Mascara Dorada and David Finlay defeat Yohei Komatsu and Sho Tanaka. The usual solid match these four have against one another. Not much to write home about but well worked. Dorada wins with the Dorada Screwdriver, pinning Komatsu.
The Addiction (Frankie Kazarian and Christopher Daniels) defeated Juice Robinson and Tiger Mask IV. Robinson is steadily improving, adapting well to the New Japan style and has shown great strides since starting out. Daniels and Kazarian were in control until Robinson started a comeback. Daniels cut off Robinson with a boot and was pinned after Rehab (belly to back suplex into a facebuster). Was fine for what it was.
The Kingdom and Gedo defeated Captain New Japan, Ryusuke Taguchi and Kushida. Captain New Japan was fixated on Maria throughout the entire match. Well, actually, most of the opposition was. Fine six man tag, the usual fare. Captain New Japan was gaining momentum when, of course, Maria went to the top rope and acted interested in CNJ. He went over and took off his belt because…uhh….I don’t know, which led to the Kingdom cutting him off and pinning him with a spike tombstone.
AJ Styles, Bad Luck Fale, Tama Tonga, Cody Hall and Yujiro Takahashi defeated Jay White, Yuji Nagata, Manabu Nakanishi, Satoshi Kojima and Hiroyoshi Tenzan. I would say Yujiro Takahashi is unrecognizable without his blond hair, but I can recognize that sloppy work anywhere. Pretty good match as everyone worked hard and the crowd got into it. Nagata worked a big part of the match and did great. Manabu Nakanishi and Fale traded big guy moves, culminating with a big suplex by Nakanishi. White was tagged in and made a hot comeback, including taking out Tama Tonga but Yujiro came back and planted him with the Miami Shine, pinning him.
Block A: Toru Yano and Kazushi Sakuraba vs. Tomoaki Honma and Togi Makabe
Good for what it was, but pretty short. Honma went for a kokeshi but Sakuraba grabbed him and put him in a submission in a good spot. He and Sakuraba have pretty good chemistry. Yano shoved Honma into the ref, nearly missed, but Yano low blowed him. Sakuraba followed with a kick and Yano rolled him up for the win.
There was an angle before the next match. Tetsuya Naito’s music played as who we thought was Naito came out, complete in the suit and mask we’ve seen him in before. But when the person took off his mask, it wasn’t Naito but none other than the returning Bushi, who was removed from this card a few days ago due to another injury…or so we thought. He stood on the outside, stoic as the next match began.
Block B: Evil and Tetsuya Natio vs. Karl Anderson and Doc Gallows
They brawled around the ring and into the stands. Anderson teased a powerbomb in the stands but Naito escaped, only to be thrown through the arena exit. Evil grabbed a chair, put it through Anderson’s head and posted his throat into the turnbuckle. That used to put people out for months back in the day. Turned into a long match. Wasn’t bad, just solid work, nothing more. Evil distracted the referee which allowed Bushi to go to the apron. Doc went after him and Bushi sprayed him with what looked like purple mist. Naito followed that with Destino for the win.
Block B: Katsuyori Shibata and Hirooki Goto vs. Shinsuke Nakamura and Tomohiro Ishii
Very good match, the best up to this point thanks to the hot crowd. Both Shibata and Goto battled it out against Ishii, doing their usual super stiff back and forth, the crowd eating it all up as Ishii stood tall over his opponents. Goto and Shibata had both of their opponents in double abdominal stretches at one point. Both teams acted like they were, well, regular teams and did some cool tandem offense in places. Crowd ate it up like you wouldn’t believe near the end when Ishii and Shibata were trading offense. Goto came in and took down Ishii, allowing Shibata to hit the penalty kick, scoring the win for his team.
A Block: Hiroshi Tanahashi and Michael Elgin vs. Yoshi Hashi and Kazuchika Okada
Okada and Tanahashi shoved each other before the match. The buildup towards their Tokyo Dome match is that this is more personal than their previous battles, so this is a nice touch. #BigMike is just as over as he was during the G1 as the crowd was very much into his offense, doing all of the stuff that got him over on the last tour, including the falcon arrow from the top rope and the double fallaway slam.If he does that delayed suplex spot on every show he’s going to be over no matter what. Okada and Tanahashi had some good back and forth towards the end. Yoshi Hashi avoided the buckle bomb and at one point laid out Elgin with a reverse DDT. Elgin dodged the swanton bomb. He took Tanahashi and gorilla press slammed him to the floor, wiping out Okada in the process. He grabbed Yoshi-Hashi and gave him the buckle bomb, then pinned him after a spiral bomb. Very good back and forth main event. Overall a strong show, highlighted by two pretty great matches towards the end. Nothing here’s going to resonate as far as year end awards go but it was a fun few hours.
When I was granted the opportunity to review some Evolve shows from the last year or so, I jumped at the opportunity. I’m always looking to review wrestling from all promotions around the world, especially from ones I haven’t seen. While I have usually read the results from each Evolve show, I haven’t actually seen one live. What I do know about the promotion is that it’s been the stomping ground for many wrestlers that have made their way to other promotions, most notably WWE, as you’ll see in these results. These shows that I’ll be reviewing for the next few weeks are far enough in the past that it’ll be interesting to see who competed on these shows and where they are now.
Some notes on the blu ray itself before I start on the show. I can say that the blu ray I was given for review was very well produced. The disc and art cover looks great, and the show looked excellent in high definition. I wish the audio was a bit better, but it wasn’t bad. Very well produced blu ray in terms of presentation and production.
This is Evolve 34, which took place on September 13, 2014 in Elmhurst, New York.
Johnny Gargano comes out to start Evolve 34. Apparently, Caleb Konley beat him and told him that he wasn’t that man that he used to be. He also mentioned that he doesn’t like Rich Swann due to their past, but when Konley and Nese jumped Swann he knew that he had to prove to himself that he was still the man around here, so he wanted to wrestle tonight in order to prove to himself that he’s the Johnny Gargano of old. He finishes off by saying the road to the Evolve title begins now.
Johnny Gargano vs. Anthony Nese
Su Yung, Trent Baretta and Mr. A accompanied Nese, as they’re all a part ofa group along with Caleb Konley called the Premiere Athlete Brand. Mr. A looks like a bigger Big Bubba, if you can imagine that. At one point Nese had Gargano on the ropes and Baretta took the opportunity to take a selfie for all his Snapchat buddies. This is a very 2015 show here. These two had good chemistry, with some great back and forth towards the end. Nese dodged a swipe off the apron by doing a cartwheel. That’s new! Nese went for a one arm powerbomb but Gargano countered with a roll up for the win. Good opener.
Mr. A laid out Gargano after the match, but Rich Swann ran in and laid him out with a lariat. He also took out Beretta, who was injured with his knee in a cast, and then went for Su Yung but Nese recovered and laid him out, posting him. Gargano took care of the heels with a suicide dive off the top rope, but the damage was done. This would play into Swann’s title match against Drew Galloway later in the night.
Zack Sabre Jr. vs. Timothy Thatcher
This is my first time seeing Zack Sabre Jr. after hearing a ton of good things about him. These two had a really cool technical style match. Just a ton of mat work throughout, including working on body parts, which was really well done by both men. Bending the fingers always gets a pop out of me as well. Wonder if they saw the AJ/Suzuki match from a few months before this. Thatcher eventually got tired of mat work and laid out Sabre with a trio of gutwrench suplexes. Sabre countered back, applied an armbar/hammerlock combo and started stomping on his head for the submission. Very good, unique match and the best of the entire show.
Uhaa Nation vs. Roderick Strong
The future Apollo Crews really stands out as a very unique wrestler. He is not only physically opposing, but the finesse he has in the ring is extraordinary given his frame. Guys his size could probably do what he does, but he makes it look effortless which isn’t always easy to pull off. Uhaa got the control until Roderick Strong used the referee to push him out to the floor. Strong tied for his boston crab submission after Uhaa tried for his gorilla press/standing shooting star press combo but Uhaa escaped then hit the combo for the win. A good, solid match.
Ricochet vs. Caleb Konley
Ricochet’s Open the Freedom Gate title was not on the line here. In fact, Ricochet made sure to have the announcer repeat this before the match started, which Konley did not like at all. Konley has a weird highlight pattern in his hair. It’s distracting, but hey, he’s a heel. Ricochet is so beyond the talent level of anyone on the indy scene it’s really amazing WWE passed on him. It’s not only he does high flying stuff, he has the charisma to boot and has an amazing confidence level not many people in the industry have. Again, he’s such a special talent. Konley looked good here, even hitting a Regalplex at one point. Ricochet was going for a springboard hurricanrana, but Konley cut him off and countered with a falcon arrow off the top rope for the surprise win. Hey, after all that talk about a non title match, maybe he’s in line for one now! Good stuff here as well. Konley looked good and I’ve already said my thing on Ricochet.
AR Fox comes out for an interview. He says he wants an Open the Freedom Gate title match. This brings out the Bravado Brothers, whose gimmick is that they are Grandma’s boys while wearing nice sweaters. They say they take offense to him saying that he and Cima were the greatest tag team in the company, because they are. Fox disagrees, saying that they’re the most boring. They don’t like that, saying that they have a surprise for Fox, and it’s none other than Moose.
AR Fox vs. Moose
I liked this match. It wasn’t a great back and forth match like others on this show, but it told a good, solid story. AR Fox used his high flying abilities to take out Moose, but when Moose countered he’d use nothing but big power moves. Fox went for a senton at one point but Moose grabbed him and powerbombed him into the ropes. Ouch! Fox also hit what I think was a springboard inverted moonsault. I’d never really seen a move like that before, but it worked. All of this was good stuff until the Bravado Brothers ran in for the DQ. This protects both guys, but the finish was still kinda lame.
The Colony, consisting of Fire Ant and Silver Ant, ran in, leading to the next match…
Open the United Gate tag champions The Bravado Brothers vs. The Colony
This was ok. Nothing wrong with it, but never really got going. They worked on Fire Ant for the heat. Silver Ant got the hot tag, and from there it devolved into a four way. Silver Ant had Harlem Bravado in the Chikara Special, but Harlem grabbed his mask. Lance came in and grabbed it as well, distracting Silver Ant long enough for Harlem to low blow him and pin him.
Evolve Champion Drew Galloway vs. Rich Swann
The injured Swann, who came out here not in the best condition due to the attack early in the show, jumped Galloway at the bell. Galloway countered, and they ended up having a fine back and forth match. Not awesome, but very competent and both guys looked good. Galloway tried for the Future Shock DDT at one point but as they fell Swann countered into a pin for a nearfall. That was cool. The Premiere Athlete Brand all came out again to interfere, but Galloway wiped them out with a senton. Swann went for a springboard off the ropes but Galloway grabbed him and put him in a sleeper choke. Swann tried valiantly to escape, but Drew got him to the floor and Swann submitted. Nice match that told a good story.
Drew grabs a mic after the bout and gave Swann props, saying that he fought like a man and he’ll get his rematch. He put over Evolve, saying that he’ll defend the title anywhere, anytime. He won’t lead you, but he asks to walk by his side for this revolution.
Final Thoughts:
Not a knockdown, drag out awesome show, but a good show highlighted by some great athleticism and good storytelling. I like the concept of having two shows per weekend as you use one show to build to the other, and that’s what this was here while also having some good wrestling on the card as well. This was my first Evolve show, and I’m looking forward to watching more, as I’ll review Evolve 35 in the near future. Stay tuned!
Submitted by Josh Baker with additional commentary from Jason Finley from Nashville, TN
Taping One
– Veda Scott beat Heidi Lovelace in a dark match
Scott pulled off a barricade-walking spot and a rolling Low Ki-style kick. She won with a Saito suplex on Heidi that looked like it killed both girls.
– reDRagon defeated Silas Young and Beer City Bruiser (w/The Boys)
Adam Cole came out for commentary during this. Good match, I was more impressed with Bruiser than I have been in the past. ReDRagon won with a Chasing The Dragon on Bruiser that Kyle O’Reilly couldn’t quite keep Bruiser up long enough for. After the match, RedDragon chased off Adam Cole, and Silas argued with the ref, which led to The Boys attacking the ref with a DDT. Dalton Castle hit the ring from the crowd to a big reaction, sending everybody to the outside. Castle told Silas he wants his boys back, then clocked Bruiser with the mic. The Boys teased getting into the ring to rejoin Castle, then left voluntarily with Silas.
– Chris Sabin came out for a promo. He wants to know who the mystery man is in the KRD mask that keeps interfering in Addiction matches. He says he’s hijacking the show until the KRD wannabe comes out and Sabin lays down in the ring. Eventually, a masked man comes out and faces off with Sabin, then removes the mask to reveal Alex Shelley. I popped big for this. Crowd chants for Shelley but Sabin just backs off shocked and leaves.
– ROH TV Champion Roderick Strong beat Samson Walker
Sampson looked like Taz coming to the ring. He also used an inhaler during the match, that was kind of funny. Bobby Fish came down for commentary on this match, which Roddy won with a somewhat botched lungblower, Sampson didn’t quite take it right. After the match Fish gets in the ring and gets all up in Roddy’s business. Much holding up of titles ensues.
– Young Bucks beat The Briscoes
Both teams got a huge reaction, and a THIS IS AWESOME chant erupted before the match even started. Great match as you could imagine, highlighted by Matt Jackson landing on his feet after a Briscoe Doomsday Device and hitting a superkick. The Bucks win with an Indytaker and More Bang For Your Buck on Mark. After the match, ANX gets in the ring and everybody starts brawling and several security guards get beat up to end the first taping.
Brutal Bob Evans comes out with Justin Hughes and Dylan Bostick. Bob says Hughes is the love of his life (?) and says both guys are the Future Of Honor, but then takes Bostick out of the upcoming tag match and attacks him.
– FUTURE OF HONOR MATCH: Brutal Bob Evans & Justin Hughes vs. The PBK (Pretty Boy Killers)
The PBK are two big guys named Keith Lee and Shane Taylor. Hughes was pretty entertaining trying vainly to execute power moves on the PBK, who weren’t going anywhere. Lee in particular looked good with a somersault dive to the floor that got the first HOLY SH*T chant of the night. Lee hit the Last Ride powerbomb on Hughes followed by a second rope splash from Taylor to win. Afterwards, Brutal Bob brought Bostick back in and beat him up some more. Cheeseburger ran in for the save with a big reaction and ran off the heels.
Taping Two
– Adam Cole pinned Corey Hollis
Cole won with a neckbreaker-to-the-knee. He grabs a mic and says it’s storytime, then vows to end Kyle O’Reilly at Final Battle.
– War Machine vs. The Washington Bullets
The Bullets are John and Tray, and they did a great job heeling on the crowd and being crash-test-dummies for War Machine, who won in a squash with their back suplex/leg drop finisher.
– Dalton Castle pinned Mike Posey
Castle fends off stable attacks during the match which somehow don’t result in a DQ, eventually T-bone-suplexing his opponent over the top rope onto his stablemates in an impressive spot. Castle is way over with this crowd. He hits the Bang-A-Rang facebuster to win the match. Afterwards, Castle grabs a mic and says he’s the Aurora Borealis of pro wrestling and calls out Silas Young. The Boys come out instead, and distract Castle while Silas runs in from the crowd and lays Castle out with a TKO.
– Kevin Kelly introduces Jerry Lynn, who comes out unrecognizable with a short haircut. Lynn thanks everyone everywhere for their support after his recent surgery, then Kelly prods him to talk about the upcoming Jay Lethal VS AJ Styles World Title match. Kelly wants Lynn to pick a winner, but before Lynn can answer Lethal comes out with Truth Martini and Taeler Hendrix. Lethal wants to know what Lynn’s pick is, then bullies him and tells him to turn up his hearing aid. Lynn calls Lethal an overconfident prick and picks AJ to win. Lethal threatens Lynn, who then brings up that he knows Lethal’s parents and they would be very disappointed in him if he beats Lynn up. Lethal cuts a heated promo on Lynn then angrily leaves. Lethal was great here, while Lynn was never much of a talker but did okay.
Alex Shelley is out for commentary.
– ACH & Matt Sydal def. Roppongi Vice
Good match, Sydal in particular looks better than he ever has lately. Sydal attempted a shooting star press onto Baretta, but Baretta got his knees up then hit a flying knee for a two count that I totally bought as the finish. The actual finish was fantastic, Baretta had Sydal over his back holding him for a Romero springboard attack, but ACH intercepted Romero in midair and Sydal flipped Baretta into a Last Call bomb for the win. Shelley came in after the match to congratulate Sydal and ACH and they celebrated to end the second taping.
– WOMEN OF HONOR MATCH: OBD def. Taeler Hendrix (w/Truth Martini)
ODB got a great reaction coming out. Lots of boob spots to start this match, including ODB motorboating Taeler and then Truth, who of course liked it. I’m fairly sure this match will not be on TV. Taeler kissed ODB to try and distract her for her kick finisher, but ODB kissed her back then hit a TKO for the pin. Fun little match, Taeler was a great sultry heel and showed a lot more charisma than I ever saw from her in TNA.
Taping Three
– Will Ferrara and Caprice Coleman went to a no contest when they attempted to use chairs on each other.
– Donovan Dijak and Ken Phoenix def. Truth Martini vs. All Night Express
Gimmick is Truth bummed a cigarette off Phoenix this morning so he’s giving him a tryout here. ANX mistimed their finish, which led to Rhett Titus powerbombing Phoenix while Kenny King was late jumping to the top rope. They quickly improvised into a King spinning plancha onto Phoenix laid out on Titus’s knees for the win. After the match, Truth informs Phoenix that he did not impress, and Dijak hits Phoenix with the Feast Your Eyes. On their way out, Prince Nana gives Dijak one of his cards behind Truth’s back.
– Kevin Kelly introduces Steve Corino, who comes out in a neck brace to a great reaction. Corino says some day the neck brace will be off, and BJ Whitmer will pay for his sins. I was sure this was all leading to some angle, but Corino just cut his promo then left.
– ROH TV Champion Roderick Strong, Cedric Alexander, Moose, Mark Briscoe and Matt Jackson def. ROH Champion Jay Lethal, Cheeseburger, Jay Briscoe, Adam Page and Cliff Compton
First thing referee Todd Sinclair did was send all the seconds to the back which was needed because It looked like a lumberjack match with everyone out there. With a bizarre mixed heel/face team dynamic here, you would think the psychology in this match would be real messed up, but it was fantastic. Too much went on to recap, but it involved some great double-teaming by Roddy and Matt Jackson, a chance for Cheeseburger to shine, Briscoe VS Briscoe, Compton going through a table, and much more. Well worked by everyone involved, the guys seemed to be having a great time, and the crowd was SUPER HOT for the match. After a parade of finishers, Roddy hit his suplex backbreaker on Adam Page then Mark Briscoe dropped the Froggy-Bow on Page for the pin. I was all set to give The Briscoes VS The Bucks the Match Of The Night, but this match stole the show and is well worth going out of your way to see. Great fun match. Afterwards all the faces gathered in the ring and Jay Briscoe thanked the crowd.
Notes:
– Not as big of a crowd as in the past for ROH at the Nashville Fairgrounds, but the crowd was lively enough to make a TV taping worthwhile.
– They announced a return to Nashville’s Municipal Auditorium in February.
Welcome to WrestlingObserver.com’s live coverage of the UFC Fight Night 78: Magny vs. Gastelum weigh-ins from Arena Monterrey in Monterrey, Mexico kicking off at 6 PM eastern time. The event airs on Saturday on FS1 at 10 PM eastern time. Preliminary card action kicks off on UFC Fight Pass at 6:30 PM eastern time before moving over to FS1 at 8 PM eastern time. This will be the UFC’s debut in Monterrey, and the Octagon’s third overall trip to Mexico.
The event will be headlined by a five-round welterweight bout as Neil Magny fights for the fifth time in 2015, taking a short-notice bout as an injury replacement for Matt Brown, to take on Kelvin Gastelum, who makes his return to the welterweight division. Both men are competing in their first headline bout as UFC competitors. In the co-main event, it will be former featherweight title challenger Ricardo Lamas taking on the last man standing from the original “Ultimate Fighter”, Diego Sanchez, who moves down to 145 pounds, the fourth weight class he has competed in during his UFC career. Also on the card is a flyweight title eliminator as Jussier Formiga takes on Olympic gold medalist Henry Cejudo, as well as the finals of this season of “The Ultimate Fighter: Latin America 2”.
MAIN CARD (FS1- 10 PM ET/7 PM PT): Neil Magny (171) vs. Kelvin Gastelum (171) Ricardo Lamas (146) vs. Diego Sanchez (145) Jussier Formiga (126) vs. Henry Cejudo (126) Erick Montano (169) vs. Enrique Marin (170) – TUF: Latin America 2 Welterweight Finals Horacio Gutierrez (154) vs. Enrique Barzola (155) – TUF: Latin America 2 Lightweight Finals Efrain Escudero (156) vs. Leandro Silva (155)
PRELIMINARY CARD (FS1- 8 PM ET/5 PM PT): Erik Perez (136) vs. Taylor Lapilus (136) Hector Urbina (171) vs. Bartosz Fabinski (170) Scott Jorgensen (135.5) vs. Alejandro Perez (135.5) Gabriel Benitez (145) vs. Andre Fili (145)
PRELIMINARY CARD (UFC FIGHT PASS- 6:30 PM ET/3:30 PM PT): Vernon Ramos (170) vs. Alvaro Herrera (171) Cesar Arzamendia (155) vs. Polo Reyes (155) Valmir Lazaro (156) vs. Michel Prazeres (155)
*Everyone made weight with no issues, including Gastelum and Cejudo, who have had previous issues, and Sanchez, who was moving down to featherweight for the first time.
Welcome to our live coverage of Bellator 146 : Manhoef vs Kato. Action gets underway with the Spike.com prelims, which can be viewed here. The prelims feature familiar names such as former UFC fighters Josh Neer and Bubba McDaniel as well as former Strikeforce and Invicta fighter Julia Budd and top Women’s featherweight prospects Gabrielle Holloway and Arlene Blencowe facing off in an important bout. We’ll have results posted as the fights happen.
The main card kicks off on Spike TV at 9 pm eastern and features 5 bouts. Knockouts artists Manhoef and Kato square off in the main event. UFC vet Houston Alexander returns to the Bellator cage. Prospects Bubba Jenkins and Chidi Njokuani hope to make an impression and Brandon Girttz, fresh off the biggest win of his career over Melvin Guillard, returns to face Bellator vet Derek Campos in the co-main. We’ll have ongoing play by play all night.
Prelims results:
Alonzo Menifield (1-0) TKO (punches) over Zach Rosol in 38 seconds
Arlene Blencowe (7-5) SD over Gabrielle Holloway
Luis Santos (38-10) UD over Josh Neer
Julia Budd (8-2) UD over Roberta Paim
Francisco France (13-3-1) submission (rear naked choke) over Ben Reiter at 1:08 of Rd 2
Stephen Banaszak (5-5) submission (guillotine choke) over George Pacurariu at 3:42
We’re live with fights!
Light Heavyweights Houston Alexander (16-12-1) vs Guilherme Viana (6-2)
Big John McCarthy gets the reffing duties for this one. Alexander getting the better of the striking early. Viana staggers Alexander witha hard left 2 minutes in and Alexander can barely stand. He eats a couple more hard shots but still standing. Viana being very patient and it seems like a matter of time. Both guys swinging away at 3:00. Alexander is recovering a bit. Alexander eats a couple hard straight punches and Alexander’s bleeding from the nose. Alexander hits a couple hard punches to the head in a row. Alexander eats a couple more hard head strakes. Alexander’s face is a bloody mess 10-9 Viana
Viana rocks Alexander with a huge left. Alexander with a flash takedown but Viana sweeps and stands up. Viana picking him off again. Alexander is wobbling all over the place. Alexander down and Viana all over him but not punching, just smothering him. at 1:15. Viana outpunched Alexander 29-17 in round 1. Alexander to his feet at 1:30 but Viana still holding him and landing knees to the body. Viana with a takedown at 2:00. Viana takes his back and working for a choke. Viana landing light punches to the head from behind but Alexander is basically getting a chance to recover. Alexander to his feet at 3:30. Alexander swinging for the fences but missing badly. Alexander starting to control the pace in the last minute and Viana is tiring. 10-9 Viana
The doctor stopped the fight due to a cut on Alexander’s eye between rounds.
WINNER – GUILHERME VIANA (7-2) by TKO (doctor’s stoppage) at 5:00 of Round 2
Viana got some interview time but didn’t have much to say and what he did say you couldn’t really understand. Something about American Top Team and drinking beers with his friends. And training with Glover Teixeira
Welterweights Ricky Rainey (11-3) vs Chidi Njokuani (13-4)
This is Njokuani’s Bellator debut but he’s a vet of the AXS TV shows and I’ve seen him many times. Very exciting striker. Big John is the ref again. Chidi is the younger brother of former UFC fighter Anthony. Njokuani initiates a cage clinch 1:00 in, which has been a theme tonight if you watched the prelims. Rainey gets control at 1:45. Both guys trading knees. Rainey gets separation and rocks Njokuani with a punch to the head but he clinches up again. Rainey gets control again at 2:30. Njokuani landing light punches to the body while Rainey with hard knees to the legs and body. Sean Grande channels JBL, getting in a Dick Van Dyke reference when talking about “Chidi“. McCarthy breaks it up at 4:30 but they go right back to a clinch and end the round there. 10-9 Rainey
Rainey knocks down Njokuani 15 seconds in and follows hiim to the ground but Chidi uses a triangle attempt to get to his feet and they’re back in a cage clinch. Rainey outstruck Njokuani 27-16 in Round 1. Rainey wtih a takedown at 1:30 but lets Njokuani right back up. Rainey chases him into the cage and they’re back in a cage clinch at 2:00. Neither guy doing much and McCarthy warns them to work. He breaks it up at 3:30. Rainey with a nice punch combo at 3:45 and Njokuani initiates another cage clinch. Rainey landing knees from the clinch. Separation at 4:15. Njokuani landed a shot in that clinch that cut Rainey over his right eye and it’s in bad shape. 10-9 Rainey
Njokuani goes to the cage clinch again 30 seconds in. Rainey gets control at 1:30. Rainey’s eye is almost closed from the cut. Njokuani landing elbows to the back from teh clinch. Rainey with a takedown at 2:00 but Njokuani quickly up. Still in a clinch. Ref breaks it up at 3:00. Njokuani controlling the cage and landing head strikes from distance. Njokuani with a head kick at 3:45. Njokuani is not fighting with enough urgency as he has to need a finish to win and he’s taking his time with 1:00 left. Rainey wtih a late takedown. 10-9 Njokuani but Rainey takes the fight
WINNER – CHIDI NJOKUANI (14-4) by unanimous decision on scores of 29-28 x 3. That decision was a joke.
Featherweights Jordan Parsons (12-1) vs Bubba Jenkins (9-2)
Jenkins is one of the young stars Scott Coker has been hoping to build around. He had a setback against former WSOF champion Georgi Karakhanyan earlier this year though. No glove touch from these guys as they had a bit of a dustup at the weigh-ins. Jenkins with an early takedown but Parsons right up. Jenkins with a suplex takedown but Parson up again. Jenkins takes his back standing 45 seconds in. Parson shakes him off. Jenkins with another takedown at 2:00. Parsons to his feet but Jenkins on his back. Parson shakes him off again. Parson with a couple of kicks landing to the body. Nice punch exchange at 3:30. Jenkins with a nice head kick at 3:45. Jenkins controlling the cage. Jenkins stuffs a takedown attempt at 4:00 and trying for a guillotine. Parsons lands some knees to the body, Jenkins answers with a kick to the head. 10-9 Jenkins but close as he gets a takedown right before the buzzer.
Parsons defends an early takedown attempt. Parsons controlling the cage again. Neither guy doing much on the feet, just keeping their distance and circling. Jenkins drops Parson with a punch and follows him to the ground and 2:30. Jenkins almost out but ref Jason Herzog letting him continue. Jenkins just holding him, allowing him to recover. Parson actually working for a Kimura. Jenkins lands hard hammer fits from the top and Parson to his feet at 3:30. Jenkins lands a head kick and then a takedown at 3:45. Parsons working for a Kimura from the bottom again. Jenkins landing punches the the body and head. Jenkins out of the Kimura and still holding him down as the round ends. 10-8 Jenkins
Jimmy Smith has it even and that’s the problem with this scoring system because whether it was 10-8 or 10-9 last round, Jenkins is clearly winning the fight and almost finished Parson in Round 2. Parson with cage control early. Jenkins looks fresh. Jenkins stuffs a takedown attempt at 1:30. Jenkins with a weak guillotine attempt but gives it up. Parsons landing knees to the body and Jenkins is on his knees with his back to the cage but works to his feet. Parsons in control of a cage clinch at 2:30. Jenkins with a takedown at 3:00. Parsons with a guillotine attempt from teh bottom. Jenkins doing nothing on top. Jenkins with some elbows to the head and body at 4:30. Jenkins trying to take his back but Parson landing elbows to the head. Parsons to his feet right as the round ends. Another very close round. 10-9 Parsons
WINNER – BUBBA JENKINS (10-2) by split decision on scores of 29-28, 28-29 and 30-27. Nothing wrong with the 30-27 score since 1 and 3 were very close.
Jenkins got some mic time but had nothing at all to say. He thanked Jesus. Jimmy Smith interviewed Josh Thomson via Skype about his fight in two weeks. He’s been the up and comer and now he’s the vet that everyone’s coming for. He’s even got the champion calling him out. He’s glad the fight is happening in his hometown. They also announced to the public the Josh Koscheck fight that was signed earlier this week for January. Paul Daley is fighting on the undercard of that show so the the hope is they both win and get their grudge match.
Lightweights Brandon Girtz (13-4) vs Derek Campos (15-5)
This is the 2nd fight between the two. Campos won the first one 2 1/2 years ago. Girtz dropped him with a punch and followed him to the ground but Campos was already out.
WINNER – BRANDON GIRTZ (14-4) by KO (punches) at 37 seconds
Girtz had another waste of time interview after the fight. These guys should try to have at least something worthwhile to say when they’ve got a national TV audience.
Main Event:
Middleweights Melvin Manhoef (29-12-1) vs Hisaki Kato (5-1)
Manhoef had some unique entrance music. Classical at the start transitioning into rap. Seemed to work for him. Kato out to a remixed version of the Imperial Death March from Star Wars. Kato with early cage control. Manhoef lands a grazing blow, the first of the fight, 45 seconds in. Kato still advancing but both guys keeping their distance. Both guys throwing bombs at 1:30. Manhoef was staggered a bit but kept throwing punches and eventually Kato backed off. Kato with a punch and follows up with a body kick that staggers Manhoef. Kato with a flurry of punches but Manhoef barely escapes. Manhoef puts everything he has into a left hook and drops Kato with one punch and walks off. Stunning knockout, one of the best you’ll ever see.
WINNER – MELVIN MANHOEF (30-12-1) by KO (punch)
Manhoef said after the fight that he’s there to give his all and either knock someone out or get knocked out. And that was it. Thanks for joining me tonight and Bellator will be back in two weeks with Josh Thomson, Georgi Karakhanyan and Patricky Pitbull all returning to the Bellator cage.
We’re looking for reports tonight on the ROH television tapings in Nashville (Young Bucks vs. Briscoes, Veda Scott vs. Heidi Lovelace, ODB vs. Taeler Hendrix plus Matt Sydal, Rocky Romero, Trent Baretta, Chris Sabin, Adam Cole, Bobby Fish, Kyle O’Reilly, Roderick Strong, Michael Elgin, Jay Lethal, Moose, ACH, Adam Page, Kenny King, Rhett Titus, Dalton Castle, Donovan Dijak, Silas Young, Ray Rowe, Hanson and more) and the NXT house show in Venice, FL at Dave Meltzer
We’ll be doing polls this weekend on only the Survivor Series.
Tons of events this weekend:
NEW JAPAN WORLD PRO WRESTLING RETURNS AT 8 P.M. EASTERN (one hour early) ON AXS TV
Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. A.J. Styles for IWGP heavyweight title
BELLATOR TONIGHT ON SPIKE TV AT 9 P.M. EASTERN AND PACIFIC
Houston Alexander (202) vs. Guilhereme Viana (204.8)
Chidi Njokuani (170) vs. Ricky Rainey (170.8)
Bubba Jenkins (146) vs. Jordan Parsons (145.8)
Derek Campos (153.6) vs. Brandon Girtz (155.8)
Hisako Kato (185.8) vs. Melvin Manhoef (185)
LION FIGHTS (MUAY THAI) ON AXS TV AT 9 P.M. EASTERN
WORLD SERIES OF FIGHTING TONIGHT ON NBC SPORTS NETWORK
Prelims at 8 p.m. Eastern/5 p.m. Pacific as WSOF.com
LaRue Burley (155.5) vs. Ramil Mustapayev (155.3) in the tournament reserve fight. Burley was supposed to face Joe Condon, who was moved into the tournament. Mustapayev was to face Benny Madrid, who fainted while cutting weight and was hospitalized.
Islam Mamedov (155.6) vs. Jorge Patino (154.9) in first round of lightweight tournament
Joe Condon (155.8) vs. Mike Ricci (155.9) in first round of lightweight tournament. Condon replaced Brian Cobb, who didn’t make weight, was announced as being ill, and has been cut by the promotion
Brian Foster (155.8) vs. Joao Zeferino (156) in first round of lightweight tournament
Luis Palomino (155.7) vs. Rich Patishnock (155.7) in first round of lightweight tournament
Jimmy Scully (165.4) vs. Roberto Yong (161.7)
Joseph Barajas (135.7) vs. Erik Villalobos (136)
Live on NBC Sports Network at 11 p.m. Eastern/8 p.m. Pacific
Tournament semifinals
Jason High (155.78) vs. Estevan Payan (155.2)
Tournament finals
NEW JAPAN TAG LEAGUE 2015 OPENING NIGHT AT 4:30 A.M. EASTERN AND 1:30 A.M. PACIFIC TONIGHT/TOMORROW MORNING FROM KORAKUEN HALL IN TOKYO ON NEW JAPAN WORLD
David Finlay & Mascara Dorada vs. Sho Tanaka & Yohei Komatsu
Tiger Mask & Juice Robinson vs. Christopher Daniels & Frankie Kazarian
Captain New Japan & Kushida & Ryusuke Taguchi vs. Matt Taven & Michael Bennett & Gedo
Hiroyoshi Tenzan & Satoshi Kojima & Yuji Nagata & Manabu Nakanishi & Jay White vs. A.J. Styles & Bad Luck Fale & Yujiro Takahashi & Tama Tonga & Cody Hall
Togi Makabe & Tomoaki Honma vs. Toru Yano & Kazushi Sakuraba in tournament
Tetsuya Naito & Evil vs. Doc Gallows & Karl Anderson in tournament
Hirooki Goto & Katsuyori Shibata vs. Shinsuke Nakamura & Tomohiro Ishii in tournament
Hiroshi Tanahashi & Michael Elgin vs. Kazuchika Okada & Yoshi-Hashi in tournament
We’ll be looking for reports on Saturday’s NXT show in Fort Pierce, FL.
UFC FROM MONTERREY MEXICO
Fight Pass at 6:30 p.m. EASTERN
Valmir Lazaro vs. Michel Prazeres
Cesar Arzamendia vs. Polo Reyes
Alvaro Herrera vs. Vernon Ramos
FS 1 at 8 p.m.
Gabriel Benitez vs. Andre Fili
Scott Jorgensen vs. Alejandro Perez
Bartosz Fabiniski vs. Hector Urbina
Erik Perez vs. Taylor Lapilus
Efrain Escudero vs. Leandro Silva
Enrique Barzola vs. Horacio Gutierrez in TUF Latin America lightweight final
Enrique Marin vs. Erick Montano in TUF Latin America welterweight final
Henry Cejudo vs. Jussier Formiga da Silva
Ricardo Lamas vs. Diego Sanchez
Kelvin Gastelum vs. Neil Magny
NEW JAPAN TAG LEAGUE 2015 FROM TOYOHASHI AT 3 A.M. EASTERN AND MIDNIGHT PACIFIC LATE SATURDAY NIGHT ON NEW JAPAN WORLD
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.
We will have radio shows tomorrow night covering the UFC show, Sunday night covering Survivor Series and Monday night covering Raw. I’ll be talking a lot more about the Raw angle tomorrow.
Jerry McDevitt has filed two major motions this past week. On Monday he failed a 49-page motion attempting to get the concussion lawsuit filed by Russ McCullough, Ryan Sakoda (Kejii Sakoda) and Matt Wiese (Luther Reigns) dropped due to the claim it is time barred by Connecticut law that states a plaintiff has two yeas from the date he or she has sustained an injury to bring a negligence claim.. None of the three have performed in a WWE ring since 2005.
McDevitt also filed a 51-page motion to oppose Konstantine Kyros’ attempt to get the lawsuit filed by WWE against Bob Windham (Blackjack Mulligan) dismissed
A.J. Brooks, married to CM Punk, known as A.J. Lee during her time with WWE, has signed a deal to write an autobiography for Penguin Random House books for publication in the spring of 2017.
Barring a last minute change, the originally planned Sasha Banks vs. Natalya match that was going to be the preshow match on Sunday is off. The match was never advertised and no angles were shot to promote it this week and it’s been confirmed it’s off the current lineup for the show.
The stock up was 13 cents per share today to $17.25.
Tickets for the next NXT tapings, on 1/22 (the Friday night before Royal Rumble) at the University of Central Florida Gym, are on sale now with the code NXTLive
In Canada, The Fight Network will be airing WSOF at 11 p.m. Eastern, followed by boxing from the Hard Rock, and then at 6 a.m. will air the ONE show from China, Enfusion at 3:30 p.m. Eastern tomorrow from Holland and the prelims of the UFC show at 8 p.m.
Bellator has finalized its 12/4 show in San Jose:
Josh Thompson (21-8, 1 no contest) vs. Pablo Villaseca (10-1)
Georgi Karakhanyan (24-4-1) vs. Daniel Weichel (35-9)
Patricky Pitbull Freire (14-6) vs. Derek Anderson (12-2, 1 no contest)
Former K-1 star Narantungalag Jadambaa (imagine having to announce that name) faces Marat Gafurov for the One featherweight title in Beijing China tomorrow. Both weighed in today at 145 pounds. The co-main event has Adriano Mores vs. Kairat Akhmetov for the flyweight title.
NWA Mid South on 12/4 in Tunica, MS at the Resorts Casino with Matt Sydal vs. Kincaid plus Rob Conway, Matt Riviera, Jim Cornette and Moose.
Metro Pro Wrestling on 12/5 in Kansas City at the Turner Rec Center with Jeremy Wyatt vs. Mark Sterling in a 60 minute Iron man match, plus Ace Steel vs. Ricky Morton.
Premier Wrestling Experience on 12/19 in Charlotte at the Hickory National Guard Armory has a Toys for Tots drive show.
ON THIS DAY IN PRO WRESTLING HISTORY INTERNATIONAL (thanks to Graeme Cameron)
1970 – John Tolos beat La Pantera Negra in Los Angeles to win the United National title
1972 – Jim Breaks beat Bill Ross in Nottingham to unify the British and European lightweight titles
1985 – Solar beat Cachorro Mendoza in Mexico City to win the UWA welterweight title
1992 – Super Deflin beat Pantera II in Tokyo to win the UWA super welterweight title
1995 – Shark Tsuchiya beat Megumi Kudo in Sendai to win the WWA independent women’s title
1998 – Hiromichi Fuyuki beat Hayabusa in Yokohama to win the FMW World Brass Knux title
The Octagon travels to Monterrey, Mexico for UFC Fight Night 78 on Saturday night, the third straight weekend of UFC action, with a main event of welterweight action as Neil Magny takes on Kelvin Gastelum. Below are our studs of the night, our value picks of the night, and fighters you should avoid on the night to help fill out your DraftKings lineups.
STUDS
Kelvin Gastelum ($10,900)
Kelvin Gastelum is coming into his headline bout against Neil Magny with a lot of expectations on his shoulders, and he is hoping to live up to them. He is a good play against Magny, who comes into the fight on short notice as an injury replacement. Magny is solid competition, but one who has faltered when faced with the high-level competition. Magny is ranked based on the fact he has gone 8-1 in his last nine fights, but that has been against unranked competition, aside from the loss to Demian Maia. In that loss to Maia, Magny was finished, like he has in three of his four losses. Gastelum is a pressure fighter who will land a lot of punches, as long as he can get inside Magny’s reach, and he has solid submission skills. On a card where there might be a lot of decisions, Gastelum is a good bet to score a finish.
Andre Fili ($10,700)
Andre Fili makes his return to the Octagon after being out of action for eight months when he takes on Gabriel Benitez. Fili has been up-and-down during his UFC tenure but he has the chance to make a run as a legitmate 145-pound prospect. He has been submitted in both of his UFC losses, but he has looked good in his UFC wins, landing a lot of punches and getting one finish. He has an opponent in Gabriel Benitez who has won both of his UFC bouts, but hasn’t looked too great against the lower competition. Fili is a big step up in competition. Fili has a good chance to get a lot of points and score a finish.
VALUE PICKS
Taylor Lapilus ($9,400)
Taylor Lapilus is a fast-rising bantamweight prospect who will get the toughest test of his career when he takes on Erik Perez. Perez is coming off a 17-month layoff when he makes his return, and he is coming off of being submitted by Bryan Caraway. There are some holes in the skills of Perez, and Lapilus is someone who can exploit them. Lapilus has good power and a very solid submission game, and he is good value as his price. He has the tools to give Perez some fits during the fight, and the chance to rack up some points.
Hector Urbina ($8,900)
Hector Urbina is coming into his fight against Bartosz Fabinski as a big underdog despite having won his last two fights by stoppage. Fabinski has won five straight fights and has eight knockout wins in his career, but he didn’t look like someone who was looking to finish when he got his decision win over Garreth McLellan in his UFC debut. He is also going into enemy territory taking on Urbina in Mexico. Urbina comes from a good camp in American Top Team, and he has scored 15 of his 17 wins by stoppage. Urbina, at his salary, is a very solid play that gives you good opportunity to spend up on higher-priced fighters.
AVOID
Ricardo Lamas ($11,200)
Ricardo Lamas is the biggest favorite on this card and thus has the highest salary on the card. That makes it seem like he is a sure bet to win. However, he is fighting Diego Sanchez. Sanchez initiates brawls that make the job of the judges hard. He wins fights he probably should lose on the scorecards, and they are always too close for comfort. Sanchez is also extremely tough to finish, as only B.J. Penn has been able to do so, and that was due to a huge cut. Sanchez is coming off a long layoff and is making the move down to featherweight, and Lamas is a tough opponent for his first time out. Sanchez’ style and relentless aggression make it hard for me to suggest using Lamas, so I am avoiding him and spending my money elsewhere.
Jussier Formiga ($8,300)
Jussier Formiga has the second-cheapest salary for all of the fighters on the card when he takes on Henry Cejudo. For being ranked third in his division, not many are giving him much of a chance against Cejudo on Saturday night. There is good reason for that as Formiga has faltered against top-level competition, and he doesn’t score a lot of points in fantasy games as it is. He will likely be taken down a lot and probably will eat a lot of punches, and probably won’t be able to land a lot of punches either. He probably won’t be able to finish Cejudo either, much less defeat him. Only use Formiga if you are in a must-need situation as I will avoid him.
OUR LINE-UPS
RYAN FREDERICK- Henry Cejudo ($11,100), Kelvin Gastelum ($10,900), Vernon Ramos ($10,300), Hector Urbina ($8,900), Erick Montano ($8,800)
I like Kelvin Gastelum and Hector Urbina for the reasons I stated above. I see them as having good chances at scoring finish wins in the early rounds, primarily by submission. I like Henry Cejudo to get a win, and he wants that title shot. He has an opponent in Jussier Formiga who can be finished, and Cejudo will be looking to score takedowns and finish it with ground-and-pound. Vernon Ramos is coming off of “TUF: Latin America 2” and has just three professional fights, but all three have been submission wins, and he gets an opponent who hasn’t fought since 2012. Erick Montano is a finalist of “TUF: Latin America 2”, and while he is the underdog against Enrique Marin, he has scored all six of his wins by stoppage, with five in the first round, and both of his wins on the show came by first-round stoppage. I like him at his cheap salary.
PAUL FONTAINE- Ricardo Lamas ($11,200), Henry Cejudo ($11,100), Efrain Escudero ($9,500), Alejandro Perez ($9,200), Gabriel Benitez ($8,700)
Lamas is about as close to a lock as there is on this card. Sanchez is WAY beyond his prime and would have losses in 4 of his last 5 fights if any of the judges had actually watched his fight with Ross Pearson. Lamas has only lost to the champion Jose Aldo and #2 contender Chad Mendes in the last 4 1/2 years. He should make quick work of Sanchez here. Henry Cejudo has a tough test in Jussier Formiga who will be in a title eliminator for the third time. But Cejudo is trying to earn a title shot so expect him to win and in impressive fashion. He should land a lot of strikes in a 3 round war and score the win. Alejandro Perez is one of the top Mexican prospects and looks to be in somewhat of a showcase fight against Scott Jorgensen, who has lost 5 of his last 6 fights and may not be long for this sport. I’m taking a bit of a chance on Gabriel Benitez but he is on a 2 fight win streak and is used to fighting in Mexico (which could be a big factor here). His opponent, Andre Fili, has a mediocre UFC record although he is the more expensive fighter for your roster. My last pick is veteran Efrain Escudero who has won two straight since losing in his UFC return last year. He has looked great, even in that loss, and will be cheered on by the Mexican crowd and should be able to score a win over the Brazilian Leandro Silva.
I like Gastelum. I think he’s going to dominate Magny, but it could take all five rounds, so I’m predicting big points from Gastelum. I don’t like Escudero. He’s really inconsistent and disappointing. I’m taking Silva to beat him. Ricardo Lamas and Sanchez are going to have a war. I think Sanchez is done but will be a hard out. I’m making the same argument against Jorgensen. He’s done but will be a tough out for Perez. Benitez over Fili. I’m not convinced Fili is any good.
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.
We update pro wrestling stars in France during the terrorist attack, update on John Cena, next NXT Takeover show, NXT taping the week of Royal Rumble, WWE starting to recruit talent from other promotions, difference between main roster recruiting and NXT recruiting, WWE network update, WWE 2K 16 video game update, WWE considers overseas stadium show and interesting coincidences, update on Lana, plus notes on all the house shows from WWE and NXT over the past week, highlights and business notes.
We also look at ROH’s new television deal, why Destination America gave up on wrestling and how far back it went, what is COMET TV and more.
We also look back at the match that made pro wrestling a major spectator sport and one of the biggest sports events of its time, the second Frank Gotch vs. George Hackenschmidt match. We also look at the show which broke the Gotch-Hackenshcmidt record this week and what led to the new record.
We also look at Billy Gunn, his firing by WWE, how it happened, why it happened, back story of other firings and suspensions for talent that didn’t fail a company drug test, as well as a look back at the career of Gunn in WWE and TNA.
We also look at AAA’s final major show of the year, Guerra de Titanes and how they are handling the world title situation formerly held by Alberto Del Rio.
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.
The Wrestling Observer ranges weekly from 35,000 to 50,000 words covering pro wrestling and MMA internationally. Each issue has coverage and analysis of all the major news, plus every issue breaks major news stories before the Internet sties and has the most complete look at the pro wrestling and MMA business anywhere, plus history pieces available nowhere else.
We’ve also got the weekly coverage of all the ratings of the major shows, results from the major league events held around the world, and the major TV show rundowns.
Also in this issue:
–La Sombra and Rush joke about leaving CMLL and facing John Cena
–The Rush vs. La Sombra feud and it’s fast ending
–Cibernetico jumps from AAA
–Konnan talks raiding from Lucha Libre Elite
–Konnan talks the Alberto Del Rio situation
–Differences in stories about Alberto Del Rio
–Differences in stories about Cibernetico
–AAA New York live show notes
–A look at this week’s AAA TV taping
–A look at the ZZ Inc. shows the next two weeks
–Update on Go Shiozaki
–NOAH cutbacks
–Fantastica Mania notes for 2016 including who is in the tour
–A.J. Styles New Japan deal update
–Latest on media coverage of Jimmy Snuka case
–A look at the next round of PWG shows
–Insane Championship Wrestling draws its biggest crowd
–Notes on some of the wrestlers in the group
–A look at the U.K. wrestling scene
–TV show known for WWE stars doing interviews on gets canceled
–A look at Northeast Wrestling’ anniversary show
–Tragos/Thesz Hall of Fame news
–More on how the Hogan sex tape went public
–Notes on Tommy Dreamer’s House of Hardcore show
–Lifestyles of former WWE woman star who became a celebrity
–Legends in tribute show
–Former Tough Enough star captures MMA title
–Notes on the first two weeks of the new Lucha Underground season
–Updated lineup for Final Battle PPV show
–Notes on ROH’s first PPV show of 2016
–ROH title match at the Tokyo Dome
–Complete rundown of the Survival of the Fittest tournament in ROH
–Update on TNA title tournament an changes
–Bill Goldberg talks TNA
–Kurt Angle talks 2016 plans
–Latest TNA departure
–Mirko Cro Cop fails drug test and gives explanation
–Nielsen researches the popularity of Ronda Rousey and where she draws from
–Comparisons with Danica Patrick and Serena Williams
–UFC talks adding a new weight class
–Dana White talks Miesha Tate
–Dana White talks new shows
–This week’s UFC show
–UFC star talks pro wrestling random
–UFC star looking at letting his contract expire
–The story behind the original plans for an AT&T Stadium show by UFC before WWE
–Lots of injury updates
–Ref criticizes another ref’s performance
–Fighter talks about problems making money with the sponsor situation
–New UFC fights
–Bellator going overseas in 2016
–Lots of new Bellator bouts
–Why Cotto vs. Alvarez is such an important benchmark for boxing going forward
–Promoters predict the Cotto-Alvarez PPV numbers
–Notes on recent boxing PPV numbers
–Notes on Japanese New Year’s Eve events including a confirmed pro wrestling match
–Weird story involving Ben Askren vs. Luis Santos and why the fight never took place
–Notes on this weekend’s World Series of Fighting tournament
If you are a new subscriber ordering 24 or more issues, you can get one free classic issue of your choice sent to you today. With a 40 issue subscription, you can get two free classic
issues sent to you today.
New subscribers ordering 24 or 40 issues have to let us know what major stories of the past 11 years you are most interested in and we’ll send the issue with the best coverage of that story. We’ve got coverage of every major PPV event and world wide spectacular, every major star switching promotions, histories of companies like FMW, Rings and New Japan, retirement and obit issues of every major star who fits into those descriptions over the past 11 years, as well as our biggest issue every year, the annual awards issue, and our most controversial issue of every year, the Hall of Fame issue.
We’re looking for reports from tonight’s NXT tapings in Winter Park, FL at Dave Meltzer Austin Aries, Chad Lail (Gunner) and James Storm have all been backstage at the event.
Smackdown tonight on Syfy:
Cesaro vs. The Miz
Dudleys & Neville vs. The Ascension & Stardust
Zack Ryder vs. Tyler Breeze
Charlotte vs. Brie Bella non-title
Kalisto vs. Big E
Roman Reigns & Dean Ambrose vs. Kevin Owens & Alberto Del Rio
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.
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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.
This is the WWE statement regarding the Paige-Charlotte angle from Raw on Monday:
“Subject matter this personal is only approved as a result of the strong advocacy of the talent themselves. Notwithstanding that, WWE is ultimately responsible for what airs in its programming.”
On tonight’s Smackdown show, they will announce the Dolph Ziggler vs. Tyler Breeze match added to Sunday’s Survivor Series show.
Jon Jones on Instagram strongly suggested his return date would be 4/23, which is the day UFC has Madison Square Garden booked.
Ratings on Destination America last night weren’t good.
Impact at 9 p.m. did 202,000, the all-time low in the time slot.
ROH at 11 p.m. did 114,000 viewers, the second lowest since ROH was cut to one airing
Impact at midnight did 78,000 viewers, on the low side but not near record lows.
The USA Network announced the annual WWE week which will start on 12/20 with airing the movie “Santa’s Little Helper,” followed on 12/21 with Raw, which will be the Slammy Awards show, a live Smackdown on 12/22, and the two-hour version of the Tribute to the Troops special on 12/23.
Sorry to report the death yesterday of Todd “Oly” Olsen, a regular for All-Star Wrestling out of Vancouver, who actually gave Bryan Alvarez his first pro wrestling lessons in 1995.
The Fight Network in Canada announced they are going to be moving TNA to Tuesday night, so it will air in Canada the same day as in the U.S.
POP TV, which is the new home of Impact starting on 1/5 only broadcasts in SD on DirecTV.
Our Gary Juster interview talking Nick Bockwinkel and ROH will be up on the site later this afternoon.
ROH announced shows for 2/19 and 2/20 at Korakuen Hall in Tokyo.
On tomorrow night’s World Series of Fighting show in Phoenix, with a tournament for a lightweight title shot, the first round of the tournament will take place before the TV on NBC Sports Network start sat 11 p.m. The tournament matches ill be available starting at 8 p.m. Eastern and 5 p.m. Pacific on WSOF.com. The semifinals and finals will air on NBC Sports. First round has Islam Mamedov vs. Jorge Patino, Brian Cobb vs. Mike Ricci, Brian Foster vs. Zoao Zeferino, Luis Palomino vs. Rich Patishnock.
The New Japan tag team tournament begins Saturday at 4:30 a.m. Eastern time at Korakuen Hall.
With TNA moving to Pop TV, Paragon Pro, which had been on the channel, will start airing on 11/19 on Tuff TV at midnight Eastern time, as well as on Fight Net, Yoo Too America Dish Network and WADL in Detroit.
WWE
WWE stock today lost 32 cents per share after a big day yesterday, closing at $17.12 per share.
The Paterson Armory in Paterson, NJ, which was a regular stop during the territorial days, was taken down this past Friday. It hasn’t been used for wrestling in forever. Mike Omansky noted to us he was there for a sold out show with hundreds turned away, and loads of police having to be used to clear out people without tickets demanding to get in, for a show headlined by Bruno Sammartino vs. Dr. Jerry Graham and The Tolos Brothers vs. Gorilla Monsoon & Killer Kowalski in a battle of heels back in 1964.
Holly Holm appear on Inside MMA tomorrow night at 11:30 p.m., one hour eariler than usual. She’ll be joined by coaches Mike Winklejon and Greg Jackson, The show will feature a report from Albuquerque and also talk to Dave Oancea, who bet $20,000 on Holm and won $240,000.
Michael Bisping started a new weekly Thursday talk show from 6-8 p.m. with comedian Luis J. Gomez called The Countdown today on Sirius XM Ch. 93.
Ultimate Insiders with Daniel Cormier, Paige VanZant and Frankie Edgar on Sunday at 6:30 p.m.
There will be a special on the Cain Velasquez vs. Fabricio Werdum fight that Werdum won the title i airing on Tuesday at 8 p.m. on FS 1
Dennis Bermudez vs. Maximo Blanco was added to the 1/17 show in Boston on FS 1.
UFC Fight Pass today announced a new deal with the Omaha based Victory Fighting Championship promotion. They will have their entire tape library dating back to 2002 up in early January, and will run all VFC shows live, with the first on 1/29 headlined by Elvis Mutapcic vs. Anthony Smith for the middleweight title.
MISCELLANEOUS
There is a ZZ Inc. show tonight in Leon with Fireball & Rey Hours vs. Speedball Miike Bailey & Willie Mack, Mr. 450 Hammet & Mickie James & Dinastia vs. Bestia 666 & Taya & Mini Charly Manson, Australian Suicide & Jack Evans & Angelico vs. Daga & Sonjay Dutt & Seiya Sanada, Fenix & Garza Jr. & El Hijo del Dos Caras vs. Chavo Guerrero Jr. & Magnus (Nick Aldis, the GFW champion) & Psicosis, and Blue Demon Jr. & Dr. Wagner Jr. & Rey Mysterio Jr. vs. Brodus Clay & Drew Galloway & Johnny Mundo. (thanks to Kris Zellner)
Ric Flair, Ricky Steamboat, Ricky Morton, Robert Gibson, Scotty 2 Hotty Garland, Gangrel and others will be appearing for Big Time Wrestling on 11/20 in Norfolk at the Scope Events Center and 11/21 in Powhatan, VA at the High School. Promoter Tony Hunter noted strong advances for both shows and that he’s expecting 2,000 fans in Powhatan. Photos and autographs are 6-8 p.m. on Friday and 5-7 p.m. on Saturday prior to the start of both shows.
AAW has an already sold out show on 11/28 in Chicago at the Logan Square Auditorium although there may be additional tickets at the door. Check www.twitter.com/aawprothe day of the show. Ethan Page vs Eddie Kingston vs. Trevor Lee for the AAW title headlines, plus Devin & Mason Cutter vs. Dave & Jake Crist (Jake’s final AAW match) for the tag title, Chris Hero vs. Pentagon Jr., Christian Faith vs. Gregory Iron, Fenix vs. Tommaso Ciampa, Louis Lyndon vs. Alex Shelley, ACH vs. Davey Vega and Tyson Dux & Matt Cage vs. Shane Hollister & Markus Crane.
CZW and WSU run Saturday in Voorhees, NJ at Flyers Skate Zone. There will be a 4 p.m. show headlined by Jessicka Havok & Matt Tremont vs. Pepper Parks & Allysin Kay and Leva Bates vs. Solo Darling, as well as Marti Belle & Mia Yim (Jade) vs. Bill Carr & Dan Barry and other men vs. woman matches. The 8 p.m. show has Tremont vs DJ Hyde for the CZW title and Team Tremendous vs. The Hooligans, Joey Janela vs. Lio Rush, Danny Havoc vs. AR Fox, Drew Gulak vs. Masada and more.
The Pac 12 Network announced it will be airing wrestling starting with Penn State vs Stanford on Sunday at 1 p.m. Pacific time. They will be airing seven meets this season culminating with the Pac 12 conference championship meet live from Arizona State on 2/27. The second show will be Stanford vs. Cal State Bakersfield on 12/17.
Absolute Intense Wrestling on 11/27 in Cleveland at Our Lady of Mount Carmel with Rickey Shane Page vs. Ethan Page, Alex Shelley vs. Louis Lyndon, Chris Hero vs. Tim Donst, Johnny Gargano vs. Candice LaRae vs. DJ Zema Ion vs Alex Daniels and more. They also run 12/5 in Cleveland at the Martin Luther Church with Tracy Smothers vs. Grado, Cliff Compton vs. Frankie Flynn and more.
There will be a major judo tournament, the Qingdao Grand Prix at www.ippon.tv on Sunday featuring eight time world champion Teddy Riner of France returning to international competition.
Pro Wrestling Eclipse on 11/28 in Oshawa, ONT at the Oshawa Legion 43 with Xandra Bale vs. Jewels Malone in a falls count anywhere match.
UWC on 12/5 in Wrightstown, NJ at Kelly’s Banquet Hall. Admission is free if you donate an unwrapped toy with a suggested minimum value of $10 at the door. There will be free door prizes.
RFA on 12/11 with Andy Townsend vs. E.J. Chavez from the Orange County Fair and Event Center on Costa Mesa, CA, which also airs live on AXS.
Tier 1 Wrestling on 12/4 in Deer Park, NY at the NYWC Sportatorium.
NWA Smoky Mountain Wrestling on Saturday in Kingsport, TN at the Civic Auditorium with Jax Dane defending the NWA title against national champion Arrick Andrews, plus Jason Kincaid defends the Southeastern title against ROH’s Ray Rowe.
Big West Wrestling on 12/11 in Kelowna, BC at Lake City Bowling & Billiards. They also have dates there on 1/22, 2/19 and 3/18.
Northern Championship Wrestling on 11/28 in Montreal at Centre Brussels.
Alpha-1 Wrestling on 12/13 in Hamilton, ONT at 166 Greenmountain Road with Eric Young vs. Scotty O’Shea and Amazing Red vs. Alessandro del Bruno.
ON THIS DAY IN PRO WRESTLING HISTORY INTERNATIONAL (thanks to Graeme Cameron)
1906 – Clarence Weber beat Buttan Singh in Melbourne to become the first Australian born Australian heavyweight champion
1966 – Ray Stevens & Art Nelson beat George & Sandy Scott in Melbourne to win the IWA tag titles
1970 – Larry Hennig & Bob Windham (Blackjack Mulligan) beat Thunder Sugiyama & Great Kusatsu in Ashikaga to win the IWE tag titles
1974 – Alfonso Dantes beat El Halcon in Mexico City to win the Mexican national light heavyweight title
2004 – Hector Garza & Tarzan Boy & El Terrible beat Canek & Black Warrior & Rayo de Jalisco Jr. in Mexico City to win the CMLL trios titles
2006 – Mistico beat Black Warrior in the tournament final to win the IWRG super welterweight title
2011 – Takeshi Morishima beat KENTA in Tokyo to win the Global tournament
2011 – Ricochet beat Pac (Neville) in Osaka to win the Open the Brave Gate title
WWE’s official statement: “Subject matter this personal is only approved as a result of the strong advocacy of the talent themselves. Notwithstanding that, WWE is ultimately responsible for what airs in its programming.”
WWE will be releasing a statement shortly regarding Monday night’s show-closing angle involving Paige and Charlotte (Ashley Fliehr).
The gist of the statement will be that the idea of the angle came from Ashley Fliehr, that it was taken out of the show, she was insistent that it be put in, and it was. However, the company did take responsibility for the angle since it was ultimately their decision to put it on the show.
The angle involved Paige referencing the death of Charlotte’s brother Reid, who passed away from an overdose on March 29, 2013, and saying clearly Reid didn’t have a lot of fight in him. The angle has been the most-talked about story in pro-wrestling since it happened, virtually universally negative towards the company. It was done to set up a Divas Title match on Sunday between champion Charlotte and challenger Paige at the Survivor Series PPV.
Neither Ric Flair nor Ashley’s mother Elizabeth were alerted in advance about the angle. Elizabeth was furious and posted publicly on Twitter. Ric Flair on his Woo Nation podcast noted he was very upset when watching it, and indicated that Ashley didn’t have the tenure to say no to any angles or storylines presented to her. Flair’s co-host Conrad stated publicly that the rumors it was Ashley’s idea were 100% false.
We will update this story with the statement as soon as it is released.
