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  • NJPW Power Struggle live results 2015: Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Karl Anderson for IC title

    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

    Power Struggle from November 7 in Osaka:

    JUSHIN LIGER & TIGER MASK & RYUSUKE TAGUCHI & MASCARA DORADA VS. YOHEI KOMATSU & SHO TANAKA & JAY WHITE & DAVID FINLAY

    The match was pretty much what you’d expect it to be  Great timing.  Everyone looked good.  Too short.  Nobody had time to stand out or show their best.  Finlay got to do the most among the Young Lions since he was losing.  Several dives and Tiger pinned Finlay after a double arm suplex off the top rope.

    Liger challenged Tiger Mask for the NWA jr. title after.  He agreed to it.  First of what are likely to be several square-offs and challenges tonight

    TOGI MAKABE & CAPTAIN NEW JAPAN & JUICE ROBINSON VS. DOC GALLOWS & TAMA TONGA & CODY HALL

    Crowd was into this one more than you’d think.  Robinson hurt his right knee doing a dive.  He was hurting pretty bad when he went to the back.  Tonga pinned Captain after a Superman punch and a double arm DDT.   Glad to see Tonga get a win.

    HIROOKI GOTO VS. EVIL TAKAAKI WATANABE

    Match wasn’t much but the post-match angle got over really good.  Goto had him in a shoudlerlock when Tetsuya Naito walked slowly to the ring.  The crowd picked up big for him.  He kicked Goto low right in front of the ref for the DQ and was beating on him and beat down Jay White, Yohei Komatsu and Sho Tanaka until Katsuyori Shibata made the save.  The crowd popped big for Shibata’s save.  Shibata sat in the ring and dared Watanabe & Naito to come in.  As Naito was leaving, he knoked down the camera man shooting him visually it was like he was about to attack you through the computer screen.

    KENNY OMEGA & CHASE OWENS & YOUNG BUCKS VS. ALEX SHELLEY & KUSHIDA & BOBBY FISH & KYLE O’REILLY

    Real good. Lots of cool moves, fast paced and well timed.  Kushida got the submission on Owens with the hoverboard lock while O’Reilly had Omega in an armbar over the ropes.  Kushida should have beaten Omega since Kushida squared off with Omega after with the belt there.  Felt too short as it was just getting going when they went to the finish.

    RICOCHET & MATT SYDAL VS. ROCKY ROMERO & BARETTA FOR THE SUPER JUNIOR TOURNAMENT CHAMPIONSHIP

    Super match.  Romero is one of the most unheralded guys in the business.  Ricochet & Sydal were great here.  The finsh was a double shooting star press, Sydal pinning Baretta while Ricochet hit a benadrylller and a shooting star press at the same time to Romero.  Ricochet did a springboard shooting star press to the floor on Baretta as a highlight but the match was filled with highlight moves.  Crowd was really into it, particularly down the stretch.

    Ricochet & Sydal challenged Fish & O’Reilly for the titles.  Romero grabbed the mic.  Romero said they just beat the champions at Korakuen Hall so deserve the shot.  The Bucks came out and Nick said they were the former champions they wanted a rematch.  Fish showed the belt and said we’ve beaten all of you except New Kids on the Block.  Fish said we can do it tonight  Nick Jackson started quoting Billy Gunn if you’re not down with that.  They are setting up a four-way at the Tokyo Dome. 

    A.J. STYLES & BAD LUCK FALE VS. TORU YANO & YOSHI-HASHI

    Predictable finish with Styles pinning Yoshi-Hashi with the Styles clash after a Pele kick and bloody sunday DDT.  Good match.  Styles looked great but was holding his back when it was over.  But he was flying all over the place.  Yano did his usual undoing the turnbuckle stuff and kept his program with Fale going.  Good match.

    TOMOHIRO ISHII VS. TOMOAKI HONMA FOR NEVER OPEN WEIGHT TITLE

    A match of the year candidate.  These two just killed it, almost as good as their Feburary match.  Honma was just incredible with all these spear head-butts and even doing a diving head-butt off the top rope to the floor which is really the worst idea for a guy his age to be doing.  Ishii was at his best here.  Crowd heat was super.  They so badly wanted Honma to take the title.  I wish he had but they obviously have long-term plans.  The finish saw  Honma go for a spear head-butt but Ishii elbowed him in the face as he was coming in, then lariated him and Honma took a spin bump, before hitting the brainbuster for the pin.  Some of the match was sick, like the ram head-butts.

    HIROSHI TANAHASHI & KATSUYORI SHIBATA VS. KAZUSHI SAKURABA & KAZUCHIKA OKADA

    Super match.  Tanahashi and Okada worked it to get you to want to see the Tokyo Dome match.  Shibata’s selling was out of this world and he worked great with Sakruaba, although it was mostly Okada in for his team.   The finish saw Shibata & Tanahashi hit a double dropkick on Okada, Shibata did a low dropkick to Sakuraba, Tanahashi hit Sakruaba with the high fly flow, Tanahashi used a plancha on Okada and Shibata hit the GTS on Sakuraba for the pin.

    Big angle after the match

    Tanahashi did a promo after the match on Okada.  Okada was leaving but came back.  They went face-to-face.  Okada taunted him and Tanahashi went nuts and had to be held back.  He broke free  and they had a pull-apart brawl.  Juice Robinson was out so his knee wasn’t that bad.  The brawled outside the ring.  Okada got the briefcase and hit Tanahashi in the head and shoulder.  Now Okada is all over him.  Tanahashi broke free and went after Okada.  Tanahashi ran after him and dropkicked him on the floor.  Tanahashi broke free again.  Okada tried to tombstone him on the floor but everyone broke hat up  About a minute after it was over, Tanahashi suddenly broke free and ran to the back after Okada.

    SHINSUKE NAKAMURA VS. KARL ANDERSON FOR THE IC TITLE

    Good luck to these two trying to follow the past two matches.

    Long well worked match.  Nakamura’s selling was tremendous and Anderson domianted hitting everything under the sun including a gunstun off the middle rope and a Bernard driver.  The finish saw them exchange moves until Nakamura nailed a high kick for the pin.  Great counters in the last few minutes.  

    The surprise guy is A.J. Styles.  So that’s the Tokyo Dome No. 2 match.  They went head to head.  Styles grabbed the belt and handed it to him.  Styles told him he was taking the belt from him.   The announcers were screaming about the Tokyo Dome.  It’ll be a great match but it’s time for some outsiders to be fitted in.  Nakamura then talked about facing Styles at the Tokyo Dome. 

  • Wrestling Observer Preview: 2015 Hall of Fame Issue

    Our most talked about issue of the year, the 2015 Hall of Fame issue is up on the site right now.  This is a double-issue featuring notes on the seven new inductees, the complete balloting results for the year along with last year, plus how the top candidates did with reporters, historians, and those who are currently and formerly in the business.  You’ll see how the different groups voted, as well as notes on everyone who went in, what kept those who came close from getting in, thoughts on next year’s ballot, and a look at the careers of the inductees.  There is also a super history of Montreal wrestling in the new issue, as well as a story on the modern Mexican scene.

    The issue features a ton of old Southern history, coverage of one of the top heels of the 70s, the biggest matches ever held in Puerto Rico, a complete WWE business rundown with reactions from Vince McMahon and George Barrios, what the numbers say, profits in every category, the Wall Street reaction to the numbers, lots of network information broken down including who watches what, the current WWE profitability level vs. historical levels, as well as where the money comes from, and the last three years of PPV business being charted and the surprising staying power of PPV.  We also look at every other aspect of WWE business.

    We also have an in-depth update on the situation with Alberto Del Rio, WWE, AAA, TNA, Lucha Underground, Rizin and everyone else that had interest in him.  We look at how things changed in the last week, have comments from WWE regarding what he can and can’t do, both sides of contradictory stories, the big move AAA made this past week due to his leaving, what the situation is with the AAA Mega heavyweight title, the good and bad of working with WWE vs. indies from a short and long-term financial situation, what Mexican star did WWE show interest in, and how this affects AAA and Lucha Underground.

    We also have more on Smackdown to the USA Network, how that affects USA from a business standpoint, NBC’s attempt to sell wrestling to advertisers, the value of Raw to USA even with lower ratings.  We have notes on the ESPN deal, actual Hell in a Cell numbers and what they say, notes on Brock Lesnar’s next WWE appearance scheduled as well as an update on John Cena’s return, more on how Randy Orton got hurt and his prognosis, notes on WWE’s deal wit Tapout, Dave Bautista talks a potential return, the value of WrestleMania, notes about who attended WrestleMania last year, how much they spent, how long they stayed, and how many locals bought tickets to the show the past two years.  We have more notes on the bleeding in Lesnar vs. Undertaker Hell in a Cell, WWE to India, Steve Austin’ new business venture and he talks his Raw appearance and updates doing another match.  We’ve got more on Nikki Bella’s time off, William Regal’s surgery, original plans for Europe, Rusev’s injury, Jerry Lawler’s auto accident as well as notes from all the WWE & NXT arena events over the past week.

    We also have notes on The Young Bucks deal with ROH, how the contracts differ from others in ROH, who has exclusive deals and what are the terms, why ROH is no longer allowing talent to work for another major promotion after this month, what ROH star just became a free agent as well as next week’s Survival of the Fittest update.

    We also look at the two big shows from Japan this past week, Dragon Gate’s Gate of Destiny and New Japan’s Junior heavyweight tag team tournament semifinals from Korakuen Hall.

    Here is the latest issue of the Wrestling Observer: November 9, 2015 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: 2015 Hall of Fame Issue

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

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    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 and the major TV show rundowns.

    Also in this issue:

    –Major Arena Mexico angle at the Volador Jr. vs. La Sombra match

    –Notes on Mistico angle for Formula 1 driver Lewis Hamilton

    –This week’s Lucha Libre Elite big show

    –Notes from AAA’s TV tapings and well as two big AAA shows coming up

    –Why the Triple Crown title changed hands this past week

    –Update on Pro Wrestling NOAH tournament and the matches this past week

    –New Japan’s international goals

    –First two names announced for Fantastica Mania

    –What New Japan regular looks to be leaving

    –More on a new promotion that is planning on starting up soon and its chances

    –Updates on the Jimmy Snuka case as well as media interest

    –More notes from Lucha Underground including another main character not returning

    –TNA loses front office employee

    –Funny story on tweets read on Impact

    –Tons of UFC business news regarding loans the company has taken out, the Pride purchase, the Strikeforce purchase and interest in loans

    –A look at this weeks’ UFC show

    –Why Miesha Tate is so unhappy and considering retirement

    –The injury Conor McGregor suffered before the Chad Mendes fight

    –UFC card changes and new fights

    –More drama in the Ronda Rousey world

    –Bellator’s last big show of the year

    –Return of Kimbo Slice

    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.

     If you are a new subscriber ordering 24 or more issues, you can get one free classic issue of your choice sent to you today.  With a 40 issue subscription, you can get two free classic issues sent to you today. We’ve got coverage of every major PPV event and world wide spectacular, every major star switching promotions, histories of companies like FMW, Rings and New Japan, retirement and obit issues of every major star who fits into those descriptions over the past 11 years, as well as our biggest issue every year, the annual awards issue, and our most controversial issue of every year, the Hall of Fame issue.

    Click here for the most requested Wrestling Observer back issues.

  • UFC Fight Night 77: Belfort vs. Henderson 3 weigh-in results and live video

    Welcome to WrestlingObserver.com’s live coverage of the UFC Fight Night 77: Belfort vs. Henderson weigh-ins from the Ginasio do Ibirapuera in Sao Paulo, Brazil kicking off at 4 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 is the UFC’s fourth overall trip to Sao Paulo, and first since May 2014.

    The event will be headlined by a trilogy bout as former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Vitor Belfort takes on former PRIDE and Strikeforce champion Dan Henderson in the five-round affair. Henderson defeated Belfort by decision in PRIDE in October 2006, while Belfort scored a knockout win over Henderson in UFC competition in November 2013, which was Belfort’s most recent win. The co-main event is a light heavyweight bout between former title challenger Glover Teixeira and Patrick Cummins. Also on the card is fast-rising bantamweight prospect Thomas Almeida, who puts his perfect 20-0 record on the line against Anthony Birchak.

    MAIN CARD (FS1- 10 PM ET/7 PM PT):
    Vitor Belfort (185) vs. Dan Henderson (186)
    Glover Teixeira (206) vs. Patrick Cummins (206)
    Thomas Almeida (135) vs. Anthony Birchak (136)
    Alex Oliveira (156) vs. Piotr Hallmann (155)
    Gilbert Burns (156) vs. Rashid Magomedov (155)
    Fabio Maldonado (205) vs. Corey Anderson (205)

    PRELIMINARY CARD (FS1- 8 PM ET/5 PM PT):
    Gleison Tibau (155) vs. Abel Trujillo (156)
    Yan Cabral (156) vs. Johnny Case (156)
    Clay Guida (146) vs. Thiago Tavares (146)
    Kevin Souza (146) vs. Chas Skelly (146)

    PRELIMINARY CARD (UFC FIGHT PASS- 6:30 PM ET/3:30 PM PT):
    Viscardi Andrade (170) vs. Gasan Umalatov (170)
    Pedro Munhoz (135) vs. Jimmie Rivera (136)
    Bruno Korea (134) vs. Matheus Nicolau (135)

  • Kurt Angle broadcasting at tonight’s Bellator MMA show

    Former WWE & TNA Champion Kurt Angle, who was at Bellator’s FanFest Thursday as part of his new arrangement with the promotion, was announced Friday morning as being part of the broadcast crew for tonight’s “tentpole” show on Spike TV.

    Lead announcer Sean Grande tweeted that there would be “a very special guest tonight” in the booth, adding #ItsTrueItsDamnTrue and #MilkOManiaIsRunningWild.

    Editor’s Note: If you’re reading this post-show, Angle did some color commentating with Grande and Jimmy Smith during the Bobby Lashley/James Thompson fight with a quick hit interview before. They asked him a few questions with one of them being if he was going to fight. He definitely didn’t say no, but there was no immediate, “Yes, I’m planning on it.” Post-fight, Lashley came over and hugged Angle at cageside.

    *****

    The main events have an interesting twist as police were called earlier this week due to an altercation between featherweight champion Patricio “Pitbull” Freire and lightweight champion Will Brooks at the fighters’ hotel. However, the two are not fighting each other.  Brooks claimed he was sucker-punched while on the phone and attacked by Freire and his brother, Patricky, also an MMA fighter with Bellator. Freire claimed he decked Brooks. Police made no arrests and filed no charges.  The two were moved to separate hotels.

    Brooks first missed weight yesterday by .8 of a pound, for his title fight with Marcin Held. He was able to make weight within two hours.

    Tonight’s main card lineup:

    • Justin Lawrence (146) vs. Emmanuel Sanchez (145.6)
    • Bobby Lashley (239.5) vs. James Thompson (264)
    • Michael Chandler (155.75) vs. Dave Rickels (155.75)
    • Will Brooks (154.8) vs. Marcin Held (154.8) for the lightweight title
    • Patricio Pitbull Freire (144.4) vs. Daniel Straus (144.4) for the featherweight title

    More details on the history of Lashley vs. Thompson are available in this week’s edition of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.

  • Daily pro wrestling history (11/06): Lynn wins X Division Title

    1947

    Kansas City, Kansas: Attendance was 4,000 (sellout)
    – MWA Title Match: Orville Brown drew Sonny Myers, Brown retained the title
    – Ronnie Etchison drew Terry McGinnis 
    – Yukon Eric (as Eric Holmback) beat Steve Stanlee 

    1951

    Topeka, Kansas:
    – Jimmy Coffield defeated Dennis Clary to win the Central States Title

    1962

    Kansas City, Missouri:
    – Don Leo Jonathan defeated Bill McDonald
    – Karl Von Brauner & Kurt Von Brauner defeated George Scott & Sandy Scott
    – Bearcat Wright defeated Dick the Bruiser by countout in three falls

    1980

    Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada:
    – Andre The Giant & Angelo Mosca beat Jerry Blackwell & John Studd
    – Nick Bockwinkel beat Mad Dog Vachon
    – Greg Gagne beat Adrian Adonis
    – Dino Bravo beat Jesse Ventura
    – Tito Santana beat Steve Regal
    – Bobby Heenan beat Buck Zumhofe

    1989 

    Memphis, Tennessee:
    – Jerry Lawler defeats The Soultaker (Papa Shango/Kama/Godfather) to win the USWA Unified Heavyweight Title 

    1994

    Los Angeles, California:
    – Perro Aguayo defeated Konnan in a Steel Cage match
    – Octagon & El Hijo del Santo defeated Love Machine (Art Barr) & Eddy Guerrero in three falls in a Mask vs. Hair match
    – Fuerza Guerrera, Madonna’s Boyfriend (Louie Spicolli), & Psicosis defeated Rey Misterio Jr., Heavy Metal, & Latin Lover when Guerrera forced Metal to submit to a reverse hammerlock.
    – Pegasus Kid (Chris Benoit), 2 Cold Scorpio & Tito Santana defeated Jerry Estrada, La Parka & Blue Panther 

    1995 

    Memphis, Tennessee:
    – Ahmed Johnson defeats Jerry Lawler for the USWA Unified Heavyweight Title

    1998 

    New York, New York:
    – The Dudley Boyz (Buh Buh & D-Von, now known as Team 3D) defeated Masato Tanaka & Balls Mahoney to win the ECW World Tag Team Titles

    2000 

    Houston, Texas:
    – Bull Buchanan & The Goodfather defeated The Hardy Boyz to win the WWF Tag Team Title 

    2002 

    Nashville, Tennessee:
    – Jerry Lynn defeated AJ Styles to win the NWA/TNA X Division Title 

    2006

    – Randy Orton & Edge defeated Triple H & Shawn Michaels
    – Lita defeated Mickie James to win the Divas title
    – Ric Flair & Roddy Piper defeated The Spirit Squad to win the WWF Tag Team Titles

  • Dragon Gate 11-6 iPPV results: Sumoz vs. VeserK All-Out War

    Submitted by Scott Winter

    – From Korakuen Hall in Tokyo

    Dark Match: Yosuke <3 Santa Maria & U-T vs. Dragon Kid & Kzy

    Yosuke forgot to shave her armpits tonight. A lovely touch. She would go for her trademark curtsy, but DK would curtsy with her, effectively mocking her. Yes, Yosuke is a her to me. It’s a couple years and the act remains fresh. She slithered around the ring similar to Tonga, only to back her crotch up against the faces of her opponents hanging in the tree of whoa. When the match got serious, the double team maneuvers were spot-on. The kind of balance between strong sport and entertainment that North American companies wish they could produce. Kid went for his handstand knee, only for Yosuke to defend it with a kiss while he stood on his hands. U-T attempted a double team maneuver, missed and accidentally nailed Yosuke. In return, Yosuke almost hit him, but hugged him instead. And then, naturally, french kissed him. The shock and shame caused U-T to get crucifixed by DK for the win.

    Akira Tozawa vs. Kaito Ishida

    Ishida came out first followed by Over Generation. His cape is far less ridiculous than Lindaman’s. Tozawa came out 10 pounds lighter having dropped the title to Kotoka last week. Ishida chant. He opened with big kicks to Tozawa. Big plancha from the rookie, onto Tozawa on the outside. Back in the ring, Tozawa with the patented closed fist. Ishida made the ropes, fighting out of a Boston crab, young boy style. Tozawa went for the Brainbustah but was countered by Ishida with one of his own. Missle dropkick from Ishida, followed by kicks but Tozawa hulked up and asked for more. Tozawa came back, hitting the rook with big boots and suplexes. Really good final stretch with Tozawa attempting one last German. Finally after much ado, he got it for the victory. Good match, good showing for the kid.

    Masaaki Mochizuki & Big R Shimizu vs. Gamma & Takehiro Yamamura

    The rookie Yamamura started the match for his team and tagged Mochizuki with a chop early. Mochi returned with a huge kick, but ate a drop kick in return, and then more chops from the kid.The Gammamura team has looked impressive in the past and continued to here, with a good dynamic as a tag team combination. Mochi came back with more chops and a leg lock on the kid, but Gamma dribbled water on his face to break, however he was also sucked into a simultaneousleg lock. More kicks from Mochi but Yamamura fought back made tag. Good stuff with the crowd behind the kid. In the end, Shimizu with the chokeslam for the win. Verserk hit the ring after the match, beat everybody up, and cut promos about being the champs.

    Monster Express (Masato Yoshino, T-Hawk & Shachihoko BOY) vs. Over Generation (CIMA, Eita & Lindaman)

    I missed the beginning of this. Yoshino, fastest man in wrestling, hit Eita with the quickest offense imaginable. Great triple team work from the men in Orange. Good to see Monster Express strong. They caught a raw deal with Shingo leaving and VerserK really taking off.Hayashi, who is just the best, came in and whooped some ass. Triple planchas from the faces. Two Germans into a Tiger Suplex from Lindaman onto Tiger Fish Boy for the big win, giving OG a nice victory. Yuga Hayashi is friggin’ great.

    The Sumos came out before intermission and conducted something of a sumo ceremony mid-ring.

    Sumoz vs. VerserK – All Out War #1: Sumo Hagetora (Punch Tominaga) vs. Mondai Ryu

    Holy shit, the Sumos have their own theme song, to the melody of “We are Jimmyz”. But rather “We are Sumoz”. This was the friggin’ greatest, for those of us who wondered if they would take the gimmick that far. It’s Ryu vs. Punch, YMMV. Ryu came out like a house of fire, but Punch implored his Matrix based defense. Quick win for Punch here with the PT Kick, in less than 2 minutes. Sumoz winning 1-0.

    Sumoz vs. VerserK – All Out War #2: Sumo Susumu, Sumo Kness S.K.S. vs. YAMATO, Kotoka

    Sumo chops & Sumo pose from K-Nesuka. Kotoka in, and the BLEEEHS were a plenty. Korakuen not nearly into it as much as the man typing this was. Kotoka now incorporating the moves of fan favorites into modified BLEEEHS. Ok, crowd liked that. Susumu & K-Ness are great as a tag team in Kagetora’s absence, so if they remain Sumoz I can only hope for a little less comedy and more along the lines of their serious Jimmy selves. Susumu in, unable to counter the BLEEEH defense. Kotola got a little too into it and got caught with a top rope exploder.

    Yamato back in to elevate the workrate. Nice double teaming from the heels. Gallaria attempt but Susumu yanked Yamato’s trunks into a Sumo g-string form, as a means of defense. Good stuff. Assisted Implant Buster. Susumu & Yamto traded clotheslines, won by Susumu. Heel tactics from Kotoka involving the turnbuckle led to a Gallaria for the pin. Even without Doi, this was pretty good. Tied 1-1.

    Sumoz vs. VerserK – All Out War #3: Genki Horiguchi S.U.M.Ooo, Sumo Kanda, Ryo “Sumo” Saito, Sumo Fujii vs. Naruki Doi, Shingo Takagi, Naoki Tanizaki, Cyber Kong

    They brawled all over the building to start. Cameras followed Fujii & Yamato, who wasn’t even in the match, throughout the upper deck. Back in the ring, Saito went for some traditional Sumo but was cheapshotted by Cyber Kong. This was not enough to break Saito’s Sumo spirit, however. Eventually a Sumo match spawned. Kong dispersed of three Jimmyz, but got bested by the great Fujii, who then proceeded to put the mack hand down on World Champ Shingo. Triple team from the Sumoz resulted in Fujii chopping Tanizaki’s crotch. Seemed painful.

    Match became more of a standard tag, though the heat hadn’t really gone off the charts yet. Cycling Yahoo from all 4 Sumoz resulted in Fujii fumbling through the move, which was pretty funny. Mondai Ryu interfered but Punch took care of him. Horiguchi backslide on Shingo for a hot 2.9. Shingo hit the last falconry in return but that was broken up. All hell broke loose with mass interference and combination maneuvers, ending in Saito hitting his SaiRyo Rocket splash for the win. Big win for the Sumoz.

    VerserK cleared the ring after the match and cut promos, despite taking the L. Gamma was called out by Shingo. He proceeded to show up with kendo stick in hand and put a beating on the World Champ, this setting up a Shingo/Gamma title match, a bridge to Shingo vs. CIMA. 20 minutes of promos followed, setting up the next show.

    Final Thoughts:

    This was a good show, fun show. Nothing over-the-top great wrestling wise, but more like an 80’s episode of NWA Saturday Night, with everything coming across as high energy and keeping the ball rolling for a product that is currently the hottest in the world.

  • UFC Fight Night 77 DFS Playbook: value picks, who to avoid

    After a two-week break from UFC action, business picks up with the beginning of four straight weekends of fighting inside the Octagon. It kicks off on Saturday night in Sao Paulo, Brazil with UFC Fight Night 77. That also means it is time for fans who play in Draft Kings MMA to get really involved for the next few months with a strong amount of events. Let’s get this party started with this weekend’s event and take a look at some studs, some value fighters, and some fighters to avoid when setting your line-ups for Saturday’s UFC Fight Night 77 event.

    STUDS

    Glover Teixeira ($11,000)

    Glover Teixeira will have the second-highest salary of any fighter on the UFC Fight Night 77 card, and with good reason as he comes into the event as a huge favorite according to the bettors. At 36, time is running out for Teixeira to win the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship, but he is still a strong contender with big finishing power. 20 of his 23 wins have come by knockout or submission, and he is coming off a strong third-round submission over Ovince Saint-Preux in August. He fights an opponent in Patrick Cummins who has been finished in both of his losses, and both have come due to first-round knockouts. Teixeira packs the power to finish Cummins, and he has solid enough takedown defense that he should be able to negate Cummins’ strength in the wrestling department. I like Teixeira to score a finish and net you a lot of points.

    Thomas Almeida ($10,900)

    Thomas Almeida is the definition of stud, and he is one of the brightest prospects in the sport, and this is another big chance for him to shine in the spotlight. He is a violent fighter and a nasty finisher. He has scored 19 of his 20 wins in his perfect career by stoppage, a whopping 95% finishing rate. He lands a high amount of strikes as well, and he has averaged 95.2 points in his two fights that have come during the Draft Kings era. Both of those fights were finishes, and Almeida lands over seven significant strikes per minute. Face it, he scores a lot of points. He has an opponent in Anthony Birchak who will stand-and-trade with him, but Birchak has been finished in the first round in both of his losses. Almeida poses the all-around skillset to give Birchak a lot of trouble, and I sense a big finish in this bout by Almeida.

    VALUE PICKS

    Jimmie Rivera ($9,000)

    Jimmie Rivera enters UFC Fight Night 77 riding an impressive 16-fight win streak and is coming off of two straight first-round finishes, including in his UFC debut against Marcus Brimage in July. He has a tough fight against Pedro Munhoz, but Munhoz is coming off a year-long suspension for a questionable drug test in his last bout. Rivera likely has the striking edge between the two, but Munhoz is tough to finish and has a durable chin. Rivera will want to keep this fight on the feet but keeping it upright against Munhoz will be tough. Luckily, Rivera has good takedown defense. Rivera is a solid play at the price tag he has, and he does have a chance for the upset win.

    Fabio Maldonado ($8,300)

    I’m going to start this off by saying I don’t think Fabio Maldonado will win against Corey Anderson. Anderson has been knocked out in his career and Maldonado is a very hard hitter, so there is always the chance of a finish, and Maldonado has a great price tag. Maldonado connects on a lot of his strikes. He has landed the most significant strikes in light heavyweight history, and by a wide margin. You will get a lot of points from him if the fight stays on the feet. Anderson connects with a lot of strikes as well, and Anderson can take the fight down at will. Maldonado is going to connect a lot, and who knows, maybe one will sneak in and really hurt Anderson, who took the fight on short notice. His price tag is one worth exploring using.

    AVOID

    Clay Guida ($10,200)

    I’m staying away from Clay Guida on this fight card. He has a tough opponent in Thiago Tavares, and Guida is not much of a finisher these days. Yes, he generally puts on entertaining fights, but entertaining fights do not get you any extra points. Guida may score on some takedowns and grind the fight out, but not a lot of significant strikes will be landed. With this fight likely going the distance, there are some better options if you are looking to maximize your points potential. Even though I see Guida winning, it’ll only be by decision, and I’m taking my risk on fighters I think will win by finish.

    Abel Trujillo ($9,600)

    Abel Trujillo fights Gleison Tibau in the featured preliminary bout, and Tibau holds the record for most takedowns in UFC history. Trujillo holds the distinction of being the fighter who was taken down the most in a UFC fight. Trujillo is a very hard striker, but he fades fast, and if he can’t get the finish in the first round, the second and third rounds become trouble for him. Tibau is a very durable opponent and is a big grinder. He will probably grind Trujillo to defeat. Trujillo may get lucky with an early knockdown, and he could potentially finish Tibau, but I am avoiding putting Trujillo on my team.

    OUR LINEUPS

    RYAN FREDERICK- Glover Teixeira ($11,000), Thomas Almeida ($10,900), Johnny Case ($10,600), Dan Henderson ($8,600), Fabio Maldonado ($8,300)

    I like Glover Teixeira and Thomas Almeida to score big finish wins in their fights for the reasons stated above. I’m taking the chance with Fabio Maldonado based on his price tag, striking output, and the chance he could find an opening and score a finish on Corey Anderson. I like Johnny Case as well as he has shown solid finishing ability. His opponent, Yan Cabral, is coming off a long layoff and is a very tough opponent, but Case is a finisher. The biggest test for Case will be avoiding being on his back as Cabral has very good takedowns. The last fighter on my team is Dan Henderson. He still has that power in his right hand as he showed off against Tim Boetsch. He has a solid underdog price tag which allows for some bigger salaries. If the Vitor Belfort who fought Chris Weidman shows up against Henderson, I predict a tough night for Belfort. I’m going with Henderson to land that big right hand and finish Belfort.

    PAUL FONTAINE- Thomas Almeida ($10,900), Johnny Case ($10,600), Alex Oliveira ($10,500), Gilbert Burns ($9,400), Dan Henderson ($8,600)

    I’m taking Dan Henderson for value. I really think that the Hendo/Belfort matchup is a tossup but it’s going to be quick regardless. Henderson retains more of his power at 185 and I’m hoping for another quick KO from him. Gilbert Burns is unbeaten in his pro career and has submitted each of his last two UFC opponents. This fight is likely to go the ground at some point with Magomedov having a solid wrestling base and that’s where Burns should take over and secure a sub. Thomas Almeida is also unbeaten, at 20-0, and has finished all but one of his pro opponents including early knockouts in each of his last two UFC fights. Both of Birchak’s career losses have been by submission, making him a prime candidate to be finished here. Johnny Case is on an 11 fight win streak in which he’s finished 8 of his opponents. Despite being 6 years younger, he’s also got a significant experience edge over his opponent Yan Cabral. My last pick is the Brazilian Cowboy Alex Oliveira. His fight with Piotr Hallman should be an exciting slugfest with a lot of strikes thrown. All but 2 of his career wins have been finishes, including a first round submission of KJ Noons. In his lone UFC loss he was dominating Gilbert Burns before being caught in a 3rd round submission.

    PEACH MACHINE- Glover Teixeira ($11,000), Thomas Almeida ($10,900), Viscardi Andrade ($9,500), Gilbert Burns ($9,400), Dan Henderson ($8,600)

    I’m taking Hendo because I think Vitor has lost his chin and confidence since being humbled by Weidman, and Hendo just needs to connect once.  Dan has been off TRT longer than Vitor so he’s used to fighting without the sauce.  Hendo isn’t going to let Belfort repeat what happened in their last match. I really like Teixeira, as he handled OSP really well last time out, and I’m expecting much the same fight against Cummins.  Plus, Teixeira’s entrance music is terrifying. Almeida is someone to keep an eye on in the bantamweight division, and I expect him to have a dominating performance.  He’s a big favorite and fighting in his home country. I expect a submission from Burns, and I’m not expecting many finishes on this card. Andrade is my sleeper pick.  He hasn’t fought in 20 months but I think he’ll be motivated to come out and have a strong showing against the Russian in his home country.

    LAST EVENT’S RESULTS

    For our teams at the last event, UFC Fight Night 76, none of the three of us had much success, and none of us cashed in the basic $3 entry fee game on Draft Kings. Ryan had the most points for the second straight time, scoring 217.50 points with his line-up. Paul scored 163.50 points and Peach scored 153 points with their line-ups. We are all hoping for much better success this weekend.

  • Daily Update: Seth Rollins out with injury, Nick Diaz settlement rumors

    SETH ROLLINS INJURY AND FALLOUT

    We’ve got a lot of new audio up on the site, including today’s Observer Live talking the Seth Rollins injury and WWE tournament with Bryan and Mike Sempervive, plus Matt Farmer, Bryan and I talk the 2015 class of the Hall of Fame and thoughts on next year.

    There is a story on the front page on the Seth Rollins injury, which is devastating because WWE now has to revamp all its championship creative for the next several months, as well as change WrestleMania plans.  For those who haven’t seen the injury, this is the spot it happened.  Rollins continued the match after, but after being diagnosed after the show, will need surgery.

    Brock Lesnar is somewhere in Alberta on a big annual hunting trip.  I don’t know that they are blowing up his phone, but right about now you’d think they’d be wanting some new dates from him.  But the company desperately needs a top heel.  

    No word yet on what form the title tournament will take.  I’m guessing they’ll try and keep everything under wraps until Raw on Monday, but if they keep the Undertaker & Kane match as is, that keeps Bray Wyatt out of the tournament.  They could do elimination matches on television as well to set up a final four or final eight on the PPV.

    Another question is what happens on the show today in Cardiff, Wales, scheduled to be headlined by Seth Rollins vs. Kane.  The top heels on the tour are Sheamus and Tyler Breeze, and they could always turn Big Show heel again.  No word on whether they’ll move a heel from the Wyatt family or Kevin Owens from the other tour to fill the spot.

    We’re looking for reports on today’s WWE shows in Cardiff, Wales, Glasgow, Scotland, the Dallas show tonight at the WrestleMania party (Samoa Joe vs. Baron Corbin, Apollo Crews vs. Tye Dillinger, Asuka vs. Peyton Royce, Blake & Murphy vs. Zack Ryder & Mojo Rawley, Carmella vs. Alexa Bliss) which is free and NXT in Lakeland, FL at dave@wrestlingobserver.com” target=”_blank”>dave@wrestlingobserver.com

    We’re also be looking for reports tomorrow from WWE in London, which is the Rollins tour, although he’s not on the tour any longer; Barcelona, which is the Reigns tour, and the NXT show in Jacksonville, FL.

    Saturday has the Rollins tour in Leeds, England, the Reigns tour in Madrid, Spain and the NXT show in Largo, FL.

    DRAGON GATE GATE OF DESTINY iPPV AT 4:30 A.M. EASTERN AND 1:30 A.M. PACIFIC TIME at http://live.nicovidoe.jp/watch/lv238821844

    Our only weekend poll will be for Power Struggle which takes place late tomorrow night U.S. time

    New Japan’s Power Struggle PPV will be tomorrow night at 3 a.m. Eastern and midnight Pacific time, featuring Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Karl Anderson for their IC title and Rocky Romero & Trent Baretta vs. Ricochet & Matt Sydal in the finals of the Super Junior tag team tournament.

    Figure Four Weekly:

    Figure Four Weekly (10/2/15): WWE 2K16 Review
    2K Sports and Yuke’s turn around WWE video game series with a reinvigorated title boasting huge roster.

    ****

    Wrestling Observer Newsletter

    Here is the latest issue of the Wrestling Observer: November 9, 2015 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: 2015 Hall of Fame Issue

    Our most talked about issue of the year, the 2015 Hall of Fame issue is up on the site right now.  This is a double-issue featuring notes on the seven new inductees, the complete balloting results for the year along with last year, plus how the top candidates did with reporters, historians, and those who are currently and formerly in the business.  You’ll see how the different groups voted, as well as notes on everyone who went in, what kept those who came close from getting in, thoughts on next year’s ballot, and a look at the careers of the inductees.  There is also a super history of Montreal wrestling in the new issue, as well as a story on the modern Mexican scene.

    CLICK HERE FOR A FULL WRESTLING OBSERVER PREVIEW

    You can also order the print Observer right now and get it delivered to your door via mail, by sending your name, address, Visa or Master Card number and an expiration date to dave@wrestlingobserver.com” target=”_blank”>dave@wrestlingobserver.com

    You can also order print issues at www.paypal.com directing funds to dave@wrestlingobserver.com

    Rates are:

    For the United States, it is $13 for 4 issues, $32 for 12, $61 for 24, $101 for 40 and $131 for 52. In Canada and Mexico, rates are $14.50 for 4, $35 for 12, $67 for 24, $111 for 40 and $144 or 52.  In Europe, you can get the fastest delivery and best rates by sending to moonsault@mediaplusint.com  For the rest of the world, rates are $16.50 for 4, $44 for 12, $85 for 24, $141 for 40 issues and $183 for 52.

    If you order by mail with a check, cash or money order (P.O. Box 1228, Campbell, CA 95009-1228), you can get $1 off in every price range.

    CLICK HERE FOR A FULL WRESTLING OBSERVER PREVIEW

    If you are a new subscriber ordering 24 or more issues, you can get one free classic issue of your choice sent to you today.  With a 40 issue subscription, you can get two free classic issues sent to you today. We’ve got coverage of every major PPV event and world wide spectacular, every major star switching promotions, histories of companies like FMW, Rings and New Japan, retirement and obit issues of every major star who fits into those descriptions over the past 11 years, as well as our biggest issue every year, the annual awards issue, and our most controversial issue of every year, the Hall of Fame issue.

    Click here for the most requested Wrestling Observer back issues.

    WEDNESDAY NEWS UPDATE

    • WrestleMania tickets are still on sale today in the pre-sale before they go on sale to the public tomorrow. 
    • Glory announced a contract with ESPN, after losing their deal with Spike.  Glory 25 from Monza,Italy, will be airing on ESPN 3 (its streaming site) tomorrow at 4 p.m. Eastern time).  it will be replayed at 1:30 a.m. on ESPN 2 late tomorrow night.
    • Rumors have it that Nick Diaz’s settlement will be an 18 month suspension and a $100,000 fine, which would be finalized soon and he’d be able to fight over the summer.  That’s an a lot more fair sentence. 
    • Bobby Lashley said his goal for 2016 is to become the first person to hold the TNA & Bellator heavyweight title, with the idea that he figures nobody else will ever do that again.  The Lashley vs. James Thomson winner from tomorrow night is under consideration to face Kimbo Slice.  Lashley and Slice are friendly and Lashley has said that he won’t ask for the fight, but if offered, he won’t turn it down either.
    • AXS is pushing tomorrow night’s New Japan around the idea of seeing two matches of the year.  At 8 p.m. they’ll re-air the Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Kota Ibushi match that aired last week.  At 9 p.m. will be the Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Kazuchika Okada IWGP title match from January’s Wrestle Kingdom show.  I’m told Tanahashi vs. Okada with the full show built around it with preview packages and interviews is a great one hour broadcast.
    • Roderick Strong, Pentagon Jr. and Flamita were all double-booked for tomorrow, for both the ZZ Inc. show in Veracruz, and for Strong, an NSPW show in Quebec City, Pentagon Jr. on a show in Toronto and Flamita on a CaraLucha show.  I know that one wrestler from the U.S. just got his tickets for the ZZ Inc. show last night and was worried about whether it would take place.  Strong had agreed to the date, then never heard back, figured it wasn’t going to happen, and took the Quebec City booking in mid-September.  Strong got his flight tickets for Quebec City last week and was being advertised there for the past month.  Strong then contacted the promotion late last night and said what happened, as he heard from AAA, said he was taking the Mexico booking since he agreed to that one first.  NSPW is a  group that runs in Quebec and sells out more often than not in a 500 seat arena and has used a lot of major U.S indie names like Tommy Dreamer, Rhino, Young Bucks, Bobby Roode, Brian Cage, Sylvain Grenier, Johnny Gargano and others.  Sami Zayn, Kevin Owens and Mike Bailey were all regulars there in the past.  Don’t know anything about Pentagon Jr. and Flamita and which show they are working. 

    WWE:

    • The WrestleMania on-sale party take place tonight at 6 p.m. at AT&T Stadium in Dallas featuring Steve Austin, Mark Henry, Lana, Lita, Booker T and others.  The event is free.  There will be Q&As and fans in attendance will get a code to purchase WrestleMania tickets tonight before the public on-sale tomorrow.  The matches listed at the top of the page will be taking place at the party.
    • The matches tonight in Dallas are being taped, whether for NXT television clips or something else, and the party footage is expected to air on Raw on Monday.
    • John Cena vs. Alberto Del Rio has been announced as the new main event for the WWE’s next show in Madison Square Garden on 12/26.  Cena vs. Del Rio is now pegged for Cena’s return program.  I suspect Mr. Cena’s phone has been buzzing today. (thanks to Mike Omansky)  
    • The movie “Spectre” opens today throughout the U.S.  Dave Bautista is one of the stars and the movie did gigantic European box office last week and is expected to do the same here this week.
    • Ryan Pike from this site saw the movie last night in Calgary and said: Bautista’s role is a throwback to the old Bond henchmen, he’s good and one line got a hell of a laugh.   
    • Paul Levesque and Corey Graves represented WWE last night at the Concussion Legacy Foundation Impact Awards dinner in Boston.  HHH presented the group with a sponsorship check from WWE to support further research.
    • On Monday’s Observer Live we were asked about why WWE plugged Mick Foley’s “Countdown to Lockdown” book when he was in TNA at the time.  It came after Foley did media interviews defending Linda McMahon when she was running for the senate.
    • WWE stock dropped 10 cents per share today to close at $17.45 per share.  It had a strong day yesterday. 

    UFC:

    • Here is the weekend TV schedule.
    • UFC weigh-ins are tomorrow on FS 2 (as well as this site) at 4 p.m. Eastern with Karyn Bryant, Kenny Florian, Yves Edwards and Heidi Androl working the show.
    • UFC Embedded:  Rousey vs. Holm will be Saturday at 2 pm. Eastern on FOX
    • UFC Pre-fight show on Saturday at 7 p.m. Eastern on FS 1
    • UFC live from Sao Paulo, Brazil has ten fights starting at 8 p.m. Saturday night. headlined by Vitor Belfort vs. Dan Henderson and Glover Teixeira vs. Patrick Cummins
    • UFC post-fight show at 1 a.m. late Saturday night on FS 1
    • Ultimate Insider hosted by Megan Olivi on Sunday at 6:30 p.m. on FS 1 built around interviews with Ronda Rousey, Sage Northcutt and Joanna Jedrzejczyk

    MISC:

    • Bellator’s Fan Fest is tomorrow night at 8 p.m. at Dave & Buster’s in Maryland Heights, MO at Ballpark Village.  Among those appearing are Ken Shamrock, Kurt Angle, Kimbo  Slice, Liam McGeary, Royce Gracie and Tito Ortiz.
    • On Monday night, the local promotion in Nuevo Laredo didn’t announce Alberto del Rio not being there until hours before the show, taping a note on the ticket window.
    • The Taz Show will now be video streamed at www.TazShow.com every Saturday morning from 7-9 a.m.
    • Deadline.com has reported FOX has purchased the broadcast rights to a soap opera television show called “The Work,” which would be set in the world of pro wrestling.
    • All Elite announced that the Caristico & Atlantis vs. Ultimo Guerrero & La Sombra main event scheduled for tomorrow night in Guadalajara is off.  They did announce a main event for Sunday at Arena Mexico is Caristico & Atlantis vs. Sombra & Guerrero and Volador Jr. & Valiente & Maximo Sexy vs. Damian 666 & Halloween & Bestia 666. (thanks to Robert Bihari)
    • Evolve has iPPVs tomorrow night and Saturday night from Ybor City and Orlando, FL.  Tomorrow night’s show has Timothy Thatcher vs. Johnny Gargano for the Evolve title, Drew Galloway vs. Caleb Konley, Drew Gulak vs. Matt Riddle, TJ Perkins vs. Anthony Nese and Ethan Page vs. Peter Kaasa.
    • Axl Rotten, the former ECW star, said yesterday that he’s signed a book deal for an autobiography.
    • Sinclair Broadcasting saw third quarter revenue increase 11 percent to $497.4 million.
    • Several other media stocks did badly yesterday, including Time Warner down 8.5 percent, Fox down 5.7 percent and Viacom down 5.6 percent.  Time Warner said profits would be below its previous target.  There is long-term trepidation about people moving away from cable TV, which is an issue for both WWE & UFC because it’s their main source of exposure and of making new fans.
    • We’re told Claro Sports will be airing CMLL this Friday after all, after earlier in the week that wasn’t the case.  It’s more likely than not to be geo-blocked in the U.S. 
    • All-Star Wrestling on 11/13 in Vancouver, BC has an Adam Firestorm Memorial Rumble.  Today is the sixth anniversary of Firestorm’s death due to suicide at the age of 32.  The Vancouver show is a benefit show with the funds going into a trust fund for Firestorm’s son Thomas. (thanks to Ian Hamilton)
    • A story on the retirement of Winnipeg veteran Robby Royce
    • AXS TV at 10 p.m. tomorrow night has the Resurrection Fighting Alliance from the Mystic Lake Casino Hotel.  They are building it around Marvin and Melvin Blumer, who the Minneapolis Star-Tribune has called The Bash Brothers identical twins from Lindsro, MN who both won amateur titles at the same card.
    • ICW, which is about to draw the biggest crowd for a U.K. based promotion in 33 years next weekend, will be doing a spring tour with a debut in Wales, Northern Ireland as well as Dublin, Ireland. (thanks to Allan Blackstock)
    • Update on Tommy Dreamer’s House of Hardcore shows
    • A story on Michael Chandler vs. Dave Rickels
    •  (thanks to Matt Borrows)
    • Rob Van Dam will be headlining a comedy show tomorrow night in Fresno at the Club One Casino.  Tickets are available HERE
    • Paradox Wrestling in LaPorte, IN on Saturday at Johnny’s Roadhouse.  Fans must be 21 or older to attend.  The main event will be a Legos, Ornaments and Light tubes death match.
    • Absolute Intense Wrestling on 11/17 in Cleveland at Our Lady of Mount Carmel and 12/5 in Cleveland at the Dr. Martin Luther King Church. 
    • Big West Wrestling on 11/13 and 12/11 in Kelowna, BC at the Lake City Bowling & Billiards.
    • Elite Canadian Championship Wrestling results from Friday night in Cloverdale, BC including Shayna Baszler:  Scotty Mac b Ravenous Randy, Bishop b Air Adonis, Andy Bird & Jack & Karl Cunningham b Hellion & J-Sin Sullivan & Lak Siddartha, Phantasmo won three-way over Alex Plexis and Pete Powers, Tony Baroni b Phantasmo, Shayna Baszler b Nicole Matthews, Bollywood Boyz (GFW team) b Ethan HD & Mike Santiago in a cage match to keep the tag titles.  UFC’s Jessamyn Duke was in Baszler’s corner. (thanks to Steven Ashe)
    • River City Wrestling on 11/13 in San Antonio at Retama Park with a fans lumberjack match with Hernandez vs. Brandon Groom.
    • 40 years ago today in Miami Beach before 3,861 fans saw Harley Race & King Curtis Iaukea beat Dusty Rhodes & Rocky Johnson, Jack Brisco beat Larry Hennig to retain the NWA title, Hiro Matsuda beat Omar Negro (Omar Atlas) to retain the NWA jr. title, Eddie & Mike Graham beat Masked Superstars, Ciclon Negro beat Bob Roop via DQ in a taped fist match, Joyce Grable beat Toni Rose and Roger Kirby beat Randy Poffo (Randy Savage very early in his career). (thanks to Barry Rose)
    • Mecca Pro Wrestling on 11/21 in Cornwall, ONT at the Agora Centre with Al Snow and Tommy Dreamer.
    • A story on the most shocking angles in wrestling history

    ON THIS DAY IN PRO WRESTLING HISTORY INTERNATIONAL (by Graeme Cameron)

    1966 – Giant Baba & Michiaki Yoshimura beat Mike Paidousis & Fritz Von Goering in Tokyo to win the Int. tag title

    1985 – Jim Breaks beat Johnny Saint in Croydon to win the world lightweight title

    1990 – Jimmy Backlund (Jimmy Del Rey) beat Katsuji Ueda in Tokyo to win the AWA light heavyweight title

    1991 – Hiroshi Hase & Keiji Muto beat Rick Steiner & Scott Norton (subbing for Scott Steiner) to win the IWGP tag title and Norio Honaga beat Akira Nogami to win the IWGP jr. title

    1993 – El Hijo del Santo & Octagon beat Love Machine & Eddie Guerrero in Tonala to win the AAA tag team titles.  Machine & Guerrero were one of the best tag teams of the past 25 years. 

    1995 – Cannonball Grizzly & John Hawk (John Layfield) beat Ulf Hermann & August Smisl in Vienna to win the CWA tag title

    2005 – Akira Taue beat Takeshi Rikio in Tokyo to win the GHC heavyweight title

    ​

  • Seth Rollins out 6-9 months with knee injury

    On Thursday, WWE’s injury and superstar woes got even worse as WWE.com announced WWE Champion Seth Rollins tore his right ACL, MCL, and medial meniscusduring a match with Kane in Dublin, Ireland, and will be out of action six-to-nine months.

    Rollins was doing a power bomb spot out of the corner when his knee buckled and he collapsed. He finished the match but then needed to be helped to the back afterwards.  

    Because of the severity of the injury, WWE has announced that his scheduled match with Roman Reigns will not take place at November 22nd’s Survivor Series in Atlanta, GA, and he is being stripped of the WWE Title. It appears from the WWE.com story that the plan is to run a tournament at the Survivor Series pay-per-view to crown a new WWE Champion. 

    With John Cena, Brock Lesnar, and Randy Orton among the major stars on hiatus for various reasons at the moment, the timing of this injury could not be worse. One WWE source noted that some phone calls are likely already being made to some very big names.

    Bryan Alvarez and Dave Meltzer discuss how the injury happened, how is next in line to be elevated with John Cena, Randy Orton and others gone, and more on Thursday’s edition of Wrestling Observer Live available for members.

  • Daily pro wrestling history (11/05): Rock wins WCW Title

    1963

    Kansas City, Kansas:
    – Bobo Brazil beat Fritz Von Erich 2 falls to 1 by dq
    – Mongolian Stomper drew Pat O’Connor 
    – Bob Geigel beat Reggie Parks 
    – Rock Hunter drew Ronnie Etchison 
    – Larry Hamilton and Enrique Torres beat Johnny Kace and Bulldog Plechas 

    Moline, Illinois:
    – AWA Champion Verne Gagne beat Larry Hennig
    – The Crusher beat Rene Goulet
    – Mitsu Arakawa beat Don McClarty
    – Moose Evans beat Marquis de Paree

    1964

    Kansas City, Kansas:
    – Sonny Myers defeated Don Jardine via DQ
    – Ron Reed defeated Kirk Hess
    – Pat O’Connor defeated Bob Orton
    – Bob Geigel fought The Lawman to a draw in three falls
    – Mike DiBiase defeated The Mongolian Stomper in 2 out of 3 falls

    1966

    St. Paul, Minnesota:
    – Larry Hennig & Harley Race no contest Alaskan & Big K
    – Killer Kowalski beat Jack Lanza
    – Billy Red Cloud drew Doug Gilbert
    – Reggie Parks beat Bob Hirsch
    – Jim Raschke (Baron Von Raschke) beat George Gadaski

    1971

    Denver, Colorado:
    – AWA Tag Team Champions The Crusher & Red Bastien beat Nick Bockwinkel & Ray Stevens
    – Billy Robinson beat Larry Hennig
    – Don Muraco beat Lars Anderson dq 
    – Ivan Koloff beat Bull Bullinski

    1974 

    Atlanta, Georgia:
    – Chief Bold Eagle & Chief Little Eagle defeated the Royal Kangaroos to win the Georgia Tag Team Titles 

    1978

    St. Paul, Minnesota:
    – Andre The Giant no contest Nick Bockwinkel
    – Super Destroyer Mark II beat Larry Hennig dq
    – Greg Gagne & Jim Brunzell beat Bob Orton Jr & Blackjack Lanza
    – Steve Olsonoski beat Pat Patterson dq
    – Paul Ellering drew Iron Sheik
    – Cecil Dubois beat Rufus R Jones

    1983

    Rockford, Illinois:
    – Andre the Giant won a 20 Man Battle Royal
    – Non Title: Rick Martel & Mad Dog Vachon beat AWA Tag Team Champions Ken Patera & Jerry Blackwell
    – Hulk Hogan beat David Shults
    – Mr Saito beat Buck Zumhofe
    – Jim Brunzell beat Superstar Billy Graham dq
    – Billy Robinson beat Bill White

    1985

    Utica, New York:
    – AWA Champion Rick Martel beat Nick Bockwinkel
    – Curt Hennig & Scott Hall drew Fabulous Freebirds Michael Hayes & Buddy Roberts

    1990 

    Memphis, Tennessee:
    – Terry Funk defeated Jerry Lawler to win the USWA Unified Heavyweight Title 

    1994 

    Philadelphia, Pennsylvania:
    – The Public Enemy defeated Cactus Jack & Mikey Whipwreck in a Brawl Games match to win the ECW World Tag Team Title
    – ECW World Television Champion Dean Malenko defeated Tazmaniac (Tazz) 

    2000 

    Villa Park, Illinois:
    – Steve Corino won a Double Jeopardy match to win the ECW World Heavyweight Title over Jerry Lynn, The Sandman and Justin Credible 

    2001 

    Uniondale, New York:
    – Test defeated Edge to win the WWF Intercontinental Title
    – The Rock defeated Chris Jericho to win the WCW World Heavyweight Title

    2002 

    Manchester, New Hampshire:
    – Edge & Rey Mysterio defeated Kurt Angle & Chris Benoit to win the WWE (Smackdown) Tag Team Title