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  • WWE RAW live results (10/26): Hell In A Call fallout

    The Big Takeaway: 

    It was an important night for the company without John Cena and Randy Orton, and it went very well. The fans in San Diego were staunchly behind Roman Reigns, and since the show was built around him, that made it all the better. Reigns defeated Kevin Owens, Alberto Del Rio and Dolph Ziggler in a four-way to become the new number one contender for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship. The Wyatt Family beat up Kane and carried him off into oblivion, just like they did with the Undertaker at Hell in a Cell. This was the best Raw since the Montreal show last spring. 

    Show Recap: 

    HHH and Stephanie McMahon started the show. Stephanie introduced Seth Rollins. HHH and Stephanie put him over as the man who lead the WWE into the future. Stephanie said Rollins stepped up to every challenge put in front of him and triumphed every time, just like her husband HHH did during his career. HHH told Rollins that he was proud of him. Rollins thanked the Authority and ordered the crowd to cheer them. 

    Stephanie said Rollins has left them in an unusual situation because Rollins has beaten all the worthy challengers for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship. So all the winners from last night’s Hell in a Cell PPV will compete tonight. The four winners will meet in a four-way match in tonight’s main event, with the winner being the new number one contender. 

    Roman Reigns came out to a very positive response. Reigns said he was going to be the number one contender after tonight and would beat Rollins for the championship. 

    Kofi Kingston came out to challenge Reigns. Kofi and Big E. said the biggest difference between the New Day and Reigns was they were champions and he wasn’t. The new wrinkle for New Day is throwing up a unicorn horn, which means placing a finger on the top of their head in salute to Xavier Woods. They even wore “XW” armbands. 

    Roman Reigns defeated Kofi Kingston to advance to the Fatal Fourway (12:44) 

    This was the most over Reigns has been in a long time. Crowd saw him as a star and chanted “Let’s Go Reigns.” On top of that, Reigns had a really good match with Kingston. The finish came when Reigns hit Big E. with the Superman’s Punch, Kingston missed the Trouble in Paradise and Reigns caught the spear for the pin. 

    The Miz got a product placement for the new WWE 2K16 video game, where he was shown playing with the Stone Cold Steve Austin character. 

    Kevin Owens defeated Cesaro to advance to the Fatal Fourway (10:22)

    The usual good match between these two with the usual result. Crowd was hot for Cesaro. The Cesaro Section signs were back, and they popped for the Uppercut Express spot. Then Cesaro hit a springboard uppercut, which elicited “This is awesome” chants. Owens did the rope-and-dope to force Cesaro off, then kicked Cesaro when he wasn’t looking at got the pin with the Pop-Up Power Bomb. 

    Paige was on the cell phone talking to someone when Charlotte and Becky Lynch. Paige bragged about being on Conan O’Brien last week. Lynch and Charlotte were about to leave, but Paige stopped them. Paige said Charlotte deserved the Divas Championship and extended her hand. Charlotte shook her hand, but told Paige that if she finds out it was her that attacked Natalya, it was going to be dire consequences. Paige promised it wasn’t her, then said she wanted to reform Team PCB to face Team Bella tonight. Lynch and Charlotte reluctantly agreed. 

    Team Bella defeated Team PCB (5:22) 

    Nikki Bella pinned Lynch with the Rack Attack in a fair match. Postmatch, Paige turned on Charlotte and Lynch, giving them both the Rampage. She put Charlotte in the PTO and left both laying. Paige got a heavy amount of cheers, as well. 

    They ran a statistic from Forbes Magazine that named the top sports events brands in the world. WrestleMania was rated #5 behind 1. Super Bowl. 2. Summer Olympics. 3. Winter Olympics and 4. the FIFA World Cup. I’d love to see the ad rates to those top four compared to WrestleMania. 

    They promoted an interview with Bray Wyatt for later in the show. 

    Alberto Del Rio and Zeb Coulter did a promo. Coulter cited John Lennon’s “Imagine” and the lyric “Imagine there’s no country.” Coulter said he wanted to start a new country called MexAmerica. And with that, Del Rio has no chance to become the over Mexican star the company badly needs. Del Rio said he wasn’t going to let Neville stop him from becoming the WWE World Champion. This Coulter-Del Rio combination might have worse chemistry than Rob Van Dam and Ricardo Rodriguez. 

    Coulter rides to the ring with a motorized cart with an part American-part Mexican flag, similar to what Tito Ortiz used to wave. 

    Alberto Del Rio defeated Neville to qualify for the Fatal Fourway (12:02) 

    Good match that the crowd was worn down by. Neville climbed the ropes to go for a plancha, but Del Rio grabbed the ropes and Neville wound up upside-down against the turnbuckles. Del Rio followed by coming off the top rope and stomping down on Neville’s chest for the pin. Del Rio was over by the end, but not as much as someone who has been absent from the company for 14 months.

    King Barrett, Rusev and Sheamus defeated The Dudley Boyz and Ryback (6:12)

    King Barrett pinned Bubba Ray Dudley with a schoolboy cradle after Devon Dudley and Ryback went for the tables. Earlier in the show, Kingston talked like the New Day’s program with the Dudleyz was in the past, and this result seemed to back that up. Rusev was a total afterthought. The lesson here is you can marry someone in real life. Just don’t expect it to help you professionally, unless it’s the boss’ daughter. 

    Bray Wyatt was in the ring and did a promo. He said for 25 years, the Undertaker had no equal. But last night, the apocalypse showed it’s face. Destruction and desolation rolled in and carried out the soul of the Undertaker. Wyatt told Reigns that one day, they would dance again. But not until Wyatt was properly revitalized. That’s why the demise of the Undertaker has become his resurrection. Wyatt said he’s feasting on the soul of the Undertaker and he wants more. He won’t stop until the Undertaker is just a memory and Wyatt ascends to his throne. 

    Wyatt said, right now, the Undertaker’s soul is being ripped to shreds piece-by-piece. So Wyatt asked everyone to bow their heads, place their hands on their television set and share a moment of silence to the Undertaker, who has lost his soul to Wyatt. He finished by saying “Rest in Peace, Phenom.” 

    As Wyatt laughed, Kane came out. Just as Kane entered the ring, Luke Harper, Braun Strowman and Eric Rowan magically appeared. Rowan and Harper were cast aside quickly, but Strowman stood face-to-face. Kane threw punches on Strowman before Harper came back. Kane threw Harper over the top rope, and Strowman fell over the top rope after running at Kane. Eventually, Rowan and Harper ganged up on Kane, giving him a double choke slam. The Wyatt’s beat down Kane until he was lifeless. Then the Wyatts carried off Kane to the back the same way they carried off the Undertaker last night. 

    Dolph Ziggler defeated Big E. to advance to the Fatal Fourway (13:52)                                                                                                                                             Another good match that Dolph Ziggler won with the Zig Zag. After Ziggler made his entrance, Tyler Breeze made his Raw debut, coming out with Summer Rae, who was acknowledged as his girlfriend. So three weeks ago, Summer proposed to Rusev. Breeze and Ray got their own VIP section and ringside with velvet ropes around them as they ate popcorn accompanied by a bodyguard.. The week after that, she broke up with him. Now, she’s with Breeze. Now that’s a rebound. Big E. got near fall after near fall with power moves like a power slam. Big E. catapulted Ziggler into a ringpost, then took a sip of champagne  from Breeze’s VIP section. 

    Dean Ambrose gave Reigns a pep talk before the main event. Reigns said he’s got this.                                                                                                            

    Most of the company’s roster joined Titus O’Neal and a group of breast cancer survivors in the ring for the latest Susan G. Komen Foundation presentation. O’Neal really is a good singles babyface the company hasn’t taken full advantage of. O’Neal did the Millions of Dollars dance with the ladies.           

    In a segment that was taped last week but presented as if it was live tonight, Miz won a match on the WWE 2K16 video game, playing as Steve Austin and pinning the Rock with a stunner. Next thing you know, the real Austin showed up. The pop was so huge from the crowd it almost drowned out the dialogue between Austin and Miz, but nothing physical happened. Austin just quizzed the Miz about the game. 

    Roman Reigns pinned Kevin Owens to become the new number one contender for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship in a match that also included Alberto Del Rio and Dolph Ziggler (15:00) 

    Another excellent match. Reigns pinned Owens after Owens attempted the Pop-Up Power Bomb, but Reigns hit him with a Superman punch and followed with the spear. Great near falls with so many kicks being thrown, you would think it was a rib being played on the Young Bucks. Crowd was solidly behind Reigns, with no jeers at all. Del Rio looked great, and Ziggler held up his end, as well. Rollins was on commentary. From his facial expressions, it was clear that Rollins didn’t want Reigns to win, but he didn’t outright say it. Instead, he tried to be diplomatic and congratulated Regins on his win. Reigns and Rollins had a long staredown afterwards with the fans chaning heavy for Reigns. 

    SUMMARY: 

    Maybe it was just one show, but Reigns could have turned a corner tonight. It was the first time where he came off like a potential top star in the company. The crowd reacted to him in that matter and it was vital that happened in the postmatch staredown with Rollins. Otherwise, it would have felt flat and that’s the last thing they need going into this stretch without Cena. This was the start of making Regins the chosen one, and it was a great beginning. On the flip side, the Del Rio-Zeb Coulter pairing seems forced. They have no chemistry. Del Rio in WWE reminds me of Public Enemy in ECW. Neither was a corporate act. Del Rio could get over stronger in Mexico because the WWE doesn’t have the mentality to develop a minority superstar. They can’t even make a female superstar. 

    Superstars results:

    – Bo Dallas beat Fandango

    – Kalisto beat Viktor

  • WWE Hell in a Cell live results: Brock Lesnar vs Undertaker, John Cena defends US Title (with updates on Alberto Del Rio)

    Welcome to WrestlingObserver.com’s live coverage of WWE Hell in a Cell from the Staples Centre in Los Angeles, California. As the days get shorter and the air turns chilly, autumn brings with it one of WWE’s most destructive and chaotic events. On this night, the ominous steel structure known as Hell in a Cell will encapsulate the ring on two separate occasions as we bid farewell to a number of long-running feuds.

    18 months in the making, The Undertaker and Brock Lesnar will write the final chapter in their storied rivalry when they step into the cell, as will both Roman Reigns and Bray Wyatt. In addition, all

    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

    five championships will be defended including John Cena’s US Title as he faces a mystery partner in perhaps his last appearance until December.

    WWE Hell in a Cell Preview and Predictions and here are Dave’s thoughts on the mystery opponent for John Cena.

    Don’t miss the Wrestling Observer Live Preshow that begins at 6PM ET – 3PM PST.  LISTEN HERE

    Bryan and Vinny will be back with a new Bryan and Vinny Show shortly after Hell in a Cell ends. And if that wasn’t enough! Dave and Bryan will return with a Wrestling Observer Radio WWE Hell in a Cell post show.

    Join us at 8PM ET for our live coverage of WWE Hell in a Cell.

    SHEAMUS & RUSEV & KING BARRETT VS. DOLPH ZIGGLER & NEVILLE & CESARO

    Stardust and The Ascension were at ringside but played no part in this.  Good match, particularly the last few minteus.  Neville did an assisted Fosbury Flop dive on Rusev and Sheamus.  Ziggler superkicked Barrett and then Cesaro did a 16 rep giant swing and Neville pinned Barrett using the red arrow.

    JOHN CENA VS. ALBERTO DEL RIO WITH ZEB COLTER AS MANAGER FOR THE U.S. TITLE

    Coulter came out in a motorized wheelchair as he’s still not recovered from surgery, and said that he’s bridging things and said Del Rio was his new guy.  Del Rio was a lot bigger and more muscular than before.   They had an average match, short, with Del Rio getting out of the Attitude Adjustment and Del Rio used a backstabber and superkick and got the pin.  Nobody was ready for that to be the pin. 

    Backstage, HHH & Stephanie and Seth Rollins were backstage.  Kane came in smiling and Rollins said tomorrow he’d be out of a job.  Kane smiled and said, “Good luck,” but then turned mad face and said, “You’re gonna need it.”

    Alberto is still AAA champion and was booked on all their big shows going forward.  Alberto just told AAA about this over the weekend so they got their second big blow in a short period of time.  They irony is a major reason Myzteziz left was Alberto, and now Alberto is gone as well.  This was really a huge blow to them.  Alberto had pretty much decided when he had it with Lucha Underground to go to WWE.  Combate Americas was also left in the lurch by this one as there were big plans for him there.  I believe they also just found out about this.  We’ll have a lot more on this later tonight.

    ROMAN REIGNS VS. BRAY WYATT IN A HELL IN A CELL MATCH

    Very good long match.  This was a long slow match, 70s pacing where Rerigns sold a ton and for a long period of time, would make some comebacks.  Very deliberate and well worked.  Wyatt used a uranage off the apron through a table.   Reigns speared  Wyatt off the apron though a table.  Reigns kicked out of Sister Abigail.  The finish saw Wyatt set up two kendo sticks in the corner with the idea he was going to throw Reigns’ face into the sticks.  Reigns, who was selling like he was dead, blocked it, pulled one of the sticks out and hit Wyatt.  He then threw Wyatt eye first into the kendo stick and followed with a spear for the pin.  Crowd really got into it late.

    BIG E & KOFI KINGSTON VS. DUDLEYS FOR TAG TITLE

    Xavier Woods isn’t here.  He was getting married this weekend so they did an injury angle to take him out for the weekend.

    The New Day retained.  The Dudleys had the 3-D set up on Kingston but E hit Bubba with part of the trombone that Bubba broke over his knee during the match, and Kingston pinned Bubba with Trouble in Paradise.   Match was okay.  They did a total  Arena Mexico spot a moment earlier where Kingston threw the trombone to Bubba and the ref turned around, Kingston fell to the ground selling like he’d been hit with Bubba holding the trombone.  They teased a DQ, the ref went to signal for the bell, and then decided against it.  They went right to the finish from there.

    CHARLOTTE VS. NIKKI BELLA FOR THE DIVAS TITLE

    Everyone is banned from cheerleading at ringside.

    Really good match.  Probably the best women’s match on a WWE PPV in a while.  Charlotte retained the title by reversing out of the rack attack into a cradle and the figure eight.  Charlotte was bleeding from the bridge of the nose after a hard elbow early.  Most of the match was Nikki working over Charlotte’s back and the story was that Charlotte couldn’t bridge for the figure eight, but she “gutted it out” for the finish.  

    After the match Paige and Becky Lynch ran in to congratulate them.  The idea is Paige was disingenuous. 

    They are pushing that  Survivor Series next month will be the 25th anniverary of The Undertaker.  So something should happen today or tomorrow to set him up for a match there.

    SETH ROLLINS VS. DEMON KANE FOR WWE TITLE VS. KANE’S JOB

    Good match.  Rollins won clean with the pedigree after a kick to the chest when Kane went for a choke slam.  Rollins kicked out of a choke slam.  Rollins did a series of springboard knees and two superkicks, followed by a frog splash but Kane kicked out of that.   So Corporate Kane lost his job.   A big spot also saw Rollins power bomb Kane onto the Spanish announcers table, which didn’t break.  They teased a count out spot but Kane got in at nine.  

    KEVIN OWENS VS. RYBACK FOR IC TITLE

    A 5:00 match with Owens winning with a power bomb after Owens kicked him in the chest, although Ryback sold it like his eye was poked.  It was fine for what it was.  The crowd was heavily for Owens.  Ryback did have chants, but he was also booed.

    BROCK LESNAR VS. UNDERTAKER IN A HELL IN A CELL MATCH

    Great match.  Lesnar won with his third F-5 on the exposed boards after Lesnar had tore the canvas open and pulled the mats away.  The story of the match is that Lesnar as learned form Undertaker to make him the perfect fighting machine.   Both guys were bleeding.  Lesnar was thrown into the post and threw his head in hardway.  Lesnar punched Underaker in the head or threw him into cage and he bled.  The doctor twice tried to wipe the blood off Lesnar.  During the match Undertaker kicked out of the first two F-5s while Lesnar kicked out a tombstone piledriver.  Loud “Thank you Taker” chants when it was over.  The crowd heat was way higher for this than anything else onthe show.  Undertaker got a standing ovation when it was over. 

    The Wyatts came out for Undertaker.  Harper, Strowman, Wyatt and Rowan surrounded the ring.  They all attacked him.  Strowman throwing knees.  They held him while Wyatt attacked him.  They carried him on their shoulders to the back to end the show.  One would think Undertaker will form a team against the Wyatts.  Real strong presentation, espeically the set up for the final angle.

  • Daily Update: WWE Hell in a Cell preview, AJ Styles injured

    WWE HELL IN A CELL SUNDAY FROM THE STAPLES CENTER IN LOS ANGELES AT 7:30 P.M.

    • Brock Lesnar vs. Undertaker Hell in a Cell match – I don’t sense this was built up to its maximum for the blow-off of the angle that started with the most shocking WrestleMania moment of all-time.  I’d like to see something past a finish here, such as an angle giving up future directions on both guys.  Neither guy is advertised for Raw, which doesn’t mean they won’t be there.  If there is no interference, Lesnar should win, but having Undertaker conclusively lose what would be remembered as his biggest feud is an interesting decision.  Vince McMahon has more money tied into Lesnar.  The surprise element would be the shocking interference turn.
    • Seth Rollins vs. Kane for WWE title vs. Kane’s job as Director of Operations – The stakes are significant with Kane’s job as part of it, since without that stip, nobody is believing Rollins has a chance to lose.  With the stip, you can always do a one or two month deal given the weakness on the face side and with the exception of Reigns, lack of obvious challengers for the title.  Plus, even though Reigns is being groomed for a title shot, it’s doubtful it comes that soon.    
    • Roman Reigns vs. Bray Wyatt Hell in a Cell match – Reigns should go over, and probably transition to Braun Strowman, as not promising as that sounds.  
    • John Cena vs. ? for U.S. title – There’s been more talk about this match in the last 24 hours than anything.  As noted elsewhere, Samoa Joe is scheduled to be in Sacramento wrestling today.  In fact, we just got a call that Joe was in Sacramento at the moment of this writing.  Tyler Breeze is at this moment also in Sacramento signing autographs.  It’s a little over a one hour flight, so it’s not impossible, but I don’t see them having talent in Sacramento right now if they are going to be on the show tonight.  That also seems to indicate no Breeze involvement with Ziggler in his match.  Chris Jericho starts touring this coming weekend, which doesn’t rule him out as just coming in and losing, but I don’t think they’d go with him as the mystery guy twice in a row.  Dean Ambrose makes sense because it’s his time and a win over Cena would do him good.  If Cena is to retain, Ambrose is the last guy I’d put in the spot.  If Cena was to retain, maybe I’d go with Cesaro who would at least have a fantastic match, and it’s not like losing will hurt him given how he’s booked.  There are the Daniel Bryan rumors today, which would be a huge pop if he’s cleared.  Given the babyface situation, that would be the best case scenario timing wise, but his situation has always been about whether they believe it’s best for him to ever wrestle again..
    • Big E & Kofi Kingston vs. Dudleys for tag titles – The Dudleys have come up short several times but this doesn’t feel like the right time for New Day to lose.
    • Kevin Owens vs. Ryback for IC title – Owens needs to win and a new challenger needs to be set up for him.
    • Charlotte vs. Nikki Bella for Divas title – Nikki winning is a step backwards,.  With Paige’s promos and all, her getting involved in the title program next makes sense.
    • Neville & Dolph Ziggler & Cesaro vs. Rusev & Sheamus & King Barrett (preshow match at 7:30) – The heels won at TV.  It’s the faces turn tonight.  Doesn’t really matter either way, but it’s more star power than they’ve had for a preshow match.

    We’re looking for your thoughts on tonight’s Hell in a Cell show from the Staples Center in Los Angeles, with a thumbs up, thumbs down or thumbs in the middle along with a best and worst match to dave@wrestlingobserver.com” target=”_blank”>dave@wrestlingobserver.com

    We’re looking for reports on yesterday’s ROH show in Dayton at Dave Meltzer

    Raw will be live in San Diego on Monday night.

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

    ****

    Figure Four Weekly:

    Jerry McDevitt cuts quite the legal promo on Konstantine Kyros as part of his latest screed in the ongoing legal battle over WWE’s alleged role in wrestlers’ brain damage.

    Figure Four Weekly October 19, 2015: Latest Update On WWE Concussion Lawsuits

    ****

    Wrestling Observer Newsletter

    The WWE’s record low ratings, even with bringing in all the big names on Monday, is the lead story in the new issue of the Wrestling Observer newsletter.  We look at the ratings, the competition, the build to Hell in a Cell, and what type of programming is and isn’t working in ratings now.  We also look more at John Layfield’s interview with Eric Bischoff and WCW and how pro wrestling has changed since the death of WCW, as well as more on the political goings-on in Mexico, what modern era wrestlers have had the most four star matches and a wrestling show in a few weeks that you don’t know of that is going to have a paid attendance of more than 30,000 people.  CLICK HERE FOR A FULL WRESTLING OBSERVER PREVIEW

    Check out the latest issue:  Wrestling Observer Newsletter October 26, 2015: Raw ratings woes continue, More Eric Bischoff notes

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

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    CLICK HERE FOR 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.

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    SUNDAY NEWS UPDATE

    • Bryan and I will be back tonight talking Hell in a Cell and the latest news, plus you can send e-mail questions to mailbag@wrestlingobserver.com
    • I want to thank everyone for all the nice messages yesterday for my birthday.  It means a lot.   
    • A correction from the Jay Lethal vs. Roderick Strong ROH TV title change listing on the site.  Strong won the match and TV via Texas cloverleaf submission, not a pin.

    WWE

    Afternoon results

    Enzo & Cass beat Jason Jordan & Chad Gable

    Bull Dempsey beat Elias Sampson

    Bayley beat Alexa Bliss

    Samoa Joe beat Baron Corbin

    Evening results

    Apollo Crews beat Tye Dillinger

    Emma beat Carmella

    Dash Wilder & Scott Dawson beat Vaudevillains to keep tag titles

    Finn Balor beat Tyler Breeze to keep NXT title

    OTHER WRESTLING

    • John Gaburick talks TNA trying to find an Indian superstar
    • A.J. Styles didn’t wrestle on the ROH shows this weekend due to a back injury.  He was at both shows.  The impression I have is that he’ll be wrestling on the New Japan PPV show on 11/7.  At least he’s still listed for it.
    • Young Bucks vs. Ricochet & Matt Sydal and Bobby Fish & Kyle O’Reilly vs. Rocky Romero & Baretta are the semifinals of New Japan’s tag team tournament on the 11/1 show at Korakuen Hall.  The finals will be on the PPV show on 11/7 in Osaka.
    • USA Championship Wrestling ran its show to honor Lance Russell last night in Jackson, TN.  Results saw Alex Taylor b Kevin Zion, Daniel Eads b Nathan Star, LT & Tony Falk b Johnny Dodson & Derrick King, Danny Dollar b Kevin White, Ricky Morton & Robert Gibson b Rude & Pokerface, Chase Stevens & Thorn b Young Lions, Matt Starr b Matt Boyce to win the U.S. title, Jerry Lawler b Terry Funk-DQ.  People went crazy for the main event, on their feet the whole time.  Funk bled.  Objects were used.  Funk was beating up referees until Lawler stopped him with a fireball.  The highlight of the show was also Russell & Dave Brown conducting interviews with area legends like Funk, Bill Dundee, Koko  B. Ware, Danny Davis, Rocky Johnson and Jim Cornette.  I heard it was a great time for those who grew up on the product.    
    • The Lawler-Funk fireball
    • At Saturday’s Prairie Wrestling Alliance show in Calgary, Alberta, Canda, it was announced that Paul Ellering’s daughter Rachel Ellering will make her debut teaming with Lance Storm Nov 21st to battle Brett Morgan and Gisele (no, not THAT Gisele.) Also on last night’s show, MVP beat Morgan in the main event.
    • Promoter Danny Duggan of CWE sent out a release stating that he had booked George Murdoch (Tyrus) for an August tour, and had sent a deposit.  Duggan said that before the tour, Murdoch told him  TNA required him to be in Japan during those dates so he had to cancel and would sent back the deposit.  He said that it’s now 10/23, months later, and that Murdoch has not returned the deposit and Murdoch’s agent is no longer returning his messages.  Duggan wrote that if anyone has any questions on this or wants to resolve it he’s at dannyduggan@gmail.com
    • New matches from Houston at NWAClassics.com are Steve Williams vs. Angel of Death in a chain match and One Man Gang vs. Jim Duggan.
    • The Empire Wrestling Federation in Covina, CA is trying an iPPV on 11/6 at 11 p.m. Eastern headlined by Mega King vs. Gary Yap’s Man in Black.  We’ll have more on that as the show approaches.
    • Dave Bautista has been in the U.K. this past weekend promoting his role as Mr. Hinx, a lead villain in the Bond movies.  He was on Soccer AM, a popular show there, yesterday morning.
    • CHIKARA Pro from last night in Jeffersonville, IN:  Ophidian & Shynron b Drew Gulak & Orange Cassidy, Prakash Sabar b Farmer Frog, Lucas Calhoun & Missile Assault Man b Arik Cannon & Darin Corbin, Blind Rage b Eddie Kingston, Juan Francisco de Coronado & Boar of Moldova b Jakob Hammermeier & Soldier Ant, Blaster McMassive b Chuck Taylor, Icarus & Dasher Hatfield & Mark Angelosetti & Kimber Lee b Hallowicked & Race Jaxon & Hype Rockwell & Heidi Lovelace (thanks to Patrick Brandmeyer)
    • XICW from last night in Warren, MI:  Jay Maynard b Maserati Rick, Jeff Brooks & Dickie Bronson b Idris Abraham & Aaron Tl, Willie Watts b Chris Moore, Movado b MK Ultra, Jake Something b Hakim Zane, Zach Gowen b Sonjay Dutt to win the lightweight title, DBA & Malcolm Monroe III  Jaimy Coxx b Vinny Scarboni & Sonny Scarboni & Palmer Cruise, Rhino b Joe Coleman & Mark Gjoka & Johnny Delicious in a handicap match, Orlando Christopher b PJ Black (thanks to Leonard Brand)
    • World Women’s Wrestling on 11/22 in Beverly, MA at the Cove Community Center with Mistress Belmont & Alexxis Neaeh vs. Nikki Valentine & Vanity Vixen.
    • GOUGE from last night in Fuquay Varina, NC:  Old School & Waylon Maze b Fabulous Frankie & Luscious Lance, Otto  Schwanz b Encore, Juan Jremi b Jimmy Jack Funk Jr.-DQ, Seymour Snott b Mickey Gambino-DQ, Roni Nicole b Jennifer Blaze, Timmy Lou Retton b Chet Sterling
    • Prairie Wrestling Alliance from last night in Calgary:  Richie Rage b Shaun Moore, Frenteico b Tony Cage, Deryck Crosse b Galico, Fabian RiBerio b Gabriel, Western Lions b Colton Kelly & Reid Matthews, Mephisto b Alexander Prime, MVP (former WWE star) b Brett Morgan.
    • Lance Storm will wrestle again on 11/21 in Calgary, teaming with Rachel Ellering, the daughter of Paul Ellering, who he is training, to face Brett Morgan & Gisele for PWA. (thanks to Dwayne Soper)
    • Lucha Xtreme TV from last night in Fresno:  Big Dogg b Danny Fernandez, Brandon Groom b Jesse Poole, Sktizo b Prince Nagi, Guerrera de la Muerte b Jake O’Brien-COR.  
    • Santana Garrett had two matches today in Stardom as they had both a noon and evening show in Tokyo.  In the afternoon main event, she teamed with Hiroyo Matsumoto to beat Io Shirai & Mayu Iwatani.  In the evening show, she teamed with Hiromi Mimura to beat Kris Wolf & Datura.
    • Riot Pro Wrestling from last night in Melbourne, FL:  Archangel b Gabriel Black, Aaron Epic b Derick Jordan and Mike Reed and Aryeh Amor, Siniestro & Night Stalker b Josh Parker & JW Outlaw, CJ O’Doyle b Dalton Murphy, Lince Dorado & Jon Cruz & CT Brown b Jason Static & Josh Hess & Slade Porter, Chico Adams b Leo the Lion, Shaniah  Ariyana & Grace Storm b ML Knight & Cherry Layne, Rhett Giddins NC JD Amazing (thanks to Al Haft)
    • Maryland Championship Wrestling from last night in Windber, PA:  Sexy Steve & Jimmy Stars b Drake Carter & Shaun Cannon, Rob Locke b Rayo, Big Ron b Jeremiah & Chef Home Boy RD, Fenix Fury & Meya b Amber Rodriguez & Chuck Lennox, Brandon Scott b Drolix, Oakley Woods b Mega Pixel, Bill Collier & Jimi the Hippie b Tommy Valor & Omega, Ryan McBride b The Bruiser to win the MCW title.  Mick Foley was on the show.  Next shows are 11/13 in Waldorf, MD and 11/14 in Joppa, MD with Ric Flair, Baby Doll, JJ Dillon, Tully Blanchard and Tessa Blanchard.
    • Gold Rush Pro Wrestling from last night in Pacifica, CA:  Manny Mars b Alexander G. Bernard, Shamrock b Rik Luxury, Suburban Commandos b Jeff Cobb & Tony Vargas, Mr. Prime Time b Boyce LeGrande 2/3 falls, Lisa Lace b Kikyo Nakamura-DQ, Mike Matthew b Virgil Lynn, Thunder Rosa b Cheerleader Melissa to win the Lady Luck title, Drake Frost & Matt Carlos b Doc Atrocity & Synn in a cage weapons match, JR Kratos b Dylan Drake to retain Gold Rush title (thanks to Matt Mann)

  • Samoa Joe eliminated as mystery opponent for John Cena

    We’ve had confirmation minutes ago that those in NXT have said Samoa Joe is scheduled to wrestle on one of the two shows in Sacramento today, which would eliminate him from speculation as far as being John Cena’s opponent in the U.S. title match.

    As noted on the audio last night, there was a rumor in Los Angeles regarding Joe in that spot, but that made no sense to me because I didn’t think they’d have him work an NXT show yesterday if that was the case. Last night we were told by someone close to the situation that Joe was never scheduled for the spot.

    We have a correspondent in Sacramento who said that he hasn’t seen Joe personally, but was told he is scheduled to wrestle and was still in Sacramento.

    Tyler Breeze, another name speculated about online in recent days, is also currently in Sacramento at an autograph signing.

  • Ring of Honor results 10/24: The Kingdom w/Maria Kanellis vs ReDRagon and Michael Elgin

    The Big Takeaway – Showcase matches for Moose and Dalton Castle. Veda Scott threatens a lawsuit and a wild main event highlight a fun hour of ROH TV.

    Nigel McGuiness joins Kevin Kelly at commentary for this show. He replaces Steve Corino because Corino put his hands on BJ Whitmer last week. Nigel cannot elaborate on whether he’s been suspended or fired at this time.

    Donovan Dijak w/Truth Martini vs Moose w/Stokely Hathaway

    In 4 years, you’ll probably be seeing this match on Monday Night RAW. Moose gets the early advantage, knocking Dijak out of the ring with a dropkick and then following him outside to toss him into the ring barricades. Dijak recovers and chokeslams him onto the ring apron as Martini briefly joins commentary to sing his praises.

    Back in the ring and Dijak tries a moonsault but Moose gets his knees up. Moose with a couple of running shoulderblocks and then knocks him off the top turnbuckle with a dropkick. Moose follows up with a somersault plancha to the outside. Dijak turns it around and hits a chokeslam for Feast Your Eyes but Moose powers out. A spear from Moose finishes it.

    WINNER – MOOSE by pinfall

    Cedric Alexander w/Veda Scott vs Dalton Castle w/o his boys

    Castle comes out without his usual getup. Just a Dalton Castle t-shirt and regular wrestling trunks. Cedric taunting Castle at the start and Castle just wants to fight, taking him down with a suplex and then pounding on him in the corner. Alexander tries to fight back but Castle hits a couple of gut-wrench suplexes. Fans chanting DAL-TON CAST-LE after starting with the “Fan Up” chants.

    Castle uses a Gator roll to try and set up the deal-lift German suplex. Veda Scott grabs Castle’s leg to slow his momentum, allowing Alexander to take the advantage. Alexander chops Castle in the corner but Castle no-sells it and hits some chops of his own. Alexander goes for a dive off the ropes but Castle catches him and suplexes him again. Castle then finishes him with the Bang-A-Rang.

    WINNER – DALTON CASTLE by pinfall

    Veda Scott gets a mic and is screaming at Nigel for booking a no-DQ match for Alexander against Moose at All-Star Extravaganza. She calls it an unsafe working environment and says they’ve causes severe emotional distress. She threatens a lawsuit and promises thing are about to get a lot more difficult and more expensive.

    Jay Lethal and Truth Martini are out next and Lethal’s got both the World and TV title belts. He’s sporting a sharp fedora and dressing in all-black. Fans chanting AJ STYLES to get under Lethal’s skin. Martini starts to talk but is interrupted by Roderick Strong, who grabs a mic from ringside.

    Strong congratulate the House of Truth for making history. He also wants to congratulate the man who beat him. He teases shaking Lethal’s hand but instead shakes Martini’s hand and says Lethal wouldn’t even be in ROH, let alone have both belts, without Martini. He then asks for ONE MORE MATCH, like he’s Christian or Matt Hardy. Lethal laughs it off, saying he’s already beaten him “a thousand times”. He says Strong has to get in line cause he’s got a lot of challengers lined up.

    Nigel McGuiness gets in the ring and basically agrees with Lethal. AJ Styles is the new #1 contender and he can’t get another shot at the World title. BUT….there is no #1 contender for the TV title so he books a TV title match between Lethal and Strong. Obviously, it will be at a future date since there’s already a six man tag match main event and ROH actually books it’s main events ahead of time and not on the fly like on Monday Night RAW.

    Mandy Leon is here with Inside ROH and they look at the Best of 5 series between ACH and Matt Sydal. They show highlights of all 4 matches, including the first two which happened before people who watch just the TV and PPVs knew there even was a best of 5 series (like me). Sydal won the first, ACH won the next 2 and Sydal won the fourth to tie it up at 2-2. The deciding match will be held at Survival of the Fittest in Milwaukee on November 13th.

    The Kingdom (Adam Cole, Michael Bennett and Matt Taven) w/Maria Kanellis-Bennett vs “Unbreakable” Michael Elgin and ReDRagon (Bobby Fish/Kyle O’Reilly)

    No Code of Honor as these guys are fighting even before the bell. They announce next week’s main event is Adam Cole vs AJ Styles. Elgin elicits a “BIG MIKE” chant from the crowd by doing a cannonball dive outside the ring onto Bennett and Cole. He then suplexes Taven into an armbar from O’Reilly but Taven makes the ropes. It settles down at this point, with the faces cutting off the ring and working over Taven as we go to break.

    Back from break and Elgin’s doing the Harry Smith delayed suplex spot on Taven. No pin attempt as the faces just continue to make quick tags. Bennett comes in without a tag and helps turn things around. Taven gets to the corner and now Bobby Fish is isolated in the Kingdom’s corner as they make quick tags.

    Cole goes to the opposite corner and spits on Kyle O’Reilly, drawing him into the ring. The ref tries to push him back, allowing the Kingdom to do some triple teaming. Kelly also announces that the Young Bucks are back on TV next week, facing Silas Young and his buddy, the Beer City Bruiser.

    Taven arguing with ringside fans, very audibly saying “This is why we’re tag champs, cause we’re really good”. This whole segment, the Kingdom maintained control going to break with Fish stuck in an Adam Cole chinlock.

    Back from break and Fish hits a Samoan Drop on Bennett and then tags in Eglin. He’s a house of fire, eventually hitting a double powerslam on Taven and Bennett, covering them both but they kick out. After a kick exchange between Elgin and Bennett, Elgin takes both Bennett and Taven’s heads off with short arm clothesline and then tags in O’Reilly.

    Cole comes in without a tag and does the “Adam Cole Baby” spot but O’Reilly jumps on his back with a sleeper. Cole is not the legal man though and Bennett hits O’Reilly from behind to break it up. Outside the ring, Bobby Fish spears Adam Cole into a ring barrier. Back in the ring, it’s ReDRagon and the tag champs going at it, with ReDRagon having the advantage.

    They set up Chasing the Dragon on Taven but Bennett pulls Bobby Fish out of the ring. Taven and Bennett hit a double superkick on O’Reilly. Elgin in and lays out both Bennett and Taven with punches. He goes for a double clothesline but gets taken out with a double superkick. Bennett and Taven then hit the Proton Effect on O’Reilly and Cole nails him with a Shining Wizard but that only get a two.

    Kingdom sets up for a Spike Piledriver but O’Reilly gets out of it and catapults Bennett into Taven, who’s perched on the top. Elgin then hits a buckle bomb on Bennett, throwing him into Taven, who’s still tried up on the ropes. Chasing the Dragon on Bennett follows and that’s it.

    WINNERS – REDRAGON/MICHAEL ELGIN by pinfall

    Cole grabs one of the tag belts and lays out all 3 winners immediately after the bell. As the Kingdom is leaving, O’Reilly grabs a mic and challenges Cole to a rematch TONIGHT. Nigel says he can’t make the match because Cole’s already fought and he’s booked next week already as well. But what he can do is make the main event a 3 way and it’ll be Cole vs AJ vs O’Reilly in the main event next week.

  • On this date in pro wrestling history (10/25): Hart defeats Goldberg for US Title, Cena wins WWE Title

    1910 

    Minneapolis, Minnesota:
    – Henry Ordemann defeated Frank Gotch to win the American Heavyweight Title

    1955 

    San Francisco, California:
    – Ronnie Etchison & Ray Stern defeated Gene Kiniski & Lord James Blears to win the Joe Malcewicz-promoted San Francisco version of the NWA World Tag Team Title

    1958 

    Newcastle, England:
    – Jack Dempsey defeated Alan Colbeck to win the European Welterweight Title

    1961 

    Honolulu, Hawaii:
    – Lord James Blears defeated Curtis Iaukea to win the NWA Hawaii Heavyweight Title 

    1962 

    Mexico City, Mexico:
    – El Rayo de Jalisco defeated Rene Guajardo for the NWA World Middleweight Title

    1966 

    Tampa, Florida:
    – Jose Lothario & Eddie Graham defeated The Infernos (Frankie Cain & Rocky Smith) to win the Florida version of the NWA World Tag Team Title 

    1969 

    Tampa, Florida:
    – Bronko Lubich & Chris Markoff defeated Ciclon Negro & Sam Steamboat to win the NWA Florida Tag Team Title

    1972 

    San Antonio, Texas:
    – Jose Lothario defeated Stan Stasiak to win the NWA Texas Heavyweight Title

    1973 

    Kansas City, Kansas:
    – Mike George & Jim Brunzell defeated The Great Togo & Tokyo Joe for the Central States version of the NWA World Tag Team Title

    1974 

    Los Angeles, California:
    – Victor Rivera & Dino Bravo defeated Tonny Rocco & Raul Reyes for the vacant NWA Americas Tag Team Title

    1976 

    Portland, Oregon:
    – Jesse “The Body” Ventura & “Playboy” Buddy Rose defeated Dutch Savage & Jimmy Snuka to win the NWA Pacific Northwest Tag Team Title

    1978 

    Sacramento, California:
    – Ed Wiskoski & Buddy Rose defeated Dean Ho & Ron Starr to win the Roy Shire-promoted San Francisco version of the NWA World Tag Team Title 

    1979

    Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada:
    – Andre The Giant won battle royal
    – Super Destroyer Mark II beat Billy Robinson to win British Empire Title
    – Andre The Giant beat Bobby Duncum
    – Greg Gagne drew Jesse Ventura
    – Dino Bravo beat Buddy Wolff
    – Steve Olsonoski drew Adrian Adonis
    – Super Destroyer Mark III beat Angelo Mosca dq

    1980 

    – Jay Youngblood & Joe Lightfoot defeated Rip Oliver & Fidel Cortez for the NWA Pacific Northwest Tag Team Title

    1981 

    Dallas, Texas:
    – Kerry Von Erich & Terry Orndorff won the NWA American Tag Team Title

    1982 

    Mexico City, Mexico:
    – El Satanico defeated Cesar Curiel to win the NWA World Middleweight Title 

    Fayetteville, North Carolina:
    – Paul Jones defeated Jack Brisco to win the NWA Mid-Atlantic Heavyweight Title 

    Memphis, Tennessee:
    – Jerry Lawler beat Southern Champion Nick Bockwinkel dq
    – Fabulous Ones, Steve Keirn & Stan Lane beat Sweet Brown Sugar & Bobby Eaton to win Southern Tag Title
    – Sheepherders (Boyd & Williams) beat Dutch Mantel & Bill Dundee
    – WWA Tag Team Champions New York Dolls Dream Machine & Rick McGraw beat Jacques Rougeau & Terry Taylor
    – Crusher Broomfield (One Man Gang) beat Buddy Landell

    Birmingham, Alabama:
    – David Schultz defeated Bob Armstrong to win the NWA Southeastern Heavyweight Title

    1984 

    Kansas City, Kansas:
    – Harley Race won the NWA Central States Heavyweight Title from Hacksaw Higgins 

    1985 

    Calgary, Alberta, Canada:
    – Wayne Farris & Ron Starr defeated Kerry Brown and Hubert Gallant in a tournament final to win the vacant Stampede International Tag Team 

    1986 

    Caguas, Puerto Rico:
    – Don Kent won the WWC Junior Heavyweight Title from Invader III 

    1992 

    Bayamon, Puerto Rico:
    – Dick Murdoch defeated Invader I to win the WWC Universal Heavyweight Title

    1998 

    Las Vegas, Nevada:
    – Rick Steiner defeated The Giant & Scott Steiner (subbing for Scott Hall) to win the WCW World Tag Team Title (Rick Steiner was originally teaming with Buff Bagwell, but Bagwell turned on Rick Steiner halfway through the match)

    1999 

    Phoenix, Arizona:
    – Bret Hart defeated Bill Goldberg to win the United States Heavyweight Title 
    – Konnan & Billy Kidman defeated Harlem Heat for the WCW World Tag Team Title

    1999 

    Nagaoka, Japan:
    – Tamon Honda & Masao Inoue defeated Johnny Smith & Maunakea Mossman in a tournament final for the vacant AJPW All-Asia Tag Team Title 

    2000 

    Charlestown, Indiana:
    – Todd Morton defeated The Suicide Kid to win the held up IWA Mid-South Heavyweight Title 

    2005 

    San Francisco, California:
    – MNM (Joey Mercury & Johnny Nitro) defeated Road Warrior Animal & Heidenreich to win the WWE Tag Team Title 

    2009

    Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania:

    – John Cena defeated Randy Orton in an Iron Man Match to win the WWE Title
    – The Undertaker defeated CM Punk, Batista and Rey Mysterio to retain the World Title

  • WWE Main Event results (10/24): Sasha Banks vs. Brie Bella; Kevin Owens vs. Neville

    WWE Main Event on the campus of the University of Texas in Austin was part of the go-home week of programming leading to Hell in a Cell. The show featured two very good quality television matches and another match that showcased monster heels. Notably, Sasha Banks and Brie Bella had a match that arguably bordered on the edge of strong style, or at least as close as WWE style can get to that. Likewise, Kevin Owens and Neville showcased their in-ring chemistry in another good match.

    Sasha Banks (with Tamina & Naomi) beat Brie Bella (with Nikki Bella & Alicia Fox)

    Brie taunted Sasha after getting the better of an early exchange. On the next exchange, Sasha got the better of Brie and taunted her by mocking Brie’s husband and YES-ing. The crowd followed Sasha’s lead. There was an awkward tilt-a-whirl headscissors spot. Sasha, an admitted devout Eddy Guerrero fan, ran up the turnbuckles for a lucha arm drag similar to her idol.

    Sasha went for a double knee drop in a corner but Nikki and Alicia pulled Brie out to safety. Well, maybe not quite to safety as they yanked her out by her feet and Brie took a bump on the floor. Team Bella consoled her at ringside. Apparently someone was checking out the ladies at ringside because Alicia shouted, “What are you looking at? Don’t you look at the goods!” With Brie near the apron, Sasha hit her with a baseball slide. “RUDE,” Nikki declared.

    Sasha stayed on offense until she perched herself in a corner and Brie jerked her down before a commercial. After the break, Brie delivered some Bryan-esque kicks and the crowd chanted “YES” along with her kicking. Before delivering a running knee strike, Brie signaled it was time for Brie Mode. Brie grounded Sasha on the mat then executed a side Russian legsweep followed by more kicks.

    To start a comeback, Sasha used a headscissors to send Brie crashing into a turnbuckle. Sasha fired up and moments later did her double knee drop in the corner they had teased earlier. Brie fought back and hit a missile dropkick off the middle rope. Sasha dodged a kick and used a schoolgirl for a nearfall then a backslide for a two count. Brie countered with an inside cradle for a nearfall. Brie signaled for her finisher only for Sasha to counter into a backstabber. Sasha floated over and applied the bank statement for the submission as Brie tapped out.

    Erick Rowan & Braun Strowman beat The Prime Time Players (Darren Young & Titus O’Neil)

    The story of the match was Rowan and Strowman were big, strong, and more powerful. Basically, they were monster heels. More specifically, Strowman was an unstoppable monster. Every time The Prime Time Players would get an advantage, Rowan and Strowman would quickly pummel them. Titus, a big man himself, did get to run wild briefly off a hot tag but to no avail. A blind tag allowed Strowman to cut off Titus and apply the head and arm choke, lifting Titus off of his feet no less, to get the decisive victory via submission.

    Intercontinental champion Kevin Owens beat Neville in a nontitle match

    During chain wrestling in the opening sequences, Owens would cheat by grabbing the hair besides also trash talking. Neville would use his quickness and high flying to counter the bullying style of Owens. In chickenshit heel fashion, Owens would take a powder to stall Neville’s momentum. At one point, Neville sent Owens to the outside off of a flying headscissors. When it looked as if Neville would do a dive to the outside, Owens bailed out of the way and used commentator Byron Saxton for cover. Later, he would also taunt Saxton to continue the storyline of Owens bullying him they began some time ago.

    After a commercial break, Owens was begging off then he countered Neville and threw him out to the floor. As Neville broke the count, Owens hit a superkick that knocked Neville off the apron. Owens then gave him a fallaway slam into the barricade on the outside. Owens got heat on Neville and gave him a gutbuster. With Neville down on the mat selling, the crowd began to chant for him.

    A flurry by Neville led to a comeback as he escaped a fireman’s carry that he turned into a DDT. Moments later, Neville did a moonsault off the top turnbuckle to the floor. It really was a thing of beauty. Nevertheless, Owens cut him off, did a senton and set up for his running cannonball. Neville avoided it and slipped behind him to deliver a German suplex followed by a dropkick for a nearfall.

    Neville went to the top rope and jumped off for the red arrow. However, Owens rolled out of the way and eventually executed the pop-up powerbomb for the pinfall.   

  • Who is John Cena’s mystery opponent at Hell in a Cell?

    The identity of John Cena’s mystery opponent at Sunday’s Hell in the Cell pay-per-view tonight is still unknown.

    While we don’t know the identity, names such as Tyler Breeze, Samoa Joe and James Storm were all denied from different sources last night, either by people within the company or those would have knowledge of the goings-on.

    Joe was in Sacramento on Saturday for the NXT shows, working the afternoon show in beating Baron Corbin.  He did not work the Saturday night show. As he was In Los Angeles the last few days, Joe’s name was rumored, but that seemed unlikely because he was working the NXT shows, although Sacramento is a short flight.

    Because Breeze just debuted, and a Breeze vs. Dolph Ziggler program has already been set up, his name was was also speculated.

    Dean Ambrose, Luke Harper, and Braun Strowman were all taken off the card when Randy Orton suffered a shoulder injury and their match was replaced by a six-man tag. Sheamus’ name has been rumored since Cena vs. Sheamus was announced for holiday house shows when Cena returns.

    Sunday’s HIAC event is the last one Cena is advertised on until the 12/26 Madison Square Garden event.

  • ROH TV taping results: Jay Lethal defends the TV title against Roderick Strong

    Submitted by Troy Macumber

    Episode One

    – ACH beat Cedric Alexander. Very good match. One big missed spot by Cedric, but very entertaining.

    – Caprice Coleman beat Will Ferrera in a bit of a snoozer. Made him tap out, then Prince Nana gave both guys envelopes. Did a short promo being very vague and mysterious.

    – The Briscoes beat Kenny King and Rhett Titus. I think this was match of the night. Great performances by all as usual.

    Episode Two

    – War Machine beat Silas Young and Beer City Bruiser. War Machine looked pretty good, but just an average match. A couple missed spots in this one too.

    – We got a promo where Nigel McGuinness told Steve Corino he could reinstate him as a wrestler but not an announcer. Corino said that he had to have spinal fusion surgery and his career was most likely over. Then, he left and never came back for the rest of the night. Gave a really cool speech. A+ moment.

    – Michael Elgin then squashed a local guy that looked like Rusev and Samoa Joe had a love child. Then, he challenged Jay Lethal for the ROH title.

    – The Kingdom beat The Addiction for the ROH Tag titles. At one point, Sabin and Maria got bounced by the ref. He got knocked out, and Maria came back, and gave Daniels a ball shot and a pretty good SUPERKICK. Then a guy in a red mask superkicked Kaz in the face and the Kingdom got the pin. Another very good match.

    Episode Three

    – Moose squashed a local named Carter, then challenged Lethal for the ROH title. Elgin then came back out and got in Moose’s face. Truth Martini came down and said neither guy was worthy and ended up setting up a tag match with Moose and Elgin vs Dijak and Jay Diesel. Elgin and Moose ended up winning of a cool buckle bomb into a spear combo.

    – BJ Whitmer came out and did a pretty bad promo. This drew out Nigel from the announce table. He then banned Whitmer and Page from Final Battle.

    – Roddy Strong beat Jay Lethal for the ROH TV title. It started very slow, but ended up being an amazing match. It’s going to be a great TV match for them. It was a very pleasant surprise. I went in expecting to not see a title change. It was shocking and great booking. Two of the top guys in the promotion proving why they are there.

    Episode Four

    – Ferrera beat Adam Page with interference from Mark Briscoe, who was on commentary. Nothing special here.

    – Cheeseburger beat Hughes. Hughes and Brutal Bob then attacked Cheeseburger and brought a saw from under the ring and were planning on cutting his hand off. Cheeseburger was saved by the refs of all people in possibly the worst segment I have seen since 90s WWF. It was awful.

    – AJ Styles (who I believe is injured) did a promo with Jay Lethal for the Final Battle match. It was ok.

    – The Addiction came out and did a promo that they were leaving ROH to go to NJPW to take part in the tag tournament. Then they said they will come back and win the ROH titles back.

    – Dalton Castle beat Adam Cole by DQ after The Kingdom interfered. They looked like they were going to gang up on him in the beginning when The Boyz came from the crowd and were going to help (even put the peacock masks on!) when Silas came and took them away. The Kingdom then ganged up on Dalton until War Machine came and made the save. Then, doing his best Kane/Vince impression, Nigel made it into a 6 man. It was a decent match, ending with Cole pinning Castle.

  • True Ten Scoring System – Part 9 UFC Fight Night 76

    UFC: Fight Night 76 – AKA: The All Fight Pass Prelims Show

    This show has zero star power, but a lot of potential for fun fights, and since the main card is virtually the same as the undercard in terms of name value, I’m going to score all the fights. 

    Changes to today’s event…

    No longer will I be providing my Classic Ten score.  I’ll only be reporting the official scores and results and my True Ten score and results.  It’s too hard for me to try and score a fight in my head using two systems.  It’s not that it’s physically difficult, but it can be tricky to objectively distinguish between the two.  Remember, my system is simply the current system but using potential round scores of 10-10 all the way down to 10-5.

    Questioning the Decision…

    On our last event, we had one whacky decision.  Well, more like a whacky circumstance.  It occurred in the Tom Marcellino vs. Nick Newell fight.  As you may remember, Newell is the one-armed fighter, and he won the fight   This is how it was scored:

    Official Results:  Unanimous decision for Nick Newell (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

    My Classic Ten:  Rd1) 10-9 Newell, Rd2) 10-9 Newell, Rd 3) 10-9 Marcellino

    29-28 Newell

    True Ten:  Rd1) 10-9 Newell, Rd2) 10-10, Rd3) 10-9 Marcellino

    Result:  29-29 Draw

    Further Analysis:  At the end of the second round, instead of the 10-second blocks being clacked, the timekeeper clanged the bell.  This occurred just as Marcellino knocked down Newell and could have possibly finished.  He didn’t because the ref stopped the round.  During the confusion, the ref just decided that it was an error, and we’re moving on to round three.  Upon the reading of the decision, Marcellino was pissed, and rightfully so.  I think he could have a case if he protested, but he probably won’t.  This was one of those fights that any score was possible as the first and the third were clear, but the second was a coin toss.  Why not score it a draw? 

    One with the show…

    145: Darren Elkins vs. Robert Whiteford

    Official Results:  Elkins by Unanimous Decision

    Judges:  30-27, 30-27, 30-27

    True Ten:  Rd1) 10-9 Elkins, Rd2) 10-8 Elkins, Rd 3) 10-6 Elkins

    Results:  30-23

    Analysis:  Easy pick here, but another example of a round that should have been a 10-8.  The third round was dominated by Elkins, which included securing a rear naked choke with 5 seconds left but Whiteford just did not tap.

    185: Krzysztof Jotko vs. Scott Askham

    Official Result:  Jotko by Split Decision

    Judges:  29-28 Jotko, 29-28 Askham, 29-28 Jotko

    True Ten:  Rd1) 10-10 Rd2) 10-10, Rd3) 10-9 Jotko

    Result:  30-29 Jotko

    Analysis:  Don’t be fooled by blood.  Jotko maybe won the first round but barely because he was really close to being finished by that arm bar, which is why I gave it a 10-10.  I don’t think Askham won a round, but I guess I’m wrong. 

    115: Aisling Daly vs. Ericka Almeida

    Official Result:  Aisling Daly by Unanimous Decision

    Judges:  30-27, 29-27, 29-28

    True Ten:  Rd1) 10-8 Daly, Rd2) 10-9 Daly, Rd3) 10-6

    Official Result:  30-23 Daly

    Analysis:  I loved this fight!  Baby face fire by Daly was great in the third.  Only one judge gave it a 10-8 third, which I thought it pretty clearly was as well.  Two judges also gave Almeida the second, so Daly’s corner was right telling her she had to win the third.  By the way, you should always tell your fighter that they need to win the third. 

    155: Stevie Ray vs. Mickael Lebout

    Official Result:  Stevie Ray by Unanimous Decision

    Judges:  29-28, 30-27, 30-27

    True Ten:  Rd1) 10-8 Ray, Rd2) 10-8 Ray, Rd3) 10-9 Ray

    Result:  30-25 Ray

    Analysis:  Clear winner in this one.  The third round was closer but I don’t think I’d have given it to Lebout like one judge. 

    Main Card…

    A strong showing by my Guam buddy Jon Delos Reyes – Great battle, but an unlucky outcome tonight.

    170: Darren Till vs. Nicolas Dalby

    Official Result:  Majority Draw

    Judges: 29-28 Till, 28-28, 28-28

    True Ten:  Rd1) 10-8 Till, Rd2) 10-8 Till, Rd3) 10-6 Dalby

    Result:  26-26 Draw

    Analysis:  Well, this was great a call.  I figured it was going to be a unanimous decision for Till and I’d write my usual rant about not giving 10-8s, but two of these judges showed some guts because clearly the last round was a 10-8 for Dalby.  It could have been stopped at least one time.  Till got very lucky here. 

    155: Norman Parke vs. Reza Madadi

    Official Result:  Norman Parke by Unanimous Decision

    Judges:  30-27, 30-27, 30-27

    True Ten:  Rd1) 10-8 Parke, Rd2) 10-8 Parke, Rd3) 10-9 Parke

    Result:  30-25

    Analysis:  Nothing to report. 

    Overall Analysis

    This ended up being a good show, with a pretty dang good main event.  The judging seems to be getting better with each passing show, and by better I mean judges are using more 10-8s.  That’s a step in the right direction.  Is it this column that is leaving an impression?  My theory is yes.