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  • New Japan Road to Invasion Attack results: ROH TV Champion Ishii vs. Evil

    Here is a full report for the 3/20 New Japan Road to Invasion Attack show from Hyogo, Japan. This show wasn’t aired live, but can be seen in full on New Japan World via individual matches.

    Roppongi Vice vs. Jay White and David Finlay

    Solid match. Finlay and White are really good as a team and do all the young lion stuff really well at this point. Both of them show great fire when doing their comeback.Romero hit a suicide dive on Finlay on the outside while Beretta pinned White with the Dudebuster.

    Kushida vs. Gedo

    This was really good. Gedo is excellent at what he does and Kushida is one of the best in the planet. They worked a good while with Gedo getting in control for most of the match. Kushida cut him off and and had some good back and forth from there, with some really good near falls. The crowd was into it as well. Kushida had Gedo in the kimura lock at one point but Gedo escaped. Kushida rolled around, got it back on and Gedo tapped.

    Yoshi-Hashi, Kazushi Sakuraba and Toru Yano vs. Ryusuke Taguchi, Manabu Nakanishi and Yuji Nagata

    Your typical New Japan six man, though I’ve seen better. Nothing too wrong, but a lot of comedy and a lot of these guys don’t mix well together. Yano got the win for his team after a low blow on both Taguchi and Nakanishi, rolling up the latter for the win.

    Katsuyori Shibata and Captain New Japan vs. Tencozy

    Gee, I wonder who is taking the fall here. The problem with CNJ is that he almost never wins, so you already know who is losing before the match even starts. It’s not even like Honma where he’s so great people will buy into anything; there’s just not much you can do with CNJ beyond the opening bout. This was all an angle to continue towards a Tenzan/Shibata match for the NEVER title, as Tenzan challenged after Kojima lost his title match. Match was fine but tough to get into considering. Tenzan locked in the anaconda vise on CNJ and he tapped out quickly.

    Shibata and Tenzan had a staredown after the match.

    Cody Hall, Yujiro Takahashi, Tama Tonga and Bad Luck Fale vs. Togi Makabe, Tomoaki Honma, Jushin Thunder Liger and Tiger Mask

    Standard eight man tag. Not much to talk about. Tiger Mask didn’t have the NWA Jr. title with him as he lost it on 3/19 back to Steve Anthony, so even though they teased another Liger/Tiger match, it probably is out of the books now. Tama Tonga got the win, pinning Tiger Mask with the waistlock DDT.

    Never Six Man Tag Team Champions Kenny Omega and the Young Bucks vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi, Michael Elgin and Juice Robinson

    Good, crazy six man as you’d expect from a Bucks match. Omega had a bunch of weapons and used them freely during the match, using his trash can and the new spraycan they bring to the ring (maybe it’s Febreze? Who knows). Tanahashi and Omega had some good back and forth towards the end. Maybe they’re keeping that title situation alive? Faces mounted a good comeback, but Robinson got isolated after his team mates were laid out with superkicks and Omega pinned him with the One Winged Angel to retain the titles.

    Hirooki Goto & Kazuchika Okada vs. Bushi and Tetsuya Naito

    This was fine, but never really felt it. I think it was just the way it was positioned on the card. Goto has debuted new red gear during this tour as he’s officially in Chaos. Goto and Bushi worked each other, as did Naito and Okada since they’re headlining Invasion Attack. Goto hit his knee neckbreaker on Bushi (does he really need to do that to someone who’s been out months due to a bad neck?) then hit a new finisher, sort of like a reverse slam into a knee neckbreaker, for the win.

    Okada and Naito had a staredown after the match, but Naito simply walked away before anything went down.

    ROH TV Champion Tomohiro Ishii vs. Evil

    Very good match. Ishii was his stiff self as usual and Evil is coming into his own as a worker. Not at the same level as Ishii, obviously, but he held his own here. Lots of lariats and back and forth action in general. This was stiff, but not to the level you’d see from normal Ishii matches where he destroys himself. Lots of back and forth towards the end. Evil kicked out of the sliding D. They both went for double headbutts and they fell to the floor. Evil clonked Ishii with a lariat and went for the STO but Ishii fought back. Ishii hit a running knee to the face and hit the brainbuster for the win.

    Overall a pretty solid card. The main event was good, the Young Bucks six man was good and Kushida/Gedo was good as well. Those three matches are priorities.

  • February 15, 1999 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Reaction to the death of Giant Baba, 2 wrestlers have heart scares, plus tons more

    The public reaction to the death of Shohei Baba over the past week stunned even the most ardent Japanese followers of pro wrestling. The reaction, for someone described in almost every form of medium as a national hero, went far beyond any recent sports deaths in recent U.S. culture such as a Mickey Mantle, and was more comparable to the reaction to entertainment legends such as Elvis Presley, John Lennon and Frank Sinatra.

    Current subscribers click here to continue reading.

  • Eric Young and Bobby Roode leave TNA Impact Wrestling

    The reason Beer Money and Eric Young both lost their championships suddenly at the TNA tapings is because this was their last night with the promotion.

    Roode confirmed it in a post on Twitter saying, “Thank u to everyone who had a part in making the last 12 years of my life unforgettable. On to the next chapter in my life #ItFactor“

    Both men requested releases from their TNA contracts and were granted them to pursue other offers.  Logic would mean that would be either New Japan or WWE, and likely the latter, although nothing has been officially confirmed.

    Roode & James Storm had just reunited as Beer Money, and dropped the tag team titles to Decay, the team of Abyss & Crazzy Steve.  Ironically Storm just had returned to TNA to bring the team back.  Roode had been with the promotion since 2004 and was considered one of its best performers.

    Young, real name Jeremy Fritz, dropped the King of the Mountain title today to Bram.  He and Roode came to TNA at about the same time as part of Team Canada, with Petey Williams and Johnny Devine, managed by Scott D’Amore.  They were actually the second version of  Team Canada, but they were the ones people remember.

    Roode and Young over the years were portrayed as enemies and best friends.  Each had switched back and forth and Young had been pushed as the company’s crazy heel over the last year.

    Dave Meltzer and Bryan Alvarez will have details on this story on tonight’s new Wrestling Observer Radio.

  • UFC Fight Night 85 Brisbane live results: Mark Hunt vs. Frank Mir

    Welcome to F4WOnline.com’s live coverage of UFC Fight Night 85: Hunt vs. Mir from the Brisbane Entertainment Centre in Brisbane, Australia. The event is headlined by a five-round bout in the heavyweight division as former title challenger Mark Hunt takes on former UFC Heavyweight Champion Frank Mir. In the co-main event, it is a battle of welterweights looking to get closer to a title shot as Neil Magny takes on Hector Lombard. Follow along with our live coverage of the event beginning at 7 PM eastern time with preliminary action all the way thru the main card.

    UFC Fight Night 85 DFS Playbook

    Coverage provided by Dave Meltzer

    PRELIMINARY CARD (UFC FIGHT PASS- 7 PM ET/4 PM PT)

    LIGHTWEIGHTS- ALAN PATRICK (12-1, 2-1 UFC) VS. DAMIEN BROWN (15-8, 0-0 UFC)

    First round:  Brown is a late replacement from Brisbane.  It’s 9 a.m. in Brisbane as this show starts.  Patrick took him down right away.  Patrick has a guillotine but gave it up.  Patrick with some elbows from the top.  Brown reversed to the top and landed punches.  This picked the crowd up.  Patrick escaped and up.  Brown took him down into side control and is riding him   Patrick backup.  Brown with a left hook but Patrick took him down and has his back.  Brown working for a Kimura.  Crowd liked the round.  10-9 Patrick but close..

    Second round:   Patrick took him down.  Brown with elbows from the bottom.  Not much happening this round.  Patrick landing some punches  Brown again tried or a Kimura from the bottom.  Patrick’s round so 20-18 after two.

    Third round:  Patrick took him down immediately off a kick.  Patrick trying for a choke but isn’t close.  Now he’s trying an arm triangle but Brown out of trouble.  Patrick moved to side control.  Patrick now has his back.  Patrick with some punches, but he’s more controlling him on the ground.  Fans are booing.  Brown got up.  Patrick took him down again.  Patrick 30-27 but could be 29-28, but Patrick has to win.

    Scores:  30-27, 30-27 and 30-26 for Patrick.        

    LIGHTWEIGHTS- ROSS PEARSON (18-10 1 NC, 10-7 1 NC UFC) VS. CHAD LAPRISE (10-1, 3-1 UFC)

    First round:  Low kick by Pearson.   Low kick by Pearson.  Low kick by Pearson.  Laprise missed a high kick.  Slow round.  Left by Pearson.  Low kick by Pearson and Laprise back with a low kick.  Laprise’s left thigh looks bad.  Laprise landed a left and right.  Body kick by Pearson.  Body shot by Laprise.  Action picked up late in the round.  Pearson 10-9.

    Second round:   Another low kick by Pearson.  Low kick by Laprise.  Body kick by Laprise.  Low kick by Pearson.  Pearson with another  low kick.  Head kick by Laprise.  Left by Pearson.  Low kick by Pearson,  Laprise with a left.  Pearson with a right.  Laprise with high kick.  Low kick by Pearson.  Laprise with a left.  Laprise with some punches.  Left by Pearson.  Low kick by Pearson.  Spin kick by Laprise.  Left by Pearson.  Pearson’s left leg is giving him trouble.  Laprise with two kicks.  Another close round, very good round.  Laprise barely so 19-19 after two.

    Third round:   Low kick by Pearson.  Right by Pearson.  Pearson is the guy moving forward.  Low kick by Pearson.  Laprise landed a series including a body kick.  Laprise with a left.  Head kick by Laprise.  Another high kick by Laprise.  Low kick by Pearson.  Laprise with an elbow.  Pearson went for a takedown but didn’t get it.  Left by Pearson.  Both throwing like crazy late.  Laprise’s round close.  29-28 Laprise.   First two rounds were close enough to where this could go either way.

    Scores:  30-28 Laprise, 30-27 Pearson 29-28 Pearson.  The 30-27 score for Pearson was bad as Laprise won the  third.

    PRELIMINARY CARD (FOX SPORTS 1- 8 PM ET/5 PM PT)

    WELTERWEIGHTS- RICHARD WALSH (9-3, 2-2 UFC) VS. VISCARDI ANDRADE (18-6, 2-1 UFC)

    First round:  Andrade knocked Walsh down, although some of that was as much a slip.  Andrade landing more punches.   Walsh landed.  Andrade trying for a takedown but Walsh defending well.  Andrade got him down.   Andrade landing some punches.  The ref warning  Andrade about not being busy enough from the top.  The ref stood them up.  Right by Andrade.  Andrade 10-9.

    Second round:  Big right by Walsh knocked him down.  Walsh landing punches on the ground.  Walslh brought him up against the cage.  Walsh landing elbows.  Andrade back to his feet.   Knee and punches by Walsh.  Left by  Walsh.  Andrade with a right.  Andrade with a takedown but Walsh right back up.  Walsh landing punches.  Elbow by Walsh.  Knee by Andrade.  Andrade looks tired.  Andrade took him down.  Andrade working for a choke.  Walsh survived the round.  The choke made it close but  Walsh’s round so 19-19 after two.

    Third round:  Walsh landing punches early.  Andrade took him down.  Walsh took him down.  Andrade got another takedown.  Andrade throwing punches from the top.  Andrade 29-28.

    Scores:  All three had it 29-28 for Andrade.     

    WOMEN’S BANTAMWEIGHTS- LESLIE SMITH (7-6-1, 1-2 UFC) VS. RIN NAKAI (16-1-1, 0-1 UFC)

    First round:  Smith landing punches.  Smith landing more.  Nakai couldn’t get the takedown when she tried a hip throw.  Crowd is pretty dead at this point.  Smith landing more punches.  Nakai got the takedown right as the round ended.  10-9 Smith.

    Second round:   Smith landing some punches.  Nakai got the takedown.  Nakai keeping her down but doing no damage.   Nakai is in side control.  Smith working for a triangle  but Nakai got out.  Nakai working for a head and arm choke.  She doesn’t have it.  Smith escaped with 1:16 left.  Smith landing a hard uppercut.  Smith kicked her in the face and Nakai got another takedown.  Nakai landing punches from the top.  Close round.  Smith 20-18.

    Third round:  Smith landing punches.  Nakai has the clinch.  Knee and uppercuts by Nakai.  Smith landing several punches.  Sloppy but the crowd is enjoying this.  Right to the body by Smith.  Left uppercut by Smith.  Nakai working for a takedown but didn’t get it.  Nakai  got the hip toss into side control.  Nakai is trying to get her back.  Smith 30-27 but I could see round two and perhaps three going to Nakai because of the ground control.  .

    Scores:  30-27, 29-28 and 29-28 for Smith.

    FEATHERWEIGHTS- DAN HOOKER (12-6, 2-2 UFC) VS. MARK EDDIVA (6-2, 1-2 UFC)

    First round:  Hooker is fighting at 145.  He has fought as a heavyewight before which is crazy.  Hooker going for a guillotine.  He’s squeezing.  Eddiva tapped.  Finally a finish.

    WELTERWEIGHTS- BRENDAN O’REILLY (6-1 1 NC, 1-1 UFC) VS. ALAN JOUBAN (12-4, 3-2 UFC)

    First round:   O’Reilly with a foot sweep and got his back.  Jouban right back up.  Jouban with knees and and elbows.  Now Jouban landing all kinds of punches and kicks.  O’Reilly also throwing.  This was tremendous.  Knees and elbows by Jouban.  A couple of elbows put him down and it was stopped after punches on the ground.  Short explosive great action fight.

    MAIN CARD (FOX SPORTS 1- 10 PM ET/7 PM PT)

    WOMEN’S STRAWWEIGHTS- BEC RAWLINGS (6-4, 1-1 UFC) VS. SEOHEE HAM (16-6, 1-1 UFC)

    First round:  Han is undersized for this weight class but a good fighter.  Han landed a couple of punches.  Both landing punches.  Crowd is into this one.  Han landing more.  Big size difference.  Rawlings  with a nice right and hurt her with another right.  Both trading punches.  Rawlings landing harder punches.  Han landing more again.  Good right by Rawlings.  Nice left by Rawlings  Han 10-9

    Second round:   Both landing punches.  Both landing a lot of punches.  Rawlings stating to land but Han right back and landed a good body kick.  Rawlings took her down off a punch.  Han tried a triangle but Rawlings got her back and is working for a choke.  Rawlings with an armbar.  Han landing nice punches and a body kick.  Rawlings so 19-19 after two.

    Third round:   Rawlings took her down and Han trying for a triangle.  Rawlings throwing knees to the back.  Rawlings escaped and on top.  Rawlings landed  a good punch but Han back up and landed a punch.  Han landing a lot of punches.  Knee by Rawlings.  Knee and punches by Han.  Rawlings with a knee to the body.  Nice right by Rawlings.  Han 29-28.  Good fight.

    Scores:   30-27, 30-27 and 29-28 Rawlings.  Please.

    MIDDLEWEIGHTS- JAMES TE HUNA (16-8, 5-4 UFC) VS. STEVE BOSSE (10-2, 0-1 UFC)

    First round:  Te Huna from Australia, Bosse was a cult favorite in Montreal as a former hockey enforcer years back.  In other words, if they were on skates, Bosse would have a great advantage.  Bosse knoked him out in seconds.  He threw some solid shots and Te Huna went down hard.  He stopped fighting immediately before Marc Goddard stopped it.  Bosse should be getting a bonus.  It was a short right that did the job.  :52

    MIDDLEWEIGHTS- DAN KELLY (10-1, 3-1 UFC) VS. ANTONIO CARLOS JUNIOR (5-1 1 NC, 2-1 1 NC UFC)

    First round:   Carlos with a takedown and has his back.  Now he’s got the body triangle.  He tried a neck crank.  Carlos warned for hitting to the back of the head.  Carlos throwing punches from that position.  Carlos landing more punches from back position.  Carlos working for an armbar as time ran out.  10-8 Carlos.

    Second round:   Carlos with low kicks.  Carlos tried a takedown but Kelly stopped it. Kelly with an uppercut.  Kelly bleeding from the nose.  Jumping knee by Carlos.  Kelly with lefts.  Carlos shot and Kelly caught him  and landed a knee.  Right by Carlos.  Left by Kelly.  Carlos landed a few shots back.  Carlos shot in and Kelly sprawled.  Kelly got his back.  Kelly landing punches from that position and a knee to the butt.  Kelly landing a lot of punches.  Carlos got up.  Takedown by Carlos.  Carlos has his back now.  Carlos dropped down but he ref ordered him to stand up.  Carlos landing punches.  Kelly’s round so 19-18 Carlos.

    Third round:  Knee and punch by Carlos.  Carlos with a low blow and Kelly went down hard.  A time out was called.  Kelly almost threw him and landed a knee.  Kelly took him down, got his back and is pounding on him.  Kelly is hurting him now.  Kelly throwing tons of of punches and it’s over.  Great come from behind win by Kelly.

    LIGHTWEIGHTS- JAKE MATTHEWS (9-1, 3-1 UFC) VS. JOHNNY CASE (22-4, 4-0 UFC)

    First round:  Matthews in with punches.  Case with a body kick.  Case landed a nice punch.  Matthews caught a kick but couldn’t get the takedown.  Low kick by Case.  Both landing big shots.  Matthews tried for a takedown but Case ended up on top.  Case with a knee.  Matthews landed a right.  Big left by Matthews.  Matthews with a kick to the butt.  Left by Case hurt him.  Matthews 10-9.

    Second round:   Body kick  by  Matthews.  Case went for a takedown.  Case on top but Matthews working for a triangle.  Case out and on top and landed some punches.  Case landing punches .  Knee to the body by Case.  Matthews hurt him with a body shot but Case took him down into side control.  Case’s round so 19-19 after two.

    Third round:  Body kick by Case.  Body kick by Matthews.  Knee by Matthews.  Body kick by Matthews.  Matthews with  a hard left.  Trading knees form the clinch.  Case going for a takedown but blocked.  Left by Case.  Body kick by Matthews.  Now they are in a clinch against the fence.  Knee by Matthews.  Matthews has his back.  Matthews throwing punches from back position and working for a choke.  Case escaped.  Matthews is in mount.  Matthews has his back again.  Matthews got the choke and Case tapped.  Good third round.

    WELTERWEIGHTS- (#13) HECTOR LOMBARD (34-4-1 2 NC, 3-2 1 NC UFC) VS. (#9) NEIL MAGNY (17-4, 10-3 UFC)

    First round:  Still the same body.  Lombard landed hard punches up close.  Lombard pounding him on the ground.  Lombard with hard punches and elbows.  Lombad throwing hard punches from back position.  Magny back up and thrown down and Lombard is landing more punches.  Lombard in side control.  Lombard with an elbow.  Hard elbow by Lombard.  Magny back up.  Magny with a jumping knee and punches but Lombard landed a hard shot.  Lombard looks tired.  Magny tried a takedown, which was a bad idea as Lombard landed on top.  Magny up and started to land.  Left by Magny.  10-8 Lombard.

    Second round:   Magny starting to land.  Low kick by Magny.  Low kick by Lombard.  Knee by Magny.  Good right by Magny.  Magny landing jabs.  Lombard working for a takedown but Magny blocked.  Lombard dropped him with a left.  Lombard on top.  Lombard went for a leglock  which wasn’t smart.  That allowed Magny to get on top and could cost him the round.  Magny moved to mount and is working for a triangle.  Magny holding the triangle and punching from the bottom.  Magny also working for an armbar.  Lombard escaped.  Magny now in mount and pounding him.  Lombard gave up his back and Magny is throwing a lot of punches.  Now Lombard is in real trouble.  Lombard is taking a lot of punches.  Ref Steve Percival is letting this go way too long.   Magny landing a ton of punches, and now elbows.  This was ridiculous that it wasn’t stopped.  The fans were booing like crazy in the closing seconds because it wasn’t stopped .  10-8 Magny.’

    Third round:  Lombard is bad shape.  Magny landing punches and Lombard is exhausted.  Knees and elbow by Magny.  Magny with an elbow took him down into the mount.  Lombard is bleeding.  Magny with more punches and it was stopped.  :46

    HEAVYWEIGHTS- (#9) MARK HUNT (11-10-1, 6-4-1 UFC) VS. (#10) FRANK MIR (18-10, 16-10 UFC)

    First round:  Mir looks heavy.  He weighed in at 260.  Hunt is soft like usual but smaller than usual.  Hunt landed punches and blocked a takedown.  Big right by Hunt.  Antoher right by Hunt.  Hunt dropped him and walked away and it was over. 

  • Jury reaches verdict in Hulk Hogan vs Gawker trial

    The Florida jury just came back with a verdict awarding Hulk Hogan $115 million in his case with Gawker Media.  The case will obviously be appealed and there is very little chance he will be getting anything close to that figure. But the verdict sends a strong message to the media regarding publishing sex tapes of people without their consent.

    The jury broke down the verdict as $55 million in lost economic injuries and $60 million in emotional distress.  

    Gawker would have to post $50 million to take it to the appeals court, which makes that aspect tricky as well, as the verdict could force the company into either bankruptcy or sale. There was a great deal of potential evidence Gawker was hoping to introduce that didn’t make the trial due to the rulings of judge Pamela Campbell and Gawker is going to use that in its appeal.

    The following is from Gawker:  “As the trial concludes, we’re disappointed the jury was unable to see key evidence and hear testimony from the most important witness.  So, it may be necessary for the appeals court to resolve this case.  Hulk Hogan’s best friend Bubba the Love Spongewho made the tape and offered up his wife in the first place, originally told his radio listeners that Hogan knew he was being taped.  The jury was only able to hear a questionable version of events.  Bubba should have been required to appear in court and explain what really happened.  There is more to the story.  We expect the upcoming release of improperly sealed documents, important evidence that the jury should have been able to see, will begin revealing the true facts that the jury deserved to know about during deliberations.”

    It’s generally believed Bubba was lying when he said Hogan knew he was being taped.  Amazing, out of all the best friends in the world this guy could have chosen, he picked Bubba and Ed Leslie.  Well, at least he’s still got Jimmy Hart. 

  • TNA Impact tapings: Matt Hardy, Drew Galloway, Bobby Lashley

    The first part of the show were matches taped for the 3/29 episode of Impact.  The second part are matches taped for something else, whether it be Xplosion or PPV shows.

    For 3/29:

    Jeff Hardy beat Eric Young in a cage match.  The big spot was Hardy doing a swanton off the top of the cage putting Young through a table.

    There was an interview segment with Matt Hardy’s crew including Tyrus and Rockstar Spud, and Drew Galloway (the new champion) along with Jeremy Borash.  Hardy wanted his rematch with Galloway but Tyrus noted that he has the ability to cash in his briefcase for a title shot any time he wants.

    Bobby Lashley beat The Pope in a no DQ match pretty much destroying him

    EC III issued a challenge to Mike Bennett

    Jade won the Knockouts title in a three-way over champion Gail Kim and Madison Rayne.  Maria Kanellis caused Kim to lose.

    Drew Galloway beat Matt Hardy to retain the title

    Other matches taped:

    Robbie E & Jessie Godderz beat Tom LaRuffa & Pierre Marceau – LaRuffa & Marceau were with WWE as Sylvester Lefort and Marcus Louis.

    James Storm beat Bram

    Pepper Parks issued an open challenge against anyone.

    Bobby Roode beat Pepper Parks

    Trevor Lee beat Eddie Edwards

    Chris Melendez beat Beauregarde.

  • Nate Diaz vs Conor McGregor rematch in the works for UFC 200

    Ariel Helwani reported this morning that UFC is working toward a rematch with Conor McGregor vs. Nate Diaz, at welterweight no less, as the main event for UFC 200 on July 9 at the new T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

    Helwani reported the UFC is close to finalizing plans for the match. 

    This would be a major blow to Frankie Edgar, as just last week Dana White indicated the match that made the most sense going forward was McGregor defending the featherweight title against Edgar.  McGregor himself, after his loss to Diaz, said he’d decide whether more people would be interested in Edgar or Jose Aldo, and that’s he was looking at defending his title against one of them.  He gave the impression that he thought Aldo would have more interest but was leery if Aldo wouldn’t pull out before the fight.

    McGregor vs. Diaz would also eliminate the possibility of Robbie Lawler vs. Diaz, a fight that both White and Fertitta talked about for the welterweight title.

    Based on the results of UFC 196, McGregor vs. Diaz would be the best drawing fight for UFC 200 even without a title at stake.  Plus, there would be longer to build the fight.  For McGregor, he’d be facing Diaz with a full camp, making his odds of winning even longer.

    It also puts the featherweight division on hold and almost forces an Aldo vs. Edgar match for the title shot, which would eliminate a contender.

  • WON Preview: UFC 196 sets records; Hayabusa; Eddie Einhorn

    SUBSCRIBERS READ IT HERE:  March 21, 2016 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: UFC 196 breaks records, New Japan Cup, WWE Road Block

    We’ve got a major history issue of the Wrestling Observer this week, a double issue with a story on the life of Hayabusa and the story behind one of the more noted sports owners, Eddie Einhorn, and his two major forays in pro wrestling including his challenging of the wrestling establishment in the 70s, and his failed attempt to unite them in the 80s.

    Our lead story goes into the records set at UFC 196, including why PPV numbers were so strong, lessons about the UFC audience, what the audience wants from big fights now, numerous records set last week, the value of stars and momentum and what comes next.   Update on what may be the end of UFC’s long struggle to get legalized in New York.

    WrestleMania update, with the entire lineup, as well as updates on WWE injuries, what happened in the Chris Jericho vs. Neville match, what was supposed to happen, and the ironies of the WWE officiating.  WWE’s most underutilized talent is right now, and look at the Roadblock show with full coverage.

    Ticket sales and gate for WrestleMania this year, and how it compares with previous company records, boxing attendance record, more people talked about for the WWE Hall of Fame this year that haven’t gotten out, more on a physical Hall of Fame, more on comparisons of WWE TV revenue with that of NASCAR, Mick Foley talks Mania, Foley’s new TV show, WrestleMania in Europe, notes on NXT TV taping dates, Notes on the 2017 WrestleMania, why William Regal has warned wrestlers about certain bumps, Paul Heyman signs a new distribution deal, AAA star getting tryout, the interesting career and role John Cena’s grandfather played in major league baseball and college baseball, plus reports on all the WWE & NXT events over the past week and business notes on all the shows.

    The struggles of New Japan Pro Wrestling, the next set of major shows, as well as the New Japan Cup finals and where everything looks to be going next.

    Major story on the life and career of Hayabusa, looking at his childhood, becoming a wrestling fan, his start in the business, his rise to stardom, his career title history, the politics that hampered his career at different times, injuries, big show matches, story behind many of his career breaks, the heyday of FMW and its fall, as well as the various attempts to get it back going.  We also look at the end of his career, how close he came to death, his thoughts while he was paralyzed, the death of FMW, and Hayabusa’s life after pro wrestling.  There is a lot about the high-flying style that he popularized and the business of Japanese pro wrestling underneath the major league promotions.

    Results of the fan voting awards from Nikkan Sports, of Japan’s major newspapers, covering the best of 2015.

    The death of music legend Keith Emerson, and his role in two of the most iconic wrestling themes in different parts of the world.

    Eddie Einhorn, both from his role in making college basketball a popular television sport, and his attempt in the 1970s to get into pro wrestling and ran opposition to the NWA and WWWF.  We look at the background of Pedro Martinez, his partner, including when he ran wrestling in Madison Square Garden and his famous fight with Toots Mondt.   We look at the glory days of the Buffalo/Cleveland area, what killed the NWF, how the IWA was formed, the original roster members, some big names who got their start and the stars who were with him.  Einhorn’s second run in pro wrestling, trying to unite the establishment in fighting Vince McMahon in 1985, and why that didn’t work.

    The start of the IWA and its major stadium shows just outside of New York, as well as why they didn’t succeed, and the post-Einhorn IWA.

    The ratings of all the major wrestling and MMA programming from the past week, as well as results of the major arena events around the world and reviews of the key television shows.

    READ IT HERE:  March 21, 2016 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: UFC 196 breaks records, New Japan Cup, WWE Road Block

    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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    Check out the latest Online Wrestling Observer BACK ISSUE: February 8, 1999 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Giant Baba passes away  A look at the life and times of Giant Baba, details on the Mankind vs. Rock empty arena match at WWF Halftime Heat, plus tons of news.

    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.

    Also in this issue:

    –CMLL’s iPPV this week

    –Second generation wrestling star accused of kidnapping and rape of ex-girlfriend

    –More on issues in AAA

    –AAA doing an iPPV shortly

    –More on Octagon’s issues with AAA regarding the use of his name and creation of Octagon Jr.

    –Wrestle-1’s big show of the month and where they are going next

    –All Japan vs. Big Japan main event

    –Legends coming back to All Japan next month as in May

    –Another pro wrestling star signed to headline the next Rizin show who should not be fighting

    –Very controversial return of a woman wrestling star in Japan

    –Notes on the career of Charlie Fulton

    –The Who’s Who in wrestling in the 70s and 80s who Fulton faced during his career

    –Fulton’s greatest successes

    –Why Lonnie Mayne beat up one of Fulton’s most notable partners

    –Fulton’s role as the WWF’s Iron Man in 1982

    –Ed Leslie mad at Hulk Hogan

    –Full coverage of the wXw 16 carat gold tournament

    –Why Drew Galloway was a last minute sub

    –Lots of things scheduled for WrestleMania weekend

    –Preview of NCAA Division I wrestling tournament

    –Notes on the movie on the life of the Great Sasuke that played in the U.S. this past week

    –More on the life of Lord James Blears

    –Blears coming up with the original idea for entrance music on promos

    –Ed Francis talks about his longtime partner

    –Oldest living wrestlers

    –Movie planned on major European star

    –Lucha Underground’s first house show

    –Notes on ROH’s final show before WrestleMania weekend and Daniels & Kazarian’s new move

    –Updated ROH plans for WrestleMania week

    –Notes on Drew Galloway winning TNA title

    –What happened with Ken Anderson and TNA

    –A look at TNA’s return to action

    –A look at UFC’s weekend show

    –Chael Sonnen talk about his future

    –Background of press conference issue talked about by Daniel Cormier

    –Another failed drug test in UFC

    –Lots of new UFC fights

    –Vinny Massaro names a wrestling move after Daniel Cormier

    –Update on injuries from shooting on former UFC star Mikey Burnett

    –Someone just debuting in pro wrestling going after MMA world title in May

    –Kimbo Slice & Ken Shamrock suspension notes

    –Bellator ratings for 2016

    –Matt Mitrione signs with Bellator and the state of Bellator’s heavyweight division

    –More on ONE FC’s addressing the weight issue

    –Jason Miller arrested once again

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  • Sting’s pro wrestling career is over, neck injury too severe

    TMZ reported today what has been pretty well known for some time, that Sting is retired as a pro wrestler due to the neck injuries suffered in the Night of Champions match with Seth Rollins.

    Sting was diagnosed with spinal stenosis and told that he needed surgery, which is it believed he has not yet gotten.  According to the story, Steve Borden has seen several doctors who all agreed that he shouldn’t return to the ring.

    Sting was injured twice in the match with Rollins in September, both times taking power bombs into the turnbuckles.  He went limp briefly the second time but was able to finish the match.

    The story said Sting may officially announce his retirement at the Hall of Fame ceremony on 4/2 in Dallas, where he is the main event inductee.

    Due to the injury, Sting vs. Undertaker was never under consideration for this year’s WrestleMania nor was he ever talked about after September for a spot on the show.

    The story at www.tmz.com stated Sting would be open to a non-physical role with the company.

    Borden, who turns 57 later this month, started wrestling in 1985 after being discovered by Rick Bassman working at a Gold’s Gym.  He began his career in Tennessee working for Jerry Jarrett as a tag team with Jim Hellwig, who became the Ultimate Warrior.  The pair were then hired by Bill Watts, where they split up when Hellwig wasn’t happy with the company.  Sting remained and became part of Eddie Gilbert’s Hot Stuff International heel group, often teaming with Rick Steiner.

    Gilbert turned him babyface just as the UWF was being purchased by Jim Crockett, and Sting came over in the purchase but wasn’t used well until a 45 minute draw on the first Clash of the Champions with Ric Flair.  The last 15 minutes of the match peaked with a 7.8 quarter hour, and the match itself did a 7.1 rating, both records for post-1983 TBS wrestling that were never broken, and Sting remained one of the top stars in wrestling since that time.

  • March 21, 2016 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: UFC 196 breaks records, New Japan Cup, WWE Road Block

    In an appearance on the Max & Marcellus ESPN radio show on 3/11, Dana White said that UFC 196, which took place six days earlier in Las Vegas, broke all kinds of records and ended up doing 1.5 million buys on PPV.

    The number, if accurate, would be significantly up from both the November (Ronda Rousey vs. Holly Holm) and December (Conor McGregor vs. Jose Aldo and Chris Weidman vs. Luke Rockhold) shows that are believed to have done in the 1.05 to 1.2 million buy range. It would beat every UFC event to date with the exception of UFC 100, which is estimated at 1.6 million buys. The difference is that UFC 100 was supposed to blow away all numbers, with title matches featuring the company’s two biggest drawing cards at the time, Brock Lesnar and Georges St-Pierre.

    Current subscribers click here to continue reading.