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  • Daily Update: Bisping vs. Rockhold at UFC 199, NJPW, Cyborg to 135?

    In MMA, you never know when injury is going to lead to opportunity…even when that opportunity may be something better served up at a later date.

    In Michael Bisping’s case, that opportunity is a much-awaited shot at the UFC middleweight title, something he has worked for and pined for since coming off the TUF show so many years ago. Every time he got close, an ill-timed loss would put him back in line. But coming off three straight wins — including one over one of the best of all time — and with other top contenders hurt, Bisping took his opportunity.

    Cue imposing music. That opportunity comes in less than three weeks time at UFC 199 and against a man who is peaking at the right time and one that has soundly beaten him before in champion Luke Rockhold. When the lines open, Bisping will undoubtedly be an underdog. He hasn’t been training for a fight and three weeks is not the camp a title challenger would ever want.

    But stranger things have happened and as we know, anything can happen in a fight. Bisping will talk the the talk, and him even getting a title shot is, at least, an interesting storyline going into 199. Unfortunately, the chances of a happy story book ending aren’t great for the British standout, but that’s why outcomes are never won on paper.

    [Josh Nason]

    THE ROUND UP

    If you’ve ever wanted to WATCH our radio shows here on the site, check out our new Youtube page! No full video shows, but lots of video clips, full free audio shows that you can tell your friends about, and much more to come! Make sure you subscribe today!

    Figure Four Weekly 5/16/2016: WWE concussion lawsuit deposition takes a strange turn – Details on the developments in WWE’s concussion lawsuit, and more. Find out all the details in this weeks issue of Figure Four Weekly.

    Wrestling Observer Newsletter

    READ IT HERE: May 16, 2016 Wrestling Observer newsletter: Potential UFC sale, WWE releases, plus tons of news

    Our lead story updates the talks of a UFC sale, plus an updated look at how the WWE is doing as a business, a look at WWE cuts, the booking behind the ROH Global Wars PPV and how New Japan and ROH are working together even more closely than on the surface, Global Wars coverage, a look at the status of a lot of ROH talent, coverage of the UFC debut in Holland, the hidden story of just how much of the male audience has been lost by WWE, as well as what WWE can learn from the NBA, and historical bios on Billy Wicks and Kato Kung Lee.

    There is also a look at the ESPN story on the potential sale of the UFC, what we know is legit, numbers being thrown around, who actually owns UFC, Dana White’s reaction to the story, moves UFC has made, Dana White’s long-term future if there is a sale, timing of the sale and sustaining the brand popularity.  Plus there’s also a look at the various companies listed that are in talks of buying.

    An update on WWE financials is in this issue, plus a look at the WWE Network numbers, what last year’s patterns tell us about the numbers, the company’s profits and losses, how well every division does for WWE and what is the most important for the bottom line, how well the company is doing financially compared to last year, what is projected by WWE this year for the WrestleMania quarter, update on injured wrestlers and their returns, Vince McMahon talks WWE injuries, and how much cash on hand the company has right now.

    There is also a look at how WWE is going to be changing how it reports information and what information they are going to be keeping secret as compared to the past. Also, there is a look at the dichotomy between social media numbers and WWE network subscribers and what it says.

    CLICK HERE FOR A FULL PREVIEW

    Current subscribers click here to continue reading.

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

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

    Rates are:

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

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

    If you are a new subscriber ordering 24 or more issues, you can get one free classic issue of your choice sent to you today.  With a 40-issue subscription, you can get two free classic issues. 

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

    WEDNESDAY NEWS

    NJPW announced early Wednesday they will put on three daily matches for the Bushiroad’s Charaexpo in Singapore’s Expo Hall 7 on July 9-10. Bushiroad owner Kidani and Tetsuya Naito were in attendance. Naito cut a post-announcement promo on Kidani, challenging him to show up at the NJPW Dominion show on 6/19. Reader Alvin Lim sent along the following:

    9 July:

    • Finlay v Bushi
    • Gedo and Okada v Evil and Naito
    • Yano, Yoshihashi and Goto v Tanahashi, Juice Robinson and Magabe

    10 July:

    • Finlay v Robinson
    • Tanahashi and Magabe v Yano and Yoshihashi
    • Naito, Evil and Bushi v Gedo, Okada and Goto

    “Kimbo Killer”, former MMA fighter and Tom Lawlor BFF Seth Petruzelli is busy teaching WWE’s NXT rookies how to throw a punch.

    Cris Cyborg’s nutritionist feels she could easily make 135 but it would likely negatively affect her performance in the Octagon.

    Adam Cole was on Busted Open Radio talking about his recent Bullet Club turn, sharing leadership duties with Kenny Omega, and more.

    WWE & Pro Wrestling

    UFC & MMA

    • Tachi Palace Fighting Championships 27 runs tomorrow from their homebase of Lemoore, CA, with a big show for them featuring former UFC fighter Cody Gibson challenging Rolando Velasco for the group’s bantamweight title. Jared Papazian, also formerly with UFC, takes on Alex Perez in an undercard fight. Paul Fontaine has a look at the complete show, which streams live on Sherdog at 9 pm eastern / 6 pacific on Thursday.
    • Bellator 155 airs Friday on Spike TV, headlined by a middleweight title fight between Champion Rafael Carvalho defending against Melvin Manhoelf. Pat Curran, who was the last sparring partner of the recently deceased Jordan Parsons, takes on Georgi Karakhanyan in the co-main.
    • Saturday night, Venator FC 3 takes place in Italy and at least at this point, there doesn’t appear to be any way to view the show either online or on North American television. This is the show featuring the return of Jason “Mayhem” Miller after all of his legal issues as he takes on Luke Barnett. Also fighting on the show are Matt Hamill, Rousimar Palhares, Sokoudjou and Karl Amoussou.
    • Bellator is starting to round out its July 16 London debut, adding a heavyweight tilt between Mark Godbeer (great name!) and James Mulheron to the main card.

    Miscellaneous & Events

  • WWE Smackdown spoilers: Kevin Owens vs Cesaro; Roman Reigns vs. Luke Gallows

    – Kevin Owens beat Cesaro

    The Miz and Sami Zayn were on commentary. There was a bunch of distraction and it allowed Owens to win with the dreaded distraction schoolboy pin.

    – Dana Brooke beat Paige

    Becky Lynch was on commentary for this match.

    – Dolph Ziggler beat Sheamus

    Baron Corbin came out after the match and cut a promo talking about his match on Sunday against Ziggler.

    – Chris Jericho did an interview. They had the cage lowered. A guy who was dressed like one of the people helping lower the cage revealed himself to be Dean Ambrose.  He attacked Jericho from behind, climbed up and got a Kendo stick and nailed Jericho a few times before Jericho ran out the cage door.

    – The new Bob Backlund and Darren Young video aired.

    – WWE Tag Champions The New Day & Big Cass beat Dudleys & Vaudevillains when Cass pinned Bubba with the East River Crossing.

    – The Club came to the ring for the main event which was Roman Reigns vs. Luke Gallows.  The Family came out.

    – Roman Reigns NC Luke Gallows

    Everyone got involved in the match. It ended up with the Usos brawling with Gallows and Karl Anderson. Styles and Reigns were in the ring with chairs but Styles hit Reigns with a Pele kick and laid him out with a chair shot, so he was the last guy standing as the show ended.

  • Figure Four Weekly 5/16/2016: WWE concussion lawsuit deposition takes a strange turn

    In the WWE concussion lawsuits, the two sides are battling over discovery issues, namely with regards to depositions. Plaintiff Evan Singleton was deposed last week, and co-plaintiff Vito LoGrasso will be this week, but WWE took issue with:

      Current subscribers click here to continue reading.

    • Daily Update: Stephanie’s role, Raw ratings drop, Weidman hurt?

      Outside the next big NXT match being booked, some ratings news, and awaiting RAW ratings, news is kinda slow today which is why I wanted to drop a few lines about the continued portrayal of Stephanie McMahon on WWE TV as opposed to her role off TV amplified by the announcement of her biography to be released this fall yesterday.

      The wrestling equivalent of church and state (on-screen personality vs. admitting that you play a character off screen) is such where we are continually hammered over the head that wrestling is just an act and these are all great, likable people with families and lives just like your favorite TV and movie actors. Those of us who have watched wrestling since our formative years hate that aspect while it’s assumed younger fans will just adapt over time, pushing us irrelevant old fogies off to the side.

      But McMahon is a unique case because there’s the added rub that she’s a female in a male-dominated company who likely has to endure more lewd commentary than most would expect. (If you’ve seen the #MoreThanMean video, you’ll get an idea of what she likely receives via Twitter daily.) The domineering and talking down to talent, especially male wrestlers, feels too overt and too forced. As a result, we want to like her less even though, in real life, she’s probably pretty cool and someone we’d like over time as a character.

      But with her role outside the company about to grow even more, what’s the point in continuing to position her in a way on TV that still draws vitriol and frustration? Make her a strong lead in a way that feels natural, not scripted. (The same could be said for Shane as well). And in the case of both McMahons, get them out of the way. The show should always be about the in-ring talent and not a continual McMahon family drama, but weekly, that’s what we get.

      If the goal is to get Stephanie McMahon to a revered place like her father someday, it could happen…but not the way WWE is doing it now.

      [Josh Nason]

      THE ROUND UP

      If you’ve ever wanted to WATCH our radio shows here on the site, check out our new Youtube page! No full video shows, but lots of video clips, full free audio shows that you can tell your friends about, and much more to come! Make sure you subscribe today!

      Figure Four Weekly 5/9/2016: Hogan and Gawker fight over verdict – Hulk Hogan is suing Gawker a second time, this time for leaking the contents of sealed documents to the tabloids. Now we have the verdict. Find out all the details in this weeks issue of Figure Four Weekly.

      Wrestling Observer Newsletter

      READ IT HERE: May 16, 2016 Wrestling Observer newsletter: Potential UFC sale, WWE releases, plus tons of news

      Our lead story updates the talks of a UFC sale, plus an updated look at how the WWE is doing as a business, a look at WWE cuts, the booking behind the ROH Global Wars PPV and how New Japan and ROH are working together even more closely than on the surface, Global Wars coverage, a look at the status of a lot of ROH talent, coverage of the UFC debut in Holland, the hidden story of just how much of the male audience has been lost by WWE, as well as what WWE can learn from the NBA, and historical bios on Billy Wicks and Kato Kung Lee.

      There is also a look at the ESPN story on the potential sale of the UFC, what we know is legit, numbers being thrown around, who actually owns UFC, Dana White’s reaction to the story, moves UFC has made, Dana White’s long-term future if there is a sale, timing of the sale and sustaining the brand popularity.  Plus there’s also a look at the various companies listed that are in talks of buying.

      An update on WWE financials is in this issue, plus a look at the WWE Network numbers, what last year’s patterns tell us about the numbers, the company’s profits and losses, how well every division does for WWE and what is the most important for the bottom line, how well the company is doing financially compared to last year, what is projected by WWE this year for the WrestleMania quarter, update on injured wrestlers and their returns, Vince McMahon talks WWE injuries, and how much cash on hand the company has right now.

      There is also a look at how WWE is going to be changing how it reports information and what information they are going to be keeping secret as compared to the past. Also, there is a look at the dichotomy between social media numbers and WWE network subscribers and what it says.

      CLICK HERE FOR A FULL PREVIEW

      Current subscribers click here to continue reading.

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

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

      Rates are:

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

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

      If you are a new subscriber ordering 24 or more issues, you can get one free classic issue of your choice sent to you today.  With a 40-issue subscription, you can get two free classic issues. 

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

      TUESDAY NEWS

      As of this writing, there are rumors all over social media that middleweight contender Chris Weidman is injured. Additional information wasn’t available at this time, nor was it confirmed he is off UFC 199 where he is set to face middleweight champion Luke Rockhold in a rematch. We’ll have more as we find out detais.

      NXT Champion Samoa Joe vs. Finn Balor in a steel cage match will be the headliner for the June 8 NXT TakeOver show at Full Sail. They used the post-match brawl in Portland, OR, at a house show this weekend as the impetus for the move.

      As discussed on last night’s Wrestling Observer Radio, UFC strawweight Paige VanZant earned a spot in the Dancing with the Stars finale. She’ll be up against Ginger Zee and Nyle DiMarco, which kind of stretches the definition of “Stars” in the show’s title.

      The UFC 198 prelims Saturday night on FS 1 did 786,000 viewers, down about 5% from the UFC 197 prelims even with a stronger prelim main event of Matt Brown vs Demian Maia. The number was obviously hurt by going head to head with the Bellator show on Spike TV, headlined by King Mo vs. Phil Davis.

      Newly crowned UFC heavyweight champion Stipe Miocic will be a VIP guest of the Cleveland Cavaliers tonight as they open up the NBA Eastern Conference Finals against the Toronto Raptors. Miocic is from the area and it’s been touted that he’s finally brought a title to a city that has been without one for a long time.

      WWE & Pro Wrestling

      UFC & MMA

      • Dave Meltzer’s “Fortunes Changed for Five” article is up at MMA Fighting, looking at this past weekend’s UFC 198.
      • From the “You Can’t Make This Up” department, adult film star and California resident James Deen filed a Cal/OSHA complaint of “bloodborne pathogen violations” against Bellator MMA and Viacom Tuesday. Why? Because Deen was both cited and fined under the same code violation from the AIDS Healthcare Foundation and is tired of his industry being persecuted.
      • “You can’t pick and choose how to enforce the law. Cal/OSHA knows that section 5193 is not designed to protect entertainment workers. If the government is choosing to say that 5193 applies to the adult entertainment industry, then they are also saying that it must apply to all sports and entertainment,” he said.
      • Bellator 154 on Spike did 709,000 viewers, up from their last two shows and much better than expected given the lack of star power outside the main event.
      • Tickets officially go on sale Friday for UFC on Fox Chicago, set for July 23rd. Holly Holm vs. Valentina Shevchenko, Anthony Johnson vs. Glover Teixeira, and Edson Barboza vs. Gilbert Melendez are your three headlining fights.
      • Also going on sale Friday is UFC Fight Night 91 the promotion’s first visit to South Dakota. Tony Ferguson vs. Michael Chiesa headlines with Tim Boestch vs. Josh Samman and more announced for the undercard.
      • UFC flyweight champion Demetrious Johnson has signed a long-term contract extension with UFC.
      • Bellator yesterday announced a multi-fight, multi-year extension with unbeaten bantamweight prospect Darrion Caldwell.
      • Cris Cyborg opened up as a betting favorite over UFC women’s bantamweight champion Miesha Tate, should that bout ever take place. She is still listed as an underdog for a theoretical fight with former champ Ronda Rousey, though.
      • In a recent interview, Stephen Thompson opened up to Submission radio about not getting a title shot, fighting Rory MacDonald, thoughts on Woodley fighting Lawler and why he’d like to fight McGregor.
      • World Series of Fighting is launching a program designed to find fighters who are also military veterans. President Ray Sefo and team are going to visit gyms in an attempt to put together the first fight in the program on their Saturday, November 12th NBCSN show Veterans Day weekend.

      Miscellaneous & Events

      • NWA Smoky Mountain in Elizabethton, TN, on 6/24 with Chase Owens & Buff Bagwell vs. Jordan Kage and Chris Richards. Kevin Nash and Scott Hall are doing a meet and greet earlier in the day.
      • NWA is running CAJUN HEAT on July 2nd in Morgan City, LA, with Rob Conway vs. Rodney Mack, NWA Champion Jax Dane, and an appearance from Kevin Nash.
      • Alpha 1 Wrestling runs on 7/3 at the Knights of Columbus in Hamilton, ON.
      • If you are interested in attending the 10th annual Wrestling Observer / F4W convention in Las Vegas, EdinSanAntonio has all the information up on Facebook, or email him at F4Wfan@hotmail.com.

      Today in professional wrestling history:

    • WWE RAW live results: Extreme Rules go-home show with Styles-Reigns, Ambrose-Jericho

      The Big Takeaway:

      Another show built around Shane and Stephanie ruling the roost. They ordered two separate matches, presided over a contract signing that was the main event segment and ended with Stephanie decking Ric Flair in Greensboro. The show had two very good tag team matches but lagged during the final hour. 

      Show Recap: 

      The Usos will face Karl Anderson and Luke Gallows later tonight. A.J. Styles came out and said he was tired of Roman Reigns calling him a liar, and well as various places he’s gone to and social media. Styles showed off tweets from fans who thought Styles’ relationship with Anderson and Gallows was a ploy to make him WWE World Heavyweight Champion. Styles talked about headlining the Tokyo Dome in front of 60,000 fans, and he didn’t need any help getting to the top. 

      Reigns came out. “What an ovation!” screamed JBL as thunderous boos echoed in the background and Reigns walked past a “When it Reigns, it Bores” sign. Reigns said Styles has won championship after championship, but if you ask him, it doesn’t matter unless he’s wearing THE championship. Fans chanted for Seth Rollins, which seemed to iritate Reigns. Reigns said he would be in the Usos corner, and asked Styles if he was going to be in the Club’s corner? Styles said he would.

      Styles said Reigns was THE guy who he was going to beat this Sunday at Extreme Rules. Reigns said Styles couldn’t beat him one-on-one, and the Usos would be at ringside with him to prove that the bloodline could beat the clubline. Anderson & Gallows came out. The Usos ran out from the crowd to join Reigns and Reigns punched Styles out of the ring just as Styles was about to strike. It appeared security was confiscasting anti-Reigns signs during this segment because they cut to tight shots of Reigns face while guards worked around ringside.  

      Cesaro and Sami Zayn went to a no contest (1:40)

      Kevin Owens and the Miz were at ringside. After Sami Zayn sent Cesaro out of the ring, Owens got up from the commentary table and acted like he was going to leave, but attacked Miz instead. The two ended up in the ring, where Owens and Zayn brawled, as did Cesaro and Miz. 

      This led to Shane McMahon coming out to a big pop. He arranged for Zayn and Cesaro to team against Miz and Owens. Then Stephanie McMahon came out. She changed the match to Zayn and Owens vs. Miz and Cesaro, and if Owens walked out, he would lose his spot in the Fatal Four Way at Extreme Rules. 

      Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens defeated the Miz and Cesaro (10:47) 

      Zayn pinned the Miz after the Helluva Kick. Miz and Cesaro starting arguing, and it led to Cesaro giivng him the Skull Crushing Finale. After Zayn got the pin, Owens gave him a superkick, then proclaimed himself the winner of the match. Owens was the straw that stirred this drink and was very entertaining. He even got a run wild sequence that included a Cannonball on Cesaro, which the fans went nuts for. Byron Saxton said “I can’t believe we’re seeing Zayn and Owens teaming together.” Aside from the decade they spent teaming together in ROH and other indys, I totally agree. Reminded me of watching WWE Superstars back in the day and Gorilla Monsoon would call Lanny Poffo a youngster after he had wrestled for 15 years. 

      Renee Young asked Chris Jericho in his dressing room about Dean Ambrose requesting a meeting with him tonight. Jericho said he wanted Ambrose to apologize for destroying his $15,000 jacket last week, which was as much an institution in the WWE as Andre the Giant. He talked about how the jacket belonged in the Smithsonian. 

      The Shining Stars defeated Scott Jackson and Brian Kennedy (1:33) 

      Epico pinned Brian Kennedy with the Shining Star, which is the old Total Elimination. Since they were in Greensboro, this was your basic 1980s squash match that aired on Mid-Atlantic Championship Wrestling every Saturday night. Even the jobbers names sounded like something that Bob Caudle would say. A word has yet to be created to adequately describe the indifference the crowd had for the Shining Stars in their debut, whose gimmick is they beat up guys from the host cities hometown to prove Puerto Rico is the most beautiful place on Earth. Before we go comparing this to the Reverend D-Von, Kane’s twin brother and Outback Jack, let’s remember the New Day was the least over thing in this company 18 months ago. 

      OK, I’m done pretending. These guys couldn’t get heat in Texas wearing Jose Bautista jerseys. 

      Ambrose came out. There was an angle on SmackDown where Jericho put Ambrose in a straight jacket, and Ambrose said he felt something in his head that snapped a little. He called Jericho out. Jericho came out and ordered Ambrose to apologize for his jacket, which he called an important part of his legacy. Jericho actually was a heel trying to get heat. And he got it. Remarkable. 

      Ambrose said he wasn’t apologizing and challenged him to a match at Extreme Rules. Jericho said he would take $15,000 out of Ambrose’s ass. Ambrose asked if Jericho was sure. Jericho said people liked to call Ambrose a lunatic, but he was a lunatic because there was no one in the company crazier than him. He’s faced every fighter the company has thrown at him for 17 years and is a 6-time world champion. Jericho said he would punish Ambrose with no remorse, with a smile on his face and without a tear in his eye. Jericho did his new catchphrase of “The gift of Jericho. Drink it in.” 

      Ambrose said he had a gift for Jericho. A cage came down from the roof with this music that sounded like the “Psycho” theme. Ambrose said he talked to Shane and Ambrose got to have the first-ever Asylum match. It was a cage match with a straight jacket, a barbed wire 2×4, the ghost of Mitch the Plant, a fire extinguisher, a strap, a mop and bucket and various other objects. Ambrose said there would be no escaping the cage and Jericho would never, ever be the same again. 

      Dana Brooke defeated Becky Lynch (3:41) 

      Brooke won when Becky Lynch attempted a sunset flip, but Brooke sat down. Weird spot early in Lynch jumped off the apron for a double axehandle that appeared to connect, but wasn’t supposed to. Brooke then had to no-sell it and threw Lynch into the dasherboards. Brooke was shown earlier being snobby to a guy, saying if he worked out and dressed better, maybe she would take him seriously. Lynch has become the jobber Diva, it appears. 

      Bob Backlund appeared as Darren Young’s life coach. Backlund asked Young what time it was. Young pulled out his phone. Backlund thought he was going to call the operator and ask what time it was. Young talked about trying to organize the Desktop on his phone. Backlund thought he meant organizing his desk by putting a calendar over it. Backlund ordered him to do 200 squats. And that’s how the second “Make Darren Young Great Again” skit ended. Well, the newest Young push is still more alive than Ted Cruz’s campaign. 

      Shane watched this unfold. Stephanie wanted to know why Shane didn’t run the whole Asylum match by her. Shane wondered why didn’t Stephanie run by changing the tag team match by him. Bubba Ray and Devon Dudley came in. Bubba Ray said they’ve heard about the New Era, but they wanted to show what guys from the Attitude era. Devon Dudley wanted to face two little guys from North Carolina and rough them up. Shane spoke up and said one of the Dudleys could face Big Cass. The Dudleys could pick out which one would get the honors. Shane got to do Enzo Amore’s catchphrase. 

      Breezango defeated The Golden Truth (1:55) 

      Tyler Breeze pinned Goldust after R-Truth accidentally hit Goldust with a flying side kick. Breezango is Tyler Breeze and Fandango, who turned on their respective partners on SmackDown. The Golden Truth got a big introduction video that was twice as long as the match, showing how this debut was six months in the making. Naturally, they lost and teased dissension, which we saw earlier from two other teams. 

      Goldust was mad at Truth afterwards. Truth said they need to get their timing together. Fandango and Breeze dropped by to laugh at them. At first, Goldust was unsure if Truth would be a good partner, but after Breezango laughed at them, he agreed they should remain a team and get revenge. 

      The New Day came out. It looked like fans had Booty-O boxes left and right. Kofi Kingston said he didn’t understand why the Vaudevillains said a bygone era was a better era. They pulled off a huge box that Xavier Woods claimed was a Delorian time machine. Big E. tried to claim it was really a large refrigerator box with a keyboard that was really sticky, but Woods wouldn’t let him finish. T

      hey got inside the box and it was pretty funny. The machine went back in time and Kofi Kingston’s old Jamacian “S.O.S’ music started playing. Kingston started doing his old Jamacian accent. Woods said they didn’t go back far enough. They got back in the box and Kofi’s smartphone had turned into a old camera with a light bulb on top. Aiden English and Simon Gotch then ran up from behind and jumped the New Day, giving Woods and Kingstgon the Whirling Dervish. 

      The Usos defeated Karl Anderson and Luke Gallows (12:46) 

      Very good match, better than the first match of the night. After the Usos hit double superkicks on Anderson and Gallows, Jey Uso pinned Anderson after a splash. Anderson hit a spinebuster on Jey for a very good near fall. Styles and Reigns were at ringside in opposing corners. A group of fans were still chanting for Rollins. Jey Uso has so much charisma, his hot tag won the crowd over, even with Reigns at ringside. 

      Postmatch, Gallows hit Reigns from behind. This led to the Usos and Anderson/Gallows brawling again, where Anderson threw Jey Uso into the steps. Styles was left in the ring trying to use the chair against Reigns, but Reigns caught Styles with an uppercut before he could. Reigns hit Styles with the chair across the back. Gallows and Anderson ran in, only to each take Superman Punches. Styles recovered to deliver three chair shots across Reigns’ back. Then Styles delivered the Styles Clash onto the chair on Reigns to sizeable cheers. 

      Big Cass defeated Devon Dudley (:59) 

      Big Cass won with the East River Crossing, or the old Chris Harris Catatonic. Cass did a prematch promo where he compared Devon to Urkel from Family Matters and Bubba Ray to Fred Flintstone. 

      Alberto Del Rio defeated Kalisto (C) in a nontitle match (11:05)

      Sin Cara watched the match from the back when Rusev jumped him with a superkick, then dragged him to ringside. That got the crowd interested because they would get to see Lana, who got chants. Once Rusev showed up at ringside, Kalisto was distracted, giving Alberto Del Rio the opening to hit the backstabber for the pin. Earlier, Kalisto tried to hit a huracanrana off the apron, but Del Rio slung him into the barricade. 

      Postmatch, Rusev attacked Kalisto, giving him the Accolade when he bent as far as humanly possible. Rusev grabbed the U.S. Championship and threw on a prone Kalisto. 

      Stephanie and Shane were in the ring for the contract signing for Charlotte vs. Natalya for the WWE Women’s Championship match at Extreme Rules. Shane got “Shane O’Mac” chants. She was about to introduce Charlotte when Ric Flair interrupted her and introduced his daughter. Michael Cole gave a rundown of Flair’s career in Greensboro, mentioning his first match in the Greensboro Coliseum was against Chuck O’Connor, who would go on to be Big John Studd. Sadly, Cole also mentioned Flair’s last match in Greensboro, in 2008 against HHH. That will forever go down as the night HHH refused to job in Flair’s last match in Greensboro, opting for a lame DQ finish where William Regal ran in to punch HHH with brass knux. 

      Natalya came out and said Charlotte was once someone she respected and had integrity. Natalya said Charlotte even defeated her for Charlotte’s first NXT championship without the help of her creepy father. Natalya said that is the Charlotte she would like to beat at Extreme Rules, but that person doesn’t exist. Charlotte replied that Natalya was delusional, and the fans weren’t there to cheer for her, they were there for Charlotte.

      It was meant to be a heel interview, as Charlotte said she could punch all of their best friends in the face and they would still cheer for her because they worship the ground that she walks on. Charlotte proclaimed herself as a living, breathing goddess. Those lines got the crowd against her, but it wasn’t genuine heat. Charlotte gave Natalya a “Whoo.” Ric started to say “Whoo,” but Charlotte told him to start because it was her ring. Charlotte said this was a waste of her time to talk about how bad she would be Natalya and asked to sign the deal. Charlotte looked at the contract, then asked “What is this?” 

      Shane included an added stipulation that if Ric even walks down to the ring, then Charlotte would forfeit the WWE Women’s Championship. Why was this news? Stephanie made that stipulation two weeks ago. 

      At that point, Shane brought security down to escort Flair away. Stephanie said if Charlotte didn’t sign the contract, then she would forfeit the championship. So Charlotte was essentially forced into the match. Charlotte signed the deal. 

      Flair got pissed at Stephanie, saying she was the worst businesswoman of all time. Shane tried to calm him down. Flair then took off his watch and his coat, acting like he was going to square off against Shane, who tried to let cooler heads prevail. Stephanie stepped between Shane and said he may have respect for Flair, but she doesn’t. Stephanie did slapped Flair, who had to take a delayed bump. This led to audible “Stephanie” chants that sure did come and go quickly. 

      Security stepped in to keep Flair out of the ring. Meanwhile, Natalya put Charlotte in the sharpshooter and Charlotte tapped out. Basically another segment to get the McMahons over. 

      SUMMARY: 

      How can a show be bad when it has A.J. Styles, Sami Zayn, Kevin Owens, Cesaro, and some very good tag teams? When it turns into another episode of “The McMahons,” which this show became after the first hour. They just can’t help themselves. The Styles/Reigns buildup was very good. 

    • Daily Update: Emma injury, Raw competition, Brown attacked in Brazil

      Emma suffered a back injury at yesterday’s house show in Charlottesville, VA. She was being examined today. In other injury news, it is official that Matt Jackson’s fractured hand will keep him out of the ring for four to six weeks so he and Nick Jackson are both out of the Best of the Super Juniors tournament, which starts tomorrow. New Japan hasn’t announced replacements.

      We’re looking for your thoughts on yesterday’s UFC 198 show, so you can leave a thumbs up, thumbs down or thumbs in the middle along with a best and worst match to dave@wrestlingobserver.com” target=”_blank”>dave@wrestlingobserver.com.

      Raw is tonight in Greensboro. It’s the go-home show for Extreme Rules and we should get one or two new matches announced for the show. We’re looking for reports on the dark matches, Superstars matches and anything else not evident from the live show.

      We’re looking for reports on these shows also to dave@wrestlingobserver.com” target=”_blank”>dave@wrestlingobserver.com.

      Friday’s WWE house show in Greeneville, NC

      The Lucha Underground tapings this past weekend in Los Angeles. 

      Smackdown and Main Event will be taped tomorrow night in Greenville, SC.  Not that this means anything, but they are advertising Roman Reigns & Dean Ambrose & Cesaro vs. Chris Jericho & Kevin Owens & The Miz.

      THE ROUND UP

      If you’ve ever wanted to WATCH our radio shows here on the site, check out our new Youtube page! No full video shows, but lots of video clips, full free audio shows that you can tell your friends about, and much more to come! Make sure you subscribe today!

      Figure Four Weekly 5/9/2016: Hogan and Gawker fight over verdict – Hulk Hogan is suing Gawker a second time, this time for leaking the contents of sealed documents to the tabloids. Now we have the verdict. Find out all the details in this weeks issue of Figure Four Weekly.

      Wrestling Observer Newsletter

      READ IT HERE: May 16, 2016 Wrestling Observer newsletter: Potential UFC sale, WWE releases, plus tons of news

      Our lead story updates the talks of a UFC sale, plus an updated look at how the WWE is doing as a business, a look at WWE cuts, the booking behind the ROH Global Wars PPV and how New Japan and ROH are working together even more closely than on the surface, Global Wars coverage, a look at the status of a lot of ROH talent, coverage of the UFC debut in Holland, the hidden story of just how much of the male audience has been lost by WWE, as well as what WWE can learn from the NBA, and historical bios on Billy Wicks and Kato Kung Lee.

      There is also a look at the ESPN story on the potential sale of the UFC, what we know is legit, numbers being thrown around, who actually owns UFC, Dana White’s reaction to the story, moves UFC has made, Dana White’s long-term future if there is a sale, timing of the sale and sustaining the brand popularity.  Plus there’s also a look at the various companies listed that are in talks of buying.

      An update on WWE financials is in this issue, plus a look at the WWE Network numbers, what last year’s patterns tell us about the numbers, the company’s profits and losses, how well every division does for WWE and what is the most important for the bottom line, how well the company is doing financially compared to last year, what is projected by WWE this year for the WrestleMania quarter, update on injured wrestlers and their returns, Vince McMahon talks WWE injuries, and how much cash on hand the company has right now.

      There is also a look at how WWE is going to be changing how it reports information and what information they are going to be keeping secret as compared to the past. Also, there is a look at the dichotomy between social media numbers and WWE network subscribers and what it says.

      CLICK HERE FOR A FULL PREVIEW

      Current subscribers click here to continue reading.

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

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

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

      If you are a new subscriber ordering 24 or more issues, you can get one free classic issue of your choice sent to you today.  With a 40-issue subscription, you can get two free classic issues. 

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

      MONDAY NEWS

      WWE had better hope that the string of improved shows will start clicking because with the Golden State Warriors vs. Oklahoma City Thunder game starting at 9 p.m., going against the final two hours of Raw, not to mention the usual Dancing With the Stars, this is a tough night for competition. The NHL playoff game with Tampa Bay vs. Pittsburgh also goes against Raw.  Raw hasn’t advertised anything of note for tonight, past the new gimmick debut of the Colon cousins, who will go as Primo & Epico, The Shining Stars. One note is that it will be Ric Flair’s first appearance in a long time at the Greensboro Coliseum, the building he helped put on the map during the 70s as one of the hottest arenas in the country. 

      Jimmy Snuka’s competency to stand trail hearing will continue this week in Allentown, PA.

      John Cena and the Bella Twins are in New York today for the NBC Universal upfronts. Cena was pushing the company’s charity work and used the term fans instead of WWE Universe. Well, in a situation like that, he probably should.

      Bruno Sammartino, who has cut way back on autograph shows, announced what may be his last signing at The Big Event in Queens on 11/19, with an appearance along with Ivan Koloff and Larry Zbyszko.  

      WWE

      • The company applied for a trademark for the term “Lady Balls” last week according to Pro Wrestling Sheet. The theory is that’s the title for Stephanie McMahon’s autobiography that was announced earlier today. 
      • NXT will be taping on Thursday night at Full Sail University.
      • There is a new episode of Camp WWE today with Sgt. Slaughter as a key figure leading Survival weekend.    

      UFC

      • In a crazy story, Matt Brown, who had a few fans try to get at him as he went to the cage on Saturday night, was attacked at his hotel in Curitiba by his former Jiu Jitsu coach Rodrigo Botti yesterday morning. As the story goes, Botti punched Brown from behind and ran away. Friends of Brown chased him and grabbed him outside the hotel and held him for police. Brown was not injured in the attack and returned home to the U.S. Botti had charged Brown with assault last year in the U.S. 
      • David Berlin, who was the director of the New York State Athletic Commission, was replaced by Eric Bently. The commission will start regulating MMA in a few months with both UFC and Bellator expecting to go into the state with major shows.   

      MISCELLANEOUS

      • Dave Bautista, Gina Carano, George St-Pierre and Jean Claude Van Damme star in the movie “Kickboxer: Vengeance” that will be released at the theaters on 8/19. Bautista plays Tong Po, a Muay Thai champion. Other familiar names in the cast include Cain Velasquez, pro wrestler Luke Hawx, Tyron Woodley, Fabricio Werdum and Joe Schilling.
      • Scheduled for Impact tomorrow night on POP TV:

      Velvet Sky vs. Sienna (Sky’s farewell to the promotion)

      Ethan Carter III vs Tyrus last man standing

      Drew Galloway vs. Bobby Lashley for the TNA title

      • WrestleMarica from Saturday night in Barnesville, GA before 300 fans: Dylan Cook b Scotty Beach, Trevor Acon & Damian Silva b Chris Henry & Shawn Sims, Scotty Bullwinkel b Iceberg in a street fight, Corey Hollis & Jaxson James b Zane Stevens & David Tita, Amber Gallows b Andrea the Amazon to retain the NWA women’s title, Fry Daddy b Stevie Richards. Teddy Long appeared on the show as General Manager. Amber Gallows did a heel turn as NWA women’s champion saying Luke Gallows put the WWE ahead of their promotion and said she was the only woman to ever wrestle in New Japan that actually mattered.  I guess that was meant for Maria Kanellis.  Next show is 6/11 with Tama Tonga & Tanga Loa vs. Corey Hollis & John Skyler. (thanks to Kris Zellner)
      • Premier Wrestling on 7/17 in Gilroy, CA at the IFDES Lodge Portuguese Hall at 5 p.m. with Joe Graves (5-1-1) defending his Premier title against Gabriel Gallo (5-0-1), plus women’s champion Raze (3-2) facing Shayna Baszler (1-0, JR Kratos (9-3-1) vs. Jeff Cobb (6-6-1) plus Nicole Savoy (3-3) and Alexander Hammerstone (2-0).
      • There was a New Era Wrestling show on Saturday night in Golden, CO which was supposed to feature Honky Tonk Man and Greg Valentine, who were both at the Cheyenne, WY Comic Con the night before. The promoters made a last minute deal to bring them in. On the morning of the show, Valentine evidently made the decision not to attend. Honky cut a promo and said how Valentine begs him for bookings but here after making one decided he just didn’t want to show up. He claimed he’s never work with Valentine again. (thanks to Anthony Sullivan)
      • UPW from Saturday night in  Rochester, NY:  Eh Team won over Tygerslayers 08, Wet Bandits and Interstate Education System, Chris Cayden won scramble match over Jordan Falcon, Rob Sweet, Jason Savior, Victor Lord and Bobby Dipinto, Yamaraj b Jeremy Jensen, Space Monkey b Marc Hauss, Rik Matrix b Plunkett the Ogre, Dick Justice b Jock Samson, Ethan Page won four-way over Lionel Knight, Shane Sabre and Coconut Jones, Nick Ando b Cloudy in a street  fight, Mattick d Helllcat, Ricky Reyes (Cortez Castro in Lucha Underground) won three-way over Carter Mason and Cheech, Dick Justice won Rochester Rumble, Carlito b Maximo Suave  (thanks to Todd Brantley)
      • Maryland Championship Wrestling and Global Force Wrestling had a joint show on Friday night in Joppa, MD:  Kevin Matthews b Brandon Scott, Sexy Steve & Jimmy Starr won over Paul Jordane & Bill Collier, Joe Keys & Rob Locke, and Rayo & Bruiser, Christina Von Eerie & Kimber Lee b Renee Michelle & Brittany Blake, Colt Cabana b Chuck Lennox, Drolix b Pat Buck, Sonjay Dutt retained GFW NEX Gen title over DJ Zema Ion and Lio Rush, Nick Aldis (Magnus) retained GFW title over Brian Myers, Jeff Jarrett & Shaun Cannon & Drake Carter b Ken Dixon & Eric Chapel & Dirty Money.  They announced Kevin Nash, Scott Hall and Damien Sandow on the 6/10 show in Joppa, MD for a 6 p.m. meet and greet.  Ron Simmons, Billy Gunn and Sean Waltman appear on 6/18 in Waldorf, MD at Regency Furniture Stadium for a meet and greet and live show. (thanks to Phil Stamper)
      • Terry Funk, Sting, Matt & Jeff Hardy, Bret Hart and Dutch Mantel are scheduled for a 6/10 Legends of the Ring convention in Monroe, NJ.
      • A sentencing hearing for Tammy Sytch has been moved to 7/3 on a DUI charge from last year.
      • Freedom Pro Wrestling on 5/21 in Nashville at the Fairgrounds with Kevin Nash, Eric Young, MVP, Rockstar Spud, Crimson, and Samuel Shaw.
      • Progress Wrestling on 5/29 and 5/30 at the Electric Ballroom in London has a six man Strong Style tournament with Big Daddy Walter, Chris Hero, Damon Moser, Dave Mastiff, Kenny Williams, Mark Andrews, Mark Haskins, Matt Cross, Mikey Whiplash, Pete Dunne, Rampage Brown, Sami Callihan, TK Cooper, Tommy End, Zack Gibson and Zack Sabre Jr.  
      • If you are interested in attending the 10th annual Wrestling Observer / F4W convention in Las Vegas, EdinSanAntonio has all the information up on Facebook, or email him at F4Wfan@hotmail.com.

      Today in professional wrestling history: Midnight Express wins NWA US Tag Team Titles; Inoki wins NJPW World League Tournament

    • Seth Rollins return is imminent, training at the WWE Performance Center

      As noted in the Observer Newsletter a few weeks ago, Seth Rollins’ return is imminent after wrapping up filming the movie “Temple.”

      Rollins has been training this past week in Orlando at the Performance Center for a return that could come at just about any time.

      John Cena tweeted earlier today, “I have done my best to return to WWE as fast as I can, but I hope people understand how amazing @WWERollins recovery is #Respect #GG.”

      PW Insider listed a possible 6/6 Raw as his return date, the week after Cena is to return.  The date is not definite, but is the current target.

      Rollins had major knee surgery for a torn ACL, torn MCL and torn medial meniscus.  He was WWE world champion at the time of the injury in early November, which changed a lot of the timing plans for WrestleMania, where Rollins was originally going to face HHH.

    • April 12, 1999 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: WrestleMania 15 business, All Japan’s Tokyo Dome show

      Both Davey Boy Smith and Japanese rookie woman wrestler Emiko Kado were both remaining in bad condition after an illness and in-ring injury respectively.

      Current subscribers click here to continue reading.

    • Daily Update: Johnny Walker, Young Bucks injured, UFC 198 fallout

      From Robert Walker, the son of Johnny Walker, regarding his surgery earlier today: “Thank you everyone so much for your thoughts and prayers. The doctor came out of surgery and explained that everything went extremely well and couldn’t have gone any better. Dad is in the ICU recovery for the next few days and should have him up and moving soon. As you may or may not know, an aneurysm on the aorta is a ticking time bomb and could rupture at any  minute. He now has dodged a second bullet with this one, as this is the second one for him. Mom is really watching over him and we are truly blessed. Thanks again to all.” (thanks to Crimson Mask)

      We’re looking for your thoughts on yesterday’s UFC 198 show, so you can leave a thumbs up, thumbs down or thumbs in the middle along with a best and worst match to dave@wrestlingobserver.com

      We’re looking for reports on these shows also to newstips@wrestlingobserver.com

      Today’s WWE house show in Columbia, SC (Roman Reigns, Sheamus, Chris Jericho, Miz, Kevin Owens, Sami Zayn, Cesaro, Dolph Ziggler, Usos, Cass, Charlotte, Natalya)

      Today’s WWE house show in Charlottesville, VA (Dean Ambrose, Rusev, Big Show, Kane, Erick Rowan, Braun Strowman, New Day, Paige, Sasha Banks, Becky Lynch and Kalisto.  Friday’s WWE house show in Greeneville, NC

      Raw will be Monday in Greensboro. The only thing announced for Raw is that The Shining Stars will debut as a tag team.

      Smackdown will be Tuesday night in Greenville, SC.

      THE ROUND UP

      If you’ve ever wanted to WATCH our radio shows here on the site, check out our new Youtube page! No full video shows, but lots of video clips, full free audio shows that you can tell your friends about, and much more to come! Make sure you subscribe today!

      Figure Four Weekly 5/9/2016: Hogan and Gawker fight over verdict – Hulk Hogan is suing Gawker a second time, this time for leaking the contents of sealed documents to the tabloids. Now we have the verdict. Find out all the details in this weeks issue of Figure Four Weekly.

      Wrestling Observer Newsletter

      READ IT HERE: May 16, 2016 Wrestling Observer newsletter: Potential UFC sale, WWE releases, plus tons of news

      Our lead story updates the talks of a UFC sale, plus an updated look at how the WWE is doing as a business, a look at WWE cuts, the booking behind the ROH Global Wars PPV and how New Japan and ROH are working together even more closely than on the surface, Global Wars coverage, a look at the status of a lot of ROH talent, coverage of the UFC debut in Holland, the hidden story of just how much of the male audience has been lost by WWE, as well as what WWE can learn from the NBA, and historical bios on Billy Wicks and Kato Kung Lee.

      There is also a look at the ESPN story on the potential sale of the UFC, what we know is legit, numbers being thrown around, who actually owns UFC, Dana White’s reaction to the story, moves UFC has made, Dana White’s long-term future if there is a sale, timing of the sale and sustaining the brand popularity.  Plus there’s also a look at the various companies listed that are in talks of buying.

      An update on WWE financials is in this issue, plus a look at the WWE Network numbers, what last year’s patterns tell us about the numbers, the company’s profits and losses, how well every division does for WWE and what is the most important for the bottom line, how well the company is doing financially compared to last year, what is projected by WWE this year for the WrestleMania quarter, update on injured wrestlers and their returns, Vince McMahon talks WWE injuries, and how much cash on hand the company has right now.

      There is also a look at how WWE is going to be changing how it reports information and what information they are going to be keeping secret as compared to the past. Also, there is a look at the dichotomy between social media numbers and WWE network subscribers and what it says.

      CLICK HERE FOR A FULL PREVIEW

      Current subscribers click here to continue reading.

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

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

      Rates are:

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

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

      If you are a new subscriber ordering 24 or more issues, you can get one free classic issue of your choice sent to you today.  With a 40-issue subscription, you can get two free classic issues. 

      All the news from the ESPN coverage of the drug deaths in professional wrestling, and more will be in the latest back issue. Check out the latest online Wrestling Observer BACK ISSUE: March 29, 1999 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: ESPN program on drug deaths in the pro wrestling industry, ECW Living Dangerously review, more. There is also a full break down of ECW’s Living Dangerously PPV, plus tons of news and notes.

      SUNDAY NEWS

      We had a ton of news to cover in last night’s weekend show, between UFC sale talk, TNA, WWE business, UFC title change and biggest show ever in Brazil last night, Bellator’s moves and more. 

      It doesn’t look good for either of the Young Bucks as far as being in the Best of the Super Juniors tournament which starts on Saturday at Korakuen Hell. Both were supposed to see doctors today regarding Nick’s rib injury and Matt’s hand injury. Nick likely needs to rest for several weeks.

      New Japan will be broadcasting seven of the 14 shows from the tournament live and all tournament matches will be available this year on New Japan World. It’s a tough schedule so the guys are going to have to pace themselves, but there is a Ricochet vs. Will Ospreay Korakuen Hall main event on the 5/27 show at Korakuen Hall. 

      NXT is running an angle based on the pull-apart brawl last night at the house show in Portland, OR involving Samoa Joe and Finn Balor. William Regal will be doing a live interview on Tuesday morning on Facebook regarding the match at the next Takeover show on 6/8. I don’t know this, but it sounds like they are going to announce the stipulations for the match.

      For those into this kind of history, yesterday was 42 years to the day of what many consider the biggest angle in the history of Florida wrestling, when Dusty Rhodes turned babyface against Pak Song and Gary Hart at the Tampa Sportatorium. The match was Eddie & Mike Graham vs. Rhodes & Song.

      WWE

      • The most read story this past week on Rolling Stone’s web site was an interview with Damien Sandow.

      UFC

      • UFC last night announced Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira as the Pioneer entrant (which means they started their career before 2001) in the 2016 Hall of Fame. At least this is a pick that nobody can criticize.
      • UFC was the most searched term on the Internet yesterday with more than 500,000 searches. Generally that will correlate to in excess of 300,000 buys. It’s not a sure thing, but it is an indicator. No. 6 was Cris Cyborg at 50,000, so she was searched for more than Stipe Miocic.  
      • In picks last night, myself, Front Row Brian and Ryan Frederick all went 4-1, Mike Sempervive, Jason Nason, Steve Juon, John Pollock, David Bixenspan and Mike Sawyer went 3-2 and Paul Fontaine went 2-3.   
      • Matt Brown can be seen getting the old school heat of fans wanting to get at him during his ring entrance last night.

      MISCELLANEOUS

      • Pro Wrestling Phoenix results from Thursday night in Omaha for its 11th anniversary show: Paul Daniels & Joey Daniels b Mad Dog McDowell & Jon West, Cuco Santiago won four-way over Robert Storm, Purple and Dalton Lee Roth, Zac James b Preston Maxwell in a falls count anywhere match, Devin Carter b Con Artiest, Colt Cabana b Pat Powers, Branden Juarez b Mark Sterling.  Next show is 6/1 in Omaha at the Waiting Room Lounge.
      • AAA had a show tonight at Arena Jose Suliman in Monterrey that was canceled. 
      • Smash Wrestling on 6/24 in Renfrew, ONT at the R C a F Association featuring the Super Smash Brothers vs. Well Oiled Machines.  
      • IWA Mid  South on Thursday night in Clarksville, IN with Spring Heat 2016 with Reed Bentley vs Lee Byford for the IWA title, Tracy Smothers & JC Rotten vs. Bomb Shelter and more. 
      • IWA Mid South results from this past Thursday saw Matt Cage beat Jonathan Gresham, Michael Elgin beat Chris Hero to become the No. 1 contender for Bentley’s title and Bentley beat John Wayne Murdoch to retain the title.
      • Damien Sandow will be in Puerto Rico on 5/28 for the Summer Madness show in Bayamon.
      • Mega Pro Wrestling from Friday night in Racine, WV:  Kevin Tyler b Dan Richards, Misty James b Red Velvet, The Sound b LB 4LB, Kevin Tyler & Bobo Brown b Beau James & Rusty Shank, Jason Kincaid b JB Cool, Eric Darkstrom b Cedric Alexander (thanks to John Cooper)
      • Mega Pro runs 6/10 in East Bank WV at the Middle School and 6/19 in Chesapeake, WV at the Dr. Lisa Curry Memorial Annex for a 3:30 p.m. show.  
      • World League Wrestling from last night in Troy, MO:  Roy Lewis b Cody Jones, Mark Sterling b Justin D’Air, Stacy O’Brien & Lucy Mendez b Heather Patera & Paloma Starr, Kyle Roberts b Karim Birgante, Jon Webb b Jayden Fenix-DQ, Leland Race b Superstar Steve Fender with Ricky Steamboat as referee (thanks to Patrick Brandmeyer)
      • GOUGE results from last night in Smithfield NC:  Madd Max Morrison & Roc Richards b Ryan Miller & Encore, Old School b Ryker Ramon, Juan Jeremi b Jimmy Jack Funk Jr.-DQ, Jimmy Jack Funk Jr. & Mickey Gambino b Juan Jeremi & Waylon Maze, Timmy Lou Retton b Victor Andrews.  Next show is 7/4 as part of a fireworks celebration in Raleigh with matches all day on Hargett Street starting at 2:30 p.m. and ending at 9 p.m.
      • Combat Zone Wrestling from last night in Voorhees, NJ:  Tim Donst b John Silver, Dave Crist b David Starr, Alex Colon b Preacher, Joe Gacy b Greg Excellent, Joey Janela b Chris Dickinson, Jonathan Gresham b Devon Moore-COR, Nate Carter & Mia Yim (Jade) b Dezmond Xavier & Zachary Wentz, Matt Tremont NC Danny Havoc.  After the show DJ Hyde announced that CZW would be shooting a TV pilot in August.  John Zandig also showed up for the first time in four years between the former owner (Zandig) and current owner (Hyde).  Hyde talked about having to rebuild all the bridges Zandig burned.  Zandig said CZW has gone soft.  Dan Maff & Monsta Mack b Pepper Parks & Bkl Jeez to win the tag team titles.  Next show is the annual Tournament of Death on 6/11 at 179 Ebenezer Church Rd., in Townsend, DE with a 2 p.m. start time.  Matches announced are Danny Havoc vs. Alex Colon in a light tubes death match, Tim Donst vs. Rickey Shane Page in a stipulation of Donst’s choice and more.
      • This week’s 6:05 Superpodcast with Brian Last and David Bixenspan includes part two of their chat with John Arezzi discussing his reporting of the WWF sex and steroid scandals on the early 1990’s, being on the panel of the notorious wrestling episode of Donahue, bringing Vince Russo into the wrestling business and forming a short lived partnership with him, promoting international tours under the IWAS banner and more. Plus: Brian and Bix review the documentary “Lovestruck,” have an extended discussion about wrestling families, and much more!
      • Leva “Blue Pants” Bates, still out with an ankle break, has her pro wrestling shirts for sale here, if you’d like to help support her.
      • If you are interested in attending the 10th annual Wrestling Observer / F4W convention in Las Vegas, EdinSanAntonio has all the information up on Facebook, or email him at F4Wfan@hotmail.com.

      Today in professional wrestling history: Rock & Roll Express wins SMW Tag Team Titles; AJ Styles wins NWA/TNA Title

    • Johnny Walker awaiting major aneurysm surgery

      Johnny Walker, one of pro wrestling’s biggest stars of the 70s as Mr. Wrestling II, is currently awaiting surgery for an aneurysm.

      Walker, 81, had a long career without a mask, and while respected as both a strong legitimate wrestler and a great worker in the ring, he never really took off until he was past 40 and put on the mask.  He had worked previously with a mask and been pushed, but never broke out like he did in Georgia.

      Originally Walker was thinking of retirement when a wrestling war broke out in Georgia.  With most of the talent leaving the NWA Georgia Championship Wrestling group for Ann Gunkel’s All South Wrestling, the promotion wanted to bring back Tim Woods, as Mr. Wrestling, who had been a big draw a few years earlier but was working full-time in Florida.

      Because of Woods’ schedule as one of the key stars in Florida, he couldn’t be in Georgia full-time, only work mostly Atlanta, so the decision was made for him to bring in a protege, Mr. Wrestling II.
      Wrestling II ended up being more popular than Mr. Wrestling.  The two were a regular tag team on-and-off, and also at one point had a feud which was major box office.  Wrestling II was considered one of the key people in the NWA side winning the war and in the regular Georgia markets where Dusty Rhodes didn’t work regularly, Wrestling II was the big draw for years.  He was a favorite of the Carter family, and a photo of President Jimmy Carter with a headlock on Wrestling II was used for publicity purposes for years.  He had retired years ago to Hawaii, and Steve Corino’s Mr. Wrestling III gimmick is a tribute to Walker.

      He remained a headliner in Georgia, and his fame in Georgia from the SuperStation led to him also being used as a major star throughout the Southeast and Mid South areas until the mid-80s.  He was one of the key contenders for both Harley Race and Ric Flair as world champion.