For the past two years in the UFC’s welterweight division, when the company has needed a fighter to step in on short notice, there has been one man to call- Neil Magny. He is doing it again in just over two weeks.
Magny (16-4, 9-3 UFC) will step up again on short notice for his first main event bout as he replaces the injured Matt Brown to take on Kelvin Gastelum (11-1, 6-1 UFC) in the headline bout of UFC Fight Night 78 in Monterrey, Mexico. The event also serves at the finale for The Ultimate Fighter: Latin America 2, which Gastelum serves as a coach on. The UFC announced the news on their website on Tuesday evening. Brown was forced out of the bout on Monday due to an ankle injury.
Magny will be fighting for the fifth time in 2015, which will be the second straight year he fights five times in a year. Last year, he tied the UFC record for most wins in a calendar year, going a perfect 5-0. While he won’t match that due to an August loss to Demian Maia, he has the chance to close out the year with four wins in five fights against Gastelum. Magny is coming off a split decision win over Erick Silva at UFC Fight Night 74 in August, another bout he took on just about two weeks’ notice. Magny has gone 8-1 in his nine fights since the start of 2014. He was scheduled to fight Stephen Thompson at UFC 195 in January before stepping in for Brown, who Magny is a training partner of.
Gastelum will also be competing in his first main event bout at the event. Gastelum is a coach on the current season of TUF: Latin America alongside Efrain Escudero, who will also be on the card. Gastelum will be returning to the welterweight division after being forced up to the middleweight division for one fight, which was a TKO win over Nate Marquardt at UFC 188 in June. Gastelum, who won season 17 of “The Ultimate Fighter”, has won six of his seven bouts inside the Octagon, but has famously had trouble making weight at 170 pounds, which has hurt his standing in the division despite being one of the brightest prospects at 170 pounds.
UFC Fight Night 78 takes place on November 21. The main card will air on FOX Sports 1, with preliminary bout action airing on UFC Fight Pass before moving over to FOX Sports 1. Also on the card is a featherweight bout between Ricardo Lamas and Diego Sanchez, and a pivotal bout in the flyweight division as Henry Cejudo takes on Jussier Formiga.
Raw set yet another 18-year low in audience last night with 3.24 million viewers, down slightly from the 3.27 million viewers for the 10/12 show.
This show seemed to hit an audience base of about 3.18 million viewers, which is where the second hour fell to, with the Survivor Series match gimmick in the third hour actually increasing slightly over hour two. But the first two hours were way down from usual levels.
It wasn’t the football competition, and it was without any baseball competition. But the show didn’t have the benefit of coming the day after a PPV like last week, and had none of the big guns like John Cena, Brock Lesnar nor any special attractions.
The Carolina Panthers vs. Indianapolis Colts game did 12.40 million viewers, which is the normal level, although it was a tight game.
Tons of guests on Observer Live coming up this week including Tony Nese, Joey Eastman, Dave Meltzer to talk the newest Observer (new Thursday opening feature), and likely Dr. Lucha on Friday. Details on how to listen via TuneIn Radio, iHeart Radio, etc. are always available on the front page at showtime, Monday through Friday at noon Pacific/3 PM ET.
Also, for subscribers only, check out Filthy Tom Lawlor’s show on Monday for information on how you can enter Tom’s Twitter tournament to win a copy of WWE 2K16. Another contest to win 2K16 has been ongoing for subscribers on the Bryan & Vinny & Craig Show and we’ll talk more about that tonight.
The lead story is how the Alberto Del Rio deal went down, with full details, including financials that even blew away those in WWE and those who used to negotiate these deals. We look at how in demand he was, including by organizations you wouldn’t even know, an angle he shot for MMA that was kept secret and will never probably see the light of day on television, and how this affects AAA, where he is their world champion.
We look at the ramifications of this on WWE, AAA, how the deal was put together, how he positioned it to AAA, how AAA has taken a huge talent hit, when the deal was really put together, how Del Rio was scheduled to main event AAA’s next major show against what top U.S. star in a hair match, and his dates advertised in Mexico. We look at other promotions that wanted him, Konnan talking about how the Myzteziz and Del Rio situation affects AAA, the Zeb Colter deal, how Lucha Underground and Del Rio fell apart as well as his huge money MMA offer just recently.
You can also order the print Observer right now and get it delivered to your door via mail, by sending your name, address, Visa or Master Card number and an expiration date to dave@wrestlingobserver.com” target=”_blank”>dave@wrestlingobserver.com
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If you are a new subscriber ordering 24 or more issues, you can get one free classic issue of your choice sent to you today. With a 40 issue subscription, you can get two free classic issues sent to you today. We’ve got coverage of every major PPV event and world wide spectacular, every major star switching promotions, histories of companies like FMW, Rings and New Japan, retirement and obit issues of every major star who fits into those descriptions over the past 11 years, as well as our biggest issue every year, the annual awards issue, and our most controversial issue of every year, the Hall of Fame issue.
Click here for the most requested Wrestling Observer back issues.
TUESDAY NEWS UPDATE
WWE
In a note from last night’s Observer Radio, while the Sting appearance at Survivor Series last year was not shown at all during the video package in a way that made it look like it had been erased from history, it was mentioned on commentary.
Also, regarding Nikki Bella not working the four-way and not being advertised for Survivor Series at this point, she appears to be taking some time off to treat some nagging injuries including to her neck and hip.
Raw dark matches from Denver last night saw Bo Dallas actually win a match over Zack Ryder, which was said to be pretty good, and Neville beat Heath Slater. The Roman Reigns streak continues as he got the best reaction of anyone on the show all night according to live reports.
Usos will be the guests on the weekly ESPN Sportscenter segment this week. Jey just returned from his shoulder surgery.
Dave Ba(u)tista will be on Jimmy Kimmel live tonight.
Paige and Madusa have been shooting their own angle on Twitter.
Bloody Elbow’s Paul Gift broke the story that Edmond Tarverdyan, the head coach of Ronda Rousey, Travis Browne, and Jake Ellenberger, has filed for personal Chapter 7 bankruptcy. It appears that he’s claiming no income, for the last few years, no ownership in the Glendale Fighting Club, and so on, and the trustee may not be buying that. His wife did not file bankruptcy. While it does vary, 10% of the show and win money is standard for coaching fees.
As Dave noted earlier, Matt Brown is out of his 11/21 main event against Kelvin Gastelum. No word yet on if there will be a replacement or if the fight will be scrapped.
Tim Kennedy on the MMA Hour talked about his new storyline, which is that he is going to return to UFC with the goal of smashing all former drug users. He also talked about the new History Channel series that he’s working on, Hunting Hitler, which kicks off next week. He traveled to South America to investigate the long-standing conspiracy theory that Adolph Hitler did not kill himself in a bunker but rather escaped to South America where he lived out his days. Kennedy said he never believed the story but teased that he might have changed his mind based on this investigation, but you have to tune into the new eight-part series to find out.
Chris Weidman is on the cover of the new issue of Men’s Health Magazine.
Cosmo Alexandre, last seen defeating “John” Wayne Parr under Muay Thai rules for Lion Fight, has signed with World Series of Fighting. He’s 6-1 in MMA, having mostly fought in Bellator, except for his last fight, which was in Legacy FC.
On the newest Between the Sheets podcast, Kris Zellner and David Bixenspan are joined by Kurt Brown to discuss October 27-November 2, 1993 including the legendary Arn Anderson vs. Sid Vicious hotel room brawl and the huge aftermath that followed, the death of Oro who was on the verge of becoming the next big star in Lucha Libre, and the storm brewing involving the grand jury investigation into the WWF.
New trailer for “The Masked Saint” with Roddy Piper.
There is a Kickstarter up here for a Muscle Temple pro-wrestling comic book. The top perk, for $550, is the opportunity to fly yourself to a wrestling show and get superkicked by the Young Bucks. Not making this up. It has already been claimed. But there is more to see so check it out.
Chaos For Canines, with all profits being presented to Dog Tales Rescue and Sanctuary, will be Nov 22, at the Long Branch Legion 3850 Lakeshore Blvd Etobicoke, Ontario doors open at 1:30pm Bell time is 2:00pm there is a silent auction and tons of raffle items, don’t miss this event. Names on the show include Canada’s Amazing Race the 2nd place winners Nick and Matt The Flatliners, Kobe Durst, KC Spinelli, The Dirty Vets, EZE, The Goat Brigade, Joey Valentyne, Jim Nye, Danny Orlando, Aiden Rayne, Rob Rage and the night train Justin San. Tickets: Adults $15 in advance and $20 at the door, children under 12 $10 in advance and $15 at the door
The United Wrestling Coalition returns to Kelly’s Bar/Banquet Hall, 14 Railroad Avenue, Wrightstown, New Jersey on Saturday night, November 21, 2015 with a full card of action-packed matches! Doors open at 6:30 p.m. with a 7:00 p.m. bell time. Tickets are just $10.
NWA Smoky Mountain’s Black Friday Brawl takes place Friday, November 27, from Evolution Sports Gym in Elizabethton, TN.
UFC lost yet another main event today when Matt Brown said that he suffered an ankle injury and had to pull out of his fight with Kelvin Gastelum that was scheduled to headline UFC’s debut on 11/21 at Arena Monterrey in Monterrey, Mexico.
Brown vs. Gastelum was to headline an FS 1 show at welterweight.
At this point no replacement has been announced for the show. Gastelum was considered the main event draw on the show for the Mexican market and Brown was considered his opponent.
The show includes the finals of the current season of TUF Latin America, as well as a Henry Cejudo vs. Jussier Formiga fight that could determine the next flyweight title challenger for Demetrious Johnson.
Conor McGregor has found himself in some hot water recently, regarding some questionable comments the UFC fighter made on Facebook.
McGregor’s allegiance was called into question after he was seen wearing a British Army poppy pin on his vest, as he sat cage side at the UFC’s most recent show in Ireland. Since the show, McGregor has been the target of the Sean Heuston Dublin 1916 Society, for wearing this red colored tiny lapel pin, which is supposedly a symbol of support for the British Army’s deceased.
Using the hashtag, “#CroppiesDontWearPoppies,” The 1916 society stated, “(McGregor) Comes out to 1916 song, ‘The Foggy Dew’ then wears a Poppy remembering the men who fought to kill and suppress them and the ideals they fought for.”
As a vocal Irishman, McGregor has created quite the uproar from his fans, some of who say they have lost respect for their countryman.
McGregor’s response was also quite controversial as he stated on Facebook, “I know where my allegiance lies and what I do for my country. I don’t need a stupid little flower with a 100 different meanings to tell me if I do or do not represent my country. Check the facts of its original meaning. ALL soldiers. ALL wars. I have the blood of many nations on my gloves. Fought and beat on the world stage. You have a pint in your hand and a Celtic jersey on in your local. F*** you and the Queen.”
The 1916 Society responded, “The poppy in a modern context is produced exclusively by the Royal British Legion, and a brief glance at their website illuminates clearly its purpose in present times… it is to honor ALL current and past British Army servicemen and women…”
It appears that while McGregor’s purpose of wearing the poppy may have been as support of his country and not intended to offend, but he certainly may have hurt his cause with his response.
Another step forward in getting Roman Reigns over as the company’s next big star. This time, it was a Survivor Series main event where Reigns was the captain of a team that included Dean Ambrose, Ryback and the returning Usos. Fans supported Reigns as a top guy. Also, Bray Wyatt did an interview where he claimed to have inherited the magical powers of the Undertaker and Kane.
Show Recap:
Roman Reigns came out to another good reaction and said Seth Rollins was good at kissing the Authority’s ass. He said there was no one that could stop him from beating Rollins and becoming the next WWE World Heavyweight Champion.
Rollins walked out and said he didn’t believe Reigns. He admitted Reigns was very good, otherwise he wouldn’t have recruited him to join the Shield. He credited Reigns with standing toe-to-toe with Brock Lesnar, but that night ended with him winning the World Heavyweight Champion when he pinned Reigns. Rollins said Reigns would always be second-best to him and the guy who used to carry Rollins bags.
Reigns challenged him to carry himself to the ring and see who the real man is. Rollins walked down, but Stephanie McMahon and HHH came out. Stephanie asked the fans if they wanted to see Rollins vs. Reigns. See said they weren’t going to get it tonight and laughed at them. HHH asked how high were they? Instead, she said the match would be at the 29th annual Survivor Series. Why did they take out counting the number of WrestleManias but announce the 29th annual Survivor Series?
Instead, HHH announced a five-on-five Survivor Series match where a team chosen and captained by Rollins would face a team chosen and captained by Reigns.
Kevin Owens (C) defeated Dolph Ziggler in a nontitle match (10:59)
Midway through, Tyler Breeze and Summer Rae came out and took a seat at their new VIP spot by the announcer’s table. Breeze distracted Ziggler by taking a Selfie at ringside, which led to Owens hitting the Pop-Up Power Bomb in another distraction finish. Breeze went into the ring to take a Selfie over Ziggler’s prone body, but Ziggler kicked him. Breeze responded with a spin kick, otherwise known as the Beauty Shot. Breeze and Summer took the Selfie over Ziggler. Weird to see Rae hanging out with Breeze and taunting Ziggler when she was pretending to shack up with him six weeks ago.
They showed footage from the very first Survivor Series match. Talk about a hot crowd in Cleveland. It was the babyface team captained by Randy Savage (which included Ricky Steamboat, Jake Roberts, Brutus Beefcake and Jim Duggan) beating a team captained by the Honky Tonk Man (comprised of Danny Davis, Ron Bass, Hercurlez and Harley Race). Since Hogan is in the doghouse, this was presented as the main event of the show, and the crowd was in such a fervor, you would think it was.
Rollins approached Owens about joining his team. Owens looked wary of Rollins, who wanted Owens on his Survivor Series tonight. Rollins teased giving him a title shot at WrestleMania. Owens agreed to join his team, but said Rollins owed him one.
Becky Lynch did a promo about Paige. Brie Bella walked in and said Lynch was nothing more than Charlotte’s sidekic. Lynch shot back that Brie was nothing but Nikki Bella’s little sister. One of those terribly scripted interviews that does no one any good.
Cesaro defeated the Miz by submission (4:49)
Cesaro won after a 25-rep Giant Swing and a Sharpshooter, which forced the Miz to tap out. Fans haven’t given up on pushing Cesaro even if creative has him headed straight for an undercard program. Stardust and the Ascension were planted in the crowd holding up signs saying “Stardust Section.”
The Wyatt Family did another promo in the ring. Bray Wyatt said he was going to give the people something they would never forget tonight. Wyatt said he and his brothers have carted out the rotting carcasses of the Undertaker and Kane. He said they didn’t want the body, because after a while it’s useless. But a soul lives forever, unless the soul is consumed by a higher power. Bray has become that higher power. He said his family has harvested the souls of Undertaker and Kane.
To prove it, Wyatt said he summons the thunder. Flashing lights and thunder went out. Wyatt summoned the lighting, and Kane’s pyro went off along with cheesy looking lightning bolts. Wyatt said he is the eater of worlds, and it is well within his power to take your world and burn it straight to hell. He laughed as lighgtning and thunder went off in the arena.
Then a video of Kane and Undertaker highlights from when they were a tag team played on the TitanTron. It went off and Bray shouted “Follow the Buzzards.” I take it that Bray now has the magical powers the 1990s Undertaker had.
Lucha Dragons defeated King Barrett and Sheamus (13:17)
Very good match where Kalisto pinned King Barrett with Solina del Sol. Barrett and Sheamus were great as the oversized heels beating up on the smaller babyfaces. Sin Cara took out Sheamus with a crossbody to the floor. Strong match and there was also a prematch package putting over the Dragons like they’re in line for a push. Good heat segments by the heels and the crowd responded. Michael Cole dropped Rey Mysterio’s name during the match.
Jack Swagger met with Zeb Coulter backstage. Swagger wanted to know what was the deal with Coulter joining up with Alberto Del Rio. Coulter said it was time for two great countries to unite. Del Rio walked in and told Swagger to back off.
Alberto Del Rio defeated R. Truth (3:22)
Del Rio got the pin with the stomp off the top rope while R. Truth was tied to the tree of woe. The Del Rio-Coulter pairing has zero chemistry.
The latest flashback to the Survivor Series was the Team Raw vs. Team Smackdown match. It included a very young looking Randy Orton and Mysterio pinning the Big Show. Shawn Michaels got to work with Mysterio and it ended with Orton being the Sole Survivor for Smackdown. Imagine if they had actually done something with that Brand Split.
Big E. and Kofi Kingston walked up to Rollins and volunteered to be on Team Rollins. Seth wondered who would be the fifth person on the team. Big E. and Kingston threw up their unicorn horns, and Xavier Woods popped up fresh from his honeymoon (which they didn’t acknowledge). Rollins grimaced but agreed to let Woods join the team This led to this week’s New Day Moment of the Week where they chanted Team Rollins in the same cadence as “New Day Rocks.” Even Seth started to dance.
Jo Jo asked Sasha Banks if there was any pressure on her in the four-way match tonight. Banks said she always delivers and Charlotte was going to learn that she was the boss. Banks said the boss was takingover.
Paige defeated Becky Lynch to become the number one contender to the Divas Championship in a four-way that also included Sasha Banks and Brie Bella (13:15)
Paige won by pinning Lynch after the Rampage. Moments earlier, Banks had delivered a Bank Statement on Lynch, but Paige threw Lynch into the post. Crowd came alive following a stacked up Superplex spot, which I think every four-way is obligated to have now. It was Banks who took the big bump, and the crowd chanted “This is Awesome.” Well, it was pretty good. Paige did a total heel interview afterwards saying anyone who pulled for Banks, Brie or Lynch is a loser, just like they are. With Paige and Banks doing heel interviews, it was tough for the fans to rally behind Lynch because she was in such a lame segment earlier.
They showed highlights from last year’s Survivor Series, where the Authority was out of power if their team lost. A lot of good that did. They showed Ziggler pinning three men to give the babyfaces the win and send HHH and Stephanie out of the company for four whole weeks.
Charlotte did a promo saying Paige would learn she earn the Divas Championship not by being Ric Flair’s daughter, but because she worked hard to reach the top.
It’s funny to watch the fans chant New Day Rocks and have the New Day pretend they’re chanting New Day Sucks. Kofi claimed that the New Day’s favorite band is Survivor, their favorite reality show is Survivor, their Destiny Child’s song is Survivor, their favority book is “Lone Survivor,” and their favorite movie was also “Lone Survivor.” Woods then admitted it was really the Last Unicorn. The unicorn horns are already getting over, as well.
Roman Reigns, The Usos, Dean Ambrose and Ryback defeated Seth Rollins, The New Day and Kevin Owens in a Survivor Series match in 30:07.
The Usos made their return to a big pop. Jimmy Uso pinned Woods in :33 with a splash off the top rope to give them momentum right away.
Jay Uso eliminated Kingston with a big splash at 7:10 to make it 5-on-3,
Big E. pinned Jay Uso with the Big Ending at 8:32 to make it 4-on-3.
Owens pinned Jimmy Uso after a Pop Up Power Bomb at 9:00 to make it even.
Great action between falls where Reigns got the heat, then started a comeback after Rollins got backdropped over the top rope to the floor. Ryback escaped a Big Ending from Big E. and pinned Big E with the Shellshock at 21:33.
Immediately, Rollins hit the Pedigree on Ryback and pinned him at 21:49 to even the match again.
Dean Ambrose eliminated Owens after Dirty Deeds at 27:36. Rollins and Owens double teamed Ambrose until Ambrose accidentally kneed Owens off the top rope.
Rollins tried to run away from being on the wrong end of a 2-on-1 situation. Reigns and Ambrose stopped him. Rollins and Ambrose tried to give Rollins the Doomsday Device, but Rollins ran out of the ring and hit Ambrose with a chair, leading to a DQ and the end of the match at 30:07.
Postmatch, Rollins laid out Ambrose with chair shots across the back. Rollins rolled Reigns back in the ring and teased laying him out with the chiar, but Reigns gave him a Superman’s Punch and Rollins ran off. It was the second straight week where the fans rallied behind Reigns as a top guy. Ambrose got a good response, as well.
SUMMARY: The shows without Cena and Orton have been a positive so far, ratings be damned. The match quality has been good, even with the depths of the roster tested. Del Rio can be a main event player if given the right partner, which isn’t the case right now. The Divas Division booking is still the biggest disappointment in the company, with Paige playing the rogue heel who some fans like anyway. Another good show.
WWE will be announcing at least one new championship match for the 11/22 Survivor Series on Raw tonight.
A four-way was announced for tonight’s show that puts Brie Bella vs. Sasha Banks vs. Becky Lynch vs. Paige, with the winner getting a shot at Charlotte’s title.
The show takes place from the Phillips Arena in Atlanta.
The top matches on the show are The Wyatt Family vs. Undertaker & Kane, with perhaps partners to be added, and a Seth Rollins vs. Roman Reigns WWE championship match.
It’s notable that Nikki Bella, who has been positioned as the star of the division is not listed as one of the four.
Lehigh County judge Kelly Banach earlier today issued a gag order in the murder case of Jimmy Snuka. The gag order was at the request of the prosecution. The hearings will remain open to the public but the prosecution, defense, Snuka, Snuka’s family and the Argentino family are all barred from commenting on the proceedings to the press. Snuka was arraigned today and pleaded not guilty. He claimed he didn’t know what day of the week it was, what city he was in, and said he couldn’t read or write English.
Bryan and I will be back tonight talking Raw and the latest news, plus taking e-mail questions that can be sent to mailbag@wrestlingobserver.com
We’re looking for reports on these weekend show at Dave Meltzer
*Raw tonight in Denver, with dark matches, Superstars matches and anything else not available on the live show
*GFW in King’s Lynn, UK on Friday
*NXT on Friday in Gainesville, FL
*WWE on Saturday night in Billings, MT
Nothing special is being advertised for Raw tonight thus far. The show will be at the Pepsi Center in Denver.
Smackdown will be taped Tuesday in Colorado Springs.
UFC Programming
One on One with Joanna Jedrzejczyk Monday night at 7:30 p.m. on FS 1. Fox sent out a screener of this yesterday and it’s very good. UFC is doing an excellent job trying to push her as a star.
A best of middleweights edition of UFC Unleashed featuring Chris Weidman, Luke Rockhold, Yoel Romero and Jacare Souza airs 9 p.m. Monday night on FS 1
UFC 187, with the Daniel Cormier vs. Anthony Johnson and Chris Weidman vs. Vitor Belfort fights, will air on Tuesday at 8 p.m. on FS 1****
The lead story is how the Alberto Del Rio deal went down, with full details, including financials that even blew away those in WWE and those who used to negotiate these deals. We look at how in demand he was, including by organizations you wouldn’t even know, an angle he shot for MMA that was kept secret and will never probably see the light of day on television, and how this affects AAA, where he is their world champion.
We look at the ramifications of this on WWE, AAA, how the deal was put together, how he positioned it to AAA, how AAA has taken a huge talent hit, when the deal was really put together, how Del Rio was scheduled to main event AAA’s next major show against what top U.S. star in a hair match, and his dates advertised in Mexico. We look at other promotions that wanted him, Konnan talking about how the Myzteziz and Del Rio situation affects AAA, the Zeb Colter deal, how Lucha Underground and Del Rio fell apart as well as his huge money MMA offer just recently.
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.
Click here for the most requested Wrestling Observer back issues.
MONDAY NEWS UPDATE
WWE
PW Insider has reported that WWE and Tapout are planning to be opening up a series of Tapout Fitness Centers across the U.S. next year, similar to the UFC Gym franchise. WWE talent would be doing appearances at the gyms the same way UFC talent appears at their gyms. WWE talents will be doing fitness workout tapes as well.
WWE has added 170 new hours of Raw and Smackdown from March 2002 to March 2004 to the network. It’s built around being able to see Brock Lesnar, who is by far the most watched performer, in his first run with the company.
Steve Austin talks to Brian Fritz about his appearance on Raw, saying he didn’t know he was going to even be no the show until the morning of the show when he was texted, saying “It was what it was,” and said he was handed a piece of paper and he had to make four announcements. “It left a lot to be desired for my part, but it was doing a favor for WWE.” He was asked about wrestling again and said 99.9% percent no.
The new James Bond movie Spectre that features Batista as a villain opened huge in the UK and five other territories with a record $80.4 million in the six countries it opened in over the weekend, including $63.8 million in the U.K. It was breaking all-time box office records daily in the U.K. this past week. The highest seven-day gross in U.K. history was held by Skyfall. It did a whopping $110-,000 per screen, breaking the record of The Dark Knight of $100,200 per screen. The movie opens in the U.S. on Thursday in most markets, where it is expected to do monster business. Other all-time box office records were set this past weekend in Holland, Finland, Norway and Denmark.
The crew scheduled to leave after Raw tonight for Dublin, meaning they won’t be at Smackdown tomorrow night in Colorado Springs, are Seth Rollins, Big Show, Sheamus, Kane, Ric Flair, Dolph Ziggler, Cesaro, New Day, Dudleys, Bella Twins, Alicia Fox, Charlotte, Becky Lynch and Paige. This is always subject to change.
Lilian Garcia will not be announcing Raw tonight, and instead be doing Smackdown, because Eden Stiles will be part of the crew that leaves after tonight for the U.K.
Ronda Rousey was interviewed by Rolling Stone talking about going to WWE, and talking about the Charlotte vs. Natalya title match at NXT. She said, “I have so may obligations, but I really want to find a way to make it happen. I’m a huge fan of wrestling, and I would like to see the position of women in the sport continue to improve, so if I can be part of it, great.”
Bellator has a preview for Friday night’s big show in St. Louis on Spike at 11:30 p.m. tonight, with the Countdown show.
Other Wrestling
Here’s a photo slideshow of Doris Adkisson and the Von Erich family from the Dallas Morning News.
Taryn Terrell talks about her newfound faith here. In an interesting note, she says in her video that she’s ashamed of past behavior, but doesn’t go into detail and doesn’t talk about TNA. She’s still scheduled for TNA’s UK tour in January.
Road Warrior Animal talks about Hawk and their childhood puppet friend Rocco.
Victory Commonwealth Wrestling results from the weekend: Bengali pinned Zakk Atticus, Rob Rage & Boris Brezshnev defeated The Barbarians (Damien & Myzery), Daniel Parker pinned Gabriel Fuerza, VCW Openweight Champion Christopher Bishop pinned Nick Watts to retain the title in a Falls Count Anywhere Match.
AAA sent out a tweet today for tonight’s TV taping in Nuevo Laredo and Alberto El Patron was in the advertising. As noted before, he is scheduled for Raw tonight in Denver and Smackdowntomorrow night in Colorado Springs.
I’ve had people raving about the Shingo Takagi vs. Masaaki Mochizuki match that headlined The Gate of Destiny show from Dragon Gate yesterday. Two people who watch everything called it the best match of the year and one said among the best of the last ten years.
Rey Mysterio Jr vs. Low Ki headlines Jersey All Pro Wrestling Fat Frank Iadevaia tribute show on 11/14 in Rahway, NJ. This was the card he was working on at the time of his death. The Hardys, MVP, Homicide, Hernandez, Shelly Martinez, Joey Ryan, Candice LaRae and Jack Evans are all scheduled for the show and Carlito, Christy Hemme, Brooke, Jazz, April Hunter, Snitsky, Warlord, Barbarian and Kristal Marshall will be at the pre-show meet and greet. There will be fund raisers for the Iadevaia family and Frank left behind two children.
Rob Van Dam will be doing stand up on Friday night at 7 p.m. at the Club One Casino in Fresno, CA.
Uproar Pro Wrestling on 11/7 in New Port Richey, FL at the Verizon Event Center
Pure Wrestling Association on 12/5 in Kitchener, ONT at the Alpine Club featuring a Golden Ticket rumble, meaning the winner of the Rumble match gets a shot at any championship they desire. They also run 12/6 in Dundas, ONT at the Hamilton Air Force Association Hall at 3 p.m.
Victory Commonwealth Wrestling announced its 11/8 date in Ajax, ONT has been canceled and apologizes for the inconvenience.
Ricky Ruffin beat Matt Riviera to win the NWA Western States title on the Vendetta Pro Wrestling show on Friday night in Santa Maria, CA.
Elite Canadian Championship Wrestling on 11/14 in Port Coquitlam, BC at Elks Hall #49.
Vampiro, Pentagon Jr. and Drago from Lucha Underground will headline Lucha Toronto on Sunday at La Liga Sports Complex at 1107 Finch Avenue West. There will also be a Latin surf punk band, Los Senores Calavera, performing at 5 p.m. with the matches starting at 5:30 p.m.
East Coast Wrestling Association on 11/21 in New Castle, DE at the Asbury United Methodist Church with Sean Carr vs. Matt Saigon for their title with two referees as the main event.
FMLL on 11/21 in Chicago at the Portage Theater has L.A. Park & El Hijo del L.A. Park vs. Pirata Morgan & Pirata Morgan. The same father-and-son tag team battle will headline on 11/22 in Sherpherdsville, KY at the Bullitt County Fair and Convention Center.
Promociones Cholo runs 11/13 in Tijuana with the original Mascara Sagrada & Octagon & Tinieblas Jr. vs. Damian 666 & Fuerza Guerrera & Dr. Wagner Jr. on top.
AAW on Friday night at 115 Bourbon Street in Merrionette Park, IL features Louis Lyndon vs. Trevor Lee vs Silas Young vs. Eddie Kingston, winner faces Ethan Page for the AAW title coming up.
Bill Walkowitz is looking for video footage of the Atlantic Wrestling Federation shows from 1997 or EWA shows from 1999 at ChicagoBillW@mail.com
ON THIS DAY IN PRO WRESTLING HISTORY INTERNATIONAL (thanks to Graeme Cameron)
1983 – David Finlay (current WWE producer) beat Marty Jones in Leeds to win the World mid heavyweight title
1986 – Javier Rocca beat Dandy in Mexico City to win the NWA welterweight title
1990 – Hiroshi Hase (now a member of Japan’s cabinet) & Kensuke Sasaki beat Keiji Muto & Masahiro Chono in Tokyo to win the IWGP tag title and Jushin Liger beat Pegasus Kid (Chris Benoit) to win the IWGP jr. title. Both of those series’ of matches were great
1991 – Danny Collins beat Owen Hart in Bath to win the World middleweight title
1996 – Sonoko Kato & Meiko Satomura beat Sugar Sato & Chikayo Nagashima in Singapore to win the AAAW womens’ tag title
2001 – El Hijo del Santo & Negro Casas beat Ultimo Guerrero & Rey Bucanero in Mexico City to win the CMLL tag titles
2002 – Canek beat Cibernetico in Orizaba to win the UWA heavyweight title
2006 – Rey Bucanero beat Atlantis in the finals of the CMLL Leyenda de Azul tournament
2007 – Atlantis & Ultimo Guerrero beat Negro Casas & Mistico (pre Sin Cara) in Mexico City to win the CMLL tag titles
2007 – Giant Bernard & Travis Tomko beat Koji Kanemoto & Hiroshi Tanahashi in Tokyo to win the G-1 tag team tournament.
2012 – Alex Shelley & Kushida beat Prince Devitt (Finn Balor) & Ryusuke Taguchi in Tokyo to win the New Japan Super juniors tag team tournament
2014 – Cima & Gamma beat T-Hawk & Eita in Osaka to win the Open the Twin Gate tag titles
2014 – Young Bucks beat Bobby Fish & Kyle O’Reilly to win the New Japan super juniors tag team tournament
