Through the Hollywood Reporter, WWE announced a streaming deal with the Chinese service PPTV to air Raw, Smackdown, and PPV events in the country via Internet streaming starting on 6/28 with the shows airing a few hours after they air in North America.
Additionally, WWE announced the signing of their first Chinese-born talent, as well as a September 10th live event — their first event there in more than three years.
The WWE held a press event in Shanghai earlier today with Michelle Wilson, John Cena, Jay Li (Vice President and General Manager of WWE’s Shanghai office), Paul Levesque, as well as PPTV’s Stephen Zhang and Shanghai Expo’s Ding Hao present.
Up to this point, WWE had just a one hour edited version of Raw as its only television available in much of the country. The shows will air in Mandarin, and WWE will also debut a Mandarin language website.
PPTV and PPTV Sports will stream the shows on Smart TVs, set-top boxes, mobile devices, and tablets, as well as their websites. There will also be specialized Chinese programming on those services.
On the in-ring side, Bin Wang is now under a developmental deal, the first wrestler of Chinese ancestry to be with the promotion. Often known as Wang Bin, he has been a regular undercard wrestler for Antonio Inoki’s IGF promotion in Japan. The Inoki group first reported on his signing with WWE Wednesday night and wished him well. He starts this weekend with the promotion.
In conjunction with the news, WWE has reached a deal with Expo Group as live promoters, and announced a 9/10 live event at the Mercedes Benz Arena in Shanghai.
The WWE and UFC have both been attempting to open up shop in China. For both groups, it has been a slow-moving and often frustrating endeavor.
“Today’s historic announcements further demonstrate WWE’s long-term commitment to China,” said Vince McMahon. “Partnerships with PPTV and Expo Group, as well as the signing of Bin Wang, will enable us to engage our fans in China like never before.”
Gilberto Melendez, who for years was known as the oldest active pro wrestler, passed away Wednesday night.
Melendez wrestled regularly until about five years ago, and was one of the few people who wrestled in seven different decades. While there was a 1950s era Midwest junior heavyweight start Gypsy Joe who preceded him and who his records are sometimes confused with, he was a legitimate name from the 60s through the early 90s when he worked under a mask as El Grande Pistolero.
He wrestled under a number of other names, including Gene Madrid, not to be confused with Jan Madrid.
He was best known as a mid-card regular in the 70s and early 80s with All Japan Pro Wrestling with his gimmick being his toughness and his ability to absorb wickedly hard chair shots, often to the back but sometimes to the head. He was also a training fanatic who maintained an impressive physique into his late 50s and, to a degree, into his early 70s.
He wrestled regularly in Japan from 1977 to 1993, starting in the IWE promotion where he had bloody matches with Rusher Kimura, including being the first person to come off the top rope in a cage match. After IWE went down, he began as a regular with All Japan, working mostly mid-card matches. At the end, he was working for the W*ING promotion, although he wrestled as late as 2002 in Japan. He was known for hardcore brawling and bloody style matches.
He was best known as a journeyman wrestler in Tennessee with his best success coming from 1977 to 1980 working for Nick Gulas where he held a multitude of tag team championships with Frankie Martinez under a mask as The Blue Infernos.
He started wrestling in 1951 in Puerto Rico, and came to the U.S. in 1963, working for the WWWF.
Joe had serious health issues with gout in recent years which caused his right foot to be amputated in 2013.
The bidding period is expected to end this week, on or around 6/16, regarding a sale that is expected to be in the $4 billion price range for 100 percent ownership of the UFC.
ROH made a big announcement today, that they will be returning to the famed Hammerstein Ballroom in New York City for their biggest PPV of the year, Final Battle. This will mark the first time ROH has run the building since 2014. The company has declined to use the Hammerstein due to increasing facility rental costs, but recently decided to head back to the building. The Hammerstein Ballroom will now be the site of all of ROH’s future NYC shows. This site has a lot of history, and should be good news for fans who remember the amazing ECW shows from the late 90’s and early 2000’s that took place in the iconic building, as well as ROH’s previous tenure in the location.
TNA will be rebroadcasting last night’s Gold Rush show tonight on Pop TV. Apparently there were some technical difficulties due to weather that prevented the show to be seen in its entirety in certain markets. That show will at 9pm eastern tonight.
TNA tapes in Orlando tonight, while NXT will be in Liverpool, England.
The 10th annual Wrestling Observer/F4W convention in Las Vegas takes place during UFC’s International Fight Week from July 7 – 11.EdinSanAntonio has information up on Facebook, or you can email him at F4Wfan@hotmail.com (Apparently Ed has blocked Bryan Alvarez from attendance in response to Bryan blocking Ed on Twitter… LOL) – It’s always a fun time, so hurry up and make your plans to join Dave Meltzer, Bryan Alvarez (yes he’ll be there), Vinny, Granny, and the rest of the group in beautiful Las Vegas this July
If you’ve ever wanted to WATCH our radio shows here on the site, check out our Youtube page! No full video shows, but lots of video clips, full free audio shows that you can tell your friends about, and much more to come! Make sure you subscribe today!
Figure Four Weekly 6/13/2016: Gawker files for bankruptcy – Depending on your point of view, Hulk Hogan went one step further towards either succeeding or failing in his lawsuit against Gawker Media last Friday when the company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, the type that allows the company to continue operating.
A look at the lives and careers of Muhammad Ali and Kimbo Slice, the return of Brock Lesnar to UFC and the story behind it and coverage of the Best of the Super Juniors tournament are the lead stories in this week’s issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.
Our Ali story talks about the changes in public opinion on him going through the years, his place in culture, the Ali-Frazier fight, the Ali-Liston fights, his being banned from boxing, the creation of different world titles, the Ali-Foreman fight, the Thrilla in Manila, the inspiration of the movie Rocky, what Ali took from pro wrestling, Gorgeous George and Fred Blassie, and what he gave back to pro wrestling, the Ali vs. Inoki story, Ali’s appearances in relation to pro wrestling, Ali’s pro wrestling matches that are often forgotten, Ali working the first WrestleMania and the Superdome in New Orleans for Bill Watts, the sad ending of his career and the fraud on the public that was the Larry Holmes fight.
The death of Kimbo Slice is also covered. Read about the circumstances leading to the death, how he became famous, his real background, what he did between football and MMA, the Sean Gannon fight, Elite XC, his television ratings records, the crazy night that was supposed to be the Ken Shamrock fight, the death of Elite XC and how media a misunderstanding ended the promotion, Kimbo’s days in UFC, the highest rated season of Ultimate Fighter, and sustaining the drawing power. Plus, a look at Kimbo Slice and pro wrestling and why it was about to happen, and how it fell apart, is covered. There’s also look at Slice in boxing, and the Dada 5000 fight.
Finally, read about the Brock Lesnar to UFC deal, what Lesnar said about why he’s coming back should it be believed, the choice of Mark Hunt as the opponent, why the deal took so long to be announced, how this affects pro wrestling, Lesnar’s regrets about re-signing with WWE but why you can question that, the drug testing issue and the Ariel Helwani issue that reporting the story first turned into.
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.
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.
Former Bellator lightweight champion Will Brooks (18-1) has signed a deal with the UFC and will debut on July 8th against Ross Pearson on the TUF 23 finale show in Las Vegas. Brooks was released from Bellator recently after an impasse on where both wanted his career to go. After twice beating Michael Chandler in two title fights, he successfully defended his title twice before the release. He goes into the Pearson fight on a seven fight win streak, while Pearson is 4-4 in his last eight.
For the first time ever in women’s wrestling, the SHINE champion, the SHIMMER champion, and the TNA champion will face each other this Friday at the SHINE 35 iPPV in Ybor City, FL. SHINE’s titleholder is Taylor Made, Shimmer’s champ is Madison Eagle, and TNA’s is Allysin Kay, and the loser will drop their belt. The show will also feature a Money In The Bank match between Kellie Skater, Mia Yim, Santana, and Nicole Matthews.
Former UFC fighter John “Doomsday” Howard will debut for World Series of Fighting this Friday on NBC Sports Network. He received a late-notice injury replacement today as his original opponent Thiago Meller pulled out due to injury and he’ll now face Michael Arrant.
WWE & Pro Wrestling
Here’s a feature on Australian talent Damian Slater being tabbed for the WWE Cruiserweight tournament.
2K announced they have made some updates for the WWE Supercard game with “Money in the Bank, a persistent new game mode where fans can pick battles, earn and collect contracts, as well as redeem rewards for defeating their opponents”. Here’s the download.
The Fight Network presents an MMA Tripleheader this Friday, June 17 with WSOF, Hard Knocks & RFA. The broadcast begins live at 9 p.m. ET with World Series of Fighting 31: Ivanov vs. Copeland from Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket, Conn., followed by Hard Knocks Fighting 50 live from Calgary, Alberta, Canada’s Century Casino at 11 p.m. ET. Finally, RFA 39: Barcelos vs. Moffett will air via short tape delay from Indiana’s Hammond Civic Center at 2 a.m. ET.
Bellator 156 runs Friday night with a main event of Marcos Galvao vs Eduardo Dantas in a Bantamweight title fight that was originally scheduled for October of 2015 and later postponed to February of this year. Former middleweight champion Brandon Halsey also fights on the undercard for the first time since losing his title to Rafael Carvalho
This Friday’s AXS TV show is RFA 39 from Hammond, IN. Featherweight champion Raoni Barcelos (9-1) puts up his title against Bobby Moffett (also 9-1) in the main event.
Fedor Emilianenko will fight on UFC Fight Pass on Friday against Fabio Maldonado for Russian promotion Fight Nights. Earlier in the day, Fight Pass will also broadcast BRACE 41 from New Zealand. Greg Atzori takes on Kieran Joblin in a lightweight fight in the show’s main event. Faith Van Duin, fresh off a first round KO loss to Cris Cyborg in an Invicta title challenge last July, drops to Bantamweight to face Charlene Watt in the co-main.
Hard Knocks 50 will air Friday night on streaming service GFL.TV as well as the Fight Network in Canada. The main event is a bantamweight title fight with Jesse Arnett defending against Mike Hernandez. Arnett has made no secret about wanting a shot in UFC
The sequel to Jean-Claude Van Damme’s cult classic action film, HARD TARGET 2, arrives on Blu-ray, DVD, and Digital HD September 6. This movie stars Scott Adkins, and NOT JCVD. Check out the new trailer here.
Results: Pure Wrestling Association, from May 28th, 2016 in Campbell River, BC – Nolan James defeated Chris Dexton, BJ Laredo defeated Shreddz, Cremator Von Slasher w/Riea and Rigor Von Slasher defeated Zakk Green, Scott Steel defeated Bishop to remain Pure Violence Champion, E.O. Mike Becherer defeated Nolan James to remain VIPW Vancouver Island Champion, Krofton defeated Lak Siddartha w/ Riea and Rigor Von Slasher
Results: High Impact Wrestling Evolution 6/10 Regina, Saskatchewan, Cannonball Kelly def Bucky McGraw, Alexander Prime def Amir Jordan, El Asesino (c) def Brett Morgan by DQ, The World Class Renegades (Ace Riviera & Shaun Moore) (c) def The Brotherhood (Dixie Dragon & Jacob Creed), Tony Cage def Brett Evans, Team Flex Appeal (Michael Allen Richard Clark & Mike McSugar) def Merle Graves & Shao Ming, HIW Central Canadian Heavyweight Title Match Tyler Colton (c) def Mentallo
Results: Kat Von Heez def Slammer, Big Jess Youngblood def Barricade, Britton Baylis & Steven Styles def Mutato & Rex Roberts, RCW British Commonwealth Title Match Scott Justice (c) def Tiger Ali, Leon Grayson def Zarif Metovic, RCW Canadian Heavyweight Title Match Bobby Sharp (c) def Nite
SUMMER EVENTS CALENDAR
June 17 – Absolute Intense Wrestling at Mentor-on-the-Lake, OH at Tequila Jaxx with Joey Janela vs. Facade, Shayna Baszler vs. Veda Scott, Laredo Kid, & B.J. Whitmer
June 17 – AAW “Killers Among Us,” Drago vs. Chris Hero, at 115 Bourbon Street (3359 w 115th Street Merrionette Park, IL) Tickets available.
June 18 – MCW “Base Brawl” returns to the Regency Furniture Stadium, 11765 St. Linus DR in Waldorf, MD. Tickets here. Ron Simmons, Billy Gunn, and X-Pac will be there.
June 18 – UFC in Ottawa: Rory McDonald vs. Stephen Thompson
June 19 – Steel Pro Wrestling runs at the KoC in Hamilton, ON.
June 19 – New Japan Dominion – Tetsuya Naito vs. Kazuchika Okada in an IWGP title match
June 19 – WWE Money in the Bank from the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas
June 24 – ROH Best in the World from Concord, NC with Jay Lethal vs. Jay Briscoe for the ROH title
June 24 – Isao Kobayashi vs. Justin Lawrence will appear on Spike.com at the Bellator Dynamite show in St. Louis. This is a combo MMA & kickboxing show.
June 24 – Thrash Wrestling “Passion for Smashin” – Schubert Centre 3505 30th Avenue, Vernon, British Columbia V1T 2E6
June 25 – The United Wrestling Coalition returns to Kelly’s Bar/Banquet Hall in Wrightstown, New Jersey on June 25, 2016 for UWC Fan Appreciation Night!
June 25 – PWA Night of Champions – Century Casino Showroom – 1010 42 Ave SE Calgary, Alberta
June 25 – Pure Wrestling Association, Wakas Community Hall, 180 Tsulquate Rd, Port Hardy, BC
June 25 – Great North Wrestling returns to the Pembroke Memorial Centre, featuring Nicolai Volkoff. Tickets available here.
June 25 – The UWC returns to Kelly’s Bar/Banquet Hall, 14 Railroad Avenue, Wrightstown, NJ 08562. More information here.
June 25 – Ultima Lucha tapings in Boyle Heights, Los Angeles at The Temple
June 26 – Ultima Lucha tapings in Boyle Heights, Los Angeles at The Temple
July 1 – Pure Wrestling Association is proud to announce our 7th year as part of the Canada Day Celebration. Riverside Park Cambridge, Cambridge, Ontario N3H.
July 2 – Stars of Wrestling from Alameda, CA at the Alameda Point Gym has Bobby Lashley, Carlito and The Boogeyman appearing.
July 2 – NWA Cajun Heat in Morgan City, LA at the Municipal Auditorium with Jax Dane vs. Mustang Mike for the NWA title, and an appearance by Kevin Nash
July 7 – Rock Solid Wrestling runs in Sudbury, ON.
July 9 – Smash Wrestling in Fort Erie, ONT at the Native Friendship Center. Chris Hero will headline this fundraising event.
July 17 – Lucha by the Water ft Blue Demon Jr! – Harbourfront Centre Theatre, 231 Queens Quay West, Toronto, Ontario M5J 2G8, 3-6 pm. Tickets here.
July 17 – Premier Wrestling at the IFDES Lodge and Portuguese Hall in Gilroy, CA with Joe Graves vs. Gabriel Gallo for the Premier. Tickets at www.premierwrestle.com.
July 22 – Ignite Wrestling in Fort Pierce, FL at the National Guard Armory on a show with Lince Dorado, Mr. 450 Hammet, Lio Rush, Martin Stone, Los Ben Dejos, and more
TNA announced tonight that Gail Kim is the newest member of their Hall of Fame.
Kim has been the key player in TNA’s Knockouts division from being with the company in a manager/valet like role in its early days, starting in 2005 after being cut by WWE in late 2004. Kim started doing occasional matches in 2006. In late 2007, when TNA started its Knockouts Division and featured women’s matches regularly on television, the division was built around Kim, the first champion, and Awesome Kong, in a long rivalry.
TNA’s womens’ division, largely due to Kim and Kong, was considered superior to WWE for the early years. In 2008, WWE signed Kim away from TNA and she stayed until quitting when her contract expired in 2011. She returned to TNA at that point and for most of the past five years has been the company’s key women’s performer, most notably having some great matches with Taryn Terrell.
She has been Knockouts champion five times, tag team champions once and was also WWE women’s champion in 2003, winning the title in her television debut.
Depending on your point of view, Hulk Hogan went one step further towards either succeeding or failing in his lawsuit against Gawker Media last Friday when the company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, the type that allows the company to continue operating.
The Big Takeaway: Mainly tying up loose ends for the Money in the Bank PPV. While Seth Rollins and Roman Reigns had a faceoff to build their main event match, Dean Ambrose teased potentially winning the Money in the Bank briefcase and cashing it in that night to beat one of his former Shield mates. The relationship between Shane and Stephanie McMahon is growing more prickly as they bickered throughout the show. Charlotte and Dana Brooke are teasing a breakup after a whole month together. Last half of the show was driven by the six Money in the Bank participants. Really, the program was focused on trying to get Ambrose to be taken seriously again instead of a comedy figure.
Show Recap:
As trivial as it may seem at a time like this, Raw will have its go-home show for Money in the Bank tonight in New Orleans. Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins are expected back for the final push for their main event match at the PPV. After the curious decision to air that Rollins video last week, the question isn’t how much will he be cheered, but how much? Was last week any indication that they’re finally willing to give up the ghost on Reigns being a babyface?
This is also another show going head-to-head with the NBA Playoffs. Last time that happened was two weeks ago and it led to a wrestling-oriented program where Shane and Stephanie McMahon were limited to cameos. Last week was full of interviews, so perhaps they’ll even it up tonight.
Our coverage starts at 8 ET.
To open the show, the entire roster lined up on the ramp for a moment of silence to honor the 49 killed in the Orlando nightclub shooting. Again, Vince and Stephanie McMahon appeared but no HHH, who was in England over the weekend at the Download Festival hosting an NXT show. He also was the first recipient of the “Spirit of Lemmy Award” in honor of Lemmy Kilmister.
The New Day came out and discussed their title defense in a Fatal Fourway. Xavier Woods noticed that Kofi Kingston was wearing Stephen Curry’s Under Armour’s ridiculed shoes. Kingston joked Kingston was wearing the “I’ve Fallen and I Can’t Get Up 12s.”
Enzo and Big Cass showed up. When Enzo Amore asked “How you doin’?,” New Day muttered they were doing fine. Cass said they were going all-in in Vegas and walking out with the WWE Tag Team titles. Cass asked Kingston if he was serious with those “Jerry Seinfeld joints” he had going. Cass talked about Francesca 2, the trombone, and asked where was Woods’ girl last night? Cass said Francesca 2 was with Enzo last night, and he had his lips all over her. Enzo said he had Franny on Bourbon Street, where he played her like Louie Armstrong. He said “Enzo Satchmo had her going all night long.” Basically, Amore was dropping lots of double entendres straight from 1980s Ric Flair promos, except this was about a musical instrument. Woods said “I’m the only one who blows my girl.”
Enzo and Woods teased a verbal showdown before the Vaudevillains interrupted them. Aiden English sang like the leader of a barbershop quartet about how they were going to be the new champions. Then Karl Anderson and Luke Gallows finally came out to say they were going to be the new champions. Gallows said it would be easier than scoring a touchdown on the New Orleans Saints. This built up an eight-man tag for the night’s opening match.
Luke Gallows, Karl Anderson and the Vaudevillains defeated The New Day and Enzo & Cass (13:27)
Gallows pinned Kingston after a Magic Killer. Kingston tried an O’Connor Roll on Karl Anderson, but Gallows had just made a blind tag. Action spilled out to the floor at the finish, where Big E gave English a belly-to-booty suplex. The highlight was Kingston doing a spectacular flip tope over the post onto English and Simon Gotch that the crowd loved. First spot was English trying to flip Kingston, who landed on his feet and he pointed to the Curry shoes for a pop. Pretty good match, but this crowd was dead most of the way and we still have 2.5 hours to go.
Tonight’s series of flashback clips feature the rise of the Shield. They opened with the Shield’s debut at Survivor Series 2012, which they also aired last week during the Seth Rollins profile.
Life Lessons with Bob Backlund featured Backlund asking how Young was going to celebrate many of his upcoming wins. Young said he was going to bring back the Millions of Dollars dance. Backlund said his next lesson would be about saving money. Young asked Backland how he saved money. Backlund said this was his only pair of clothes. Young asked if that was his only pair of underwear? Backlund screamed “You gotta want it!”
Shane McMahon walked in with Stephanie talking on the phone. Tensions are rising again. They argued over who would get Raw and who would get SmackDown. Stephanie wanted both. Shane said she and HHH ran both into the ground. Corporate Kane showed up and offered his services, and handed him his resume and a letter of recommendation from the Undertaker. Stephanie left Shane alone to talk to Kane, who dropped as many references to fire as possible to let us all know he’s also the Demon Kane.
Zack Ryder talked to some unknown backstage visitors about Apollo Crews hitting Sheamus from behind on Smackdown when Sheamus walked up. Sheamus said he would give Crews a Sheamus kick and make him a joke. Ryder blurted out “Hey Apollo!” Sheamus turned his head in concern, but Crews wasn’t there. When he turned around, Ryder was gone. Sheamus vowed to kick Ryder’s head off tonight while the visitors chuckled at him.
The next Shield flashback was their face turn against HHH, Randy Orton and Bautista from 2014.
The Shining Stars did a vignette saying they take care of the beaches of Puerto Rico and don’t litter, unlike the trash infected beaches of America.
Titus O’Neal made his ring entrance for a match when Rusev jumped him from behind. As Lana watched on from the background, Rusev put him in the Accolade several times before a group of referees ordered him off. Rusev screamed over a fallen O’Neal that he was the champion.
Next Shield highlight was Rollins turn on Roman Reigns and Dean Ambrose. This was to set up the Ambrose Asylum with Reigns and Rollins, and really to reestablish Rollins as the heel again in the program.
They showed a tweet from HHH congratulating the Stanley Cup Champion Pittsburgh Penguins, who will be sent a gorgeous WWE World Heavyweight Championship belt with the Penguins logo on it.
Ambrose came out and said the Ambrose Asylum was back by popular demand. He put over the entire Money in the Bank card then brought out Rollins and Reigns. Rollins got roundly cheered despite Ambrose calling him the “scum of the Earth.” Reigns got mostly booed, and Ambrose had to clap into the microphone for him to drown out the jeers.
Ambrose was smiling and clapping as Reigns and Rollins stared at each other. Ambrose asked Rollins how his knee was doing? Rollins curtly said if Ambrose had seen his documentary on the WWE Network? He said his knee was fine. Ambrose asked how was Rollins’ face? Rollins didn’t know what he was talking about. Ambrose said Rollins’ face was killing him.
Reigns spoke up briefly but was drowned out by booing. He said it was fun on Bourbon Street last night. Rollins looked wary of Ambrose and Reigns, and Ambrose called him a party pooper. Rollins brought up past memories of beating Team Hell No and the New Age Outlaws. Rollins smiled and brought up seeing Ambrose passed out beside a dumpster one night in Salt Lake City.
Rollins said the best times inside the ring came with the Shield. He even brought up beating Bautista, and Dave hasn’t been seen since. Then Rollins said his best ever moment in the ring was when he took a chair and hit Ambrose and Reigns to end the Shield. That was supposed to get him booed. It didn’t.
Ambrose asked Reigns what we can expect on Sunday. Reigns said the big dog would walk in as champ and the big dog would walk out as champ. Rollins said he was never defeated as WWE World Heavyweight Champion. Ambrose tried to keep the two from fighting. Reigns said if Rollins was the champion, why does he have the belt? Actually, he said “this.”
Rollins said Reigns has the championship because he beat Ambrose. He beat Sheamus and he beat HHH. But Reigns has never beaten Rollins. Rollins said Reigns would have never won the championship without him. On the other hand, Rollins said everything he’s accomplished, he’s done on his own. And he will win the championship on his own. Ambrose brought up J&J Security, the Authority, Kane, etc.
Reigns said Rollins was right. Rollins broke up the Shield on his own. But the Shield had Rollins’ back, the only ones who did. And for what reason? So he could hog the spotlight. After Sunday, fans would call Reigns “the guy” not because he’s the champ, but because he beat Rollins. Ambrose wrapped up the segment by saying he could win the Money in the Bank contract on Sunday, and whether it’s Reigns or Rollins, he could cash in on Sunday to walk out as champion.
As Ambrose’s music played, Rollins pushed Ambrose into Reigns. Rollins punched Ambrose. Reigns gave Rollins a Superman Punch. Then Ambrose gave Reigns a kick to the stomach and Dirty Deeds and ended the segment looking up at the Money in the Bank briefcase. Good segment with the best mic work from Reigns since he became champion.
John Cena was shown talking to Shane backstage. Cena will have a contract signing with A.J. Styles later tonight.
Stephanie met Ambrose in the back. She mentioned that Shane was the one who brought back the Ambrose Asylum. Stephanie said that Ambrose would face Chris Jericho later tonight. It led to Ambrose saying that Stephanie had a lot of hatred and bile flowing through her veigns. Stephanie said having hatred within you can be a good thing if you know how to use it.
Paige defeated Charlotte (C) in a nontitle match (2:28)
Charlotte went for the Figure Eight, but Paige kicked her out of the ring. Dana Brooke threw Charlotte right back in the ring, where Paige gave her the Rampage for the pin. They’re already teasing a Brooke-Charlotte breakup. Natalya and Becky Lynch were at ringside on commentary. This leads to Charlotte & Brooke vs. Natalya & Lynch on Sunday. Charlotte took the face first Flair flop, which the crowd enjoyed.
Cesaro did an interview with Renee Young. Sami Zayn walked in, which made Cesaro mad. Cesaro said he was acting like a child. Zayn said, as far as he was concerned, they were equals. Cesaro said he’s been in the WWE for four years, while Zayn has been in the WWE for four months. He said Zayn still has a lot to prove and he should start tonight.
Backstage, Charlotte chewed out Brooke for costing her the match. Charlotte said she gave Brooke a chance to be part of her legacy, but if she makes the same mistake again on Sunday, there will be no room for her in the history book she’s writing.
Sheamus defeated Zack Ryder (1:54)
Sheamus won with the Brogue Kick. He put punches and boots to Ryder until Crews ran out. Crews scored a double-leg takedown, knocked him out of the ring with a forearm and Sheamus ran out through the crowd.
Another series of flashbacks, this one featurin famous monents from Money in the Bank. The opener was from 2010 Kane winning the briefcase, then cashing it in to defeat Rey Mysterio 50 minutes later. He’s still the only man to win the briefcase and the world championship on the same night.
O’Neal was shown in an Ad Council PSA paying Go Fish with his kids.
Kane talked with Shane backstage when Kevin Owens showed up. Owens wanted to see Stephanie, but when he heard she wasn’t around, he said that Alberto Del Rio only showed up to the building 20 minutes ago. Owens felt Del Rio should be taken out of the Money in the Bank match. Del Rio then walked in and said someone called airport security on him, which caused him to be held up for five hours. Del Rio blamed Owens. The two started jawing at each other with Del Rio speaking Spanish and Owens speaking French. Finally, Kane spoke up and ordered them to team together tonight against the Lucha Dragons. If the Lucha Dragons won, they would get Owens and Del Rio’s spot in the Money in the Bank match. Owens didn’t like the idea, but Shane did and it was done.
Sami Zayn defeated Cesaro (8:11)
Very good match where Zayn won with the Code Red. Fans got into it after Cesaro did his suplex from the apron into the ring. Had the most crowd heat of the night. Cesaro knocked Zayn to the floor early, blocking a springboard move with an uppercut. Zayn had a look on his face after he scored the finisher that put over the importance of finally getting a win on Raw.
There was a new feature called WWE Technology, which showed off the company’s video production truck. They also put over using green power to energize the trucks.
Cena came out for the contract signing with Styles. Cena said Money in the Bank might as well be WrestleMania, which wasn’t the first time someone has made that comparison tonight. Cena said for 15 years, people have wondered what would happen if he faces Styles. He said he loved the WWE, but year after year, the decision makers in the company said Styles didn’t belong. But through Ring of Honor, PWG and New Japan (using those names on the air), Styles has proven he belongs. Cena said he’s won 15 world championships, but Styles has won more over a 15-year span. Now, Styles has been given a chance thanks to Shane McMahon and that this would be a history making match.
Cena said the contract signing would be a little different tonight and told Michael Cole to leave. There was a table set up with a chair in the ring. Styles came out and there were the usual dueling chants. Styles said he turned Cena’s world around two weeks ago. At Money in the Bank, he would do it again. Styles said he would be the one saying “You can’t see me” because Cena couldn’t beat him.
Cena explained that there were two contracts on the table. One would guarantee a singles match between Cena and Styles with the Club barred from ringside. The other contract would have Cena vs. Styles with the Club allowed at ringside. If Styles signed the one that included the Club, it would prove how much of a bitch Styles truly is. But if he signed the one-on-one match with the Club barred from ringside. they would finally have an answer to the question of what if Styles faced Cena.
Styles brought up what would happen if Styles had been in the WWE 15 years ago? Then Cena wouldn’t have been a 15-time world champion, wouldn’t have won the Royal Rumble twice, wouldn’t be in movies and wouldn’t be on the cover of magazines. Cena screamed enough. He said he had heard the same routine from dozens of independent geeks for years and that Styles’ Club wasn’t full of bullets, it was full of bull. Cena said it was time for Styles to man up and try to prove him wrong. Cena said if Styles signed the contract with the Club, then they would need to put Styles on a fast track on Japan because he left his balls in Japan. Styles signed the contract for a one-on-one match with no Club at ringside and Cena followed.
Styles said this independent geek would beat Cena’s K-Mart shopping ass and prove it Sunday.
They aired highlights of the 2013 Money in the Bank, captured by Orton. He used it to defeat Daniel Bryan a month later.
Kevin Owens and Alberto Del Rio defeated Lucha Dragons to keep their spot in the Money in the Bank match (8:25)
Owens and Del Rio argued and nearly came to blows throughout the match. Kalisto used Salida del Sol on Del Rio, leading to the hot tag to Sin Cara. Owens was forced to use a save after Cara hit Del Rio with a Swanton, then dragged Del Rio to the corner for a tag. Kalisto attempted a tope on Del Rio, who threw Kalisto into the dasherboards. Owens pinned Cara with the Pop-Up Power Bomb. Del Rio gave Owens a Superkick afterwards and spit on him.
The Miz did another Facebook interview from the set of the Marine 5: Battleground. A stagehand gave him coffee, which Miz said was too cold.
Owens complained to Stephanie about Del Rio giving him a cheap shot. Stephanie listened to him instead of burying him. Owens said Zayn was going to be a commentary for the Ambrose-Jericho main event and asked if he could join him. Stephanie approved it. Del Rio walked up, said Owens was kissing up to Stephanie and demanded to be on commentary, as well. Stephanie said Del Rio could be guest timekeeper instead. Del Rio and Owens argued some more.
Shane and Stephanie bickered about their respective decision making. Shane said Cesaro will be the guest ring announcer for the main event. Stephanie said that Kane would be the wrong choice to run SmackDown. Kane walked in and Shane broke the news to him that he would not be running SmackDown. Kane asked if Shane’s decision was based on the whole “Jumper cables to the testicles” thing. Shane said it didn’t. Finally, Shane said Stephanie could run Raw, but he was going to run SmackDown this Thursday.
During Jericho’s ring entrance, Cesaro said he originally was from Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, but currently lives in Stupid, Idiotville. He went on to say that Ambrose looked like he had just rolled out of bed.
Dean Ambrose defeated Chris Jericho (11:53)
Jericho got the Walls of Jericho but Ambrose made the ropes. After the elbow clothesline, Ambrose blocked the Codebreaker and won with Dirty Deeds. Owens largely stole the show on commentary putting down Byron Saxton. Del Rio held the bell hammer meancingly throughout the match, but never used it.
Owens ran in and jumped Ambrose afterwards. Zayn jumped on Owens, but Del Rio gave Zayn the back stabber. Cesaro ran in and gave Del Rio a springboard uppercut. Del Rio and Cesaro brawled around ringside. Meanwhile, Owens pulled out a ladder, but Ambrose gave him a baseball slide. As the four men fought, Zayn gave them a somersault plancha. As the only man not involved in the brawl, Jericho set up the ladder in the ring and climbed to get the Money in the Bank briefcase. He unhooked it and posed on top of the ladder cross-legged.
Fedor Emelianenko was on the MMA Hour today promoting his Friday night fight on Fight Pass against Fabio Maldonado from Russia. Emelianenko said he was back in talks with UFC and they are looking at a proposed deal. He said right now it is limbo. He said it hasn’t gotten so far as talking an opponent. UFC years back was looking at Fedor vs. Brock Lesnar and had the deal agreed to when Emelianenko decided he didn’t want to fight at the time. More on the story here.
We have an article already on the front page regarding the WWE cruiserweight classic and who is in the tournament. There are some interesting names from a political standpoint entered. Clement Petiot in the tournament wrestles under the name Tristan Archer.
We’re looking for your thoughts on last night’s TNA Slammiversary show, so you can leave a thumbs up, thumbs down or thumbs in the middle along with a best and worst match Dave@WrestlingObserver.com.
We’re looking for reports on yesterday’s WWE show in Baton Rouge, anything from Lucha Underground this past weekend, as well as non-Raw notes (Superstars matches, anything not on television) from New Orleans including the return of Shane McMahon, NXT in Belfast, Northern Ireland and TNA tapings in Orlando.
Smackdown and Main Event will be taped Tuesday in Biloxi, MS and NXT runs in Dublin, Ireland. There is also an almost live Impact in Orlando as well as the taping for the following week’s show.
TNA tapings will continue on Wednesday in Orlando. NXT will be in Liverpool, England.
If you’ve ever wanted to WATCH our radio shows here on the site, check out our 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!
A look at the lives and careers of Muhammad Ali and Kimbo Slice, the return of Brock Lesnar to UFC and the story behind it and coverage of the Best of the Super Juniors tournament are the lead stories in this week’s issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.
Our Ali story talks about the changes in public opinion on him going through the years, his place in culture, the Ali-Frazier fight, the Ali-Liston fights, his being banned from boxing, the creation of different world titles, the Ali-Foreman fight, the Thrilla in Manila, the inspiration of the movie Rocky, what Ali took from pro wrestling, Gorgeous George and Fred Blassie, and what he gave back to pro wrestling, the Ali vs. Inoki story, Ali’s appearances in relation to pro wrestling, Ali’s pro wrestling matches that are often forgotten, Ali working the first WrestleMania and the Superdome in New Orleans for Bill Watts, the sad ending of his career and the fraud on the public that was the Larry Holmes fight.
The death of Kimbo Slice is also covered. Read about the circumstances leading to the death, how he became famous, his real background, what he did between football and MMA, the Sean Gannon fight, Elite XC, his television ratings records, the crazy night that was supposed to be the Ken Shamrock fight, the death of Elite XC and how media a misunderstanding ended the promotion, Kimbo’s days in UFC, the highest rated season of Ultimate Fighter, and sustaining the drawing power. Plus, a look at Kimbo Slice and pro wrestling and why it was about to happen, and how it fell apart, is covered. There’s also look at Slice in boxing, and the Dada 5000 fight.
Finally, read about the Brock Lesnar to UFC deal, what Lesnar said about why he’s coming back should it be believed, the choice of Mark Hunt as the opponent, why the deal took so long to be announced, how this affects pro wrestling, Lesnar’s regrets about re-signing with WWE but why you can question that, the drug testing issue and the Ariel Helwani issue that reporting the story first turned into.
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.
For the United States, it is $13 for 4 issues, $32 for 12, $61 for 24, $101 for 40 and $131 for 52. In Canada and Mexico, rates are $14.50 for 4, $35 for 12, $67 for 24, $111 for 40 and $144 or 52. In Europe, you can get the fastest delivery and best rates by sending to moonsault@mediaplusint.com For the rest of the world, rates are $16.50 for 4, $44 for 12, $85 for 24, $141 for 40 issues and $183 for 52.
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Bryan and I will be back tonight with Wrestling Observer Radio talking Raw, the cruiserweight tournament, Fedor and the rest of the latest news. You can send questions for the show to mailbag@wrestlingobserver.com.
Going against what could be the deciding game of the NBA playoffs, Raw could take it on the chin tonight without anything major being advertised. It’s the go-home show for Money in the Bank. More than 20 million viewers are expected to watch the game tonight.
Charlotte & Dana Brooke vs. Becky Lynch & Natalya has been added to Sunday’s Money in the Bank PPV in Las Vegas.Last night’s Stanley Cup finals did 5,407,000 viewers against the TNA show. It was the most watched NHL final ever on NBC that didn’t involve the original six teams. Last night’s game did a 35.1 rating in Pittsburgh and a 9.2 rating in the San Francisco Bay Area. The connection to wrestling includes the Penguins HBK line named after Shawn Michaels. Not missing a trick, HHH sent the Penguins some WWE title belts to wear.
The Fight Network announced today a deal to get the AXS version of New Japan World Pro Wrestling with Jim Ross and Josh Barnett as announcers. The shows will air on Thursday nights at 9 p.m. starting on 7/7.
The $1.8 million judgment awarded to Jesse Ventura in his lawsuit against the estate of Chris Kyle was thrown out on appeal in the 8th U.S. District Court of Appeals. The three judge panel reversed the $1.3 million award saying it fails under law and vacated another $500,000 defamation award but said that could be sent back to court for a new trial.
Don Frye on the return to UFC of Brock Lesnar from Submission Radio:
Don’s reaction when he saw Lesnar was returning at UFC 200
“Oh my god….. why? Why – since Mark Hunt is going to destroy him. So it’s going to be such a fun fight to watch Mark kick his head off. So I’m looking forward to it.”
Why Mark Hunt will destroy Lesnar
“Oh Mark’s an animal. Yeah he’s an animal. I mean, god damn, he’s one of the better fighters walking the planet. You know and he’s got the strength and the speed and the skill, and shit, he’s like ten-foot-tall and bullet proof.”
If Don’s surprised that Lesnar agreed to fight Hunt
“Yeah, you know, I was with everybody else. I thought they were going to give him some fish. Who’s that pro wrestler (CM Punk) that keeps bailing out of his fight all the time? Yeah, I mean, give him CM Punk (laughs) or somebody worse than that. But jeez, I gotta give it to Lesnar for accepting the fight. First you gotta step into the cage first, and then I’ll give the guy all the credit in the world just for being man enough to let that door close behind him.”
MISCELLANEOUS
Lucha Mexico, a documentary on wrestling in Mexico is scheduled for a 7/15 theatrical release in 25 markets including New York and Los Angeles. Among those in the movie are the late Perro Aguayo Jr., Blue Demon Jr., Tony Salazar, Strongman, Fabian El Gitano and more. For more info go to www.LuchaMexicoFilm.com.
Sting will be headlining a 9/17 Icons of Wrestling convention at the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia doing photos from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m and then sign autographs with no makeup from Noon to 2 p.m. VIP package if $350 for six autographs, one photo with makeup and front of the line access. One autograph and one photo with no makeup is $100. For more info go here.
Preston City Wrestling announced an iPPV of their Tribute to the Troops show on 6/25 at the Preston Guild Hall which is a free show that will draw 3,000 people. Rob Van Dam, Billy Gunn, Drew Galloway and Ken Anderson are scheduled. Sha Samuels defends the PCW title against Galloway, Anderson & Gunn face the UK Hooligans, Joe Hendry vs. Joey Hayes and more to be announced.
There is a movie that comes out on Friday in Finland on the wrestler StarBuck, whose goal was to become a musician and wrestler which has gotten awards at the Night Visions Festival in Helsinki, Finland as the Audience Favorite as well as the Critic’s Choice award at the Helsinki International Documentary Film Festival.
Honky Tonk Man and Hornswoggle are scheduled for Empire State Wrestling on Saturday night in North Tonawanda, NY at the St. Johnsburg Fire Hall.
New England Championship Wrestling’s Iron 8 results from Saturday night: Dan Terry b Beau Douglas, First round: Mike McCarthy b T.J. Warren, Kevin Tibbs b Jay Freddie, Todo Loco b Chris Escobar, Slyck Wagner Brown b Brad Hollister, Non-tourney: Giant Pharaoh b Jack Maverick, Final most falls in 45 minutes: Todo Loco won three falls to win to two for McCarthy and one for Brown and Tibbs. Loco was behind and scored two falls in the closing minutes. (thanks to Sheldon Goldberg)
NWAOnDemand.com has added a long Mongolian Stomper vs Scott Casey match today. New subscribers can get the first week free.
Pro Wrestling Revolver from Saturday night in Clive, IA: Rhino b Trevor Lee, AR Fox won scramble match over Dave Crist, Zachary Wentz, Dezmond Xavier, Chainsaw King, Connor Braxton, Kurt Stallion and KLD, Jessicka Havok b Paco Gonzalez, Scotty 2 Hotty b Jake Manning, Tommy Dreamer b Arik Cannon in an Extreme rules match, Bob Holly b Sami Callihan, Michael Elgin b PJ Black, Billy Gunn b Johny Mundo. Wentz jumped of a balcony. Holly vs. Callihan said to be a major chop fest.
CZW on 7/8 has a Freelance vs. CZW show at Bottom Lounger in Chicago and then a show on 7/9 in Dayton. They have an iPPV on 8/12 at Flyer’s Skate Zone in Voorhees, NJ.
WrestlePro on 6/11 in Keyport, NJ: Dan Maff b Bull James, Chris Avery Queling b Johnny Clash, Taboo Crew over Gino & J.J. Lee, Team Espana and Aesthetic Males, Kevin Matthews b Chris Dickinson, Fallah Bahn & Swoggle (Hornswoggle) & COPS & Merry Men in Tights b Butler Jackson,& Heavenly Bodies & Chris Payne & Brian Myers in an elimination match, Beefcake Charlie won a gauntlet match, Sonjay Dutt won six-way to keep the GFW NextGen title over Mario Bokara, Habib, Niko Rios, Bobby Wayward and Beefcake Charlie, Anthony Owens b Matt MacIntosh to keep Wrestle Pro title, Damien Sandow b Colt Cabnaa, Pat Buck b Jeff Jarrett in a cage match. Others on the show but not wrestling included Dutch Mantel, Booker T and Buff Bagwell plus at a meet and greet included Tatanka, Amber Gallows, Kevin Sullivan, Karen Jarrett, Eddie Edwards, Stevie Ray and Butch Reed.
Absolute Intense Wrestling on Friday night at Tequila Jaxx in Mentor-on-the-Lake,. OH with Ethan Cater III vs. Rex Brody, Alex Daniels vs. DJ Zema Ion vs. Flamita, Sonjay Dutt vs. Josh Prohibition, Veda Scott vs. Shayna Baszler, Brian Myers vs. Grado, plus Laredo Kid and B.J. Whitmer.
Colby Corino has been added to the 7/24 SMW show in Elizabethton, TN at the Evolution Sports Gym facing Timmy Lou Retton. Buff Bagwell & Toby Farley vs. Jordan Kage & Chris Richards headlines, plus Kevin Nash and Scott Hall will be doing a meet and greet.
Smash Wrestling on 7/30 in Oshawa, ONT at the Music Hall.
WWE announced the complete lineup for this summer’s Cruiserweight Classic tournament with some expected names and some surprises.
The only major star not previously talked about is Gran Metalik (believed to be Mascara Dorada) which is a major coup considering he’s a CMLL wrestler and with the CMLL/New Japan/ROH alliance, it becomes an interesting move on his part.
The biggest names involved include Kota Ibushi (rumored from the start) who has been taking it easy in Japan since his return after a serious neck injury; Tajiri (a former star in ECW and WWE), Brian Kendrick, Akira Tozawa, and Zack Sabre Jr. The latter just worked Kurt Angle Sunday night.
Originally, Andrade Cien Almas was to be the star of the tournament, but they’ve decided to keep him out of it and leave on the regular NXT roster.
The list:
Kota Ibushi
Gran Metalik
Tajiri
Zack Sabre Jr.
Noam Dar
Cedric Alexander (expected once he announced he was leaving ROH)
Da Mack – A German wrestler
Tony Nese – Evolve talent that qualified at Saturday’s iPPV
Zumbi – A Brazilian wrestler who had been working for Elite Lucha Libre but had kind of disappeared
Clement Petout – A bodybuilder from France
Fabian Aichner – A bodybuilder from Italy
Harv Sihra – One of the Bollywood Boyz tag team from British Columbia and half of the GFW tag team champions
Gurv Sihra – The other half of the Bollywood Boyz tag team and brother of Harv
Rich Swann – Anounced even though he’s been out of action with a shoulder injury but has apparently healed up
Brian Kendrick
Akira Tozawa – One of the top stars in the Dragon Gate promotion
Jack Gallagher – a U.K. wrestler
Johnny Gargano – a regular in NXT
Tommaso Ciampa – another regular in NXT
Ho Ho Lin – A small wrestler from Hong Kong
TJ Perkins – The former Manik from TNA who was recently cut by that promotion and works for Evolve as TJP
Anthony Bennett – A New Jersey independent wrestler
Drew Gulak – A top independent star that works in Evolve
Tyson Dux – The veteran Canadian independent star
Lince Dorado – Masked Florida independent wrestler that works in Evolve
Sean Maluta – the nephew of Afa Anoa’i, related to a number of current WWE stars
Raul Mendoza – Known as Jinzo in Mexico from the DTU promotion
Kenneth Johnson – a Detroit based independent wrestler
Alejandro Saez – A wrestler from Chile who is known as XL
Damien Slater -An Australian based independent wrestler
The final chapter in the career and life of Shohei Baba took place on the biggest show he ever main evented and the biggest show he ever promoted–some three months after his death.
