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  • New Japan on AXS Report: New Japan Cup semifinals and finals

    Tonight’s episode will feature the semifinals and finals of the 2015 New Japan Cup, which was held on March 15, 2015 at Hiroshima Sun Plaza Hall.

    First semifinal shown is between Hirooki Goto and Togi Makabe. They only showed a few minutes of highlights, but was as solid as you were gonna get with this time. Goto won after a roll up. It’s usually during these kind of tournaments where they do finishes like that as opposed to their actual finishers.

    Tetsuya Natio & Kota Ibushi followed. This is one of those matches that are four star plus level in New Japan, which is awesome, but isn’t good enough to be truly memorable because it’s been a year of spectacular matches. Rewatching this again made me remember just how great of a worker Ibushi is. He not only has the basics down but he has the flash and charisma in his bouts to really be something. Naito has all of this as well, but of course has switched his style and that’s worked out better for him in recent months. Just a bunch of crazy back and forth moves. Naito did a sick reverse rana on the top rope and Ibushi landed right on his head. He must have Daniel Bryan syndrome or something as one’s body can only take so much damage for so long before there are repercussions. Naito took a ganso bomb. Ibushi finally got the win with a press powerbomb. Terrific match.

    Ibushi in a post fight interview says he can’t lose now, he has to, and will, win.

    Pre-match sitdown interview time! Ibushi talks about how the tournament style works for him the best, as he has to give his all in every match, or else he’ll be eliminated. When talking about Goto, he mentions that his performance and clumsy and straightforward, and would have thought the same if he would have faced Makabe in the finals.

    The finals aired next. Really good match, though not as dynamic as the previous match. It was stiff and unpleasant to watch at times, but Ibushi’s timing is excellent and Goto has always been top notch in these kind of performances. The crowd was hot for everything and helped a lot too. Lots of back and forth action, especially towards the latter stages of the game where Ibushi was coming up with a lot of cool reversals and nearfalls. Eventually, Ibushi scores the big win with a phoenix splash and pins Goto to win the New Japan Cup.

    After the match, announcer Shinpei Nogami asks Ibushi what title he would like to challenge for. Ibushi says he wants to challenge for all of them, but he wants to fight AJ and wants that title shot. He says he’ll beat AJ and thanks everyone for coming.

    In his post match interview, he thanks Goto & Naito for their performances tonight. He wants to answer back for the fans’ support as they are always supporting him, so he’ll do his best against AJ. In the reflective interview, he had always wanted a shot at the IWGP title, so he challenged for it. 

    Good show. All three matches were good, with the last two being pretty good to great. 

  • NJPW/CMLL Fantasticamania results: Tanahashi/Volador/Mistico vs. Okada/Mephisto/Guererro

    Titan and Mascara Dorada vs. Sho Tanaka and Yohei Komatsu

    Good opener. It mostly was Titan and Mascara Dorada looking excellent with a bunch of high flying spots. Titan in particular looks amazing, his fluidity is outstanding. He reminds me a lot of Ricochet in terms of confidence. Tanaka and Titan had some great back and forth, including Tanaka dropping Titan on his head with an awesome German suplex for a nearfall. Titan rollied back and got the win with what looked like a variation of the figure four.

    Fuego, Juice Robinson and Kushida vs. Hechicero, Yoshi-Hashi and Gedo

    Fuego came to the ring and danced, with Kushida and Robinson following suit. Robinson had a cool flame jacket and Kushida still had the watch mask from the previous night. Solid match. Robinson looked good in spots. Fuego is really one of the more charismatic guys on this tour. Everyone overall looked pretty good; it was your atypical six man tag. Hechicero got the win, submitting Fuego.

    Arena Coliseo Tag Team Champions Guerrero Maya Jr. and Angel de Oro vs. Okumura and Bobby Z

    This felt flat. Not the work, because it was solid throughout, but the crowd wasn’t into it until the last minute or so, and before that they only popped for the big dives. Maya and Oro did some good stuff, and Okumura and Bobby were fine as rudos but something didn’t click here that would have made it a good match as opposed to just a solid one. Guerrero got the pin for his team, pinning Okumura with a bodyslam into a piledriver.

    Ryusuke Taguchi & Stuka Jr. vs. Shinsuke Nakamura & Cavernario Barbaro

    The entrances were something else. Taguchi came out with all the young lions and they did a choreographed pharaoh dance on the outside. Cavernario and Nakamura came out with new outfits – Cavernario wearing a Fred Flintstone outfit and Nakamura wearing a skull version of his Mexico mask. Nakamura came out with nunchucks shaped like bones while Cavernario took out his outfit revealing “KING OF CAVEMAN STYLE” was painted on his back. As far as a match goes, this was fine, a lot of focus on comedy, but that was the theme of the bout anyway. In terms of presentation, this was one of the better matches on the show. Match as far as ring work was solid. Cavernario submitted Stuka with the la cavernaria.

    Jushin Liger & Atlantis & Tiger Mask vs. Tetsuya Naito & Evil & Bushi

    Naito did the same deal from yesterday where he had the announcer talk about him for like 2-3 minutes while he stalled in the ring. He teased something with Milano Collection AT again as he shook his hand twice. Atlantis is 53 years old, and doesn’t move super great but still moves very well at his age. Just typical six man stuff throughout, though Atlantis and Los Ingobernables looked good. Evil and Naito were working over Tiger Mask when Naito got the flash roll up he’s done in previous matches and got the abrupt win there.

    CMLL Lightweight Champion Dragon Lee vs. Virus

    This was good while it lasted, but got less than ten minutes. Weird it got so little time as the crowd was into this and everyone was just kind of surprised when the finish came. Virus did something i’ve never seen before as he countered a hip toss on the outside by running across the apron, launched off and did an arm drag back outside then followed that with a rana. Lee came back, did a double footstomp off the top rope then pinned Virus with a German suplex.

    Dragon Lee was celebrating when suddenly someone in a mask came from behind and gave him a German suplex. He unmasked, revealing himself to be Kamaitachi, who had been absent from his tour and was still saying how he was in Mexico. He cut a promo saying there has been a change and tomorrow he’ll take his title back.

    Hiroshi Tanahashi & Volador Jr. & Mistico vs. Kazuchika Okada & Ultimo Guerrero & Mephisto

    Really exciting main event with a ton of crazy dives. Everyone worked hard, including Tanahashi and Okada and that helped make it a great match, one of the better ones on this tour so far.This was a match dedicated to Black Cat, as his family were in the ring carrying a photo of him and thanked the two promotions before the match. Mistico and Ultimo Guerrero did their same routine yesterday as they were fighting over fan. It was mentioned on my timeline a lot during this match so I have to ask – whatever happened to Mephisto being a part of Bullet Club Latin America? Maybe that part of the BC just fizzled out or something.

    There was a very cool triple dive spot from Mistico, Volador and Tanahashi as they took out all of their rivals at once. Ultimo Guerrero have really good chemistry with one another. Mistico has such a small frame though that it’s no wonder he’s injured a lot. Lots of crazy stuff towards the end as Volador, Mistico and Tanahashi all wiped out Guerrero with dives. Volador took out Okada and looked to do something with Mephisto on the top rope but Mephisto countered and his a double underhook facebuster from the top rope and pinned him.

  • NXT Orlando TV taping spoilers: Finn Balor vs. Neville, Samoa Joe vs. Sami Zayn

    Submitted by J.J. Williams

    Dark Match:

    • Manny Andrade (La Sombra) beat Rich Swann: The Florida crowd still really doesn’t know who Manny is, but this match was good, kept it simple and mixed in some athletic spots, Swann connects immediately and was the crowd favorite here. Andrade won with a running double knees to Swann who was set in the corner.

    2/10 TV show:

    • Baron Corbin beat Johnny Gargano: Loud boooes for Corbin instantly, his entrance looked great in this large venue with a row of spotlights down on him in the dark arena, felt like a star. Johnny did some good work out quicking Baron which seems to be how some of the better Corbin matches have gone lately. Baron won it with the End Of Days.
    • Zack Ryder & Mojo Rawley beat John Skyler & Corey Hollis: A less wild Hype Bros match than usual, they just worked the match and won.
    • Alexa Bliss (w/Black and Murphy) pinned Cameron: Having to decide which of the two heels to support, the NXT crowd of course chose Alexa Bliss here, Cameron has a different kind of negative reaction than Eva does, where the people just don’t seem in to her. Bliss is very animated and has great taunts, she won it with the Sparkle Splash off the top.
    • Elias Samson pinned Jessy Sorenson: Another basic win for Elias.
    • NXT Women’s Champion Bayley pinned Carmella with a roll through pin after a series of counters and nearfalls. The story told was they were friends having a wrestling match, there was no cheating, nothing overly violent yet they both clearly needed this win. Carmella even did two dives through the middle rope to the floor to wipe Bayley out. This felt like a way to not lower Carmella even in defeat, she just got outwrestled. Post match, Bayley raised Carmella’s hand, they embraced, when Nia Jax & Eva Marie ran down and roughed them both up, destroying Carmella before Asuka ran down, stared the heels off, and in this time Bayley had recovered and was tending to Carmella when Asuka and Bayley looked at each other. The place began a YES chant as the two had a moment in time. 

    2/17 TV show:

    • Enzo Amore & Colin Cassady & Chad Gable & Jason Jordan beat NXT Tag Champions Dash Wilder & Scott Dawson & Blake & Murphy: Really good action here, long match, finish saw Jason Jordan take the best hot tag in wrestling, followed by an additional hot tag to Big Cass who then tagged Enzo for the splash off the top and the pin. 
    • Asuka beat Deonna Purrazzo: The rematch saw Asuka win yet Deonna gets in just enough offense to appear tough. Asuka is a star.
    • Tye Dillinger beat Alex Riley: Good reaction for Tye, a lot of Ten chants and he actually picked up a win. Riley is working as a bitter heel lately on the live event loop, hasn’t really gone in to it on tv yet he’s still working that way. None of the fire that got him fan support during his main roster run.
    • Samoa Joe vs. Sami Zayn was a double pin draw. Zayn used the Helluva kick and then collapsed on top of Joe but his shoulders were on the mat and the ref counted both of them down. They ruled the match a draw and later in the show they announced there would be a 2/3 falls rematch at the Full Sail taping to finally determine our number one contender.

    2/24 TV show:

    • Chad Gable & Jason Jordan beat Blake & Murphy: Good match as usual, American Alpha get the win with the alley oop german suplex pin.
    • Apollo Crews beat Chris Girard (Biff Busick): The crowd wasn’t familiar with Girard, his work is different than anyone here right now, he throws vicious uppercuts, his chinlocks are tight and his strikes look strong. Apollo got the win with the big slam that Triple H taught him. 
    • Tommaso Ciampa beat Bull Dempsey: Good reaction for Ciampa, won the match via submission. 
    • Eva Marie & Nia Jax beat NXT Women’s Champion Bayley & Carmella: Bayley took enough punishment that when the heels got Carmella alone they were able to destroy her, Nia dropped multiple leg drops on her before Eva tagged herself in to take the glory and the win. A lot of heat on Eva, of course. 

    3/2 TV show:

    • William Regal announced Joe vs. Zayn in a 2/3 fall match “next week” with the winner getting a title shot.
    • Vaudevillains beat Hugo Knox & Tucker Knight: Vaudevillains still entered to their cheerful music despite being on the heelish path lately. The newcomers making their tv debuts on the babyface side had some support but nothing like their house show reactions. 
    • Elias Samson beat Steve Cutler: Another decisive win by Elias.
    • Emma beat Santana Garrett: Nice reaction for Santana, full music and tv entrance, back and forth match showing what both women can do in the ring, the end of Santana came when she was hoping to try a high risk move yet Emma knocked her off the top in to a tree of woe, after putting the boots to her she held the advantage until winning via Emma Lock submission. Good showing for both, hope to see more of Santana.
    • William Regal introduced Austin Aries. Before Aries could even make it in to the ring Baron rushed him and beat him down, then looking at Mr. Regal in the ring, the Baron vs. The Indies feud continues.
    • NXT Champion Finn Balor beat Neville with the Bloody Sunday DDT to retain:  These two have always worked well together and this match was no exception, Neville took a few huge spills to the outside, even getting “Holy Shit” chants after the loud thuds. A lot of Neville offense that he doesn’t get the time on the main roster to showcase. They teased the Red Arrow a few times down the stretch before Finn fought back with a huge lariat knocking Neville inside out. The finish saw Finn hit the coup de grace, then hoisting Neville up in the Bloody SundayDDT for the win.  

  • Austin Aries debuts at NXT tapings tonight in Orlando

    Earlier today, Paul “Triple H” Levesque said there was a major surprise planned for tonight’s NXT TV tapings in Orlando, FL. For wrestling fans, he wasn’t kidding as former TNA Champion Austin Aries (Daniel Solwold) debuted with the promotion tonight.

    During the fourth hour of the show (scheduled to air on 3/2), NXT General Manager William Regal introduced the 37-year-old Aries and announced he had signed with NXT. Aries was then attacked by Baron Corbin and laid out, which, given the date the show airs, would seem to indicate Aries vs. Corbin has a good chance of being on the next Takeover special, scheduled for Friday, April 1st in Dallas during Wrestlemania weekend.

    Aries had been with TNA until the promotion’s finances resulted in his contract expiring without being offered a new deal to his liking. Prior to signing with TNA, he had considered leaving wrestling after he was a late cut to get on the cast for a spot on the Tough Enough season in 2011 won by Andy Leavine. He won the TNA World title once, the X Division title six times, as well as the tag team titles, making him the fifth TNA Triple Crown champion.

  • Daily Update: Dangerous weather cancels wrestling shows, UFC 197 tickets

    Nasty weather cancels a number of wrestling shows

    There have been quite a few cancellations of weekend wrestling shows on the east coast due to a predicted crazy winter storm. We have a few updates. The biggest show of note to be cancelled is tonight’s ROH show in North Carolina. Tomorrow’s ROH show in Duluth, GA is still on as of this writing. 

    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!    Our lastest show posted to youtube is WOR featuring Jim Ross!

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=videoseries

    We’re looking for reports tonight from the NXT tapings in Orlando at the University of Central Florida Gym at Dave Meltzer  The top matches are Finn Balor vs. Neville for the NXT title, Sami Zayn vs. Samoa Joe for the No. 1 contender position and Bayley vs. Carmella for the NXT title.  We’ll get a good read on where they are going for the Takeover show tonight.  Austin Aries is backstage at the show.

    We’re also looking for reports on the GFW show tonight in Poughkeepsie.  The original main event of Nick Aldis vs. Bobby Roode for the GFW title will have to be changed because Roode will be unable to get into Poughkeepsie.

    For this weekend, we’ll be doing polls on all three Fantatstica Mania shows from Korakuen Hall on New Japan World including today’s show at Dave Meltzer

    EVOLVE IPPV TONIGHT AT 9 P.M. EASTERN AT WWW.WWNLIVE.COM FROM THE ORPHEUM IN YBOR CITY, FL.

    First round matches in weekend long Evolve tag team tournament

    Sami Callihan & Zack Sabre Jr. vs. Chris Hero & Tommy End

    Caleb Konley & Anthony Nese vs. The Bravado Brothers

    Rocky Romero & Trent Baretta vs. Team Tremendous (Dan Barry & Bill Carr)

    Johnny Gargano & Drew Galloway vs. Drew Gulak & TJ Perkins

    Matt Riddle vs. Fred Yehi

    Tracy Williams vs. Peter Kassa

    Ethan Page vs. PJ Black

    NEW JAPAN WORLD PRO WRESTLING TONIGHT AT 9 P.M. EASTERN/6 P.M. PACIFIC  ON AXS TV

    Togi Makabe vs. Hirooki Goto in New Japan Cup semifinals

    Kota Ibushi vs. Tetsuya Naito in New Japan Cup semifinals

    Finals of New Japan Cup

    CMLL LIVE FROM ARENA MEXICO TONIGHT AT 9:30 P.M. AT WWW.CLAROSPORTS.COM

    Starman & Stigma vs. Escandalo & Sangre Azteca

    Blue Panther Jr. & Delta & Triton vs. Misterioso Jr. & Puma King & Sagrado

    Angel de Oro & Maximo Sexy & Valiente vs. Ephesto & Kraneo & Luciferno

    Blue Panther vs. Ripper

    Euforia & Gran Guerrero & Niebla Roja vs. Thunder & Polvora & Dragon Rojo Jr.

    Rush & La Mascara & Marco Corleone vs. El Terrible & Negro Casas & Rey Bucanero  

    LEGACY FIGHTING TONIGHT FROM THE ARENA THEATER IN HOUSTON AT 10 P.M. EASTERN/7 P.M. PACIFIC ON AXS TV

    Jeremy Hardy (255) vs. Dale Mitchell (264.6)

    David Acosta (126) vs. Roberto Sanchez (125.7)

    Michael Rodriguez (145.3) vs. Alex Black (145.1)

    Charles Cheeks III (147) vs. Rey Trujillo (150.2)

    Jonathan Harris (155.2) vs. Justin Reiswerg (155.5)

    Jared Chaffee (155.4) vs. Ray Blodget (155.9)

    Evangelista Cyborg Santos (170) vs. Artenas Young (168.8)

    NEW JAPAN FANTATSICA MANIA LIVE ON NEW JAPAN WORLD AT 4:30 A.M. EASTERN AND 1:30 A.M. PACIFIC TIME LATE TONIGHT/EARLY TOMORROW FROM TOKYO KORAKUEN HALL

    Mascara Dorada & Titan vs. Sho Tanaka & Yohei Komatsu

    Kushida & Fuego & Juice Robinson vs. Gedo & Yoshi-Hashi & Hechicero

    The Panther & Guerrero Maya Jr. vs. Bobby Zavala & Okumura for the Arena Coliseo tag team titles

    Ryusuke Taguchi & Stuka Jr. vs. Shinsuke Nakamura & Cavernario Barbaro

    Jushin Liger & Atlantis & Tiger Mask vs. Tetsuya Naito & Evil & Bushi

    Dragon Lee vs. Virus for CMLL world lightweight title

    Hiroshi Tanahashi & Volador Jr. & Mistico vs. Kazuchika Okada & Ultimo Guerrero & Mephisto

    Saturday has a WWE house show on Fort Myers, FL with Roman Reigns, Kane, Bray Wyatt, Alberto Del Rio, Rusev, Kevin Owens, Chris Jericho and others; ROH in Duluth, GA at the Infinite Energy Center (War Machine vs. Karl Anderson & Doc Gallows for ROH tag title, Jay Lethal vs. Matt Jackson for ROH title, Roderick Strong vs. Nick Jackson for TV title, ACH & Matt Sydal & Alex Shelley vs. Bobby Fish & Kyle O’Reilly & Michael Elgin; Rhett Titus & Kenny King vs. Cheeseburger & Moose; Adam Cole vs. Stevie Richards; Adam Page vs. Frankie Kazarian vs. Will Ferrara vs. Silas Young vs. Caprice Coleman vs. Jay Briscoe, Mark Briscoe vs. Cedric Alexander and Corey Hollis vs. Dalton Castle); Evolve from Orlando as they continue the tag team tournament on iPPV at www.wwnlive.com and there is also a joint GFW & PWS show from Rahway, NJ.  We’ll be looking for reports on all these shows at Dave Meltzer

    AAA GUERRA DE TITANES ON SATURDAY NIGHT IN MEXICO CITY AT JUAN DE LA BARRERA GYM

    Nino Hamburguesa & Dinastia & Pimpinela Escarlata vs. Gran Apache & Mini Charly Manson & Black Mamba

    Fabi Apache & Goya Kong & Lady Maravilla vs. Lady Shani & Sexy Star & Taya in a lumberjack strap mach

    Australian Suicide & Jack Evans & ? vs. Daga & Parka Negra & Super Fly

    Aero Star & Fenix vs. Mascara Ano 2000 Jr. & Villano IV vs. Averno & Chessman for the No. 1 contender for tag titles

    For the vacant trios titles:  Electroshock & Garza Jr. & La Parka vs. Dark Cuervo & Dark Scoria & Zorro vs. El Hijo del Fantasma & El Hijo de Pirata Morgan & Taurus

    Dr. Wagner Jr. & Psycho Clown vs. Mesias & El Texano Jr. – Winning team faces each other in a singles match at Rey de Reyes for the vacant AAA Mega heavyweight title

    WORLD SERIES OF FIGHTING AT 10 P.M. EASTERN ON NBC SPORTS NETWORK

    Chauncey Foxworth vs. Jaleel Willis

    Jorge Medina vs. Bryce Mitchell

    Teddy Holder vs. Shamil Gamzaov

    Luiz Firmino vs. Caros Fodor

    NEW JAPAN FANTASTICA MANIA LIVE  ON NEW JAPAN WORLD ON LATE SATURDAY NIGHT/SUNDAY MORNING AT 4:30 A.M. EASTERN AND 1:30 A.M. PACIFIC FROM TOKYO KORAKUEN HALL

    The Panther & Guerrero Maya Jr. vs. Sho Tanaka & Yohei Komatsu

    Tiger Mask & Kushida & Fuego & Stuka Jr. & Titan vs. Gedo & Yoshi-Hashi & Bobby Zavala & Okumura & Hechicero

    Jushin Liger vs. Virus

    Ryusuke Taguchi & Mascara Dorada & Atlantis vs. Tetsuya Naito & Evil & Bushi

    Hiroshi Tanahashi & Dragon Lee & Juice Robinson vs. Shinsuke Nakamura & Kazuchika Okada & Barbaro Cavernario

    Mistico vs. Ultimo Guerrero

    Volador Jr. vs Mephisto for NWA welterweight title

    Evolve has a 2 p.m. show from the Downtown Rec Center in Orlando with the finals of the tag team title tournament at www.wwnlive.com

    ROYAL RUMBLE SUNDAY FROM ORLANDO, FLA.

    Royal Rumble match

    Dean Ambrose vs. Kevin Owens last man standing for IC title

    Alberto Del Rio vs. Kalisto for U.S. title

    New Day vs. Usos for tag team title

    Charlotte vs. Becky Lynch for women’s title

    Dudleys vs. The Ascension vs. Jack Swagger & Mark Henry vs. Darren Young & Damien Sandow – winners get into the Royal Rumble

    Raw is Monday night from Miami.  Brock Lesnar is not advertised for Monday’s show but everyone else is scheduled.

    Smackdown and Main Event will be taped Tuesday in Tampa.

    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: January 25, 2016 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: 2015 Observer Awards Issue

    The 2015 Observer awards issue, the traditional biggest issue of the year,is up on the web site now.  The issue not only has the awards winners in more than 40 different categories, but all the top place winners, as well as a history with all the awards winners dating back to 1980, as well as my comments on the placings for many of the awards.

    The categories are:

    Lou Thesz/Ric Flair Award (Wrestler of the Year), MMA MVP, Most Outstanding Wrestler, Most Outstanding MMA Fighter, Best Box Office Draw, Feud of the Year, Tag Team of the Year, Most Improved, Best on Interviews, Most Charismatic, Best Technical Wrestler, Bruiser Brody Memorial Award (Best Brawler), Best Flying Wrestler, Most Overrated, Most Underrated, Promotion of the Year, Best Weekly TV show, Pro Wrestling Match of the Year, MMA Match of the Year, Rookie of the Year, Best Non-Wrestler, Best Television Announcer, Worst Television Announcer, Best Major Wrestling show, Worst Major Wrestling Show, Best Wrestling Maneuver, Most Disgusting Promotional Tactic, Worst Television Show, Worst Match of the Year, Worst Feud of the Year, Worst Promotion of the Year, Best Booker, Promoter of the Year, Best Gimmick, Worst Gimmick, Best Pro Wrestling Book and Best Pro Wrestling DVD

    Update on the Royal Rumble and Rumble weekend, full coverage of Dominick Cruz’s UFC bantamweight title win and the records set on Sunday’s show and details on the New Japan/Jim Ross announcing deal as well as a look at how this came about and Jim Ross’ overall career.

    2017 WrestleMania, how Smackdown has affected overall ratings for the USA Network, update on A.J. Styles with WWE, WWE injury updates, Daniel Bryan update, more on Mauro Ranallo and Smackdown, Chris Jericho talks his return, new season of Total Divas, How talent is broken down in NXT, the heat on Josh from Tough Enough, new dates for Brock Lesnar, plus notes from the big NXT tour and all the shows, the NXT Florida shows, as well as the WWE shows in India and the WWE weekend domestic shows and all the business notes.

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

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

    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: Dec 14, 1998 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: 2 biographies in the works about Jesse Ventura
    NBC and ABC working on biographies on Jesse Ventura, a look at the end of year events for New Japan and All Japan, plus tons of news and notes.

    FRIDAY NEWS UPDATE

    Tickets went on sale today for UFC 197 on 3/5, with Rafael dos Anjos vs. Conor McGregor and Holly Holm vs. Miesha Tate.  As of earlier today, there were a few tickets left, but not many.  It’s the highest scaled event in UFC history.

    TNA sent this out regarding having a verbal agreement with A.J. Styles, Karl Anderson and Doc Gallows before they chose WWE instead.  They claimed they all agreed on 12/14 to come and then backed out.  We do know that Anderson & Gallows were expected to come to TNA for the debut on Pop TV but a WWE deal came that changed their mind, and Styles was looking for a guaranteed contract for 2016 with whoever offered the best deal.  Check out the story.

    Hart family member, Smith Hart, has been diagnosed with both bone cancer and prostate cancer.  Our best to him.

    Dana White and Urijah Faber will be on AXS TV’s Inside MMA at about 12:30 a.m. Eastern tonight after the Legacy Fights show.   

    Ed Loredo has set up a bus for WrestleMania weekend for readers going to Dallas.  The first bus sold out immediately so there may be a second bus added.  For more info contact him at f4wfan@hotmail.com

    WWE

    • Smackdown was up 18 percent from last week to 2,757,000 viewers.  Considering it is new on USA and we haven’t established exactly what the usual audience will be, that is a very good sign.
    • WWE stock had a good day, up 79 cents to $16,74 per share to end the week.
    • As expected, NXT will be part of the Arnold Sports Festival in Columbus, OH on 3/5 and 3/6.
    • WWE will debut WWE 24 WrestleMania Silicon Valley right after the Royal Rumble on Sunday.
    • John Cena posted a photo of A.J. Styles on instagram. 
    • Best signature moves in the Royal Rumble

    UFC

    • Ronda Rousey will be hosting Saturday Night Live tomorrow night on NBC.
    • Holly Holm and Miesha Tate are also both in New York today doing media for their fight.  It would make sense for them to be in the audience for the SNL although I’ve heard nothing in that direction.
    • A lightweight fight with Tony Ferguson vs. Michael Johnson has been added to the 3/5 show in Las Vegas. 
    • Matt Mitrione will be undergoing surgery on his broken right orbital bone next week according the MMA Fighting.com.
    • Andrew Holbrook has pulled out of next week’s fight with Sage Northcutt on FOX due to an injury.  Northcutt will instead face Bryan Barbarena in the FOX opener.
    • Nick Diaz will be eating and signing autographs at Hooters in Kennesaw, GA tonight from 6-8 p.m.  Ticket price includes unlimited wings and soft drinks.
    • Nick Diaz will also be doing a seminar from Noon to 4 p.m. tomorrow at Georgia Fitness Pro in Duluth, GA and he will be attending the fights tomorrow night at the electric Cowboy in Kennnesaw, GA.  More Info.

    MISCELLANEOUS

    • Tommy Dreamer’s House of Hardcore has booked a show in Niagara Falls, ONT on 5/7,.
    • Vivid Video, which announced Tammy Sytch signing to do a porn video, already has a trailer up, which tells you the video was shot some time back.  All the stuff about negotiations going on were a public work.
    • Chris DeJoseph talks Lucha Underground
    • The Fight Network has been launched on Vodafone Portugal’s Extended TV package on Ch. 246.
    • The Fight Network will be airing One Championship Dynasty of Champions show at 6:30 a.m. tomorrow morning from Changsha, China and at 10 p.m. Eastern tomorrow night will air World Series of Fighting live from the Fed Ex Forum in Memphis.
    • Championship Wrestling from Hollywood premieres on 2/13 on KOFY-TV in San Francisco in the Saturday at 4 p.m. time slow.
    • CWE tonight in Winnipeg at Rookie’s Sports Bar.
    • Jim Cornette will be appearing on 3/5 at the Laugh it Up Comedy Club in Poughkeepsie, NY with an 11 p.m. show talking about his career in wrestling.  Jim Duggan will also be appearing for a talk show at the club on 2/13.
    • A story on the documentary:  “At What Cost: Anatomy of Professional Wrestling

  • Update on canceled shows due to state of emergency, huge NXT TV taping

    Here are some notes regarding wrestling shows this weekend including things affected by the state of emergency on the East Coast.

    *As noted earlier in the week, the ROH show in Fletcher, NC (Asheville) scheduled for tonight has been canceled.  However, the Saturday show in Duluth, GA is still on.

    *Maryland Championship Wrestling tomorrow night in Joppa, MD is being moved to 2/13.  The Hardys will remain on the new date.  Tickets for tomorrow will be good for 2/23.  If you’ve got any other questions send to mcwwresetling@gmail.com

    *Atomic Championship Wrestling tomorrow night in Reading, PA has been moved to 2/19

    *ECWA tomorrow night from Woodbury Heights, NJ will be postponed and all tickets will be good for their next show

    *OTW Fan Nation’s show tomorrow in Philadelphia has been canceled.

    *Finn Balor vs. Neville for the NXT title has been added to tonight’s NXT TV tapings in Orlando, FL at the University of Central Florida Gym.  This is the biggest show the company has promoted within the state of Florida.  Sami Zayn vs. Samoa Joe for the No. 1 contender position and Bayley vs. Carmella were the key matches advertised.  HHH also announced there would be a huge surprise tonight.

    *Bobby Roode announced that he would be unable to make tonight’s GFW show in Poughkeepsie, NY due to issues with the weather.  The show is still going on as scheduled at the Mid Hudson Civic Center

  • NJPW/CMLL Fantasticamania results: Volador/Mistico vs. Ultimo Guerrero/Mephisto

    Fuego & Stuka Jr. vs. Sho Tanaka & Yohei Komatsu

    Pretty fun match. They worked this in the lucha style so Fuego and Stuka Jr. were very in their element. Fuego in particular looked really impressive and has lots of charisma. Tanaka and Komatsu worked their style and seemed kind of off, but never looked bad or anything. Just didn’t look as fluid as they usually do. I guess they have time to learn it in the next year or so. Fuego got the win for his team, pinning Komatsu with a roll up.

    David Finlay & Jushin Liger & Kushida & The Panther & Guerrero Maya Jr. vs. Gedo & Yoshi-Hashi & Bobby Zavala & Okumura & Hechicero

    Kushida was wearing a big silver watch mask to the ring, but didn’t wrestle in it. A fun match. Panther botched a spot early as he looked to do something off the middle rope, didn’t do it, then went to something else and messed up big time. After that, everything was pretty good. They did a fun spot where four of the guys wrapped their legs against one another, forming a circle, then Liger applied the Rito Romero special on Okumura in the middle of the circle. Hechicero submitted Finlay with a heel hook.

    Zavala got a mic after the match and said he and Okumura would win the Arena Coliseo tag team belts tomorrow. Guerrero Maya and Panther didn’t agree with that.

    Tetsuya Naito & Evil vs. Atlantis & Juice Robinson

    In an amazing moment pre-match, Naito came out and did his usual super long entrance. The amazing thing was that the announcer somehow managed find things to say about Naito the entire time he was stalling. Lots of mask ripping by the heels. Not much, but was fine. Robinson made a comeback but Evil came in and hit their finish, a reverse press slam called Out of Control for the win.

    After the match Naito not only ripped part of Atlantis’ mask off, but also had an altercation with Milano Collection AT and laid him out too. Seems to be a recurring theme, but then again Naito’s attacked many guys at ringside as that’s his new gimmick.

    Mexican National Welterweight Champion Barbaro Cavernario vs. Titan

    I liked this match. Not blow away, but there were a ton of cool moves which made it pretty memorable. Most of it was Titan, who really stood out in terms of dynamic high flying ability. He wrapped his legs around Cavernario’s chest at one point, threw him out of the ring and followed it up with a big Asai moonsault. Cavernario did his big splash from the top rope to the floor. Lots of nice back and forth stuff with Cavernario retaining the title with a flash surfboard.

    CMLL Welterweight Champion: Bushi vs. Mascara Dorada

    I’m not sure why CMLL has two welterweight titles, but the situation with title belts in Mexico is far worse than it is here or anywhere else. Bushi came out with a new outfit and new music. He was dressed completely white for whatever reason. They brawled into the crowd early where Bushi did a big dive off the stairwell. Bushi worked on him a good while till he made a comeback, wiping him out with a stepover tope con hilo to the floor. Naito kept interfering until Atlantis drove him out of the arena with a steel chair. After a few close near falls Dorada wins his title back with the Dorada Screwdriver. Another good match with Dorada’s offense looking really good.

    Hiroshi Tanahashi & Dragon Lee & Ryusuke Taguchi vs. Shinsuke Nakamura & Kazuchika Okada & Virus

    Despite the title being vacated, Nakamura is still wearing the title to the ring. Maybe they’re letting him keep it until he leaves the promotion. Hell if I know. He and Taguchi, who is doing a Pharaoh gimmick on these tours because he’s Taguchi, removed each other’s masks. They’ve had a rivalry of sorts on house show tours for the last month or so. Virus and Dragon Lee mostly worked with one another and looked pretty good. Another good match, with good spots when it was needed. A lot of comedy, but it was fine and didn’t drag too much. Virus submitted Dragon Lee with what is now known as the PTO, but he calls it la motocicleta.

    Mistico & Volador Jr. vs. Ultimo Guerrero & Mephisto

    Fun main event. It was a good showcase for Mistico and Volador Jr as they looked awesome as a team, and both Mephisto and Guerrero had some fun moments as well. Both Mistico and Ultimo Guerrero played to the crowd at the start of the match, with Guerrero nearly leaving due to being frustrated by Mistico’s reactions. Mistico and Volador did a double tope con hilo to the outside. Both of them work really great as a tag team and have some good tandem work. They did another great move where Mistico hopped over Voldor, flew out of the ring and wiped out Mephisto on the outside with a hurricanrana. Mephisto wiped out Volador with a tope con hilo (a lot of those tonight!) while Ultimo Guerrero landed a reverse suplex from the top rope, getting the win over Mistico.

    Overall, the key phrase of the show was fun. Nothing here is going to win match of the year or anything, but in terms of environment and with everyone really into the theme of this tour, it was good times.

  • Daily Update: Jim Ross appears on WOR, Rousey SNL promo sketches

    TWO CAN’T MISS F4WONLINE.COM RADIO SHOWS

    In case you missed it Jim Ross is returning to commentating.  This time for NJPW on AXS TV.  Earlier today we posted a FREE WRESTLING OBSERVER RADIO where Jim Ross talks with Dave Meltzer and Bryan Alvarez about the new job and more!

    Also, Dave Meltzer and Bryan Alvarez talk the Wrestling Observer Awards on last night’s Wrestling Observer Radio

    A big weekend coming up with the Royal Rumble on Sunday.  The final TV show leading to the Rumble is Smackdown tonight on USA with:

    Usos & Dolph Ziggler vs. Big E & Kofi Kingston & Xavier Woods

    Becky Lynch vs. Alicia Fox

    Ryback vs. Bray Wyatt

    Titus O’Neil vs. Stardust

    Roman Reigns vs. Sheamus & Rusev & King Barrett & Alberto Del Rio in a 1 vs. 4 match

    NEW JAPAN FANTASTICA MANIA IS LIVE ON NEW JAPAN WORLD TONIGHT/TOMORROW MORNING AT 5:30 A.M. EASTERN AND 2:30 A.M. PACIFIC FROM KORAKUEN HALL IN TOKYO

    Fuego & Stuka Jr. vs. Sho Tanaka & Yohei Komatsu

    David Finlay & Jushin Liger & Kushida & The Panther & Guerrero Maya Jr. vs. Gedo & Yoshi-Hashi & Bobby Zavala & Okumura & Hechicero

    Tetsuya Naito & Evil vs. Atlantis & Juice Robinson

    Barbaro Cavernario vs. Titan for Mexican national welterweight title

    Bushi vs. Mascara Dorada for CMLL welterweight title

    Hiroshi Tanahashi & Dragon Lee & Ryusuke Taguchi vs. Shinsuke Nakamura & Kazuchika Okada & Virus

    Mistico & Volador Jr. vs. Ultimo Guerrero & Mephisto

    This is the first of three straight nights of Fantastica Mania shows on New Japan World.

    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 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: January 25, 2016 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: 2015 Observer Awards Issue

    The 2015 Observer awards issue, the traditional biggest issue of the year,is up on the web site now.  The issue not only has the awards winners in more than 40 different categories, but all the top place winners, as well as a history with all the awards winners dating back to 1980, as well as my comments on the placings for many of the awards.

    The categories are:

    Lou Thesz/Ric Flair Award (Wrestler of the Year), MMA MVP, Most Outstanding Wrestler, Most Outstanding MMA Fighter, Best Box Office Draw, Feud of the Year, Tag Team of the Year, Most Improved, Best on Interviews, Most Charismatic, Best Technical Wrestler, Bruiser Brody Memorial Award (Best Brawler), Best Flying Wrestler, Most Overrated, Most Underrated, Promotion of the Year, Best Weekly TV show, Pro Wrestling Match of the Year, MMA Match of the Year, Rookie of the Year, Best Non-Wrestler, Best Television Announcer, Worst Television Announcer, Best Major Wrestling show, Worst Major Wrestling Show, Best Wrestling Maneuver, Most Disgusting Promotional Tactic, Worst Television Show, Worst Match of the Year, Worst Feud of the Year, Worst Promotion of the Year, Best Booker, Promoter of the Year, Best Gimmick, Worst Gimmick, Best Pro Wrestling Book and Best Pro Wrestling DVD

    Update on the Royal Rumble and Rumble weekend, full coverage of Dominick Cruz’s UFC bantamweight title win and the records set on Sunday’s show and details on the New Japan/Jim Ross announcing deal as well as a look at how this came about and Jim Ross’ overall career.

    2017 WrestleMania, how Smackdown has affected overall ratings for the USA Network, update on A.J. Styles with WWE, WWE injury updates, Daniel Bryan update, more on Mauro Ranallo and Smackdown, Chris Jericho talks his return, new season of Total Divas, How talent is broken down in NXT, the heat on Josh from Tough Enough, new dates for Brock Lesnar, plus notes from the big NXT tour and all the shows, the NXT Florida shows, as well as the WWE shows in India and the WWE weekend domestic shows and all the business notes.

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

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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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    NBC and ABC working on biographies on Jesse Ventura, a look at the end of year events for New Japan and All Japan, plus tons of news and notes.

    THURSDAY NEWS UPDATE

    Ronda Rousey hosts Saturday Night Live this weekend.  Some sketches previewing the appearance.

    The PBC is working with NextVR to bring Virtual Reality to its live show on FOX on Saturday night at 8 p.m.  The show is headlined by Danny Garcia (31-0, 18 KOs) vs. Robert Guerrero (33-3-1, 18 KOs).

    Owner Andy Quildan hints at Revolution Pro talent going to New Japan in 2016

    WWE

    • In case you missed it in yesterday’s update our own David Bixenspan has a great article on Big Show’s attempt to become a heavyweight boxer.
    • Roman Reigns talks the Royal Rumble
    • Becky Lynch interview for a house show in Fort Myers, FL
    • WWE stock closed down 58 cents per share today, to  $15.95.  Most of the stock market is taking it on the chin these days so it’s more of a sign of the economy at large than anything negative on WWE in particular. 
    • There was a question on the radio show regarding whether talent can leave WWE events after their match but before the show is over.  Unless you are a top guy, the answer is no.
    • WWE announced Premium VIP autograph signing schedules at Fan Axxess for WrestleMania

    4/1 at 7 p.m. – Sting

    4/2 at 10 a.m. – Roman Reigns

    4/2 at 3 p.m. – Undertaker

    4/3 at 8 a.m. – Seth Rollins

    Regular VIP signings

    3/31 at 6 p.m. – Dean Ambrose

    3/31 at 8 p.m. – Ric Flair & Charlotte

    4/1 at 5 p.m. – Chris Jericho

    4/2 at 8 a.m. – Superstar Billy Graham

    4/2 at 1 p.m. – Alberto Del Rio and Dudleys

    4/2 at 6 p.m. – Kevin Owens

    4/2 at 8 p.m. – Bray Wyatt

    4/3 at 10 a.m. – Randy Orton

    UFC

    • C.M. Punk is doing media work for UFC before the 2/5 PPV where Mickey Gall, his expected first opponent (provided he wins) makes his debut on the Fight Pass portion of the show against Mike Jackson.  Punk will be ringside for the fight.
    • Punk talks to Kevin Iole
    • Jim Miller vs. Diego Sanchez will be the Fight Pass main event for the 3/5 PPV show in Las Vegas, another example of UFC adding a name value match to the pre-TV prelims.
    • Tickets go on sale tomorrow at 10 a.m for the UFC’s 2/21 show in Pittsburgh at the Consol Energy Center on FS 1.  The top three matches are Donald Cerrone vs. Tim Means at welterweight, Derek Brunson vs. Roan Carneiro and John Lineker vs. Cody Garbrandt.  Tickets are priced from $185 down to $50.
    • The UFC, through Senior Vice President and General Manager of Europe, Middle East and Asia James Elliott, announced a partnership with the British Wrestling Association (that’s amateur wrestling). 
    • Ronda Rousey’s coach, Edmond Tarverdyan, had his corner license revoked.  Greg Savage of Sherdog reported that Andy Foster, the CSAC Executive Director, said it was due to falsifying information on his application.  He is appealing the decision at the 2/2 commission meeting in Los Angeles.
    • Marcin Tybura, who is 13-1 and a former M-1 Challenge heavyweight champion, has signed with UFC.
    • World Series of Fighting on 2/20 in Garden Grove, CA at the Next Level Sports Complex live on NBC Sports Network at 9 p.m. Eastern headlined by Marlon Moraes defending his bantamweight title against Joseph Barajas.  Tickets are on sale now at www.WSOF.com

    MISCELLANEOUS

    • The New York Times talks Gawker selling off a minority stake in its company prior to the Hulk Hogan lawsuit going to trial
    • Adam Copeland (Edge) will be on the 15th edition of CBC’s Battle of the Books in late March, talking about Minister Without Portfolio by Michael Winter.
    • Superstar Seminars on 3/11 at the GXW wrestling school in Richmond, VA featuring Jake Roberts, talking about pro wrestling performance, psychology, promos and character development.  Roberts will be assisted by Mickie James and Nick Aldis.  Everyone at the seminar will also get free admission to Roberts’ talk show at The Beach House Bar and Grill i  Glen Allen, VA that night.  For more info you can e-mail superstarseminars@gmail.com
    • Northeast Wrestling is doing a seminar with Jim Cornette on 3/6 from Noon to 3 p.m. at the Northeast Wrestling training center located at Platinum Fitness in Danbury, CT.  Experienced wrestlers or current wrestling students only, must be 18 years of age.  It’s limited to 30 students who will work a match, do promos and be evaluated by Cornette and owner Michael Lombardi.  These double as tryouts for the promotion  Spots are $50.  For more info call 914-805-6187 or e-mail NEWWrestling@yahoo.com
    • NEW Wrestlefest takes place on 3/4 in Newburgh, NY at the NFA High School with Rey Mysterio, Jerry Lawler, Mick Foley, Matt Hardy, Mandy Leon, Terry Funk and Jim Cornette appearing.
    • CZW and WSU return for a doubleheader on 2/13 in Voorhees, NJ at Flyers Skate Zone, featuring an iPPV for the 7:30 p.m. show.  The afternoon show will have Leva “Blue Pants”
    • Bates vs. Hania the Huntress and Lufisto vs. Jessicka Havok.  The evening show has Matt Tremont vs. Devon Moore in a ladder match and Lio Rush vs. Joey Janela in 2/3 falls.
    • West Coast Fighting Championships on Saturday night in Sacramento at the McCellan Conference Center headlined by a match for the King of Sacrament with Max Griffin vs. David Mitchell at 175 pounds, in a five round fight. 
    • Battlewar on 2/14 in Montreal at Les Foufounes Electriques with all seats $5.
    • Results from Saturday night in Toronto in the Smash vs. CZW show:  Gulak b Tarik, Overdogs b DUB Boys, Courtney Rush b Kimber Lee, D.J. Hyde b Scotty O’Shea, Lio Rush b Kevin Bennett, Jon Gresham b Tyson Dux, Super Smash Brothers & Brent Banks b TV Ready Machines, Johnny Gargano b Sami Callihan to win the Smash title.
    • House of Hardcore on 4/16 at the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia has Tommy Dreamer, Rhino, Brian Cage, Sami Callihan and Billy Gunn.  There will also be an Icons of Pro Wrestling convention from9 a.m. to 3 p.m. that will have Shawn Michaels, Tommy Dreamer, Ricky Steamboat, Stan Hansen, Outlaw Ron Bass, Abyss, Billy Gunn, Bill Apter, Justin Credible, Brian Cage, Domino, Kevin Thorn, Maven, Jeannie Clarke, Curt Hawkins, Amber Gallows, Danny Cage, Blue Meanie, Davey Richards, Eddie Edwards, Sabu, Melissa Coates, Little Guido, Marty Jannetty, Rhino, Sami Callihan and Mil Mascaras.
    • Hoosier Pro Wrestling on 2/6 in Columbus, IN at the 4-H Fairgrounds with Flash Flanagan vs. Timmy Danger in a strap match.
    • There will be the annual National Pro Wrestling Day free show on 2/6 in Reading, PA at the Goodwill Beneficial Association, featuring Kimber Lee vs. Mickie James.
    • NWA Smoky Mountain Wrestling no 2/13 in Kingsport, TN at the Civic Auditorium headlined by Jason Kincaid defending his Southeastern title against Vince Brent.
    • Tommy Dreamer vs. Robbie E headlines for Gold Rush on 4/30 in Timmins, ONT.
    • Acclaim Pro Wrestling on 3/5 in Ottawa, ONT at the Dom Polski Polish Combatants Centre featuring new TNA wrestler Courtney Rush.
    • ECWA on Saturday night in Woodbury Heights, NJ at the Woodbury Heights Community Center headlined by Sean Carr vs. Breaker Morant.  Deonna Purrazzo is also wrestling on the show.
    • WAR Wrestling on 1/30 in Lima, OH at the UAW Hall with a wrestling show and a Hall of Famer induction ceremony for Great Wojo, Dr. Jerry Graham Jr., Tarek the Great, Brian Beach, Stamp Lickage, Dexter Dementia and Malcom Monroe.
    • IWF on 4/16 in Nutley, NJ at the Rec Center headlined by Tito Santana and Kevin Knight.
    • Busted Knuckle Pro Wrestling on 2/13 in Niagara Falls, ONT at 6101 North St.
    • Marvelous Puroresu is having a tryout on 2/12 for talent to appear on their show the next day.  They are also looking for talent to work in the U.S. and Japan.  The tryout is at 5 p.m. at the House of Glory school at 564 Woodward Ave., in Ridgewood, NY 1385.  For more info you can e-mail MarvelousPuroresuUSA@@gmail.com  The cost will be $40 and bring an 8×10 photo and wrestling gear.  Referees are also welcome.
    • Latin Thunder talks trainer Scandor Akbar

    ON THIS DAY IN WORLD PRO WRESTLING HISTORY:  Daily pro wrestling history (1/21): Crusher/Dick the Bruiser win WWA Tag Team Titles

  • WON Preview: The 2015 Observer Awards

    The 2015 Observer awards issue, the traditional biggest issue of the year,is up on the web site now.  The issue not only has the awards winners in more than 40 different categories, but all the top place winners, as well as a history with all the awards winners dating back to 1980, as well as my comments on the placings for many of the awards.

    The categories are:

    Lou Thesz/Ric Flair Award (Wrestler of the Year)

    MMA MVP

    Most Outstanding Wrestler

    Most Outstanding MMA Fighter

    Best Box Office Draw

    Feud of the Year

    Tag Team of the Year

    Most Improved

    Best on Interviews

    Most Charismatic

    Best Technical Wrestler

    Bruiser Brody Memorial Award (Best Brawler)

    Best Flying Wrestler

    Most Overrated

    Most Underrated

    Promotion of the Year

    Best Weekly TV show

    Pro Wrestling Match of the Year

    MMA Match of the Year

    Rookie of the Year

    Best Non-Wrestler

    Best Television Announcer

    Worst Television Announcer

    Best Major Wrestling show

    Worst Major Wrestling Show

    Best Wrestling Maneuver

    Most Disgusting Promotional Tactic

    Worst Television Show

    Worst Match of the Year

    Worst Feud of the Year

    Worst Promotion of the Year

    Best Booker

    Promoter of the Year

    Best Gimmick

    Worst Gimmick

    Best Pro Wrestling Book

    Best Pro Wrestling DVD

    We also have an update on the Royal Rumble and Rumble weekend, full coverage of Dominick Cruz’s UFC bantamweight title win and the records set on Sunday’s show and details on the New Japan/Jim Ross announcing deal as well as a look at how this came about and Jim Ross’ overall career.

    We also have notes on the 2017 WrestleMania, how Smackdown has affected overall ratings for the USA Network, update on A.J. Styles with WWE, WWE injury updates, Daniel Bryan update, more on Mauro Ranallo and Smackdown, Chris Jericho talks his return, new season of Total Divas, How talent is broken down in NXT, the heat on Josh from Tough Enough, new dates for Brock Lesnar, plus notes from the big NXT tour and all the shows, the NXT Florida shows, as well as the WWE shows in India and the WWE weekend domestic shows and all the business notes.

    The Latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter: January 25, 2016 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: 2015 Observer Awards Issue

    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@wrestlingobserver.com

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

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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.

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    Click here for the most requested Wrestling Observer back issues.

    Check out the latest Online Wrestling Observer BACK ISSUE: Dec 14, 1998 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: 2 biographies in the works about Jesse Ventura
    NBC and ABC working on biographies on Jesse Ventura, a look at the end of year events for New Japan and All Japan, 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:

    –How a new TV deal may affect streaming of a weekly major show

    –Notes on the first Caristico vs. Rush match since Rush became a major star

    –Second generation wrestler tournament

    –Dragon Gate’s big show schedule for 2016

    –Dragon Gate’s first Korakuen Half show of the year

    –NOAH builds up to big show at the end of the month

    –Notes on tickets to Nakamura’s final shows with New Japan

    –Notes on the early Fantastica Mania shows

    –A look at some major shows in the U.K. featuring some of the top wrestlers in the world

    –Updates on PWG

    –What pro wrestlers are getting statues made of them in their home town

    –Jim Crockett Promotions nostalgia show at an old home base for the promotion

    –Full details on the climactic Ultima Lucha show for season two

    –Full notes on the TV tapings for Lucha Underground with the final angles for those shows

    –Notes on the life and career of Mike Sharpe Jr.

    –Update on the Jimmy Snuka case

    –Hogan case update

    –Piper’s last movie business notes

    –New TV show set for worldwide distribution on the life of one of pro wrestling’s all-time biggest stars

    –Notes from the weekend ROH shows

    –TNA getting and losing clearances

    –Lots of updated info on how TNA is handling contracts and how independent shows will be handled

    –More on what is being offered by TNA to talent

    –Kurt Angle’s situation

    –A TNA original no longer with the company

    –Fertittas make huge business deal offer

    –Notes on the Lawler vs. Condit live and PPV business

    –Notes on upcoming UFC ticket sales

    –Notes on the next Brazil main event

    –B.J. Penn coming out of retirement

    –Kenny Florian suspension notes

    –Wanderlei Silva apologizes to UFC for saying they fix fights

    –Notes on the next season of Ultimate Fighter

    –More on plans for International Fight Week

    –Ronda Rousey movie projects

    –Cris Cyborg update

    –Notes on the next two UFC shows

    –New UFC fights

    –Update on Fedor Emelianenko and Rizin in 2016 and unique fight the promotion worked on getting

    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

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    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.

    Our most requested issues in our history are:

    *November 17, 1997 (full details of everything leading to the most famous wrestling match finish of modern times at the Survivor Series plus a history of in-ring double-crosses)

    *December 21, 1998 (the complete Vince McMahon-Bret Hart conversation right before the Survivor Series match so you’ll know exactly what was said–the conversation played in edited form both on the inaugural broadcast of Confidential as well as in Wrestling with Shadows, but everything that was said between the two about the match that was going to take place that same night)

    *August 1, 1994 (the most detailed coverage anywhere of the Vince McMahon steroid trial, an issue praised in numerous newspaper article and Sex, Lies and Headlocks)

    *March 26, 2001 (death of WCW and history of pro wrestling on the Turner networks)a

    *October 22, 2001 (why the adult audience has left pro wrestling in such great numbers and what needed to have been done to save them)

    *July 8, 1991 (Ric Flair leaves WCW as world champion/Zahorian steroid trial)

    *February 8, 1993 (the life and times of Andre the Giant)

    *May 13, 2002 (the life story of the most incredible pro wrestling career ever, a look at Lou Thesz, in one of the largest issues of our history)

    *January 27, 2003 (part one of the two-part series covering the career and life of The Sheik)

    *February 3, 2003 (Part two on The Sheik including thoughts from people who worked with him and where he stands historically)

    *March 24, 2003 (history of the WWWF title, inside behind the Sammartino, Backlund and Backlund era)

    *April 21, 2003 (history of WWF continues with the expansion nationally, the death of the regional territories and the rise of Hulk Hogan)

    *May 12, 2003 (The life and death of Elizabeth and the rise of fall of Lex Luger)

    *June 9, 2003 (Part 1 of history of WWF vs. WCW wars and what many say was the greatest year in U.S. wrestling; plus a look at Fred Blassie)

    *June 16, 2003 (Freddie Blassie through the eyes of his biggest rivals and friends)

    *July 28, 2003 (Part 2 of the history of the WWF vs. WCW war and the plans to make new superstars in the early 90s, what happened, and the night where the three biggest wrestling companies in the world combined for a joint show and what happened)

    *August 25, 2003 (2003 Hall of Fame issue with huge profiles on the controversial career of Shawn Michaels, Chris Benoit as well as historical features on Earl Caddock and Francisco Flores)

    *September 22, 2003 (Part 3 of the history of the WWF vs WCW war with the seeds that caused the collapse of the industry in the 90s, Zahorian trial, Gulf War controversy, Flair leaves WCW while holding world title and much more)

    *October 27, 2003 (The fascinating life of Stu Hart plus the story of Road Warrior Hawk)

    *January 19, 2004 (2003 Awards issue)

    *February 2, 2004 (History of Toronto wrestling, Jack Tunney life story, Royal Rumble and Battle Royal history)

    *February 23, 2004 (History of Guerrero family with Eddy’s win over Brock Lesnar)

    *March 1, 2004 (History of WWF continues with the period that brought the company down in early 1992, the mistakes, the real stories and how the business changed)

    *March 8, 2004 (History of Wrestlemania, its greatest matches and best and worst shows as voted both by wrestlers and non-wrestlers and Wrestlemania history books)

    *July 5, 2004 (A look behind the scenes and Ric Flair’s book and his background with Eric Bischoff and Hulk Hogan)

    *July 12, 2004 (A look at more on Ric Flair’s book and his comments on Bruno Sammartino, Bret Hart and Mick Foley)

    *August 16, 2004 (History of the Olympians in pro wrestling)

    *August 23, 2004 (2004 Hall of Fame issue and biggest issue of the year with huge profiles on Kazushi Sakuraba, Undertaker, Bob Backlund, Masahiro Chono, Ultimo Dragon, Kurt Angle and Tarzan Lopez–this counts as one issue if you are asking for a free issue, but ordered separately, due to size, is $6 in North America and $7 overseas)

    *October 4, 2004 (the life and times of Big Bossman; as well as details of the life and times of one of the most influential men world wide in pro wrestling history, Jim Barnett)

    *November 15, 2004 (the full story of what happened between Kurt Angle and Daniel Puder, plus coverage of the most important week in the history of TNA)

    *January 24, 2005 (2004 Awards issue, Rock and WWE part company)

    *March 14, 2005 (the 50 biggest money players in the history of WWF and a look at their Hall of Fame)

    *May 9, 2005 (the life and times of Chris Candido)

    *June 20, 2005 (The full story behind Paul Heyman and the death of ECW, as well as coverage of One Night Stand, Hardcore Homecoming and behind the scenes of both shows)

    *July 18, 2005 (death of Shinya Hashimoto and his records with a look at the fall of New Japan, the Matt Hardy angle, tons of WWE firings, Cornette firing in detail as well as problems of a WWE developmental territory in our biggest news issue of the year which is a double-sized issue and would be $6 on its own and $7 overseas)

    *August 24, 2005 (2005 Hall of Fame issue with career profiles of Paul Heyman, HHH and Freebirds plus debut of MMA Hall of Fame)

    *September 12, 2005 (History of Mid South Wrestling)

    *October 10, 2005 (Life and Times of the Ultimate Warrior)

    *November 21, 2005 (Life and Times of Eddy Guerrero and Crusher, double issue $6 on its own and $7 overseas)

    *December 5, 2005 (The Eddy Guerrero special issue, double issue $6 on its own, $7 overseas)

    *January 9, 2006 (The life and times of Superstar Billy Graham, plus New Year’s Eve 2005 coverage)

    *January 16, 2006 (2005 Awards double issue, $6 or $7 overseas)

    *April 3, 2006 (Story of Ann Calvello and the history of Roller Derby–many called this the best issue of the Observer ever)

    *April 10, 2006 (Behind the scenes at the 2006 Wrestlemania/Hall of Fame week)

    *July 24, 2006 (The History of the Von Erichs and World Class Championship Wrestling–the most unreal story ever in wrestling)

    *September 4, 2006 (The Rise and Fall of Kurt Angle; 2006 Hall of Fame inductions of Eddie Guerrero, Paul Bowser, Masakatsu Funaki, Aja Kong and Hiroshi Hase including tons of wrestling history around the world from the 20s through the 60s, the evolution of working to not working in Japan, and a look at Guerrero in hindsight, double issue $6 or $7 overseas)

    *October 9, 2006 (A look back nine years later at the life and legacy of Brian Pillman with tons of inside information about what made him tick as his real objectives)

    *November 15, 2006 (History of WCW part one, Eric Bischoff’s book and how the industry was changed forever)

    *November 20, 2006 (History of WCW part two, Why Jim Ross left WCW, How Bischoff changed the company, signing of Hulk Hogan, Beginning of Nitro, Jesse Ventura, Brian Pillman, Chris Jericho and signing Wrestlemania planned celebrity away)

    *November 27, 2006 (History of WCW part three, When Bischoff challenged McMahon to fight; Truth and fiction around Bret Hart signing with WCW and why it didn’t click)

    *December 6, 2006 (details behind Pride’s offers to sell promotion and Part four of History of WCW part four, Hogan-Goldberg match and why there was no rematch, WCW loses NBC network deal in 1999 and the real reasons the company fell apart)

    *January 22, 2007 (2006 Awards issue, double issue $7 on its own, $8 overseas)

    *February 14, 2007 (Life and Times of Bam Bigelow)

    *March 5, 2007 (WWE begins plans that will change the business)

    *March 12, 2007 (Life and Times of Mike Awesome)

    *March 19, 2007 (Life and Times of Ernie Ladd)

    *April 4, 2007 (Life and Times of Badnews Allen Coage–which many are calling one of the best issues in history)

    *July 2, 2007 (Part one of the Benoit double murder-suicide)

    *July 5, 2007 (Part two of the Benoit double murder-suicide)

    *July 10, 2007 (Part three of the Benoit double murder-suicide)

    *July 19, 2007 (Part four of the Benoit double murder-suicide)

    *July 23, 2007 (Part five of Benoit double murder-suicide)

    *July 25, 2007 (Part six of Benoit double murder-suicide)

    *August 15, 2007 (The legend of the God of Japanese wrestling and his influence on MMA, Karl Gotch)

    *October 15 (2007 Hall of Fame double issue, $7 on its own, $8 overseas including inductions of The Rock, Tom Packs and the original Strangler Lewis)

    *November 12, 2007 (Life and times of Fabulous Moolah and history of U.S. women’s wrestling) .

    *December 31, 2007 (History of Ric Flair and the heyday of wrestling at the Greensboro Coliseum)

    *January 21, 2008 (2007 Awards issue, double issue $7 on its own, $8 overseas)

    *March 17, 2008 (Life and times of Johnny Weaver)

    *March 24, 2008 (Life and times of Gary Hart)

    *April 10, 2008 (Farewell to Ric Flair; My thoughts, Shawn Michaels talks of Flair’s meaning to him; Hall of Fame; Wrestlemania double issue, $7 on its own, $8 overseas)

    *August 11, 2008 (Ric Flair leaves WWE; Updated history of pro wrestlers and MMA fighters who went to the Olympics)

    * September 8, 2008 (2008 Hall of Fame double issue, $7 on its own, $8 overseas; part one of Killer Kowalski bio)

    * September 15, 2008 (Life and Times of Evan Tanner)

    * September 22, 2008 (The amazing career of Killer Kowalski, one of our most in-depth bios)

    You can also order any of these issues on their own for $4

    in North America or $5 overseas.

    We now have available personally autographed copies of Tributes II, our latest book, as well as a DVD that comes with it talking more about the subjects in the book. The book covers the life stories of Lou Thesz, Wahoo McDaniel, Elizabeth, Fred Blassie, Road Warrior Hawk, Andre the Giant, Curt Hennig, Johnny Valentine, Davey Boy Smith, Terry Gordy, Owen Hart, Stu Hart, Gorilla Monsoon, The Sheik and Tim Woods..

    To get all of those biographies as back issues of the Observer would be a $60 value today. This is a collection of some of the best Observer articles of the past several years in a hardcover, full-color format that is 239 pages. There is also a foreword by Bret Hart. The book price is $12.95 plus $3.50 for shipping costs in the U.S., $20 for shipping costs to Canada and $25 for shipping costs outside North America. You can order the book the same way you order the newsletter.

  • Figure Four Weekly 1/18/2016: Gawker’s motion to dismiss Hulk Hogan lawsuit denied

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