The WWE has confirmed today the WWE Network exclusive cruiserweight show that we had been reporting about the past few weeks in the Observer.
The show, entitled the Global Cruiserweight Series, will air on Wednesday nights at 9 p.m., following NXT.
It will be a 32 man tournament of wrestlers who all have to be under 205 pounds, and will be taped at the NXT tapings.
The first episode of the show will be on 7/13, and the championship match will air on 9/14.
The winner of the tournament, which is expected to include a number of wrestlers who are not signed with the promotion, will obviously end up with the promotion and be billed as the best cruiserweight in wrestling.
It’s hard to explain just how much indie wrestling has changed if you weren’t around when it was different, but I’ll try. In the northeast, where indie wrestling as we know it today (as opposed to in general) was really born, it started as a replacement for WWF spot shows. When the national expansion went underway in 1984, all of the local promoters, from Tommy Dee to the Savoldi family, were left without anyone to book talent from. They started running their own shows with unaffiliated wrestlers to draw the same audience. Former WWF stars were usually the key main eventers, and the undercard would be filled with local trainees. Occasionally, a real talent would pop up and eventually make it. Someone like Ted Petty as Cheetah Kid would get attention for his high flying moves. But by and large, it was not really any kind of viable alternative the way, say, Japanese tapes were.
We’re looking for your thoughts on yesterday’s New Beginnings in Niigata as well as Thursday’s New Beginnings in Osaka so you can leave a thumbs up, thumbs down or thumbs in the middle along with a best and worst match to Dave Meltzer
We’re also looking for reports on yesterday’s WWE show in Bakersfield, CA to newstips@wrestlingobserver.com as well as dark matches, Superstars matches or anything else not evident from the live TV show from tonight’s Raw.
Raw is at the Honda Center in Anaheim, for what will be the first sold out Raw event of 2016. No Brock Lesnar or Paul Heyman on to the go-home show for Fast Lane.
Lesnar will make his first appearance on Smackdown since 2004 at the Tuesday tapings in Ontario, CA.
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!
The newest issue of the Wrestling Observer is one of the best of the year. A very detailed look at the end of Bryan Danielson’s career and retirement. Looking back at sports, pro wrestling and the ramifications that are and are not being talked about. Danielson’s retirement is a big story, both his short and long term impact on pro wrestling. How his story will act as a catalyst for change not only within pro wrestling but all contact sports. If you are a wrestling fan, a sports fan or a science fan, this may be the most important issue of the year.
Bryan Danielson’s retirement speech, career highlights, home town, character both in and out of the ring, booking, the crazy way he ended up as champion for the first time, the birth of the “Yes” chant, the build to WrestleMania 30 & 31, the various exams, why he wanted to continue wrestling and WWE didn’t, his goals outside of WWE and why he changed his mind in the last few weeks.
The quandary he was in about continuing his career, how his career began, the formation of ROH and the changing landscape of independent wrestling, the changing ideas of what a pro wrestling headliner can look like, the first time I ever saw him wrestle while sitting with Red Bastien and Nick Bockwinkel
The suspension of Titus O’Neil, a longtime WWE star talking about going into another sport, another star looking at retiring soon, lots of WrestleMania plans including an early summer major match, Steve Austin’s WrestleMania status, update on promotion of Stephanie McMahon, star who may be interested in returning, Fast Lane, A.J. Styles talks his beginnings in WWE and how hard he tried to hide the Royal Rumble story, how DDP figured in Styles’ return, Linda McMahon forms a new company, Roman Reigns in Raw main events, WWE cuts five in developmental, new WWE books. New announcer hired, Update on many Tough Enough competitors from the past season, plans for a WWE show taped this summer, international star WWE has interest in, as well as a look at all the weekend house shows from WWE & NXT with business notes.
PLUS MUCH MORE! CLICK HERE FOR A FULL WRESTLING OBSERVER PREVIEW
You can also order the print Observer right now and get it delivered to your door via mail, by sending your name, address, Visa or Master Card number and an expiration date to Dave Meltzer
For the United States, it is $13 for 4 issues, $32 for 12, $61 for 24, $101 for 40 and $131 for 52. In Canada and Mexico, rates are $14.50 for 4, $35 for 12, $67 for 24, $111 for 40 and $144 or 52. In Europe, you can get the fastest delivery and best rates by sending to moonsault@mediaplusint.com For the rest of the world, rates are $16.50 for 4, $44 for 12, $85 for 24, $141 for 40 issues and $183 for 52.
If you order by mail with a check, cash or money order (P.O. Box 1228, Campbell, CA 95009-1228), you can get $1 off in every price range.
If you are a new subscriber ordering 24 or more issues, you can get one free classic issue of your choice sent to you today. With a 40 issue subscription, you can get two free classic issues sent to you today.
Click here for the most requested Wrestling Observer back issues.
UFC has signed both Alistair Overeem and Aljamain Sterling, who had both allowed their contracts to expire to get offers from other companies. UFC had the right to match the offers. Sterling noted on The MMA Hour today with Ariel Helwani that he had signed a long-term deal and was happy with it.
Congratulations to Brooke Adams, formerly Brooke Tessmacher in TNA, announced that she is expecting her first child.
Really big back issue up on the site, the 1998 Awards issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, plus the life and Times of Sam Muchnick and one of the most talked about nights in Monday Night Wars coverage with the Fingerpoke of Doom and Mick Foley’s first WWF title win
John Lineker is out of Sunday’s fight with Cody Garbrandt, which was a significant bantamweight division fight, on UFC FIGHT NIGHT headlined by Cerrone vs Oliveira. Lineker contracted dengue fever, a disease caused by a mosquito bite. No word on whether Garbrandt will remain on the card or the fight will be moved to another show.
There is a change in the ROH/New Japan lineups on the front page. Adam Cole will not be making the trip to Japan due to family issues. We don’t have an update on how that will change the announced cards.
Spike TV airs “Unrivaled: Royce Gracie,” at 11 p.m. tonight, a 30 minute special looking at his career and building Friday night’s rematch, 21 years in the making, with Ken Shamrock.
WWE
John Layfield has been announced as the Ambassador of Beyond Sport, a global organization that pushes sports for social changes. He has been affiliated with the group.
The Stone Cold Podcast with Big Show as guest will air live after Raw tonight.
The episode of “Supernatural” with The Miz will air on 2/24 at 9 p.m. on CW.
An episode of “Pawn Stars” which includes bidding on a WWE Hall of Fame ring will air on 2/24 on The History Channel.
An episode of “Ridiculousness” with Page airs tonight at 11 p.m. on MTV.
MISCELLANEOUS
The World Series of Fighting has announced these dates on NBC Sports Network
2/20 in Garden Grove, CA at the Next Level Sports Complex (Marlon Moraes vs. Joseph Barajas for the bantamweight title)
3/12 in Greeley, CO at the Bank of Colorado Arena
4/2 location to be announced
6/17 in Manshantucket, CT at the Foxwood Resort Casino
This is not a sign of anything as they are making a new belt.
KDW from Saturday night in Rochester, NY: Maximo Suave won four-way over Marc Hauss, Chris Cayden and Mike Skyros, Drake Evans b Jake Flyier, Mattick b Cloudy, Wet Bandits b Interstate Education System, Cheech b Frank Burlington, Rik Matrix b Garrett Holliday, Sweet Intensity won over Vanguard 2.0, Tigerslayer 08 and Homewreckers to become tag team champions, Victor Lord won three-way over Jeremy Jensen and Jacoby Riddick, Jeremy Jensen won Battle Royal, Hellcat b Ryan Cassidy (thanks to Todd Brantley)
AAW on Friday night in Merrionnette Park, IL at 115 Bourbon Street with Eddie Kingston defending the AAW title against Sami Callihan, AR Fox defends the AAW Heritage title against Matt Cage, Tommaso Ciampa & Johnny Gargano vs. Chris Hero & Drew Gulak, Abyss & Kongo Kong vs. Ryan Boz & Russ Jones in a Monsters Ball match plus Trevor Lee, Candice LaRae and others.
There will be a talent evaluation camp headed by Gerald Brisco of WWE in conjunction with the George Tragos/Lou Thesz Hall of Fame ceremonies in Waterloo, IA. The event will take place at the Five Sullivan Brothers Convention Center on 7/22 at Noon. Each wrestlers will get to wrestle a full match with introductions. After the matches are over, Brisco, J.J. Dillon and others will talk with the group and evaluate everyone. The best from the tryouts will get to work a show that night. To be considered, send a resume and photo along with height, age, and a description of your in-ring experience to Troy Peterson at WRESSHOW@yahoo.com Besides myself, among those scheduled for that weekend include Bob Backlund, Jim Ross, Dan Gable, Lex Luger, Larry Hennig, Baron Von Raschke, Bruce Mitchell and many others.
St. Louis Anarchy from last night in Alton, IL: Steve O Reno b Buddy Collins, Andy Dalton b Stephen Wolf, Zakk Saweyrs & Mikey McFinnegan b Nick Iggy & Kerry Awful, Ricky Starks b Roy Lewis, Davey Vega b Trik Davis, Christian Rose b Gerald James, Matt Cage b Alex Castle in a last man standing match, Paco Gonzalez b Mike Outlaw, Chris Hero b Jojo Bravo, Evan Gelistico & Danny Adams & Everett Connors & Austin Blackburn b Devin & Mason Cutter & Alexandre Rudolph & Jake Parnell in an elimination street fight (thanks to Patrick Brandmeyer)
Former Florida womens’ champion Sherri Lee made it through surgery earlier today and is said to be resting comfortably. (thanks to Barry Rose)
Maryland Championship Wrestling on 2/27 in Hollywood, MD at the Hollywood Volunteer Fire Department. There will be a 6 p.m. Meet and Greet with Mick Foley, plus a full card that night.
Pro Wrestling Phoenix from Saturday night in Council Bluffs, IA: Purple b Joey Daniels, Con Artiest b Brandon Wallace, Zac James b Pat Powers, Mad Dog McDowell & Jon West b Jake & Ryan King, Paul Daniels b Dalton Lee Roth, Arik Cannon won four-way over Mark Sterling, Pat Powers and Branden Juarez. Next show is 2/25 in Omaha at the Waiting Room Lounge.
CZW on 3/26 in Voorhees, NJ at Flyers Skate Zone with Sami Callihan vs. Masada, Mike Bailey vs. Jon Gresham and AR Fox vs. B-Boy.
NWA Smoky Mountain Wrestling on 3/24 in Kingsport, TN for Spring Breakout as all students K-12 can attend the show for free, and the fans can book the show. All the champions will face challengers that will be determined by an on-line vote.
We’re looking for your thoughts on today’s New Beginnings in Niigata as well as Thursday’s New Beginnings in Osaka 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
Raw will be Monday in Anaheim. No Brock Lesnar or Paul Heyman on to the go-home show for Fast Lane. Ticket sales picked up with the announcement of A.J. Styles, although I’m sure in management that will be passed off as pure coincidence, and maybe it is. But this looks to be the first sellout of a Raw show this year. It’s very close at this point and Anaheim is good walk-up market.
Lesnar will make his first appearance on Smackdown since 2004 at the Tuesday tapings in Ontario, CA.
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!
The newest issue of the Wrestling Observer is one of the best of the year. A very detailed look at the end of Bryan Danielson’s career and retirement. Looking back at sports, pro wrestling and the ramifications that are and are not being talked about. Danielson’s retirement is a big story, both his short and long term impact on pro wrestling. How his story will act as a catalyst for change not only within pro wrestling but all contact sports. If you are a wrestling fan, a sports fan or a science fan, this may be the most important issue of the year.
Bryan Danielson’s retirement speech, career highlights, home town, character both in and out of the ring, booking, the crazy way he ended up as champion for the first time, the birth of the “Yes” chant, the build to WrestleMania 30 & 31, the various exams, why he wanted to continue wrestling and WWE didn’t, his goals outside of WWE and why he changed his mind in the last few weeks.
The quandary he was in about continuing his career, how his career began, the formation of ROH and the changing landscape of independent wrestling, the changing ideas of what a pro wrestling headliner can look like, the first time I ever saw him wrestle while sitting with Red Bastien and Nick Bockwinkel
The suspension of Titus O’Neil, a longtime WWE star talking about going into another sport, another star looking at retiring soon, lots of WrestleMania plans including an early summer major match, Steve Austin’s WrestleMania status, update on promotion of Stephanie McMahon, star who may be interested in returning, Fast Lane, A.J. Styles talks his beginnings in WWE and how hard he tried to hide the Royal Rumble story, how DDP figured in Styles’ return, Linda McMahon forms a new company, Roman Reigns in Raw main events, WWE cuts five in developmental, new WWE books. New announcer hired, Update on many Tough Enough competitors from the past season, plans for a WWE show taped this summer, international star WWE has interest in, as well as a look at all the weekend house shows from WWE & NXT with business notes.
PLUS MUCH MORE! CLICK HERE FOR A FULL WRESTLING OBSERVER PREVIEW
You can also order the print Observer right now and get it delivered to your door via mail, by sending your name, address, Visa or Master Card number and an expiration date to Dave Meltzer
For the United States, it is $13 for 4 issues, $32 for 12, $61 for 24, $101 for 40 and $131 for 52. In Canada and Mexico, rates are $14.50 for 4, $35 for 12, $67 for 24, $111 for 40 and $144 or 52. In Europe, you can get the fastest delivery and best rates by sending to moonsault@mediaplusint.com For the rest of the world, rates are $16.50 for 4, $44 for 12, $85 for 24, $141 for 40 issues and $183 for 52.
If you order by mail with a check, cash or money order (P.O. Box 1228, Campbell, CA 95009-1228), you can get $1 off in every price range.
If you are a new subscriber ordering 24 or more issues, you can get one free classic issue of your choice sent to you today. With a 40 issue subscription, you can get two free classic issues sent to you today.
Click here for the most requested Wrestling Observer back issues.
Today’s Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Kenny Omega IC title match main event (available on New Japan World) was a must-see match. Really everything after intermission was great but when it comes to storytelling and accomplishing a goal (Omega had to be made as a new superstar in one match because of the departures of A.J. Styles and Shinsuke Nakamura; but Tanahashi couldn’t be hurt because he’s more important than ever) this was a masterpiece.
Ronda Rousey will be on the cover of this year’s Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue that comes out this week. There will be three different covers. She will also be on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon on Tuesday promoting the cover. (thanks to Jon Southerland)
Congratulations to Milena Roucka (Rosa Mendes) who gave birth to a baby girl, Jordan Elizabeth Schubenski, yesterday.
A likely WrestleMania match with Stardust vs. Stephen Amell started with an angle shot yesterday at the Dallas Comic Con where Stardust crashed Amell’s Q&A and threw waster in his face. The angle had actually been planned at a different convention, but the original show they were going to shoot it on was canceled.
WWE
Baron Corbin and Cameron are on the current California house show tour. Corbin worked a three-way with Fandango and Viktor of the Ascension last night. Cameron was in a six-women’s match back as part of Team BAD.
Even as late as the day of the show (yesterday), all the commercials in Fresno for the house show were built around Roman Reigns defending the WWE title against Sheamus. He lost the title weeks ago, Sheamus was injured, and Reigns replaced John Cena on the European tour as soon as Cena was hurt.
The WWE was nominated for some CableFax Digital Awards including Bert App, Digital team of the Year, Digital Marketing Campaign (WrestleMania 31), Social Good Campaign (Conor’s Cure), Social Media Campaign (WrestleMania 31), Best Social Media team and Best use of Facebook.
A piece comparing presidential debates to UFC (thanks to Chris Cruise)
MISCELLANEOUS
The Evolve roster for the 4/2 show in Dallas at Noon, with a main event of Will Ospreay vs. Ricochet, also includes Timothy Thatcher, Johnny Gargano, Zack Sabre Jr., Chris Hero, Sami Callihan, Drew Gulak, Tracy Williams, TJ Perkins, Matt Riddle, Anthony Nese, Ethan Page and Fred Yehi.
The California-based Pro Wrestling Revolution promotion will join the WWNLive.com family of shows with an iPPV on 2/27 headlined by Juventud Guerrera.
CZW’s 17th anniversary show was last night in Voorhees, NJ before an SRO crowd: Masada b AR Fox, Amazing Gulaks b Dub Boys, Joey Janela b Lio Rush to keep the Wired title in a 2/3 fall match, Dave Crist & Zachary Wentz & Dezmond Xavier b Neiko Sozio & Frankie Prichard & Conor Claxton, Danny Havoc b Rickey Shane Page, Blk Jeez & Pepper Parks b EYFBO to keep CZW tag titles, Sami Callihan b Speedball Mike Bailey (excellent match), Matt Tremont b Devon Moore in a ladder match to keep the CZW title. They inducted WWE referee Drake Weurtz (Drake Younger) into the CZW Hall of Fame at intermission. Next show is 3/3 with Callihan vs. Masada, Bailey vs. Jonathan Gresham and Fox vs. B-Boy.
Stardom from Friday in Nagoya: Evie b Haruka Kato, Kaori Yoneyama b Kellie Skater, Santana Garrett & Chelsea Green b Kairi Hojo & Hiromi Mimura, Hiroyo Matsumoto b Jungle Kyona, Io Shirai & Mayu Iwatani b Biper & Kaitlin Diemond to keep the tag titles. Next Korakuen Hall show is 2.21.16 (thanks to Al Haft)
Victory Commonwealth Wrestling on 3/13 in Toronto at Lee’s Palace.
C4 on 3/19 in Ottawa at the Vanier Columbus Club with Mathieu St. Jaques vs Joey Janela.
Paragon Pro Wrestling TV tapings from Sunday in Las Vegas. They taped four weeks worth of shows: Tyshaun Prince won over Eric Wright and Anthony Green, Caleb Konley & Drew Donovan b Jay Riley & Jesse Sorenson, Royce Isaac b Anthony Green, Whirlwind Gentlemen b The Shadows, Jesse Sorensen b Drew Donovan-DQ, Alex Chamberlain b Mikey O’Shea in a PPW title match, Wes Brisco b Tyshaun Prince-DQ, Darin Corbin b Crash Test Cody, Gangrel b Greg Romero, Jay Riley b Caleb Konley, Eric Wright & Anthony Green b Greg Romero b ?, Royce Isaacs b Remy Marcel, Caleb Konley & Drew Donovan NC Jay Riley & Jesse Sorsensen, Alex Chamberlain b Gangrel (thanks to Mike Trask)
VIP Wrestling from Friday night in Arlington, TX before 230 fans: Jerome Daniels b Bolt Brady, Tim Storm & Apoc b Jaxson Stone & Bam Bam Malone, Sinn Bodhi b Markus Burke, Scott McKenzie & Kristopher Haiden d Kenny Steele & Orion Taylor, Gregory James & Jason Silver d Graham Bell & Luke Langley, Green Man b Marcus Love, Raymond Rowe b Keith Lee, Jessica James b Bree Ann Hatfield, Andy Dalton won three-way over Johnny Gargano and Davey Vega, Ricky Sparks & Houston Carson b Brian Cage & PJ Black to keep tag title, Tim Storm & Apoc b Ricky Sparks & Houston Carson to win tag title. Next shows are 3/4 in Fort Worth with New Jack vs. Masada and must be 18 or older to attend; and there is a 4/3 after WrestleMania party featuring Jake Roberts.
ECWA on 2/20 in New Castle, DE at the United Asbury Methodist Church headlined by Bobby Shields vs. Azrael.
St. Louis Anarchy from last night in Alton, IL: Kevin Lee Davidson & Sean Orleans & Kody Krash b Justin D’Air & Luke Langley & Graham Bell, Matt Cage b Paco Gonzalez, Christian Rose b Mike Outlaw, Bucky Collins b Stephen Wolf, Zakk Sawyers b Steve O Reno, Evan Gelistico & Adam Caster won a four-corners tag title match over Devin & Mason Cutter, Alexandre Rudolph & Jake Parnell and Nick Iggy & Kerry Awful, Davey Vega b Jeremy Wyatt, Ricky Starks b Mikey McFinnegan, Andy Dalton b Jojo Bravo, Chris Hero & Trik Davis b Danny Adams & Everett Connors, Mat Fitchett b Gerald James in 2/3 falls to win the heavyweight title (thanks to Patrick Brandmeyer)
All Star Wrestling on 2/20 in Chilliwack, BC at the Tzeachten Community Center and 2/26 in Surrey, BC at the Cloverdale Fairgrounds Alice McKay Building.
Smash Wrestling on 2/20 in Toronto at the Frankin Horner Community Centre featuring Chris Hero and Eddie Edwards plus the Super Smash Brothers, Mike Bailey, Johnny Gargano, Frankie the Mobster, Candice LaRae and more.
Steel City Pro Wrestling on 2/28 in Hamilton, ONT at 2 p.m.
Jim Cornette appears on 3/5 at 11 p.m. at the Laugh It Up Comedy Club in Poughkeepsie.
A Mick Foley podcast interview.
Shayna Baszler interview about her 3/6 match with Colleen Schneider at the Premier show, and also talks about Daniel Bryan
Brainbuster Pro Wrestling from last night in Holly woof, FL: Maxx Stardom won over Chasyn Rance, Mike Monroe, Chico Adams and CT Brown, Shaniah Ariyana b Angel Rose, DWB b Earl Cooter, Josh Powers b Eli Vega, Ace Andrews & Rex Bacchus b Michael Patrick & Leo Brien, Jonny Vandal b AJ Jannazzo, Maxwell Chicago b Aaron Epic, Shawn Prime b Craig Classic. Next show is 5/14/16
The Crash from Friday night in Tijuana: Black Boy won elimination match for jr. title over Proximo, Mirage, Septimo Dragon and Jinzo, El Hijo del Pirata Morgan b Angel Metalico, Arez & Geniodel Aire & Super Nova b Tony Casanova & Star Boy & Zarco, El Texano Jr. & Mr. Maldito & Taurus b The Psycho Circus, Blue Demon Jr. & Fenix & Rey Hours b Teddy Hart & Johnny Mundo & Pentagon Jr. (thanks to Kris Zellner)
Maryland Championship Wrestling from last night in Joppa, MD: Drake Carter & Shaun Cannon b Rob Locke & Joe Keys, Delirious b Fenix Fury, Brandon Scott b Sean Studd, Eric Chapel & Diry Money kept tag titles over Bo Nekoda & Oakley Woods, Ken Dixon b The Bruiser, Bill Collier & Paul Jordane b Sexy Steve & Jimmy Stars, Shane Strickland (Killshot in Lucha Underground) b Facade, Matt Hardy b King McBride via DQ so McBride retained his MCW title. Matt & Jeff Hardy b McBride & Ken Dixon
NWA Mid South on 2/20 in Dyresburg, TN at the Herb Welch Wrestle Plex with Matt Riviera & Rob Conway defending the NWA tag title against Bobby Fulton & Dexter Hardaway, Greg Anthony defends the NWA National title in a three-way against Rodney Mack and John Saxon
Pure Wrestling Association on 3/6 in Kitchener, ONT at the Registry Theatre
Crossfire Wrestling on 3/20 in St. Catherines, ONT at the Merritton Community Centre at 4 p.m.
This morning marks the second card for New Beginnings, the annual February NJPW PPV. Three big title matches headline this second outing. Doc Gallows and Karl Anderson challenge the new champions Great Bash Heel (Tomoaki Honma and Togi Makabe) for the IWGP Tag Team titles. Kushida defends his IWGP Jr. Heavyweight championship against Los Ingobernables member Bushi.
In the main event, the vacant IWGP Intercontinental championship will be up for grabs. Hiroshi Tanahashi, a former champion and longtime ace of the promotion, looks to capture another title by defeating Kenny Omega, who has recently moved up to heavyweight as well as obtaining a high ranking within Bullet Club by putting AJ Styles out of commission.
We’re looking for your thoughts on tonight’s show as well as on Thursday’s show fro Osaka, so you can leave a thumbs up, thumbs down or thumbs in the middle along with a best and worst match for each show at dave@wrestlingobserver.com
Live coverage provided by Dave Meltzer at 11pm PST.
TIGER MASK & JUSHIN LIGER & CAPTAIN NEW JAPAN VS. YOUNG BUCKS & CODY HALL
Short match with not much to it. They kept things moving, did a few near falls and the match ended when Hall had Captain in a tombstone position and both Bucks came off the top rope to spike him and Matt scored the pin.
BOBBY FISH & KYLE O’REILLY VS. KAZUSHI SAKURABA & GEDO
Another short match. The early matwork sequence with Sakuraba and O’Reilly was really good. The rest of the match was okay. Fish pinned Gedo after Chasing the Dragon.
MATT SYDAL & RICOCHET & SATOSHI KOJIMA & HIROYOSHI TENZAN VS. YUJI NAGATA & MANABU NAKANISHI & RYUSUKE TAGUCHI & DAVID FINLAY
Good match after Nakanishi and Tenzan started. Crowd was into Kojima vs. Nagata the most. Sydal & Ricochet didn’t do what you’d expect on a big show but this wasn’t the match or spot ont he show to be tearing it up. They looked good with what they did. The finish saw Ricochet pin Finlay after a shooting star press.
TETSUYA NAITO & EVIL VS. MICHAEL ELGIN & JAY WHITE
Naito fist bumped Milan Collection A.T. at the announcers table and went to do the same with Nogami. But Nogami was loyal to Blue Justice. Milano then hopped hte rail and opened the ropes for Naito. They first bumped again so the two announcers were on opposite sides of the fence here. Another short match. Good match ending when Evil pinned White afer an STO. White & Elgin looked good. Naito gave the ref a sliding dropkick. after the match. Naito wanted a fist bump from Milano after but he declined because Naito attacked the ref. Nogami kept yelling “Justice” at him so at some point Nagata may be going against Naito.
BAD LUCK FALE & TAMA TONGA & YUJIRO TAKAHASHI VS. MARK & JAY BRISCOE & TORU YANO FOR NEVER OPEN WEIGHT TRIOS TITLES
The Briscoes & Yano regained the titles. The match was better than Thursday since Tonga seemed to carry the heel side. The Brisoces also looked good and Yano’s heel act is over. During the match Yujiro tried to low blow Yano but the ref caught him The finish was the ref distracted and as the Briscoes pulled Tonga and Fale out of the ring. Yano gave Yujiro a low blow and inned him with his outside cradle. Not bad but no great matches on the first half of the show.
HIROOKI GOTO & KATSUYORI SHIBATA & JUICE ROBINSON VS. KAZUCHIKA OKADA & TOMOHIRO ISHII & YOSHI-HASHI
Real good, best match so far. Okada was really good here, definitely came across like the superstar in the match. Robinson got to do more than usual. The finish saw Okada used the neckbreaker over the knee and Randy Savage elbow on Robinson. He set up the rainmaker but Goto broke it up. Okada hit the dropkick on Goto and then the rainmaker on Robinson for the pin. Highlight was Shibata vs. Ishii. After the match Okada offered to shake hands with Goto and invited him to join CHAOS. Goto walked off. Okada grabbed the mic and said something to Gogo, who walked off.
KUSHIDA VS. BUSHI FOR IWGP JR. TITLE
This was a great match. All kinds of great stuff. They did dives and lots of near falls. Kushida survived the mist in the face, a backslide and bridge and Bushi’s MX finisher which is coming off the top rope into a codebreaker while landing. He tried a second one but Kushida caught Bushi with the codebeaker. Evil interfered a few times. Evil grabbed Kushida but Taguchi hip attacked Evil for the save. Naito tried to interfere but White grabbed Naito by the legs. The finish saw Kushida grab the hoverboard lock and then while holding it kicked Naito off the apron and got the submission. The negative is it was really stupid for Kushida to be working the several minutes with green mist all over his face and the ref not caring.
TOMOAKI HONMA & TOGI MAKABE VS. KARL ANDERSON & DOC GALLOWS FOR THE IWGP TAG TEAM TITLES
Another great match. And it would have been hard to follow the jr. match. It was mostly Honma selling but he survied his arm being worked on, kicked out of the gun stun, survived a Gallows power bomb and a bloody sunday DDT by Anderson. The finish saw Makabe revive and slap Honma over and over to revive him. Makabe put Anderson on his shoulders and Honma used the kokeshi double impact. Makabe clotheslined Gallows over the top, and then Makabe used the King Kong kneedrop on Anderson and Honma used a diving head-butt to pin Anderson.
Tama Tonga came out and said that there is a new member of the Bullet Club and he and that person challenge Makabe & Honma to a title match. Honma accepted the challenge.
HIROSHI TANAHASHI VS. KENNY OMEGA FOR THE VACANT IC TITLE
Omega won the title in 30 minutes with the One Winged Angel in what will be among the best matches of 2016 even though it was filled with inteference. Early in the match Yujiro Takahashi and Cody Hall interfered. Omega told them that the smart marks will take stars off this match if there is too much outside interference (which basically meant the match was going to have a ton of inteference later since he’s a heel) and he needed to win clean. Most of the match was Omega working over Tanahashi’s bad shoulder and Tanahashi working over Omega’s knee. Omega did a totally believable sell job on his knee. Tanahashi used two dragon screws and the Texas cloverleaf. He had the match won when Hall came back out and distracted the ref. The Young Bucks came from under the ring and gave Tanahashi a double superkick and the Indy taker. Omega used the Styles Clash but Tanahashi kicked out. The Bucks sprayed the numbing spray on Omega’s knee. Omega went for the bom a ye but Tanahashi used a dragon suplex. Omega used a ton of forearms and worked over the shoulder but Tanahashi came back. Omega used a reverse Frankensteiner dropping Tanahashi on his head. Omega went for the One Winged Angel but Tanahashi revesed it into a reverse huracanrana. Tanahashi used a straight jacket German suplex and went to the top rope. Nick Jackson shoved him off and put a garbage can around the shoulder. They threw the garbage can but it knocked out ref Red Shoes. The Bucks put the boots to Tanahashi and put his bad shoulder on the garbage can. Omega went to the top rope but Michael Elgin ran in and picked up both Bucks and used a fallaway slam on both. Tanahashi slammed Omega off the top rope onto the garbage can. Elgin carried both Bucks to the back. Tanahashi used a neckbreaker and a sling blade, and a cross body off the top, but missed the high fly flow. Omega used a bom a ye to the back of Tanahashi’s neck, and jumping knee to the chin but Tanahashi kicked oiut. Omega used another bom a ye and the One Winged Angel for the pin.
Omega said some of you may be surprised, some of you may be sad. It’s Valentine’s Day and some of you wish Tanahashi could be your Valentine. You have a new Valentine, you have a new God. I can wrestle. I can talk. I can sing. All you ladies, me and the Young Bucks are the Elite. The Bucks were wearing “Elite” shirts insead of Bullet Club shirts. Then he sang Teenage Dream. This was the the new Sueprstar performance needed. Every booker needs to watch this match as far as a lesson on how to make a new star, well, if you’ve got someone with incredible talent and a Hiroshi Tanahashi on your roster to make him. Omega played air guitar when it was over, jumped in the air, and collapsed, selling his knee. Then he left the ring. Everyone knew what they needed to do here and they did it the best way possible.
Today is quite honestly a welcomed quiet weekend in the world of Pro Wrestling and MMA after a very long week. To quickly recap the week: It all started with the retirement of Bryan Danielson from WWE that culminated with his WWE RAW Retirement speech. In the aftermath of the Danielson speech Titus O’Neil was suspended for 90 days and then quickly reduced to 60 days for grabbing Vince McMahon during the closing of RAW’s broadcast on the WWE Network. CM Punk’s UFC debut was delayed due to needing back surgery which was by all reports successful.
Jushin Liger & Tiger Mask & Captain New Japan vs. Young Bucks & Cody Hall
Bobby Fish & Kyle O’Reilly vs. Gedo & Kazushi Sakuraba
Hiroyoshi Tenzan & Satoshi Kojima & Ricochet & Matt Sydal vs. Yuji Nagata & Manabu Nakanishi & Ryusuke Taguchi & David Finlay
Michael Elgin & Jay White vs. Tetsuya Naito & Evil
Bad Luck Fale & Tama Tonga & Yujiro Takahashi vs. Mark & Jay Briscoe & Toru Yano for Never Open weight title
Hirooki Goto & Katsuyori Shibata & Juice Robinson vs. Kazuchika Okada & Tomohiro Ishii & Yoshi-Hash
Kushida vs. Bushi for IWGP jr. title
Tomoaki Honma & Togi Makabe vs. Karl Anderson & Doc Gallows for IWGP tag titles
Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Kenny Omega for IWGP IC title
Sunday has WWE in Bakersfield,, CA (Chris Jericho, Bray Wyatt, Wyatt Family, Dudleys, Ryback, A.J. Styles, Kane, Natalya).
Raw will be Monday in Anaheim. No Brock Lesnar or Paul Heyman on to the go-home show for Fast Lane. Ticket sales picked up with the announcement of A.J. Styles, although I’m sure in management that will be passed off as pure coincidence, and maybe it is. But this looks to be the first sellout of a Raw show this year. It’s very close at this point and Anaheim is good walk-up market.
Lesnar will make his first appearance on Smackdown since 2004 at the Tuesday tapings in Ontario, CA.
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!
The newest issue of the Wrestling Observer is one of the best of the year. A very detailed look at the end of Bryan Danielson’s career and retirement. Looking back at sports, pro wrestling and the ramifications that are and are not being talked about. Danielson’s retirement is a big story, both his short and long term impact on pro wrestling. How his story will act as a catalyst for change not only within pro wrestling but all contact sports. If you are a wrestling fan, a sports fan or a science fan, this may be the most important issue of the year.
Bryan Danielson’s retirement speech, career highlights, home town, character both in and out of the ring, booking, the crazy way he ended up as champion for the first time, the birth of the “Yes” chant, the build to WrestleMania 30 & 31, the various exams, why he wanted to continue wrestling and WWE didn’t, his goals outside of WWE and why he changed his mind in the last few weeks.
The quandary he was in about continuing his career, how his career began, the formation of ROH and the changing landscape of independent wrestling, the changing ideas of what a pro wrestling headliner can look like, the first time I ever saw him wrestle while sitting with Red Bastien and Nick Bockwinkel
The suspension of Titus O’Neil, a longtime WWE star talking about going into another sport, another star looking at retiring soon, lots of WrestleMania plans including an early summer major match, Steve Austin’s WrestleMania status, update on promotion of Stephanie McMahon, star who may be interested in returning, Fast Lane, A.J. Styles talks his beginnings in WWE and how hard he tried to hide the Royal Rumble story, how DDP figured in Styles’ return, Linda McMahon forms a new company, Roman Reigns in Raw main events, WWE cuts five in developmental, new WWE books. New announcer hired, Update on many Tough Enough competitors from the past season, plans for a WWE show taped this summer, international star WWE has interest in, as well as a look at all the weekend house shows from WWE & NXT with business notes.
PLUS MUCH MORE! CLICK HERE FOR A FULL WRESTLING OBSERVER PREVIEW
You can also order the print Observer right now and get it delivered to your door via mail, by sending your name, address, Visa or Master Card number and an expiration date to Dave Meltzer
For the United States, it is $13 for 4 issues, $32 for 12, $61 for 24, $101 for 40 and $131 for 52. In Canada and Mexico, rates are $14.50 for 4, $35 for 12, $67 for 24, $111 for 40 and $144 or 52. In Europe, you can get the fastest delivery and best rates by sending to moonsault@mediaplusint.com For the rest of the world, rates are $16.50 for 4, $44 for 12, $85 for 24, $141 for 40 issues and $183 for 52.
If you order by mail with a check, cash or money order (P.O. Box 1228, Campbell, CA 95009-1228), you can get $1 off in every price range.
If you are a new subscriber ordering 24 or more issues, you can get one free classic issue of your choice sent to you today. With a 40 issue subscription, you can get two free classic issues sent to you today.
Click here for the most requested Wrestling Observer back issues.
The Fight Network’s John Pollock has some details on that just-announced show featuring Chael Sonnen vs. Michael Bisping in a grappling match, Kurt Angle vs. Rey Mysterio, and Roy Jones Jr. offering to box a fan for $100k.
ECWA returns on Saturday, 2/20 for a “Winter Challenge” show at the United Asbury Methodist Church in New Castle, DE.
Chyna is appearing tonight for Maryland Championship Wrestling’s Xtreme Anniversary show in Joppatowne, MD. Matt Hardy is in the main event with Jeff Hardy also making a non-wrestling appearance.
Due to a late change due to “medication issues” involving the Siyar Bahadurzada-Brandon Thatch fight on next weekend’s Fight Night 83, the Joe Riggs-Chris Camozzi fight has been moved to the prelims after originally being scheduled for the Fight Pass prelims. The Thatch fight will now take place 2 weeks later at UFC 196
We’re looking for your thoughts on Thursday’s New Beginnings in Osaka so you can leave a thumbs up, thumbs down or thumbs in the middle along with a best and worst match to Dave Meltzer
We’re looking for reports on today’s WWE show in Mannheim, Germany (Roman Reigns vs. Alberto Del Rio) and NXT in Tampa to Dave Meltzer
NEW JAPAN WORLD PRO WRESTLING RETURNS AT 9 P.M. EASTERN TONIGHT ON AXS
A.J. Styles vs. Kota Ibushi for IWGP title – This match was fantastic. I can just imagine how good it’ll be with Mauro Ranallo & Josh Barnett calling it.
Triton & Fuego & The Panther vs. Virus & Tiger & Puma
La Mascara & Dragon Lee & Guerrero Maya vs. Hechicero & Kamaitachi & Bobby Z
Valiente vs Euforia
Rush & Thunder & Marco Corleone vs. Cibernetico & Mr. Niebla & Ultimo Guerrero]
Mistico & Volador Jr. & Mascara Dorada vs. Negro Casas & Mephisto & Cavernario Barbaro
The WWE Germany tour finishes tomorrow in Magdeburg, Germany (Roman Reigns vs. Alberto Del Rio), and we’re looking for reports on that show as well as a house show in Fresno (Chris Jericho, Bray Wyatt, Wyatt Family, Dudleys, Ryback, A.J. Styles, Kane, Natalya) and NXT in Palatka, FL.
NEW JAPAN NEW BEGINNINGS IN NIIGATA LATE SATURDAY NIGHT STARTING AT 2 A.M. EASTERN AND 11 P.M. PACIFIC ON NEW JAPAN WORLD
Jushin Liger & Tiger Mask & Captain New Japan vs. Young Bucks & Cody Hall
Bobby Fish & Kyle O’Reilly vs. Gedo & Kazushi Sakuraba
Hiroyoshi Tenzan & Satoshi Kojima & Ricochet & Matt Sydal vs. Yuji Nagata & Manabu Nakanishi & Ryusuke Taguchi & David Finlay
Michael Elgin & Jay White vs. Tetsuya Naito & Evil
Bad Luck Fale & Tama Tonga & Yujiro Takahashi vs. Mark & Jay Briscoe & Toru Yano for Never Open weight title
Hirooki Goto & Katsuyori Shibata & Juice Robinson vs. Kazuchika Okada & Tomohiro Ishii & Yoshi-Hash
Kushida vs. Bushi for IWGP jr. title
Tomoaki Honma & Togi Makabe vs. Karl Anderson & Doc Gallows for IWGP tag titles
Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Kenny Omega for IWGP IC title
Sunday has WWE in Bakersfield,, CA (Chris Jericho, Bray Wyatt, Wyatt Family, Dudleys, Ryback, A.J. Styles, Kane, Natalya).
Raw will be Monday in Anaheim. No Brock Lesnar or Paul Heyman on to the go-home show for Fast Lane. Ticket sales picked up with the announcement of A.J. Styles, although I’m sure in management that will be passed off as pure coincidence, and maybe it is. But this looks to be the first sellout of a Raw show this year. It’s very close at this point and Anaheim is good walk-up market.
Lesnar will make his first appearance on Smackdown since 2004 at the Tuesday tapings in Ontario, CA.
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!
The newest issue of the Wrestling Observer is one of the best of the year. A very detailed look at the end of Bryan Danielson’s career and retirement. Looking back at sports, pro wrestling and the ramifications that are and are not being talked about. Danielson’s retirement is a big story, both his short and long term impact on pro wrestling. How his story will act as a catalyst for change not only within pro wrestling but all contact sports. If you are a wrestling fan, a sports fan or a science fan, this may be the most important issue of the year.
Bryan Danielson’s retirement speech, career highlights, home town, character both in and out of the ring, booking, the crazy way he ended up as champion for the first time, the birth of the “Yes” chant, the build to WrestleMania 30 & 31, the various exams, why he wanted to continue wrestling and WWE didn’t, his goals outside of WWE and why he changed his mind in the last few weeks.
The quandary he was in about continuing his career, how his career began, the formation of ROH and the changing landscape of independent wrestling, the changing ideas of what a pro wrestling headliner can look like, the first time I ever saw him wrestle while sitting with Red Bastien and Nick Bockwinkel
The suspension of Titus O’Neil, a longtime WWE star talking about going into another sport, another star looking at retiring soon, lots of WrestleMania plans including an early summer major match, Steve Austin’s WrestleMania status, update on promotion of Stephanie McMahon, star who may be interested in returning, Fast Lane, A.J. Styles talks his beginnings in WWE and how hard he tried to hide the Royal Rumble story, how DDP figured in Styles’ return, Linda McMahon forms a new company, Roman Reigns in Raw main events, WWE cuts five in developmental, new WWE books. New announcer hired, Update on many Tough Enough competitors from the past season, plans for a WWE show taped this summer, international star WWE has interest in, as well as a look at all the weekend house shows from WWE & NXT with business notes.
PLUS MUCH MORE! CLICK HERE FOR A FULL WRESTLING OBSERVER PREVIEW
You can also order the print Observer right now and get it delivered to your door via mail, by sending your name, address, Visa or Master Card number and an expiration date to Dave Meltzer
For the United States, it is $13 for 4 issues, $32 for 12, $61 for 24, $101 for 40 and $131 for 52. In Canada and Mexico, rates are $14.50 for 4, $35 for 12, $67 for 24, $111 for 40 and $144 or 52. In Europe, you can get the fastest delivery and best rates by sending to moonsault@mediaplusint.com For the rest of the world, rates are $16.50 for 4, $44 for 12, $85 for 24, $141 for 40 issues and $183 for 52.
If you order by mail with a check, cash or money order (P.O. Box 1228, Campbell, CA 95009-1228), you can get $1 off in every price range.
If you are a new subscriber ordering 24 or more issues, you can get one free classic issue of your choice sent to you today. With a 40 issue subscription, you can get two free classic issues sent to you today.
Click here for the most requested Wrestling Observer back issues.
MMA and WWE trending over the past week as far as Internet searches on Google go, Kevin Randleman was No. 7 yesterday with 100,000. Titus O’Neil was No. 17 on Tuesday with 50,000. Daniel Bryan was No. 6 on Monday with 200,000.
Lucha Underground set its record audience on Wednesday night, doing 136,000 viewers at 8 p.m. and the immediate 9 p.m. replay did 81,000 viewers.
A wild PPV show was announced on 3/20 from the Celebrity Theater in Phoenix. On the same stage, Roy Jones Jr. will fight a fan and if the fan can beat him, he gets $100,000. Ken Shamrock will face Dan Severn for the first time in 19 years to end their long standing rivalry in an MMA match. Kurt Angle will face Rey Mysterio Jr. in a pro wrestling match, and Chael Sonnen will face Michael Bisping in a grappling match. We’ll have a lot more on this as it approaches, but this is legit.
The World MMA Awards from last Friday will air tonight at 10 p.m. on FS 2.
The special we wrote about yesterday, a look back at the first WrestleMania in 1985, airs tonight at 10:30 p.m. on the MSG Network.
The Edge & Christian Show That Totally Reeks of Awesomeness debuts after Fast Lane on 2/21 on the WWE Network
Other new WWE Network shows include Daniel Bryan’s Greatest Moments, Brock Lesnar’s Road to the Undisputed title and The Best of Stone Cole vs. Mr. McMahon.
John Cena will be the honorary pace car driver for the Daytona Beach 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series event on 2/21 at 1 p.m., the same day as Fast Lane.
Stock continued to decline, closing at $14.65 per share, the lowest in a long time. Besides the decline in the market as a whole, this stems from yesterday’s report where the company lost money for the quarter and there was a slight decline in network subscriptions.
We don’t have an update on Riddick Moss, who was motionless after taking a fall during the NXT show in Jacksonville and they had to stop the main event (Dash & Dawson & Moss vs. Sami Zayn & Colin Cassady & Enzo Amore) last night after a triple suplex spot. He was able to get up and did walk from the ring to the back on his own but he was motionless for a long time. (thanks to Ross Blair)
Information on various web site activities for WrestleMania can be found here.
The newspaper in Seattle on the retirement of Daniel Bryan. Article here.
The New York Post has a story on the decline of WWE stock.
Bas Rutten, who ended up being very good friends with Kevin Randleman after their famous UFC title fight, talks about him here.
Bellator announced today that Michael Chandler has signed a multi-year multi-fight contract with the promotion. As noted in the current issue of the Observer, there are talks for his next fight to be 5/14 in San Jose against Josh Thomson.
TMZ reported that Tito Ortiz was cited for misdemeanor battery early this morning after allegedly getting physical with a woman inside of a Las Vegas night club. The alleged incident took place at Drai’s Nightclub at about 1 a.m. when a woman claimed Ortiz got physical with her and tried to rip her phone away. She said she had been taking photos inside the cub earlier and she thinks Ortiz may have thought she was trying to shoot photos of him. She claimed Ortiz tried to whip her around. Police arrived and Ortiz was not arrested, but was cited.
Kevin Kiley Sr., who is the father of Alex Riley, has been in the news this week because he quit his job as a sports talk show host at WKRK-FM in Cleveland. Kiley said that his principles and the principles of the station didn’t match up. He’d been under controversy when he said the Buffalo Bills hiring a woman as an assistant coach was “absurd.” In the past Kiley Sr. had gotten heat by saying women shouldn’t be on the voting board for the Pro Football Hall of Fame or allowed to officiate the game. This had led to reporter Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk saying that people should boycott the station. Kiley said that in 35 years of reporting on sports, this was the first time when the station told him he could not defend himself against critics, so he quit. “You shouldn’t accept censorship ever. You should make sure the people on the radio are telling you the truth as they see it. Don’t let some clown in New York tell them what to say and then you think it’s your opinion or what not to say. That’s what happened here and I’m not accepting it.”
Joe Garagiola, the former NBC personality who often hosted the Tonight Show, was part of the Today Show crew and the major league baseball broadcast team, turns 90 today. his connection with pro wrestling is that he was the first announcer for Wrestling at the Chase in St. Louis, and his brother Mickey was the longtime ring announcer on the show. Garagiola was also social friends with Gene Kiniski.
Tier 1 Wrestling will be doing an iPPV through WWNLive.com featuring Timothy Thatcher vs. Michael Elgin in their first-ever meeting.
41 years ago today before a sellout crowd in Miami Beach, Jack Brisco retained the NWA title over the Mongolian Stomper; Andre the Giant won a Battle Royal which also included Chris Taylor, and Bill Watts beat Bob Roop via DQ in a Florida title match.
Pro Wrestling Phoenix tomorrow night in Council Bluffs, IA at the National Guard Armory headlined by Arik Cannon.
AAW on 2/19 in Merrionette Park, IL at 115 Bourbon Street has Eddie Kingston vs. Sami Callihan for the AAW title, AR Fox vs. Matt Cage for the Heritage title, Tommaso Ciampa & Johnny Gargano vs. Chris Hero & Drew Gulak, Abyss & Kongo Kong vs. Ryan Boz & Russ Jones, plus Trevor Lee, Candice LaRae and others. On 3/18 in Berwyn, IL at the Eagles Club has Jack Evans, Chris Hero, Ciampa, Silas Young, Colt Cabana and Drew Gulak. On 4/9 in Chicago at the Logan Square Auditorium has Matt Sydal and Hero
Bret Hart posted on Instagram on Friday a positive message after his surgery for prostate cancer on Wednesday in Calgary.
“Surgery’s over and on the long road to recovery. I want to thank Dr. Hyndman and the nursing staff at Rocky View Hospital for an outstanding job. I also want to thank my family, friends and fans for all your love and support. Things are looking up and I should be home in the next couple of days. In the words of Vince McMahon: “It’s onwards and upwards.”
Hart was recovering from four-corner right wrist surgery which makes writing and typing very difficult.
Hart announced publicly on 2/1 that he had prostate cancer and that surgery was imminent. He briefly attended the WWE house show in Calgary on Friday night where his niece, Natalya, performed.
We’re looking for your thoughts on today’s New Beginnings in Osaka so you can leave a thumbs up, thumbs down or thumbs in the middle along with a best and worst match to Dave Meltzer
We’re also looking for reports on the NXT house show tonight in Jacksonville at Dave Meltzer
SMACKDOWN TONIGHT ON THE USA NETWORK AT 8 P.M.
A.J. Styles & Chris Jericho vs. Curtis Axel & Adam Rose
Sasha Banks vs. Naomi
Sin Cara & Kalisto & Neville vs. The Ascension & Stardust
A.J. Styles vs. Chris Jericho
The show also features a lot of highlights from the Daniel Bryan retirement from Raw.
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!
The newest issue of the Wrestling Observer is one of the best of the year. A very detailed look at the end of Bryan Danielson’s career and retirement. Looking back at sports, pro wrestling and the ramifications that are and are not being talked about. Danielson’s retirement is a big story, both his short and long term impact on pro wrestling. How his story will act as a catalyst for change not only within pro wrestling but all contact sports. If you are a wrestling fan, a sports fan or a science fan, this may be the most important issue of the year.
Bryan Danielson’s retirement speech, career highlights, home town, character both in and out of the ring, booking, the crazy way he ended up as champion for the first time, the birth of the “Yes” chant, the build to WrestleMania 30 & 31, the various exams, why he wanted to continue wrestling and WWE didn’t, his goals outside of WWE and why he changed his mind in the last few weeks.
The quandary he was in about continuing his career, how his career began, the formation of ROH and the changing landscape of independent wrestling, the changing ideas of what a pro wrestling headliner can look like, the first time I ever saw him wrestle while sitting with Red Bastien and Nick Bockwinkel
The suspension of Titus O’Neil, a longtime WWE star talking about going into another sport, another star looking at retiring soon, lots of WrestleMania plans including an early summer major match, Steve Austin’s WrestleMania status, update on promotion of Stephanie McMahon, star who may be interested in returning, Fast Lane, A.J. Styles talks his beginnings in WWE and how hard he tried to hide the Royal Rumble story, how DDP figured in Styles’ return, Linda McMahon forms a new company, Roman Reigns in Raw main events, WWE cuts five in developmental, new WWE books. New announcer hired, Update on many Tough Enough competitors from the past season, plans for a WWE show taped this summer, international star WWE has interest in, as well as a look at all the weekend house shows from WWE & NXT with business notes.
PLUS MUCH MORE! CLICK HERE FOR A FULL WRESTLING OBSERVER PREVIEW
You can also order the print Observer right now and get it delivered to your door via mail, by sending your name, address, Visa or Master Card number and an expiration date to Dave Meltzer
For the United States, it is $13 for 4 issues, $32 for 12, $61 for 24, $101 for 40 and $131 for 52. In Canada and Mexico, rates are $14.50 for 4, $35 for 12, $67 for 24, $111 for 40 and $144 or 52. In Europe, you can get the fastest delivery and best rates by sending to moonsault@mediaplusint.com For the rest of the world, rates are $16.50 for 4, $44 for 12, $85 for 24, $141 for 40 issues and $183 for 52.
If you order by mail with a check, cash or money order (P.O. Box 1228, Campbell, CA 95009-1228), you can get $1 off in every price range.
If you are a new subscriber ordering 24 or more issues, you can get one free classic issue of your choice sent to you today. With a 40 issue subscription, you can get two free classic issues sent to you today.
Click here for the most requested Wrestling Observer back issues.
C.M. Punk had successful back surgery yesterday and should be back training in four to six weeks after a herniated disc in his lower back.
John Cena’s new TV show, “American Grit,” will debut on the FOX Network on 4/14. The bad news is it’s slated for 9 p.m., meaning it goes head-to-head with Smackdown.
Colt Cabana is starting a three part mini series called Colt Cabana’s Pro Wrestling Fringe, covering stories on pro wrestling. The first episode features Cabana and Rob Naylor talking about Jorge “Giant” Gonzalez, the second has David Bixenspan and Cabana talking about Sputnik Monroe’s desegregating sports in Memphis through wrestling, and the third has me talking about Tom Magee, the guy who was supposed to replace Hulk Hogan as WWF champion, but in fact, barely made it to television.
The ROH/New Japan cards for 2/19 and 2/20 at Korakuen Hall, which will include a few title matches, will be announced on Saturday.
Wrestlecon has announced for 4/2 in Dallas a ten man tag match with teams captained by Joey Ryan and Jeff Jarrett, plus Matt Hardy vs. Lance Storm and Will Ospreay vs. Marty Scurll. A ridiculous amount of talent will be appearing including Matt Hardy, Jake Roberts, Jim Duggan, James Storm, DDP, Vince Russo, Great Muta, Shawn Michaels, Ivan Putski, Bobby Heenan, Road Warrior Animal, Tito Santana, Gene Okerlund, Kevin Nash, Greg Valentine Scott Hall, Tully Blanchard, Shane Douglas, Tommy Dreamer, Lex Luger, Scott Steiner, Eddie Edwards, Davey Richards, Abyss, Trevor Lee, Mickie James, Billy Gunn, Marty Jannetty, Bart Gunn, Bob Holly, Honky Tonk Man, Kevin Kelly, Brian Lawler Savio Vega, Rick Steiner, Magnus, Missy Hyatt, Scott Norton, Kevin Sullivan, Sami Callihan, Ricochet, Brian Cage, and more.
Ken Shamrock vs. Royce Gracie and Kimbo Slice vs. Dada 5000 Bellator on 2/19 preview is on 11 p.m. tomorrow night on Spike. Another show, called “Unrivaled: Royce Gracie,” will air on Monday night after Raw on Spike at 11 p.m.
Hearing of Mark Nulty’s passing today really hit me hard, and I have never met the man personally. I have been a member of the www.wrestlingclasssics.com message board for a number of years now. I discovered it from reading the Wrestling Observer News Letter as being a place were not only a lot former wrestlers and educated fans talked about the wrestling business. For years I stayed away from message boards talking about pro wrestling because it was all just trash talking each other.
Wrestling Classics was a message board were you could have a nice conversations educated wrestling fans on various topics from matches, angles from the past to current happenings in pro wrestling. One thing that I really admired Mark Nulty for was even at times things would start to get heated, Nulty would put out that flame quickly by reminding everyone this board everyone can post their opinion. Nulty’s knowledge of happenings in the Texas territory was always a joy to read and I always looked forward to see his responses on posts.
Thank you Mark for all you done in the wrestling business and creating a great website were educated, classy fans can talk about this crazy sport we love, pro wrestling
WWE
They were shooting a bunch of stuff, for potential release on the network or on DVD, regarding Daniel Bryan on Monday in Seattle.
Daniel Bryan appeared this morning on Good Morning America.
Tickets for Monday’s Raw in Anaheim have been going really fast. The sales picked up as soon as A.J. Styles was announced believe it or not. Raw hasn’t sold out yet this year but this one looks to sell out by the weekend.
After the earnings call this morning, the stock dropped 81 cents per share to close at $14.94, the lowest in a long time.
A special show on the very first WrestleMania in 1985 will air at 10:30 p.m. Eastern tomorrow night on the MSG Network. Among those interviewed were Vince McMahon, Roddy Piper and Hulk Hogan. Hogan’s quotes were a nice work of fiction saying that when he went in the ring, he was afraid Piper and Paul Orndorff would break Mr. T’s leg.
Steve Austin will be doing a live podcast after Raw on Monday night with Big Show.
Tickets go on sale on 2/20 for a 4/11 Raw taping at the Staples Center in Los Angeles.
WWE will be producing a DVD called “Life on the Razor’s Edge: The Scott Hall Story” that comes out in July.
UFC/MMA
UFC Fight Pass announced a deal with Glory kickboxing where they will air monthly Glory events live starting with the 2/26 show in Chicago headlined by Joe Schilling vs. Mike Lemaire. The Glory deal also gives Fight Pass access to more than 2,000 hours of kickboxing footage, including the complete K-1 library of more than 100 events. They will also be airing Eddie Bravo Invitational Jiu Jitsu, with the first live BJJ show in April, and they expect five or six shows this year.
Added to the 3/20 UFC in Brisbane, Australia are Rin Nakai vs. Leslie Smith and Ben Nguyen vs. Justin Scogggins.
Rafael Natal vs Robert Whittaker has been added to the 4/23 UFC PPV in Las Vegas.
Bellator also announced the signing of Brazilian women Brauna Ellen (2-0) of Sao Paulo, Bruna Vargas (2-0 of Porto Alegre) and Kenya Miranda of Belo Horizonte.
Jason “Mayhem” Miller was reportedly arrested for a DUI this weekend. Because of Miller’s past issues when being arrested, when police got the tip that Miller was driving erratically, they sent 15 police and a K-9 unit after him. He was arrested on a suspicion of a DUI charge and taken to jail. Miller didn’t get violent, past getting mouthy with officers according to a report on TMZ.
Kendall Grove vs. Francisco “Kiko” France has been added to the 2/26 Bellator show in Mulvane, KS, which is headlined by Marcos Galvao defending the bantamweight title against former champion Eduardo Dantas.
MISCELLANEOUS
New IWGP jr. tag champs Ricochet & Matt Sydal are available for bookings at www.sbibookings.com Sydal is based in Tampa and Ricochet in Orlando. Tessa Blanchard who is based in Charlotte is also available.
Chuck Marlowe, the television voice of Indiana basketball in the 60s, 70s and 80s, as well as host of Big Time Championship Wrestling in the 60s passed away this week at the age of 86. Marlowe is in the Indiana Broadcasting Hall of Fame.
Here’s a link to a short local TV news video on the Preston City Wrestling shows from last weekend, featuring brief comments from Billy Gunn, Ken Anderson and PCW owner, Steven Fludder
Maryland Championship Wrestling on Saturday night in Joppa, MD featuring Matt & Jeff Hardy. King McBride vs Matt Hardy, with Jeff in his corner, headlines the show.
Louis Mucciolo, better known as Louie Spicolli, would have turned 45 yesterday.
Combat Zone Wrestling has a live iPPV on Saturday night from Flyers Skate Zone in Voorhees, NJ. The show is headlined by Matt Tremont vs. Devon Moore in a ladder match, Lio Rush vs. Joey Janela in a 2/3 fall match, BLK Jeez & Pepper Parks vs. Team Tremendous and Speedball Mike Bailey vs. Sami Callihan. There is also a 4 p.m Womens Superstars Uncensored show with Jessicka Havok vs. LuFisto, Leva Bates vs. Hania and more.
IWA East Coast on 2/27 in Nitro WV headlined by Matt Tremont vs. Viper for the CZW title.
Robbie E has been announced for the ECWA Super 8 tournament on 4/23 in Woodbury Heights, NJ.
NWAClassics.com, the streaming home of the Houston Wrestling tape library, uploaded a mixed tag from 1980 with Vickie Williams & Billy the Kid vs. Irma Gonzalez (a legend in Mexico) & Little Lone Eagle.
House of Hardcore on 4/15 in Queens, NY at the Elmcor Center has Billy Gunn, Sami Callihan, Brian Cage, Rhino, Eddie Kingston, Brian Myers, Lance Archer, Davey Boy Smith Jr., Thea Trinidad, Chris Hero, Colt Cabana, Pepper Parks, Cherry bomb and Tommy Dreamer. 4/16 in Philadelphia has Gunn, Cage, Rhino, Callihan,, Kingston, Archer, Smith Jr., Trinidad, Jade, Cabana, Parks, Hero and Dreamer. 5/7 in Niagara Falls, ONT at the Scotiabank Centre has Bobby Roode, Rhino, Dreamer, Cabana, Parks, and RJ City.
Tickets for the ROH/New Japan shows in May are on sale for 5/14 New York at Terminal 5 for ROH ringside members. Tickets go on sale to the public tomorrow at 10 a.m. Eastern.for 5/11 in Toronto.
A benefit show is being put on for Pato Soria, the father of Shocker on 2/27 in Mexico City, with family vs. family on top with Rush & Dragon Lee & Mistico (all brothers) vs. La Mascara & Robin & Maximo.
ACH, Matt Cross and Ray Rowe appear for Chilanga Mask on 3/20 in Coacalco, Mexico.
Gilbert Smith replaces Michael Page on the 3/4 Bellator show in Thackerville, OK headlined by Joe Warren vs. Darion Caldwell.
Premier Wrestling on 3/6 in Gilroy, CA at the IFDES Lodge Portuguese Hall at 5 p.m. with JR Kratos (9-2-1) defending his title against Joe Graves (4-1-1), Raze (2-2) defending the women’s athlete title against Nicole Savoy (3-2), plus Jeff Cobb, and a match of MMA fighters with Shayna Baszler facing Colleen Schneider in Schneider’s pro wrestling debut. You can get $5 off all tickets at www.premierwrestle.com
Atlantis & Delta vs. Euforia & Ultimo Guerrero headline 2/25 at the Coliseum in Laredo, TX.
Rush headlines on 3/19 in Phoenix at the ASU Academy Elementary Gym.
UIPW on 2/27 in Montebello, CA at the Grace Baptist Academy with Steve Pain & Machiko vs. Teddy Hart & Datura.
