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  • Daily Update: Bret Hart fighting prostate cancer

    Bret Hart battling cancer

    In what will most certainly be Bret Hart’s toughest battle yet, Hart announced he has prostate cancer earlier today.  “I’ve had a great lifelong dance and I’m a survivor of many hard battles. I now face my toughest battle. With hesitation and fear, I openly declare myself in my fight against prostate cancer. In the next few days, I will undergo surgery with the hope of defeating this nemesis once and for all.” Bret Hart’s complete statement.From all of us at F4WOnline we give our best wishes to Bret Hart and his brother Smith in their simultaneous battles with cancer. 

    Want to thank all correspondents for so much help with all the big shows from all the promotions over the past several weeks.  Awesome job.

    We’re looking for your thoughts on Saturday night’s UFC show, so you can leave a thumbs up, thumbs down or thumbs in the middle along with a best and worst match to Dave Meltzer

    Raw tonight is in Birmingham, AL  Brock Lesnar and Paul Heyman are scheduled on the show.  We’re looking for reports, please send to Dave Meltzer.  Nothing has been announced but Brock Lesnar and Paul Heyman are scheduled, and we should get a better idea of the Fast Lane card.

    We’re also looking for reports on yesterday’s WWE house shows in Columbus, GA and Tupelo, MS, as well as the weekend NXT shows in Venice and Largo, FL.

    Smackdown will be taped on Tuesday in Memphis, TN.

    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 latest video is “Kill that Mole”.  A silent film we created a few years ago starring Bryan and Vince.

    Figure Four Weekly

    Figure Four Weekly 1/18/2016: Gawker’s motion to dismiss Hulk Hogan lawsuit denied
    Gawker’s motion to dismiss the Hulk Hogan sex tape lawsuit is denied, plus news and notes

    Wrestling Observer Newsletter

    The Latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter: February 1, 2016 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: 2016 Royal Rumble, Road to Wrestlemania, more

    Coverage of the Royal Rumble and where things lead to WrestleMania is the lead story in a jam-packed news issue of the Wrestling Observer.  TNA’s statements regarding A.J. Styles, Doc Gallows and Karl Anderson, the timing, what is accurate, and a lot that wasn’t in those statements as to why the deal didn’t happen. The process that led the stars from New Japan and more. The Cain Velasquez and Fabricio Werdum injuries and title match cancellation and what directions UFC took to try and save it.  More on the injury to Hiroshi Tanahashi, the death of Archie “Mongolian Stomper” Gouldie, some stories about his life and career.  WWE Hall of Fame class of 2016, New Japan Fantatstica Mania tour with full rundowns and stories behind it, Nikki Bella injury and what led to the increase in ratings for Raw and Smackdown.

    The story behind why HHH won the title, why it was the right booking decision given the destination, questions about the execution, the confusing Fast Lane main event, what the original booking plan was behind Roman Reigns ascension to the top and why it was so hard for Vince McMahon to decide against his winning at last year’s WrestleMania, and questions about the crowds at Fast Lane and Mania for the main events. Update WrestleMania, chart out the Royal Rumble with how long everyone was in, eliminations, and news, Rumble business, poll results and match-by-match results with star ratings. 

    The situation with New Japan losing talent, and how the CMLL stars did on the tour.

    The arrival of Shinsuke Nakamura to WWE and why he’s in NXT, an update on Daniel Bryan, NXT finances for talent, another endorsement deal for Dwayne Johnson, notes on the next WWE network live special, updates on NXT talent coming to the main roster, lots of WWE injury notes, WWE plans for post-Mania and the European tour, Lesnar dates, details on NXT tapings as well as details on all the weekend WWE events.

    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

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

    Rates are:

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

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

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

    Click here for the most requested Wrestling Observer back issues.

    Check out the latest Online Wrestling Observer BACK ISSUE: December 28, 1998 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Bischoff gets historic NBC deal, WCW files lawsuit against WWF over Wrestling With Shadows, more  Eric Bischoff and NBC work out a historic deal to air WCW on NBC, WCW files a lawsuit against WWF over Wrestling With Shadows, plus tons of news.

    MONDAY NEWS UPDATE

    Bryan and I will be back tonight on Wrestling Observer Live talking Raw, Benson Henderson, TNA, Lucha Underground and more with Wrestling Observer radio.  You can send e-mail questions to the show to mailbag@wrestlingobserver.com

    ROH officially announced Hirooki Goto coming for its 2/26 PPV show and 2/27 TV tapings. We had reported Goto a couple of weeks back.  The New Japan wrestlers on both shows will be Kazuchika Okada, Hiroshi Tanahashi, Goto, Kushida, Gedo and Tomohiro Ishii. 

    In a surprise to everyone, including those in the organization, the debut of Lucha Underground on television in Canada last night was the first episode of season one, not of season two. (thanks to many)

    Davey Richards appears to have a torn meniscus, although the injury isn’t certain as he was going to get examined once he got home.   The injury was from a match yesterday in Birmingham, UK, where the Wolves lost the ROH tag team titles to Beer Money.      

    Ricky Johnson, the uncle of Dwayne Johnson, suffered two heart attacks yesterday.  He was treated yesterday at Scarborough, ONT General Hospital in Toronto but are back home for rest and recuperation.  He seems to be doing a lot better today. (thanks to Dave Musgrave)

    WWE

    • WWE Studios will be releasing the movie “Countdown” on 4/5, right after WrestleMania.  The movie features Dolph Ziggler, Kane, Lana and Rusev.  The story is about a madman who kidnaps and threatens to blow up a young child, an officer, played by Ziggler, haunted by the loss of his own child, defies his captain, played by Kane, to attempt to rescue him.
    • Stephanie McMahon’s scheduled segment today on Good Morning America got bumped.  She said that it has been moved to later in the week.  She taped the segment on Sunday.
    • Sisters was No. 9 at the box office this past weekend in Australia while Daddy’s Home was No. 10.  In the U.S., they were at No. 19 and No. 12 (thanks to James Stanios)
    • New Day doing media for tonight’s Raw
    • Richard Sherman attempts an RKO on Clay Matthews during the Pro Bowl.  It didn’t work out well.

    UFC

    • In the Saturday UFC on FOX predictions, Josh Nason and I went 4-1, while Mike Sempervive, Mike Sawyer, Steve Juon, Ryan Frederick, John Pollock and David Bixenspan went 3-2, and Frontrow Brian went 2-3.
    • Sage Northcutt apparently went into Saturday’s fight with strep throat and loaded with antibiotics, and had been hospitalized two days prior to the fight.
    • USADA isn’t messing around when it comes to drug testing
    • Ronda Rousey turned 29 today.

    MISCELLANEOUS

    • Global Force Wrestling announced they would be part of WrestleCon on 4/1 and 4/2 a the Downtown Hyatt Regency Hotel in Dallas.  Jeff & Karen Jarrett are confirmed for the events. 
    • VIP ticket sales for WaleMania on 3/31 sold out in two hours, but General Admission tickets are still available  For more info you can go to www.MLW.com
    • For anyone who has not sent payment for dinner or the bus for WrestleMania weekend activities in Dallas, contact f4wfan@hotmail.com  If you have sent, please ask for confirmation to make sure you are on the right lists.
    • ROH has put some added tickets on sale for its TV taping that weekend in Dallas.  But if interested, purchase fast because they are likely to be gone quickly.
    • The Paris Judo Grand Slam this weekend has sold out a 15,000 seat building.  Teddy Riner and Kayla Harrison will be fighting.  Here is a guide.
    • Beyond Wrestling from Saturday night in Somerville, MA:  JT Dunn b Joey Janela in a cage match, Ryan Galeone b Jonathan Gresham, Matt Riddle b Chuck O’Neil in a battle of former MMA fighters with Drew Gulak as referee, Johnny Gargano & Tommaso Ciampa b Hit Squad, Zack Sabre Jr. b Brian Fury, Shynron b Travis Gordon, Chris Hero b Matt Tremont, TJ Marconi & Darius Carter & Anthony Gangone b Jaka & Angel Ortiz & Mike Draztik, AR Fox b Tracy Williams in a submission match, Kimber Lee & Heidi Lovelace b Sami Callihan & Chris Dickinson
    • Pro Wrestling Syndicate vs. GFW results from Saturday night in Rahway, NJ in a make-up card for the event canceled by the blizzard:  Habib the Car Wash Guy b Sonjay Dutt, Pepper Parks b Cliff Compton, Chris Steele & Sandy Mann won three-way over Reynolds Brothers and Aesthetic Enterprises, Brian Myers b Chris Payne, Anthony Bowens won six-way over CPA, Niko Rikos, Bobby Wayward, Maxwell Feinstein and Drunken Swashbuckler, Matt MacIntosh b Danny Maff, Team PWS of Pat Buck & Fallah Bahn & Kevin Matthews & Mario Bokara beat Team GFW of Jeff Jarrett & Nick Aldis & Heavenly Bodies.  After the show, PWS owner Pat Buck announced that the company has a new name starting with the 3/5 show, and will be called WrestlePro (thanks to Sylvan Gerald)
    • Toryumon results from yesterday in Naucalpan for a TV taping for Japan:  Ikaro & Sonic b Fireman & Daisuke Hanaoka, Princesa Sugei b Reyna Isis, Dragon Rojo Jr. & Escandalo & Patan b Fiero & Padrino & Super Ciudadano, Solar I d Black Terry (double pin, fans threw money in the ring when it was over), Angel de Oro & Ultimo Dragon & Titan b Arkangel de la Muerte & Canelo Casas & El Terrible (thanks to Kris Zellner)  
    • NWA Mid South Wrestling from Saturday night in Dyresburg, TN:  Kevin Lee Davidson b Dale Wylde, Keon Option b Van Van Horn, Tim Storm b Apoc to keep North American title, Matt Riviera & Rob Conway b Josh Lewis & Jeremy Moore to retain NWA tag title, Greg Anthony b John Saxon to keep NWA National title.  Gary Michael Capetta was inducted into the NWA Mid South Hall of Fame.  They announced a 2/20 show with Riviera & Conway defending the tag titles against Bobby Fulton of The Fantastics & Dexter Hardaway an Anthony vs. John Saxon vs. Rodney Mack in a three way for the National title.
    • Mid Atlantic Championship Wrestling from Saturday night in Mt. Airy, GA before 892 fans with appearances by Ricky Steamboat and Road Warrior Animal.  Chase Owens b Jeff Lewis Neal, Maverick b Jordan Kage, Rick Steiner b Michael Judas, Johnny Swinger b Rikki Nelson, Ricky Morton & Robert Gibson b Heatseekers
    • Big Valley Wrestling in Las Vegas from Saturday night:  Suede Thompson b Beast the Butcher in a lumberjack match, Players Club b Team BatKins in a ladder match, Night Warriors b Faces of Evil, Greg Romero b Ricky Tenacious, Tomaste b Sizzlin James Slay (thanks to Mike Trask)
    • The West Coast Wrestling Federation presents a tribute show for Darren Dean on Saturday night in Yuba City at the Yuba Sutter Fairgrounds.  Dean, who passed away recently, is from Yuba City and had been scheduled on this show.
    • Barrie Wrestling on 2/15 in Barrie, ONT at the Ferris Lane Community Church.
    • C4 wrestling on 2/26 in Ottawa, ONT at the Vanier Columbus Club.
    • A wrestler and MMA fighter jailed for running a string of cannabis farms
    • A story on Kevin Nash

    ON THIS DAY IN WORLD PRO WRESTLING HISTORY: Daily pro wrestling history (02/01): Brown and Geigel win North American tag team titles

    For information on website get-togethers for WrestleMania, e-mail: F4Wfan@hotmail.com

  • TNA Impact TV taping results (Birmingham, UK): Kurt Angle’s final match; possible injury to a champion

    Submitted by Tom Griffiths

    – Big Damo & Jimmy Havoc vs. Mike Bennett (No Maria) & Drew Galloway (Jokers Wild) (One Night Only)

    The match was basically a handicap match, with Bennett & Galloway doing the partners not getting along deal, as they are currently in a program together, although by the time this airs it probably won’t be the case, but who knows. As I say, 2-on-1 with Galloway in-ring for his team, at one point he went to tag Bennett who dropped down from the apron, then later he wanted the tag and Drew wouldn’t give it to him, Galloway made his comeback, hit the double-arm DDT, Bennett made a tag without Drew’s consent, threw him from the ring, and stole the pin. Drew was one of the more over guys on the show, Havoc got a nice reaction, the match was fine.

    – Matt Hardy promo to open, he’s said he has beaten EC3 so many times it’s now boring. He’ll never get a shot at Hardy again. Introduces Rockstar Spud (to his hometown). Points out that 1 year ago EC3 left him battered and bloodied, with his head shaved. Now the public are jumping on the latest bandwagon supporting EC3. He took some good old fashioned revenge, and took what EC3 craved. EC3 eventually interrupts with a run in and beats Tyrus, then Hardy. Spud tries to attack, but ends up getting away. EC3 challenges Spud to a “fight”, no ref, no rules.

    Xplosion:

    – Jessie Godderz beat Tigre Uno by submission with a Boston crab.

    Impact Episode 1:

    – Here came an hilarious part of the show for me personally. A time or two before this, Borash had added an incentive for the crowd being rowdy, the incentive being particular fans that were seen as the most rowdy would get backstage passes, which they seemed to follow through with. But this time he took it up another level. He encouraged the fans to give Gail a great ovation for the following segment, and said these extra rowdy fans would get to go in the knockouts locker room! Needless to say Gail came out, all the pervs and the place in general went nuts, and she got most probably the biggest reaction of the entire show. Maybe this is commonplace in wrestling, but this was a first for me, and I was in a fit of laughter. So when this airs, if you see some random guy in a second row laughing hysterically, that’s me.

    Gail cut a promo on Maria and her involvement in the cage match, said the knockouts division has always been about wrestling and all Maria does is talk etc., calls her out, Maria comes out, doesn’t want to fight, waffles on-and-on (I was tired before the show, and I was already getting agitated as this was close to an-hour-and-a-half into the show and we’d seen two short matches, so I wasn’t paying great attention), they go back-and-forth on the mic, Maria walks-off (was standing outside the ring the whole time), Gail chases her, gets jumped by Jade who gives her a beating on the entrance ramp, grabs the mic, cuts a promo on Gail, holds the title aloft and makes clear our next knockouts program.    

    Birmingham street fight: EC3 vs Rockstar Spud

    We were told by JB beforehand Dixie had made this match. No ref, both guys in street clothes. Standard street fight, lots of brawling around ringside, chair involvement, Carter took a lot of the match with Spud getting on top via shortcuts, crowd wanted tables, eventually got a table, EC3 powerbombed Spud through the table in-ring, locked him in a Cobra Clutch, Spud began tapping frantically, refs, Pat Kenney and maybe some other officials came running down, pulled EC3 off and successfully persuaded him that enough-was-enough.

    Impact Episode 2:

    – Opens with Dixie carter in ring, TNA roster outside ring. They’re here to celebrate Kurt Angle. Dixie hoped this day would never come, and can’t thank Angle enough for everything he’s done. Drew Galloway gets in the ring, says it was an honor to be picked to wrestle him on his farewell tour. Asks him please don’t go, but then says thank you so much. Angle talks, says he came to TNA to find himself, he’s a better person for being here. Bobby Lashley interrupts. It’s a bad day, but a great experience, an amazing thing for him, so thank you. But, he can see it as he looks at
    Angle’s eyes and Kurt’s just not ready to wrestle him.

    – Borash mentions this is the Feast or Fired episode of impact, and we’ll find out who got what later.

    Xplosion:

    – Marti Bell and Rebel of Dollhouse vs Beautiful People (Rayne & Sky)

    Crowd were really into The Beautiful People, especially Velvet, match was what you’d expect to be polite, but it wasn’t atrocious. Velvet won with a stunner, or some sort of variation. Not sure who she pinned.

    Impact:

    – King of The Mountain Title Match: Bram, EY, Will Osprey, Jimmy Havoc and Big Damo.

    Match didn’t seem that long, Ospreay had his fans, Ospreay took a bump off the ladder into the turnbuckle and appeared to get momentarily wedged between buckle and ladder but seemed ok, Havoc did a dive off the penalty box onto multiple combatants, Young & Bram did the deal where heel partners start off working together and then prize gets between them, Havox took a piledriver from Young onto the steps, Ospreay was climbing the ladder and then Young leaped from the top rope and caught him with a flying neckbreaker from the ladder which led to the Young win. 

    Feast or Fired briefcases:

    • Beer Money: Tag title shot
    • Eli Drake: KOTM title shot
    • Drew Galloway: World title shot
    • Grade: Fired

    – Mike Bennett & Maria come out for a promo, Bennett talks about Angle leaving and Carter having his chances, says he’s going to be #1 contender and win the title, as well as save wrestling, asks Dixie to come out and grant his request, Drew comes out, they go back-and-forth on the mic, Bennett tells Drew to go and get Dixie for him, Drew turns to do so and then turns back around and attacks Bennett, Bennett powders to end the segment.

    – Knockouts Champion Gail Kim vs Jade.

    Nice match, been a big admirer of Gail’s for a number of years, crowd really got into it. Gail did this ridiculous spot where he did a rope-walk whilst holding onto Jade, then leaped onto Jade for a hurricanrana, who reversed it into a powerbomb. I think she was ok, but it didn’t look pretty and was a pretty risky spot. Finish came when Gail performed a flying crossbody, Jade reversed the pin, then Gail reversed again for the win. The crossbody may’ve came a little earlier, but it definitely ended with the pinning sequence. With the nature of the finish this appeared to set-up another match, and for the aftermath Jade was screaming at Gail from the ring while Gail was on the ramp in a way that seemed to suggest this.

    – TNA Tag Champions Wolves vs Beer Money

    Crowd were super into Beer Money, really hot for the match, probably the most over match on the show, nice match, probably really good (again, I was beat), loud “this is awesome” chants, Davey Richards got injured leaping from the top rope and taking a super Codebreaker, after taking it whilst lying on the mat he faced my side of the arena clearly in a lot of pain, clutch his knee or shin (would think he injured his knee), rolled outside, Earl Hebner communicated with him and threw up the X, there was a “conference” between the three guys, they went a few more minutes with just the three guys, Hebner communicated with Richards just before the finish, DWI on Edwards by Beer Money to win the titles. Richards was helped to back by doctors and officials. Wouldn’t like to speculate but didn’t look good.

    – Borash is about to introduce the Angle-Lashley match, Grado comes running down (pretty over), says he has video evidence that he was screwed out of his job, is about to cue it when Drake & Godderz come out, cut a promo on Grado, 2-on-1 beatdown, Shera makes the save (who maybe the worst wrestler I’ve ever seen live, he looked terrible) Shera gets clobbered from behind with the briefcase by Drake, Drake & Godderz set Grado up for a briefcase shot, miscue, Jesse eats the briefcase, RKO on Drake, Grado steals the briefcase to end the segment.

    – Kurt Angle vs Lashley:

    Amateur wrestling to start-off, Germans from Kurt, Lashley powders, Kurt works over Lashley, Snake-Eyes for the transition move, Lashley works over Kurt, particularly his neck (being very careful of course), Angle makes his comeback with suplexes galore, Angle Slam nearfall, a Powerslam nearfall for Lashley in here somewhere, Angle Lock escape from Lashley, Spinebuster nearfall for Lashley, two nearfalls from two separate Spears, goes for a third and hits the post, very long Angle Lock escape, Kurt did his deal where he wraps his legs around the ankle, pulled him back to the middle, this went on maybe a couple of minutes, really putting over Lashley, third Spear for the clean Lashley win. Crowd was starting to get tired, so they weren’t super-hot, but had their moments. Good match, but nothing fantastic, but again I taped-out long ago.

    They embraced post-match, then as they were standing with their arms linked and aloft, Lashley ambushed Kurt with a punch and then gave him a fourth Spear to turn heel. I think there may’ve been a fifth Spear on Angle I’m not sure, Galloway ran down and attempted to calm the situation, turned his back and got a Spear for his troubles, Edwards ran down and got a Spear, absolutely monster heel Lashley, EC3 came down, there was a mid-ring stare-down, Lashley shot him a sly smile and backed-off, so Lashley-EC3 appear to be an upcoming big program, if this part airs, which I assume it does. Crowd really got into the post-match. Babyfaces all embraced Kurt and stood with their arms aloft, they left the ring to Kurt who cut a short promo saying wrestlers don’t show enough appreciation to their fans and greatly thanked the crowd, before departing with “I’ll see you again soon, some day”, or something to that effect. It was a nice moment.

    One Night Only PPV taping

    16 man gauntlet match, which for some reason only had 13 entrants. Borash said everybody would be involved but I saw no EC3, Lashley, Beer Money, Angle, or Richards (for obvious reason). Final four were Grado, Hardy, Galloway & Bennett, Hardy was eliminated, then Grado shortly afterwards, Bennett & Galloway went at it for a few minutes with Drew getting the win. Not a lot of people seemed to leave and they appeared to enjoy the gauntlet, especially with Drew winning who remained pretty over despite his numerous appearances throughout the show.  

    Order of entry: Bennett, Mandrews, Tigre Uno, Jade, Will Osprey, Bram, Eric Young, Eddie Edwards, Drew Galloway, Matt Hardy, Tyrus, Rockstar Spud, Grado.

    Order of elimination:

    • Mandrews by Bennett
    • Jade by Maria
    • Tigre uno by Bram
    • Osprey by Young
    • Young and Bram by Edwards
    • Edwards by Hardy
    • Tyrus by Grado
    • Spud by Galloway
    • Hardy by Grado
    • Grado by Bennett
    • Bennett by Drew Galloway

  • Daily Update: Yet another WWE injury; Lucha Underground 3rd season?

    We’re looking for your thoughts on last night’s UFC show, so you can leave a thumbs up, thumbs down or thumbs in the middle along with a best and worst match to Dave Meltzer

    We’re looking for reports on today’s Lucha Underground Ultima Lucha tapings in Los Angeles, as well as today’s TNA tapings in Birmingham, England, today’s WWE house shows in Columbus, GA (Roman Reigns vs. Rusev for WWE title, Dean Ambrose vs. Kevin Owens for IC title, New Day vs. Usos & Ryback) and Tupelo, MS (Kane vs. Bray Wyatt) to Dave Meltzer

    Raw will be Monday in Birmingham.  Brock Lesnar and Paul Heyman are scheduled on the show.

    Smackdown will be taped on Tuesday in Memphis.

    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 latest video is “Kill that Mole”.  A silent film we created a few years ago starring Bryan and Vince.

    Figure Four Weekly

    Figure Four Weekly 1/18/2016: Gawker’s motion to dismiss Hulk Hogan lawsuit denied
    Gawker’s motion to dismiss the Hulk Hogan sex tape lawsuit is denied, plus news and notes

    Wrestling Observer Newsletter

    The Latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter: February 1, 2016 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: 2016 Royal Rumble, Road to Wrestlemania, more

    Coverage of the Royal Rumble and where things lead to WrestleMania is the lead story in a jam-packed news issue of the Wrestling Observer.  TNA’s statements regarding A.J. Styles, Doc Gallows and Karl Anderson, the timing, what is accurate, and a lot that wasn’t in those statements as to why the deal didn’t happen. The process that led the stars from New Japan and more. The Cain Velasquez and Fabricio Werdum injuries and title match cancellation and what directions UFC took to try and save it.  More on the injury to Hiroshi Tanahashi, the death of Archie “Mongolian Stomper” Gouldie, some stories about his life and career.  WWE Hall of Fame class of 2016, New Japan Fantatstica Mania tour with full rundowns and stories behind it, Nikki Bella injury and what led to the increase in ratings for Raw and Smackdown.

    The story behind why HHH won the title, why it was the right booking decision given the destination, questions about the execution, the confusing Fast Lane main event, what the original booking plan was behind Roman Reigns ascension to the top and why it was so hard for Vince McMahon to decide against his winning at last year’s WrestleMania, and questions about the crowds at Fast Lane and Mania for the main events. Update WrestleMania, chart out the Royal Rumble with how long everyone was in, eliminations, and news, Rumble business, poll results and match-by-match results with star ratings. 

    The situation with New Japan losing talent, and how the CMLL stars did on the tour.

    The arrival of Shinsuke Nakamura to WWE and why he’s in NXT, an update on Daniel Bryan, NXT finances for talent, another endorsement deal for Dwayne Johnson, notes on the next WWE network live special, updates on NXT talent coming to the main roster, lots of WWE injury notes, WWE plans for post-Mania and the European tour, Lesnar dates, details on NXT tapings as well as details on all the weekend WWE events.

    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

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

    Rates are:

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

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

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

    Click here for the most requested Wrestling Observer back issues.

    Check out the latest Online Wrestling Observer BACK ISSUE: December 28, 1998 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Bischoff gets historic NBC deal, WCW files lawsuit against WWF over Wrestling With Shadows, more  Eric Bischoff and NBC work out a historic deal to air WCW on NBC, WCW files a lawsuit against WWF over Wrestling With Shadows, plus tons of news.

    SUNDAY NEWS UPDATE

    Last night’s Wrestling Observer Radio with myself and Bryan Alvarez talking all the weekend news from UFC, TNA and WWE.  We also talk in detail about the Awesome Kong/Reby Hardy incident that took place on Friday in the Manchester, England dressing room.

    Pro Wrestling Sheet announced that at today’s Lucha Underground tapings that talent were told that there would be a third season, but not when filming was to begin.  The scheduled right now is for July.  It also said Lucha Underground would be hitting the iTunes store in a few months.

    Beer Money captured the TNA tag team titles today in Birmingham, England, cashing in their briefcase, beating The Wolves.

    At the UFC post-fight press conference, they said would be announcing the date for Jon Jones vs. Daniel Cormier rematch within the next week.

    Tye Dillinger is the latest WWE injury, collapsing when landing reversing out of a vertical suplex against Sami Zayn, apparently blowing out his right knee.  He will be evaluated tomorrow.

    I’ll be on the MMA Hour at www.mma.fighting.com with Ariel Helwani tomorrow at 1 p.m. Eastern time.  Other guests on the show will be Benson Henderson, Fabricio Werdum, Scott Coker and Anthony Perosh.

    WWE

    • Stephanie McMahon will be on Good Morning America tomorrow in the 8 a.m. hour.
    • Dwayne Johnson on Monday:  “Ha well at WWE events, going off script is what I live for.  So much more fun for the fans.  Nightmare for Vince.”
    • WrestleMania Fan Axxess tickets for Dallas go on sale at 10 a.m. tomorrow with the code TWWETME 
    • A John Layfield interview with Ron Simmons will air after Raw tomorrow night.
    • English translations of Shinsuke Nakamura’s promo from yesterday both in the ring and the press area
    • A story on WWE ref Charles Robinson

    UFC/MMA

    • For yesterday, UFC was the seventh most searched term in the U.S. with more than 100,000.  Among those ahead included the Pro Bowl, Serena Williams and NHL All-Star game.  No. 16 was Sage Northcutt with 50,000.
    • Former WWE star Dave Bautista posted this:  “Anyone who buys that goofy UFC Reebok shit is endorsing the fighters getting fucked out of their sponsorships.  Just a thought.”
    • Phil Mushnick again rips on New York for considering legalizing MMA
    • Concern from Ireland that travel companies think there is less interest in people going to Las Vegas again so quickly
    • A crazy clip from a Joe Lauzon fighter from last night.

    MISCELLANEOUS

    • Southern States Wrestling did a Mongolian Stomper tribute on its TV show this week
    • Lucha Underground debuts tonight on TLM in Canada with shows at 10 p.m and midnight.
    • Bret Hart has started a company called Sharpshooter Funding, a capital investment firm to help small Canadian businesses that his son, Dallas, will be the head of sales for.
    • TV Asahi 2 in Japan announced they will be airing five hours of Antonio Inoki’s most famous matches on 2/20, which is Inoki’s 73rd birthday.
    • Gabi Castrovinci, known as Raquel in TNA (she was on Tough Enough this past season), had her first match last night against Santana Garrett in Orlando.  Full results:  Josh Parker b Rex Bacchus, Josh Hess & Ace Andrews b CT Brown & Alexx Light, Braydon Knight b Tyranus, Brandon Scherrer b Chico Adams, Mike Reed b Jonny Vandal, Santana Garrett b Rex Bacchus, Santana Garrett b Raquel to retain the Wonder of Stardom title, Rhett Giddins b Mark Silva-DQ, Rhett Ghddins b Mark Silva to keep the Florida title.  Next show is 2/20.

    ON THIS DAY IN WORLD PRO WRESTLING HISTORY: Daily pro wrestling history (01/31): Hennig & Race win AWA World Tag Team Titles

    For information on web site get togethers at WrestleMania, you can e-mail F4wfan@hotmail.com

  • Daily Update: UFC on FOX, Ronda Rousey body paint!

    UFC on FOX tonight!

    Ryan Bader vs Anthony Johnson will be fighting later tonight in Newark, NJ.  Bader will need this win to keep his title shot hopes alive.  Like all Anthony Johnson fights the plan should be to take him into the later rounds and pick him apart then look to take him down and either submit Johnson or grind out a decision.  If Bader can survive Johnson’s power in the first round or two then he has a chance though he is certainly an underdog.

    Josh Barnett will take on Ben Rothwell.  With the ever changing injury situation and shallow talent pool with the heavy weights either one of these men could earn a possible title shot with a win.  This is an intruiging fight in that they are both long time vets and there isn’t much either one of them hasn’t seen before.  We also get to see if the Sage Northcutt hype train can keep a chuggin’ against Bryan Barbarena, who was a late replacement for Andrew Holbrook.  Northcutt in 3 months with the UFC is already having his third fight.  This next fight seems to be a step up in competition for the talented Northcutt but UFC is certianly bringing him along slowly.  Northcutt is a must see at the post-fight press conference.

    UFC ON FOX ON SATURDAY FROM THE PRUDENTIAL CENTER IN NEWARK, NJ  – Follow along live with F4WOnline.com’s Ryan Frederick.

    Fight Pass at 3:30 p.m. Eastern time

    Randy Brown vs. Matt Dwyer

    Tony Martin vs. Felipe Olivieri

    Damon Jackson vs. Levan Makashvili

    FS 1 at 5 p.m.

    Alex Bruce Leroy Caceres vs. Masio Fullen

    George Sullivan vs. Alexander Yakovlev

    Wilson Reis vs. Dustin Ortiz

    Kevin Casey vs. Rafael Natal

    Olivier Aubin-Mercier vs. Diego Ferreira

    Jake Ellenberger vs. Tarec Saffiedine

    FOX at 10 p.m.

    Sage Northcutt vs. Bryan Barbarena

    Iuri Alcantara vs. Jimmie Rivera

    Ben Rothwell vs. Josh Barnett

    Anthony Rumble Johnson vs. Ryan Bader

    PRO WRESTLING NOAH SUNDAY FROM YOKOHAMA BUNKA GYM

    Yoshihiro Takayama & Quiet Storm & Hajime Ohara & Genba Hirayanagi vs. Yoshinari Ogawa & Akitoshi Saito & Hitoshi Kumano & Kaito Kiyomiya

    Desperado vs. Yoshinobu Kanemaru

    Shelton Benjamin vs. Mitsuhiro Kitamiya

    Maybach Taniguchi vs. Takashi Iizuka

    Daisuke Harada & Atsushi Kotoge vs. Taka Michinoku & Taichi for GHC jr. tag titles

    Taiji Ishimori vs. Kenou for GHC jr. title 

    Lance Archer & Davey Boy Smith Jr. vs. Mohammed Yone & Katsuhiko Nakajima for GHC tag titles

    Minoru Suzuki vs. Go Shiozaki

    Naomichi Marufuji vs. Takashi Sugiura for GHC heavyweight title

    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 latest video is “Kill that Mole”.  A silent film we created a few years ago starring Bryan and Vince.

    Figure Four Weekly

    Figure Four Weekly 1/18/2016: Gawker’s motion to dismiss Hulk Hogan lawsuit denied
    Gawker’s motion to dismiss the Hulk Hogan sex tape lawsuit is denied, plus news and notes

    Wrestling Observer Newsletter

    The Latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter: February 1, 2016 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: 2016 Royal Rumble, Road to Wrestlemania, more

    Coverage of the Royal Rumble and where things lead to WrestleMania is the lead story in a jam-packed news issue of the Wrestling Observer.  TNA’s statements regarding A.J. Styles, Doc Gallows and Karl Anderson, the timing, what is accurate, and a lot that wasn’t in those statements as to why the deal didn’t happen. The process that led the stars from New Japan and more. The Cain Velasquez and Fabricio Werdum injuries and title match cancellation and what directions UFC took to try and save it.  More on the injury to Hiroshi Tanahashi, the death of Archie “Mongolian Stomper” Gouldie, some stories about his life and career.  WWE Hall of Fame class of 2016, New Japan Fantatstica Mania tour with full rundowns and stories behind it, Nikki Bella injury and what led to the increase in ratings for Raw and Smackdown.

    The story behind why HHH won the title, why it was the right booking decision given the destination, questions about the execution, the confusing Fast Lane main event, what the original booking plan was behind Roman Reigns ascension to the top and why it was so hard for Vince McMahon to decide against his winning at last year’s WrestleMania, and questions about the crowds at Fast Lane and Mania for the main events. Update WrestleMania, chart out the Royal Rumble with how long everyone was in, eliminations, and news, Rumble business, poll results and match-by-match results with star ratings. 

    The situation with New Japan losing talent, and how the CMLL stars did on the tour.

    The arrival of Shinsuke Nakamura to WWE and why he’s in NXT, an update on Daniel Bryan, NXT finances for talent, another endorsement deal for Dwayne Johnson, notes on the next WWE network live special, updates on NXT talent coming to the main roster, lots of WWE injury notes, WWE plans for post-Mania and the European tour, Lesnar dates, details on NXT tapings as well as details on all the weekend WWE events.

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

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    Click here for the most requested Wrestling Observer back issues.

    Check out the latest Online Wrestling Observer BACK ISSUE: December 28, 1998 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Bischoff gets historic NBC deal, WCW files lawsuit against WWF over Wrestling With Shadows, more  Eric Bischoff and NBC work out a historic deal to air WCW on NBC, WCW files a lawsuit against WWF over Wrestling With Shadows, plus tons of news.

    SATURDAY NEWS UPDATE

    WWE/Pro Wrestling

    UFC/MMA

    • Ronda Rousey got bodypainted again for a second Sports Illustrated photo shoot.
    • Despite spending all of his time before, during and after his main event fight last night for Bellator talking about Josh Koscheck, Paul Daley apparently wants a fight with Wanderlei Silva as he told reporters following last night’s Bellator 148. Scott Coker later commented that he’s not interested in signing the former UFC fighter and former Pride Grand Prix Champion and doesn’t think the fight will happen.
    • ONE Championships main card results from Malaysia on Friday – Ev Ting 3rd round sub over Eric Kelly; Eduard Foloyang dec over Tetsuya Yamada; Jake Butler 1st round KO over Tatsuya Mizuno; Geje Eustaquio 1st round KO over Saiful Merican; Samir Mrabet 2nd round sub over Sami Amin; Keanu Subba 1st round KO over Rayner Kinsiong
    • Victory FC 47 on UFC Fight Pass main card results from Omaha on Friday – Anthony Smith 1st round KO over Josh Neer; Jarred Mercado 2nd round sub over Alonzo Martinez; Dakota Cochrane 3rd round sub over Jake Lindsey; Cody Carrillo 1st round sub over Sean Wilson; Yuri Villefort 1st round KO over Kenneth Glenn; Grant Dawson 2nd round TKO over Bryce Logan

    ON THIS DAY IN WORLD PRO WRESTLING HISTORY: Daily pro wrestling history (01/30): Williams & Gordy win AJPW Tag Team Titles

    If you’re planning on attending Wrestlemania 32 and would like to be part of the Empire fun, please contact our self appointed Executive Director of events, Eddie Loredo for more information. You can contact him directly at f4wfan@hotmail.com – Or check out our Empire Get-Together section on the BOARD~! 

  • UFC On FOX 18 Newark live results: Anthony Johnson vs. Ryan Bader

    Welcome to F4WOnline.com’s live coverage of UFC On FOX 18: Johnson vs. Bader from the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. The event is headlined by a title elminator bout in the UFC’s light heavyweight division as former title challenger Anthony Johnson takes on Ryan Bader, winner of five straight fights. In the co-main event, it will be former UFC Heavyweight Champion Josh Barnett taking on Ben Rothwell. Also on the main card is the FOX network debut of rising lightweight star Sage Northcutt. Follow along with our live coverage of the event beginning at 3:30 PM eastern time with preliminary action all the way thru the main card.

    We are looking for your thoughts on tonight’s show, so send whether you think the show was a thumbs up, a thumbs down, or a thumb in the middle as well as a best fight and a worst fight to dave@wrestlingobserver.com”>Dave Meltzer.

    UFC On FOX 18 Weigh-In Results
    UFC On FOX 18 DFS Playbook
    UFC On FOX 18 Observer Picks & Preview

    Coverage provided by Ryan Frederick

    PRELIMINARY CARD (UFC FIGHT PASS- 3:30 PM ET/12:30 PM PT)

    LIGHTWEIGHTS- TONY MARTIN (9-3, 1-3 UFC) VS. FELIPE OLIVIERI (14-4 1 NC, 0-0 UFC)

    ROUND 1- Olivieri starts off with a leg kick. Another big kicks from Olivieri drops Martin for a second. Big leg kick from Olivieri and Martin clinches them up against the fence. Martin lifts him up and takes him down but Olivieri back to his feet. Martin takes him back down. Olivieri gets to the fence and wall walks up to his feet. Olivieri with an elbow as Martin looks for another takedown. Olivieri defends and lands another elbow and a couple more. They are broken up by the ref. Olivieri lands a leg kick that hurts Martin and Martin grabs the leg. Olivieri with some hard elbows. Martin working for the takedown against the fence. Olivieri with some knees to the body. Olivieri with another series of leg kicks. Back fist from Olivieri. 10-9 Olivieri.

    ROUND 2- Olivieri with another leg kick to start. Olivieri with an overhand right and a high kick. More leg kicks from Olivieri and Martin isn’t checking them. Martin lands a leg kick of his own. Leg kicks from Olivieri but Martin lands a straight right hand. Martin lands a combo. Olivieri lands another leg kick. Martin lands a right. They trade punches and Olivieri lands a high kick. Martin lands a nice combo. They trade right hands. They trade punches and Martin stuns him with a right hand. Martin with a nice combo that hurts Olivieri. Olivieri looks for a desperate takedown but Martin defends as the round ends. 10-9 Martin, 19-19.

    ROUND 3- Olivieri lands a combo and ends with a leg kick. Martin with a nice combo. Olivieri lands a right hand. Olivieri lands a body kick. Martin shoots for a takedown and pushes Olivieri against the fence. Martin gets a trip and takes Olivieri down to the mat. Martin looking for control on the ground. Olivieri gives up his back and Martin looks to get the hooks in. Martin looking for the choke and has it locked in. Olivieri is out cold and Martin wins by submission!

    Official Result- Tony Martin def. Felipe Olivieri by technical submission (rear-naked choke) at 3:02 of Round 3

    FEATHERWEIGHTS- DAMON JACKSON (9-1 1 NC, 0-1 1 NC UFC) VS. LEVAN MAKASHVILI (7-2, 1-1 UFC)

    ROUND 1- Jackson comes out swinging. Jackson lands a right hand. Makashvili lands a right hand. They clinch against the fence. They battle for position. They trade knees against the fence. They are broken up by the referee. Makashvili lands a nice combo. Jackson shoots for a takedown but it is defended. They battle for underhooks against the fence. Jackson is cut. Makashvili with some left hands in the clinch. Jackson works hard for the takedown. It is defended. 10-9 Makashvili.

    ROUND 2- Jackson with the jab. They trade strikes. Jackson lands a right hand. They trade kicks. Makashvili lands a left hook. They trade punches. Jackson lands a combo. Jackson lands a knee but eats some punches in the clinch. They clinch and Makashvili lands a knee. They battle in the clinch against the fence. They are broken up by the ref. They trade punches. Makashvili grabs the right leg off a kick and lands some punches. Jackson goes back for a takedown. They clinch against the fence again. Jackson lands an elbow on the break and they clinch up again. 10-9 Makashvili, 20-18 Makashvili.

    ROUND 3- Jackson comes out swinging. Jackson with a knee to the body. Makashvili goes for a takedown but Jackson reverses the clinch against the fence. They trade knees against the fence. They are broken up again by the ref. Makashvili with a head kick and gets a takedown. Jackson grabs the neck looking for a choke. They scramble to their feet. Makashvili with a high kick. They clinch against the fence. Makashvili gets a takedown. Jackson looks to scramble out. They get to their feet and Makashvili lands an illegal knee and we have a timeout. Back to action with no point taken away. No we have an eye poke by Makashvili and another timeout. Makashvili has a point taken away due to the two fouls in five seconds. That could play a big difference in the outcome. Jackson misses a head kick as we get back to action. Both come out swinging as the fight ends. 9-9 Makashvili with the deduction, 29-27 Makashvili.

    Official Result- Damon Jackson vs. Levan Makashvili declared a majority draw (29-27 Jackson, 28-28, 28-28)

    WELTERWEIGHTS- MATT DWYER (8-3, 1-2 UFC) VS. RANDY BROWN (6-0, 0-0 UFC)

    ROUND 1- Brown is from Dana White’s new television show. Dwyer with a leg kick. Brown lands a left hand. Dwyer with a leg kick. Dwyer with another. Dwyer lands a big right hand. Brown with a high body kick. Dwyer lands another right hand. Brown with a front side kick. Brown with a front body kick. Dwyer lands a punch but eats a jab from Brown. Brown misses a spinning kick. Dwyer with a leg kick. Brown with a leg kick. 10-9 Dwyer.

    ROUND 2- Dwyer with two leg kicks. They clinch and switch around. Not much happens and they are broken up. Brown with a right hand. Dwyer lands a right hand. They each land right hands. Brown with a big throw takedown and he is looking for a choke. Brown had it deep but lets go and they get to their feet. Dwyer pushing for a takedown. Brown defends but Dwyer is able to score the takedown. They get back to their feet and Brown lands a series of big elbows. Brown with a knee. 10-9 Brown, 19-19.

    ROUND 3- Brown may have poked the eye but he is landing punches as Dwyer is backing up. The fight goes down and Dwyer takes the back of Brown and they get to their feet. Brown transitions and takes the back of Dwyer. Brown with an elbow and Dwyer lands a right hand. They are trading and Brown lands a low knee and we have a break in action. They go back to the mat and Brown has the neck but lets go. They get to their feet and Dwyer looking for another takedown. Dwyer tries to drag it down but Brown ends on top and they scramble to their feet. Brown with some elbows and a knee. Close fight. 10-9 Brown, 29-28 Brown.

    Official Result- Randy Brown def. Matt Dwyer by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

    PRELIMINARY CARD (FOX SPORTS 1- 5 PM ET/2 PM PT)

    FEATHERWEIGHTS- ALEX CACERES (10-8 1 NC, 5-6 1 NC UFC) VS. MASIO FULLEN (10-5, 1-1 UFC)

    ROUND 1- They trade kicks. Caceres with a leg kick and then one to the body. Fullen lands a short right hand. Caceres with a jumping head kick and misses a spin kick. They trade punches. Caceres with a head kick and then lands a left hand. They trade punches and Caceres lands a 360 roundhouse kick. Fullen is rocked and Caceres clinches them up against the fence and lands a knee. They battle for position and Caceres trips Fullen to the mat. They get back up. Caceres with a high knee. Knee to the body on the break by Caceres. Fullen with a right hand. 10-9 Caceres.

    ROUND 2- Caceres with some kicks but Fullen lands a right hand. Fullen with a spin kick to the body of Caceres and then lands a right hand. They clinch against the fence. Caceres lands a left hand. Each lands a combo and Caceres lands a nice body kick. Caceres with a leg kick and then one to the head and then another. Caceres keeps going high then low then back high again. They each land a punch. Caceres with a flying knee. Some nice combos landed by Caceres. 10-9 Caceres, 20-18 Caceres.

    ROUND 3- Fullen may need a finish and he comes out swinging. Each lands a leg kick. Short uppercut by Caceres and then a left hand. Fullen with a side kick to the body. Caceres with some more combos. Fullen with a leg kick. Fullen lands a left hand as Caceres lands a leg kick. Caceres with a leg kick. Caceres with a left hand and a knee to the body and then a high kick. Caceres looks good with his footwork and combos. Caceres with two left hands but Fullen catches him with a left hook. Caceres tags Fullen with an uppercut and lands some punches. Caceres goes to the body and back to the head. Fullen with a spin kick. Caceres with a combo to end. 10-9 Caceres, 30-27 Caceres.

    Official Result- Alex Caceres def. Masio Fullen by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

    WELTERWEIGHTS- GEORGE SULLIVAN (17-4 1 NC, 3-1 UFC) VS. ALEXANDER YAKOVLEV (22-6-1, 1-2 UFC)

    ROUND 1- Sullivan starts off with a couple of leg kicks. Yakovlev comes back with some leg kicks of his own and then scores a takedown. Sullivan gets back to his feet. Sullivan with a leg kick and Yakovlev is able to counter with a takedown. Yakovlev gets full mount and Sullivan gives up his back. Sullivan gets to his feet but Yakovlev still has the back and lands a knee to the head. Sullivan with a body kick. They trade kicks. Yakovlev drops Sullivan with a right hand and three more punches on the ground and the fight is stopped. Yakovlev with the big knockout.

    Official Result- Alexander Yakovlev def. George Sullivan by knockout (punch) at 3:59 of Round 1

    FLYWEIGHTS- (#9) DUSTIN ORTIZ (15-4, 4-2 UFC) VS. (#12) WILSON REIS (19-6, 3-2 UFC)

    ROUND 1- They trade some punches. Ortiz lands a right hand. Reis with an inside leg kick and Ortiz counters with a combo. They clinch up and each lands a punch on the break. They trade punches. Reis with a leg kick. Reis goes for a takedown and they go to the mat but Ortiz lands some elbows. Reis still has the body locked and gets Ortiz down and takes the back. Ortiz shakes him off and they get to their feet and Reis lands a right hand. Reis lands a solid left hand. Reis with a body kick and Ortiz returns a head kick. Ortiz with a knee to the body as he defends a takedown. Reis has Ortiz pushed against the fence. Reis defends a takedown attempt from Ortiz and grabs the back. Ortiz was a back elbow. Ortiz with a right hand and Reis gets a takedown as the round ends. 10-9 Reis.

    ROUND 2- They exchange and Reis lands a left hand. Ortiz with a body kick. Ortiz goes for a takedown but Reis scrambles. Ortiz with a Superman Punch and Reis counters with a right hand. Reis shoots for a takedown and has Ortiz against the cage. They break and Ortiz lands a body kick. They trade kicks. Reis with a leg kick. Ortiz lands a solid right hand. Ortiz goes for a takedown but it is defended. Reis with a brief takedown. Ortiz with a deep shot but Reis sprawls. Reis lands a left hand after they break a clinch. Reis gets a takedown and takes the back and has full back mount. Reis looks for a choke but Ortiz is defending. Reis looks to switch to an armbar and works for it but the round ends. 10-9 Reis, 20-18 Reis.

    ROUND 3- Ortiz with a head kick attempt but Reis checks it. They trade punches and Reis goes for a takedown but it is defended. Reis gets the fight down and takes the back of Ortiz. They get to their feet and Reis gets a trip takedown. Reis gets the back and looks for the choke. They get back to their feet. They trade punches. Ortiz lands a left hand. Reis grabs the body and looks for the back. Reis trips Ortiz down and has the back. Ortiz with a back elbow. They get up and Reis with a solid takedown. Reis with some knees to the body. Ortiz gets a quick takedown but they get up. Ortiz with a short elbow and some punches but Reis is able to get a takedown and goes into full mount. Reis is landing big punches from the back as Ortiz tries to scramble up. They get to their feet. Reis has the back and lands some punches. 10-9 Reis, 30-27 Reis.

    Official Result- Wilson Reis def. Dustin Ortiz by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

    MIDDLEWEIGHTS- (#15) RAFAEL NATAL (20-6-1, 8-4-1 UFC) VS. KEVIN CASEY (9-3 2 NC, 1-1 2 NC UFC)

    ROUND 1- They trade punches and Casey lands a head kick. Natal with a leg kick. They clinch against the fence as both battle for underhooks. Natal lands a punch on the break. Natal with a right hand. Casey with a left hand and uppercut. Natal gets a takedown and is in the full guard of Casey. Natal with some punches from the top. They scramble to their feet. Natal goes for a takedown but Casey reverses and grabs the back. They get to their feet. Casey lands a left hand on the break. Casey lands a good combo and Natal drops Casey right as the round ends. 10-9 Casey.

    ROUND 2- Natal with a kick that hits the groin and we have a timeout. We get back to action. Natal lands a big right hand and then gets a takedown and is in the full guard of Casey. Natal with some punches from the top. Natal goes into the half-guard and lands some hard punches. They get to their feet but Natal grabs the body and lands a knee. Natal with some hard knees to the body against the fence. They break and Natal lands a big leg kick. Natal ducks under a punch and gets a takedown into the guard of Casey. Natal with a big hammerfist. More hammerfists from Natal. Natal with more control and punches from the top. Natal with big hammerfists as he looks to finish the fight late. Casey able to sweep Natal away as the round ends. 10-9 Natal, 19-19.

    ROUND 3- Natal with a big leg kick and lands a hard right hand. Natal with a leg kick. Natal with the jab. Casey lands a right hand but Natal comes back with a takedown. Natal passes to half-guard. Natal with punches from the top. Natal looking to set up a choke as Natal moves to full mount. Natal has an arm-triangle attempt but lost it. Natal just smothering. Natal landing big punches from the top and Casey is bleeding. This fight is close to being finished and it is. TKO win by Natal.

    Official Result- Rafael Natal def. Kevin Casey by TKO (punches) at 3:37 of Round 3

    LIGHTWEIGHTS- OLIVIER AUBIN-MERCIER (7-1, 3-1 UFC) VS. CARLOS DIEGO FERREIRA (11-2, 2-2 UFC)

    ROUND 1- Ferreira had to shave his head to make weight. Aubin-Mercier with two nice body kicks. Ferreira with a right hand. They trade punches. They trade kicks. Aubin-Mercier with a head kick but Ferreira tags him with a big punch. Ferreira with a kick and Aubin-Mercier catches it and lands some punches and then a body kick. Aubin-Mercier with a head kick. They clinch and move up against the fence. Ferreira lands a punch on the break. Aubin-Mercier with a body kick. Ferreira just misses a head kick. 10-9 Ferreira.

    ROUND 2- Ferreira with a body kick. They trade punches and Aubin-Mercier lands an uppercut. Aubin-Mercier with a high kick and Ferreira pushes him down but they get back to their feet. Aubin-Mercier pins him against the fence but they break and Ferreira sprints away. Aubin-Mercier with a solid combo. They trade punches and Ferreira lands a flush head kick. They clinch for a moment but break. Ferreira with a body kick. They trade some solid punches. Aubin-Mercier with a short uppercut. Ferreira with a quick takedown and lands a knee on the way up. Aubin-Mercier with a body kick and then a head kick. Short uppercut lands by Aubin-Mercier and then a body kick and then a head kick. Ferreira with a head kick. 10-9 Aubin-Mercier, 19-19.

    ROUND 3-Ferreira with an inside leg kick. Aubin-Mercier with a body kick followed by a head kick and lands an uppercut. They scramble to the mat but get right back up. Aubin-Mercier gets a takedown but Ferreira scrambles to the top in the half-guard. Ferreira transitions and takes the back and has the hooks in. Ferreira with some punches from the back. Ferreira looking for the choke. Ferreira had it over the chin but Aubin-Mercier escapes and scrambles to half-guard. Ferreira with some elbows. Ferreira has the back again and looking for the choke. Ferreira with big punches and elbows from the back. Aubin-Mercier survives but clear round for Ferreira. 10-9 Ferreira, 29-28 Ferreira.

    Official Result- Carlos Diego Ferreira def. Olivier Aubin-Mercier by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)

    WELTERWEIGHTS- (#11) TAREC SAFFIEDINE (15-4, 1-1 UFC) VS. JAKE ELLENBERGER (30-10, 9-6 UFC)

    ROUND 1- Saffiedine with a leg kick. Ellenberger with some dirty boxing. They trade leg kicks. Ellenberger connects with some punches. Saffiedine with a front kick to the face. Saffiedine with a leg kick and then a high kick. Ellenberger lands a big right hand that stuns Saffiedine. Saffiedine recovered and missed a head kick. Saffiedine with a high kick. Saffiedine with a high kick again and then lands a left hand. 10-9 Ellenberger.

    ROUND 2- They trade punches as both look for the slightest opening. Both miss on punches. Saffiedine with a high kick. Ellenberger lands a left hand. Saffiedine with a high kick and then lands a leg kick. Saffiedine looks for a takedown but Ellenberger defends. Saffiedine lands a knee to the groin and we have a timeout. Saffiedine with two high kicks that land to the forearms of Ellenberger. Saffiedine lands a left jab. Ellenberger lands a late takedown but Saffiedine gets right back up. 10-9 Saffiedine, 19-19.

    ROUND 3- Saffiedine with a high kick. He lands another but hits the forearms. Ellenberger clinches up against the fence. They break. Neither are initiating that much and the crowd is booing. Saffiedine lands a right hand and a leg kick. Ellenberger misses a big right hand. Saffiedine lands two leg kicks. Saffiedine lands another left hand and Ellenberger is bleeding. They clinch and Saffiedine with a knee to the body. Saffiedine lands another and Ellenberger lands one as well. Ellenberger goes for a desperate takedown and Saffiedine grabs the back and looks for the choke. Ellenberger defending and is out. They get up in the final seconds. Ellenberger lands a combo as the fight ends. Not much of a fight. 10-9 Saffiedine, 29-28 Saffiedine.

    Official Result- Tarec Saffiedine def. Jake Ellenberger by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

    MAIN CARD (FOX- 8 PM ET/5 PM PT)

    WELTERWEIGHTS- SAGE NORTHCUTT (7-0, 2-0 UFC) VS. BRYAN BARBERENA (10-3, 1-1 UFC)

    ROUND 1- Northcutt with some right hands and clinches but they break. They kick each other at the same time and Barberena slips. Northcutt drops Barberena with a right but they get right back up and clinch. Northcutt with a takedown and takes the back. Barberena on his feet but Northcutt on his back. Northcutt lets go and they clinch along the cage. They trade punches on the break. Northcutt with some big right hands and Barberena nailed him with a right. Northcutt with a takedown and looks for the back. Barberena is cut. Northcutt with a body kick. Barberena gets a takedown and is on top. They get up. They trade. Barberena lands a nice right hand. They trade again. 10-9 Northcutt.

    ROUND 2- Northcutt with a leg kick. Northcutt misses a punch and Barberena is able to get in his guard on the ground. Barberena with some punches and elbows from the top. Barberena steps over looking to go to side control from half-guard. Barberena with short elbows and still looking to pass to side control and lands another hard elbow. Barberena looking for an arm-triangle. Northcutt taps out! It didn’t even look that deep but Barberena taps Northcutt out with the arm-triangle from half-guard.

    Official Result- Bryan Barberena def. Sage Northcutt by submission (arm-triangle choke) at 3:06 of Round 2

    BANTAMWEIGHTS- (#14) IURI ALCANTARA (33-6 1 NC, 7-3 1 NC UFC) VS. JIMMIE RIVERA (18-1, 2-0 UFC)

    ROUND 1- Rivera has won 17 straight fights and is another good prospect at 135 pounds. They come out swinging. Alcantara with a knee to the body. Rivera counters with a right hand. Big chants for Rivera, who is from New Jersey. Alcantara lands a left hand and Rivera counters with a big right hand. Rivera with a nice combo on Alcantara up against the fence. Rivera lands to the body and goes to the head. Alcantara looking to counter and lands a body kick and left hand. Alcantara pokes Rivera in the eye and quick timeout. Back to action. They trade punches. Rivera gets a big takedown slam right at the end of the round. 10-9 Rivera.

    ROUND 2- Alcantara with a body kick and Rivera lands a crisp combination. Alcantara faked a jumping knee and Rivera tagged him with a left hand. Alcantara with a body kick. Rivera with a right hand. Rivera with a side kick. Rivera with a combo and initates a clinch against the fence. Rivera with a knee to the body and then to the legs. Rivera with some short left hands. They break. Alcantara lands a body kick and stuffs a takedown attempt from Rivera. Alcantara with a straight left and Rivera goes down for a moment. Rivera gets up and scores a takedown. Rivera takes the back but they get up. 10-9 Rivera, 20-18 Rivera.

    ROUND 3- Alcantara comes out with a head kick. They trade punches. Alcantara with a leg kick and then a body kick. Rivera gets Alcantara down to the mat for a moment but they get right back up. Alcantara with a body kick and Rivera fires back a body kick. Alcantara with a leg kick and then a front kick to the body. Rivera with a big leg kick. Alcantara lands a left hand and Rivera drops for a moment. Rivera gets up and lands a takedown but they get right back up. Alcantara with a front kick to the body. Rivera grabs the leg and pushes up against the fence. They trade punches as the fight ends. 10-9 Rivera, 30-27 Rivera.

    Official Result- Jimmie Rivera def. Iuri Alcantara by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

    HEAVYWEIGHTS- (#8) JOSH BARNETT (34-7, 6-2 UFC) VS. (#7) BEN ROTHWELL (35-9, 5-3 UFC)

    ROUND 1- Rothwell with a low kick. Barnett with a right hand. Rothwell with a leg kick. Barnett with a leg kick and then a punch to the body. Rothwell with a leg kick. Barnett lands a stiff jab. Barnett with a short elbow. They clinch and Rothwell pushes against the fence but they break. Rothwell bleeding from the nose. Barnett connects with a left hand. Barnett with a stiff jab. Rothwell lands a right hand. Barnett with a punch and elbow and Rothwell counters with a leg kick. Barnett with a straight left hand. 10-9 Barnett.

    ROUND 2- They clinch against the fence. Rothwell lands some uppercuts. They break. Rothwell with an uppercut. They trade punches. Not a lot of action going on. Rothwell misses a head kick. Barnett with a body kick. They trade punches. Barnett looking for a takedown. Rothwell has the neck as he drops to the mat. Rothwell has the guillotine choke and Barnett taps! That was a completely unexpected result.

    Official Result- Ben Rothwell def. Josh Barnett by submission (guillotine choke) at 3:48 of Round 2

    LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHTS- (#2) ANTHONY JOHNSON (20-5, 11-5 UFC) VS. (#4) RYAN BADER (20-4, 13-4 UFC)

    ROUND 1- Bader goes for a quick takedown but Johnson stuffs and takes the back. Bader looking for a kimura from the bottom. Johnson is able to mount Bader. Bader lets go of the arm and is stuck against the cage. Johnson dropping punches from the top and it is already over! Johnson knocked Bader out cold from the back mount.

    Official Result- Anthony Johnson def. Ryan Bader by knockout (punches) at 1:26 of Round 1

  • TNA confirms Awesome Kong’s backstage incident with Reby Sky

    Awesome Kong was sent home yesterday from the TNA tapings in the U.K. after a backstage incident involving Reby Hardy, the wife of Matt Hardy.

    TNA confirmed the incident with a statement by John Gaburick, stating, “Prior to the Impact Wrestling TV tapings at the Manchester Arena, Kia Stevens (Awesome Kong) was involved in an incident involving Rebecca Hardy (Reby Sky).  Subsequently, Kia was removed from the tour and returned to the United States.  The matter is being reviewed to determine if additional disciplinary action will be taken.”

    According to sources in TNA, an argument had started between the two over some things that happened several years ago.  PW Insider reported that as being a 2013 Kayfabe Commentaries DVD during a segment labeled “The Ho Bag,” where Kong knocked Hardy, which was taken from Sky making comments on Twitter about Sid Vicious missing an independent date. Hardy later had words about Kong in a Q&A when asked about Kong’s statements on the DVD, saying they even texted back and forth and if she still has a problem, she labeled it as being fake to her face and talking behind her back.

    Kong then got mad at Hardy for dressing in the womens’ dressing room. Kong wanted her to apologize.  She left, and that Kong went after her and was restrained.

    Kong has had a number of incidents including an attack of Bubba the Love Sponge when Bubba said “F*** Haiti” on a radio broadcast, and a social media video where Kong compared working in TNA to slavery.  She was eventually one of the first major signings of Paul Levesque in WWE, but got pregnant very quickly after debuting on television.  She had publicly talked about giving birth, although later admitted it was a hoax and she had lost the child.  After being let go by WWE, which was not aware of the hoax at the time, she returned to TNA.

  • UFC on FOX 18 Observer Panel Picks Anthony Johnson vs Ryan Bader

    UFC on FOX 18 airs Saturday evening, or afternoon depending on where you are. The first big FOX show of 2016 brings us a #1 contender’s bout at Light Heavyweight between former title challenger Anthony “Rumble” Johnson and perennial contender Ryan Bader. Two interesting bouts in the Heavyweight and Bantamweight division involving fighters just outside of title contention are also featured. In the opener of the main card, it should be the coming out party for “Super” Sage Northcutt, as he has his first fight on TV in the UFC after his first two aired on Fight Pass.

    It should be fun card with title implications  both in the near and distant future. The show kicks off on Fight Pass at 3:30 pm eastern with 3 fights. The action moves over to FS 1 at 5 with that portion of the prelims and the main card kicks off on FOX at 8.  

    Here’s our panel with the 2016 records in parenthesis. We’ve also added a running tally of the records of the favorites going into the fights and the panel consensus picks:

    • John Pollock (8-2; .800) – Fight Network analyst, Live Audio Wrestling co-host, MMA Report co-host
    • Mike Sawyer (7-3; .700) – Tough Talk MMA
    • Josh Nason (6-4; .600) – Host of Josh Nason’s Punch Out; writer/editor WrestlingObserver.com , WON Twitter guy
    • Steve Juon (6-4; .600) – MMA Mania/Wrestling Observer writer. Angry Marks founder
    • Mike Sempervive (6-4; .600) – Wrestling Observer Live and Big Audio Nightmare co-host
    • Ryan Frederick (6-4; .600) – WrestlingObserver.com UFC reporter, WON Twitter guy
    • Consensus picks (5-4; .556)
    • Front Row Brian (5-5; .500) – MMA newsbreaker, Beloved internet personality, Podcast host
    • Paul Fontaine (5-5; .500) – MMADraws.com founder, WrestlingObserver.com writer
    • Favorites (5-5; .500)
    • Dave Meltzer (4-6; .400)– Wrestling Observer founder
    • David Bixenspan (4-6; .400) – Figure Four Weekly writer, podcast host

    Light Heavyweights Anthony Johnson (20-5) vs Ryan Bader (20-4)

    Ryan Bader has been on a tear, running up 5 straight wins as he works his way toward the title shot that’s eluded him his entire career. He hasn’t looked terribly impressive in doing so, however. Should he get past Rumble, there’s no way he can be denied that shot though. Johnson has perhaps the best power of anyone in all of MMA and has competed in every weight class from Welterweight all the way up to Heavyweight. He’s found his sweet spot at 205 and while making weight has been an issue in the past, he weight in yesterday with his jeans on so he obviously felt confident he’d make it with no issues.

    Johnson (big favorite) – Sempervive, Nason, Sawyer, Juon, Frederick, Pollock, Meltzer

    Bader – Front Row Brian, Fontaine, Bixenspan

    Heavyweights Josh Barnett (34-7) vs Ben Rothwell (35-9)

    Barnett is a former UFC champion who is coming off a very impressive win over top 10 fighter Roy Nelson. It would’ve seemed unlikely that Barnett would ever get back into title contention but with the combination of a weak heavyweight division and the impressive wins he’s had, he could get there with a win over Rothwell. Rothwell has 3 straight wins over top competition and got a lot of attention with his post-fight promo last time out. He’s been very vocal about wanting a title shot and, like Barnett, he’s only one or two wins away from getting there. This is a big fight for both guys.

    Barnett (slight favorite) – Sempervive, Sawyer, Juon, Frederick, Fontaine, Bixenspan

    Rothwell – Nason, Front Row Brian, Pollock, Meltzer

    Bantamweights Iuri Alcantara (33-6) vs Jimmie Rivera (18-1)

    These two got some screen time in the “Road to the Octagon” special that aired online as well as on FOX last weekend. Rivera in particular came off extremely likeable. He’s kind of come out of nowhere with that impressive record but he’s a tough veteran who should have the support of the locals in New Jersey. Alcantara’s been a title contender since moving over from WEC in 2011 but a couple of key losses have kept him away from the elite in the division. The title picture at 135 seems pretty tied up with the Dillashaw/Cruz/Faber trio but the winner here could end up right at that next level of contenders once all  of that shakes out.

    Rivera (moderate favorite) – Sempervive, Nason, Sawyer, Front Row Brian, Juon, Frederick, Fontaine, Meltzer, Bixenspan

    Alcantara – Pollock

    Welterweights Sage Northcutt (7-0) vs Bryan Barberena (10-3)

    Northcutt, aka Zack Morris 2.0, is a future star in case you didn’t know. He’s finished every one of his pro opponents, including both of his UFC fights. He’s starting to get some negative backlash from fans who feel he’s overpushed and also that his squeaky clean image, including quoting bible verses in his promos, may be a little fake. All that aside, he’s relentless in the Octagon and this should be a showcase fight for him. Barbarena took the fight on two weeks notice and as a result, it’s being contested at 170, rather than at 155 where these two normally fight. Barbarena has looked okay in his two previous UFC fights but anything but a stoppage win for Northcutt would be a big surprise and a blow  to the UFC’s future plans.

    Northcutt (big favorite) – Sempervive, Nason, Sawyer, Front Row Brian, Juon, Frederick, Pollock, Fontaine, Meltzer

    Barberena – Bixenspan

    Welterweights Tarec Saffiedine (15-4) vs Jake Ellenberger (30-10)

    A battle of veteran Welterweights headlines the FS 1 prelims and rounds out our panel picks. Saffiedine is back after nearly 16 months away. He was last seen getting KO’d by Rory McDonald at UFC Halifax and will be in his first non-Main event for UFC here. The former Strikeforce Champion is still just 29 and could be a future title challenger should he rack up a few big wins. Ellenberger is probably fighting for his job tonight. He suffered a brutal first round KO at the hands of Wonderboy Thompson last time out and that was his 4th loss in his last 5  fights. That said, the guys he lost to were all top names in the division in Robbie Lawler, Rory McDonald, Kelvin Gastelum and Thompson. Ellenberger may have lost a step but can he dip into the well and pull out a win here? We’ll have to see, although odds are certainly against it.

    Saffiedine (big favorite) – Sempervive, Nason, Sawyer, Juon, Frederick, Pollock, Meltzer, Bixenspan

    Ellenberger – Front Row Brian, Fontaine

    Ryan Frederick will be providing live coverage of the show starting with the Fight Pass prelims. In the meantime, check out the following content relating to this show:

    UFC on FOX 18 Draft Kings Playbook

    UFC on FOX 18 weigh-ins results and video

  • NJPW-bound Will Ospreay loses planned TNA push – Updated

    Will Ospreay, one of the United Kingdom’s most talked about young wrestlers, debuted tonight with TNA but ended up losing in just five minutes in what was either a dark match or a match taped for Xplosion against Mark “Mandrews” Andrews.

    Apparently, the plan was to push Ospreay but TNA found out that he had signed with New Japan Pro Wrestling and decided not to put him on the main show. It is not certain when Ospreay will debut with New Japan other than he had been scheduled to be in this year’s Best of the Super Juniors tournament in May and June.

    Those in Japan have said that Ospreay has not been signed, but did confirm he would debut with the company at the Invasion Attack PPV on 4/10 at Sumo Hall in Tokyo and is working the Best of the Super Juniors tour.

    Rockstar Spud on Twitter claimed it wasn’t true and that there was just a time cue messed up and the Ospreay vs. Mark Andrews opener (which was not taped for Impact, it was either a dark match or an Xplosion match) was supposed to go longer.  I’m not sure how that’s relevant to the story unless they messed up the finish and he was supposed to win that match.

    The 22-year-old Ospreay has mainly worked in Progress, IPW-UK, and RPW, and competed in the 2015 PWG Battle of Los Angeles, advancing to the semifinals.

    Jimmy Havoc and Big Damo, the other U.K. stars scheduled to debut on this tour, as of right now are expected to be on the Impact shows taped tomorrow at Wembley in London.

    The dates listed in Stephen Lyon’s report for the shows may not be correct.  Jeremy Borash said to the live crowd several times that the shows taped would air on 2/2 and 2/9 in the U.S. and 2/7 and 2/14 in the U.K.

    That may be accurate, except there is still one more week of television taped in Bethlehem, PA that hasn’t aired, which features the Trevor Lee X division title win over Tigre Uno.  If that show does air, then the dates would move to 2/9 and 2/16 in the U.S. and 2/14 and 2/21 in the U.K.

  • NJPW Road to New Beginning report: Nakamura bids farewell to New Japan

    This morning literally marks the road to a New Beginning as Shinsuke Nakamura is set to make his final appearance in New Japan Pro Wrestling.

    Nakamura’s career has always gone in different paths than normal wrestlers who made their way through the New Japan system. He won the IWGP championship within his first year of wrestling, which is something that almost never happens, be it New Japan or anywhere else in the world. He was alright in his role as a main eventer, but came across as bland and uninteresting, perhaps due to the fact he was put in the spotlight very quickly and wasn’t able to find himself. It wasn’t until his return from an excursion in Mexico where he became known for his charismatic style that made him into a bona fide star in New Japan, not just a guy headlining cards.

    But now he’s leaving the promotion that made him  to test new waters – the WWE. Personally, I think he’ll do fine as you need to be charismatic in the WWE to truly succeed, and Nakamura has that down pat. It’s also up to creative and luck of the draw. But at least here, tonight, we’ll be able to see him one last time as a true headliner and top star of one of the biggest promotions in the world.

    They’re treating this as a bigger deal than most “Road To” shows as there is commentary and a multiple camera setup tonight.

    Hirai Kawato vs. David Finlay

    Finlay’s titantron respectfully gives his birth year and stats. That’s kinda plain…then again, I guess that’s the goal of a young lion. Kawato seems very tiny, even by young lion standards. Finlay, who is also a junior heavyweight, dwarfed him. He’s the eighteen year old straight out of the dojo. He looked fine, a bit green but that’s expected in his second match ever. Finlay looked great. Its these kind of matches that make you feel like you’re seeing great results from the New Japan young lion system as you see noticeable improvements a year in. Finlay submitted him with a Boston crab.

    Jay White vs. Yoshi-Hashi

    It’s so rare to see a Yoshi-Hashi singles match…I think I can count on one hand how many televised singles matches he’s had in the last year! White also looked very good here. If it wasn’t for Chad Gable being a bit more colorful I think he would have gotten more votes for rookie of the year. People were into him and he got a few near close calls, including a crossface. YH eventually powerbombed him then bridged him for the win.

    Yuji Nagata, Manabu Nakanishi & Tiger Mask vs. Satoshi Kojima, Jushin Thunder Liger and Hiroyoshi Tenzan

    I wonder if Liger and Tiger Mask are still feuding over the NWA Junior Heavyweight title. They kept pushing Nakanishi out of the ring as they worked over Tiger Mask and Nagata. He finally got a tag and Nakanishi looked slightly more mobile than usual in making a comeback, which isn’t saying a lot. He ran roughshod on everyone. Tencozy made their comeback with the 3D and Kojima pinned Nakanishi with a lariat. Solid bout given the participants.

    Toru Yano and Kazushi Sakuraba vs. Bad Luck Fale and Yujiro Takahashi

    This seems to be a continuation of a feud that’s been going on lately between Yano and Bad Luck Fale, but now it’s also over Yano’s six man tag titles. Not much of a match, just some back and forth with added Yano antics. He did his taunt as Fale was going to the grenade but Yano caught him. Yano tried to use the ref as a distraction, but not only did it not work, Takahashi low blowed him. Fale followed that with the grenade and pinned Yano.

    They showed the press conference where Nakamura relinquished the Intercontinental title during intermission.

    Ryusuke Taguchi, Kushida & Captain New Japan vs. Evil, Bushi and Tetsuya Naito

    This tour, Taguchi decided he’s going to dress like Dr. Doom: green cape, mask, everything. As usual, Taguchi & Kushida did most of the work and didn’t seem interested in tagging in CNJ. I don’t blame them since he takes the pin in literally every match he’s ever been in. Regardless, I guess because he hasn’t been around most of this month Korakuen Hall were into his comeback. Kushida tried to do a run in but Bushi sprayed him and did a suicide dive. The rest of Los Ingobernables left Taguchi lying with their finish, then Evil laid out CNJ with the STO for the win. The finish was hot, everything else was just okay.

    After the match, Bushi cut a promo saying he hopes he’s looking forward to his last title defense.

    Kenny Omega, Karl Anderson, Doc Gallows and Cody Hall vs. Michael Elgin, Togi Makabe, Tomoaki Honma and Juice Robinson

    Typical multi man NJPW tag match with all the usual tropes. Doesn’t mean it’s bad, actually the last few minutes were pretty great. Elgin powerbombed Anderson into the rest of the Bullet Club. Omega came back in and hit a reverse rana, which was pretty damn amazing. He hit a running knee to the corner, taking out Robinson, then pinned him with a knee strike very similar to the boma ye, I guess to mock Nakamura. Another solid match.

    They aired a fantastic video highlighting all the big moments of Nakamura’s career, from his debut match to winning the IWGP championship for the first time in 2003, the arrival of Chaos, winning the G1 Climax in 2011, winning the Intercontinental championship for the first time, and much more.

    Tanahashi, Hirooki Goto & Katsuyori Shibata vs. Tomohiro Ishii, Kazuchika Okada and Shinsuke Nakamura

    Korakuen became lit when Nakamura’s music hit. Signs were everywhere. They teased Nakamura and Tanahashi squaring off but Goto came in instead and he and Okada started. He’s been acting way more heelish since the title callout earlier this month, but that’s probably just through the title match. Mostly a straightforward match where everyone worked each other’s rivals. Fans were into whenever Nakamura did his trademark spots. Nakamura has Tanahashi down at one point and motioned for the boma ye but Shibata and Goto laid him out. Tanahashi went for the high fly flow but got the knees up. Nakamura went for the boma ye, but Tanahashi countered with the slingblade. Shibata and Ishii closed out the match. After a good back and forth sequence, Ishii pinned him with a brainbuster. Just a tag match, but a good one.

    Omega hit the ring. He said that Nakamura calls this a graduation, but he’s just scared of facing him. Tanahashi then appears. After saying a few lines, he makes it clear that he is X, and will face him at New Beginning. Omega leaves, unamused.

    Nakamura takes the mic and says he won’t say goodbye, but thanks everyone. The rest of Chaos come out to celebrate with him as they posed for pictures. Both Okada and Nakamura were emotional as Okada put Nakamura on his shoulders and they left the arena.

    Very memorable show for the ending and main event, obviously. Usual solid action up and down the card.

  • Awesome Kong sent home following a TNA dressing room skirmish; lineup for Saturday

    At this time, we don’t have additional details, but we have learned that TNA’s Awesome Kong was sent home from the U.K. tour due to a physical dressing room altercation with Reby Hardy. Here’s the full results from Friday’s tapings.

    These matches have been announced for the Saturday tapings in London at SSE Wembley:

    • TNA Champion Matt Hardy vs. Ethan Carter III cage match
    • Kurt Angle vs. Bobby Roode
    • Eric Young & Bram vs. Roode & James Storm cage match
    • Velvet Sky & Gail Kim & Madison Rayne vs. Jade & Marti Bell & Rebel cage match