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Tag: headline

  • Daily Update: WWE Network pulls Stampede Wrestling, WWE hires new exec

    We’re looking for reports on Raw tonight from North Charleston, SC with Superstars matches, dark matches and anything else that wouldn’t be evident on the live Raw tonight, as well as reports from the WWE weekend shows in Augusta, Fayetteville and Florence, SC to Dave Meltzer

    Bryan and I will be back tonight with Wrestling Observer radio tonight talking Raw, the big weekend upcoming and taking your e-mail questions to mailbag@wrestlingobserver.com

    Smackdown and Tribute to the Troops will be taped on Tuesday in Jacksonville.

    The finals of the New Japan tag team tournament will be late Tuesday/early Wednesday from Sendai at 4:30 a.m. Eastern and 1:30 a.m. Pacific

    Yohei Komatsu & Sho Tanaka vs. Juice Robinson & David Finlay

    Jay White vs. Mascara Dorada

    Jushin Liger & Kushida vs. Tiger Mask & Ryusuke Taguchi

    Hiroyoshi Tenzan & Satoshi Kojima & Yuji Nagata & Manabu Nakanishi vs. Karl Anderson & Doc Gallows & Tama Tonga & Yujiro Takahashi

    Michael Bennett & Matt Taven vs. Christopher Daniels & Frankie Kazarian

    Shinsuke Nakamura & Toru Yano vs. Bad Luck Fale & Cody Hall

    Hiroshi Tanahashi & Hirooki Goto & Katsuyori Shibata & Michael Elgin vs. Kazuchika Okada & Tomohiro Ishii & Kazushi Sakuraba & Yoshi-Hashi

    Togi Makabe & Tomoaki Honma vs. Tetsuya Naito & Evil for the 2015 World Tag League tournament final

    Figure Four Weekly

    Figure Four Weekly (11/23/15): Lots of Updates in Hulk Hogan-Gawker case
    Lots of news including a win for Gawker, the new police report, the remaining mysteries of the case, what Bubba the Love Sponge is saying, and more.

    Wrestling Observer Newsletter

    Mick Foley’s talk on WWE creative and a look at all the new moves WWE tried this week on television is the lead story in the new issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.  We look at the changes WWE attempted after a week of record low ratings, as well as the fan questionnaire sent out, what can be learned from it, and why they are asking exactly the wrong people.  

    We also look at the strengths and weaknesses of the current WWE business, as well as why the ratings may be important, but other factors are probably more important,when it comes to WWE’s next television deal.  We look at the different potential changes in the landscape look at what aspects of business are and aren’t improving, as well as WWE’s business in the big picture.  

    He also update the situation with A.J. Styles, and the New Japan tag team tournament with standings and notes on the tournament matches over the past week.

    We also look at the TLC PPV update, more on La Sombra in WWE, questions about all the shoulder injuries, WWE security at live shows, Cena movie release, Brad Maddox firing, Maddox’s WWE history, talents WWE has shown interest in, WWE overseas tour lineup and WWE weekend live event notes and business.

    We have a look at the debut of the new Rizin promotion, major announcements for the first weekend of shows, the tournament, just how big Bob Sapp vs Akebono was the first time.

    We also have a story on the domestic abuse claims by the girlfriend of Tomoaki Honma, and his response.

    We look at the realities of the free agency of Benson Henderson, judging of the key fights, as well as  full rundown of UFC’s debut in South Korea this past week.

    We’ve got notes of TNA’s canceled tour of India, notes on the death of Tommy Gilbert and El Bello Greco, along with a feature on Stan Holek, a member of two of the most decorated tag teams of the 50s and 60s, the Lisowski Brothers with Crusher and the Neilson Brothers with Art Neilson.  We look at the unique reason why all of his success was as a tag team wrestler, his biggest rivals, and his 13 runs as world tag team champion. 

    We’ve got a feature on the retirement of Act Yasukawa and the sad reason it happened.

    We’ve also got the awards ballot for the 2015 awards and information on how well Hell in a Cell did this year on PPV.  

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

    The Latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter: December 7, 2015 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: WWE attempts to right the ship, New Japan tag league update, more

    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

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    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. 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.

    TODAY’S DAILY UPDATE

    The annual Tokyo Sports pro wrestling awards will be announced late tonight.  Minoru Suzuki and Kazuchika Okada are the favorites for MVP. 

    WWE has pulled its Stampede Wrestling footage from the Network today over a rights issue that has to be resolved between Vince McMahon and Bret
    Hart, who owns all of his Stampede footage.

    Bubba Ray Dudley on Twitter yesterday saying “Just got off the phone with an Extreme Brother.  Do not miss Raw tomorrow night.”

    Jimmy Snuka was scheduled in court for a pretrial hearing today in the Nancy Argentino case.  The hearing is in regard to the prosecution turning over evidence to the defense. 

    WWE announced the hiring of John Brody as Executive Vice President of Global Sales and Partnerships.  He has performed similar positions with the NFL, Major League Baseball and the Boston Celtics.  He will work directly under Michelle Wilson, the Chief Revenue and Marketing Officer as a new member of the senior management team.  

    Street & Smith’s Sports Business Journal released its 50 most influential people in sports in 2015 list.  No Dana White, Lorenzo Fertitta or Vince McMahon in the top 50.  White & Fertitta have been on the list in years past.  Eric Shanks of Fox Sports was No. 10.  Bob Bowman of Major League Baseball, who was formerly on the WWE Board of Directors before resigning, was No. 24.  Al Haymon, the boxing promoter, was the only combat sports person on the list at No. 46.

    WWE

    • Even though Tommy Dreamer is getting a main roster run right now, he is a free agent and will be still doing his indie shows. 
    • The WWE’s Owen Hart documentary will be released tomorrow.
    • An interview with Big E
    • Expect some Happy Birthday Dean stuff on Raw since Ambrose turns 30 today.

    UFC/MMA

    • Ronda Rousey will be on the cover of this week’s ESPN Magazine with her first interview since her loss.  Rousey noted it could be three to six months before she can eat an apple or take an impact due to loose teeth from the knockout.   Preview provided by People.
    • The Wall Street Journal talks to Conor McGregor
    • More Conor McGregor
    • Here is some of the schedule for the week in Las Vegas (all times listed are Pacific time)
      Tomorrow at 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. open workouts at the MGM Grand Casino floor with Rose Namajunas, Paige VanZant, Jim Miller, Michael Chiesa, Sage Northcutt and Cody Pfister free and open to the public
      Wednesday from 1-2:30 p.m. at the MGM Grand Garden Arena press conference with Dana White, Jose Aldo, Conor McGregor, Chris Weidman, Luke Rockhold, Frankie Edgar and Chad Mendes.  Free and open to the public. 
      Wednesday at 4 p.m. at the MGM Grand Garden Arena:  Fight Night weigh-ins.  Free and open to the public.
      Thursday from 10 a.m. to 12:30 a.m. open workouts at the MGM Grand Garden Arena with Jose Aldo, Conor McGregor, Chris Weidman and Luke Rockhold free and open to the public.
      Thursday at 2 p.m. weigh-ins for the Friday night show at the MGM Grand Garden Arena free and open to the public
      Thursday Fight Night starting at 3:45 p.m. at The Chelsea at The Cosmopolitan. 
      Friday weigh-ins for the PPV at 3 p.m. at the MGM Grand Garden Arena free and open to the public.
      Friday Fight Night starting at 4:30 p.m. at The Chelsea at The Cosmopolitan.
      Saturday UFC 194 first bout at 3:30 p.m. at the MGM Grand Garden Arena
    • An announcement was made today of a UFC Gym opening in Dubai in early 2016.

    MISCELLANEOUS

    Here is today’s FULL Daily Pro Wrestling History including International history: Daily pro wrestling history (12/07): Williams & Gordy win All Japan Tag Team Titles

    • Northeast Wrestling is looking for a play-by-play announcer.  They must have experience and live in the Northeast.  Anyone interested send resumes and samples to newwrestling@yahoo.com
    • The movie “Spectre” in week five was in fifth place with $5.52 million gross in the U.S. and it was No. 2 in Australia this week (thanks to James Stanios)
    • Pro Wrestling Chaos from Saturday in Yate, Bristol, UK:  Mark Andrews b Morgan Webster (good match), Jeckal b Tommaso Ciampa, Martina Kirby (Martin Kirby in drag) b Jinny-COR, Doomsday Killers b Gideon & Rhino & Mikey Whiplash (Rhino lost the fall which surprised everyone), Masked Mystery Man (Jeckal) won the Rumble, Wild Boar b Mike Bird in a 30:00 Iron man match to win the King of Chaos title.  The Masked Man attacked Boar and unmasked as Jeckal.  Next show in February with Grado. (thanks to James Witcombe)
    • Legacy Fighting Championships on 2/5 in Hinckley, MN at the Grand Casino Hinckley with Ricardo Ramos (8-0) vs. Augusto Mendes (5-0) for the bantamweight title that was vacated when Thomas Almeida went to UFC, plus Bock Larson (39-10) vs. Travis Coyle (14-8).  The show will air live on AXS.
    • Resurrection Fighting Alliance on AXS on 1/15 from the 1st Bank Center in Broomfield CO with Bojan Velickovic (12-3) vs. Benjamin Smith (15-3) for the welterweight title as the main event.
    • Pro Wrestling Championship Series from Sunday in Alton, IL:  Christian Rose b Paco Gonzalez, Alexandre Rudolph & Jake Parnell b Jay Howard & Roy Lewis, Pierre Abernathy b Kikutaro, Colt Cabana b Jeremy Wyatt, Mike Outlaw b Danny Adams, Makaze b Greg Jovi, Gerald James b Zakk Sawyers 2/3 falls, Grado b Everett Connors, Steven Kennedy & Jake Dirden & Davey Vega & Mat Fitchett b KC Karrington & Adam Caster & Evan Gelistico & Pierre Abernathy in an elimination match (thanks to Patrick Brandmeyer)
    • Maryland Championship Wrestling from Friday night in Felton, DE:  Funky White Boy & Fed Up (with Mick Foley) b Sonny deeds & Hotlanta Hustals, Oakley Woods b Andrew Steele, Paul Jordane b Fenix Fury, Hell Cats b The Ecktourage via COR so Ecktourage retains MCW tag titles, Ken Dixon b Brandon Scott, Travis Banks b Joe Kerr-COR, Headbangers b Drake Carter & Shaun Cannon, Kimber Lee b Renee Michelle to keep women’s title, Brandon Scott & The Bruiser & Lio Rush b Ken Dixon & Joe Keys & Rob Locke.  Next show is 12/26 in Joppa, MD at the MCW Arena with Chyna, Ethan Carter III and Ashely Massaro.
    • Zero One announced today a show in Yangon, Myanmar on 2/13 at the National Stadium as the first wrestling show in that country.  Press from Myanmar were covering the announcement.  They announced 20 wrestlers from six countries appearing.
    • Grand Slam Wrestling tonight in Moosic, PA at the Moosic Youth Center.  Yusuke Kodama from Japan is on the show.
    • Crossfire Wrestling from 12/5 in St. Catherines, ONT:  Rochester Wrecking Crew b Italianos, Justin Sane b Tyler Tirva, Kaitlin Diemond b Jewells Malone, Jaxon Jarvis b Chris Laplante, Cody Deaner won three-way over Eric Young and Kongo Kong (thanks to Steven Ashe)
    • Deathproof Fight Club from yesterday in Etobicoke, ONT:  Matt Cash b Taylor Kay-Deen, Maybach Beta b Tarik-COR, Steve Brown b Space Monkey, Danny Orlando & Hardcore Hick b Vaughn Vertigo & Gabriel Fuerza, Smiley b Eddie Sappalucci & Mattick in a three-way, Aiden Rayne & Rob Rage b Shane Sabre & John Greed, Balls Mahoney b Shaunymo in a flaming tables match (thanks to Chris DeCarvalho)
    • Destiny World Wrestling from yesterday in Mississauga, ONT:  Stone Rockwell won three-way over Phil Atlas and Pepper Parks (Eric Young attacked Rockwell after the match), Dalton Castle b Psycho Mike Rollins, Kongo Kong b Randy Reign, Jersey Boys b The Fraternity, RJ City b Ken Anderson, Alexia Nicole b Jennifer Blake-DQ, Ricochet won four-way over Ethan Page, Tyler Tirva and Scotty O’Shea.   Moose, Michael Elgin and Mick Foley will be working the next show in January.

    Want to again praise some good work in the wrestling community in recent weeks:

    The holiday season is here…and independent wrestling helps the public for the holidays with a wide variety of charity events. 

    Here’s all the good work that has happened so far: 

    * 3XWrestling presented Holiday Havoc 6 on December 4th, and the 3XW annual Toys for Tots Drive. 

    * Pure Wrestling Association returned to Guelph, ON on December 4 and Kitchener, ON on December 5 for “Spirit of the Season” collecting scores of new, unwrapped toys and Guelph, ON on December 6 collecting many canned foods items. 

    * 2300 (ECW) Arena presented the first of their Toys for Tots collection on December 5 at the CHIKARA Pro Wrestling season finale at the 2300 (ECW) Arena with an overflowing box of toys as well as cash donations for Toys for Tots, and food donations to Philabundance being collected. 

    * Charity Wrestling Show comes to Kingston Gospel Temple, Kingston, ON, Canada on December 5 with a 7:00 pm belltime. with proceeds will go to Hands of Hope, a charity that provides groceries over the holiday season to families in need. 

    * ECWA Pro Wrestling held its annual Toys for Tots show on December 5 at the Woodbury Heights Community Center, Woodbury, NJ with six boxes of Toys for Tots collected. 

    * Right Coast Pro returned to Newark, DE on December 5 and collected 2 shopping carts of canned and nonperishable goods for the “Feed the Need Ministry” in Newark, DE and $500 for the Josh Jones Fund. 

    * New England Championship Wrestling held its annual Toys for Tots collection/meet and greet at West Real Estate in Wilmington, MA on December 5, collecting nearly 100 toys. 

    * The originator of Toys for Toys events in the Philadelphia/South Jersey region, United Wrestling Coalition, did it again on December 5 at Kelly’s Bar/Banquet Hall, 14 Railroad Avenue, Wrightstown, NJ with 300-350 toys plus 10 bikes. 

    * WAR Wrestling returns to Lima, OH on December 5 for United or Divided in a fundraiser for the Veterans Food Pantry. raised over $600 in cash and a whole SUV full of food. 

    * Crossfire Wrestling presented Jingle Bell Brawl IV on December 5 at The Merritton Community St. Catharine’s, ON, and raised $500 for The Niagara Children’s Centre Foundation. 

    * New Era Wrestling returned to Golden, CO on December 5, collecting dozens of toys at their Toys for Tots collection. 

    * Xtreme Intense Championship Wrestling returns to Warren, MI on December 6 for Hardcore With A Heart at The Ritz, collecting hundreds of cans of food for the homeless of metro Detroit. 

    Here are the events still scheduled: 

    * Grumpy’s Bail Bonds Operation Christmas sponsors a show in Portland, TN at the Richland Park Gym on December 11 with Ricky Morton, Bill Dundee, and TNA’s Crimson. 

    * Texas Wrestling Association returns to the Texas Wolverine All-Star Gym, San Antonio, TX on December 11 for Gold Envy, part of the annual Toy Drive for Mujeres Unidas benefit Children’s Hospital of San Antonio. 

    * Pro Wrestling All Stars proudly presents “Christmas Classic” LIVE Friday night December 11th from The Play Atlantis in Melvindale, Michigan. Doors open at 7pm and the show starts at 730pm. Tickets are Only $10 for adults and $5 for kids 12 & under. Bring in a New / unopened toy donation for “Toys 4 Tots” and receive a FREE TICKET to our January 1 show. 

    In your Double Main, PWAS CruiserCore Champion, El Mano del Diablo puts the PWAS CruiserCore Championship on the line as he battles, Hardcore wrestling legend and former PWAS CruiserCore champion, The Homicidal, Suicidal, Genocidal, Sabu. In tag team action, the odd couple of The Mysterious Movado and his tag team partner, “The Oldtimer” Jeff King make their first title defense against “The State of Corruption’s” Frank Issac Anderson aka F.I.A and his partner & current PWAS Heavyweight Champion, ” Officer” Rod Street. In a #1 Contender Challenge, “Inmate” Jack Thriller takes on Johnny Guh with the winner getting a future PWAS Heavyweight Championship match. 

    * Brew City Wrestling will run its annual Headlock for Hunger on December 11 at the Knight of Columbus Hall in West Allis, WI. The show features a food drive for the Hunger Task Force of Greater Milwaukee. Fans are asked to bring two non-perishable food items. 

    * Chaotic Wrestling will do its second Toys for Tots show of the year on December 11th at the Woburn, MA at the Elks Lodge, 295 Washington St, Woburn, MA.

    * Join Game Changer Wrestling in Howell, NJ on December 12. On that night we will be giving back! Not only via our Toys for Tots fundraiser, but to a pioneer of our industry, as we honor “Reckless Youth” Tom Carter for his contributions to the sport of Pro Wrestling. Not only that, but #WWE Hall of Famer George “The Animal” Steele and the lovely Terri Runnels will be in the house. For this special celebration to kick off the holiday season with Santa and his elves, get your tickets, NOW by calling the GCW Ticket line at 201-257- 8621. 

    * Chaotic Wrestling is joining forces once again with The United States Marine Corps Reserve Toys For Tots Program on December 12. In Lowell, MA, we will be collecting NEW, UNWRAPPED TOYS to help provide a happier holiday for families in need. 

    * All Star Wrestling presents Bodyslams For Toys on December 12 at the Cloverdale Fairgrounds, 6050 176 St, Surrey, BC, Canada. Bring a new unwrapped toy with at least a $10 value and get in FREE. 

    * Combat Zone Wrestling presents its annual Toys for Tots collection (in conjunction with the Marine Corps Reserve) to take place for the eleventh year in a row with Combat Zone Wrestling’s 17th annual Cage of Death on December 12 at the Flyers Skate Zone in Voorhees, NJ. Cage of Death is part of an all day CZW event. Featured is the annual Cage of Death match, and the CZW return of Sami Callihan 

    The afternoon features a Combat Zone Wrestling DOJO WARS afternoon student show, with an admission of $5 or one new, unwrapped toy. Toys for Tots will be collected all day. 

    * GALLI Lucha Libre presents its annual GALLI Toy Drive Navidad event in Villa Park, IL on December 13. 

    * 2300 (ECW) Arena and Ring of Honor present a Toys for Tots collection at Ring of Honor’s Final Battle PPV on December 18 at the 2300 (ECW) Arena on December 18 with an 8:30 pm belltime. 

    * 2300 (ECW) Arena and Ring of Honor present a Toys for Tots collection at Ring of Honor’s TV taping on December 19 at the 2300 (ECW) Arena on December 18 with an 6:00 pm belltime. 

    * SCW Entertainment returns to the Coronaca Fire Department in Coronaca, PA for the 5th annual Toys for Tots event on December 19. Featured matches: Anderson Strong (c) vs. Dean Richards in a SCW Heavyweight Championship/30 Minute Iron Man Match, TJ Boss vs. Ben Wright in a Cage Match/Loser Leaves SCW/Winner is # 1 Contender to the SCW Heavyweight Title, and Kat Daddy (c) vs. Karl Hager for the SCW Internet Championship 

    * Elite Canadian Championship Wrestling will hold Wrestling With Hunger in at the Elks Hall #49 ,2272 Leigh Square, Port Coquitlam, BC on December 19 (8:00 pm belltime/ 7:30 doors open) to support Share Family Services Food Bank. All seats ONLY $16 

    * Wrestling for a Cause will run The Fight for Haylie on December 12 in Pryor, OK (7:00 pm belltime) . 100% of the show’s proceeds go to the family of a child with cancer. 

    * Keystone Championship Wrestling will hold its yearly Toys for Tots show, tentatively scheduled for December 19. 

    * Supreme Pro Wrestling returns to Sacramento’s SPW Arena on Sunday, December 20, with Brian Tannen defending the SPW Heavyweight Title against Scoot Robertson — The Beautiful People defending the SPW Tag Team Titles against the Honor Society — Michael Hayashi defends the SPW Xtreme Title against Airon Skye — and Joe DeSoul in a grudge match against Ring Announcer Ethan White. Fans donating an unwrapped toy will get half-price admission in our annual Toys For Kids promotion! 

    * Premiere Wrestling Xperience is offering an opportunity for spectators to bring a new unwrapped toy to the Hickory National Guard Armory, 1251 8th St NE in Hickory, NC on December 19. Spectators who bring a new unwrapped toy (with a suggested minimum value of just $10) can attend their 
    event for only $10 and any child, aged 12 and under, who also brings an unwrapped toy will be FREE in rows 3-8. 

    * Great Canadian Wrestling presents Season’s Beatings ’15 on December 27 at Harmony Creek Community Hall, 15 Harmony Rd. N, Oshawa Ontario. This is the annual Christmas show for local food bank. Fans are asked to bring donations for Harmony Creek food bank. No matches yet announced. 

    Between all of these over the years, thousands of children have been able to have a Christmas or Hanukkah. Please help your local independent promotion do the same, or encourage them to schedule an event soon for the Holidays if they haven’t already. If you’re a promoter, PLEASE email me and let me know of your holiday charity themed plans (fund- raisers/collections for clothes, food pantries, Toys for Toys, etc.) at wrestling or MMA events to bobmagee1@hotmail.com. 

  • October 26, 1998 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Steve Austin takes Vince McMahon hostage on Raw

    In an episode basically lifted from a fairly unknown movie “Swimming with Sharks,” Steve Austin took Vince McMahon hostage on the live Raw on 10/19 and spent most of the show teasing that he was going to kill him before shooting him with a pop gun, resulting in McMahon supposedly peeing in his pants.

    Between the ridiculously bad overacting by McMahon, the silly storyline that has potentially scary repercussions seeing 13,000 people enthusiastically rooting for Austin to pull the trigger on McMahon, and one of the worst main events in Raw history with an Undertaker vs. Kane casket match that was actually worse than their PPV match the previous night and ended in a chorus of boos when both simply walked to the dressing room for a non-finish, it was generally, but not universally considered the worst episode of Raw in a long time.

    The movie this was based on was about a man fired from his job in an ad agency who takes his boss hostage in his boss’ home. Many of the spots from the movie were re-created in the television angle which was teased from the start of the show. McMahon, acting ballsy, got all the wrestlers in the ring and said firing Austin was better than sex and claimed he could fire any of them at any time. Austin appeared on the TitanTron in the parking lot with a .38 special. Two police officers (Milwaukee indie wrestlers) instead of arresting him, were asking him for autographs while McMahon cried to Gerald Brisco, Pat Patterson and Sgt. Slaughter. Earlier a police officer with the guard dog gimmick from last week walked out tired of McMahon’s browbeating. In a lame excuse to get Brisco, Patterson and Slaughter out of the picture, all three left 35 minutes into the show to get coffee and were never seen again. At the start of the second hour, McMahon got a phone call in his office from Austin, and tried to escape in his limo, but Austin was waiting and kidnapped McMahon and held him hostage the rest of the show as he constantly pulled out weapons such as a knife and bow & arrow and teased he was going to kill McMahon at the end while McMahon cried, and even oinked like a pig.

    Subscribers click here to continue reading.

  • Daily pro wrestling history (12/07): Williams & Gordy win All Japan Tag Team Titles

    1945

    St. Joseph, Missouri: 
    – MWA Title match: Champion Orville Brown beat Bobby Bruns 2 falls to 1 
    – Ralph Garibaldi beat LaVerne Baxter 
    – Jimmy Parker (sub for Marshall Esteppe) beat Jay Steele by dq

    1971 

    Sapporo, Japan:
    – Dory Jr & Terry Funk defeated Giant Baba & Antonio Inoki in Sapporo to win the JWA/NWA International tag team title

    1972

    Kansas City, Kansas:
    – Omar Atlas defeated The Destroyer via DQ
    – The Sheik defeated Les Thornton
    – Bob Geigel & Black Angus defeated Harley Race & Roger Kirby via DQ

    1973

    Tokyo, Japan:
    – Johnny Powers & Pat Patterson defeated Antonio Inoki & Seiji Sakaguchi to debut the NWF/NWA North American tag team titles in a match with Powers & Patterson billed as champions

    1974

    St. Paul, Minnesota:
    – The Crusher & Ivan Putski beat AWA Tag Team Champions Nick Bockwinkel & Ray Stevens dq
    – Superstar Billy Graham beat Baron Von Raschke dq
    – Larry Hennig beat Big K (sub Boris Breznikoff)
    – Chris Taylor beat Yugo Babich 
    – Greg Gagne beat Rock Riddle 
    – Jim Brunzell drew Geoff Portz

    1980

    Milwaukee, Wisconsin:
    – AWA Tag Team Champions Adrian Adonis & Jesse Ventura beat The Crusher & Mad Dog Vachon
    – John Studd no contest Dino Bravo
    – Jerry Blackwell beat Tito Santana
    – Greg Gagne beat Steve Regal
    – Bobby Heenan beat Buck Zumhofe
    – George Gadaski beat Ben Deleon dq

    1981

    New Orleans, Louisiana:
    – Junkyard Dog defeated The Great Kabuki to win the Mid-South Louisiana Heavyweight Title

    1987

    Landover, Maryland:
    – WWF World Champion Hulk Hogan defeated King Kong Bundy 
    – WWF Tag Team Champions Strike Force (Rick Martel & Tito Santana) defeated The Bolsheviks (Boris Zuhkov & Nikolai Volkoff) in 2 out of 3 falls

    Memphis, Tennessee:
    – Jerry Lawler beat Jeff Jarrett
    – Jerry Lawler beat Manny Fernandez by dq to become CWA Champion (International, Southern & Mid American titles)
    – AWA Champion Curt Hennig beat Jeff Jarrett (sub Jerry Lawler)
    – Southern Tag Team Champions Midnight Rockers beat Nasty Boys
    – Bill Dundee beat Hector Guerrero
    – Billy Travis beat Steve Keirn
    – Jimmy Jack Funk beat John Paul
    – Tommy Lane beat Lou Winston
    – Teijo Kahn beat Jerry Bryant
    – Bobby Jaggers ddq Mike Davis

    Tokyo, Japan:
    – Tatsumi Fujinami & Kengo Kimura defeated Antonio Inoki & Dick Murdoch to win the New Japan Pro Wrestling’s Japan Cup Tag League 

    1988

    Chattanooga, Tennessee:
    – The Fantastics (Tommy Rogers & Bobby Fulton) defeated Eddie Gilbert & Ron Simmons in a tournament final to win the United States Tag Team Title. 
    – Ric Flair & Barry Windham defeated The Midnight Express (Bobby Eaton & Stan Lane) 

    1989

    Tokyo, Japan:
    – Riki Choshu defeated Shinya Hashimoto to win New Japan Pro Wrestling’s World Cup Tournament

    1990 

    Tokyo, Japan:
    – Terry Gordy & Steve Williams won the All Japan World Tag Team Title by winning the annual Real World Tag League tournament 

    1992 

    Memphis, Tennessee:
    – Leslie Belanger defeated Miss Texas to win the USWA Women’s Heavyweight Title

    1993

    Mexico City, Mexico:
    – Corazon de Leon (Chris Jericho) defeated Mano Negra to win the NWA Middleweight Title

    1996 

    Philadelphia, Pennsylvania:
    – Raven defeated The Sandman in a Barbed Wire match to win the ECW World Heavyweight Title

    1997

    Springfield, Massachusetts
    – TAKA Michinoku defeated Brian Christopher in the finals of a tournament to win the WWF World Light Heavyweight Title
    – WWF World Tag Team Champions Billy Gunn & Road Dogg defeated The Legion of Doom via DQ 
    – Ken Shamrock defeated WWF World Champion Shawn Michaels via DQ

    2014

    Tokyo, Japan:
    – Hirooki Goto & Katsuyoshi Shibata defeated Doc Gallows & Karl Anderson to win the G-1 Tag League tournament

    Zapopan, Mexico:
    – El Patron Alberto (Alberto Del Rio) defeated El Tezano Jr to win the AAA Heavyweight title

    ON DECEMBER 6 IN FLORIDA HISTORY (thanks to Barry Rose)

    1956 – Penny Banner beat Betty Hawkins (Jacksonville)

    1956 – Angelo Martinelli beat Wild Red Berry via DQ (Orlando)

    1956 – June Byers beat Therese Theis to retain the NWA women’s title (Fort Lauderdale)

    1963 – Lou Thesz retained the NWA title over Don Curtis (Miami Beach)

    1965 – Ronnie Etichison & Sammy Steamboat beat Tarzan Baxter & Red Roberts (Orlando)

    1966 – Lester Welch beat Missouri Mauler via DQ in a Florida title match (Tampa)

    1967 – Aldo Bogni & Bronko Lubich went to a 60:00 draw with Jose Lothario & Joe Scarpa (Eau Callie)

    1971 – Johnny Walker beat Ole Anderson (Orlando)

    1972 – Jack Brisco beat NWA champion Dory Funk Jr. via DQ (Miami Beach)

    1973 – Eddie Graham & Paul Jones beat Dusty Rhodes & Buddy Colt (Jacksonville)

    1976 – Dusty Rhodes beat Terry Funk in a bullrope match (West Palm Beach)

    1977 – NWA champion Harley Race beat Dusty Rhodes via DQ (Tampa)

  • Chikara Top Banana results 12/6: Shocker in biggest show of the year

    Photo Credit: Zia Hiltey

    Submitted by Michael Langan

    The Snake Pit (Argus, Ophidian, & Shynron) beat Battleborn (“Juke Joint” Lucas Calhon, Missile Assault Man, & Snowflake) in 11 min when Argus p Snowflake with a leg in forward scoop slam

    This was Argus’ first real win in Chikara, They did a story beat where Snowflake reverted back to Kevin Condron to tell Argus that he knows him and that he shouldn’t hurt him. Argus hit Snowflake anyway for the win.

    Frightmare beat Silver Ant with a body scissors into a victory roll from an ankelock attempt by Silver in 10 min. This was really good.

    Ring Announcer Gavin Loudspeaker (who was back for the finale) introduced Vladimir Rabinsky, basically passing the torch to him as the new Chikara Ring Announcer going forward.

    The Batiri (Kobald, Kodama, & Obaryion) with a wheelchair bound Ultra Mantis Black beat The Gentlemen’s Club (Orange Cassidy, Drew Gulak, & Chuck Taylor) with Swamp Monster in 9 min when Kobald p Cassidy with a spear

    This was an insanely perfect mix of high paced action and comedy. There wasn’t a down beat in the whole 9 minutes. Great effort.

    Gavin Loudspeaker introduced Chikara’s Director of Fun, Mike Quackenbush. Quack mentions the 2015 Chikara Yearbook and the lights in the arena go out. When they return up, Archibald Peck appears standing in the ring. He sees Quack and the yearbook then shoves Quack to take it. Peck reads through the yearbook and appears to find out his demise last season at the hands of Deucalion. Peck freaked out and left through the crowd yelling at people not to touch him. This was a pay off of a storyline nearly 5 years old where Peck was sent into the future and returned with the Chikara 2015 Yearbook. The crowd went crazy for this.

    Juan Franscisco de Coronado won the 2015 Chikara Cibernetico in 41 minutes

    Rules worked exactly like a normal lucha Cibernetico were once one team was eliminated, the remaining members of the winning team would fight each other. Teams were:

    Rudos: Juan Franscisco de Coronado, Mr. Azerbaijan, Prakash Sabar, The Proletariat Boar of Moldova, Wani, Pinkie Sanchez, Jakob Hammermeier, & “Mr. Touchdown” Mark Angelosetti 

    Technicos: Dasher Hatfield, Chikara Tag Champions: NRG (Race Jaxon & Hype Rockwell), Young Lion’s Cup Champion: Heidi Lovelace, Amasis, Worker Ant, Oleg The Usurper, & Farmer Frog

    Eliminations:

    (1) Dasher Hatfield pinned Mr Azerbaijan in about 1 minute with a small package.

    (2) Hype Rockwell pinned Prakash Sabar in 21 minutes with the Hype Wheel (spinning uranage across the knee)

    (3) Pinkie Sanchez pinned Hype Rockwell with a modified DDT in 22 minutes.

    (4) Pinkie Sanchez pinned Amasis in 23 minutes with a missile dropkick.

    (5) Jakob Hammermeier pinned Worker Ant in 25 minutes with a Worldstar! punch.

    (6) Jakob Hammermeier pinned Farmer Frog in 26 minutes after a powerbomb out of the corner thanks to a Pinkie Sanchez distraction.

    (7) Heidi Lovelace pinned Jakob Hammermeier in 27 minutes with a waistlock roll-up.

    (8) Dasher Hatfield pinned The Proletariat Boar of Moldova in 29 minutes with a Jackhammer.

    (9) Wani pinned Race Jaxon in 30ish minutes with a palm strike.

    (10) Oleg the Usurper pinned Wani in 31 minutes with Off with his head.

    (11) “Mr. Touchdown” Mark Angelosetti pinned Oleg the Usuper in 34 minutes after a superplex then a spear.

    (12) Juan Francisco de Coronado pinned Heidi Lovelace in 36 minutes after a sitout powerbomb.

    (13) Dasher Hatfield pinned Pinkie Sanchez after a jackhammer in 38 minutes.

    (14) Dasher Hatfield was counted out in 40+ minutes after being knocked off the ring apron by Angelosetti accidentally. Juan ran them into each other as the count was near 20. Angelosetti tried to go after Dasher, but was pulled back into the ring by his foot by Juan.

    (15) Juan Francisco de Coronado pinned Mark Angelosetti with a delayed German suplex in 41 minutes to win the Cibernetico.

    Fire Ant with Silver Ant and Soldier Ant with Jakob Hammermeier went to a No Contest in 20 minutes

    Another big payoff to a Chikara story here as Soldier went AWOL and then came back during the return brainwashed by the Flood. Soldier has been under the spell of the Eye of Tyr and Jakob Hammermeier’s BDK since the dissolution of the Flood at the end of last season. Soldier (who is scarred, missing an antenna) ripped off one of Fire’s antenna’s during the match. Soldier’s trance was finally broken when Jakob got into a fight with referee Derek Sabato (who used to be a BDK member) and went to hit him with his WORLDSTAR! punch, but accidentally hit Soldier. Solider saluted Fire Ant. He then saluted Silver Ant. Worker Ant came out and the crowd chanted “Please Be Friends!”. They saluted each other. Worker returned Soldier’s King of Trios medal the Colony won in 2011. Everyone embraced. People cried. This was a crazy moment only found in Chikara. So insanely good and special. I’ve never seen a crowd so happy to get a non-finish before.

    Crown & Court (Princess Kimber Lee (c), Jervis Cottonbelly, & Los Ice Creams (El Hijo del Ice Cream & Ice Cream, Jr.) beat The Wrecking Crew (Jaka & The Devastation Corporation (Max Smashmaster (c), Blaster McMassive, & Flex Rumblecrunch) to win the season long Challenge of the Immortals tournament in 19 minutes when Kimber Lee pinned McMassive after a powerbomb out of the corner into an Alligator Clutch.

    Crowd lost it when Crown & Court won it. They were, pardon the term, the Cinderella team of the tournament and really only ended up in the finals thanks to the angle with Dasher & Mr. Touchdown forcing Dasher to vacate his team’s points in the tournament. Each member of Crown & Court was presented with a Golden Opportunity, which in Chikara can usually mean anything but in this case was the form of 3 Golden Point Tokens needed to challenge for any Chikara championship.

    Hallowicked beat Icarus and Eddie Kingston in a Triple Threat Match in 24 minutes to retain the Chikara Grand Championship for a 6th time.

    Wicked p Kingston after a crossed leg DDT. This was the first time a Chikara championship was defended in a 3 way and also featured all 3 Chikara Grand Champions from the company’s history. Match was very good.

    As referees checked on Hallowicked, Princess Kimber Lee’s music hit. The crowd went crazy. Golden opportunities apparently can be used at any time and cannot be lost (in Chikara, you need 3 points to challenge for titles which means 3 wins in a row without a loss outside of special competition). 

    Princess Kimber Lee beat Hallowicked by submission in 5 minutes to become the 4th Chikara Grand Champion with the Chikara Special.

    This was a crazy moment. The crowd lost it. 

    Chikara goes out of its way to present Kimber Lee, Heidi, and any other female that comes through the company as just wrestlers. In the year plus that Kimber Lee has been on shows, my wife and I have personally seen a huge increase in young little girls coming to the shows. They leave with smiles and the general execution of her rise has been so perfectly handled that a crowd at the old ECW arena (which tends to be the most adult crowd at Chikara shows) behaved like 5 years at the finish. 

    As an aside, special Crown & Court shirts were made by fans (us, full disclosure) specially for the finale for support. The shirts were given to anyone who makes a $20 donation that will be given directly to Chikara & Jervis Cottonbelly’s charity of choice: Philabundance. We have a few of them left in sizes M-XL and we can ship anywhere in the US for $5. So far we’ve raised about $500 for the charity. I’d love to get rid of the remaining shirts and get over $600.

  • Daily Update: NJPW tag team finalists, must see CMLL match

    We’re looking for reports from last night’s WWE shows in Augusta and Fayetteville and tonight’s WWE shows in Charlotte (Roman Reigns vs. Sheamus, plus New Day, Dudleys, Charlotte and Paige) and in Florence, SC (Kevin Owens vs. Dean Ambrose, Tyler Breeze vs. Dolph Ziggler, Rusev vs. Ryback) at Dave Meltzer

    Raw will be live Monday in North Charleston, SC.  Nothing special has been announced for the show. 

    Smackdown and Main Event will be taped on Tuesday in Jacksonville.

    Figure Four Weekly

    Figure Four Weekly (11/23/15): Lots of Updates in Hulk Hogan-Gawker case
    Lots of news including a win for Gawker, the new police report, the remaining mysteries of the case, what Bubba the Love Sponge is saying, and more.

    Wrestling Observer Newsletter

    Mick Foley’s talk on WWE creative and a look at all the new moves WWE tried this week on television is the lead story in the new issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.  We look at the changes WWE attempted after a week of record low ratings, as well as the fan questionnaire sent out, what can be learned from it, and why they are asking exactly the wrong people.  

    We also look at the strengths and weaknesses of the current WWE business, as well as why the ratings may be important, but other factors are probably more important,when it comes to WWE’s next television deal.  We look at the different potential changes in the landscape look at what aspects of business are and aren’t improving, as well as WWE’s business in the big picture.  

    He also update the situation with A.J. Styles, and the New Japan tag team tournament with standings and notes on the tournament matches over the past week.

    We also look at the TLC PPV update, more on La Sombra in WWE, questions about all the shoulder injuries, WWE security at live shows, Cena movie release, Brad Maddox firing, Maddox’s WWE history, talents WWE has shown interest in, WWE overseas tour lineup and WWE weekend live event notes and business.

    We have a look at the debut of the new Rizin promotion, major announcements for the first weekend of shows, the tournament, just how big Bob Sapp vs Akebono was the first time.

    We also have a story on the domestic abuse claims by the girlfriend of Tomoaki Honma, and his response.

    We look at the realities of the free agency of Benson Henderson, judging of the key fights, as well as  full rundown of UFC’s debut in South Korea this past week.

    We’ve got notes of TNA’s canceled tour of India, notes on the death of Tommy Gilbert and El Bello Greco, along with a feature on Stan Holek, a member of two of the most decorated tag teams of the 50s and 60s, the Lisowski Brothers with Crusher and the Neilson Brothers with Art Neilson.  We look at the unique reason why all of his success was as a tag team wrestler, his biggest rivals, and his 13 runs as world tag team champion. 

    We’ve got a feature on the retirement of Act Yasukawa and the sad reason it happened.

    We’ve also got the awards ballot for the 2015 awards and information on how well Hell in a Cell did this year on PPV.  

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

    The Latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter: December 7, 2015 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: WWE attempts to right the ship, New Japan tag league update, more

    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

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    Click here for the most requested Wrestling Observer back issues.

    TODAY’S DAILY UPDATE

    Bryan and I will be back tonight with Wrestling Observer radio, talking WWE, the New Japan tournament, McGregor vs. Aldo, Kamaitachi vs. Dragon Lee and taking your e-mail questions at mailbag@wrestlingobserver.com

    The finals of the New Japan tag team tournament are Tomoaki Honma & Togi Makabe vs. Tetsuya Naito & Evil, which take place late Tuesday night/Wednesday morning in Sendai.  Check out Dave Meltzer’s play-by-play.

    The Dragon Lee vs. Kamaitachi CMLL lightweight title match from Friday night’s Arena Mexico show that has been a big topic of conversation all weekend.

    John Cena will be on The Tonight Show on Tuesday.  He’ll likely be plugging the new TV show he’s hosting. (thanks to Jon Southerland and Paul Fontaine)

    Regarding Jim Ross, as everyone knows by now, he is fine.  His twitter account was hacked at 5 a.m. today with a report of his death.  It was pretty clear it was a hoax early on, but there were still friends of his who woke up to that news.

    WWE

    • The Steve Austin podcast with Shawn Michaels, that was previously taped, will be airing a week from tonight, starting right after the end of the PPV. 
    • Tommy Dreamer will start on the road with WWE starting with the PPV this coming Sunday.
    • Bayley is on the current WWE Ambrose tour this weekend.  She & Becky Lynch are wrestling Sasha Banks & Naomi in tag team matches.
    • And an article on Bayley from the Daily Record in the U.K. building up next week’s NXT shows

    UFC/MMA

    • Shannon Knapp on Inside MMA on Friday night announced that Cris Cyborg would not be cutting to 140 as first announced for her next fight in Costa Mesa in January on Fight Pass, but would instead defend her 145 pound weight class Invicta title.  The reason given is that without the ability to use an IV to rehydrate for the first time, she doesn’t want to weigh in lower than 145.
    • Cung Le will be on tonight’s episode of Into the Badlands on AMC at 10 p.m.
    • The Glory show from Friday night in Amsterdam, Holland featuring heavyweight champion Rico Verhoeven vs. Benjamin Adegbuyi and welterweight champion Nieky Holzken vs. Murthel Groenhart will be airing on ESPN 2 tonight at 8 p.m.

    MISCELLANEOUS

    Don’t forget today’s FULL Pro Wrestling History including International history: Daily pro wrestling history (12/06): Tracy Smothers wins SMW TV Title

    • Rey Mysterio Jr. has a knee injury.  He was to wrestle at last night’s AAA TV tapings in Neza and was there, on a crutch.  He was replaced in the match by Blue Demon Jr.
    • The BBC did a documentary on the Antonio Inoki vs. Ric Flair show in Pyongyang, North Korea in 1995 that still holds pro wrestling’s all-time attendance record.  If you can get past the fact it’s called a World Wrestling Federation show (which should thrill Eric Bischoff) and that the star of the show was repeatedly called Anthony Inoki, it is interesting.
    • Larry Zbyszko turned 64 today
    • Nick Bockwinkel would have turned 81 today.
    • A story on Val Venis running a marijuana dispensary in Arizona
    • Mountain Goats talk about their favorite wrestler, Chavo Guerrero (the current wrestlers father)
    • Paragon Pro Wrestling will be moving its TV tapings to Friday nights, once per month, at Sam’s Town Hotel in Las Vegas, starting on 1/8 at 6:30 p.m.  They have a taping this coming Tuesday night, which is the final Tuesday night taping.
    • CMLL from last night at Arena Coliseo in Mexico City:  Apocalipsis b Bengala, Inquisidor b Robin, Super Halcon Jr. b El Hijo del Signo, Hombre Bala Jr. b Nitro-DQ, Triton b Sangre Azteca, Guerrero Maya Jr. & The Panther b Misterioso Jr. & Sagrado, Atlantis & Blue Panther & Titan b Mephisto & Ephesto & Luciferno (thanks to Kris Zellner)
    • NWA Mid South from Friday night in Tunica, MS before 400 fans:  John Saxon b Cassidy Riley, The Posse b Roosevelt & Jeremy Moore, Moose b Tim Storm-DQ, Greg Anthony b Americos, Matt Riviera & Rob Conway (managed by Jim Cornette) b The Heat Seekers to win the NWA tag titles, Matt Sydal b Kincaid (managed by Bruce Tharpe).  This group runs every Saturday night in Dyresburg, TN at the Herb Welch Wrestle Plex.
    • Colt Cabana will headline a Canadian Wrestling Elite tour from 2/19 to 2/27 that will include shows on 2/21 in Edmonton, 2/23 in Calgary, 2/24 in Regina and 2/26 in Winnipeg. 
    • CWE from Friday night in Winnipeg:  Silas Young won three-way over Tommy Lee Curtis and Travis Cole, Dick Blood & Billy Blaze won four way over Stefan Epic & Kevy Chevy, Bobby Collins & Rob Stardom and Mike Mission & Moses Luke, Anderson Tyson Moore d Chase Owens, Mr. Inkredible & Antonio Scorpio b Zero Gravity, Danny Duggan & Troy Westwood (former CFL star) b Shane Madison & Adam Knight, Tyler Colton b Charlie Haas, Tyler Colton won 50 man Rumble eliminating Chi Chi Cruz     
    • Winnipeg area wrestler Chi Chi Cruz, 45, worked his first match in five years on Friday night in the 50 man Rumble style Battle Royal.  He started first and stayed in for almost an hour before being the last person eliminated by Colton.
    • Mid Missouri Wrestling Alliance from last night in St. Louis:  LaMarcus Clinton & Damion Cortess b Brandon Espinosa & Ace Hawkins-DQ, J-Mal Swgg vs. Brandon Aarons vs. Varik Morgan was a no contest, Andrew Wilder & Johnathan Zulu b Billy Diamond & Clownman Jacko, LaMarcus Clinton & Damion Cortess & Barackus & Prince Moses b Brandon Espinosa & Ace Hawksins and Da’Marius Jones & A.J. Williams in an elimination tag match, Brian James b Moondog Rover, Gary Jackson b Kevin Lee Davidson in a strap match to win the title (thanks to Patrick Brandmeyer)
    • U.K. wrestler Steve Knight is doing a podcast at www.stevieknight.info
    • Lucha Xtreme TV from last night in Fresno:  Guerrero de la Muerte b Chad Douglas, Manny Fernandez b Brandon Pinion, Mortal DDQ Brandon Groom (thanks to Jon Southerland)
    • I Believe in Wrestling from last night in Orlando:  Braydon Knight b Gabriel Black, Tyranus b Bucky Wells, Mark Silva b Josh Parker, Jonny Vandal & Aaron Epic b Brandon Scherer & Rex Bacchus, Rhett Giddins b Chico Adams, Santana Garrett won over Shaniah Ariyana, Grace Storm and MJ Knight to keep NWA world title and Wonder of Stardom title, in an elimination match, Teddy Hart & Lince Dorado b Josh Hess & Ace Andrews.  Next show is 12/19 with Garrett, Giddins, Dorado Silva and more.  They also celebrated Larry Zbyszko’s birthday on the show (thanks to Al Haft)
    • North Shore Pro Wrestling from last night in Quebec City before 507 fans:  Buxx Belmar & Brendan O’Connor b Leon Saver & HC Ryder, Shayne Hawke b Brad Alekxis, Heavy Metal Chaos b 3.0, Alex Price b Surfer Mitch to keep jr. title, Pee Wee & Judas b Giovanni & Michael Style, Travis Toxic b Matt Angel, Franky the Mobster b Chakal, Kickin n Stompin b TDT to win tag titles Marko Estrada b Johnny Gargano to retain NSPW title (thanks to Patric Laprade)  
    • Also the international version of the latest episode of Shotgun (their YouTube show, recently revamped to run just around 30 minutes)
    • wXw put up their entire show from Hamburg, Germany.

    The card (no spoilers) was:

    Singles Match
    Da Mack vs. Julian Nero

    Singles Match
    Damian O’Connor vs. John Klinger

    Six Man Tag Team Match
    Absolute Andy & Prost (Mike Schwarz & Toby Blunt) vs. Jurn Simmons &
    Reich Und Schön (Kevin Roadster & Marius van Beethoven)

    Bullrope Match
    Big Daddy Walter vs. Robert Dreissker

    Singles Match
    Melanie Gray vs. Nikki Storm

    Singles Match
    Axel Dieter Jr. vs. Marty Scurll

    wXw Unified World Wrestling Title No Disqualification Match
    Karsten Beck (c) vs. Rhino

    Don’t forget today’s FULL Pro Wrestling History including International history: Daily pro wrestling history (12/06): Tracy Smothers wins SMW TV Title

  • ROH 12/5 Ft. Lauderdale results: Roderick Strong vs. Delirious, Young Bucks vs. Jay Lethal & Dijak

    Submitted by Joe Onimus

    – Pre-show match: Colby Corino def. Martin Stone

    – Mark Briscoe defeated Will Ferrara (finished with frog splash elbow)

    – Kyle O’Reilly defeated Tim Hughes

    – Adam Cole defeated Kenny King

    – War Machine defeated Leo Brien & Mike Patrick

    Intermission

    TV Champion Roderick Strong defeated Delirious to retain

    – Moose defeated Rhett Titus, Dalton Castle, and Cheeseburger in a four-way

    – Bobby Fish and Kyle O’Reilly defeated ACH & Alex Shelley

    – Jay Briscoe defeated Matt Sydal

    – The Young Bucks defeated ROH World Champion Jay Lethal and Donovan Dijak

  • Daily pro wrestling history (12/06): Tracy Smothers wins SMW TV Title

    1906

    Des Moines, Iowa:
    – American Heavyweight Champion Fred Beell defeated Charles Hackenschmidt

    1952

    Kansas City, Kansas:
    – The Dusek Brothers (Ernie and Joe Dusek) beat the Becker Brothers (Bobby and George) to become the undisputed World Tag Team champions winning a 2 out of 3 fall contest
    – Verne Gagne beat Pat Fraley 
    – Bob McCune defeated Kit Fox 
    – George Scott beat Tom Zaharias by dq

    1955

    Minneapolis, Minnesota:
    – Ivan Kalmikoff & Karol Kalmikoff beat Kinji Shibuya & Mitsu Arakawa
    – Tim Geohagen beat Dave Jons 
    – Red Bastien drew Herb Schiff (Herb Freeman) 

    1960

    Minneapolis, Minnesota:
    – Gene Kiniski no contest Wilbur Snyder
    – AWA Tag Team Champions Hard Boiled Haggerty & Len Montana beat Joe Scarpello & Nick Roberts
    – Roy McClarty drew Jim Hady
    – Bob Geigel beat Guy Hill

    1968

    Atlanta, Georgia:
    – The Professional defeated Johnny Valentine to win the NWA Georgia Heavyweight Title 

    1973

    Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada:
    – The Crusher beat Superstar Billy Graham on a reverse decision dq 
    – AWA Tag Team Champions Nick Bockwinkel & Ray Stevens beat Billy Robinson & Geoff Portz in 2 out of 3 falls
    – Ric Flair beat Dave Muir

    1975

    Minneapolis, Minnesota:
    – AWA Tag Team Champions Dick the Bruiser & the Crusher beat Nick Bockwinkel & Ray Stevens
    – Larry Hennig beat Jimmy Valiant
    – Pampero Firpo no contest Johnny Valiant
    – Jos Leduc beat Don Wade
    – Bobby Duncum & Bobby Heenan beat Khosrow Vaziri & Kenny Jay

    1979

    Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada:
    – Canadian Heavyweight Title Match: Canadian Champion Dino Bravo beat AWA Champion Nick Bockwinkel
    – AWA Tag Team Champions Verne Gagne & Mad Dog Vachon beat Super Destroyer Mark II & Super Destroyer Mark III
    – Adrian Adonis & Jesse Ventura beat Steve Olsonoski & Angelo Mosca dq
    – Greg Gagne beat Bob Brown Jr (Kerry Brown)
    – Ricky Hunter beat Ron Ritchie
    – Peter Sandor Szabo beat Buck Zumhofe

    1980

    Chicago, Illinois:
    – Dick The Bruiser beat Ernie Ladd
    – Jerry Blackwell & John Studd beat Mad Dog Vachon & The Crusher
    – Spike Huber no contest King Kong Brody
    – Wilbur Snyder beat Ali Hassan
    – Jerry Graham Jr beat Chief Bobby Bold Eagle

    Atlanta, Georgia:

    – The Mongolian Stomper defeated Jack Brisco to win the NWA Georgia National Title 

    1985

    Calgary, Alberta, Canada:
    – Gama Singh defeated Bruce Hart to win the Stampede British Commonwealth Mid-Heavyweight Title

    1989

    Tokyo, Japan:
    – Stan Hansen & Genichiro Tenryu won the All Japan World Tag Team Title by winning the annual Real World Tag League tournament by defeating Jumbo Tsuruta & Yoshiaki Yatsu to win the tournament

    Toronto, Ontario, Canada:
    – Candi Devine defeated Judy Martin for the AWA Women’s World Title
    – AWA Champion Larry Zbyzsko beat Sgt. Slaughter dq
    – Paul Diamond beat Jonnie Stewart

    1993

    Jefferson, North Carolina:
    – Tracy Smothers defeated Chris Candido to win the SMW “Beat The Champ” Television Title

    1998

    London, England:
    – WWF World Tag Team Champions The New Age Outlaws defeated D’Lo Brown & Mark Henry
    – WWF World Heavyweight Champion The Rock defeated X-Pac via disqualification
    – Steve Austin defeated Kane, Mankind and The Undertaker in a Four Way match

    2002 

    Glasgow, Scotland:
    – Lex Luger defeated Sting to win the World Wrestling All-Stars World Heavyweight Title (belt had been vacated by Scott Steiner)

    2012

    – Devon defeated Samoa Joe to win the TNA TV Title

    ON THIS DAY IN FLORIDA HISTORY (thanks to Barry Rose)

    • 1958 – Sammy Berg & Enrique Torres beat Mike & Ben Sharpe (West Palm Beach)
    • 1960 – Don Curtis drew Eddie Graham to retain the Southern title (Orlando)
    • 1963 – Lou Thesz retained the NWA title going to a no contest with Eddie Graham before 6,122 fans (Jacksonville)
    • 1964 – Fred Blassie beat Abe Jacobs (Tampa)
    • 1966 – Hiro Matsuda & Taki Yamaguchi beat Eddie Graham & Sammy Steamboat (Fort Myers)
    • 1966 – The Infernos & J.C Dykes beat Don Curtis & Lester Welch & Jose Lothario in a Texas death match after eight falls (Orlando)
    • 1967 – Lorenzo Parente & Paul DeMarco beat The Red Demons via DQ (Fort Myers)
    • 1967 – Joe Scarpa (Chief Jay Strongbow) beat Johnny Valentine to win the Florida title (Tampa)
    • 1972 – Jack & Jerry Brisco beat Dory Funk Jr. & Terry Funk in a lights out match when Jerry pinned world champion Dory (Tampa)
    • 1972 – Dick Slater beat Bob Orton Sr. (Fort Myers)
    • 1973 – Eddie Graham beat Buddy Colt and Dusty Rhodes beat Jos LeDuc via DQ (Miami Beach)
    • 1974 – Cowboy Bill Watts beat Dusty Rhodes to win the Florida title and Bob Armstrong & Tony Parisi beat Toru Tanaka & Pak Song (Jacksonville)
    • 1978 – Pak Song & Mr. Uganda (Cyclone Negro) beat Dusty Rhodes & Jos LeDuc (Tampa)
    • 1979 – Dusty Rhodes beat Bad Leroy Brown (Miami  Beach)
    • 1984 – Khrusher Khrushchev & Jim Neidhart retained U.S. tag titles over Pez Whatley & Sweet Brown Sugar (Skip Young) (Miami Beach)

    ON THIS DAY IN WWE HISTORY INTERNATIONAL (thanks to Graeme Cameron)

    • 1991 – Terry Gordy & Steve Williams won the Real World Tag League tournament by one point over Stan Hansen & Danny Spivey
    • 1991 – Misterioso beat Fuerza Guerrera in Mexico City to win the NWA welterweight title
    • 1993 – Manami Toyota & Toshiyo Yamada beat Dynamite Kansai & Mayumi Ozaki in Tokyo to win the WWWA tag team titles in an incredible match
    • 1996 – Toshiaki Kawada & Akira Taue beat Mitsuharu Misawa & Jun Akiyama to win the Real World Tag League tournament
    • 1999 – Jushin Liger beat Psicosis in Milwaukee to win the IWGP jr. title
    • 2002 – Taiyo Kea & Satoshi Kojima beat Shinjiro Otani & Masato Tanaka in Tokyo to win the Real World Tag League tournament
    • 2003 – Billy Ken Kid & Tiger Mask beat Jushin Liger & Takehiro Murahama in Osaka to win the Osaka Pro tag title
    • 2009 – Takeshi Rikio & Mohammed Yone beat Kensuke Sasaki & Takeshi Morishima in Tokyo to win the GHC tag titles
    • 2009 – Keiji Muto & Masakatsu Funaki beat Suwama & Masayuki Kono in Tokyo to win the Real World Tag League tournament
    • 2010 – Mesias beat Zorro to win the vacant AAA heavyweight title and then Dr. Wagner Jr. beat Mesias to win that title in Veracruz
    • 2014 – Atsushi Kotoge beat Daisuke Harada in Tokyo to win the GHC jr. title
    • 2014 – Jun Akiyama & Takao Omori beat Go Shiozaki & Kento Miyahara to win the Real World Tag League tournament

  • WWE Superstars results (12/05): Former NXT champs Neville & Bo Dallas main event.

    The Big Takeaway: Zack Ryder beat Heath Slater in a short opener and Neville and Dallas showed glimpses of their old rivalry from NXT in a solid main event.

    Show recap:

    Zack Ryder beat Heath Slater (4:37)

    Ryder looks in such great shape, you have to feel for the guy: he works pretty well, he’s over, if they let him be, and he has a good physique and genetics. They lock up and Slater shoves Ryder off only to turn round and eat a drop kick. Ryder shoulder barges Slater, but a hip toss is blocked and instead he is clotheslined. Slater then runs into Ryder’s boot and after a leapfrog, Ryder gets nailed by the big boot of Slater.

    Slater takes over with knees and stomps and slows things down with a chin lock. When Ryder works his way out, he runs into a heel kick. Slater then chokes Ryder out in the corner with his foot and then returns to the chin lock. Ryder tries to work his way out but is thrown back to the mat. Slater’s suplex attempt is reversed and he runs into Ryder’s knees in the corner. Ryder hits him with a second rope missile drop kick, followed by a running forearm smash. He sets up and hits the Broski Boot but Slater kicks out at two. So, the Rough Ryder wins it for Zack Ryder.

    Neville beat Bo Dallas (8:10)

    Dallas and Neville are travel partners. Some would say that they’re odd bedfellows in many respects but after their NXT rivalry, they found each other to be very good company. They are both hoping that on the main roster that their rivalry can be reignited at some point. Clearly, that’s not the case here, but they really worked hard to show us a little bit of what made their program on NXT special.

    On the bell, Dallas shoulder barges Neville to mat and exclaims, ‘Bo-lieve!’ to some good heat. Neville responds with a leg sweep and takes Dallas to all four corners in turn to deliver kicks to his midriff. Neville then snapmares him into a basement drop kick to the back of his head. When Neville springboard cross bodies Dallas, Bo calls for a time out. Dallas plays possum and grabs Neville and throws him outside as we head to a break.

    When we return Dallas uses a cravat for some time on Neville. He wears him down for a two count and then off the ropes hits Neville with a huge forearm smash, but again can only get a two count. Neville gets in some kicks, but takes an almighty clothesline for a two count. Neville finally manages to get some breathing space when he dodges Dallas’ charge, sending him over the top rope to the outside. Neville uses a springboard moonsault on to Dallas on the outside and then rolls him back inside for the Red Arrow. Dallas has the move scouted, so Neville lands on his feet, turns round and hits him with an enzugiri. Neville then hits the Red Arrow for the win. 

  • NJPW World Tag League live results: Finalists determined, Honma & Makabe battle Yoshi-Hashi & Okada

    Welcome to this morning’s World Tag League coverage, the last show before the finals on 12/9. This card will determine who makes it to the finals.

    The show is from the famed Aiichi Gym in Nagoya, a New Japan stronghold for decades. 

    The A block comes down to this.  Kazuchika Okada & Yoshi-Hashi face Togi Makabe & Tomoaki Honma.  Both teams have 3-2 records.  Hiroshi Tanahashi & Michael Elgin are in first place with a 4-2 record.  If Okada & Yoshi-Hashi win, then Tanahashi & Elgin go to the finals based on having beaten Okada & Yoshi-Hashi earlier.  If Makabe & Honma win, which is expected, they go to the finals since they beat Tanahashi & Elgin a few days ago.

    The B block has Katsuyori Shibata & Hirooki Goto and Tetsuya Naito & Evil both with 4-1 records.  As coincidence would have it, they face off tonight and the winner goes to the finals.

    The overall tournament winner is expected to face Karl Anderson & Doc Gallows at Wrestle Kingdom 10 at the Tokyo Dome.

    Looks like a full house tonight.  Crowd seems reasonably hot even though it’s December and cold buildings in the winter with people bundled up usually means less crowd heat in Japan.

    MANABU NAKANISHI & MASCARA DORADA & RYUSUKE TAGUCHI & YOHEI KOMATSU VS. YUJI NAGATA & SHO TANAKA & TIGER MASK & CAPTAIN NEW JAPAN

    About what you’d expect.  Tiger Mask may have gotten hurt a little as he’s holding his upper chest.  More comedy than usual, but when you’ve got Captain in, that’s all you can do.  Komatsu and Tanaka were serious and good as usual  Tiger Mask made Komatsu submit to a double armbar.  Funny spot where Nagata kicked Nakanishi in the chest and he said, “Oh fuck.” 

    No live announcing tonight. 

    CHRISTOPHER DANIELS & FRANKIE KAZARIAN VS. JAY WHITE & DAVID FINLAY

    Decent match.  Daniels & Kazarian worked like the veterans and controlled the match, mostly working on Finlay is a solidly worked undercard style match.  White made the hot tag, did a few things but fell victim to Celebrity Rehab and Kazarian pinned White.

    HIROYOSHI TENZAN & SATOSHI KOJIMA VS. YUJIRO TAKAHASHI & CODY HALL

    Yujiro has a woman with 22 inch heels on doing all kinds of splits and almost a strip tease in a small bikini.  Kind of weird having this on a show where Maria is a big part of the act coming up later.  Better than expected.  Crowd was into Kojima & Tenzan’s trademark stuff and Hall has improved.  There was a spot wher Tenzan clotheslined Kojima when Takahashi moved and they played up being mad at each other.  They teased tension after as well but shook hands.  Finish saw Kojima lay out Takahashi with a lariat and Tenzan used the Anaconda buster and Anaconda vise to get a submssion from Hall.

    HIROSHI TANAHASHI & MICHAEL ELGIN & KUSHIDA VS. MICHAEL BENNETT & MATT TAVEN & GEDO

    Good match, best thing on the hsow so far.  The highlight was Elgin giving Taven and Bennett German suplexes building to a spot where he gave both German suplexes at the same time.  Tanahashi was playing it safe here.  After Kushida did a flip dive wiping out Bennett & Taven, Tanahashi used a Dragon screw and Texas cloverleaf for the submission on Gedo.  Maria didn’t do much.  One dancing spot to distract Tanahashi and that was about it.  Kushida borught a little kid over the rail to meet Tanahashi after. 

    Intermission time.  The rest of the show are four tag team tournament matches, the last two deciding who goes to the finals.

    BAD LUCK FALE & TAMA TONGA VS. KAZUSHI SAKURABA & TORU YANO 

    Tanahashi is on commentary we can’t hear.  Nothing at all to this.  Short match with the only cool spot being Sakuraba gettingan armbar on Fale out of nowhere.  Yano had is ribs all taped and didn’t do anything.  Yano gave both guys low blows at the same time and then Sakuraba craled Tonga for the pin.  Yujiro Takahashi ame out and took out Sakuraba and then they beat down three-on-one on Yano after, working over his ribs. and putting the boots to him.  Then Tonga beat down Sakuraba and threw David Finlay around.  

    SHINSUKE NAKAMURA & TOMOHIRO ISHII VS.  KARL ANDERSON & DOC GALLOWS

    The idea here seemed to be to get Anderson & Gallows over since they’re defending the belts at the Dome, so they got to beat a legit team here.  They laid out Nakamura with a Magic killer, and then went back and forth with Ishii until using the Magic killer on him for the pin  Nakamura didn’t do a lot here but Ishii and Anderson were good.  Nobody got their heat back or anything like that.  There was a simple goal of the match and they did it

    TOGI MAKABE & TOMOAKI HONMA VS. KAZUCHIKA OKADA & YOSHI-HASHI

    Makabe & Honma won as they took out Okada, then Honma did a spear head-butt to the back of Yoshi-Hashi as he was getting near falls on Makabe  Makabe did a Death Valley bomb on Yoshi-Hashi  They did a Road Warriors style double impact but Honma, instead of a clothesline off the top, did a spear head-butt.  Makabe then used the King Kong kneedrop off the top rope onto Yoshi-Hashi for the pin.  Tanahashi was in tears at ringside, did a better job of selling it than anyone.  So Makabe & Honma are in the finals against whoever wins the next match.  Match was good, but not nearly as good as it should have been with the stakes.  It’s notable they didn’t change from the original plans here.

    TETSUYA NAITO & EVIL VS. HIROOKI GOTO & KATSUYORI SHIBATA

    Best match on the show but not a blow away match but very good.  Naito & Evil are going to the finals.  A lot of brawling in the crowd.  The finish saw Naito tackle the ref so Bushi could blow green mist into Shibata’s face.  Evil hit the STO on Shibata.  Naito used a low blow and Destino to pin Goto.  After the match, they beat down the ref and Bushi blew mist in his eyes. 

    Naito watnst the i.  Naito attacked the ring announcer.  He’s putting the boots to the ring announcer.  Makabe & Honma made the save.  We’re done before 1:45 a.m. 

  • Former ECW wrestler Hack Myers passes away at 42

    Donald Haviland, better known as Hack Myers, passed away today, reportedly from complications after brain surgery at Johns Hopkins University hospital in Baltimore. He would have turned 42 on Monday.

    Haviland was an independent wrestler who was brought into ECW in February, 1994, by Paul Heyman, largely as an enhancement wrestler. Because he used to grunt and say “Sha” when doing offensive maneuvers, fans in Philadelphia would start chanting “Sha” during his matches whenever he’d do something.  He became a cult favorite quickly, and even though he almost always lost, he was wrestling some of the biggest names in the company at the time, like Tommy Dreamer and Terry Funk, within a few months of his arrival.  Eventually that led to his moniker as “The Shah of ECW.”

    Heyman used him better, not as a  headliner, but he was a featured undercard act who usually got a big reaction.  The gimmick started running its course and he was going to leave the promotion, so he did a loser leaves town match with Too Cold Scorpio on the 1996 November to Remember show, which he lost.  He did a couple of matches as a nostalgias act later, and wrestled mostly Florida independent shows through around 2011.