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  • Daily Update: Diaz suspension reduced, McGregor’s title shot official

    UFC officially announced UFC 197 for March 5th, headlined by featherweight champion Conor McGregor vs. lightweight champion Rafael dos Anjos for RDA’s 155-pound title, and Holly Holm defending her women’s bantamweight crown for the first time against Miesha Tate. The event will be at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. Don’t forget: our own Tom Lawlor will also be on the show against Corey Anderson.

    The NAC reduced Nick Diaz’s suspension from five years to 18 months (served retroactively), and also reduced his fine down from $165,000 to $100,000. He should be cleared to fight again August 1. This all stemmed from Diaz’s third marijuana failure at UFC 183, where he fought Anderson Silva. Those who watched the original hearing may recall that Diaz invoked his fifth amendment right against self-incrimination, which was followed by commissioner Pat Lundvall (a lawyer) arguing with Diaz’s lawyer about. Jeremy Botter, who has the settlement agreement, is reporting that Diaz stipulated that he wrongly invoked his fifth amendment rights even though that’s not actually the case.

    Smackdown and Main Event tapings will be Tonight in Lafayette, LA.

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

    We’re also looking for live reports from Raw tonight in New Orleans. 

    We’re also looking for reports from the Lucha Underground tapings this past weekend to Dave Meltzer

    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! We have have clips of the post Summer Slam / Super China Buffet show featuring a lengthy Brent Kremen discussion, as well as clips from the X-Mas show. This is a soft launch but we will be releasing much more shortly.

    Figure Four Weekly

    Figure Four Weekly 1/4/2016: More on Gawker motioning to dismiss Hulk Hogan lawsuit

    More information on Gawker’s motion to dismiss Hulk Hogan’s sex tape lawsuit, tons more.

    Wrestling Observer Newsletter

    The Latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter: January 11, 2015 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Cena out with shoulder injury, New Japan stars to WWE

    In the biggest news week in a long time, we’ve got a double issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter this week, covering John Cena’s injury, New Japan stars headed to WWE, a major feature looking at the year that past in pro wrestling and MMA and the year coming up, WWE direction for WrestleMania season, Tokyo Dome coverage, Rizin debut coverage, TNA changes and UFC 195.

    Our lead story talks about John Cena’s injury and the injury issues in WWE with more notes on the training program being used. All the news regarding wrestlers leaving New Japan, who’s been contacted, different roles, the various schedules for different guys, other negotiations, what led to these moves, what New Japan needs to learn from this, affects on ROH, and other ideas for New Japan to break out of its standard mentality.

    UFC in 2016, the success of the women’s division, UFC business review, big fights on the horizon, the state of WWE in 2015 and 2016, different fan bases, rise of NXT, where New Japan has failed on the international scene, plus AAA, CMLL, Bellator, TNA and ROH prospects in 2016.

    Full coverage of New Japan’s Tokyo Dome show, match-by-match coverage with star ratings and poll results, the big angles, Okada’s prospects as the top star, the next big programs on the horizon, big show plans for 2016, the Fanstastica Mania tour lineup and thoughts, New Year’s Dash coverage.

    The changes to this year’s Royal Rumble and scout the possibilities and big matches on the horizon for Mania, and the return of Chris Jericho.

    WWE Network, John Cena on Peyton Manning and HGH, football coach trying to recruit WWE for Mania, portrayal of Joseph Maroon in the “Concussion”, lots of details on new Dwayne Johnson projects, Lesnar’s schedule, a look at 50/50 booking, Reaction to HHH circumventing his own angle, February NXT, WrestleMania plans, Jericho talks current interview style, WWE looking for new stars around the world, Dusty Rhodes tag team tournament, WWE injury updates, Austin TV show.

    A complete look at the debut of the Rizin promotion, details on the ratings and how it compares to WWE & UFC, the Masato vs. Kid Yamamoto show in competition, boxing in competition, Spike TV numbers, Fedor’s return, the freak show fights and what did and didn’t work on the first two shows.

    UFC 195, with match-by-match coverage, poll results and business regarding the show, a look at all the close decisions and why they went the way they did.

    TNA’s debut on Pop TV, the ratings, the title tournament, who was watching, the PPV show this week, the Mike Bennett debut, the James Storm return, the departure of Taryn Terrell and the good and bad of the latest relaunch.

    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: November 23, 1998 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: WWF Survivor Series review, Rock becomes Corporate Champion
    A full review of WWF Survivor Series with The Rock becoming the Corporate Champion, more WCW woes, plus tons of news.

    TUESDAY’S NEWS UPDATE

    WWE

    UFC/MMA

    • A new gameplay trailer was released today for EA Sports UFC 2. This one focuses on the new physics-based hit reactions and knockouts, the new, non-turn based grappling and clinch system, and the new defensive system which includes 360 degree had movement (like Fight Night Champion) and independent high/low blocks with no weak “autoblock” that protects the whole body. The game comes out on March 15th and is available for pre-order now.
    • Speaking of EA Sports UFC 2, CM Punk has been given an overall fighter rating of 85. If you compare him to the fighters in the first game, he’s above Pat Parry (84), has the same rating as Martin Kampmann and Francis Carmont, and is just below Mark Hunt’s 86. Punk responded on Twitter to some of the negative comments about him getting such a high rating despite never having competed in the sport: “Not since Samus Aran was revealed to be a woman have dummies been this butt hurt about a video game.” Samus was the player character in Nintendo’s 1986 game Metroid.
    • Stipe Miocic is pissed that Alistair Overeem might get the next UFC heavyweight title shot and that his yelling at Dana White after his beatdown of Andrei Arlovski was personal.
    • Our site’s own “Filthy” Tom Lawlor announced his return date here. Spoiler alert: It’s for UFC 197, which should have a monster main event on top. Congrats to Mr. Lawlor.
    • Duane Ludwig thinks Dominick Cruz’s propensity for trash talk makes him something other than a martial artist.
    • WSOF announced today that Mike Ricci is out of WSOF 27, which airs a week from Saturday on NBC Sports Network. Luiz Furmino will be the replacement in the main event against Caros Fodor. This is the sixth fight that Ricci has been scheduled to fight in since August of 2014 that has been cancelled for one reason or another.
    • Ryan Couture will replace the injured Derek Anderson at Bellator 148 against Patricky “Pitbull” Friere. This is a big step up in competition for Couture who is 10-3 overall and 2-0 in Bellator.
    • ICYMI, Josh Nason and Paul Fontaine continued their look at the year that was 2015 in MMA, checking in with July-September on the newest Josh Nason’s Punch-Out. (sub only). The final installment goes up tonight.

    MISC

    • On the latest edition of Between the Sheets, (Not That) Tom Green joins Kris Zellner and David Bixenspan to talk January 5-11, 1994. Topics include bar brawls, John Nord’s career trajectory, Antonio Pena’s Japanese business tour, ECW “crossing the line,” Jerry Lawler’s legal problems, Bret & Owen Hart vs. The Steiner Brothers, Tom breaking the show, and much more.
    • The latest episode of the Fire Pro Podcast reviews WrestleKingdom 10, the latest TNA relaunch, and the big news of last week here.
    • Friday Jan 15th, Future Stars of Wrestling presents New Years Resolution, 7pm at the FSW Arena, featuring FSW Heavyweight Champion Kevin Kross, former WWE Superstar Sinn Bodhi, and WWE Hall of Famer, the Legendary Jake The Snake Roberts.  For more info, go to futurestarsofwrestling.com
    • FSW is also hosting a seminar the WWE Legend Jake The Snake Roberts this Thursday, Jan 14th.  Cost is $30 for FSW Students and $35 for Non-FSW students.  Learn from one of the greatest minds in professional wrestling.

    ON THIS DAY IN WORLD PRO WRESTLING HISTORY:The Outsiders beat the Steiners for WCW Tag Championship

  • Nick Diaz suspension and fine reduced

    During a Nevada Athletic Commission hearing Tuesday, the commission reduced Nick Diaz’s penalty for a marijuana drug test failure back at UFC 183 to 18 months down from five years, and a $100,000 fine, down from $165,000. He is eligible to return starting in August of this year.

    At the hearing, the NAC quickly said they had reached a settlement, but didn’t reveal what the actual settlement was. It wasn’t until later that we learned what the terms were.

    The original hearing came as a result of a drug test failure after Diaz’s bout with Anderson Silva. Prior to the fight, Diaz had failed twice for marijuana, and under the new drug penalties, Diaz was given a five year suspension and a fine of $165,000. The NAC believed Diaz lied on his pre-fight questionnaire, and wanted to make an example of him. However, there was a tremendous outcry of public support, as well as UFC support, including fighters refusing to fight in Nevada, and even a petition to President Obama.

    Nevada deputy attorney general Christopher Eccles’ case was that Diaz’s two negative tests were diluted and that he lied on his pre-fight questionnaire. After the grassroots uprising and support from the UFC’s lawfirm, the NAC decided to re-evaluate the suspension. Diaz’ lead counsel argued that Diaz had actually passed two fight night tests and the one he failed came from a lab that was not accredited by the World Anti-Doping Agency.

  • New Japan strips Shinsuke Nakamura of the Intercontinental Title

    Shinsuke Nakamura will not be dropping the IC title to Kenny Omega after all.

    New Japan announced tonight that they are stripping Nakamura of the championship, and that Omega will face a mystery man in the main event of the New Beginnings in Niigata on February 14th to fill the vacancy.

    Nakamura will continue to appear on New Japan shows for the rest of the month, with his final match on the January 30th show at Korakuen Hall.  That show will have an All-Star main event with Hiroshi Tanahashi & Hirooki Goto & Katsuyori Shibata vs. Nakamura & Kazuchika Okada & Tomohiro Ishii.  New Japan starts back on Sunday with the Fantastica Mania tour.

    Nakamura becomes the second major champion of a foreign promotion who has headed to WWE without dropping the title on the way out, following Alberto Del Rio, the AAA champion, not doing so in October.

    New Japan also officially announced the Okada vs. Goto IWGP title match will take place on February 11th in Osaka, as had been expected.  Other matches announced for that show are Young Bucks defending the IWGP jr. tag titles in a three-way against Bobby Fish & Kyle O’Reilly and Matt Sydal & Ricochet, Shibata vs. Ishii for the Never Open weight title and Mark & Jay Briscoe & Toru Yano defending the Never trios titles against Bad Luck Fale & Tama Tonga & Yujiro Takahashi.

    The IC title was one of two major championships in Japan announced as vacant today.  Due to Suwama, the Triple Crown champion from All Japan, suffering a ruptured Achilles tendon yesterday, that championship has also been vacated with a Kento Miyahara vs. Zeus announced to fill the vacancy.

  • Tom Lawlor reveals the date and opponent for his UFC return

    Forget about Conor McGregor, Rafael dos Anjos, Holly Holm, and Miesha Tate: Tom Lawlor is coming to March’s UFC 197.

    First announced on his weekly Monday podcast with Bryan Alvarez, the UFC light heavyweight revealed that verbal agreements have been made for a fight against past TUF winner and light heavyweight prospect Corey Anderson on Saturday, March 5th in Las Vegas.

    The 32-year-old (10-5-0-1) returned to action last July after a two-year absence due to various injuries, knocking out Gian Villante in the second round for his second straight victory. The 26-year-old Anderson (7-1) will also be looking to extend a two-fight win streak and improve his Octagon mark to 5-1 in the process. Coincidentally, Anderson was a November injury replacement for Lawlor against Fabio Maldonado when Lawlor had to pull out due to a concussion suffered in training.

    While not yet officially announced, UFC 197 has been rumored to feature featherweight champion McGregor gunning for his second title against lightweight champion dos Anjos with women’s bantamweight champion Holm vs. Tate in the co-main event.

  • WWE RAW live results 1/11: Brock Lesnar is back, Sting HOF announcement

    The Big Takeaway: 

    Kalisto is the new U.S. Champion after upsetting Alberto Del Rio. Brock Lesnar, despite protests from Paul Heyman, will be in the Royal Rumble. Basically, Heyman lost a negotiation with the McMahons to have Brock main event WrestleMania and skip winning the Rumble. 

    Show Recap: 

    Various members of the roster where on the stage when Vince and Stephanie McMahon came out, so I was wrong about Vince and Stephanie wanting to avoid the CFP title game. The New Day danced to Vince’s music. Vince said one of the 29 men on stage were going to be the next WWE World Heavyweight Champion. You had people like Fandango, Damien Sandow (back in his old wardrobe), R-Truth and Stardust out there. Vince singled out Dolph Ziggler for possibly reaching out for the brass ring. You’d think he’d drop that phrase at some point. Stephanie mentioned Kevin Owens possibly concluding the best first year in company history.

    Then the Wyatt Family appeared, with Bray Wyatt appearing at the announcer’s desk and repeating his “Anyone but you” Roman catchphrase. Roman Reigns came down. Reigns asked Vince “What happens if I win?” Stephanie laughed and called him delusional. Vince said he wanted to give Roman a chance in a match called a “1 vs. All” match, where Reigns would face as many as 2/3rds of the roster tonight. Stephanie mentioned Reigns could face his brother Dean Ambrose, but Vince corrected her and said Ambrose already was booked in a match. At that point, Sheamus hit Ambrose from behind, and Vince announced Sheamus as Ambrose’s opponent in a match that started immediately. 

    WWE Intercontinental Champion Dean Ambrose and Sheamus went to a double countout (14:08)

    Sheamus took the match to the outside, where he threw Ambrose into the barricade several times. Ambrose turned things around and sent Sheamus into the post twice, the last of which led to Sheamus bleeding heavily. Apparently, Brock Lesnar gave Sheamus lessons on how to run into the post entirely too hard before the show. Ambrose cleared the announcer’s table like he was going to put Sheamus through it when Owens ran out and jumped him. Owens left Ambrose laying again with punches and tried to power bomb him through the table before he was pulled off by the referees. Match was strung together well but the crowd lost interest by the end. 

    Rene Young went to the trainer’s room to check on Ambrose, who stormed out saying he still had a pulse and that should concern Owens. 

    Vince and Stephanie compared dance moves in the back when they stumbled upon Paul Heyman, who put over Vince’s 1 vs. 100 concept. Heyman didn’t want Lesnar in the 1 vs. 100 match and wanted to fight in the main event of WrestleMania. Vince asked Heyman not to change his plans again. Heyman tried to talk Vince into having Brock face the winner of the Royal Rumble. Vince didn’t like the idea. Stephanie tried to keep the peace by having the two meet in private. They all gathered in a small conference room with Vince looking pissed. This is probably a scene that unfolded countless times in the runup to the last December to Dismember. 

    Chris Jericho will host a Highlight Reel with the New Day later tonight. 

    Drew Brees was in the audience. He got no reaction at all, which was shocking unless you consider he may have played his final game as a Saint. 

    Titus O’Neal defeated Stardust (3:23) 

    JBL used the match to throw in as many David Bowie references as possible, including “Ziggy Stardust” and “The Man who Fell from Earth.” Titus O’Neal won with Clash of the Titus. I could have sworn I saw this same match last week. O’Neal celebrated with the fans until Stardust, who had his face painted like Ziggy Stardust and the Spider from Mars album cover, jumped him. 

    Jericho came out showed off various tweets trumpeting his return and his return to the Royal Rumble. He wore a blazer with a tie and black scarf. New Day came out, with Jericho getting a nod to Lemmy saying “Overkill” and trying to get the crowd to chant “Rooty Totty Botty.” Big E. talked until the Usos showed up with their Slammys. The Usos wanted a match. Xavier Woods said the only tag team worse than the Usos were Ricky Gervais and Mel Gibson. Jericho arranged a match with Big E. and Kofi Kingston with Woods in their corner against the Usos with Jericho in their corner. 

    The Usos defeated Tag Team Champions The New Day (C) in a nontitle match (15:18)

    Good match with Jey Uso getting the hot tag. Jey went for the splash on Kingston, but Woods distracted the referee and Kingston crotched Jey. This led to Jericho taking Woods’ trombone and blowing it full throttle in Woods’ face. Woods took a bump. Jericho then destroyed the trombone, which brought a reaction from Woods that was absolutely priceless. He acted like his pet puppy had been thrown down a well. In the midst of all this, Jey pinned Kingston with a schoolboy cradle. In the opening minutes, Woods did some ringside banter that sounded like a takeoff of HHH’s late-90s interviews. Looks like Usos vs.  New Day for the tag team belts at Royal Rumble.

    Michael Cole acknowledged John Cena’s shoulder injury and that he would miss WrestleMania. 

    Heyman and Stephanie emerged from their meeting with Vince. Stephanie said Paul was driving her father nuts. Stephanie wanted Brock in the Royal Rumble. Paul told Stephanie to tell her father that Brock Lesnar says no. Stephanie, since she has to get the last word in with any segment involving Heyman but all characters that you see on Raw are purely fictional and in no way resembles real life, told Paul that Broke would in the Royal Rumble because her father owns Brock’s contract. Paul said that would be stupid because it would telegraph the finish of the Royal Rumble two weeks early. Well, no, he said he would handle this for Stephanie. 

    JBL got in the ring and announced Sting as the first member of the 2016 WWE Hall of Fame. Boy, does Sting need the WWE production team to create something for him to get into the Wrestling Observer Hall of Fame. Then again, they might have just done it. They had a piece that featured Kevin Hart talking about how Sting was his favorite wrestler as a child. Cena talked about how he got a blond flattop because he loved Sting in 1989. Robert Flores showed up to put him over. Seth Rollins spoke of having a Sting t-shirt. Ron Simmons talked about how he had the “it” factor. Bret Hart, Booker T and Daniel Bryan were also featured. A great package. If that wasn’t enough, they highlighted a tweet from LeBron James, congratulating Sting and saying he was one of his favorites of all time. 

    The Wyatt Family started to do a promo but the Social Outcasts showed up. Heath Slater said grab your penicllin because we’re going viral. It ended with Bo Dallas saying they were together like the Four Musketeers. Curtis Axel and Adam Rose looked at him like he was a geek, as if he was supposed to say “Four Horsemen.” 

    The Wyatt Family and Social Outcasts went to no contest (1:19)

    Ryback ran in to go after the Wyatts. Social Outcasts helped Ryback, so they’re comedy babyfaces. 

    Kalisto, after a nontitle victory over Alberto Del Rio on SmackDown, talked about facing Del Rio for the U.S. Championship tonight. Which leads us to our new segment: “Did Josh Norman cut a better wrestling promo than any wrestler on Raw today?” And the answer is yes. 

    Del Rio did a prematch promo where he took credit for Cena’s injury, forcing him to miss WrestleMania season. It was such a devastating injury that they never showed how Cena got hurt. Couldn’t they do an injury angle of some sort? Instead, nothing. And they wonder why Del Rio got total silence in this promo that should have had a lot of heat. Newsletter readers and writers used to totally massacre WCW for lapses like this. 

    Kalisto defeated Alberto Del Rio (C) to win the U.S. Championship (15:16)

    Kalisto got the surprise win after he reversed a German Suplex attempt into a victory roll for the pin. Pretty good match, but JBL’s commentary gave telegraphed the result. Del Rio didn’t look happy about losing. It was your standard big man-little man match. Kalisto tried several attempts at the Solinda del Sol, but Del Rio blocked both of them. Del Rio went for his Sh! Kick, but Kalisto rolled out of the way and hit a Frankensteiner for a near fall, one of several in the match. Kalisto tried a tope, but Del Rio threw him against the barricades, which looked liked it sucked. They came back from a commercial and Kalisto was already up, where he took another bump after missing a crossbody block. 

    Charlotte and Ric Flair did an interview with JoJo. Charlotte said she beat Becky Lynch “Flair and square.” Did I mention that Josh Norman promo? Charlotte said if anything, she was the victim and Lynch the villian. 

    Charlotte was supposed to wrestle Brie Bella, but Lynch ran out and attacked Charlotte. Lynch had to be pulled off of her. Flair then claimed Charlotte was too injured to wrestle and left with her daughter. So basically, Brie flew to New Orleans to do a ring entrance. Good work if you can get it. Lynch did a promo saying Charlotte made a promise when they started in NXT that she would never use her father to climb to the top, but that’s what she’s done. Lynch said she’s going to make Charlotte tap out and win the Divas title. Good promo. 

    WWE Champion Roman Reigns vs. Owens, Del Rio, Sheamus, Kingston, Big E., Woods, Konnor, Viktor, Stardust, Wyatt, Erick Rowan, Braun Strowman, Luke Harper, and Tyler Breeze ended in a no contest (17:18)

    For the 1 vs. All match, Stephanie and Vince came out with Owens, Del Rio (why would he be out there after losing his title?), Sheamus, Kingston, Big E., Woods, Konnor, Viktor, Stardust, Wyatt, Erick Rowan, Braun Strowman, Luke Harper, and Tyler Breeze. Stephanie explained to Reigns that he would fight every one of these men until he collpased. The heels appeared confused over the rules. They started to line up on the apron like it was a tag team match. Then Vince said it would start one-on-one, so Reigns started working against Owens. 

    They went for about 16:00 with Owens controlling using mainly chinlocks. Crowd was totally dead and seemed to be waiting for the Lesnar run-in. Finally when Reigns started the comeback, Konnor and Viktor jumped up on the apron to collect a Superman punch. Breeze ran in to get speared. New Day, Sheamus and Del Rio ran in to attack Reigns. Del Rio gave him a Superkick and Sheamus followed with a Brogue Kick. 

    Finally Lesnar’s music played. Cole, the genius, thought Lesnar was going to help the heels. Of course, he destroyed the New Day, Del Rio and Sheamus. The Wyatt Family just watched the whole time and simply went to the back. Lesnar pulled Reigns to the center of the ring, then pulled him up and gave him an F-5. Crowd didn’t seem to know how to react. Reigns recovered enough to give Lesnar a smirk as he left, and it’s clear that Lesnar and Reigns will be in the Royal Rumble for a showdown of some sort. 

    SUMMARY: Final hour was poorly booked. If the Kalisto title change is going to happen, it needs to happen next week when more people are watching. It also needs to last a few months in order to get him over. Del Rio is already getting a rematch on SmackDown. If they change the title right back, it was get Kalisto under. Either way, it does nothing for Del Rio. The company hasn’t clue one how to get him over, which shouldn’t be the case if they’re paying him seven figures.

    The 1 vs. All concept was a bad idea because if Reigns was going with the odds stacked against him, why were most of the heels previously in matches on this show? And why were the ones who weren’t jobbers? The rules were vague and all but told the audience that Lesnar running in was going to end the show. Which was fine, as long as we didn’t have to wait through 16:00 of rest holds. First two hours were good. 

    Post-Show Notes (Thanks Collin Makamson):

    – The two ‘trainers’ in the backstage segment were Wild Card J Spade and Luke Hawx, owner and promoter of the local Wildkat Sports.

    – After the cameras went off, Roman recovered from his beatdown and laid out the New Day.

  • Daily Update: Sting into WWE HOF, Royce Gracie investigation

    We’re looking for your thoughts on Friday night’s TNA PPV 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 also looking for live reports from Raw tonight in New Orleans.  Nothing has been announced for the show past the return of Brock Lesnar.

    We’re also looking for reports from the Lucha Underground tapings this past weekend to Dave Meltzer

    Smackdown and Main Event tapings will be Tuesday in Lafayette, LA.

    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! We have have clips of the post Summer Slam / Super China Buffet show featuring a lengthy Brent Kremen discussion, as well as clips from the X-Mas show. This is a soft launch but we will be releasing much more shortly.

    Figure Four Weekly

    Figure Four Weekly 1/4/2016: More on Gawker motioning to dismiss Hulk Hogan lawsuit

    More information on Gawker’s motion to dismiss Hulk Hogan’s sex tape lawsuit, tons more.

    Wrestling Observer Newsletter

    The Latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter: January 11, 2015 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Cena out with shoulder injury, New Japan stars to WWE

    In the biggest news week in a long time, we’ve got a double issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter this week, covering John Cena’s injury, New Japan stars headed to WWE, a major feature looking at the year that past in pro wrestling and MMA and the year coming up, WWE direction for WrestleMania season, Tokyo Dome coverage, Rizin debut coverage, TNA changes and UFC 195.

    Our lead story talks about John Cena’s injury and the injury issues in WWE with more notes on the training program being used. All the news regarding wrestlers leaving New Japan, who’s been contacted, different roles, the various schedules for different guys, other negotiations, what led to these moves, what New Japan needs to learn from this, affects on ROH, and other ideas for New Japan to break out of its standard mentality.

    UFC in 2016, the success of the women’s division, UFC business review, big fights on the horizon, the state of WWE in 2015 and 2016, different fan bases, rise of NXT, where New Japan has failed on the international scene, plus AAA, CMLL, Bellator, TNA and ROH prospects in 2016.

    Full coverage of New Japan’s Tokyo Dome show, match-by-match coverage with star ratings and poll results, the big angles, Okada’s prospects as the top star, the next big programs on the horizon, big show plans for 2016, the Fanstastica Mania tour lineup and thoughts, New Year’s Dash coverage.

    The changes to this year’s Royal Rumble and scout the possibilities and big matches on the horizon for Mania, and the return of Chris Jericho.

    WWE Network, John Cena on Peyton Manning and HGH, football coach trying to recruit WWE for Mania, portrayal of Joseph Maroon in the “Concussion”, lots of details on new Dwayne Johnson projects, Lesnar’s schedule, a look at 50/50 booking, Reaction to HHH circumventing his own angle, February NXT, WrestleMania plans, Jericho talks current interview style, WWE looking for new stars around the world, Dusty Rhodes tag team tournament, WWE injury updates, Austin TV show.

    A complete look at the debut of the Rizin promotion, details on the ratings and how it compares to WWE & UFC, the Masato vs. Kid Yamamoto show in competition, boxing in competition, Spike TV numbers, Fedor’s return, the freak show fights and what did and didn’t work on the first two shows.

    UFC 195, with match-by-match coverage, poll results and business regarding the show, a look at all the close decisions and why they went the way they did.

    TNA’s debut on Pop TV, the ratings, the title tournament, who was watching, the PPV show this week, the Mike Bennett debut, the James Storm return, the departure of Taryn Terrell and the good and bad of the latest relaunch.

    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: November 23, 1998 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: WWF Survivor Series review, Rock becomes Corporate Champion
    A full review of WWF Survivor Series with The Rock becoming the Corporate Champion, more WCW woes, plus tons of news.

    MONDAY’S NEWS UPDATE

    Congratulations to Sting for his being the lead inductee in the WWE Hall of Fame class for 2016.  

    Bloody Elbow has a storyabout Royce Gracie being investigated by the IRS for having over $3 million wired from foreign banks to U.S. banks for various purposes including purchases of real estate.  The investigation also stated Royce Gracie filed tax returns from 2008 to 2011 showing minimal taxable income.  His family filed an earned income credit, which goes to low income working families, which was suspicious since he is a celebrity in MMA and his wife is a doctor.  The government is seeking $1.1 million in back taxes. 

    Tonight’s college football game is expected to be considerably down in the ratings from last year.  Still, given the game will outdraw every NFL game this season, Raw could be near record lows.  There is only one Raw after tonight before the Royal Rumble, so we should have all the key matches announced.  Really, we should have had most of them last week.

    The Sports Business Daily had a report that the NFL is looking at splitting up its Thursday night package and selling it to two or three different networks next season and that the league may expand to 17 Thursday night games, which would greatly affect fall Smackdown ratings.

    Tammy Sytch plea bargained to a guilty plea on three DUI charges stemming from a June 1 arrest and is scheduled for a 1/29 sentencing.

    WWE

    • Jason Jordan & Chad Gable are backstage at Raw, although I’d expect if they were to wrestle it would be for a dark match.
    • The Stone Cold Podcast with Ric Flair (which was taped some time back) airs after Raw tonight.
    • Daddy’s Home, with John Cena in a cameo, was No. 3 at the U.S. box office this past week with $15,015,465 in its third week out, and has topped $116 million domestic.  Sisters, where he had a bigger role, was No. 5, at $7,189,455 and has done just under $75 million in four weeks out.  In Australia, Sisters was No. 3 this weekend, Daddy’s Home was No. 4 and Spectre (Bautista) was No. 11) (thanks to James Stanios)
    • Dwayne Johnson was a presenter last night for the Best Supporting Actress award at last night’s Golden Globes.
    • Local promoters Evenko announced a 3/11 house show in Montreal, with tickets going on sale at Noon on Saturday, which will feature Brock Lesnar in his first match in Montreal since 2003.  What’s notable is that is the day before the WWE Network special in Toronto.  Lesnar has not been announced for Toronto but it wouldn’t make sense for Lesnar to work a Montreal house show but not a Toronto network special.  The names listed, the rest of which should almost surely be on the Toronto special, are Roman Reigns, Dean Ambrose, Alberto Del Rio and Kevin Owens.  (thanks to Pat Laprade)
    • WWE stock was up 13 cents per share today to $16.43.
    • Gabe Sapolsky reported that William Regal would be coming to the Evolve show on 1/23 in Orlando “with a purpose.”
    • The Wall Street Journal today had a small ad in the weekend edition looking for people who have archival items related to Gorgeous George, particularly photos or home movies for a documentary.  The e-mail address to contact is gorgeousgeo32415@gmail.com (thanks to Robert Steinberg)

    UFC/MMA

    • UFC had wanted to announce the Conor McGregor vs. Rafael dos Anjos and Holly Holm vs. Miesha Tate during halftime of the Packers-Redskins game, which drew 38.8 million (the most watched television show of any kind since last year’s Super Bowl).  But apparently the deal wasn’t closed in time, although all indications is the story that it was McGregor’s side that held it up are incorrect and McGregor’s deal is set.
    • Ticketmaster has just put up the page for UFC 197 listing it as 3/5 in Las Vegas at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.  The belief is that the hold-up, coming to terms with Rafael dos Anjos, has been worked out.  Tickets are listed as going on sale on 1/20.
    • There are two changes in Sunday’s card in Boston.  Jimy Hettes is out of his featherweight fight with Charles Rosa, and taking the fight with no camp at all is Augusto Mendes (5-0), making his UFC debut.  Also out of Sunday’s show is Abdul-Kerim Edlov, a light heavyweight, who was to face Francimar Barroso.  He’s being replaced by Elvis Mutapcic (15-3), also making his UFC debut.  Mutapcic has been fighting for World Series of Fighting.
    • A note on Sunday’s show is that it will start at the usual 8 p.m. with prelims, but it’s only scheduled for four plus hours of television instead of five plus, so the main event should start around 11:40 p.m. instead of the usual 12:40 a.m. main event start on FS 1 shows.  To make up the difference, the show itself starts one hour earlier and there will be five Fight Pass bouts.
    • Here’s a story on Conor McGregor pay.  While he will get an enormous payday, I think the predictions of 1.5 million buys on 3/5 sound high.
    • A story on the debut of Joey Gomez, who served overseas in the military, on Sunday’s show
    • World Series of Fighting announced Justin Gaethje, the company’s top star, will defend his lightweight title against tournament winner Brian Foster on 3/12 in Loveland, CO.  The show airs live on NBC Sports Network.

    MISCELLANEOUS

    • Paragon Pro Wrestling announced it would air on 1/16 on the MSG Network in a Saturday at 5 a.m. Eastern time slot.  PPW was formerly on Pop TV until Pop made its deal with TNA..
    • John Rocker of the Atlanta Braves, who has done some indie work in Georgia, was at the WrestleMerica TV tapings on Friday night in Barnesville, GA that A.J. Styles and Doc Gallows headlined.  Their next show is 2/20 called Night of Legends, headlined by the Rock & Roll Express.
    • Michael “Venom” Page, one of the guys Scott Coker has been trying to build in Bellator, who has a 9-0 record, will be in he semifinal on a 3/4 show in Thackerville, OK, where he faces Fernando Gonzalez (24-13).  The show is headlined by wrestling standouts Joe Warren vs. Darion Caldwell.
    • In a note regarding the update yesterday on Lucha Extreme not airing because KAIL TV moved its base.  It is true that KAIL did move its base but nobody knows why that would affect a taped wrestling show unless tapes were lost in the move.   
    • Maryland Championship Wrestling on 1/23 in  Joppa, MD with the Hardys, with King McBride vs. Matt Hardy, who will have Jeff in his corner.  Not sure how that works out with Matt’s heel turn on TNA and feud with Jeff and when it airs.
    • Rock Solids Wrestling Brawl in the Falls on 2/13 in Dowling, ONT with Cody Deaner as the headliner at the Dowling Leisure Centre.   
    • AAW on 1/15 in Merrionette Park, IL at 115 Bourbon Street with Eddie Kingston vs Trevor Lee for the AAW title, Davey Vega vs. AR Fox for the AAW Heritage title, Sami Callihan vs. Chris Hero, Abyss vs. Rya Boz, Devin & Mason Cutter vs. Zero Gravity, Louis Lyndon vs. Drew Gulak plus Kongo Kong, Shane Hollister, Heidi Lovelace, Allysin Kay and more.
    • Smash vs. CZW takes place on Saturday night in Toronto at the Franklin Horner Community Centre with Sami Callihan (CZW) vs. Johnny Gargano (Smash), BLK Jeez & Pepper Parks & Mike Rollins (CZW) vs. Super Smash Brothers & Brent Banks (Smash), D.J. Hyde (CZW) vs. Scotty O’Shea (Smash), Jonathan Gresham (CZW) vs. Tyson Dux (Smash), Drew Gulak (CZW) vs. Tarik (Smash) and more.
    • CZW’s 17th anniversary show is 2/13 in Voorhees, NJ at Flyers Skate Zone with Matt Tremont vs. Devon Moore in a ladder match for the CZW title and Pepper Parks & BLK Jeez defending the tag team titles against Dan Barry & Bill Carr, Lio Rush vs. Joey Janela and Speedball Mike Bailey vs. Sami Callihan. 
    • XICW on Saturday night in Clinton Township, MI:  Kyle Maverick b Jacob Mercury, Zach Gowen won over Gavin Quinn, Idris Abraham and Willie Watts, Joe Coleman b Jay Maynard, Joe Coleman won over Palmer Cruise and Xavier Walker, Little Guido & The Scarbonis b Jaimy Coxxx & Jeff Brooks & Dickie Bronson, Haki Zane b Kongo Kong-COR, Rhino b Bob Holly, DBA & Malcolm Monroe III b Dave Crist & Zachary Wents, Jake Something b Orlando Christopher (thanks to Leonard Brand)
    • Nova Pro Wrestling on 1/31 in Springfield, VA at the Annandale Sports Center featuring Sonjay Dutt and the Bravado Brothers.
    • Premier Championship Wrestling from the weekend in  Winnipeg:  Shao Ming b Jacob Creed, Jay Walker b Adrian Barton, Chad Tatum b Michael Clark, Scott Justice b Alix Vanna, Mentallo b Antonio Scorpio, Jackie Lee b Alexander Prime.  Next show is 2/27 (thanks to Andrew Shallcross)

    ON THIS DAY IN WORLD PRO WRESTLING HISTORY:Daily pro wrestling history (01/11): Midnight Express win World Class American Tag Team Titles

  • December 7, 1998 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Brian Hildebrand tribute show, WCW contracts ending

    Pro wrestling is a world filled with a lot of negativity, from the deception, these days often more prevalent behind the scenes than in front, the backstabbing and the jealousy. But on 11/29 in Knoxville, World Championship Wrestling put it all behind to honor someone to whom most fans would see as a very insignificant part of the profession. By the response of his peers, it was made evident he was anything but.

    WCW’s unannounced ceremonies for referee Brian Hildebrand, 36, a lifelong wrestling fan who became one of the most universally well-liked people in the profession, facing the toughest fight of his life in his second battle with stomach cancer, reeked of genuine emotion. To paraphrase what Ric Flair said in what may be someday an immortal line, it wasn’t a great wrestling show, it was real. Just like Hildebrand was and is a credit to his profession, what WCW did was very much a credit to the profession as well. The highlight was no doubt when Flair came out, as a surprise guest at the house show, and presented Hildebrand with a replica of the WCW world heavyweight championship belt and said that Hildebrand, not Ric Flair or Hulk Hogan, was really “The Man.”

    The show was headlined by a match made partially because it was the match Hildebrand himself wanted to see, Chris Benoit & Dean Malenko vs. Eddie Guerrero & Chris Jericho. Even though it was a house show, which these days to many wrestlers means avoid more than a few bumps if at all possible, the four men worked as hard if not harder than if it was a PPV match more for the audience of one than the other 4,344 fans in the building. The finish saw a referee bump, which led to Hildebrand jumping out of his ringside chair and calling for the bell as Benoit had Jericho in the crossface. At that point Hildebrand took off his shirt and was wearing a Four Horseman t-shirt underneath it.

    Current subscribers click here to continue reading.

  • Daily Update: McGregor challenges Mayweather, UFC announcement, ROH PPV

    “The Notorious” Conor McGregor vs. Floyd “Money” Mayweather Jr. would be, in many ways, the greatest fight of all time. However unlikely to happen, there’s been at least some trash talk brewing recently. McGregor was mad that Mayweather tried to claim it was racial why McGregor and Ronda Rousey were stars, where he noted that Laila Ali was beautiful but was never the star Rousey was and that fans hate him for trash talking but like McGregor.  McGregor said the Irish have been oppressed for there entire existence and there was once a time where just having the name McGregor “was punishable by death.”  He then said he’d be willing to fight Mayweather on an 80/20 split, noting he’d get the 80, because Mayweather’s last PPV bombed so badly.

    The official announcement of UFC 197 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on 3/5 with Conor McGregor vs. Rafael dos Anjos for the lightweight title and Holly Holm vs. Miesha Tate for the womens’ bantamweight title is expected imminently. 

    Three of the top matches for the next ROH PPV on 2/26 in Las Vegas at Sam’s Town are Jay Lethal vs. Adam Cole vs. Kyle O’Reilly for the ROH title, Hiroshi Tanahashi & Michael Elgin vs. Mark & Jay Briscoe, and Kazuchika Okada vs Moose.  That main event sounds excellent, as does the tag match. It’s also a huge step up for Moose to get a chance to work with Okada in a singles. This is a big time for ROH as they begin the build to the Wrestlemania weekend, and Supercard of Honor X in Dallas. 

    We’re looking for your thoughts on Friday night’s TNA PPV 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 also looking for reports on the Lucha Underground tapings yesterday and today in Los Angeles, as well as today’s WWE shows in Mobile, AL (Roman Reigns vs. Sheamus for WWE title; New Day vs. Dudleys & Tommy Dreamer; Kane vs. Bray Wyatt) and Monroe, LA (Dean Ambrose vs. Kevin Owens for IC title, Chris Jericho vs. Alberto Del Rio, Ryback vs. Rusev).

    Raw is live Monday from New Orleans.  Brock Lesnar and Paul Heyman return on the show.

    Smackdown and Main Event tapings will be Tuesday in Lafayette, LA.

    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! We have have clips of the post Summer Slam / Super China Buffet show featuring a lengthy Brent Kremen discussion, as well as clips from the X-Mas show. This is a soft launch but we will be releasing much more shortly.

    Figure Four Weekly

    Figure Four Weekly 1/4/2016: More on Gawker motioning to dismiss Hulk Hogan lawsuit

    More information on Gawker’s motion to dismiss Hulk Hogan’s sex tape lawsuit, tons more.

    Wrestling Observer Newsletter

    The Latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter: January 11, 2015 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Cena out with shoulder injury, New Japan stars to WWE

    In the biggest news week in a long time, we’ve got a double issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter this week, covering John Cena’s injury, New Japan stars headed to WWE, a major feature looking at the year that past in pro wrestling and MMA and the year coming up, WWE direction for WrestleMania season, Tokyo Dome coverage, Rizin debut coverage, TNA changes and UFC 195.

    Our lead story talks about John Cena’s injury and the injury issues in WWE with more notes on the training program being used. All the news regarding wrestlers leaving New Japan, who’s been contacted, different roles, the various schedules for different guys, other negotiations, what led to these moves, what New Japan needs to learn from this, affects on ROH, and other ideas for New Japan to break out of its standard mentality.

    UFC in 2016, the success of the women’s division, UFC business review, big fights on the horizon, the state of WWE in 2015 and 2016, different fan bases, rise of NXT, where New Japan has failed on the international scene, plus AAA, CMLL, Bellator, TNA and ROH prospects in 2016.

    Full coverage of New Japan’s Tokyo Dome show, match-by-match coverage with star ratings and poll results, the big angles, Okada’s prospects as the top star, the next big programs on the horizon, big show plans for 2016, the Fanstastica Mania tour lineup and thoughts, New Year’s Dash coverage.

    The changes to this year’s Royal Rumble and scout the possibilities and big matches on the horizon for Mania, and the return of Chris Jericho.

    WWE Network, John Cena on Peyton Manning and HGH, football coach trying to recruit WWE for Mania, portrayal of Joseph Maroon in the “Concussion”, lots of details on new Dwayne Johnson projects, Lesnar’s schedule, a look at 50/50 booking, Reaction to HHH circumventing his own angle, February NXT, WrestleMania plans, Jericho talks current interview style, WWE looking for new stars around the world, Dusty Rhodes tag team tournament, WWE injury updates, Austin TV show.

    A complete look at the debut of the Rizin promotion, details on the ratings and how it compares to WWE & UFC, the Masato vs. Kid Yamamoto show in competition, boxing in competition, Spike TV numbers, Fedor’s return, the freak show fights and what did and didn’t work on the first two shows.

    UFC 195, with match-by-match coverage, poll results and business regarding the show, a look at all the close decisions and why they went the way they did.

    TNA’s debut on Pop TV, the ratings, the title tournament, who was watching, the PPV show this week, the Mike Bennett debut, the James Storm return, the departure of Taryn Terrell and the good and bad of the latest relaunch.

    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

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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.

    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: November 23, 1998 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: WWF Survivor Series review, Rock becomes Corporate Champion
    A full review of WWF Survivor Series with The Rock becoming the Corporate Champion, more WCW woes, plus tons of news.

    SUNDAY’S NEWS UPDATE

    Sad to report on the death of Wolfman Willie Farkas, a 60s, 70s and 80s wrestler who worked a lot in the Toronto area and had a run as a mid-carder in 1970 and 1971 in the WWWF.  He was one of those characters from the old days of wrestling.  Greg Oliver has a story.

    TNA is doing a poll at impactwrestling.com for fans to vote for one of three people to be added to the U.K. tour at the end of the month.  The choices are Will Ospreay (who is fantastic), Jimmy Havoc and Big Damo.  Really they could add all three and it would be a good move.

    Karl Stern has launched a new Facebook page for the DragonKing Dark show at AfterDarkRadioshow.com and Facebook.com/DragonKingRadio

    WWE

    • HHH was quoted in Sky News today while appearing at the funeral of Lemmy of Motorhead:  “I remember going to him one time after getting beaten again and walking up to him to shake his hand.  I gave him a hug and he looked right at me and he goes…`man, you suck, you can’t win a match to save your life.’  I probably looked at him, stunned, and he grabbed me by the back of my neck and he said, `That’s why you’re perfect for Motorhead.’” (thanks to  Dean Ayass)
    • Kevin Owens did an interview throwing his hat into the ring so to speak for a match with Undertaker at WrestleMania with Title Match Wrestling.
    • Results from last night’s WWE show in Montgomery, AL:  Luke Harper & Erick Rowan & Braun Strowman b Dudleys & Tommy Dreamer, Neville b Bo Dallas, Jack Swagger b Bo Dallas, Fandango & Goldust b The Ascension, Kane b Bray Wyatt (Wyatt Family and Dreamer & Dudleys were all involved), Charlotte b Becky Lynch to retain the Divas title, Big E & Xavier Woods b Usos to retain the tag titles, Roman Reigns b Sheamus to retain the WWE title
    • A Road to WrestleMania house show on 3/19 at the Westchester County Center in White Plains, NY was advertised with Big Show, Bray Wyatt, Dudleys, Demon Kane, Alberto De Rio, The Wyatt Family, Kalisto and more (thanks to Mike Omansky)

    UFC

    • UFC Ultimate Insider at 6:30 p.m. Eastern tonight on FS 1 has TJ Dillashaw in his move to Colorado and Anthony Johnson is mic’d up for Ryan Bader’s last fight.  FS 1 also has Thomas Almeida vs. Brad Pickett and Dominick Cruz vs. Urijah Faber in taped matches at 10 p.m. tonight.

    MISCELLANEOUS

    • Bad Luck Fale has confirmed on Facebook that he’s staying with New Japan.
    • The New York Times has a great story on the brain injuries in a 2013 boxing match in Madison Square Garden.
    • Preview of a Sami Callihan shoot interview here.
    • NWA Parade of Champions on 3/31 in Fort Worth over WrestleMania weekend at the Ridglea Theater.  Jim Cornette will host the event and do a live podcast that afternoon.  Also scheduled are Jax Dane, Charlie Haas, Ray Rowe, Rodney Mack, Marc Lowrance, Mike McGuirk, Chase Owns, Jason Kincad, Matt Riviera, Rob Conway and NWA President Bruce Tharpe.  Tickets go on sale 2/13 at NWARingside.com
    • Fenix, Dragon and Pentagon Jr. are booked on 3/13 in Atlanta.
    • Bas Rutten became a grandfather recently.  Congratulations to him.
    • Davey Richards, who announced he is taking no more indie bookings after 5/1, will be at the 20th annual ECWA Super 8 tournament on 4/23 in Woodbury Heights, NJ.  Appearing with him in the tournament will be Jason Kincaid, Papadon, John Skyler and four more.  Richards won that tournament in 2006.
    • Freelance Wrestling from Friday night in Chicago before 300 fans:  Maxwell Chicago won over Harvey Bower, Brad Kevins, Brent Banks, Kobe Durst and Ethan Case, Matt Knicks & Chris Castro b Yabo & Ruffo the Clowns, GPA b Chase Owens, Robert Anthony b Silas Young, Stevie Fierce & Rob Matter b Bryce Benjamin & Acid Jazz, Craig Mitchell b Suge D, Isaias Velazquez b Mustafa Ali. (thanks to Lance LeVine)
    • In Your Face has its fifth annual Memories, Moments and Mayhem convention and wrestling show on 3/12 in Albany, NY at the Polish Community Center.  Bob Holly, Scott Norton and Cody Deaner are announced for the show.  The convention runs from 2-6 p.m. and the wrestling show is at 7 p.m.
    • Superkick’d on Friday night in Toronto:  Michael San Francisci & Marc Hauss b Holden Albright & Maximo  Suave, Tyson Dux b Anton Aleviev, Jake Something b Dylan Bostic, Phil Atlas won over Mano del Diablo, RJ City and EZE Eric Cairnie, Mike Rollins b Stratos Fear in a tables match, Space Monkey b Young Myles, Alessandro del Bruno & Scotty O’Shea b Ashley Sixx & Orlando Christopher-DQ, Shane Sabre b Kris Chambers-DQ.  Next show is 2/5 at the Lithuanian Center in Toronto with a ladder match (thanks to Steve Ashe)
    • Missy Hyatt headlines as a guest for Absolute Intense Wrestling on 2/12 in Cleveland at Our Lady of Mount Carmel. 
    • NWA Smoky Mountain Wrestling on 1/16 in Kingsport, TN at the Civic Auditorium with The Heatseekers vs. Jeff Connelly & Bryan Montgomery.
    • Baja Stars Wrestling on 2/20 in San Diego at the Montgonmery-Waller Rec Center has Extreme Tiger (Tigre Uno) & El Hijo de Rey Misterio vs. Mortiz & TJ Boy.
    • Cibernetico won’t be at Arena Mexico on Friday night because he’s working in Mission, TX teaming with Kraneo against Octagon & Laredo Kid at the Salon los Portales.
    • Volador Jr. defends the UIPW title against Mariachi Loco on 1/30 in Montebello, CA at the Grace Baptist Academy (thanks to Kris Zellner)
    • The Crash on 2/12 in Tijuana at Auditorio Municipal has Blue Demon Jr. & Fenix & Rey Hours vs. Teddy Hart & Johnny Mundo & Pentagon Jr plus The Psycho Circus vs. El Texano Jr. & Mr. Maldito & Taurus.
    • Lucha Libre Extreme had been off television in Fresno the last few weeks but returned last night with a highlight show.  The hosts claimed that KAIL TV in Fresno moved to a new building and some of the shows were lost as a result.  They announced tapings on 1/31 in Hanford, CA at the Civic Center with Jake O’Brien vs. Guerrera del Muerta for the U.S. title at 3 p.m. (thanks to Jon Southerland)
    • Dynamo Pro Wrestling from last night in Fenton, MO:  Bahamut b Ric Maverick, Jayden Fenix b CJ Shine, Ozzie Gallagher b Jackal, Shorty Biggs b Kiyoshi Suzuka, Outtkast  won six-way over Dave DeLorean, Billy McNeil, Justin D’Air, Evan Morris and Rocket Mapache, Mike Sydal b Elvis Aliaga, Jack Gamble & Jon Webb b Michael Magnuson & Danny Adams, Brandon Espinosa b Mike Outlaw, Ricky Cruz b Jake Dirden-DQ, Ricky Cruz & Mike Outlaw b Jake Dirden & Brandon Espinosa (thanks to Patrick Brandmeyer)
    • Hoosier Pro Wrestling from last night in Columbus, IN:  Cousin Cooter & Drax O’Brien b Bud Wright & Scarecrow Eddie Felson, Amazing Maria b Haley Shadows, Cowboy Marc Houston b Stan Sierra, Dynamite Dillen b Shawn Cook, Shawn Kemp b JKO Jr. Flash Flanagan b Vic the Bruiser-DQ, Rob Conway NC TJ Kemp.  Next show is 2/6 at the 4-H Fairgrounds with Flanagan vs. Timmy Danger in a strap match (thanks to Jerry Wilson)

    ON THIS DAY IN WORLD PRO WRESTLING HISTORY:Full history for 1/10

  • Title change taped after TNA One Night Only goes off the air

    Matt Hardy defeated Ethan Carter III to win the TNA title tonight after the PPV taping was over in Bethlehem, PA.

    The match was taped for a future episode of Impact and appeared to be a double turn, with Tyrus interfering and causing Carter to lose and end his unbeaten streak.  The stipulations was that Hardy would have to leave TNA had he lost the match.

    A match was taped last night for an upcoming One Night Only PPV between the two of them that was a no contest, but it was noted that Carter was working as the face and Hardy was working as the heel in the match.

    For those keeping track, Carter lost the title in a three-way at Bound for Glory to Hardy in a match where Carter never got pinned.  Carter filed a storyline injuction that led to Hardy vacating the title in order for him to return to television.  The belt was put up for grabs in a multi-month tournament of taped matches on Impact as it wound down on Destination America.  The tournament finals took place Tuesday on the debut episode on POP TV and saw Carter win the title, meaning he was a two-time champion despite having never been beaten in a match.  Hardy then beat him last night to win the title back.

    We have full coverage of the TNA One Night Only show up here.

  • Rocky Romero signs 2 year deal with New Japan

    Rocky Romero, who was among those who has been talked about as leaving New Japan for WWE, has signed a new deal with New Japan.

    Romero had been in talks with  WWE about a job as a “player/coach” in NXT, and told a number of people today he had decided to stay put for at least two more years.

    Romero has been working for New Japan since 2002 as a regular in the junior heavyweight division.

    After Karl Anderson, Doc Gallows, Shinsuke Nakamura and A.J. Styles all gave notice on Monday, there had been speculation that Romero, Bad Luck Fale and Tama Tonga could follow suit.

    Romero is mainly part of a tag team, Roppongi Vice, with Trent Baretta, working for both New Japan and Ring of Honor.