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  • WON Preview: Slammy Awards, MMA weight cutting

    A look at the Slammy Awards, business of the show, who watched the show, suggestions made for improving the awards show idea, some history of where it came from and what happened at the show including injury updates leads the new issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter which is up on the site right now.

    We also have a story about both the California commission, doctors, and reps from the Association of Boxing Commissions talking about the problem of weight cutting in MMA as well as all the medical issues involved, win/loss records of bigger vs. small fighters, belief of how many fighters go into fights dehydrated, the dangers of fighting dehydrated, new weight class suggestions, the good and the bad of adding weight classes, the discussion of splitting up the heavyweight division and the ONE organization becomes the first promotion to take drastic steps in this subject with a look at their new regulations.

    We also look at the life, career and significance of Lizmark, one of the biggest stars in the history of Lucha Libre, who passed away this past week.  We have his background, how he got into wrestling, his life before wrestling, why he first wore a mask, how he got the name Lizmark, his long run as a constant singles champion or top contender, his induction into the Hall of Fame, his run in the glory days of AAA, Lizmark Jr. and why he fell out of favor in WCW due to loyalty to his father, his biggest rivals, the wrestlers who emulated him and his title history.

    We look at what is next for NXT, the upcoming tour dates, reaction to Roman Reigns internally, Notes on the video game, Mauro Ranallo updates, WWE injury updates, John Cena and Dwayne Johnson news, lots of WWE U.K. date business notes, Japan TV update, Two new wrestlers making main roster debut for one tour in January and why.  We also have notes from all the weekend house shows.

    We also look at the quest to fight Conor McGregor and what is the right direction to take, plus business notes on UFC’s final show of the year in Orlando, match-by-match coverage and pay records for the show.  We also look at New Japan’s last show of 2015 and the build to the Tokyo Dome card with updates on two matches, a look at the ROH Final Battle show and plans for the anniversary show as well as updates on talent contracts and A.J. Styles, Pro Wrestling NOAH’s last show of the year and a look at their year-long program and the good and bad of it, plus the complete lineup of the debut of the new Rizin promotion this week.

    We’ve got a story on the death of Emanuel Yarbrough, a notable early UFC character who went on to pro wrestling and acting, plus have the fan voted Japanese awards and the AXS MMA awards.

    We also look at what the PPV numbers say about this year’s Survivor Series and how it did compared to last year.

    The Latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter: December 28, 2015 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: WWE Slammy Awards, MMA Weight cutting

    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” target=”_blank”>dave@wrestlingobserver.com

    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.

    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. 
    Click here for the most requested Wrestling Observer back issues.

    Check out the latest Online Wrestling Observer BACK ISSUE: November 9, 1998 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Jesse Ventura wins Minnesota Governor election, WCW trailing WWF, more
    Jesse Ventura becomes the Governor of Minnesota, WCW begins trailing WWF, ECW November to Remember recap, plus tons of news.

    Also in this issue:

    –Surprising match from 25 years ago draws the largest pro wrestling crowd of the week

    –CMLL champ drops title he’s held more than four years

    –Caristico returns to CMLL and what happened

    –Notes on CMLL’s next two iPPV shows

    –Update on Rey Mysterio and his contract

    –AAA’s next two major shows

    –Talent from AAA that has gotten offers to jump

    –All Japan announcing new title bouts

    –Update on New Japan announcing and the next two shows on New Japan World in English

    –New Year’s Eve pro wrestling notes with one of Japan’s legendary feuds back with one participant working with the son of the other

    –Atsushi Onita’s 40th anniversary

    –Konnan debuts as MMA announcer

    –Real attendance and gate for Insane Championship Wrestling big show last month

    –Joey Ryan endorsement deal

    –Latest on Vince Russo and Jim Cornette

    –U.K. star in Japanese TV ad

    –Update on major Lucha Underground injury

    –Notes on Ultima Lucha 2

    –Who is playing the son of Dragon Azteca

    –Why one of the top stars of season one isn’t back in season two

    –Jack Evans and Angelico talk their WWE offer

    –Wrestler threatens legal action against Lucha Underground

    –A look at the next several weeks of ROH television

    –More on TNA’s next PPV

    –Notes on TNA TV

    –Notes on Jeff Hardy’s TNA future

    –Who is booked for TNA’s UK TV tapings

    –Gimmick matches for TNA’s late January tapings

    –Update on Mike Tenay in TNA

    –Notes on a potential UFC movie

    –UFC fighter arrested for assault on bar owner who wouldn’t let her use the bathroom

    –Ronda Rousey up for major award

    –Lots of new fights

    –New twist in Royce Gracie vs. Ken Shamrock storyline

    –How future MMA stars did at U.S. wrestling nationals

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

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

    Click here for the most requested Wrestling Observer back issues.

  • WWE NXT Breaking Ground Episode 8: Crossroads; Scott Hall dops by, plus Sami Zayn, Dana Booke, and Apollo Crews

    Breaking Ground Episode 8: Crossroads 

    Submitted by: Ryan Pike

    Big Takeaway: Tino Sabatelli takes a step backwards, Sami Zayn works on his shoulder rehab, and Dana Brooke gets injured by Asuka’s ass on another chaotic episode of Breaking Ground.

    Show Recap: As with last week, an unfocused journey through NXT.

    Building off last episode’s cliffhanger, Triple H commends Bayley and Sasha Banks for their performance at TakeOver Brooklyn, notes that he thinks they left some “story on the table,” and asks them to main event the next TakeOver event in an Iron Man match. They (obviously) accept.

    Scott Hall visits the Performance Center for a week and is asked by Matt Bloom to work a bit with Baron Corbin. He gives him a few pointers as far as working heel goes, but aside from that and giving Apollo Crews some pointers on doing interviews – don’t make it seem like you’re cutting a promo, just speak like you usually do – he doesn’t really do much of anything.

    Sami Zayn is back at the Performance Center working on his shoulder rehabilitation and hopefully to get closer to a return. He’s not cleared yet and he does some resistance exercises that are designed to test his shoulder. Regal still thinks Zayn has a ways to go yet as a performer and wants him to focus on the basic notion of pro wrestling: at its core, it’s two people competing. Since he’s not cleared yet, he focuses on helping Tyler Breeze tutor Eva Marie. He offers her this advice on using pin-fall attempts to pace a match: “If we’re selling a story, these [sequences] are sentences, [pinfalls] are the punctuation.”

    Tino Sabbatelli is given a match, his second match ever, on a house show against Apollo Crews. He develops his character by looking at sweet suits. Tino does not look great in his match with Apollo. His striking looks terrible and he turns away from contact on a drop-kick in a way that almost endangers Apollo. Bloom gives him a rundown of what he did wrong, emphasizing paying attention to details and his striking (Vince’s motto is apparently “Men throw punches.”). Corbin pulls him aside and gives him some advice, too (noting that he’s had two matches and to put in the work). After the show, Bloom tells Tino that he’s being put back in Robbie Brookside’s beginners class (presumably so he can work on some fundamentals).

    Dana Brooke works out with the new Australian girls – Billie Kay is specifically identified – and talks about not being intimidated working with Asuka, who’s finally identified on this show. Anyway, immediately after talking about not being intimidated, she’s knocked loopy by an Asuka hip attack in a work-out and that’s the big cliffhanger: did Asuka’s ass kill Dana Brooke? (Spoiler: no.)

    In less important news: Josh from Tough Enough’s wife and daughter move to Florida finally, Nia Jax designs her ring gear for her TV debut, and Mojo Rawley has a party.

    Final Thoughts: Sadly, it was another fairly unfocused episode, as it included way too many NXT personalities for any of them to really register as important.

  • WWE Main Event Results: Tyler Breeze and Goldust fail to make the Smackdown card

    Tyler Breeze w/Summer Rae def. Goldust by pinfall

    Our opening contest is presented to us off the back of a one-week build, after Goldust’s selfie stick antics distracted Tyler into a loss to Titus O’Neil on last week’s Smackdown. It’s a measure of how far Breeze’s star has fallen that this match did not even make it on to Tuesday night’s live show – a show that, for example, featured The Ascension paying the price for not respecting decorations.

    Cute spot to begin here, where Tyler lies on the turnbuckle while waiting for Goldust to arise from his pre-match squat position, only for Goldust to then mimic him after getting the upper hand with a shoulder tackle.

    Goldust hits his reverse atomic drop, before sending Breeze to the outside and grabbing the selfie stick from a concerned Summer Rae. Breeze turns him around in fury, only to eat a forearm – allowing Goldust to take a lovely photo of himself and his fallen foe leading into commercials. Refreshing after watching this week’s Smackdown, where FOUR matches went to break right after the heel gained the advantage. Nice work, Road Dogg.

    Back with Goldust still on top, but Tyler quickly reverses the momentum by hitting a dropkick as Goldust comes off the ropes. Uninspiring heel offence follows, before Goldust briefly initiates a comeback – only to be cut-off with a super(model)kick for two. This leads us into the near-falls segment of the match, where Goldust also manages a typically crisp snap powerslam for another close two. He then inexplicably goes to the top rope, only to be distracted by Summer climbing the ringsteps in a repeat of last week’s awful Neville/Rusev finish.

    This allows Breeze to hit a second Supermodel Kick to down Goldust and secure the pinfall. Couple of mildly amusing moments from Goldust before the heat, but the rest wasn’t great – capped by a super-lame finish.

    Bo Dallas def. Fandango by pinfall

    Box-office stuff. Fandango cuts off Bo’s patented early victory lap (Bo: “I’M WINNING!”) with a clothesline, before shouting “Bolieve!” to celebrate.

    Very short match here, with not much of a structure to it. Fandango quickly starts his comeback after a Bo chinlock, hitting a dangerous looking slingshot leg drop for two. Pretty sure he connected with Bo’s face on that one.

    Fandango goes up top for The Last Dance, only for Bo to down him by hitting the ropes, before lifting him for his spinning neckbreaker off the ropes for the win.

    After the match, Bo finally finishes that victory lap, before getting on the mic to announce to the crowd that the rest of 2015 doesn’t matter – as he’s finished it a winner. He tells us that this is “just the bo-ginning”. Best of luck with that, champ.

    – We get a comprehensive look-back at Monday night’s Slammy Award ceremony.

    Jack Swagger def. The Miz by submission

    Miz holds up proceedings by flapping his arms to prepare for sunglasses takeoff, as is customary. Swagger, unimpressed, responds by making Miz wait for a rousing “We The People” chant.

    Early Swagger shine falls asunder when he attempts a suplex to the outside, only for Miz to duck under his legs, drop him on the apron and hit him with a baseball slide leading into commercials.

    Back with Miz signalling for the Awesome Clothesline (Miz: “I’m the people!”), only for Swagger to explode out of the corner with one of his own. Miz rolls to the floor to escape the ensuing Swagger Bomb attempt and decides to head up the ramp and cut his losses. Swagger chases him down however, and they do the “I’ll hold the back of your head while we walk together” spot on the way back to the ring.

    Miz gets his feet up off another Swagger Bomb attempt before hitting the DDT for two, to lead us into a very nice near-fall sequence. Said sequence culminates with Miz landing on his feet off an attempted Swagger gutwrench, before hitting a running boot to the head for two. Miz stalls and milks the crowd heat before lining up another – and hitting it. He then goes to the well a third time, only to be rolled-up for another close two-count. This allows Swagger to finally hit the Swagger Bomb at the third time of asking.

    Forearm exchange follows, which Swagger gets the best of, but Miz dodges a corner charge and finally gets that Awesome Clothesline he looked for earlier. Miz then, like Goldust, inexplicably goes to the top, only to jump right into a belly-to-belly slam and a Patriot Lock for the submission. Surprisingly good match from these two.

    Final Thoughts

    A step up from last week’s show as the so-called “featured contest”, between Jack Swagger and The Miz, was a very watchable affair. More bad news for Tyler Breeze however, as the first match of the Goldust feud that began on last week’s Smackdown wasn’t even deemed worthy of a spot on this week’s live show. Hey, at least he won for a change.

  • Daily Update: Christmas Eve! Another failure for Tibau, NOAH show announced

    We want to wish everyone reading and your families a Merry Christmas and Happy Holiday season.  And let’s do that with The 2015 Bryan and Vinny Christmas Show!

    Thanks to everyone for the nice words on the Lizmark story in the new issue and also want to thank Steve Sims for his help with the story.

    Smackdown will be replayed tonight on Syfy in the usual 8 p.m. time slot even though it aired live on the USA Network.  The lineup has:

    • Kofi Kingston & Big E vs. Lucha Dragons for tag titles
    • Dudleys & Kane & Ryback vs. Bray Wyatt & Luke Harper & Erick Rowan & Braun Strowman
    • Usos vs. Alberto Del Rio & Rusev
    • Neville & Titus O’Neil vs. The Ascension – This match has some of the heaviest stakes in wrestling history as if The Ascension wins, Christmas is canceled.
    • Charlotte vs. Brie Bella non-title
    • Dean Ambrose vs. Kevin Owens vs. Dolph Ziggler for the IC title – This match was very good.  

    Figure Four Weekly

    Figure Four Weekly (12/21/15): Hulk Hogan and Nelson Frazier Lawsuit Updates
    Transcript gives new insight into the FBI/Gawker dispute, plus WWE gives us a peek at what their termination notices look like in the Nelson Frazier wrongful death lawsuit.

    Wrestling Observer Newsletter

    A look at the Slammy Awards, business of the show, who watched the show, suggestions made for improving the awards show idea, some history of where it came from and what happened at the show including injury updates.

    We also have a story about both the California commission, doctors, and reps from the Association of Boxing Commissions talking about the problem of weight cutting in MMA as well as all the medical issues involved, win/loss records of bigger vs. small fighters, belief of how many fighters go into fights dehydrated, the dangers of fighting dehydrated, new weight class suggestions, the good and the bad of adding weight classes, the discussion of splitting up the heavyweight division and the ONE organization becomes the first promotion to take drastic steps in this subject with a look at their new regulations.

    We also look at the life, career and significance of Lizmark, one of the biggest stars in the history of Lucha Libre, who passed away this past week.  We have his background, how he got into wrestling, his life before wrestling, why he first wore a mask, how he got the name Lizmark, his long run as a constant singles champion or top contender, his induction into the Hall of Fame, his run in the glory days of AAA, Lizmark Jr. and why he fell out of favor in WCW due to loyalty to his father, his biggest rivals, the wrestlers who emulated him and his title history.

    We look at what is next for NXT, the upcoming tour dates, reaction to Roman Reigns internally, Notes on the video game, Mauro Ranallo updates, WWE injury updates, John Cena and Dwayne Johnson news, lots of WWE U.K. date business notes, Japan TV update, Two new wrestlers making main roster debut for one tour in January and why.  We also have notes from all the weekend house shows.

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

    The Latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter: December 28, 2015 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: WWE Slammy Awards, MMA Weight cutting

    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 9, 1998 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Jesse Ventura wins Minnesota Governor election, WCW trailing WWF, more
    Jesse Ventura becomes the Governor of Minnesota, WCW begins trailing WWF, ECW November to Remember recap, plus tons of news.

    TODAY’S DAILY UPDATE

    The UFC announced that they were informed by USADA of a potential test failure involving Gleison Tibau from a test taken on 11/7 in Sao Paulo, Brazil on the day of his fight with Abel Trujillo.  This was the second time USADA has informed the UFC of a potential test failure involving Tibau.  USADA will be in charge of discipline in this case and has yet to make a final ruling.  It will be interesting to see if this second positive means a longer than two year suspension and if the two suspensions will be added to each other or served concurrently. 

    Pro Wrestling NOAH, coming off their big show yesterday in Tokyo, announced that Yoshinobu Kanemaru returns to the promotion on its 1/9 show at Korakuen Hall.  They also announced a major show on 1/31 at the Yokohama Bunka Gym with the Naomichi Marufuji vs. Takashi Sugiura grudge match that was set up in yesterday’s angle where Sugiura turned on NOAH and joined Suzuki-gun.  I was told yesterday’s Minoru Suzuki vs. Marufuji match was a clear level above their previous matches and it was said to be Marufuji’s best match in years. 

    PWInsider reported that Lucha Underground may be doing a show in the Dallas area during WrestleMania week.  Some of the talent has been contacted that they may be needed that week and thus to not book themselves.

    “CONCUSSIONS”

    A story on the movie Concussions

    Movie notes we’ve been told:  The movie also has some pacing issues- it clocks in at just over 2 hours, and yet jumps between the deaths of Mike Webster (2002), Justin Strzelczyk (2004) and Andre Waters (2006) in short order. I’d probably give it 3 stars out of 4, definitely worth a watch and an engrossing dramatic depiction of a story that you both know well.

    Chris Nowinski does not get mentioned in the movie. The film portrays Will Smith’s character (Dr. Bennet Omalu) as the person who asks for and receives Andre Water’s family’s consent to have his brain tissue examined post-mortem, instead of Chris. The Sports Legacy Institute is not mentioned at all in the film or the post-script.

    Dr. Joseph Maroon, played by Arliss Howard, does not come off well at all. Smith/Omalu notices a correlation between the deceased players and documentation noting Maroon as a medical provider. Baldwin’s character (former Steelers’ Doctor Julian Bailes) arranges a meet between he, Omalu and Maroon to discuss the evidence of CTE (in what I believe is Maroon’s only in-person scene in the movie). Maroon rebuffs Omalu’s attempts at sharing the information, leading to the scene from the trailers where Omalu tearfully implores someone to “tell the truth.” In the movie, it is Maroon that he is speaking to. Maroon doesn’t come off the worst in the film (that probably falls to Roger Goodell), but he is clearly represented as acting as a barrier on behalf of the NFL.  

    WWE

    • It’s worth going out of your way to see the four-way tag match on NXT this week.
    • There will be ratings delays over the next couple of weeks because of the holidays.  Raw ratings next week will hopefully be up on Wednesday.  TNA ratings for Tuesday are expected up on Thursday.  It will probably be the same next week and then get back to normal the week after.
    • The stock continued a big pre-Christmas week, up 25 cents per share today to close at $18.77.
    • The WWE Network airs a Swerved marathon that started at 4 p.m. today.  They will also be airing a Table for 3 marathon tomorrow.
    • A story on pro wrestlers working on their Improv skills at clubs in Southern California, including Dolph  Ziggler.

    TNA

    • TNA is uploading 12 weeks worth of Impact, the entire world title tournament, with a new episode uploaded daily at 9 a.m. Eastern at ImpactWrestling.com starting tomorrow morning.  This will run until 1/4, the day before the tournament concludes on Pop TV from Bethlehem, PA.

    UFC/MMA

    Ultimate Insider airs on Sunday at 4 p.m. Eastern on FS 1 with Megan Olivi.  There will be stories with Robbie Lawler preparing for his title defense against Carlos Condit, Roy Nelson’s reactions watching the Travis Browne vs. Andrei Arlovski match of the year candidate and Joe Rogan talks about upcoming fights in 2016.

    The Countdown too UFC 195 airs Sunday at 4:30 p.m on FS 1, covering Lawler vs. Condit and Andrei Arlovski vs. Stipe Miocic.

    A Fights of the Year special will be on Tuesday at 7 p.m. on FS 1

    UFC 189, one of the biggest shows of the year, with Conor McGregor vs. Chad Mendes and Robbie Lawler vs. Rory MacDonald, will air on New Year’s Eve at 8 p.m. on FS 1

    Karyn Bryant, Daniel Cormier, Kenny Florian, Tyron Woodley and Ariel Helwani will be the crew for FS 1 covering UFC 195, which takes place a week from Saturday on PPV.

    • UFC has signed a new TV deal in the Philippines with on the Hyper Channel starting in November.
    • Emanuel Yarbrough, who passed away on Monday, when he was only 400 or so pounds, takes on Tom Erikson, who also had a long career in MMA after being one of the top wrestlers in the world, this took place at the National JC finals
    • The World Series of Fighting has a Greatest Hits show on Sunday at 2 p.m. Eastern hosted by Chael Sonnen, Bas Rutten and Todd Harris.  They will announce the company’s Fight of the Year from a fan vote, Finish of the Year and Upset of the Year.  You can vote for Fighter of the Year.
    • AP ran a story about Campbell McLaren’s Combate Americas promotion
    • Colleen Schneider vs. Raquel Pa’apaluhi has been added to the next Invicta show on 1/16 in Costa Mesa, CA.  This is another Fight Pass show.

    MISCELLANEOUS

    • Shawn Michaels has been added to the Pro Wrestling Icons and Comic Book Collectors fanfest on 4/16 in conjunction with Tommy Dreamer’s House of Hardcore show at the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia.  Michaels will be there that day from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. with $100 getting you one photo and one autograph.  Photos and autographs separately are $60.  VIP tickets are $300 that get you in front of the line and four autographs.  More info
    • Matt Farmer has an independent wrestling history story
    • A story on a 19-year-old boxer who passed away due to injuries in Michigan this past week
    • TCW has announced a $4.99 per month subscription service.
    • Smash vs. CZW on 1/16 in Toronto at the Franklin Horner Community Center.  Among the matches are Johnny Gargano vs. Sami Callihan, Drew Gulak vs. Tarik, Pepper Parks & BLK Jeez & Mike Rollins vs. Brent Banks & Super Smash Brothers, D.J. Hyde vs. Scotty O’Shea and Jonathan Gresham vs. Tyson Dux.
    • Infinity Pro Wrestling on 1/30 in Bloomington, IN at the National Guard Armory.
    • Magen Boys Entertainment on 1/27 in Vaughan, ONT at The Avenue Banquet Hall featuring Nikolai Volkoff. 
    • Barrie Wrestling on 1/30 at Ferris Lane Community Church in Barrie, ONT.
    • IHWE on 1/30 in Crowley, TX with Charlie Haas & Ray Rowe, managed by Black Bart, vs. Jax Dane & Rodney Mack, plus Blue Pants Leva Bates.  They also have a 3/31 show in Fort Worth hosted by Jim Cornette.
    • Caristico & La Mascara vs Cibernetico & Sharly Rockstar headline Arena Neza on Christmas day.  There are a ton of shows on Friday in the Mexico City area including an iPPV from Arena Mexico with 12 masked men in a cage and last man left in the cage loses his mask with Blue Panther Jr., Esfinge, Fuego, The Panther, Pegasso, Triton, Cancerbero, Puma King, Sangre Azteca, Super Comando and Tiger.
    • The Tijuana Christmas show at Auditorio Municipal has Dr. Wagner Jr. & El Hijo del Rey Misterio & Super Muneco vs. Damian 666 & Pakal & Rey Misterio II, plus Extreme Tiger (Tigre Uno in TNA) & Rey Hours (Lucha Underground) vs. Bestia 666 & X-Fly. (thanks to Kris Zellner)
    • Papadon was announced as the third man in the ECWA Super 8 tournament this year along with Davey Richards and Jason Kincaid for the show on 4/13 in Woodbury Heights, NJ.
    • Matt Tremont has opened “Bulldozer’s Collectibles, ” a pro wrestling and sports memorabilia store inside Mike’s Custom Airbrush at the Berlin Farmers Market at 41 Clementon Rd., in Berlin, NJ off entrance B-10.  It will be open Thursdays from  10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.  For more info you can call 609-289-7198.
    • My good friend, longtime reader and sometime guest Jeff Bukantz (likely the only person ringside for Bruno Sammartino vs. Ivan Koloff, Pedro Morales vs. Ivan Koloff and Randy Couture vs. Tim Sylvia title matches) will be doing the color for the Boston Grand Prix fencing championships on NBC Sports on 1/3 at 5 p.m. Eastern.  Whenever he does commentary, he almost always sneaks some interesting wrestling references.
    • ECCW on 1/16 in Vancouver, BC at the Commodore Ballroom with a show where you have to be 19 or older to attend with a cage match main event.  They also run 1/2 at the Russian Community Centre in Vancouver.
    • All Star Wrestling on 1/29 in Surrey, BC at the Alice McKay Building at the Cloverdale Fairgrounds with Azeem the Dream & Christopher Ryseck vs. Jinder Mahal & Gama Singh Jr.

    Here is today’s FULL Daily Pro Wrestling History including International history: Daily pro wrestling history (12/24): Rock & Roll Express win SMW Tag Team Titles

  • Anderson Silva will now face Bisping at UFC London 2/27

    In UFC’s biggest attempt to date to boost subscriptions to Fight Pass, it has announced that Anderson Silva will replace Gegard Mousasi in the main event of the 2/27 show at the O2 Arena in London against Michael Bisping.

    Mousasi is not injured, and MMA Fighting reported that Mousasi is expecting to be in the co-main event on the show.

    Silva was expected to headline a March pay-per-view against Vitor Belfort. UFC officials had said they were working on the fight, but it was never officially announced. Silva, 40, is currently under suspension until 1/31 due to two different failed drug tests for both steroids and anti anxiety medications, one prior to his fight with Nick Diaz, and the other on a test taken the day of the fight.

    The announced Bisping vs. Mousasi fight was an instant sellout, so ticket sales were not an issue with the card change, that UFC announced on Twitter on Thursday.

    Silva vs. Bisping is, by far, the highest profile fight that will have taken place on Fight Pass.

    This could open Belfort up for a fight with new middleweight champion Luke Rockhold. Rockhold asked for a rematch with Belfort, who knocked him out with a head kick in 2013, as soon as he had beaten Chris Weidman for the title on 12/12 in Las Vegas. The winner of the Yoel Romero vs. Ronaldo Jacare Souza fight that took place on the same show was expected to get the next title shot, but there was controversy over that decision, as Romero was judged the winner, but most felt Souza took the fight, and Romero didn’t have great momentum coming out of the show. Belfort is also a bigger name than Romero.

    UFC has taken several steps to promote Fight Pass in recent months, including adding more live non-UFC events, and has scheduled much stronger fights going forward on many of its shows that won’t appear on television.

  • WWE Tribute to the Troops results: Patriotism plus Roman Reigns says “tater tots” again

    WWE Tribute to the Troops from Jacksonville featured patriotic messages and feel-good moments in a stand-alone show with a premise of honoring United States military personnel. A notable aspect of the show was the sponsorship of Coca-Cola, which is a first for WWE. Coca-Cola was the main sponsor along with USAA, a financial services group serving the US military.

    The show opened with a video package encouraging support for the troops. Besides WWE talent, also wishing their best via taped messages to the troops were mainstream A-list celebrities. The celebrity messages were also sprinkled throughout the program as well as during the opening.

    JoJo sang “The Star-Spangled Banner” in a ring adorned with red, white and blue ropes in a throwback look to days of yore when the named ended with “Federation”. On commentary, Michael Cole mentioned his broadcast partner, JBL, was responsible for the idea that eventually evolved into Tribute to the Troops.

    Emerging from the crowd, Roman Reigns led Dean Ambrose and the Usos to the ring. This special being taped before he actually won the title, Reigns was without the WWE championship. In fact, no one appeared with any championship belts on the show. Cole on commentary talked about those in the ring that won a Slammy on Raw, meaning they taped an additional commentary track since Monday.

    Reigns was about to say the night was for thanking the troops when he was interrupted by the League of Nations. The crowd chanted “USA” and Sheamus mocked them. Sheamus said he admired the United States before insulting the country. Bad News Barrett was next to insult the US. He focused on the country’s food, calling it “complete rubbish.” Barrett also lamented on not being able to find a piece of roasted pork. Barrett said what he really wanted was a portion of spotted dick.

    Reigns scolded him and said this was a family show. Barrett said he was talking about pudding. Alberto Del Rio suddenly interjected himself into the debate by trashing American television programming. He brought up futbol. Del Rio basically claimed American football was invented so Americans could be the best at it since nobody else plays the sport. He said not to get him started on country music.

    Sheamus said not to get him started on Ireland before he endlessly put his country over. Sheamus listed a number of attributes like Ireland has the most beautiful women and such. Reigns interrupted him.

    “You’re forgetting something,” Reigns said. “You also have the smallest tater tots.” The crowd chanted “tater tots” as Sheamus fumed. The tater tot insult strikes again.

    Reigns challenged what he called the “League of Idiots” to a fight. The League of Nations marched into the ring to confront Reigns and company. The arena suddenly went dark as the Wyatt Family entered the scene. Everyone seemingly waited patiently as they did their full entrance.

    To even the odds, the Dudleys followed by Ryback and Kane came to the ring. Everyone began brawling both in the ring and around it in what Gordon Solie might have described as a “pier six brawl.” This set up a sixteen-man tag team main event for the main event.

    Jack Swagger beat Rusev (with Lana) via submission in a boot camp match

    Beforehand, Lana and Rusev cut a promo in a foreign language. The entrance of Swagger interrupted them. Military equipment and gear sat around ringside for use in the match. Given the setting, Swagger was over as the crowd chanted “USA” before he applied an ankle lock. Lana handed Rusev an ammunition box and Swagger broke the hold. Rusev hit Swagger repeatedly with the ammo box and proceeded to get heat on him. JBL called it “an old fashioned Cold War beat down.”

    Swagger sent Rusev over the ropes and out to the floor where he clotheslined then suplexed Rusev on to a cot before a commercial. After the break, Rusev hit Swagger with a footlocker case and a helmet. Rusev got more heat on Swagger. Rusev waived the Bulgarian flag. He wedged a case between the top and middle ropes in a corner, which would come into play later on.

    At ringside, Swagger grabbed Old Glory and waived the flag. The display of patriotism allowed him to hulk up into a comeback as he ran wild on Rusev. He used the Swagger bomb for a nearfall. Rusev avoided the ankle lock and hit a superkick for a two count. Moments later, Swagger applied the ankle lock.

    Rusev tried to counter the hold and send Swagger into the case wedged in the ropes. Swagger avoided colliding into the case. Rusev charged in, Swagger sidestepped him and Rusev hit the case. Swagger then applied the ankle lock and Rusev tapped out for the submission.

    A video package highlighted Batista and Titus O’Neil’s involvement in supporting the troops. In a clip from a speech addressing the military, Titus said, “If you look around you’ll see people from all different backgrounds. This is what life is about to me. When I help the homeless or when I go visit hospitals people don’t look at me just as [a] WWE superstar, they look at me as a human being. That is what I look at each and every one of you as.” He went on to say more inspiration words about being a winner. This is the Titus O’Neil that could be a babyface superstar, not the one dimensional character usually portrayed on WWE programming.

    Mark Henry beat Bo Dallas via pinfall

    Dressed as Uncle Sam, Bo acted wacky and wrestled with a hat on his head. Henry pummeled him and used the world’s strongest slam for the pin. Henry snatched the hat away from Bo and put it on his own head to celebrate.

    Train performed their song “Merry Christmas Everybody”.

    Kevin Owens sauntered to the ring while cutting a promo. He said since the night was about paying tribute he wanted to pay tribute to Canada. More specifically, he put over Quebec in saying everything there was better than in the US. He spoke briefly in French. The “Feed Me More” theme and entrance of Ryback interrupted him.

    Ryback beat Kevin Owens via countout

    Ryback tried to maul Owens at the outset and gave him a delayed vertical suplex. Owens cut him off by snapping his neck on the top rope. With Ryback in a headlock, Owens shouted “O’ Canada” and yelled he was ready to get out this place. Ryback started a comeback and delivered the meathook clothesline. Ryback picked Owens up for the shellshock, but Owens maneuvered to the apron where they simultaneously punched each other. Ryback fell back in the ring and Owens fell to the floor. Owens teased breaking the count before waving his hands to signal he was leaving. Owens was subsequently counted out.

    A video package told the story of a US serviceman spending his third wedding anniversary with his wife backstage at the Tribute to the Troops taping. It showed the couple hanging with WWE talent and it also included product placement with Coca-Cola. A live shot showed the couple at ringside drinking bottled Cokes.

    Howie Mandel made an appearance before the live crowd. He put over the military and thanked them for their service. He then did a stand-up routine about bathroom attendants. Mandel said he was a fan of WWE and mentioned he wrestled in high school. He showed a yearbook photo of himself in his wrestling gear for comedic effect.

    He brought up the presidential election. Mandel asked the crowd what they thought of Donald Trump. The WWE Hall of Famer got a mixed reaction. Mandel made a joke about Trump. He talked about doing kids programming. He concluded by jokingly mocking a fan in the crowd before saying his goodbyes.

    Sasha Banks & Naomi & Tamina & Paige beat Charlotte & Becky Lynch & Brie Bella & Alicia Fox

    The heels got heat on Brie after she took a wicked-looking clothesline from Tamina. For the hot tag, Becky came in running wild. She was cut off as several women came in to do various spots. For the finish, Sasha executed a backstabber on Alicia and floated over into the bank statement. Alicia tapped out to give Sasha’s team the win via submission.

    Another video package highlighted WWE talent supporting the troops set to a song by Tim McGraw.

    Train performed their 2001 pop hit “Drops of Jupiter”.

    Following a commercial break, the sixteen-man tag team main event was joined in progress.

    Roman Reigns & Dean Ambrose & Jimmy Uso & Jey Uso & Ryback & Kane & Bubba Ray Dudley & Devon Dudley beat Sheamus & Alberto Del Rio & Bad New Barrett & Rusev & Bray Wyatt & Erick Rown & Luke Harper & Braun Strowman

    The match included lots of tags and lots of action. They built to, and the crowd popped for, two monsters colliding when Kane squared off with Strowman. The heels got heat on Kane but he singlehandedly cleaned house before a commercial.

    After the break, the heels got heat on an Uso until a hot tag to Ambrose. Dean ran wild in the ring and knocked all the heels off the apron. Ambrose jumped off the top with a flying elbow drop on Harper. When Ambrose went to cover Harper, Rowan broke up the pin and a melee ensued. The Dudley did the wassup spot to Rowan. When they went to get the tables, everyone started brawling.

    As everyone brawled, Ambrose did a tope and the Usos also did dives to the outside. They teased a bunch of finishers and the babyfaces all helped in knocking Strowman out of the ring. Ambrose used dirty deeds on Harper to score the deciding pinfall.

    Afterwards, the babyfaces celebrated and a gigantic American flag unfurled above the ring for a patriotic closing. 

  • December 28, 2015 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: WWE Slammy Awards, MMA Weight cutting

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    Current subscribers click here to continue reading.

  • TNA Impact debut on POP TV ratings, January 8th PPV confirmed

    TNA’s debut on Pop TV last night drew 111,000 viewers for a “Best of” show which had little going for it past Internet and social mediapromotion.

    TNA and Pop TV had been pushing 1/5 as the debut of the show, built around the final four in the world title tournament.  It was only in the past week when the announcement was made that it would debut with taped programming last night in its new Tuesday at 9 p.m. slot..

    The audience was barely half of the “Days of our Lives” show that did 211,000 viewers.

    While the lack of publicity and fact it wasn’t a new episode means the number really can’t be taken as a strong sign of where they will end up, it is a number that points to where the TNA base audience is at this point.  Between the change of network and change of day, and TNA, with the exception of the move from late Saturday to Thursday prime time, has always taken a hit when changing days, it took take some time before TNA gets to where it will probably be.

    However, the idea that they will get back to Spike levels, which Pop TV execs spoke of, doesn’t seem likely.

    It has been confirmed by TNA that there will be a live PPV show on Friday, 1/8, from Bethlehem, PA.

    inDemand literature had come out advertising the show, taking place three nights after the debut on Pop TV, for a show called “One Night Only Live.”

    That was the name of the show that was originally planned to be taped in India during the canceled tour, as a live special in that country, and would air starting 1/8 as the One Night Only show in the U.S.

  • Daily Update: John Cena guest hosts Today Show, OneFC weight cutting reform

    UFC Tonight at 7:00 p.m. ET on Fox Sports 1 is their “Best of 2015” special. Hosts Kenny Florian and Daniel Cormier, along with Karyn Bryant and Ariel Helwani, take a look at the UFC’s best fights and fighters in 2015, and preview the biggest bouts coming up in 2016.

    NXT at 8:00 p.m. ET on WWE Network consists of the non-TakeOver matches taped last week in London: The Hype Bros vs. The Vaudevillains vs. Chad Gable & Jason Jordan vs. Blake & Murphy, Elias Samson vs. Bull Dempsey, and Sami Zayn vs. Tye Dillinger.

    WWE Tribute to the Troops.at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT on USA Network is the show that was taped two weeks ago in Jacksonville.

    ROH at midnight ET/PT on COMET has Caprice Coleman vs. Will Ferrara, The All Night Express vs. Donovan Dijak & Ken Phoenix, and a ten man tag with Mark Briscoe, Moose, Roderick Strong, Cedric Alexander, and Matt Jackson vs. Cliff Compton, Jay Briscoe, Adam Page, Cheeseburger, and Jay Lethal.

    Figure Four Weekly

    Figure Four Weekly (12/21/15): Hulk Hogan and Nelson Frazier Lawsuit Updates
    Transcript gives new insight into the FBI/Gawker dispute, plus WWE gives us a peek at what their termination notices look like in the Nelson Frazier wrongful death lawsuit.

    Wrestling Observer Newsletter

    Conor McGregor winning the UFC featherweight title, the story behind UFC 194 and the path of Roman Reigns to the WWE title are the lead stories in the new double issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter with coverage of so many major shows over the past week.

    We look at McGregor’s financial  goals, the business of UFC 194 and the records set, early PPV projections, what is next for McGregor, TV viewership numbers in the U.S. and Brazil, , as well as the path of McGregor to being the No. 1 male star in the promotion.  We look at Frankie Edgar as a contender, potential of UFC 200 if Ronda Rousey and Conor McGregor are booked on the same show, the last two PPV shows, Rousey vs. McGregor as draws, Luke Rockhold’s middleweight title win, looking at the Yoel Romero vs. Chris Weidman judging and the future of the middleweight division.

    We also look at the path of Roman Reigns to the WWE title, the increased viewership on Raw, where the new viewers came from and how viewership differed from recent weeks.  We look at the reaction to Reigns, and the storylines that led to that reaction.

    We’ve also got complete rundowns on WWE TLC, NXT Takeover, as well as all three UFC events, including match-by-match coverage, business notes, star ratings and more.

    We also have a look at Mauro Ranallo’s signing with WWE, his background, how the deal came to fruition and the path from announcing pro wrestling on TV while a teenage on national television in  Canada to the WWE 30 years ago, with stops in kickboxing, MMA and boxing in between.

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

    The Latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter: December 21, 2015 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Conor McGregor wins UFC Featherweight title, Roman Reigns WWE Champion

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    Click here for the most requested Wrestling Observer back issues.

    Check out the latest Online Wrestling Observer BACK ISSUE: November 9, 1998 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Jesse Ventura wins Minnesota Governor election, WCW trailing WWF, more
    Jesse Ventura becomes the Governor of Minnesota, WCW begins trailing WWF, ECW November to Remember recap, plus tons of news.

    TODAY’S DAILY UPDATE

    WWE/Pro Wrestling

    • John Cena, who returns on Raw Monday with a US Title match versus Alberto Del Rio, will guest-host the Today Show on Monday and Tuesday.
    • In what has turned out to be news to several in TNA, last night’s show is up not only on demand but in HD on the POP TV website.  POP is available in more of the country than Destination America, but if you don’t get the channel, last night’s show is up there and hopefully all future shows will be as well.
    • We also got a lot of complaints about the picture quality of the TNA show last night.  Because POP TV used to be the TV Guide channel, the channel guide is still up there and takes up the bottom ⅓ of the screen.  We have gotten reports from people who did not see the channel guide, and we are told that there are two POP TV channels, one with the channel guide and one without.  You can check to see if you have both on your cable system.  Some people do, but most seem to have either one or the other.
    • It also appears TNA will be airing a live PPV on January 8th at 8 PM.  It’s titled TNA One Night Only LIVE from Bethlehem, PA.
    • Jeff Hardy was on Ric Flair’s podcast and said there was a “huge possibility” that he might return to WWE down the road.  He said he and Matt would love to end their careers in WWE and have one more series of matches with the Dudley Boys.  
    • Blog on the Forbes site says Brock Lesnar is the Superstar of the Year.
    • Mike Tenay talks breaking into pro-wrestling plus his Las Vegas gambling podcast.
    • LA Weekly has a story on WWE wrestlers on the comedy scene, including Dolph Ziggler.
    • Although it’s a holiday week, the only changes to the programming schedule are as follows:

    * The Christmas Eve Bryan and Vinny Show will be our annual CHRISTMAS SHOW, two hour of drunken revelry and special guests

    * Christmas Day’s Wrestling Observer Live will be a replay

    * After Dark Radio Sunday will be a replay

    All other shows will be on as scheduled.

    • Cincinnati Bengals offensive tackle and NFL Players Association President Eric Winston has joined Chicago Bears legend and 1985 Super Bowl champion Gary Fencik in pledging his brain to the Concussion Legacy Foundation for research as part of ‘My Legacy‘.  The campaign was launched to recognize individuals who have made a lasting contribution to research and awareness of concussions and CTE, and to encourage others to participate and create their own legacies.

    UFC/MMA

    Here is today’s FULL Daily Pro Wrestling History including International history: Daily pro wrestling history (12/21): Jeff Jarrett wins USWA Southern Title

  • One Championship’s new anti-dehydration weight cutting policies and analysis

    One Championships has announced that they will no longer allow weight cutting by dehydration and have implemented new regulations and policies to enforce this change. This is a great idea conceptually, but will they be able to pull it off? What they are suggesting seems like a logistical nightmare, but at least it’s something. As a long time observer of Asian MMA, I can tell you, it’s not high on standards and regulation enforcement. However, I’m happy they are attempting to change the policy of weight cutting, and really, they had to given the most recent death of Yang Jiang Bing, the 21-year-old who died cutting weight in preparation for a fight in One Championships on December 11, in Singapore. My thoughts will be in italics after the regulation.

    GENERAL REGULATIONS & POLICIES RELATED TO ATHLETES’ WEIGHT

    1. Athletes must submit their current walking weight and daily training weight regularly. Athletes will input and track their daily weight online via a dedicated web portal. Athletes may input data weekly but must include daily weights. — This is a great idea and is something that is already imposed to a degree in high school wrestling, but obviously this can easily be gamed by lying athletes. I’m sure athletes will argue that this is too frequent, and really, it is too frequent, but I understand the attempt at accountability. Start strong. You can always back it off later.

    2. Athletes will be assigned to their weight class based on collated data and random weight checks. Athletes are not allowed to drop a weight class when less than 8 weeks out from an event. — Another great policy, especially the first part. Your weight class should be based on data. What a novel concept! We use science to answer a question about biology, it’s genius! I’m not sure what is intended with part two because if you’re booked to fight, it’s not like a month in advance you’re going to say, “Hey opponent, I’m going to drop to 145, so if you want to fight, you have to meet me there.” I’ve never heard of that happening. It’s an attempt at something, but I’m not sure what.

    3. During fight week, weights are checked daily. Urine specific gravity will also be checked the day after arrival and 3 hours prior to the event.  Athletes must be within their weight class and pass specific gravity hydration tests all week and up to 3 hours before the event.  If an athlete falls outside the weight, or fails a test, they are disqualified from the event.  Doctors may request additional testing at their discretion. — The specific gravity thing is currently being used in high school wrestling, and I’ve seen it gamed first hand. I actually sat in on a meeting while the coaches discussed how to beat this. If they are really going for something legitimate, then this is a no-brainer rule, but it needs to be subject to examination by non-crooked doctors/trainers, that’s all I’ll say.

    4. Catch weight bouts are allowed. However, the athlete with the higher weight will not be heavier than 105% of the lighter opponent’s weight. — This is fine, but seems needless. Once guys are fighting in their proper weight classes, there won’t be a reason to have catch weight matches. The reason GSP vs. Anderson Silva was ever possible was because they were going to do it at 177 or something close, with the theory that since GSP has a huge cut to 170, he’ll sacrifice a bit of size for a little less suffering during the cut, and all Silva needs to do is dehydrate 8 more lbs down from 185 which he’s done before. OR THEY COULD HAVE BOTH FOUGHT AT 195! The thing that is dumb about catch weights is that it’s just like saying, “Weight classes don’t really mean much.” Which is fine, but you’re saying the exact opposite by enforcing them. Catch weight matches should not really need to exist. 

    5. ONE will conduct random weight checks on athletes at our discretion. — Solid. Now let’s see if it happens.

    6. Athletes may petition to change weight classes outside of the 8-week competition zone and must be within their new desired weight at that time. In addition, athletes must pass a specific gravity urine test when their weight is within the limits of the newly petitioned weight class. ONE doctors can request additional testing to determine the amount of weight drop allowed over a specific time. — This stuff is all good and practical, but unless you’re monitoring the fighters all year with in depth body fat analysis, specific gravity, hydration, etc. what will happen is that guys will just end up cutting much earlier, just to get the declaration of a weight class. This means that now the fighter will be potentially, under weight, under fed, under hydrated, and in a worse state physically for his 8 week camp. They are claiming that this will be a sweeping, contractually long policy, but I’m skeptical. Will they really send doctors to just check weights? Maybe.

    7. The usage of IVs for the purpose of rehydration will not be allowed. — That’s good. It seems to be working for the UFC thus far. 

    Overage and limits of weight reduction:

    · 3 weeks to event day: Athlete must be within contracted weight class

    · 4 weeks: 1.5% bodyweight over max

    · 5 weeks: 3%

    · 6 weeks: 4.5%

    · 7 weeks: 6%

    · 8 weeks: +6% max over.

    (ONE Chief Doctor may approve up to +/- 0.5% maximum error in any weekly weight check)

    Final thoughts: My predicition is that for at least the first year, this will be a disaster. The mentality of the fighter does not change even when the rules change. Just as we see with PEDs, testing evolves behind the discovery, which is to say, they make the new steroid first, then it gets out there, then they develop the test. There will definitely be a window of time where we see a lot of fights cancelled becasue dehydration is inherent in the sport and fighters are attempting to game the system. Good coaching is the only way to really stop this, but this is a great first effort, and I applaud One Championship for making the effort.