira Tozawa & Shachihoko Boy
Yamato & Naruki Doi vs. Jimmy Susumu & K-Ness in the Summer Action tag league
Wrestling Observer Newsletter:
It’s a gigantic news week in the new issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter with the main feature story on everything that led to the indictment of Jimmy Snuka after 32 years, plus Irv Muchnick, who has reported on the story for years gives his views on the proceedings, and we also look at Hulk Hogan’s attempt at redemption of his character, the full story behind the shooting at the Performance Center, notes from Battle of Los Angeles, the retirement of Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira, Hayabusa walks to the ring, Bram gets arrested, WWE fires Zahra Schreiber, UFC brings back Travis Browne, a rundown of the PPV business in WWE in 2015 and the latest monthly business report from WWE & TNA.
The latest Wrestling Observer: September 7, 2015 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Snuka indicted, shooting at WWE Performance Center and tons more
Web site subscriptions, which include access to both current and older newsletters as well as every audio show in the history of the site. Sign up here for as low as $9.99 per month!
You can also order the print Observer right now and get it delivered to your door via mail, by sending your name, address, Visa or Master Card number and an expiration date to Dave Meltzer
You can also order at www.paypal.com directing funds to dave@wrestlingobserver.com
Rates are:
For the United States, it is $13 for 4 issues, $32 for 12, $61 for 24, $101 for 40 and $131 for 52. In Canada and Mexico, rates are $14.50 for 4, $35 for 12, $67 for 24, $111 for 40 and $144 or 52. In Europe, you can get the fastest delivery and best rates by sending to moonsault@mediaplusint.com For the rest of the world, rates are $16.50 for 4, $44 for 12, $85 for 24, $141 for 40 issues and $183 for 52.
If you order by mail with a check, cash or money order (P.O. Box 1228, Campbell, CA 95009-1228), you can get $1 off in every price range.
The Wrestling Observer ranges weekly from 35,000 to 50,000 words covering pro wrestling and MMA internationally. Each issue has coverage and analysis of all the major news, plus every issue breaks major news stories before the Internet sties and has the most complete look at the pro wrestling and MMA business anywhere, plus history pieces available nowhere else.
Our lead story goes back to 1983 with an in-depth look at the death of Nancy Argentino, how the media caused the case to be reopened, a look at the charges against Jimmy Snuka, the different statements on the subject by Snuka, Snuka’s lawyer speaks, notes on documentation and testimony from the time, lots of notes regarding evidence, where Jimmy Snuka stood in the wrestling business in 1983, how Buddy Rogers fits into this story, what Snuka told police the morning after Argentino died as well as testimony from those who treated Argentino before her death.
We also look at the autopsy report, the police report from that time, the strange question that was never answered regarding the case being dropped, what Snuka has said to different people, the brawl in Syracuse before Argentino’s death, how the pro wrestling business in 1983 is so completely different from today and the previous legal action regarding this case.
Irv Muchnick also does a piece on the indictment talking about several points from the indictment.
We also look at Hulk Hogan appearing on Good Morning America and Nightline in a way to get his job back and repair his public image. We look at the WWE reaction, what Hogan said, what does and doesn’t hold up, the timeline issues with his various stories, neighbors of his growing up contradict his story and more.
We also look at the story of the man who was shot in front of the Performance Center, the circumstances of the shooting, and the different things he had done in recent months regarding his obsession with wrestling.
We also look at Battle of Los Angeles, how the tournament went, highlights from the weekend and celebrities at the shows.
We also look back at the career of Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira, including his new job with UFC, his becoming the top heavyweight in the sport at one time, his background, his debut in RINGS, his move to Pride, his fight with Bob Sapp, his three fight series with Fedor and his UFC run.
We look at the arrest of Thomas “Bram” Latimer of TNA, police details of what happened, TNA’s response and what is next for him.
We’ve got a story on Hayabusa, one of the best high flyers from 15-20 years ago and his attempted recovery from near paralysis.
We’ve got a look at Travis Browne and his reinstatement in UFC.
We look at the firing of Zahra Schreiber, the girlfriend of Seth Rollins, by WWE.
We also look at WWE & TNA business when it comes to house shows, merchandise, ratings and other categories for the past month.
We also have a PPV chart with how all the shows in the first seven months of the year have been, and compared them with the last few years.
We also look at WWE signing one of the major international women stars and why she’s not going to be wrestling in NXT, the return of Dr. Wagner Jr. & L.A. Park to Arena Mexico and how it got over, top pro wrestling star gets a reality show gig, and some major title changes.
We also look at maneuvering for the 2017 and 2018 WrestleMania, and the favorites, the 10/3 Madison Square Garden WWE live special, notes on lots of indie stars on WWE’s radar, ticket sales for NXT in the U.K., a new WWE movie, Update on Wade Barrett, action figure sales, announcing changes, SummerSlam edits, lots of notes on various WWE lawsuits, Dean Ambrose talks Renee Young, Fan tries to attack Ambrose, Sara Lee in NXT, plus notes on all the WWE & NXT house shows over the past week.
We also look at a number of top stars who worked recently in Bolivia, the last AAA TV taping and AAA wrestlers in a bodybuilding contest.
We update Wrestle-1 and the three generations of green mist stars trios match.
We also look at the Dragon Gate summer tag team tournament and its big show in Fukuoka and what came out of it.
We look at All Japan’s last major show and its current singles tournament.
We look at Pro Wrestling NOAH’s next major show, including a title match that was set up in the U.S., a well as the bracketing in the upcoming junior heavyweight tag team tournament.
We look at the weekend IGF show, a record that will be set at the next Tokyo Dome show, and the NWA title change.
We also look at U.S. stars who usually don’t tour Japan that are going shortly.
We’ve got more on the planned bio movie on Chris Benoit, Angelo Mosca getting his number retired, the weekend GFW shows and angles, Preston City Wrestling’s weekend show, former TNA star retires and a unique main event, plus early notes on this year’s WWC Anniversary show.
We also update the TNA TV situation, the Lucha Underground TV situation, the next ROH PPV show, new roles for people in ROH and notes from the weekend show.
We also look at changes in UFC main events, can UFC sell 70,000 tickets to its November show with Ronda Rousey, Rousey talks when she expects to retire, Cyborg, the date with the marine and notes about live shows on Fight Pass this month. We also look at this week’s PPV show, talks about the Jan. 2 Las Vegas card, a star fighter retires, Chad Mendes wants a rematch with McGregor, what happened recently with Jose Aldo, Rousey T-shirt sales, plus lots of more fights.
We also have a look at Bellator’s next major show, including the updated card, as well as plans for the big November show. We look at the Fan Fest with Fedor and Sakuraba, as well as notes on last week’s show.
We also look at the arrest of Chris Leben, and new restrictions on weight cutting that is being tried out for in California.
If you are a new subscriber ordering 24 or more issues, you can get one free classic issue of your choice sent to you today. With a 40 issue subscription, you can get two free classic issues sent to you today.
New subscribers ordering 24 or 40 issues have to let us know what major stories of the past 11 years you are most interested in and we’ll send the issue with the best coverage of that story. We’ve got coverage of every major PPV event and world wide spectacular, every major star switching promotions, histories of companies like FMW, Rings and New Japan, retirement and obit issues of every major star who fits into those descriptions over the past 11 years, as well as our biggest issue every year, the annual awards issue, and our most controversial issue of every year, the Hall of Fame issue.
Click here for the most requested Wrestling Observer back issues
MONDAY’S NEWS UPDATE
ON THIS DAY IN PRO WRESTLING HISTORY INTERNATIONAL (thanks to Graeme Cameron)
1970 – El Texano beat El Gringo in Monterrey to win the UWA welterweight title
1971 – Red Bastien & Bill Howard beat Thunder Sugiyama & Rusher Kimura in Tokyo to win the vacant IWE tag tilters
1972 – Seiji Sakaguchi beat The Sheik in Osaka to win the United National title
1973 – Masked Lee & Lita Marez (the mother of Roller Derby’s Dave Marez) beat Jumbo Miyamoto & Mariko Akagi in Nagasaki to win the WWWA women’s tag title
1988 – Mogur beat Pierroth in Neza to win the Mexican national heavyweight title
1990 – Kenta Kobashi & Johnny Ace beat The Fantastics, Tommy Rogers & Bobby Fulton in Fukui to win the vacant All Asia tag titles
1994 – Atsushi Onita beat Mr. Pogo to win the FMW World brass Knux title
2002 – Yoshihiro Takayama beat Yoshinari Ogawa in Osaka to win the GHC heavyweight title
2014 – Astral beat Pequeno Olimpico in Mexico City to win the CMLL minis title.
1927
Jack Reynolds won the World Welterweight Title from Bert Willard in Columbus, Ohio.
1936
Honey Boy Hackney won the Southern Light Heavyweight Champion in Atlanta, Georgia, by defeating Ben Jordan.
1945
Buddy Rogers defeated Ted Cox to win the Texas Heavyweight Title in Houston, Texas.
1953
Ciclón Anaya and Tommy Martindale defeated Cowboy Carlson and Dory Funk for the NWA Southwest Tag Team Title in Abilene, Texas.
1956
Pepper Gomez defeated Gene Kelly (Kiniski) for the NWA Texas Heavyweight Title in Houston, Texas
1956
Don McIntyre defeated Fred Blassie to win the Georgia NWA Southern Heavyweight Title in Atlanta, Georgia
1956
Médico Asesino defeated Jose Lothario in a tournament final for the vacant Mexican National Heavyweight Title in Mexico City, Mexico.
1960
Tony Borne defeated Ed Francis to win the NWA Pacific Northwest Heavyweight Title
1961
Cyclone and Hurricane Smith defeated Man Mountain Campbell and Stan Stasiak to win the Toronto NWA International Tag Team Title in Toronto, Ontario.
1961
Karl and Kurt Von Brauner defeated Ike Eakins and Eddie Graham in a tournament final in Jacksonville, Florida for the vacant Florida NWA World Tag Team Title
1962
Duke Keomuka and Taro Miyake defeated The Alaskan (Jay York) and Tarzan Tyler in Houston, Texas for the Texas NWA World Tag Team Title.
1963
AWA World Heavyweight Champion Verne Gagne defeated Omaha World Heavyweight Champion Fritz Von Erich in Omaha, Nebraska to unify the titles. Also on the card, Waldo Von Erich ddq Mitsu Arakawa, Guy Mitchell & Don Whittler beat Missouri Mauler Rocky Hamilton & Bulldog Danny Plechas and Bob Geigel drew Jack Pesek. Attendance was 4,012
Minneapolis, Minnesota AWA Tag Team Champions Dick The Bruiser & Crusher no contest Ivan Kalmikoff & Karol Kalmikoff Larry Hennig drew Don McClarty
Paul Christy beat Bill Wright
Stan Kowalski beat Eddie Sharkey Attendance was 5,006
1964
NWA World Heavyweight Champion Lou Thesz defeated American Wrestling Alliance World Heavyweight Champion Karl Krauser (Karl Gotch) in Columbus, Ohio to unify the titles.
1967
John DaSilva defeated Al Hobman in Wellington, New Zealand to win the New Zealand Heavyweight Title
Sioux City, Iowa Pat O’Connor beat Bob Orton dq AWA Tag Team Champions Larry Hennig & Harley Race beat Doug Gilbert & Reggie Parks Bob Ellis beat Chris Markoff Mike Dibiase beat Eddie Sharkey
1970
Don Leo Jonathan and Duncan McTavish defeated Bob Brown and John Quinn to win the Vancouver NWA Canadian Tag Team Title in Vancouver, British Columbia.
1970
The Interns won the Mid-America NWA Southern Tag Team Title in Memphis, Tennessee by defeating Johnny Walker and Tojo Yamamoto.
1971
Red Bastien and Bill Howard defeated Rusher Kimura and Thunder Sugiyama for the vacant International Pro Wrestling World Tag Team Title in Tokyo, Japan.
1972
Seiji Sakaguchi defeated The Sheik to win the NWA United National Title in Osaka, Japan
Kansas City Danny Little Bear defeated The Destroyer Rufus R. Jones & Omar Atlas defeated North American Tag Team Champions Black Angus & Roger Kirby (w/ Percival A. Friend) via DQ in three falls Texas Death Match: Harley Race defeated Dory Funk, Sr.
1974
Man Mountain Mike defeated Manny Soto in Hollywood, California for the NWA Beat the Champ Television Title.
Chicago, Illinois at Cominskey Park AWA Champion Verne Gagne beat Billy Robinson COR The Sheik & Bobby Heenan beat Dick the Bruiser & Bobo Brazil The Crusher & Ivan Putski & Larry Hennig beat Nick Bockwinkel & Ray Stevens & Superstar Billy Graham Chris Taylor beat Ox Baker dq Pepper Gomez no contest Baron Von Raschke Wilbur Snyder beat Rene Goulet Kim Duk beat Jim Brunzell Greg Gagne drew Buddy Wolff Vivian Vachon beat Lucille DuPree
1975
Pat Patterson won the San Francisco NWA United States Heavyweight Title from Angelo Mosca in Sacramento, California.
1977
Greg Valentine defeated Wahoo McDaniel to win the NWA Mid-Atlantic Heavyweight Title in Raleigh, North Carolina
1977
Texas Red defeated Chavo Guerrero for the NWA Americas Heavyweight Title in Los Angeles, California.
1980
NWA Tri-State held an 11-man tournament in Tulsa, Oklahoma to crown the first NWA Tri-State Heavyweight Champion. Terry Gibbs defeated Mr. Pogo to become the first NWA Tri-State Heavyweight Champion. Danny Hodge was the guest referee.
1980
El Texano defeated El Gringo for the UWA World Welterweight Title in Mexico City, Mexico.
1981
The Continental Wrestling Association held an event at the Mid-South Coliseum in Memphis, Tennessee. The Heartbreakers (Joey Cagle and Rocky Sortor) defeated AWA Southern Tag Team Champions Eddie Gilbert & Ricky Morton to win the title. Also, Steve Keirn defeated NWA Mid-America Heavyweight Champion Bugsy McGraw in a Title vs. Hair No Disqualification match to win the title. The Dream Machine defeated AWA Southern Heavyweight Champion Jerry Lawler in a Loser Leaves Town No Disqualification match to win the title. Koko Ware was the guest referee.
1981
Dory Funk, Jr. defeated El Gran Apolo to win the NWA Florida Television Title in Tampa, Florida.
1983
The Dynamite Kid defeated Curt Hennig for the NWA Pacific Northwest Heavyweight Title in Seattle, Washington.
1985
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania NWA Champion Ric Flair beat Dusty Rhodes AWA Tag Team Champions Road Warriors beat Ivan Koloff & Nikita Koloff Tully Blanchard beat Magnum TA Ole Anderson beat Sam Houston Arn Anderson beat Starship Eagle
Las Vegas, Nevada Jerry Blackwell & Rick Martel beat Fabulous Freebirds Buddy Roberts & Terry Gordy Sleeper vs Sleeper Match Nick Bockwinkel beat Greg Gagne Larry Zbyszko beat Sgt. Slaughter dq Boris Zhukov beat Brad Rheingans Curt Hennig drew Jim Garvin
1986 Chicago, Illinois Midnight Rockers beat AWA Tag Team Champions Buddy Rose & Doug Somers to win title. (Decision later reversed as the wrong man (Somers) was pinned) Curt Hennig (sub Nord The Barbarian) beat Nick Bockwinkel to win AWA Title when Larry Zbyszko hit Bockwinkel with nunchakus (Later announced, Curt returned the AWA Title to Bockwinkel because Hennig could not accept winning it in an unjust manner.) Greg Gagne & Jerry Blackwell & Jimmy Snuka beat Sheik Adnan & Ali Khan & Boris Zhukov Scott Hall beat Colonel DeBeers Curt Hennig dcor Larry Zbyszko
1987
The World Class Wrestling Association held its fifth and final “Labor Day Star Wars” event at the Tarrant County Convention Center in Fort Worth, Texas. Steve and Shaun Simpson defeated WCWA World Tag Team Champions Eric Embry and Frankie Lancaster to win the title. Also, WCWA World Heavyweight Champion Al Perez defeated Kevin Von Erich by countout to retain the title
1987
Carl Fergie defeated Jeff Jarrett in Memphis, Tennessee to win the NWA Mid-America Heavyweight Title
Larry Hamilton defeated Scott Armstrong for the Southeast NWA United States Junior Heavyweight Title in Birmingham, Alabama. This ended Armstrong’s fourth reign and began Hamilton’s third.
1990
Johnny Ace and Kenta Kobashi defeatedThe Fantastics (Bobby Fulton and Tommy Rogers) for the vacant AJPW All Asia Tag Team Title in Fukui, Japan.
1991
The WWF held its sixth “King of the Ring” event at the Civic Center in Providence, Rhode Island. This was the final edition of the event before its 1993 pay-per-view debut. WWF Intercontinental Champion Bret Hart defeated Irwin R. Schyster to win the King of the Ring Tournament.
1991
Galan Mendoza and Dusty Wolfe defeated The Latin Connection (Ray Gonzalez and Ricky Santana) to win the WWC Caribbean Tag Team Title in Caguas, Puerto Rico. At the same show, Monster Ripper (Rhonda Singh) defeated Candi Devine for the WWC Women’s Title
1997
The WWF held its 17th “In Your House” event, subtitled “Ground Zero”, at the Louisville Gardens in Louisville, Kentucky. Brian Pillman pinned Goldust (with Marlena). As a result, Pillman won Marlena for 30 days. If Pillman had lost, he would have had to leave the WWF. Also, The Headbangers (Mosh & Thrasher) (subbing for Steve Austin & Dude Love) defeated WWF European Champion The British Bulldog & Owen Hart, The Godwinns (Henry & Phineas) and The Legion of Doom (Animal & Hawk) in a Fatal Four-Way Elimination match to win the vacant WWF Tag Team Title.
1999 The Undertaker and Kane defeated The Rock and Mankind to win the WWF Tag Team Titles in a Buried Alive Match.
2004
René Duprée and Kenzo Suzuki defeated Billy Kidman and Paul London to win the WWE Tag Team Title at a “SmackDown” taping in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
2008 At the Unforgiven PPV; Matt Hardy won the ECW Title over Mark Henry, The Miz, Chavo Guerrero and Fit Finlay. Also, Chris Jericho defeated CM Punk, JBL, Kane, Batista and Rey Mysterio in a Championship Scramble match.
Lana suffered a wrist injury yesterday while in the ring training before the show in Fairfax, VA.
X-rays showed a fracture, described by Dr. Chris Amann as a Colles fracture and her wrist was put in a splint. Amann said that most likely she would undergo surgery. She would be unable to perform physically in the ring for about four months.
The WWE web site has a report on this at http://www.wwe.com/inside/lana-injured-while-training
WWE announced that Samoa Joe vs. Baron Corbin would be one of the headline matches on an NXT show on 9/17 in Houston.
After Raw tonight, Steve Austin will interview Edge & Christian live from Baltimore on the Stone Cold Podcast.
We’re looking for your thoughts on last night’s UFC 191 PPV show, so you can leave a thumbs up, thumbs down or thumbs in the middle along with a best and worst match to Dave Meltzer
We’re also looking for reports on these shows:
*WWE Friday night in Hampton, VA
*WWE Saturday night in Charlottesville
*WWE Saturday night in Wildwood, NJ
*WWE Sunday in Fairfax, VA
*WWE Sunday in Salisbury, MD
*GFW Friday in Waterloo, IA
WWE runs Sunday in Fairfax, VA (John Cena vs. Kevin Owens) and Salisbury, MD (Roman Reigns vs. Bray Wyatt, Ryback vs. Big Show, Luke Harper vs. Dean Ambrose).
Raw will be Monday night in Baltimore.
Smackdown and Main Event are taped Tuesday night in Wilkes-Barre, PA.
Wrestling Observer Newsletter:
It’s a gigantic news week in the new issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter with the main feature story on everything that led to the indictment of Jimmy Snuka after 32 years, plus Irv Muchnick, who has reported on the story for years gives his views on the proceedings, and we also look at Hulk Hogan’s attempt at redemption of his character, the full story behind the shooting at the Performance Center, notes from Battle of Los Angeles, the retirement of Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira, Hayabusa walks to the ring, Bram gets arrested, WWE fires Zahra Schreiber, UFC brings back Travis Browne, a rundown of the PPV business in WWE in 2015 and the latest monthly business report from WWE & TNA.
The latest Wrestling Observer: September 7, 2015 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Snuka indicted, shooting at WWE Performance Center and tons more
Web site subscriptions, which include access to both current and older newsletters as well as every audio show in the history of the site. Sign up here for as low as $9.99 per month!
You can also order the print Observer right now and get it delivered to your door via mail, by sending your name, address, Visa or Master Card number and an expiration date to Dave Meltzer
You can also order at www.paypal.com directing funds to dave@wrestlingobserver.com
Rates are:
For the United States, it is $13 for 4 issues, $32 for 12, $61 for 24, $101 for 40 and $131 for 52. In Canada and Mexico, rates are $14.50 for 4, $35 for 12, $67 for 24, $111 for 40 and $144 or 52. In Europe, you can get the fastest delivery and best rates by sending to moonsault@mediaplusint.com For the rest of the world, rates are $16.50 for 4, $44 for 12, $85 for 24, $141 for 40 issues and $183 for 52.
If you order by mail with a check, cash or money order (P.O. Box 1228, Campbell, CA 95009-1228), you can get $1 off in every price range.
The Wrestling Observer ranges weekly from 35,000 to 50,000 words covering pro wrestling and MMA internationally. Each issue has coverage and analysis of all the major news, plus every issue breaks major news stories before the Internet sties and has the most complete look at the pro wrestling and MMA business anywhere, plus history pieces available nowhere else.
Our lead story goes back to 1983 with an in-depth look at the death of Nancy Argentino, how the media caused the case to be reopened, a look at the charges against Jimmy Snuka, the different statements on the subject by Snuka, Snuka’s lawyer speaks, notes on documentation and testimony from the time, lots of notes regarding evidence, where Jimmy Snuka stood in the wrestling business in 1983, how Buddy Rogers fits into this story, what Snuka told police the morning after Argentino died as well as testimony from those who treated Argentino before her death.
We also look at the autopsy report, the police report from that time, the strange question that was never answered regarding the case being dropped, what Snuka has said to different people, the brawl in Syracuse before Argentino’s death, how the pro wrestling business in 1983 is so completely different from today and the previous legal action regarding this case.
Irv Muchnick also does a piece on the indictment talking about several points from the indictment.
We also look at Hulk Hogan appearing on Good Morning America and Nightline in a way to get his job back and repair his public image. We look at the WWE reaction, what Hogan said, what does and doesn’t hold up, the timeline issues with his various stories, neighbors of his growing up contradict his story and more.
We also look at the story of the man who was shot in front of the Performance Center, the circumstances of the shooting, and the different things he had done in recent months regarding his obsession with wrestling.
We also look at Battle of Los Angeles, how the tournament went, highlights from the weekend and celebrities at the shows.
We also look back at the career of Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira, including his new job with UFC, his becoming the top heavyweight in the sport at one time, his background, his debut in RINGS, his move to Pride, his fight with Bob Sapp, his three fight series with Fedor and his UFC run.
We look at the arrest of Thomas “Bram” Latimer of TNA, police details of what happened, TNA’s response and what is next for him.
We’ve got a story on Hayabusa, one of the best high flyers from 15-20 years ago and his attempted recovery from near paralysis.
We’ve got a look at Travis Browne and his reinstatement in UFC.
We look at the firing of Zahra Schreiber, the girlfriend of Seth Rollins, by WWE.
We also look at WWE & TNA business when it comes to house shows, merchandise, ratings and other categories for the past month.
We also have a PPV chart with how all the shows in the first seven months of the year have been, and compared them with the last few years.
We also look at WWE signing one of the major international women stars and why she’s not going to be wrestling in NXT, the return of Dr. Wagner Jr. & L.A. Park to Arena Mexico and how it got over, top pro wrestling star gets a reality show gig, and some major title changes.
We also look at maneuvering for the 2017 and 2018 WrestleMania, and the favorites, the 10/3 Madison Square Garden WWE live special, notes on lots of indie stars on WWE’s radar, ticket sales for NXT in the U.K., a new WWE movie, Update on Wade Barrett, action figure sales, announcing changes, SummerSlam edits, lots of notes on various WWE lawsuits, Dean Ambrose talks Renee Young, Fan tries to attack Ambrose, Sara Lee in NXT, plus notes on all the WWE & NXT house shows over the past week.
We also look at a number of top stars who worked recently in Bolivia, the last AAA TV taping and AAA wrestlers in a bodybuilding contest.
We update Wrestle-1 and the three generations of green mist stars trios match.
We also look at the Dragon Gate summer tag team tournament and its big show in Fukuoka and what came out of it.
We look at All Japan’s last major show and its current singles tournament.
We look at Pro Wrestling NOAH’s next major show, including a title match that was set up in the U.S., a well as the bracketing in the upcoming junior heavyweight tag team tournament.
We look at the weekend IGF show, a record that will be set at the next Tokyo Dome show, and the NWA title change.
We also look at U.S. stars who usually don’t tour Japan that are going shortly.
We’ve got more on the planned bio movie on Chris Benoit, Angelo Mosca getting his number retired, the weekend GFW shows and angles, Preston City Wrestling’s weekend show, former TNA star retires and a unique main event, plus early notes on this year’s WWC Anniversary show.
We also update the TNA TV situation, the Lucha Underground TV situation, the next ROH PPV show, new roles for people in ROH and notes from the weekend show.
We also look at changes in UFC main events, can UFC sell 70,000 tickets to its November show with Ronda Rousey, Rousey talks when she expects to retire, Cyborg, the date with the marine and notes about live shows on Fight Pass this month. We also look at this week’s PPV show, talks about the Jan. 2 Las Vegas card, a star fighter retires, Chad Mendes wants a rematch with McGregor, what happened recently with Jose Aldo, Rousey T-shirt sales, plus lots of more fights.
We also have a look at Bellator’s next major show, including the updated card, as well as plans for the big November show. We look at the Fan Fest with Fedor and Sakuraba, as well as notes on last week’s show.
We also look at the arrest of Chris Leben, and new restrictions on weight cutting that is being tried out for in California.
If you are a new subscriber ordering 24 or more issues, you can get one free classic issue of your choice sent to you today. With a 40 issue subscription, you can get two free classic issues sent to you today.
New subscribers ordering 24 or 40 issues have to let us know what major stories of the past 11 years you are most interested in and we’ll send the issue with the best coverage of that story. We’ve got coverage of every major PPV event and world wide spectacular, every major star switching promotions, histories of companies like FMW, Rings and New Japan, retirement and obit issues of every major star who fits into those descriptions over the past 11 years, as well as our biggest issue every year, the annual awards issue, and our most controversial issue of every year, the Hall of Fame issue.
Click here for the most requested Wrestling Observer back issues
SUNDAY’S NEWS UPDATE
ON THIS DAY IN PRO WRESTLING HISTORY INTERNATIONAL (thanks to Graeme Cameron)
1966 – Black Gordman beat La Pantera Negra in Victoria to win the Mexican national heavyweight title. Both of those guys were in California in the 70s
1972 – Bulldog Brower beat Spyros Arion in Brisbane to win the Austra Asian title
1972 – The Sheik beat Seiji Sakaguchi to win the United National title
1974 – Mario Milano beat Bob Roop in Sydney to win the WCW Brass Knux title
1996 – Canek beat Cadaver de Ultratumba to win the UWA heavyweight title
2003 – Toshiaki Kawada beat Shinjiro Otani in the tournament final to win the Triple Crown
2008 – Kensuke Sasaki beat Takeshi Morishima in Kyoto to win the GHC title
2009 – Aero Star & Fabi Apache beat Oriental & Cinthia Moreno in Hidalgo to win the AAA mixed tag title
2013 – Hiroshi Tanahashi beat Rush in Mexico City to win the finals of the Universal title tournament
John Cena ended up okay after being banged up from doing the infrared move that had previously been used by Amazing Red and Rey Mysterio Jr.
Cena was hurt in last night’s match in Hampton, VA, but was back in action tonight in Charlotteville, VA, beating Kevin Owens.
By the Secret Psychic Spy (secretpsychicspy@yahoo.com)
Starting Bankroll: $1,500
Current Bankroll: $751.66
Last week (Aug 22): 3/5 Overall 78/139 (56%)
Small profit again last time out at UFC Saskatoon as I try to inch my way back to even. UFC is back on PPV this weekend with UFC 191. Playing it safe this weekend with all favorites so let’s take a look at which five picks I think have the best value on this show.
Pick 1 – Jan Blachowicz (18-4) -140 over Corey Anderson (5-1) I’m betting $100 to win $71.43
Blachowicz has the experience edge, having fought for years against top-level competition despite just making his UFC debut last year. His only UFC loss was to top 15 contender Jimi Manuwa. Anderson is coming off the first loss of his career, to Gian Villante (who was just knocked out by this site’s own Tom Lawlor). Go with experience here and Blachowicz.
Pick 2 – Nazarene Malegarie (30-3) -145 over Joaquin Silva (7-0) I’m betting $100 to win $68.97
Malegarie has been out of the spotlight for years, with his last high profile fight coming in 2012 for Bellator, where he lost to Rad Martinez. Since then he’s rung up 8 straight wins in South America and will make his UFC debut here after 8 years and 33 pro fights. Silva is also making his debut and is unbeaten with all finishes. Silva’s wins have been far less highly profiled and again, go with experience here.
Pick 3 – Clay Collard (14-6) -135 over Tiago Trator (19-5-1) I’m betting $100 to win $74.07
Collard’s had a rough start to his UFC career, going 1-2 but I think he’s prime here to turn that around and get back on the winning track. He was brought into UFC with a lot of hype and he was really impressive for Showdown fights. Trator is also coming off of a loss and it was a devastating KO at the hands of Mike de la Torre. I like Collard here.
Pick 4 – Andrei Arlovski (24-10) -155 over Frank Mir (18-9) I’m betting $100 to win $64.52
This is the real main event of tonight’s show for a lot of people. Arlovski’s been on a roll since returning to UFC with 3 straight wins. Mir has two straight wins of his own after a long losing streak. Arlovski has a title shot starting him in the face if he can get past Mir and I really think he will. I don’t think Mir will be able to withstand his power after a long career in the Octagon. One thing I’m virtually certain of is this fight will end quickly.
Pick 5 – Jessica Andrade (13-4) -210 vs Raquel Pennington (5-5) I’m betting $100 to win $47.62
This is the second fight for these two, with Andrade having won a split decision back in March of last year. Since then Andrade has won 2 of 3, including a decision over Sarah Moras in her last fight. Pennington has fought just twice with her most recent being a loss to Holly Holm in the co-main event of UFC 184. Andrade is more experienced and has fought a higher quality of fighters in her career. I think she marches up the contender list with a second straight win over Pennington here.
All told, I’m betting $500 with a chance to win $326.60
On with the betting game.
2015 Betting Game: Secret Psychic Spy vs Ryan Frederick
Current Standings:
Ryan Frederick: $1,082.53 (Picked Oliveira, Watson, Aguilar, Eye, Leites, Lawler, Gordon, Hein, Alvarez, Ortega, Noons, Browne, Magny, Matthews)
Secret Psychic Spy: $1,470.18 (Picked Stout, Salazar, Bruno, Duke, Rivera, Samman, Bosse, Amirkhani, Henderson, Breese, Pyle, Wee, Andrews)
We’re both on a losing streak with both of our guys losing quickly in Saskatoon. I will turn things around with my pick this week, Andrei Arlovski as he’ll make quick work of Frank Mir and allow me to retain my lead.
Ryan’s pick:
I’m going John Lineker -135 over Francisco Rivera Jr
Good luck, enjoy the fights and remember, don’t bet more than you can afford to lose and try to have fun with it!
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WWE has added a new match to the 9/20 Night of Champions, no surprise, with Bray Wyatt & Luke Harper & Braun Strowman vs. Roman Reigns & Dean Ambrose and a mystery partner.
Originally Sting was going to be the mystery partner in this program.