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  • WON Preview: Bryan Danielson retires

    Online Subscribers read it now: February 15, 2016 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Daniel Bryan retires

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    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.

    The lastest Wrestling Observer Newsletter

    February 15, 2016 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Daniel Bryan retires
    An in depth look at the career of Daniel Bryan.

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

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    Click here for the most requested Wrestling Observer back issues.

    Check out the latest Online Wrestling Observer BACK ISSUE: February 15, 1988 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: A Tale of Two Hebners
    All the details on Hulk Hogan losing the WWF title to Andre the Giant in a historic angle, plus tons of news and notes.

    The Wrestling Observer ranges weekly from 35,000 to 50,000 words covering pro wrestling and MMA internationally. Each issue has coverage and analysis of all the major news, plus every issue breaks major news stories before the Internet sties and has the most complete look at the pro wrestling and MMA business anywhere, plus history pieces available nowhere else.

    We’ve also got the weekly coverage of all the ratings of the major shows, results from the major league events held around the world, and the major TV show rundowns.

    Also in this issue:

    –Komatsu & Tanaka debut in Mexico

    –A look at Friday’s show at Arena Mexico

    –A look at Lucha Libre Elite

    –An international promotion has apparently inked a U.S. television deal

    –A look at the backstage issues in AAA

    –Why many of the wrestlers are unhappy

    –How the economy in Mexico is making it very difficult for the promotions in ways you normally wouldn’t think

    –A look back at how this exact situation took AAA down from its early heyday

    –Why Mexican talent is appearing more and more in the U.S.

    –Strange story involving Sexy Star and the mixed tag team titles

    –AAA TV taping notes

    –Dragon Gate’s big match where the losing faction has to split up

    –Notes on the New Japan World service

    –Notes on this week’s two New Japan PPV shows

    –Hiroshi Tanahashi talks the loss of Shinsuke Nakamura

    –Tanahashi talks other aspects of New Japan

    –A.J. Styles talks his time in New Japan

    –Jim Ross starts announcing New Japan this past week

    –Notes on the death of Axl Rotten

    –A look at the new concept of FITE TV, a streaming service that will include a lot of pro wrestling and MMA content

    –A look at Jim Ross’ involvement in the business

    –A look at PWG’s show this week

    –Two of the best indie wrestlers to battle in Dallas over Mania weekend

    –More on the Hall of Fame honorees for this year

    –Sting back on the road

    –Lucha Underground season three schedule

    –Plans going forward for the company

    –Notes from Lucha Underground television

    –Complete lineup for the next ROH iPPV show

    –ROH inks international TV deal

    –Notes on the next major New Japan/ROH May tour

    –New ROH signings

    –A look at ROH TV over the next month plus

    –Notes on the TNA firing of Awesome Kong

    –Update on TNA offices move

    –Update on Davey Richards

    –Update on UFC 199

    –C.M. Punk injury notes

    –Notes on the next several UFC PPV shows

    –Jon Jones update

    –Major UFC star talking potential retirement after upcoming title fight

    –Ronda Rousey update

    –UFC’s next major show on FOX

    –Update on Conor McGregor

    –Update on B.J. Penn’s return

    –Yoel Romero drug test

    –Tim Means says the drug he failed his test was one he’s never heard of

    –Another UFC drug test failure

    –Lots of new UFC fights

    –Dana White talks why he made a mistake with Sage Northcutt

    –Who was the masked man who attacked Josh Barnett at the UFC workouts

    –New fighters debut

    –More on Bellator signing Chris Leben

    –Benson Henderson talks trying pro boxing

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

    New subscribers ordering 24 or 40 issues have to let us know what major stories of the past 11 years you are most interested in and we’ll send the issue with the best coverage of that story. We’ve got coverage of every major PPV event and world wide spectacular, every major star switching promotions, histories of companies like FMW, Rings and New Japan, retirement and obit issues of every major star who fits into those descriptions over the past 11 years, as well as our biggest issue every year, the annual awards issue, and our most controversial issue of every year, the Hall of Fame issue.

    Click here for the most requested Wrestling Observer back issues.

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    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. 

  • Mark Nulty of Wrestling Classics passes away

    Mark Nulty, who was a former wrestling announcer and ring announcer who was in charge of the Wrestling Classics web site and message board passed away last night after a long battle with lung cancer.

    If I go back through the formative years of me getting involved in wrestling and the key people who changed the direction of my life, Mark Nulty would be very high on the list.  He was a best friend when we were in our early 20s, really responsible in many ways for me ending up living in Texas in 1983-84 during the heyday of World Class Wrestling.

    He was just starting out in wrestling at the time, working as a sports reporter side by side with me at the Wichita Falls Times and Record News.  He had just broken into wrestling, running local shows with Joe Blanchard’s Southwest Championship Wrestling, including the retirement match of Danny Hodge.  He and Robert Hernandez actually pioneered what we do now, doing the forerunner of podcasts, except they were on audio cassettes and marketed by mail.  He and I did some early shows together as a guest, and even were co-announcers on a wrestling pilot. We actually first came in contact when he was a subscriber, and then we for years traded tapes from different territories.

    He ended up in Ocala, FL and remained close with wrestling.  He announced for a number of independent promotions over the years, also ring announced and even at one time hosted the Cauliflower Alley banquet.

    His major work in wrestling was with the Wrestling Classics site, which he started in 1999, and featured personal forums for both Lou Thesz and Jack Brisco when the two were still alive.

    His close friend Paul Herzog reported that he found out one year ago that he had stage IV lung cancer, which he kept very quiet.  He started on chemotherapy and the treatment appeared to work as he was in remission. But it never quite went away and a few months ago scans revealed it had spread into his abdomen.  More chemotherapy and drugs this time had little effect, and three weeks ago the cancer had spread to his brain.

    My deepest sympathies to Erin and Evan.  While time and circumstances take people in different directions, and knowing Mark, he would never even intimate to anyone how he shaped my life when we were both much younger, I hope his wife and son understand his significance.

    To me, just the fact that Thesz and Brisco would regularly post on his site, as do a number of ex-wrestlers, spoke volumes for what he created.

  • NJPW Beginnings live results: IWGP Heavyweight championship Kazuchika Okada vs Hirooki Goto

    This morning’s New Japan show puts current champion and potential new ace of the promotion Kazuchika Okada against perennial challenger Hirooki Goto. While Goto has had many opportunities at grabbing the top title in New Japan, he always seems to be just one win away from the coveted prize. He’s been on a more rebellious streak as of late, taking out Okada at every opportunity, including press confrences. Is this the edge he needs to win the gold?

    Also tonight is Katsyuori Shibata taking on Tomohiro Ishii for the NEVER title, Toru Yano and the Briscoes defending their six man NEVER titles against Bullet Club members Bad Luck Fale, Tama Tonga and Yujiro Takahashi, as well as several matches aimed at building towards the next New Beginnings show, set to be held on Valentines Day.

    Coverage provided by Dave Meltzer starts at 12AM PST tonight.

    JAY WHITE VS. DAVID FINLAY

    I loved this match  Just a perfect prelim opener, technically awesome.  Like usual with New Japan openers, it was too short.  White caught Finlay doing a cannonball, turned it into a half crab, then a full crab and finally a lion tamer for the submission.  

    JUSHIN LIGER & TIGER MASK & RYUSUE TAGUCHI VS. KAZUSHI SAKURABA & YOSHI-HASHI & GEDO

    Lots of buffering issues during this match.  Liger & Tiger & Taguchi won.  I think  Gedo lost the fall, which would make sense.  During intermission they’ll probably show a replay.  It looked fine, just like a usual match in that spot on the card.

    YUJI NAGATA & MANABU NAKANISHI VS. SATOSHI KOJIMA & HIROYOSHI TENZAN

    The match was good when Nakanishi wasn’t in.  Unfortunately, he was in a lot.  About  what you’d figure from these guys in this spot.  The crowd liked it.  Kojima & Tenzan used the 3-D on Nakanishi and Kojima pinned Nakanishi after two lariats.  They all shook hands after.  Nagata then issued a challenge and Kojima seemed to accept.  They all shook hands again.  The crowd popped for the mic work and all four stood on he ropes in four corners as the crowd cheered. 

    MICHAEL ELGIN & KUSHIDA & JUICE ROBINSON VS. TETSUYA NAITO & EVIL & BUSHI

    The heels won when Bushi blew mist and nailed Kushida with a toipe and Evil used an STO on Robinson for the pin.  Before the match, Naito started bullying TV announcer Shimpei Nogami and tore his Blue Justice shirt.  Elgin’s power moves when  he tagged in for the first time got over bigger than anything.  He pressed Bushi and then held him up for one arm before dropping him.

    MARK & JAY BRISCOE & TORU YANO VS. BAD LUCK FALE & TAMA TONGA & YUJIRO TAKAHASHI FOR HE NEVER SIX MAN TITLES

    Fale & Tonga & Yujiro won the titles.  They started off doing comedy and kind of lost the crowd and never got them back.  I think they feel the need to elevate the other Bullet Club members right now.  The finish saw Fale hit the grenade on Jay.  Yano gave Fale & Yujiro both low blows, but Tonga then gave Yano a low blow and a double arm DDT for the pin.

    MATT & NICK JACKSON DEFEND IWGP JR. TAG TITLES AGAINST RICOCHET & MATT SYDAL AND BOBBY FISH & KYLE O’REILLY

    Lots of streaming issues here.  Best match so far but how good I couldn’t really tell.  Ricochet & Sydal won the titles with Ricochet doing a shooting star press on Nick and Sydal doing the same move at the same time  on Matt.  Cody Hall interfered a few times and carried Kyle O’Reilly to the back before the finish.  Ricochet seemed the most popular.  A lot of good moves and dives, a tower of doom spot.  

    KATSUYORI SHIBATA VS. TOMOHIRO ISHII FOR NEVER OPEN WEIGHT TITLE

    This was fantastic.  The usual hard chops, elbows and clotheslines, cool submissions, no sell spots that you’d expect.  They were slapping the hell out of each other, Shbiata used a choke and then the penalty kick for the pin to retain.  Ishii was bleeding from the mouth from about halfway into the match.  Ishii doing his super sell job as he was carried to the back.  They did spots early where each guy allowed the other to suplex and then the guy would get up after being suplexed.  They did this about seven times and some great exchanges.  The crowd was more into Shibata.  Shibata also did a great flying armbar and triangles and armbars on the ground.  You got the sense Shibata is going to get the position Nakamura had.

    HIROSHI TANAHASHI & TOGI MAKABE & TOMOAKI HONMA VS. DOC GALLOWS & KARL ANDERSON & KENNY OMEGA

    This sets up the IC and tag title match on Valentine’s Day in Niigata.  The Bullet Club had to win this one.  They pretty much destroyed  them  Omega worked over Tanahashi’s bad shoulder.  After the match they destroyed Tanahashi.  They used chair shots to the shoudler, Matt Jackson came off the top with a chair to the shoudler.  Omega came off the top rope with a high fly flowwhile Tanahashi’s arm was held over a garbage can with the splash on the arm.  It was a total post-match destruction  They did what they had to do to get Omega over in the spot he’s in  For the match itself, Anderson used the gunstun on Honma, then they laid out Makabe with the Magic killer and Omega used a reverse Frankensteiner on Tanahashi before Omega finally used the one winged angel on Honma for the pin.  Pretty good, not off the charts.

    KAZCHIKA OKADA VS.  HIROOKI GOTO FOR IWGP HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE

    Goto is all painted up like Hakushi. Very good match but this never got to the level of most IWGP title matches.  It’s really clear watching this show how much losing Nakamura hurts.  Okada kept going for the rainmaker and Goto kept head-butting him.  But finally Okada hit it, then followed with two more rainmakers and got the pin  Goto had nearly won with the shouten kai, but Okada barely got his hand on the rope.  I don’t think people believed Goto could win.  Gedo is now doing a promo for Okada.  Now Okada is doing the promo  One thing about this match is that the crowd was completely behind Okada but didn’t seem to care much about Goto. 

  • Figure Four Weekly 2/8/2016 Kevin “Mordecai” Thorn voices issues with WWE Network royalties, more

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  • February 15, 2016 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Daniel Bryan retires

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  • WWE Smackdown results: AJ Styles vs. Chris Jericho – the rematch

    – Air Date: February 11, 2016 (Feb 10 in Canada)
    – Location: Moda Center in Portland, OR

    – The Big News:

    Chris Jericho beat AJ Styles in a great match.

    – Show Recap:

    No fireworks to start Smackdown this week, unless you count Chris Jericho’s entrance. Jericho said he respects AJ Styles but doesn’t like him after Styles punched him in the face on Raw. Jericho wondered who would call themselves phenomenal on their very first night, which has to be a reference to his own WWE debut. Jericho recalled having one his best matches in this building in Portland – the World Title ladder match with Shawn Michaels. Finally, he called out Styles for their match. The crowd liked Jericho but booed when he put down Styles.  

    Chris Jericho NC AJ Styles

    The bell rang but the Social Outcasts, minus Bo Dallas, came out immediately. Heath Slater said Dallas was still making his rap album. Adam Rose did some bad comedy, called the team the “Social Housecats” and made cat noises. Axel wanted the two of them to be called “Axel Rose.” They all bickered until Jericho called them idiots and told them to shut up. He punched Slater with the mic and the Outcasts bailed. Jericho said he and Styles would still wrestle later, but right now they’re teaming up.

    Chris Jericho & AJ Styles beat Curtis Axel & Adam Rose (w/Heath Slater) via pinfall

    The story early on was Jericho and Styles took turns doing moves on Axel. Jericho hit a delayed vertical suplex, so Styles hit a snap suplex. Styles hit a chop, so Jericho hit a chop. They got into an argument in the ring however, allowing Rose to knock down Styles for the heat.

    Styles came back quickly with a Pele kick and strikes. He made the hot tag to Jericho, who hit a double axe handle and Lionsault. Styles tagged himself in and hit a springboard forearm for the pinfall win on Rose. Jericho smirked as he stared down Styles. The referee raised their hands, but Jericho nailed Styles with a Codebreaker. The crowd booed.

    I initially didn’t like the opening segment because you could smell angle as soon as Jericho came out for what advertised as the main event. However, the match told a story and it was good by the end. This was probably done to stretch things out thanks to a light crew at Smackdown, but they made the most of it.

    The announcers talked about Daniel Bryan. Jerry Lawler said it felt like Bryan was only around a short time but it was unforgettable. Mauro Ranallo said there wasn’t a dry eye in the building on Raw. They showed tweets from Brie Bella, Kevin Owens and Roman Reigns. They also announced Bryan would be thanking the fans tonight. Anyone who watches Smackdown regularly would realize this meant they’d be showing a replay from Raw, but I could see more casual viewers thinking this meant Bryan would be there live.

    They announced Brock Lesnar would be on Smackdown next week.

    The Dudley Boyz came out in street clothes with tables surrounding the ring. Bubba said they made a statement on Raw, but it seemed like people only want to hear about Daniel Bryan. The crowd cheered and chanted Yes. Bubba said they’re sick of hearing about Bryan and sick about a lot of things around here. D-Von said they’re not nostalgia act, they’re the baddest team around.

    Bubba told the crowd to take a good look at the tables because it’s the last time we’re going to see them. He called for some stagehands to take the tables away. Bubba wanted the fans to chant for them, not the tables. “What about us? What about the Dudley Boyz?” There was one table left, so Bubba and D-Von folded it up nicely and took it away. This was good.

    Sasha Banks beat Naomi (w/Tamina) via submission

    Becky Lynch did commentary. The crowd chanted “Let’s Go Sasha” and they went to commercial two minutes into the match. Naomi got the heat after yanking Banks off the apron and she landed back-first against the edge of the ring. Yikes. Banks made her comeback but was tripped by Tamina with the referee distracted. Naomi followed with a leg scissors driver for a near fall.

    Tamina and Lynch brawled on the outside. Naomi missed a split-legged moonsault, allowing Banks to go out and knock down Tamina with a big boot. Naomi tried a roll up as Banks reentered the ring, but Banks reversed into a crossface for the win. This was good, and Banks in particular came off really well. Not only did the interference not work, but she took out Tamina and still won the match.

    Backstage, Styles told Jo-Jo he might be a redneck, but he’s no rookie. He called Jericho one of the best in the world, and knows what he’s trying to do, but Styles would show Jericho tonight why he’s the Phenomenal One.

    Bray Wyatt and his friends came out for a promo. Bray said men got sent into battle but never returned. He’s the king of gods. Each Wyatt member was given a line, including Braun Strowman saying the earth will shake and the oceans will boil. That’s bad. Bray said the apocalypse is all around us and the war against our gods has just begun.

    6-Man Tag Match: Neville & Lucha Dragons beat Stardust & The Ascension via pinfall

    This match was like 3 minutes, and consisted mostly of the babyfaces doing their high spots. The bad guys attacked the good guys before the match started, allowing them to get the heat on Neville immediately. Neville quickly made a hot tag to Kalisto who ran wild on the Ascension. Ranallo confused Konnor and Viktor so Saxton had to correct him. Kalisto hit Konnor with Salida Del Sol, Sin Cara followed with a senton, and Neville finished it off with Red Arrow for the win. It was a fun 3 minutes.

    They showed more tweets about Daniel Bryan, this time from Becky Lynch, Christian, Jerry Lawler and Stephanie McMahon. They aired a video package of his speech from Raw and spliced it together with his career highlights, as well as the roster doing the Yes chant. They came back to the Smackdown audience doing the Yes chant. Lawler said Bryan’s announcement was the most emotional moment he’s ever seen in wrestling.

    Chris Jericho beat AJ Styles via pinfall

    Ranallo put this over as a classic battle and the match started with loud dueling chants. Ranallo put over Styles’ past accomplishments, calling him a former IWGP Champion and NWA Heavyweight Champion. They went back and forth early, but Jericho cut off Styles with his springboard dropkick and they went to commercial. During the break, Jericho launched Styles shoulder-first into the barricade.

    Jericho very briefly had the heat after the break, but this was mostly a back and forth match. Jericho used a backbreaker and tried the Walls, but Styles countered with strikes. Jericho hit an enziguri and went to the top, but Styles caught him with a dropkick. They traded strikes and Jericho hit a Lionsault for a near fall.

    Styles hit a neckbreaker and went for the Styles Clash but Jericho reversed it into a Walls. Styles crawled towards the ropes but Jericho pulled him to the middle of the ring. Styles countered into the Calf Crusher. Jericho was about to tap out but was able to grab the bottom rope. “This is awesome” chants broke out.

    Styles dropkicked Jericho to the outside and followed with a flying forearm. There were more dueling chants, but the Styles chants seemed louder. Styles tried for another springboard move, but Jericho tripped him off the rope. Jericho then whipped Styles into the corner and nailed a Codebreaker for the clean win. Great match, which went about 17-18 minutes.

    They plugged Lesnar on Smackdown next week one more time to end the show.

    – Final Thoughts:

    I cringed when I heard Smackdown would have a skeleton crew, but they still pulled off a good show considering. The main event was excellent. I don’t agree with the finish, but we know how this goes.

    Also, for whatever reason, this was a much hotter Smackdown crowd than usual.

  • Daily Update: Punk’s UFC debut delayed, Daniel Bryan on ESPN

    CM PUNK’S DEBUT DELAYED

    By Dan Velten

    CM Punk’s UFC debut has been delayed again. After signing with UFC in December of 2014, it looked as if Punk would be debuting in June of 2016. But that’s not going to happen as Phil Brooks underwent back surgery today to repair a herniated disc. The injury occurred during his career as a professional wrestler, and had been nagging him recently to the point that it was greatly hindering his training. The disc repair suregery will put him on the shelf for at least four to six weeks, and his debut date is uncertain at this point.

    A side note in this whole thing: Punk’s opponent was determined only four days ago. Debuting UFC fighter Mickey Gall was given the chance to win one match against Michael Jackson (making his pro AND MMA debut) to earn the shot at Punk. Gall easily handled Jackson this past weekend, submitting him in 45 seconds. After the match, Punk and Gall had a polite meeting in the cage and neither man said much. Perhaps since Punk knew the surgery was looming, he did not want to make too much of the match just yet. Gall will still be the guy at this point, but if Punk’s return / debut is postponed much longer, one would think perhaps Gall would want to fight again. We have more information here. 

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

    Figure Four Weekly

    Figure Four Weekly 2/1/2016: Weekly Hogan/Gawker update
    A look at the past weeks developments in the Hulk Hogan and Gawker lawsuit.

    Wrestling Observer Newsletter

    The Latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter: February 8, 2016 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Bret Hart diagnosed with cancer, Nakamura’s final NJPW match

    The new double issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter looks at Bret Hart’s battle with cancer, his discussions about it, and updates on the situation. The most detailed coverage of the last month of Lucha Underground’s second season, backstage news, season three, lots of business notes.  Full coverage of all the Ultima Lucha 2 matches and direction. Nakamura’s final day with NJPW, where Nakamura and New Japan go now, his background and building the IC title, the next two New Japan PPV shows to this weekend’s biggest event.

    Fast Lane and WrestleMania, what’s up with Undertaker, WWE injury updates, the next WWE Network special, Licensing issue with new WWE signees, notes on the next NXT Takeover show, a look at all the TV building the next Takeover show, who led to a huge increase in demand for WWE tickets, next WWE show in Madison Square Garden update, Nakamura updates, WWE performer wants to compete in the Olympics and what former pro wrestler went back to the Olympics to medal, Lesnar’s schedule, Tough Enough winner starts out, Other Tough Enough competitors start out, change in Rumble plans, New WWE Network series based on wrestling matches, new WWE movie, WWE’s tour of Germany this coming week, more on The Rock’s segment on Raw.

    A detailed look at the Awesome Kong-Reby Hardy situation in Manchester, England. Benson Henderson’s decision to leave UFC for Bellator and take a championship fight, why he made the decision, what both Dana White and Henderson said. We look at Pro Wrestling NOAH’s last major event and where it’s storylines are going.

    A huge look at the life and career of Archie “The Stomper” Gouldie, one of the most memorable wrestling characters of his generation, stories about him, his gimmick, how big a star he was in his heyday, his incredibly long career title history, how he was two very different successful characters, and his most famous angles and biggest bouts. We also have a lot of comments from people who knew him, including how he changed the life and career of J.J. Dillon. The life and career of the original Espectrito, the best heel mini of his generation including when he main evented the Los Angeles Sports Arena, a rarity for a mini.

    We also look at Saturday’s UFC , what’s next for the winners, thoughts on Sage Northcutt, as well as business notes on the show and match-by-match coverage.

    PLUS MUCH MORE! CLICK HERE FOR A FULL WRESTLING OBSERVER PREVIEW

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    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.

    Check out the latest Online Wrestling Observer BACK ISSUE – February 15, 1988 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: A Tale of Two Hebners: All the details on Hulk Hogan losing the WWF title to Andre the Giant in a historic angle, plus tons of news and notes.

    WEDNESDAY NEWS UPDATE:

    Besides CM Punk’s fight being delayed, the big news of the day is Daniel Bryan’s appearance on SportsCenter last night. Bryan revealed specifically that he had been hiding “post-concussion seizures” (it seemed like the implication was he was still having them) and his most recent tests revealed a ‘small sub-acute or chronic lesion’ in the temporoparietal junction of his brain. That can cause seizures, and that’s why he was able to be relatively at peace with retirement. We wish Bryan Danielson and his family the best in whatever comes next for this incredibly talented young man. 

    Titus O’Neil is getting a lot of fan support stemming from his suspension. If he gets fired, maybe they can sign Tatum O’Neal.

    13 years ago today, Curt Hennig was found dead in a Florida hotel room at the age of 44 years young. Curtis Axel has been pretty active on Twitter today with RTs and such from people helping him get through which is still very tough on him.

    WWE/Pro Wrestling

    • Toronto Batman loves him some Daniel Bryan.
    • Scott Armstrong (or his car) was the victim of a smash and grab in Portland.
    • Here’s a Forbes column on why the O’Neil suspension sends a bad message.
    • ROH TV Champion Roderick Strong talks about his past with Daniel Bryan. Roddy failed to bring up his most famous and most important interaction with Daniel Bryan which was when Roddy cornered PeachMachine in the Grappling Battel~! against Bryan “Chico” Alvarez, who was cornered by Bryan Danielson. 
    • Bob Backlund was named as the latest inductee into the Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame this July, joining WO founder Dave Meltzer, Chael Sonnen, JJ Dillon, Lex Luger, and Joe Blanchard.
    • House of Hardcore returns to Canada with a show at Niagara Falls, ONT, on 5/7, with Tommy Dreamer, Bobby Roode, Rhino, Colt Cabana, and more.
    • Colt Cabana has launched a new audio series, Colt Cabana’s Pro Wrestling Fringe, for the Howl.fm subscription service Coupon code COLT gets you a free month, so make sure to use that when you sign up. The first three episodes include stories by Cabana with an assist from David Bixenspan (on Sputnik Monroe) and Rob Naylor (on El Gigante/Giant Gonzalez) as well as a special appearance by Dave Meltzer (on Tom Magee).
    • Here’s a video look at Preston City Wrestling with comments from Billy Gunn and Ken Anderson… Anderson.

    UFC/MMA

    • Bellator will debut a feature about Royce Gracie on SPIKE TV on Monday, February 15th at 11 PM EST.
    • Wanderlei Silva is now scheduled to attend Bellator’s Fan Fest in place of Randy Couture in Houston on February 18th.

    MISCELLANEOUS

    ON THIS DAY IN WORLD PRO WRESTLING HISTORY: Terry Funk wins Missouri state title

  • CM Punk UFC debut delayed due to back surgery

    CM Punk (real name Phil Brooks) will undergo back surgery on Wednesday in Chicago, delaying his UFC debut indefinitely.

    According to what Brooks told MMAFighting.com‘s Ariel Helwani, the injury is a lingering issue from his pro wrestling days that has worsened in recent months. The recovery time will be 4-6 weeks, and he’s still planning on debuting at some point in 2016.

    The timing couldn’t be worse as his opponent was just confirmed last Saturday at UFC Fight Night in Las Vegas after Mickey Gall took less than a minute to defeat Mike Jackson to earn the shot. An exact date was not announced at the time, but he was to face Gall at an undetermined UFC PPV, assumed to be in June or July. Unfortunately, he found out about needing surgery just hours before Gall fought Jackson.

    Punk has already had one injury setback when a shoulder injury last August delayed his training.

  • WWE Smackdown tapings from Portland, OR: AJ Styles vs. Chris Jericho II

    There was a skeleton crew because much of the crew left after Raw for shows this week in Germany which start tomorrow with a show in Bremen.

    Chris Jericho opened the show doing a semi-heel promo on A.J. Styles.  He said Styles can’t match his career in WWE.  Styles confronted him.  The Social Outcasts came out and this led to a tag team match.

    Jericho & Styles beat Adam Rose & Curtis Axel.  Styles got the pin but Jericho attacked him after the match.

    The Dudleys cut a promo saying they were sick of Daniel Bryan and were not a nostalgia act but were here to add to their legacy.  They also said they are refusing to use anymore tables.

    Goldust was choking on food and R-Truth saved him.  Goldust again wanted to be his partner and again got turned down.

    Sasha Banks beat Naomi with the Bank statement.  Tamina attacked Becky Lynch, who was on commentary.

    The Wyatt Family did a promo, saying they were going to rid the WWE of Titans and Gods, specifically mentioning Kane, Big Show & Ryback.

    Sin Cara & Kalisto & Neville beat The Ascension & Stardust.

    Chris Jericho beat A.J. Styles clean with the codebreaker  Fans chanted for both men.  Better match than the last time.  Really quite good.

    The Wyatt Family attacked Jericho after, although this was probably off the air.  Styles, Neville and the Lucha Dragons all made the save.

  • TNA Impact Wrestling results: The Return of EC3

    On Tonight’s Show

    TNA Impact emanates from the United Kingdom tonight. The Kurt Angle Farewell Tour hits Manchester when Kurt Angle battles it out with Drew Galloway. Also, The Destroyer Lashley faces off with Bram. TNA World Champion Matt Hardy is expected to make an appearance tonight.  Additionally, Ethan Carter III has vowed to make his return in Manchester.

    Show Recap

    -Josh Matthews and The Pope welcome us to this week’s show in the U.K. TNA World Champion Matt Hardy, his wife Reby, bodyguard Tyrus and son Maxell come to the ring. Matt talked about his accomplishments in the last few weeks. Tyrus took the mic from Matt and made a Winston Churchill joke. Reby took the mic and got some intense heat from the crowd. Matt said if Dixie Carter wants to keep him happy she has to fire EC3 later tonight.

    -Backstage, TNA President Dixie Carter is shown arriving in the building.

    Lashley vs. Bram w/Eric Young

    Earlier in the day, EY and Bram were backstage and bragging about ending the career of Jeff Hardy. Lashley and Bram used a lot of power moves to start. EY interfered which gave Bram the advantage. Lashley made his own comeback, but Bram was able to cut off his momentum. EY came in the ring, but his interference backfired and Lashley hit the spear to win the match.

    -Backstage, Reby was assuring Matt that Dixie would fire EC3 to keep Matt happy. Matt’s also worried about the return of EC3 tonight. Tyrus promises to have it under control and introduced Matt’s security team in case EC3 shows up.

    -Kurt Angle comes down to the ring to a huge pop. Kurt said the crowd was making it hard for him to say farewell and they booed him. “Thank You Angle” chants fill the arena as Kurt talks about his time in TNA. Kurt talks about The Kurt Angle Farewell Tour, but he’s interrupted by “The First Lady of Professional Wrestling” Maria Kanellis. She introduces “The Miracle” Michael Bennett. Bennett insults Kurt and his legacy. The Miracle wants to face Kurt and promises to beat him. Kurt told Maria she’s a very pretty girl but has bad taste in men. Kurt hit The Miracle with one shot and then bailed from the ring.  Drew Galloway came out on the stage and had a stare down with Kurt who was still in the ring. Kurt and Drew face off later tonight in the Kurt Angle Farewell Tour.

    -Backstage, Beer Money was walking down the hall. Beer Money was once again great in their segment. Bobby Roode wouldn’t let James Storm into their locker room because he got him a surprise. Storm tried to guess and asked if it was Pyro or a stripper. Roode gave Storm The Boozier Cruiser.

    X Division Champion Trevor Lee w/ Gregory Shane Helms vs. Tigre Uno

    Tigre has the early advantage in the match using lots of high-risk moves. Trevor dominates Tigre with power moves. Tigre makes a short comeback and hits a hurricanrana off the steal steps on the outside. Back in the ring, Helms interferes and Lee hits the fishermen buster to win the match and retain the X Division title.

    -Beer Money entered the ring and wanting to cash in their Feast or Fired title shot. They call out the TNA World Tag Teams Champions, The Wolves. Instead, Decay comes out, which leads to our next match

    Beer Money (James Storm & Bobby Roode) vs. Decay (Crazy Steve & Abyss w/Rosemary)

    All four guys brawl around ringside. Beer Money use double team moves on Crazy Steve until Abyss gets in the ring. Decay use great teamwork to isolate and beat down Roode. Roode makes the hot tag to Storm who runs wild. Beer Money hit the DWI on Crazy Steve but Abyss causes the DQ. After the match, Roode launches Storm onto Abyss from the ring to the outside. Rosemary distracts Roode who is attacked by Crazy Steve from behind. Abyss pulls out Janice from underneath the ring but before they could use it The Wolves hit the ring for the save. Decay challenges The Wolves to a Monster’s Ball match next week. The Wolves accept.

    -Backstage, Reby Sky approaches Dixie Carter. Reby claims she is talking to Dixie without Matt knowing. Reby is very sincere and genuine when talking to Dixie. She tells Dixie that she just wants what’s best for her family. However, as Reby walked away she rolled her eyes.

    -Back from commercial, the recently fired Grado comes through the crowd and jumps the guardrail. Josh points out that Grado doesn’t work in TNA. Grado gets a great reaction from the crowd. Grado is claiming that he was “screwed” by TNA in the Feast or Fired match. He was going to show us proof when Eli Drake with security interrupted him. Eli tried to get the proof, but Grado got away.

    Madison Rayne vs. Jade w/ The Dollhouse (Marti Belle and Rebel)

    Good match between these two. Madison hit a cross body off the apron onto all members of The Dollhouse. Madison hit Jade with some serious chops that would have made any man cry. Jade hit the package piledriver to win the match. After the match, The Dollhouse continued to beat down Madison until Gail Kim made the save and cleared the ring.

    -Backstage, Billy Corgan is being interviewed about being back in the U.K.  Billy Corgan is best known as the Senior Producer of Creative and Talent Development. Oh yeah, he’s also lead singer of The Smashing Pumpkins. Grado runs up and asked for his help. Eli and the security guards beat up Grado.

    The Kurt Angle Farewell Tour: Kurt Angle vs. Drew Galloway

    Kurt and Drew have a tremendous match. Kurt is the regular amazing wrestler that he is, but Drew Galloway is showing that he is a lot better then people realize. There were several intense and great near falls. The crowd is solidly behind Kurt. Drew had the early advantage, but it didn’t last long and the veteran Kurt made a comeback. 

    Back from commercial, Drew is in control of the match and is dominating Kurt. Kurt got the ankle lock secure, but Drew fought him off. On the outside, Drew continued to beat down Kurt until Kurt hit the Angle slam onto the steal steps. This got a “TNA” chant from the crowd. Drew hit a very unique move that Pope described as being “a reverse Alabama Slam.” Drew hit two Claymore kicks, but only got a two and half. Drew locks on a unique submission and Kurt’s bleeding from the mouth, which makes the spot look amazing. Kurt countered into the Ankle lock, but Drew fought out. Drew locked on the submission a second time and shockingly Kurt tapped! Drew Galloway is victorious over Kurt Angle.

    -Earlier, Josh interviewed Tyrus about turning on EC3. Tyrus was really good here as he talked about all the reasons for turning on EC3. He explained that it was for money and because EC3 never gave him a title shot despite being number one contender. During the interview, at two separate points, Tyrus insulted The Pope.

    -Matt Hardy, Reby and Tyrus are in the ring. TNA President Dixie Carter comes to the ring. Matt is demanding that Dixie fire EC3. Matt’s loosing his mind insisting she fire EC3. Rockstar Spud’s comes out to defend Dixie. Matt says he wants Spud to make Dixie fire EC3. Spud thinks about if for a moment, teasing that he’s going to do it but instead stands up to Matt. Tyrus attacks Spud and beats him down. Matt and Tyrus back Dixie into the corner. EC3’s music hit to a big pop and he comes out for the save. He walks into beating Matt’s security team along the way. EC3 and Tyrus brawled around ringside. Spud and Dixie are holding each other in the corner.  EC3 and Matt had a stare down, but when he got in the ring Matt bailed. To end the show EC3 posed on the stage.

    Final Thoughts

    Another really good Impact this week. Impact continues to deliver really good matches and interesting characters. However, the show can be predictable at times. The Kurt Angle-Drew Galloway match was fantastic and topped their match from a few weeks ago. The show closing angle was energetic and entertaining.

    Next Week:

    We’re still in the U.K. for Impact. The Wolves face off with Decay in a Monster’s Ball Match. Also, more on the Matt Hardy-EC3 feud, and The Kurt Angle Farewell Tour continues.