WWE confirmed Monday that the injury to Cesaro (Claudio Castagnoli) is a torn rotator cuff in his left shoulder and is likely to be out of action four to six months.
In the WWE.com piece, Cesaro said he suffered the injury two months ago, but essentially ignored it, not realizing the severity. He said he had maintained range of motion and he was hurt, but his strength wasn’t down significantly and he was continuing to train on it. This past week, he had the shoulder examined and found it was a complete tear. He said he just got the word of the tear today and is having surgery this afternoon.
The injury was reported Sunday when Cesaro was pulled from a tag team match at Survivor Series. We had been told that he would probably be needing surgery, but that was to be determined, and that he was getting the shoulder evaluated today.
Welcome to WrestlingObserver.com’s coverage of the 2015 Survivor Series from the Phillips Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. The show is headlined by the Undertaker and Kane vs. two members of the Wyatt Family alongside the semi-finals and finals of the WWE World Heavyweight Title tournament. In the semi-finals, Roman Reigns faces the newly-returned Alberto Del Rio, while Kevin Owens faces Dean Ambrose.
We’re looking for your thoughts on tonight’s show so you can leave a thumbs up, thumbs down or thumbs in the middle along with a best and worst match to dave@wrestlingobserver.com.
The undercard features Dolph Ziggler vs. Tyler Breeze, and the women’s division is represented by Paige facing off with Charlotte for Charlotte’s Divas Title. Their show-closing Raw storyline put a spotlight on the show that otherwise wasn’t there, so they’ll probably be motivated to have a great match and make people forget that whole thing ever happened.
Wrestling Observer Radio with Bryan Alvarez, Dave Meltzer and Filthy Tom Lawlor is back tonight to talk all the major stories from the weekend: Survivor Series and ISIS, what the company is saying about it, preview of the PPV with predictions on all the matches, La Sombra to WWE, TNA to POP TV, UFC results from Saturday night, Bellator notes and tons more! A fun show as always so check it out~!
Sign up for an F4Wonline.com subscription to listen to Dave and Bryan later on tonight on Wrestling Observer Radio where they will talk the aftermath of WWE Survivor Series.
*****
They announced Ric Flair and Shawn Michaels in the Stone Cold Podcast over the next several weeks.
ELIMINATION MATCH: NEVILLE & TITUS O’NEIL & GOLDUST & DUDLEYS VS. THE MIZ & BO DALLAS & STARDUST & THE ASCENSION
Decent match, nothing special. Cesaro was originally to be in this ten-man opener, but Titus replaced him.
1) Goldust pinned Viktor in 32 seconds with a powerslam
2) Bubba Ray Dudley pinned Konnor with a uranage
3) Dallas used the Bodog on Neville and then Miz tagged in and used the Skull Crushing Finale for the pin
4) Goldust pinned Miz almost immediately with a schoolboy
5) O’Neil pinned Dallas with the Clash of the Titus
6) This left Stardust against O’Neil, Goldust and the Dudleys Stardust tried to walk out for the count out. O’Neil blocked his way. He gave Goldust an elbow and then ran away from Goldust into the ring right into a 3-D by the Dudleys and Devon pinned Cody to win, so the face team won 5-1.
WWE CHAMPIONSHIP TOURNAMENT SEMIFINAL: ROMAN REIGNS VS. U.S. CHAMPION ALBERTO DEL RIO
Really good match, better than you’d think from these two. Easily Del Rio’s best match since he’s returned. A lot of near falls, including a spear into a kick by Del Rio at one point after Del Rio missed the double foot stomp and sold his knee. The finish saw Del Rio come off the top, but Reigns moved and hit him with the spear.
Reigns and Ambrose were backstage. Reigns said it’s going to be best friends fighting for the WWE title. Kevin Owens showed up and said,” Reigns always comes close and Seth Rollins and Bray Wyatt stopped him from winning the title and now I’m beating your little buddy Dean and you’re going to come this close again but tonight’s the Kevin Owens show.” The crowd cheered that a lot. Reigns said Owens is a guy who runs his mouth but he’s going to go out to the ring and get his ass whipped by Ambrose.
WWE CHAMPIONSHIP TOURNAMENT SEMIFINAL: DEAN AMBROSE VS. INTERCONTINENTAL CHAMPION KEVIN OWENS
Another really good match. Amborse used a tope, then a second one and Owens dumped him on the announcers table. In the ring, Owens used two superkicks, went for the pop up power bomb but Ambose reversed into a huracanrana, and followed with Dirty Deeds for the pin.
So the finals, as expected is Reigns vs. Ambrose.
ELIMINATION MATCH: TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS THE NEW DAY & KING BARRETT & SHEAMUS VS. LUCHA DRAGONS & USOS & RYBACK
1) Sin Cara pinned Barrett with a senton into the ring
2) Kingston & Woods double-teamed and pinned Jimmy Uso
3) Sheamus pinned Sin Cara with a brogue kick
4) Jey Uso pinned E with a splash off the top rope
5) Woods & Kingston left with Big E, who was acting like he was injured6) This left Sheamus alone with Kalisto, Ryback and Jey. They went a long time until Jey hit a superkick on Sheamus, Kalisto used huracanrana and Ryback pinned him after the shell shock.
Match was good. Last fall went too long with the story they were telling, kind of died off. The crowd loved the New Day so that was part of it as they lost interest after they left.
DIVAS CHAMPION CHARLOTTE VS. PAIGE
They gave them time to have the kind of match they’d have in NXT. It was good. The highlight was Charlotte spearing Paige with her running on the barricade tackling Paige, standing on the barricade, to the floor. Charlotte won clean via submission with the figure eight.
Dean Ambrose said we knew this day would come and tonight I’m going to fight my brother, I’d give him the shirt off my back but he isn’t going to pay the bills Reigns came out and said usually I’d give you a hug but today’s not about hugs. They fist bumped.
DOLPH ZIGGLER VS. TYLER BREEZE
This was all about getting Breeze over. Short match that they rushed through with Breeze winning with the unprettier. As far as execution went, very good, but it felt from the start like they were rushing through.
UNDERTAKER & KANE VS. BRAY WYATT & LUKE HARPER
They took out Erick Rowan before the match. Wyatt & Harper did the match with Strowman in the corner. The match was all about putting Undertaker over. The crowd was more into this than any match on the show. Undertake & Kane choke slammed Strowman onto the announcers table. In the ring, Undertaker & Kane did a double sit up. Undertaker choke slammed Wyatt and Kane choke slammed Harper and then Undertaker pinned Harper after a tombstone piledriver. Not a great match but it was good as a showcase. They teased this may be the last time Undertaker & Kane are a tag team.
WWE CHAMPIONSHIP FINALS: ROMAN REIGNS VS. DEAN AMBROSE
They rushed through a 9:00 final. Each kicked out of the others big move until Reigns hit a second spear and got the clean pin. It’s early so we may have an angle coming. Really good while it lasted.
HHH came out while they had the pyro and confetti going, and came out to congratulate Reigns. Reigns wouldn’t shake his hand and speared him. Sheamus came out from behind, and gave Reigns a brogue kick but Reigns kicked out. He hit Reigns with a second brogue kick and pinned him so Sheamus ends the show as WWE Champion, shaking hands and hugging HHH.
Jim Ross reported on Twitter earlier today that Cesaro (Claudio Castagnoli) is having shoulders issues that will likely require surgery.
Cesaro was not advertised for a match on today’s Survivor Series but could have fit into the ten person elimination match.
Cesaro is coming off one of the better television matches on Raw in several months in the quarterfinal match in the WWE title tournament where he lost to Roman Reigns.
If he is to undergo surgery, that would be next on the list that includes Seth Rollins and Randy Orton as key performers with the company undergoing surgery and out for a significant length of time.
Ross on Twitter about an hour ago tweeted, “Hearing that @WWECesaro is having shoulder issues that will likely require surgery soon. If true, we wish him our best. Quality person.”
WWE SURVIVOR SERIES FROM ATLANTA AT 7:30 P.M. EASTERN
Semifinals and finals of WWE heavyweight title tournament – Semifinals are Roman Reigns vs. Alberto Del Rio and Kevin Owens vs. Dean Ambrose – The expectation is that Roman Reigns vs. Dean Ambrose will be the final and that one of the two will turn, and the one who turns will probably end up as champion. But not only is it subject to change, but as of this morning, the subject was still being debated and there was so final decision yet made.
There are arguments in favor of either one. There is the argument Reigns can get over as a heel and then people want him turned at some point and he can be the babyface champion the company wants. There is the argument that they’ve gone so long with pushing him as the heir to the position that they shouldn’t delay it another year or so for a heel run. If Reigns turns, you still have John Cena, Undertaker and Brock Lesnar on the face side for him to work with as top heel.
Ambrose is lower on that totem poll but if he turns, he can be top heel. Either way, Owens vs. Ambrose and presumably Ambrose vs. Reigns should be very good and carry the show.
Undertaker & Kane vs. 2 members of the Wyatt family – Not sure what to say about this one, other than unless they have an angle tied to it, it may not be much of a match.
Charlotte vs. Paige for Divas title – Not much to say about this one. The result will be telling in some form.
Dolph Ziggler vs. Tyler Breeze – These two have torn it up on house shows, so it should be a good match
5 vs. 5 elimination match participants to be named
We’re looking for your thoughts on tonight’s Survivor Series, so you can leave a thumbs up, thumbs down or thumbs in the middle along with a best and worst match to Dave Meltzer
We’re also looking for reports on the NXT shows this weekend if Venice and Fort Pierce, FL at Dave Meltzer
NEW JAPAN TAG LEAGUE 2015 FROM MIE AT 2 A.M. EASTERN AND 11 P.M. PACIFIC LATE SUNDAY NIGHT
Tournament matches:
Bennett & Taven vs. Evil & Naito
Daniels & Kazarian vs. Tanahashi & Elgin
Goto & Shibata vs. Anderson & Gallows
WWE Raw will be live on Monday night from Nashville.
NEW JAPAN TAG LEAGUE 2015 FROM ISHIKAWA AT 4:30 A.M. EASTERN AND 1:30 A.M. PACIFIC EARLY TUESDAY/LATE MONDAY
Tournament matches:
Daniels & Kazarian vs. Fale & Tonga
Bennett & Taven vs. Gallows & Anderson
Nagata & Nakanishi vs. Okada & Yoshi-Hashi
WWE Smackdown and Main Event will be taped on Tuesday in Indianapolis.
We have one of the biggest issues of the year, with such a huge news week this past week. We look at exactly what went into Holly Holm’s victory over Ronda Rousey, a story on the life and times of Nick Bockwinkel, the Reid Flair angle and build to Survivor Series, Destination America dropping wrestling, and the 104-year-old attendance record being broken, as well as the story behind the firing of Billy Gunn, an update on The Rock at WrestleMania, La Sombra to WWE, the AAA world title gets decided and a lot more are headline stories in the new double issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter which is on the site right now.
If you have an interest in history, this is a huge issue, as well as a perspective on what happened in the most talked about UFC fight in history.
We look at the fight, the background of Holly Holm, what is going on in Rousey’s life, what led to the upset, thoughts on a rematch, what it means for business, the early business notes on the fight including where PPV may come in, previous fights like this, and what happened after the fight. We look at UFC’s biggest upsets, the gambling perspective, rematch odds, business notes and match-by-match coverage with poll results.
The life and times of Nick Bockwinkel is one of the best bios we’ve done, with comments from people whose careers he has touched, my own personal thoughts on Bockwinkel, what current WWE superstar had his career path changed greatly because of a suggestion by Bockwinkel to an independent promoter, a look at his life, his career, some of his most famous matches, his career title history, the controversy over Hulk Hogan not getting the AWA title, his place in the business when it changed and life after wrestling.
We also look at the Reid Fliehr angle, how it was set up, comments by Ric Flair, how ESPN got exposed in its wrestling coverage, the Owen Hart DVD and 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.
Bryan and I will be back tonight talking Survivor Series as well as taking your e-mail questions to mailbag@wrestlingobserver.com
There is a story on the front page regarding precautions live in Atlanta for tonight’s show. There are still anonymous threats going around of ISIS attacks.
The show was close to sold out yesterday and is expected to be a sell out.
Bob Foster, who is considered one of the greatest light heavyweights in the history of boxing, passed away yesterday at the age of 76. He had been living in Albuquerque. Foster won what was considered the real world light heavyweight title from Dick Tiger on May 24, 1968, in Madison Square Garden. He held the title through 1974, when he retired as champion, although he did come back after that point, and fought for several more years, and never challenged for the title in his comeback. His most famous fights were as an undersized heavyweight, challenging both Joe Frazier and Muhammad Ali. He was knocked out by Frazier in 1970 and by Ali in 1972.
There were at last check 1.2 million searches on Google in the U.S. regarding the Canelo Alvarez vs. Miguel Cotto fight from last night. That fight and Ohio State football are the only searched terms, sports or otherwise, to top 1 million this weekend. A number at that level would normally correlate to a good PPV number. Nothing at all from UFC or Bellator over the weekend, but one wouldn’t expect that. Survivor Series will likely be in the top few today.
Regarding the decisions (source MMAdecisions.com) on last night’s show, in the Valmir Lozaro vs. Michel Prezeres fight that Prezeres won via split decision, a check of ten leading media writers who covered the fight (which included me) had it 10-0 in favor of Lazaro, who lost. I thought that was a real bad call. In the Enrique Marin vs. Erick Montano fight, where Montano won the TUF Latin America welterweight finals on a split decision, that could have gone either way, the media was split with six for Marin, three for Montano and one draw. In Henry Cejudo’s split decision win over Jussier Formiga, not only did all 13 including myself have it for Cejudo (who won), but ten of the 13 didn’t even give Formiga a round. In the main event, a split decision win by Neil Magny over Kelvin Gastelum, there were four media members who gave it to Magny, one for Gastelum and 11 (including myself) had it 47-47 a draw due to a 10-8 fourth round for Gastelum. Notable that 11 of 15 media members scored that round 10-8 but none of the three judges did. The only bad call was the opener as Marin vs. Montano and Magny vs. Gastelum could have been a win for Marin and draw in the main, but when you have fights that close, any decision is okay.
Goldust is ready to return and is on the road, although that doesn’t mean he’ll be used.
Ric Flair is also at the show today.
ESPN will be doing interviews at the show today.
A WWE event in North Rhine-Wesetphalia, near Dortmund, Germany, was canceled this past week due to the terrorist attacks in Paris and a bomb threat (which ended up being a hoax) in Hannover. It was scheduled from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m. promoted off the company’s Germany language web site and moderated by Sebastian Hackl,the Germany language TV announcer. Starwatch entertainment was promoting it, which is affiliated with ProSeiben, the WWE’s TV partner in the country. Tobias Koppenhofer of ProSiebenSat.1 said there were no actual threats against the event, but they decided to cancel due to the rising threat of terrorism. They had only sold 80 tickets but claimed the cancellation was not due to that reason. (thanks to Markus Gronemann)
UFC
Holly Holm will be on The Late Show tomorow night with Seth Meyers, along with Sarah Palin. (thanks to Jon Southerland)
The British band Chasing Cadence will be playing at all three TNA shows in the U.K. on 1/29, 1/30 and 1/31, in Manchester, London and Birmingham. All three shows will be taped for television in some form.
Charity Wrestling on 12/5 in Kingston, ONT at the Kingston Gospel Temple.
ONE ran a show in Beijing on Mainland China yesterday with Marat Gafinov beating Narantungalag Jadambaa via ref stoppage from a choke at 4:39 of the fourth round to win the featherweight title. Kairat Akhetov, a Greco-Roman specialist, outwrestled Adriano Moraes to win the flyweight title via split decision.
Southern Illinois Championship Wrestling from last night in East Carondelet, IL before 220 fans: Baracus b Purple Passion, Bubba Troll & Jimmy D b Bobby D & Gunner, Chas Wesson b Iceman, Curtis Wylde b Sean Vincent, Gary Jackson b Ax-DQ, Ironman Ken Kasa b Brandon Espinosa-COR, Kahagas & Chris Hargas won three-way over Ron Powers & Red River Jack (Bob Orton under a mask) and Flash Flanagan & Heath Hatton (thanks to Larry Matysik)
Barry Rose sent this in as far as main event results during the history of the Florida territory for yesterday:
1956 – Ray Stevens beat Harry Smith 2/3 falls (Tampa TV)
1963 – Mark Lewin & Don Curtis beat The Assassins to win the NWA world tag team titles (Jacksonville)
1967 – Johnny Valentine beat Jose Lothario to keep the Florida title in a no DQ match (Tampa)
1968 – The Gladiator (Ricky Hunter) beat Nick Kozak to win the Florida title (Tampa TV)
1972 – Tim Woods beat Buddy Colt with Big Bad John as ref to win the Southern title (Tampa)
1973 – Dusty Rhodes beat Paul Jones via DQ in a Southern title match (Miami Beach)
1974 – Jack Brisco beat Terry Funk in a world title match, plus Dusty Rhodes & Jerry Brisco beat Dick Slater & Cowboy Bill Watts with Lou Thesz as referee, Bob Armstrong beat Pak Song to retain the North American title, Jos LeDuc beat Toru Tanaka to keep the Southern title and Mongolian Stomper beat Bob Backlund (Jacksonville)
1977 – Lars Anderson beat Steve Keirn to keep the Florida title (West Palm Beach)
1978 – Pak Song & Missouri Mauler & Mr. Uganda (Cyclone Negro) beat Dusty Rhodes & Killer Karl Kox & Sonny Myers, plus Dick Slater beat Mike Graham via DQ for the Southern title and Jack & Jerry Brisco beat Rising Suns (Tampa)
1979 – Harley Race beat Dusty Rhodes to retain the world title plus Manny Fernandez double count out Super Destroyer in a Florida title match (Miami Beach)
1980 – Dusty Rhodes & Sir Oliver Humperdink beat The Sheik & Lord Al Hayes in a cage match and Harley Race went to a 60:00 draw with Dory Funk Jr. to keep the world title, Baron Von Raschke beat Barry Windham to win the Florida title, Jack Brisco beat Dick Slater via DQ (Hollywood)
1982 – Dusty Rhodes beat Jake Roberts (Orlando)
Wrestlemerica TV tapings from last night in Barnesville, GA before 400 fans: Tyson Dean b Johnny Nixx, Andy Anderson & Pain b Fry Daddy & Iceberg, Glacier (original) b Billy Jack (not original), Corey Hollis b Jaxson James, Razor & Rowdy b The PS Playaz, Ken Anderson b Tommy Too much. Doc Gallows returns with shows on 12/18 and 12/19 in Griffin and Barnesville in a two-night tournament for their heavyweight title plus 12/19 also has Gallows & Mike Knox reforming their tag team in a cage match. They also announced A.J. Styles vs. Jimmy Rave on 1/8, a rematch of a great match they recently had (thanks to Kris Zellner)
Dynamo Pro Wrestling from last night in Wood River, IL: Justin D’Air b C.J. Berry, Sean Orleans b Garret Shanks, Brandon Espinosa b Billy McNeil, Jason Khaos b Prince Moses, Kevin Lee Davidson b Bahamt, Shawn Santel & Mauler McDarby b Rocket Mapache & Jackal, Mike Outlaw b Curt Stallion (thanks to Patrick Brandmeyer)
Lucha Xtreme from last night in Fresno, with a tournament for their U.S. title: Big Dogg b Al Azar, Skitzo b La Mascara, Skitzo DCOR Big Dogg, so no winner. (thanks to Jon Southerland)
Premier Wrestling from Friday night in Winnipeg: Jay Walker b Adrian Barton, Mentallo b Alexander Prime, Flex Appeal b Shaun Moore & Antonio Scorpio, Shao Ming b Zack Mercury, Jackie Lee b Mentallo (thanks to Andrew Shallcross)
ON THIS DAY IN PRO WRESTLING HISTORY INTERNATIONAL (thanks to Graeme Cameron)
1955 – Rikidozan beat King Kong in Tokyo to win the All Asia heavyweight title
1975 – Ron Miller & Johnny Gray won a tournament final in Melbourne to win the vacant Austra Asian tag titles
1992 – Scott Norton & Tony Halme beat Rick & Scott Steiner in Tokyo to win the IWGP tag team titles and Ultimo Dragon beat El Samurai to win the IWGP jr. title
1997 – Ulf Hermann & Christian Eckstein beat Rhino Richards (Rhino) & Jean Pierre Lafitte in Bremen to win the CWA tag titles
1998 – Momoe Nakanishi & Nanae Takahashi beat Manami Toyota & Yumiko Hotta in Tokyo to win the All Japan women’s annual tag team tournament
2011 – La Mascara beat Averno in Mexico City to win the NWA middleweight title
It has been twenty five years since the debut of the Undertaker back at Survivor Series 1990, but this Sunday will mark the twenty eighth edition of the annual November WWE event. While there will be a traditional Survivor Series 5 on 5 match, we don’t actually know it as WWE hasn’t announced the participants. I guess it’s not that important.
But what is important is the WWE title, which in the last month has been declared vacant due to Seth Rollins suffering a major knee injury. A tournament has been held in the last month to determine who will be the new champion, and it boils down to four people: United States champion Alberto del Rio, Intercontinental champion Kevin Owens, Dean Ambrose and Roman Reigns. It’ll be interesting to see not only who walks away champion, but just how that person winds up with the belt. Will they do it the right way, or will the Authority once again have their very own champion?
Meanwhile, it is the 25th anniversary of the Undertaker, so the dead man will be in action alongside Kane taking on the team of Bray Wyatt and Braun Strowman. Wyatt has rekindled his feud with Undertaker and Kane in the last month, taking away their amazing ability to summon lightning and fire and all sorts of other fun magic tricks. Will Kane and Undertaker reign supreme, or will Wyatt’s magic powers run dry?
Bryan Rose: I’m already feeling like Breeze is just a guy in the midcard. Granted, with his gimmick there’s not going to be any real opportunity at the top but in his first match against Ambrose he got pinned clean. He’s won matches since then, but I think this is an important match for Breeze. Either he beats Dolph clean and gets some momentum, or Ziggler pins him and we’re just kind of filling time on Raw from this point forward. I’ll give them the benefit of the doubt and go with Breeze for this one, but I wouldn’t be surprised if they go the other way either.
Prediction: Tyler Breeze
Kyle S. Johnson: The build to this match was bisected by the impromptu WWE World Heavyweight Championship tournament, and everything feels pretty tepid going into Sunday. Story aside, it will be interesting to see what kind of chemistry these two have, and this could wind up being a fun little match to get the show rolling. Both guys are coming off of losses in the tournament, but Breeze could probably use the win more so as to establish some kind of footing on the main roster. I expect either Prince Pretty picking up the victory via heelishness/Summer Rae chicanery or Ziggler getting a DQ win to get more heat on Breeze, with either result extending the feud into the end of the year.
Prediction: Tyler Breeze
Jeremy Peeples: This has had a fun mid-card build, but not very noteworthy for either guy. Dolph is the established guy, and as a former World champion, it seems odd to peg him as the loser here, but Tyler needs the win more.
Prediction: Tyler Breeze
James Cox: I watched these two live at the house shows a few weeks ago and they work well together. Breeze needs to connect more with the crowd and so a win here makes a lot of sense. His start on the main roster has been stuttering so they need to keep him strong now and see what he can really do. I don’t imagine Ziggler has a problem continuing this feud or putting him over at this stage.
Prediction: Tyler Breeze
Steve Khan: WWE picks random moments to protect Dolph Ziggler and I could see this being one of them. However, they obviously need something new and Breeze is definitely that. Ziggler will get his win back later but I think Breeze does pick up the win here with help from Summer Rae. The match has potential but I worry about it getting enough time.
Prediction: Tyler Breeze
Paul Fontaine: Breeze needs the win alot more than Ziggler does. They need to make new stars and Breeze has as much of a chance as anyone else to catch on. At least the act with he and Summer is different. Don’t see any reason to think there will be anything but a win for Breeze here.
Bryan Rose: Boy, this has been the source of much chatter this week, hasn’t it? I won’t go into the details of the angle that closed off Raw Monday because it’s been talked about to death and I pretty much agree with how tasteless and stupid it was. With that said, this Diva’s Revolution they like to talk about on a weekly basis feels flatter and flatter each week. Charlotte has been bland as a face and Paige has turned so many times in the last year it’s hard to feel anything about her. I still think they’re invested in making Charlotte the big star of the division (which is kind of funny considering Sasha Banks has been called up, but there’s politics here) so I say she retains.
Prediction: Charlotte
Kyle S. Johnson: The story of this match was torched on Monday in what should go down as one of the company’s most tactless, disgusting moments of the past decade. Everything about turning this story to hinge on the very real death of Reid Fliehr leaves a bad taste in my mouth, and that taste only gets worse the more with every successive revelation of just how negligently this thing was handled. While it will by no means compensate for that horrid angle, Charlotte and Paige can turn a lot of the focus toward a positive if they are allowed to go out and put on a great match. Expect Charlotte to get a victory, hope that nothing more is done to invoke Reid’s name, and understand that the artificial Divas Revolution is done.
Prediction: Charlotte
Jeremy Peeples: Raw destroyed the buildup for this feud, which already wasn’t anything special. Paige would benefit more from having the title than Charlotte, who feels like she has no momentum even with the title – but after Monday, Charlotte is definitely winning.
Prediction: Charlotte
James Cox: I’ve gone back and forth on this one. As I have booked it, this show doesn’t have many surprises yet and, whether good or bad, this angle got attention. If they put Paige over, it would stink given the way they treated the Flair family but it could also lead to some serious heat. After the apology and statements were issued I kind of assumed that they’ll just put Charlotte over in the end.
Prediction: Charlotte
Steve Khan: Charlotte can’t lose the belt after what happened on Monday. I guess we’ll find out how stubborn they are. Either Charlotte wins or she goes nuts and it ends in a DQ or no contest. The match itself seems secondary so I don’t expect much from this.
Prediction: Charlotte
Paul Fontaine: I have a funny feeling, and I really hope I’m wrong, that somehow Charlotte is going to get punished for all of the heat for this angle involving her brother’s death. Paige would probably make a better champion than Charlotte right now anyway as she’s the more complete performer.
Prediction: Paige
The Brothers of Destruction vs. Bray Wyatt and Braun Strowman
Bryan Rose: The Undertaker and Kane win. Wyatt and his group continue to be spooky time magicians for the foreseeable future. Not the most compelling feud of all time.
Prediction: Brothers of Destruction
Kyle S. Johnson: What the hell was this build? Apparently, WWE’s best idea for celebrating a quarter-century of The Undertaker was to force the audience to relieve a hodge-podge of some of his worst feuds from the past 25 years. The only thing missing here was having the entire mid-card come out to stuff ‘Taker in a casket; but then, that might have actually succeeded in making The Wyatts look like a legitimate threat. Luke Harper deserved to be in this match, but it’s understood that Strowman must be made credible, and this match theoretically gives him that rub. Undertaker and Kane should win because it’s been shown repeatedly that they are neither intimidated nor threatened by The Wyatts, but things could go the other way if someone has the bright idea to make Bray and company look strong for a change. There’s the possibility that they could feed Braun the win here to set him up for Undertaker at Wrestlemania, but good god, please no. I’ll take Undertaker and Kane in what has the potential to be a real plodder.
Prediction: Brothers of Destruction
Jeremy Peeples: It’s Undertaker’s 25th anniversary in the company and he’s been the focus of all advertising, so after a month of baffling buildup, it’s clear who’s winning this one.
Prediction: Brothers of Destruction
James Cox: They have a heel that they could do something with in Bray Wyatt and he is creating a stable around him and yet they’re going to beat him again on ppv. Let’s not forget that The Undertaker already beat him at WrestleMania. This ought to be placed halfway through the card and set up something for later down the road. I don’t see this being any good at all. What a terrible anniversary gift.
Prediction: Brothers of Destruction
Steve Khan: There’s no way Undertaker should lose to a dead act, especially on this night. The match itself should be fun. I can see Luke Harper and Bray Wyatt being the two opponents, because pretty much every other combination would be a disappointment. Undertaker can pin Harper, which would allow this feud to continue, or (hopefully) die while sort of saving Bray.
Prediction: Brothers of Destruction
Paul Fontaine: 25 years of the Undertaker, 25 months of mind-numbingly terrible Bray Wyatt storylines. This adds up to hopefully a quick and decisive win for the Brothers of Destruction. I just hope to God that they don’t have Kane turn on his brother and have them feud leading up to Mania.
Prediction: Brothers of Destruction
WWE Title Tournament Semifinal: Roman Reigns vs. Alberto del Rio
Bryan Rose: It’s so funny that one month after his big return, you can already tell by the body language that Alberto del Rio wishes he were anywhere but on WWE television with this going nowhere gimmick with Zeb Coulter. I mean, if it weren’t for this tournament they were going to put him with Jack Swagger. Seriously. I just don’t get their creative sometimes, it baffles the mind. I’m pretty sure unless something completely unexpected happens Reigns wins here.
Prediction: Roman Reigns
Kyle S. Johnson: Remember a few weeks ago when the returning Alberto del Rio was suddenly one of the hottest guys on the roster? In just a handful of shows, WWE’s insistence on booking del Rio in the most ludicrous manner possible has seemingly relegated him back to the exact same spot he was in before he left the company. He’s receiving apathetic crowd reactions, and who can blame the audience? This storyline with Zeb and MexAmerica is going nowhere, and if WWE is smart, they’ll scrap it with the quickness and set Alberto along a new path. Oh, and he has an approximate zero percent chance to win this match. Perhaps even a negative one percent chance, if that’s even possible. As long as Reigns doesn’t make the inexplicable decision to scale the top rope, he should be fine.
Prediction: Roman Reigns
Jeremy Peeples: Alberto hasn’t dropped a match since returning, but Roman’s the chosen one, so it’s Alberto destiny to lose this one.
Prediction: Roman Reigns
James Cox: The clue is in the fact that Del Rio already has a title. Having two titles at once was what Seth did and then you have to have you World Champion lose to someone – they’re not going to do that again in a hurry. Surely. Should be a good match and my interest is at least piqued by the finish, despite how inevitable the result is.
Prediction: Roman Reigns
Steve Khan: I don’t care what they have invested in Del Rio, Reigns needs to go over strong here. I expect a decent match with Reigns winning. They could do something wacky and have Del Rio advance, but they’ve basically pushed this show on the idea that Reigns is fighting for the title.
Prediction: Roman Reigns
Paul Fontaine: No reason to go against the rest of the crew here. Del Rio feels about as hot as TNA Impact right now (which is not hot at all, in case you didn’t know). Reigns is the person this whole tournament has been built around. These two are likely going to have a boring match, as seemingly every Del Rio match has been since his return and Reigns will ride the negative heat he’s surely going to receive right into the finals.
Prediction: Roman Reigns
WWE Title Tournament Semifinal: Kevin Owens vs. Dean Ambrose
Bryan Rose: This one I’m not too sure about, unlike the other semifinal. They can do two things. One, Owens wins and goes to the finals to lose to Reigns. Two, Ambrose wins, he turns heel during the finish and wins the title. Ambrose is in a position where either of these outcomes are possible, and think about it – Triple H talked to everyone backstage during Raw except Ambrose. So I’m going to go with Ambrose, as its something unexpected and makes for a more interesting and less obvious final match.
Prediction: Dean Ambrose
Kyle S. Johnson: This oughta be a lot of fun. Owens and Ambrose were already on a collision course prior to the injury to Seth Rollins, only now they’ll be fighting for that coveted spot in the finals of the tournament. Of the established matches, this one feels the most like it could go either way–Owens could be semi-instantaneously cemented as the company’s top heel with a win here and a strong performance against Reigns, but the Reigns vs. Ambrose match has been brewing for some time now. One would like to think that WWE would opt to continue that slow build to Reigns vs. Ambrose so that they can promote it appropriately, but I fully expect that they will hotshot it for the finals of this tournament.
Prediction: Dean Ambrose
Jeremy Peeples: Owens benefits a lot more from a win here than Ambrose would, although both desperately need some momentum. After being lost in the mid-card, Owens has some traction again while Dean feels aimless. Doing Dean vs. Roman feels a bit early and hasn’t been built up at all, so I can see that happening, but Owens winning gives them more to do without blowing a potential “big” feud match without any hype.
Prediction: Kevin Owens
James Cox: Unless they’re running scared because of the ratings and Seth’s injury and are making a stupid, knee-jerk decision, then Owens wins here. The Reigns-Ambrose match or even a Shield three-way is something that needs time and build. Owens is a perfectly good heel to go with for now. This could be a really good match and they can beat Ambrose clean without having to worry.
Prediction: Kevin Owens
Steve Khan: I would go with Owens and save Ambrose vs. Reigns for another time. I think there’s a temptation to do something big on this show, and Reigns just beating Owens in the finals isn’t that (which makes it a strong possibility). Ambrose is the only guy in the final four that they never showed talking to Triple H, and that worries me a little. My gut is they go with Ambrose. The match itself should be great.
Prediction: Dean Ambrose
Paul Fontaine: This is the first match, other than maybe Breeze/Ziggler, where the result doesn’t seem completely obvious. I’m with Bryan Alvarez on this one and feel like they shouldn’t give away Reigns/Ambrose without a proper build. Plus, the way I feel they’re going in the main event leads me to believe that Owens will be a better opponent for Reigns than Ambrose. This could be the match of the night, unless it’s the tournament final.
Prediction: Kevin Owens
WWE Title Tournament Final: Who walks out of Survivor Series the WWE Champion?
Bryan Rose: Dean Ambrose, based on the situation I just gave in my previous prediction. Reigns winning the title here is fine if they want a babyface going into the Royal Rumble and Wrestlemania season as champion. But Vince has always liked the “against all odds” scenario where the babyface wins the title at the biggest event of the year. To ensure that scenario is still in place, it makes the most sense for Ambrose to win here, align with the Authority and wear the title going into Wrestlemania. It sets up a nice story about Reigns wanting revenge for his friends betrayal, and you have a simple but good story leading to Wrestlemania season.
Prediction: Dean Ambrose
Kyle S. Johnson: This match could involve Kevin Owens, is more likely to feature Dean Ambrose, and is practically guaranteed to star Roman Reigns. Reigns’ involvement has been a certainty since the tournament was announced, but the direction and conclusion of the tournament final is the subject of great speculation. The story that has been created in two weeks has Triple H reaching out to everyone in the tournament in the hopes that they will accept the offer to become “his guy”–an offer that was spurned by Reigns in the wake of Rollins’ injury. Should we wind up with Dean vs. Roman, this story could play out a number of ways: Ambrose could just resort to heel tactics during the match, we get a ref bump and a Triple H walkout, and Dean takes the sledgehammer (either literally or metaphorically) and becomes The Authority’s new face. Alternately, Dean could be shown speaking to Triple H prior to the match, which could serve as a tension-building red herring that leads to Reigns turning heel (less likely) or Sheamus cashing in and taking up the offer (more likely). Then again, Roman could just win the thing outright and continue along the uphill battle of becoming the company’s new face. With so many failures behind him, it’s hard to picture a scenario where Reigns walks out without the championship that doesn’t result in another major hit to his credibility–unless they are absolutely committed to drawing out the chase in order to give him that Wrestlemania moment a year later than desired. Whatever happens, here’s hoping they have some semblance of a plan to get through the six months between now and ‘Mania.
Prediction: Roman Reigns
Jeremy Peeples: Whether Owens or Ambrose wins, they’re going against Roman here. Owens vs. Roman would probably be a better match and definitely help out Owens just from making it to the finals of the tournament. Either man being in the finals should give them at least some cache for a B show PPV main event or two, but Roman’s time is coming – whether it’s the exact right time or not.
Prediction: Roman Reigns
James Cox: Don’t get me wrong, I don’t think this is the right time for Roman Reigns to be the champion, but I just hope that they strap a rocket to Reigns throughout the show and keep him strong. A failed Sheamus cash-in post match would really help that, to an extent. And I just can’t believe that they would take the title away from Reigns, like they did at WrestleMania, again. The match should be strong, to finish what will probably be a three-match show with some fairly mediocre stuff in between.
Prediction: Roman Reigns
Steve Khan: If Reigns was super over, him winning the title clean against whoever would be fine and everyone would go home happy. But that’s not the case. If he ends up facing Owens, then that’s the most likely finish. If it’s against Ambrose, which is my prediction, that’s where it gets interesting. I really feel like Reigns should turn, because even if there’s a large group of people who like him, the ceiling as a babyface is low at the moment. If it’s Ambrose vs. Reigns, one of them pretty much has to turn, either on this show or Raw the next night. Whoever turns, I’ll go out on a limb (I guess?) and pick Dean Ambrose. (I don’t expect Sheamus to cash in and win, because they would be bad.)
Prediction: Dean Ambrose
Paul Fontaine: My final is Roman Reigns vs Kevin Owens. At some point during the night, I think we see the Authority meeting with Owens with the idea that they’re going to help him. He gets by Ambrose with help from them although subtly he doesn’t seem to want their help. In the finals, they come out again, seemingly to help Owens but end up helping Reigns instead, ala Deadly Games in 1998 (so in this scenario, Owens is Mankind and Reigns is the Rock). Reigns is the new champion and holds the belt through Mania until he can feud with a returning Seth Rollins.
Melbourne, Australia: – Billy Meeske defeated Joe Bailey in a tournament final to win the vacant Australian Heavyweight Title
1950
Los Angeles, California: – Baron Michele Leone defeated Enrique Torres to become recognized World Heavyweight Champion in Los Angeles and the Pacific Northwest
1954
Los Angeles, California: – Lord James Blears & Joe Pazanadak defeated Gene Kiniski and John Tolos for the NWA International Television Tag Team Titles
1955
Tokyo, Japan: – Rikidozan defeated King Kong in a tournament final to become the first All Asia Heavyweight Champion
1960
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada – George Eakin won the Madison Wrestling Club Heavyweight Title from Bob Brown
1961
Honolulu, Hawaii: – Lord James Blears & Neff Maivia won the NWA Hawaii Tag Team Title by defeating Shoulders Newman and Ted Travis
1962
Jacksonville, Florida: – The Fabulous Kangaroos (Al Costello & Roy Heffernan) defeated Tony Baillargeon & Maurice Lapoine for the Florida version of the NWA World Tag Team Title
Minneapolis, Minnesota: – AWA Champion Verne Gagne beat Moose Evans in 2 out of 3 falls – Battle of the K(C)rushers, Loser no longer can use the name K(C)rusher: Crusher beat Krusher Stan Kowalski – Farmer Pete & Nan Regen beat Pee Wee James & Mars Monroe – Jack Lanza beat George Cannon
1963
Mobile, Alabama: – Billy Hines defeated Mickey Sharpe to win the NWA Gulf Coast Heavyweight Title
1968
Atlanta, Georgia: – The Assassins (Tom Renesto & Jody Hamilton) defeated Ramon & Alberto Torres for the NWA Georgia Tag Team Title
Dothan, Alabama: – Rocket & Flash Monroe defeated Don Carson & Dick Dunn to win the NWA Gulf Coast Tag Team Title
1969
Atlanta, Georgia: – Joe Scarpa (Chief Jay Strongbow) defeated Assassin #2 (Tom Renesto) in a tournament final to become the first NWA Georgia Television Champion
1972
Birmingham, Alabama: – Bob Kelly won the NWA Gulf Coast Heavyweight Championship by defeating The Wrestling Pro
Mobile, Alabama: – Rocket & Flash Monroe defeated Rip Tyler & Eddie Sullivan to win the Gulf Coast version of the NWA United States Tag Team Title
1973
St. Paul, Minnesota: – AWA Tag Team Champions Nick Bockwinkel & Ray Stevens beat Billy Robinson & Geoff Portz 2 in out of 3 falls – Ken Patera beat Superstar Billy Graham – Larry Heiniemi & Buddy Wolff beat Reggie Parks & Tony Rocco – Rene Goulet drew Billy Red Cloud – Big K drew Ric Flair
1974
Los Angeles, California: – Pampero Firpo defeated John Tolos for the NWA Americas Heavyweight Title
1976
West Palm Beach, Florida: – “Superstar” Billy Graham defeated Dusty Rhodes for the NWA Florida Heavyweight Title
1978
Honolulu, Hawaii: – Mando Guerrero defeated Larry Sharpe for the NWA Hawaii Heavyweight Title
1979
Bowling Green, Kentucky: – Tojo Yamamoto, Bobby Eaton & Secret Weapon defeated George Gulas, Ken Lucas & Joey Rossi for the NWA World Six-Man Tag Team Title
Kansas City, Kansas: – The Avenger defeated The Turk to win the NWA Central States Heavyweight Title
1980
Atlanta, Georgia: – Judy Martin defeated Princess Little Heart for the NWA United States Women’s Title
1982
West Palm Beach, Florida: – Kevin Sullivan defeated Dusty Rhodes for the Florida version of the NWA Southern Heavyweight Title
1984
Greensboro, North Carolina: Attendance was 16,000 – NWA World Champion Ric Flair defeated Dusty Rhodes to retain the title – Tully Blanchard defeated Ricky Steamboat to retain the NWA TV Title
Birmingham, Alabama: – Jimmy Golden defeated Austin Idol for the NWA Southeastern Heavyweight Title
Bayaman, Puerto Rico: – Invaders I & III win the vacant WWC Tag Team Title by defeating Super Medico I & Black Gordman
Kansas City, Kansas: afternoon show attendance was 1,600 – Jerry Blackwell won battle royal – Fabulous Freebirds Michael Hayes & Terry Gordy & Buddy Roberts no contest Road Warriors & Paul Ellering – Handicap Match: Jerry Blackwell beat Tug Taylor & Mike Pagel – Marty Jannetty beat Missing Link – Bulldog Bob Brown & King Parsons beat King Kong Bundy & Hacksaw Higgins dq – Mr. Pogo beat Dave Peterson – Candi Devine beat Princess Jasmine
St. Paul, Minnesota: evening show attendance was 16,000 – AWA Tag Team Champions Road Warriors beat Boom Boom Bundy & Jerry Blackwell – AWA Champion Rick Martel beat Billy Robinson – Cage match: Greg Gagne beat Sheik Adnan dq – Mr. Saito drew Curt Hennig – Fabulous Ones beat Luke Graham & Steve Regal – Jimmy Garvin beat Steve O – Cowboy Lang & Little Koko beat Lord Littlebrook & Little Tokyo
1987
Memphis, Tennessee: – The Midnight Rockers (Marty Janetty & Shawn Michaels) defeated The Rock ‘n’ Roll RPMs (Mike Davis & Tommy Lane) to win the AWA Southern Tag Team Title
1989
Mexico City, Mexico: – Big Van Vader defeated Canek for the Universal Wrestling Association World Heavyweight Title
1991
Dallas, Texas: – John Tatum & Rod Price defeated Steve Simpson in a handicap match to win the Global Wrestling Federation Tag Team Titles
1992
Tokyo, Japan: – Ultimo Dragon defeated El Samurai for the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Title – Scott Norton & Tony Halme (later known as Ludvig Borga in the WWF) defeated The Steiner Brothers to win the the IWGP World Tag Team Titles
Memphis, Tennessee: – Jeff Jarrett won a Battle Royal to win the USWA Unified Heavyweight Title
1993
Memphis, Tennessee: – Buddy Landell defeated Jeff Jarrett for the USWA Southern Heavyweight Title
1995
Memphis, Tennessee: – Tex Slazenger defeated Brian Christopher for the vacant USWA Heavyweight Title
1998
Auburn Hills, Michigan: – Billy Kidman defeated Juventud Guerrera to win the WCW Cruiserweight Title
1999
Auburn Hills, Michigan: – Creative Control (Patrick & Gerald [The Harris Brothers]) defeated The Filthy Animals (Konnan and Billy Kidman) to win the WCW World Tag Team Titles
2003
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: – Raven defeated Justin Credible for the 3PW Heavyweight Title
2010
– The Miz captured the WWE championship after cashing in his Money in the Bank contract and defeating Randy Orton
For those attending Survivor Series tomorrow in Atlanta, there will be extensive security at the show even though Federal, state and local law enforcement authorities have stated that there is no specific or credible information regarding a threat.
Fans are encouraged to arrive early. Doors will open one hour earlier than originally scheduled, at 6 p.m., so there can be more security precautions at the door.
Fans are encouraged to use MARTA, which is the local public transportation, to attend the event. Due to security concerns, the arena will not allow any bags to enter the building.
Earlier today a publication called the International Business Times cited the online group known as Anonymous as discovering the Philips Arena and Sunday’s Survivor Series as one of several possible worldwide ISIS threats that day.
UFC’s debut in Monterrey, Mexico airs live on UFC Fight Pass and Fox Sports 1. The Fight Pass Prelims are at 6:45 p.m. ET including the TUF Latin America 2 finals, the FS1 prelims are at 8:00 p.m. ET with Erik Perez vs. Taylor Lapilus as the featured fight, and the main card is at 10:00 p.m. with a man-event of Kelvin Gastelum vs. Neil Magny, co-main of Ricardo Lamas vs. Diego Sanchez, and a strong #3 fight in Jussier Formiga vs. Henry Cejudo. Formiga-Cejudo appears to be for a flyweight title shot, while Sanchez is making his featherweight debut (he’s rehydrated to over 171 pounds) and Gastelum is returning to welterweight.
We’ll be doing polls this weekend on only the Survivor Series.
We’ll be looking for reports on Saturday’s NXT show in Fort Pierce, FL.
We have one of the biggest issues of the year, with such a huge news week this past week. We look at exactly what went into Holly Holm’s victory over Ronda Rousey, a story on the life and times of Nick Bockwinkel, the Reid Flair angle and build to Survivor Series, Destination America dropping wrestling, and the 104-year-old attendance record being broken, as well as the story behind the firing of Billy Gunn, an update on The Rock at WrestleMania, La Sombra to WWE, the AAA world title gets decided and a lot more are headline stories in the new double issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter which is on the site right now.
If you have an interest in history, this is a huge issue, as well as a perspective on what happened in the most talked about UFC fight in history.
We look at the fight, the background of Holly Holm, what is going on in Rousey’s life, what led to the upset, thoughts on a rematch, what it means for business, the early business notes on the fight including where PPV may come in, previous fights like this, and what happened after the fight. We look at UFC’s biggest upsets, the gambling perspective, rematch odds, business notes and match-by-match coverage with poll results.
The life and times of Nick Bockwinkel is one of the best bios we’ve done, with comments from people whose careers he has touched, my own personal thoughts on Bockwinkel, what current WWE superstar had his career path changed greatly because of a suggestion by Bockwinkel to an independent promoter, a look at his life, his career, some of his most famous matches, his career title history, the controversy over Hulk Hogan not getting the AWA title, his place in the business when it changed and life after wrestling.
We also look at the Reid Fliehr angle, how it was set up, comments by Ric Flair, how ESPN got exposed in its wrestling coverage, the Owen Hart DVD and 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
For the United States, it is $13 for 4 issues, $32 for 12, $61 for 24, $101 for 40 and $131 for 52. In Canada and Mexico, rates are $14.50 for 4, $35 for 12, $67 for 24, $111 for 40 and $144 or 52. In Europe, you can get the fastest delivery and best rates by sending to moonsault@mediaplusint.com For the rest of the world, rates are $16.50 for 4, $44 for 12, $85 for 24, $141 for 40 issues and $183 for 52.
If you order by mail with a check, cash or money order (P.O. Box 1228, Campbell, CA 95009-1228), you can get $1 off in every price range.
If you are a new subscriber ordering 24 or more issues, you can get one free classic issue of your choice sent to you today. With a 40 issue subscription, you can get two free classic issues sent to you today. 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.
One person in WWE asked us to alert readers to rely on mainstream news sources like CNN or the local Atlanta news for updates on the ISIS/WWE story. WWE.com will also be posting any updates on the official website.
Our own David Bixenspan has a rundown and analysis of the new details in the police report about the Hulk Hogan sex DVD theft. The report adds in a lot of details that weren’t previously known about the theft of the videos and FBI involvement.
The Two Man Power Trip of Wrestling podcast talks to Zack Gowan. Gowan on being in WWE when he was young and green: I was just incredibly nervous and I wanted to perform. Looking back it’s really insane to think how much trust they had in me to perform what they asked me to perform considering I had no experience on television and had less than a year of wrestling and we were doing this angle that was never ever seen so there was no template to follow. We were literally flying by the seed of our pants and trying to come up with it on the fly. Looking back I have a greater appreciation for it now, because when you are in the middle of the hurricane you can’t appreciate how powerful it is. For me it’s the same thing with my WWE career and to be sharing the space with not only these wrestling legends but cultural legends of Roddy Piper, Hulk Hogan and Vince McMahon. Vince McMahon is a guy I put up there with Walt Disney.
MMA
In case you missed it, former UFC fighter Brian Foster won the WSOF 8 man one night tournament to earn a lightweight title shot. He beat Joao Zeferino in the finals after submitting to him in just over a minute in the first round. If that sounds absurd…..it was. The final was actually one hell of a dramatic fight, though.
Speaking of WSOF, Paul Gift at Bloody Elbow has an excellent story detailing some of the struggles of the organization dating back years and how they almost had to cancel an event at the last minute.
One FC also ran a show earlier today and in the main event, Marat Gafurov unified the Featherweight title, beating interim champion Narantungalag Jadambaa in the fourth round by submission. They also have a new flyweight champion as unbeaten Kairat Akhmetov beat Adrian Moraes via split decision ton win that belt
Holly Holm was making appearances all over the place in the last couple of days. Among other things, she was a guest on the Dan Patrick Show on NBC Sports Network, syndicated afternoon talk show The Talk, Inside MMA on AXS TV and the 90 minute weigh-ins special yesterday afternoon. She came off very likeable in all her appearances and repeated over and over again that while she would be willing to wait until UFC 200 to face Ronda Rousey in a rematch if that’s what she was asked to do, she’d prefer to fight earlier than that.
Another fight has been added to the loaded Fight Night in Boston on January 17th as Featherweights Dennis Bermudez and Maximo Blanco square off in what will likely be a preliminary bout. The show will air on Fox Sports 1 and is headlined by a Bantamweight title fight between TJ Dillashaw and Dominick Cruz.
MISC
While ROH was in Nashville, ROH Champion Jay Lethal did a local interview about race and wrestling, and enjoying being the champ.
Eric Young did an interview with Busted Open Radio talking about TNA’s move to Pop and how he likes Nickelback. Yep.
Welcome to WrestlingObserver.com’s live coverage of UFC Fight Night 78: Magny vs. Gastelum from Arena Monterrey in Monterrey, Mexico. The event is headlined by a five-round welterweight bout as 13th-ranked Neil Magny takes on 15th-ranked and former “TUF” winner Kelvin Gastelum. Also on the card, in the co-main event, it is a featherweight bout as former title challenger Ricardo Lamas welcomes original “TUF” winner, Diego Sanchez, back to the Octagon in another new weight class, and flyweights Jussier Formiga and Henry Cejudo square off in a potential title eliminator bout. The action kicks off with preliminary card fights at 6:30 PM eastern time on UFC Fight Pass. The action moves over to FS1 at 8 PM eastern time with additional preliminary fights before the main card kicks off at 10 PM eastern time.
LIGHTWEIGHTS- VALMIR LAZARO (13-3, 1-1 UFC) VS. MICHEL PRAZERES (18-2, 2-2 UFC)
First round: Mini-Brock Gary Copeland as referee tonight. Lazaro with a low kick. Low kick back by Prezeres. Now Lazaro with a low kick. Left by Prezeres. Good low kick by Lazaro. Lazaro landing jabs. Another jab by Lazaro. Lazaro continues to jab. Right by Prezeres. Good right by Prezeres. He tried to follow with a takedown and got him down. . But Lazaro right back up. No damage was done on the ground. Prezeres went for another takedown and Lazaro easily evaded it. Prezeres with a right and left. Low kick by Lazaro. Lazaro 10-9 good round.
Second round: Body kick by Prezeres. Prezeres went for a takedown but Lazaro landed on top. Copeland ordered a standup. Prezeres landed a right. He shot for a takedown but and got him down but Lazaro was right back up. Lazaro landing jabs again. Prezeres took him down but Lazaro right back up. Close round, 20-18 Lazaro.
Third round: Lazaro’s corner told him it was 1-1, which is probably a good thing to tell him because it could be and he can’t think he’s got it won. They hugged before the round started. Low kick by Lazaro. Nice left by Prezeres. Missed on a huge right. Prezeres missing punches. Left by Prezeres. Prezers moving in for a takedown. Prezeres got him down but Lazaro right back up. Lazaro ended up blocking a takedown and landing on top. The ref ordered a standup with 37 seconds left. Prezeres missed another takedown. Lazaro’s round I’ve got 30-27.
Scores: 29-28 Prezeres 29-28 Lazaro 29-28 Prezeres. Prezeres very lucky. Bad call.
LIGHTWEIGHTS- CESAR ARZAMENDIA (7-1, 0-0 UFC) VS. POLO REYES (3-1, 0-0 UFC)
First round: Arzamendia from Paraguay, Reyes from Mexico. They are both of TUF Latin America. Both swinging. Low kick by Arzamendia. Knees by Arzamendia. Arzamendia claimed there was a low blow. Armzamendia took him down but Reyes right back up. Another takedown by Arzamendia. Another takedown by Arzamendia. Reyes back up. Spin kick to the body by Reyes. Crowd pretty hot for this with a Mexican in the match. A double leg takedown by Arzamendia. Left by Reyes knocked him out. He broke a clinch and landed a left to the jaw for the knockout. 3:42
WELTERWEIGHTS- VERNON RAMOS (3-0, 0-0 UFC) VS. ALVARO HERRERA (8-3, 0-0 UFC)
First round: Ramos from Panama, Herrera from Guadalajara. Both off TUF Latin America. Herrera landed punches right away and it was over. Left, a right uppercut and another right behind the ear and it’s over as Ramos face planted. :30
PRELIMINARY CARD (FS1- 8 PM ET/5 PM PT)
FEATHERWEIGHTS- GABRIEL BENITEZ (18-4, 2-0 UFC) VS. ANDRE FILI (14-3, 2-2 UFC)
First round: Benitez the crowd favorite from Tijuana. Benitez known for ridiculous kicks. Benitez landing low kicks. Left by Benitez. Fili with a body kick. Fili with a low kick. High kick by Fili. Fili with a takedown. Head kick by Fili and he finished him with a flurry of punches to the chagrin of the crowd. It was pair of right high kicks and a series of punches before Benitez could recover, he went down and it was stopped.
BANTAMWEIGHTS- SCOTT JORGENSEN (15-11, 4-7 UFC) VS. ALEJANDRO PEREZ (15-6, 1-1 UFC)
First round: Perez with a low kick. Perez with another low kick. Jorgensen tried for a akedown but Perez threw him off. Jorgensen landed a right. Jorgensen took him down. Perez back up. Another takedown by Jorgensen. Perez back up again. Right by Jorgensen. High kick by Jorgensen missed. Jorgensen with a right. Low kick by Perez. Low kick by Jorgensen. Good low kick by Perez. Jorgensn is hurt and may not be able to continue. Perez 10-9.
Second round: Jorgensen came out but can barely walk. He fell down, this fight needs to be stopped. He got up. Low kick by Perez. Perez kicking the right leg, which is the good leg. Perez continues to kick the right leg. Jorgensen’s calf has a huge bruise. Perez with a body kick. Perez with more kicks to the right leg. Right and left by Jorgensen. Perez with a body shot. Perez swept his leg but Jorgensen got back up. Body kick by Perez. It’s kind of amazing the fight is still going. Jorgensen just collapsed, his leg gave out and he tapped.
First round: Fabinski took him right down. Fabinski with punches and elbows from the top. Mario Yamasaki stood them up. I have no idea why since Fabinski was busy from the top. Fabinski then took him right down again. Fabinski landing elbows. Urbina tred a triangle but Fabinski out of it easily. 10-9 Fabinski
Second round: Urbina with a knee and Fabinski took him down. Another takedown by Fabinski. He’s moved to side control. Urbina reversed and throwing punches but Fabinski back up. Both trading punches. Urbina missed a high kick. Urbina bleeding from the left eye. They stopped the fight for the doctor to check the cut. The cut is on the eye lid. The doctor allowed it to continue. Another takedown by Fabinski. Fabinski ‘s round 20-18.
Third round: The cut was caused by a head–butt. Urbina throwing punches and went for a guillotine. Fabinski took him down again. Urbina trying to use the guillotine to sweep. Urbina has his legs tied up as well. Fabinski escaped and on top. Fabinski with some punches. Now Urbina trying for a Kimura. Boring round. Urbina tried to sweep but Fabinski blocked it and remained on top. Fabinski has his back. Urbina landing elbows as Fabinski tried for takedown. Urbina throwing punches. Urbina’s round so 29-28 FAbinski.
Scores: 29-28, 30-27 and 30-27 for Fabinski
BANTAMWEIGHTS- ERIK PEREZ (14-6, 4-2 UFC) VS. TAYLOR LAPILUS (10-1, 2-0 UFC)
First round: Perez is a big favorite since he’s from Monterrey. Crowd going crazy for him. Lapilus with a body kick. Nice left by Lapilus. Knee to the body by Lapilus. Low kick by Lapilus. Body kick by Lapilus. Fans were booing. Low kick by Lapilus. Lapilus with a body kick. Low kick by Lapilus. Perez landed a right. Perez had a leg but couldn’t take him down. Perez landed a series of punches late. Perez landed another combo. Perez picked him up at the buzzer, so the slam didn’t count. Lapilus 10-9
Second round: Lapilus landed some punches and Perez back with a right. Lapilus working for a guillotine. Perez escaped and on top. Crowd popped big for that. Perez is landing shots to the body from the top. Perez with lots of body shots. Perez with body shots and elbows. Perez’s round so 19-19 after two.
Third round: Crowd real hot knowing it’s even. Loud “Mexico” chants. Head kick by Perez. Lapilus went for a takedown. Perez defending well. Perez has him against the fence. Perez took him down. Both scrambling and Perez standing . Left and knee by Lapilus. Perez in with a right. Left by Lapilus. Perez with another takedown. Perez not doing much but staying on top. Perez with body shots now. Perez elbowing the thigh. Perez is mostly holding him down. Perez with some elbows. Perez with body shots. Perez should win 29-28, really that’s the only score possible.
Scores: Perez is wearing a mask. All three have is 29-28 Perez.
First round: Body kick by Silva. Escuedero with a body kick. Left by Silva. Body kick by Escudero and one back by Silva Silva land a series of punches. Head kick by Sivla. Escudero worked for a takedown but didn’t get it. Escudero in with a punch. Nice right by Escudero and moved in for a takedown attempt. Silva landed a nice left at the end of the round. 10-9 Sivla
Second round: Nice hook kick by Silva but didn’t land solid. Front kick by Silva. Body kick by Silva. Escudero got the takedown. Escudero took him down again. Silva got to his feet. Escudero’s round so 19-19 after two.
Third round: Body kick by Silva. Escudero land some punches. Left by Silva. Silva landed jabs. Escudero trying for a takedown but Silva defended well. Silva landing punches. Escuerdo tried a takedown but didn’t get it. Sivla again blocking the takedown. Right and left by Silva. Silva got his back on the ground. Silva 29-28.
Scores: All three have it 29-28 Silva. Really the only score possible. Some boos since Escudero was the crowd favorite.
TUF: LATIN AMERICA 2 LIGHTWEIGHT FINALS- HORACIO GUTIERREZ (2-1, 0-0 UFC) VS. ENRIQUE BARZOLA (10-2-1, 0-0 UFC)
First round: Gutierrez is from Guadalajara so that makes him the favorite. This is the final of the current TUF Latin America season. Low kick by Gutierrez. Another low kick by Gutierrez. Low kick by Gutierrez. Beautiful back suplex by Barzola. Barzola has his back. Another takedown by Barzola. Gutierrez up and Barzola tripped him back down. Barzola with a hard punch on the ground. 10-9 Barzola.
Second round: Takedown right away by Barzola. Gutierrez bleeding. Barzola bleeding as well. Barzola with some elbows. Some elbows to the body and head. 10-8 round, 20-17 Barzola.
Third round: Barzola with another takedown. Barzola with elbows to the head and punches to the body. More elbows by Barzola. Another 10-8 round for Barzola, 30-25.
Scores: 30-27, 30-27 and 30-26 for Barzola.
TUF: LATIN AMERICA 2 WELTERWEIGHT FINALS- ERICK MONTANO (6-3, 0-0 UFC) VS. ENRIQUE MARIN (8-2, 0-0 UFC)
First round: This is the TUF Latin America finals in the welterweight division. Montano is from Mexico City, so he’s the crowd favorite. Montano with a body kick and Marin back with some punches. Nice left by Marin. Montano took him down and Marin reversed to the top. Side kick by Montano. Montano went for a takedown but blocked. Marin moved in and landed. Marin 10-9.
Second round: Both swinging. Nice takedown by Marin. Marin moved to side control. Body kick by Montano. Montano throwing kicks. Marin went for a takedown but Montano blocked it. Montano landing punches and kicks. Close round but I’ve got 20-18 Marin.
Third round: They hugged before the third round. These two were best friends on the show. Montano with a high kick. Montano landed a right and a side kick. Montano with a body kick. Marin pushed him against the fence. He’s just holding him against the cage but doing nothing. Body kick by Montano. Right by Montano. Marin with punches and body kick. Bodykick by Montano. Montano took him down. Crowd booed both guys. Montano’s round so I’ve got 29-28 Marin. Could go the other way. Pretty uneventful fight.
Scores: 29-28 Marin 29-28 Montano 29-28 Montano
FLYWEIGHTS- (#3) JUSSIER FORMIGA (18-3, 4-2 UFC) VS. (#5) HENRY CEJUDO (9-0, 3-0 UFC)
First round: Cejudo landing punches. Left and right by Cejudo. Left by Formiga. Formiga landed a right. Trading knees. Trading more knees from the clinch. Formiga landed a right. Hard right by Cejudo. Cejudo took him down late. 10-9 Cejudo
Second round: Right by Cejudo. Both traded knees from the clinch. Nice right by Cejudo. Formiga with a right. Good low kick by Formiga. Knee by Cejudo. Left by Formiga. Nice elbow and uppercut by Cejudo. They traded knees. Formiga with a jab. Body kick by Cejudo. Very close round, Cejudo 20-18.
Third round: High kick by Cejudo. High slam by Cejudo. Formiga back up. Knee and elbow by Cejudo. Low kick by Formiga. Cejudo pushed him against the fence. Elbow from the clinch by Cejudo and a right. Cejudo 30-27. Fans booed a little. Not a good fight at all, Cejudo did nothing to make you excited about a fight with Demetrious Johnson.
Scores: 30-27 Cejudo 29-28 Formiga 30-27 Cejudo. Formiga winning would have been a robbery.
FEATHERWEIGHTS- (#4) RICARDO LAMAS (15-4, 6-2 UFC) VS. DIEGO SANCHEZ (25-7, 14-7 UFC)
First round: Sanchez in with punches. Nice spin kick by Lamas. Hard body kick by Lamas. Sanchez started punching back. Hard body kick by Sanchez. Lamas missed a spin kick. Side kick by Lamas. Sanchez missed a punh. Lamas with takedown and got his back. Lamas got his back and throwing knees. Lamas has his back and Sanchez escaped and is up. Elbow by Sanchdz. 10-9 Lamas.
Second round: Nice left hook by Sanchez. Lamas took him down. Lamas hurt him with a low kick. Lamas landing big punches and low kicks. Sanchez is in trouble. Another low kick. Lamas with a punch. Lamas with a takedown. Nice switch by Sanchez. Lamas reversed and got his back. Nice reverse by Sanchez. Really good wrestling here. Sanchez bleeding for the right eye. Lamas got his back. Sanchez escaped and up. Low kick and punches by Lamas. Left by Lamas. Lamas 20-18.
Third round: Sanchez with a knee. Low kick by Lamas. Spin kick by Lamas and Lamas lost his balance. Low kick by Lamas . Sanchez is hurt. Fans chanting for Sanchez. Spinning elbow by Lamas busted Sanchez up. Lamas slipped but got up. Sanchez bleeding badly from the right eye. Left jab by Lamas. Left jab by Lamas. Lamas with a head kick but didn’t really land. Sanchez with a left hook. Spin kick by Sanchez missed. Good fight. 30-27 Lamas.
Scores: All three have it 30-27 for Lamas.
WELTERWEIGHTS- (#13) NEIL MAGNY (16-4, 9-3 UFC) VS. (#15) KELVIN GASTELUM (11-1, 6-1 UFC)
First round: Low kick by Gastelum. Low kick by Gastelum. Nice high kick and punches by Gastelum. Nice takedown by Magny and has his back. Gastelum back up. Nice throw but Magny reversed to the top. Magny has his back and working for a choke. Gastelum out of trouble. Magny with elbows to the body. Gastelum up. Right by Gastelum Magny 10-9.
Second round: Magny landing punches and a front kick. Body kick by Gastelum Front kicks by Magny. Body kick by Gastelum. Magny back with punches moving in. Low kick by Gastelum Gastelum landed several punches . Magny now back with punches. This is a good fight. Magny got him down. Gasteljum tried to reverse it but got blocked. Magny threw him down and got his back. Another takedown by Magny. Magny 20-18.
Third round: Magnyu landed a right and moved in. Magny with more punches moving in. Magny took him down. Magny tried for a takedown but it was blocked. Magny got him down again. Gastelum right back up. Gastelum got his back. Magny took him down. Gastelum rolled to the top. Magny 30-27.
Fourth round: Magny with punches. Gastelum decked him with a right, landed punches , has his back. Gastelum in side control. Gasetlum with an elbow. Gastelum back to side control. Gastelum got his back. Gastelum dropped him a second time with a left hook. Magny tried a triangle but Gastelum cleared it. Magny back up. Magny looked at the clock. Magny with a takedown. Gastelum up. Magny has his back. Gastelum 10-8, 38-37 for MAgny
Fifth round: Magny landed a right and hurt him. Big takedown by Gastelum into side control. Magny back up. Magny landing punches. Magny tried a takedown but it was blocked. Gastelum landing punches. Gastelum landing more punches. Body kick by Gastelum Another body kick by Gastelum. Magny with a right. Magny took him down and has his back Gastelum reversed to the top. Gastelum landing punches from the top. Great fight. Gastelum’s round. I have it a 47-47 draw.
Kansas City, Kansas: – Orville Brown defeated Dorv Roche in 2 out of 3 falls – Lee Wykoff beat Dan O’Connor – Steve Brody beat Jack Hader – Prospector Pete and Ray Schwartz drew
1963
Kansas City, Kansas: – Mongolian Stomper beat Bob Geigel 2 falls to 1 – Pat O’Connor beat Bulldog Plechas 2 falls to 0 – Rock Hunter beat Reggie Parks
1964
Stillwater, Minnesota: – AWA Champion Mad Dog Vachon beat Jack Lanza – Larry Hennig & Harley Race beat Ivan Kalmikoff & Eddie Sharkey
1966
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada: – Reggie Parks & Doug Gilbert & beat Larry Hennig & Harley Race – Killer Kowalski beat Jack Lanza – Billy Red Cloud beat Big K
1971
Green Bay, Wisconsin: – Nick Bockwinkel beat Red Bastien – Billy Robinson beat Ray Stevens – Ivan Koloff beat Bull Bullinski – Don Muraco beat Treach Phillips
1974
Osaka, Japan: – AWA Tag Title vs IWA Tag Title: AWA Tag Team Champions Nick Bockwinkel & Ray Stevens & beat IWA Tag Team Champions Rusher Kimura & Great Kusatsu by dq – AWA Title vs IWA Title: AWA Champion Verne Gagne double knockout IWA Champion Mighty Inoue
1978
Allentown, Pennsylvania: – Tony Garea & Larry Zbyszko defeated The Yukon Lumberjacks for the WWWF World Tag Team Title
1983
Montreal, Quebec, Canada: – AWA Champion Nick Bockwinkel beat Gino Brito – International Champion Dino Bravo beat Sailor White – Tony Parisi beat Bob Boucher – Richard Charland no contest Mad Dog Lefebvre – Gino Brito & Hubert Gallant beat Mr Hito & John White in 2 out of 3 falls
1986
Las Vegas, Nevada: – AWA Champion Nick Bockwinkel went to a 60 minute draw with Curt Hennig
1987
San Francisco, California: – AWA Champion Curt Hennig beat DJ Peterson – Wahoo McDaniel won battle royal – Ray Stevens & Greg Gagne & Wahoo McDaniel beat Dennis Condrey & Randy Rose & Dick Slater – Tommy Rich no contest Adrian Adonis – Kevin Kelly & Nick Kiniski drew Mitch Snow & Alan West – JT Southern beat Soldat Ustinov
1999
Toronto, Ontario, Canada: – Evan Karagias defeated Disco Inferno to win the WCW Cruiserweight Title – Norman Smiley defeated Brian Knobs to become the first WCW Hardcore Champion – In a tournament final, Bret Hart defeated Chris Benoit to win WCW World Heavyweight Title
2000
Ft. Lauderdale, Florida: – Billy Gunn defeated Eddie Guerrero for the WWF Intercontinental Title
2010
– Natalya defeated LayCool to win the WWE Diva’s Title – US Champion Daniel Bryan defeated Ted DiBiase to retain the title
