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  • Wrestling Observer Newsletter October 26, 2015: Raw ratings woes continue, More Eric Bischoff notes

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    Current subscribers click here to continue reading.

  • Joseph Duffy injured, UFC Dublin main event canceled

    The UFC just announced that Saturday’s Joe Duffy vs. Dustin Poirier main event in Dublin is off the card due to a training injury suffered by Duffy.

    The new main event will be Paddy Holohan vs. Louis Smolka, which will be a three-round fight. Both men had been training for three rounds and anything else would be unfair to them at this point.

    The company issued a statement saying:

    “Having learned that Duffy received a strike to the head during training earlier this week, UFC sent him for medical tests in Ireland for precautionary purposes. The results determined that Duffy suffered a mild concussion and due to the proximity of the fight this Saturday, UFC will not permit him to compete. The health and safety of UFC athletes will continue to be the top priority for the organization. As such, UFC has respected athletic commission regulations, which recommended a medical suspension from competition as a result of the concussion.”

    UFC is offering refunds to the fans in Dublin, who can get them at Ticketmaster or at the point or purchase.

  • Wednesday Update: Tyler Breeze’s WWE Smackdown debut, UFC 195 co-main event, Tom Lawlor

    Smackdown was recorded last night.  Check out the spoilers if you can’t wait:  WWE Smackdown spoilers: Roman Reigns and Dean Ambrose vs New Day 10-20.  As we reported yesterday, WWE RAW ratings remain low, although there was a slight uptick against tough competition last Monday, WWE Raw 10-19: Superstar lineup does little for ratings.  

    Check out today’s history post: On this day in pro wrestling history: Rock loses WCW title to Chris Jericho

    TV notes for tonight:

    UFC Tonight is off again this week.

    WWE NXT airs at 8:00 p.m. ET on WWE Network with Asuka vs. Billie Kaye, Dash Wilder & Scott Dawson vs. Enzo Amore & Big Cass, James Storm vs. Martin Stone in Storm’s debut, Alexa Bliss vs. Peyton Royce, and Rhyno vs. Baron Corbin.

    TNA Impact Wrestling airs at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT on Destination America with more of the World Title Series. Including maybe a James Storm match.

    A replay of The Ultimate Fighter from two weeks ago (it was pre-empted last week) airs at 9:00 p.m. ET. on Fox Sports 1.

    The Ultimate Fighter airs at 10:00 p.m. ET on Fox Sports 1 with an episode titled “Snake in the Grass.”

    ROH airs at 11:00 p.m. ET on Destination America with The All Night Express vs. The Addiction and Jay Briscoe vs. Adam Page in a no disqualification match, plus The Kingdom’s reaction to what happened at All-Star Extravaganza.

    ****

    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

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    Wrestling Observer Newsletter

    A complete look at Mistico/Myzteziz/Original Sin Cara and his leaving AAA, and what it means to the Mexican scene, and his history including WWE is the lead story in the new issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.  We also look at NXT Takeover, full details behind the new Rizing Fighting Championships in Japan including what role pro wrestling will play and the Hall of Famer scheduled to headline, New Japan’s going forward with notes on upcoming shows and King of Pro Wrestling, Rusev & Lana and the TNA title tournament.  CLICK HERE FOR A FULL WRESTLING OBSERVER PREVIEW

    The latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Wrestling Observer Newsletter October 19, 2015: Mistico to CMLL, Tokyo Dome main event plus tons more

    The Wrestling Observer ranges weekly from 35,000 to 50,000 words covering pro wrestling and MMA internationally. Each issue has coverage and analysis of all the major news, plus every issue breaks major news stories before the Internet sties and has the most complete look at the pro wrestling and MMA business anywhere, plus history pieces available nowhere else.

    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 Meltzer

    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 for 52.  In Europe, you can get the fastest delivery and best rates by sending to moonsault@mediaplusint.com  For the rest of the world, rates are $16.50 for 4, $44 for 12, $85 for 24, $141 for 40 issues and $183 for 52.

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

    CLICK HERE FOR A FULL WRESTLING OBSERVER PREVIEW

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

    Click here for the most requested Wrestling Observer back issues.

    TUESDAY NEWS UPDATE

    WWE

    • This shouldn’t really count as a spoiler since WWE themselves already announced it on the front page of WWE.com, but Tyler Breeze makes his main roster debut on Smackdown tomorrow night.  He’s officially a main roster talent as of last week.  We talk about it on last night’s show: Wrestling Observer Live 10/21: Tyler Breeze Smackdown debut, former Tough Enough stars sign, more
    • Miz will appear on “Middle of the Night” on MTV tonight.  “Murph and the crew wake up WWE superstar The Miz and who betrays an old friend, samples extreme hot sauce, and battles Murph in a bizarre food fight. Meanwhile, Anu settles a daunting restaurant bill, and Murph joins forces with world eating champion Kobayashi in order to shut down a hot dog stand. We bring it home with Remix the Night and a trash talk montage with the Miz.”
    • Some audio notes: Matt Farmer will be a guest on Wrestling Observer Radio tonight with Bryan Alvarez and Dave Meltzer talking the Wrestling Observer Hall of Fame issue that will be out in a few weeks only for subscribers.  Lance Storm will return to Figure Four Daily this afternoon, and Filthy Tom Lawlor’s usual Monday show has been moved to tomorrow due to Bryan being out of town a few days ago for a wedding.
    • Also, feel free to tweet @bryanalvarez with your thoughts on last night’s Bryan & Vinny & Craig Show.  We’ve gotten a lot of great feedback on both sides of the current Raw/no current Raw argument, plus some good suggestions about what else we could try.  At the moment, I am leaning towards Tuesday being retro Raw and retro Nitro, and Thursday being current Raw followed by current Smackdown.  NXT would move to Sundays.  This would allow each show to have a theme, and with Smackdown allegedly becoming an A-show again (for a few months at least) starting in January, reviewing each week’s Raw and Smackdown back-to-back would probably be a fun way to track continuity.

    UFC

    • A Brazilian website first reported, and it was later confirmed by F4W Filthy Four Daily co-host Tom Lawlor via twitter and later on this very site, that he is out of his November fight with Fabio Maldonado. TUF 19 winner Corey Anderson has been put in as his replacement.
    • The co-main event for UFC 195 has been announced as Stipe Miocic vs. Andrei Arlovski in a possible top contender fight. Tickets go on sale tomorrow  at 1:00 p.m. ET as part of a pre-sale using the code NEWYEAR with the general onside being the same time Friday.
    • In a follow-up to the story on the massive UFC fighter cuts, several more names became public Tuesday including  Francisco Trevino, TJ Waldburger, David Michaud, Lewis Gonzales, Ivan Jorge, Naoyuki Kotani, William Macario, Joe Merritt, Pawel Pawluk, Hernani Perpetuo, Vagner Rocha, Amir Sadollah, Leonardo Mafra, Luke Zachrich and Roger Zapata in addition to the names previously announced.
    • Heavyweight Soa Palelei announced his retirement via Twitter. He plans to stay involved with the sport, just not as an active fighter.  

    OTHER MMA

    • WSOF 24 last Saturday night did just 167,000 viewers on NBC Sports Network. It was the second lowest number of the year despite big names Jon Fitch, Yushin Okami and Matt Hamill fighting on the show. Dave has an article at MMAFighting about the ratings.
    • Bellator 144 is Friday night on Spike TV with the prelims running on Spike.com. This is a non-tentpole event headlined by Brandon Halsey and Rafael Carvalho fighting for the vacant middleweight title. Michael Page aka MVP, the charismatic and flashy Brtish welterweight, fights on the undercard. We’ll have coverage of the show here on the site.
    • From Bellator: The unmistakable Kimbo Slice and Bellator Light Heavyweight Champion Liam McGeary, as well as MMA Legends Royce Gracie, Ken Shamrock, Tito Ortiz will participate at the Official Bellator MMA Fan Fest Prior to Friday’s “Bellator 145: Vengeance” Event at Scottrade Center. It takes place Thursday, Nov. 5 at 8 p.m. CT at Dave & Buster’s on 13857 Riverport Dr.  in Maryland Heights, MO

    OTHER WRESTLING

    • Today’s new upload for NWAClassics.com subscribers is Tommy Rich vs. Kamala.
    • Story here about the retirement of Portia Perezat age 27 due to a neck injury that has been steadily getting worse for several years.  Instead of the usual tearful goodbye, she instead cut a heel promo on the crowd telling them they suck.
    • Coastal Championship Wrestling results from last night in Coral Springs, FL: Maxwell Chicago b Made Man, NWA Champ Santana Garrett b Tammy Lynn, Cousin Earl b Danny Embry, El Héroe Byronico b Ricky Rush, Iron City Mauler & Guadeloupe Brothers b J-Dawg Brooks & The Assassins.
    • Jesse Ventura did an appearance on Ring Rust Radio, talking about his book re-release, his stint in WCW, Donald Trump, and more.
    • Former WWE Champion Batista is getting some buzz as the new James Bond movie ‘Spectre’ nears. Here’s a Yahoo/AFP feature on him. He said he gets nostalgic for wrestling, but also has a full slate of movies coming up.

    ​

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

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    Current subscribers click here to continue reading.

  • UFC: Tom Lawlor out of his next fight, update on his future

    By “Filthy” Tom Lawlor

    Due to unfortunate circumstances, I have decided not to fight on November 7th against Fabio Maldonado in Sao Paulo, Brasil, as part of a UFC Fight Night event. During a training session Saturday, I suffered a small cut over my left eye after a head-to-head clash after a takedown. The cut suffered was deep, though not deep enough to jeopardize my ability to fight in November. I returned home to spend time with my newborn son and watch some of my teammates compete in a World Series of Fighting event later that night. 

    While watching the fights and a Boston College football game, it became increasingly harder to focus on what was in front of me. I have very good eyesight. However, it was taking longer for the blurs and lights to go away as I watched on TV. As time passed, I became more mindful of the vision problems I was experiencing and I began to think about the fortunes of a fighter I share the same initials with: TJ (Thomas Joseph) Grant. Once a former top lightweight contender, TJ now works in potash mines in Saskatchewan, Canada. While working a “real” job is a fine way to make a living, I long ago decided that I have no desire to go back to that world.

    I grew up as a fervent professional wrestling fan, and my UFC introduction was as a 10-year-old watching UFC 2 on a VHS tape at a friend’s house. As I grew older, I was more than an avid fan. I was in high school and my spare time was filled with activities that no teenage male likes to admit in public: playing wrestling video games and competing in E-feds. But it wasn’t just the easily accessible WWE, WCW, and ECW stuff I was watching. At the time, UFC was hardly a household name. Not easily found on PPV and relegated to tape trading, the UFC had a future that was uncertain at best.

    But in Japan, the stakes were just raising and I was ordering events like RINGS Kings of Kings ’99 and Pride 8 through Internet websites. As if that wasn’t enough, I would even go to such great lengths as staying up until 4 AM to read people type results in ICQ chat rooms as they watched the events live!

    I’ve had what some would say is a successful career in the UFC. As of today, I hold a UFC record of 6-4. Two of those losses are somewhat controversial split decisions, I lost to a grizzled veteran in his home country, and I was soundly defeated by the current 185-pound champion in minutes. But to me, I am both a success and a failure. The young boy that I once was, the onne that still resides in me, is happy and ecstatic for me every time I get to drive to the gym to twist, wrench, and wreck my body for the next two hours.

    But the adult who has just watched the birth of his first child can’t help but feel as if there isn’t enough money for the future. 

    Fortunately (and I truly do thank them for this), the UFC has been generous to me with performance bonus money which has allowed me to continue living this dream for the past seven years. Like most dream sequences that seem too good to be true, now is not the time that I want to wake up and live in the “real” world. Unfortunately for now, there is a constant headache that has woken me up long enough to be advised not to compete due to a concussion suffered from the previously-mentioned head crash.

    There is no doubt in my mind that three weeks ago, whoever votes in the UFC rankings finally had it right, and I was listed amongst the top fighters in the world. I also realize that by fighting in this state, I risk my future ability to continue climbing those ranks, which would finally serve both masters (my young and adult selves) adequately. With more wins comes greater compensation, and the birth of my son has finally given my adult self the motivation that was needed to turn that sense of failure into one of success.

    I just traveled a long two years off to come back, score a win over a top 15 fighter, and earn a Performance of the Night award on July 25th in Chicago, IL. But that was never the goal; the goal was always to keep living that young boy’s dream. To raise my hands, hear the roar of the crowd, and become intoxicated in the moment. It is a moment that it is unforgettable, surpassed only by the unexplainable joy that seeing your son or daughter for the first time can provide. It seems as if now my life revolves around the dreams about this sport that I had as a young boy and the dreams that I possess for one’s future. And that is absolutely okay with me. 

    Next year will mark another return for me on the way to a longer and more productive career because of this decision. My motivation for fighting will continue to grow, as will my skillset and understanding of life. It has to. I’d hate for my son to grow up and dare to live a dream because I set an example that resulted in having to stop living mine.

    So in 2016, look for me to be back in the Top 15, beating Top 10 opponents, and proving to every young boy who has to watch the UFC behind his parent’s back and every adult that worries about their family that dreams can and do come true.

  • WWE Smackdown spoilers: Roman Reigns and Dean Ambrose vs New Day 10-20

    Submitted by Travis Banks from the Frank Erwin Center in Austin, TX

    Pre-Show Notes:

    – Arena is roughly 3/4 empty. Maybe 4000 total in attendance. Security telling everyone to only stand and make noise during entrances.

    Dark Match:

    – Dudley Boyz def. The Ascension with the 3D

    – Mark Henry def. Brad Maddox with the World’s Strongest Slam. Henry gives his shirt to his family in the crowd.

    Main Event:

    – Sasha Banks w/ Team BAD def. Brie Bella w/ Team Bella with the Bank Statement

    – Braun Strowman and Erick Rowan def. The Prime Time Players with a Strowman bearhug on Titus

    – WWE Intercontinental Champion Kevin Owens def. Neville with a Pop Up Powerbomb. During the match, Owens tried to run around ringside and hide. Security forced anyone who stood up to sit back down, some almost violently.

    Smackdown:

    – Show begins with Seth Rollins arriving backstage. He is booked in a match against a mystery opponent by Corporate Kane. New Day asks Kane for the Dudleys but get booked against Roman Reigns and Dean Ambrose.

    – WWE Champion Seth Rollins def. mystery opponent Cesaro with the Pedigree. Stardust is in the crowd in the “Stardust Section”.

    – Paige is out to explain that she didn’t attack Natalya last week. She invites Becky and Charlotte out, and they accuse Paige of being jealous. Bellas come to the stage and ask if they’re watching Pretty Little Liars. Paige challenges Nikki to a match, which is next.

    – Miz TV with Dolph Ziggler and Summer Rae is announced. Miz is backstage with Renee Young and says Summer has a bomb to drop.

    – Nikki Bella def. Paige with the Rack Attack. Both have their teams at ringside but neither get involved.

    – Miz TV with Dolph Ziggler and Summer Rae. Summer introduces her new man, Tyler Breeze. He says he and Summer Rae of Sunshine will give WWE a makeover. Dolph calls Breeze a lazy millennial but Breeze attacks and does a beatdown.

    – Sheamus and Wade Barrett (w/ Rusev) def. The Lucha Dragons with a Brogue Kick.

    – Ryback def. Bo Dallas. Owens is interviwed backstage and says he is better than Ryback and will prove it Sunday.

    – Roman Reigns and Dean Ambrose def. New Day with a spear on Kofi. Post match Bray Wyatt on the tron tells Roman he will see him in hell.

    After the show Wyatt and Rowan come out and fight Reigns and Ambrose and get thrown out of the ring.

  • WWE NXT house show report Orlando 10-17: Finn Balor & Bayley team up in 8 person main event

    Submitted by Jay Williams

    Hype Bros beat Marcus Louis & Tucker Knight 

    Louis is growing his hair out, seemingly leaving the bald monster persona behind. Tucker & Marcus were half way to the ring when the Hype Bros music hit and the two sprinted past them to get everyone fired up. The crowd was all over Tucker Knight for his silver boots, always a fun live event tradition, even singing songs about them. Ryder took a beating here until making the hot tag to Mojo who ran wild before tagging in Ryder to hit the electric chair rough ryder from the top for the win. 

    Apollo Crews beat Elias Samson

    Elias makes his way to the ring with his guitar to be interviewed by our hostess Dasha Fuentes, he begins playing his guitar and does a fun song insulting the town they’re in as he does at each event. Apollo’s music hits to a good reaction, plenty of chants for Crews as Elias worked holds during this match. Towards the end Crews got a hold of Samson’s guitar and held it over the side of the ring threatening to drop it, then threatened to play it, all to infuriate Samson. After the guitar was safe the finish saw Crews fire back and hit his new finish a big scoop slam variation for the win. Apollo Crews has a lot of fan support growing here.

    Gionna Daddio & Aliyah the former Jasmin aka Nhooph Al-Areebi were out to talk to the crowd, very energetic and likable babyfaces here, talked about being the youngest divas in NXT and were proud to follow in the footsteps of those who started the Divas Revolution, mentioning Bayley, Sasha, Becky, and Charlotte. Which lead to Emma & Eva Marie interrupting them, Emma proclaimed she started the Divas Revolution, crowd was anti Eva Marie here, booing her down so she put her arms up and twirled to soak in the attention and encourage it. During the verbal exchange the heels took cheap shots and laid out the two youngsters leading to referees rushing the ring attempting to break it up and check on the roughed up divas. 

    Riddick Moss def. Levis Valenzuela Jr.

    Valenzuela is charismatic, likable and plausible as his persona, his dancing and proclaiming “Fiesta” brings the people in and his taunts received actual laughs from the crowd, the best being “Booo this man, he sucks!” as he pointed at Riddick. Simple yet wonderful when the wrestler has charm the way Levis does. Moss is technically sound and plays the straight heel to Levis’ flamboyant babyface. 

    Chad Gable & Jason Jordan beat Dash & Dawson

    A great reaction for Gable & Jordan, these are made men after that performance at Takeover Respect. The singing of their names to the old Kurt Angle theme is very over, with Jordan even encouraging it along. Dash and Dawson are also well respected by the local crowds and strong, rough, and tough workers. A very good tag match as one would expect, and in the end Gable & Jordan get the win with the assisted German suplex. Jordan and Gable feel like a cut above with their athleticism, they are amazing wrestlers. 

    Hugo Knox beat Sawyer Fulton

    Knox is another non-tv wrestler with personality that already shines through, his dancing and party boy attitude got a lot of “Go Hugo” and other chants of encouragement. Fulton is big and scary, so the dynamic of this match was the serious heel getting frustrated by the fun loving face and finally getting beat. 

    Gionna Daddio storms out from the back with a mic to call out Emma and Eva Marie, she says they don’t know who they’re messing with and she’s from Jersey. The heels make their way down and take each side of the ring asking her what she’s going to do, which leads to Gionna declaring she wasn’t challenging them alone…

    Asuka & Gionna Daddio beat Emma & Eva Marie 

    Huge pop for Asuka, this woman is a star. Emma’s nightmare continues as Asuka seems to be following her at every turn both on tv and on live events. Good heel work by Eva Marie in this match, taunting Gionna while in holds, embracing the heat. Hot tag to Asuka who laid in some ferocious kicks to Eva Marie at one point. Tag to Gionna who hit a crossbody for the win. Gionna has a lot of potential, as many of our non tv wrestlers on this show, the personality and likability is already there. Emma & Asuka did a good job here keeping everything going.

    Baron Corbin beat Solomon Crowe

    Heel heat for Corbin is not only on NXT tv but also at live events, there are always hecklers and those who get Baron’s attention only to get taunted right back. Crowe is out with an altered look, Orange sleeveless zip up hoodie, the sides of his head shaved and looking quite intimidating. Hard hitting match here, big moves in this one, Baron prevails with the End Of Days for the win and a chorus of booos.

    Blake & Murphy w/ Alexa Bliss & Tye Dillinger vs. The Vaudevillains & Finn Balor went to a no contest once Alexa Bliss interfered, leading to Bayley running in to have the match restarted as an 8 Person Tag.

    WWE NXT Champion Finn Balor, WWE NXT Women’s Champions Bayley & WWE NXT Tag Team Champions The Vaudevillains beat Tye Dillinger & BAMF

    BAMF entered first to their dubstep music which always gets them heat, Dillinger even as a heel is well liked at live events, and his Ten gimmick is over, even Alexa Bliss was holding up the two hands open Ten sign during his entrance.

    The Vaudevillains are quite popular at live events as well, superstar reaction to Finn Balor. The current non-demon persona with the leather jacket has included an attitude of confidence, he is the main event. Finn joins in posing with Gotch and English pre match and is entertained himself with their ole timey antics, including some awkward stretching by Simon Gotch.

    The match took off once it was restarted as Bayley is another true main eventer here in NXT, the place lit up, people jumped out of their seats at her music. Finn Balor himself was leaping and punching the air as Bayley laid into Alexa Bliss. Finn was ecstatic to see Bayley and was her biggest fan.  This match then went all over the place including all six men in a long connected submission hold with Finn at the end holding a Boston Crab on Murphy, yelling to ASK THEM.

    Then all hell broke loose, Aiden English hit a Stone Cold Stunner on one of BAMF and this lead to Bayley hitting one of her own on Alexa Bliss.  The place was going crazy. The ring clears and Bayley is seemingly alone as Bliss is down and the men are all on the outside.  As Tye Dillinger comes face to face with Bayley in the center of the ring, putting his hands in her face with his Ten gesture, and in the greatest moment of the night Bayley wraps her arms around Dillinger and hoists him up for the Belly To Bayley.  Leaping to her feet and pumping her fist after hitting him to the mat, the crowd was electric.  

    Balor then goes to the top and nails the Coup De Grace on Dillinger for the pin. The babyface champions all celebrated, hugs for all.  Bayley even Too Sweeted Finn Balor, everyone left this show happy. 

  • WWE Raw 10-19: Superstar lineup does little for ratings

    Adding Steve Austin, Brock Lesnar, Undertaker, Shawn Michaels and Ric Flair to Raw last night only bumped the number up to 3.35 million viewers, up 80,000 viewers from the non-holiday low of 3.27 million set last week.

    The New York Giants vs. Philadelphia Eagles game with the Star Wars trailer did 13.90 million viewers, up 14 percent from last week, but it was lower than the game two weeks away, on a week Raw did essentially the same audience (3.37 million viewers) as last night.  But last night also had the Kansas City Royals vs. Toronto Blue Jays playoff game, that was expected to do monster numbers in Canada.  However, that doesn’t relate to the U.S. number, as the game did less than Raw in the U.S., with 3.09 million viewers, down 47 percent from last week’s St. Louis Cardinals vs. Chicago Cubs game and 22 percent from the late Los Angeles Dodgers vs. New York Mets game.

    The audience fell as the show went on, which should have been expected when the big guns, Austin, Undertaker, Lesnar and John Cena were all used in the first 30 minutes and none returned the rest of the show.

    The three hours were

    8 p.m. 3.60 million viewers

    9 p.m. 3.35 million viewers

    10 p.m. 3.12 million viewers

  • Tuesday Update: Randy Orton injured, New WWE network show, John Cena

    Last night continued the build to WWE Hell in a Cell with the go-home WWE RAW leading to the Brock Lesnar vs Undertaker main event.  Check out our live report:  WWE Raw Live Results 10-19: The First Steps Towards WrestleMania.  Last night was also the exclusive WWE Network interview of Brock Lesnar on Steve Austin’s podcast: WWE: Steve Austin hosts a rare interview with Brock Lesnar

    Randy Orton will miss Hell in a Cell due to injury:  Dislocated shoulder keeps Randy Orton out of Hell In A Cell

    Tuesday has Smackdown tapings in Austin, TX with Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins, Dean Ambrose, Bray Wyatt and Sheamus as the headliners.

    Friday: Eurasian Fight Night at 12:30 p.m. ET on UFC Fight Pass.

    Saturday: UFC FIght Night: Poirier vs. Duffy live on UFC Fight Pass. The main card starts at 4:00 p.m. ET with the prelims at 1:00 p.m. ET. With the originally scheduled Stipe Miocic vs. Ben Rothwell co-headliner off due to Miocic’s injury, Patrick Holohan vs. Louis Smolka has been  bumped up.

    Sunday: WWE Hell in a Cell live on WWE Network and pay-per-view at 8:00 p.m. ET (pre-show an hour earlier) with a double main event of Brock Lesnar vs. The Undertaker and Roman Reigns vs. Bray Wyatt, plus Seth Rollins defending the WWE World Heavyweight Championship against (Demon) Kane.

    ****

    Figure Four Weekly:

    The newest issue of Figure Four Weekly is now up for subscribers (subscribe to the site here and get access to Figure Four, the Observer, tons of audio, and more) featuring details on all facets of Hulk Hogan’s lawsuit against Gawker, including a better understanding of Gawker’s defense, what else the judge has sealed to protect Hogan, and more. On top of that, we have all the usual stuff like Vinny’s reviews and international news.

    ****

    Wrestling Observer Newsletter

    A complete look at Mistico/Myzteziz/Original Sin Cara and his leaving AAA, and what it means to the Mexican scene, and his history including WWE is the lead story in the new issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.  We also look at NXT Takeover, full details behind the new Rizing Fighting Championships in Japan including what role pro wrestling will play and the Hall of Famer scheduled to headline, New Japan’s going forward with notes on upcoming shows and King of Pro Wrestling, Rusev & Lana and the TNA title tournament.  CLICK HERE FOR A FULL WRESTLING OBSERVER PREVIEW

    The latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Wrestling Observer Newsletter October 19, 2015: Mistico to CMLL, Tokyo Dome main event plus tons more

    The Wrestling Observer ranges weekly from 35,000 to 50,000 words covering pro wrestling and MMA internationally. Each issue has coverage and analysis of all the major news, plus every issue breaks major news stories before the Internet sties and has the most complete look at the pro wrestling and MMA business anywhere, plus history pieces available nowhere else.

    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 Meltzer

    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 for 52.  In Europe, you can get the fastest delivery and best rates by sending to moonsault@mediaplusint.com  For the rest of the world, rates are $16.50 for 4, $44 for 12, $85 for 24, $141 for 40 issues and $183 for 52.

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

    CLICK HERE FOR A FULL WRESTLING OBSERVER PREVIEW

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

    Click here for the most requested Wrestling Observer back issues.

    TUESDAY NEWS UPDATE

    WWE

    • As noted on Wrestling Observer Radio last night, Randy Orton is out of action with a shoulder injury, the full extent of which is unknown pending an MRI.  This is a big blow to the company given that John Cena’s final day before his 6-8 week hiatus (as of this writing) begins the day after his Hell in a Cell match where he defends the WWE US Title against a mystery opponent.
    • WWE sent out a press release announcing that William Shatner will be the narrator of the new “Breaking Ground” documentary series about the Performance Center, which premieres on WWE Network next week.
    • John Cena will be the guest on the new weekly ESPN Sportscenter segment on ESPN News, hosted by former WWE announcer “Coach” Jonathan Coachman.
    • We got several reports from Raw last night about an incident where they were panning the camera around the building during the commercial break so that everyone could show off the signs they brought to the show.  Someone held up a giant sign that read, “WRESTLEMANIA 32”, and as soon as the camera focused on it he turned it over and on the other side it read, “THREE HOURS SUCK”.  The camera quickly panned away.
    • 2K Sports released a YouTube video of the extended “bonfire” commercial for WWE 2K16. The game comes out a week from today and is available for pre-order now for release date delivery.
    • The Rock has been nominated for seven People’s Choice Awards. Voting can be found here.
    • The first Wrestlemania 32 presale code is RAWVIP, starting on November 4.
    • Today’s new WWE Home Video release is the DVD of last month’s Night of Champions pay-per-view. The next archival release is a Christmas-themed DVD-only title called Ring in the Holiday, which comes out in three weeks on November 10th. THe following week will see the release of Undertaker: The Streak R.I.P Edition 21-1, another DVD-only title, The next title available on both DVD and Blu-Ray is the much-anticipated Owen Hart release Owen: Hart of Gold, which is out of December 8th.
    • On The book front, Undertaker: 25 Years of Destruction and UFC: A Visual History drop a week from today. Both appear to be coffee table books full of photos.
    • WWE Hell In A Cell odds are up at BetWrestling.com. Right now, Brock Lesnar is a big -600 favorite against Undertaker (+400). Roman Reigns is a -290 favorite against Bray Wyatt’s +210, while Seth Rollins is a -475 favorite against Kane’s +325.
    • According to the promoters in a bit of a scathing video released Tuesday, new signee Patrick Clark of Tough Enough is apparently going to no-show an appearance for Millennium Wrestling Federation in Massachusetts Wednesday despite WWE clearing him to work the event. MWF is co-owned by John Cena Sr. As of this writing, Clark hasn’t responded on Twitter.
    • Roddy Piper’s daughter talks to TMZ about his secret talent for singing.

    UFC

    • Kevin Lee is very upset that UFC is giving Sage Northcutt a fight with Cody Pfister, who Lee calls “the worst lightweight on the roster”.  Apparently Lee doesn’t understand that UFC is attempting to create a star here.  The bigger concern is that Paige Van Zan and Sage Northcutt (hashtag #paigeandsage on Twitter — seriously) are fighting on a FIGHTPASS EXCLUSIVE, a surefire way to be seen by the fewest number of people.

    OTHER WRESTLING

    • TNA has reinstated BRAM, aka Thomas Latimer, after charges of domestic battery by strangulation and false imprisonment charges were dropped.  The prosecutor in the case declined to press charges.  If history is any indication, that means at any time TNA should be announcing that Bram has been signed to a new multi-year contract.
    • Ring of Honor debuted on WMCN-TV in Philadelphia on Friday night.  It’s regular schedule will include Saturday night airings at 11:30 ET.
    • Global Force Wrestling will crown both it’s NEX*GEN Championship and it’s Women’s Championship match this coming Friday at the Orleans in Las Vegas at its next set of TV tapings.  The NEX*GEN finals features PJ Black vs. Virgil Flynn vs. Jigsaw vs. TJP, and the Women’s Title finals features Christina Von Eerie vs. Amber Gallows.
    • Kimbo Slice, Santana Garrett, and Rocky Johnson will be part of a Tuesday night CCW event in Coral Gables, FL. Find tickets and card info here.
    • Absolute Intense Wrestling put out a short Terry Funk video putting over the promotion and indy wrestling in general.
    • On the new episode of the Between the Sheets podcast, Bruce Mitchell joins Kris Zellner and David Bixenspan to talk October 13-19, 1986. They discuss the tragic car wreck that ended Magnum T.A.’s career in the ring and how Jim Crockett Promotions was affected from it. They also discuss the impending departure of Hacksaw Jim Duggan from the UWF, the return of Roddy Piper to the WWF, Riki Choshu to the WWF?, and Mad Dog Vachon in his new role in life as…Inspector Gourmet?!?!
    • The latest Fire Pro Podcast looks at the best wrestling theme songs here.
    • Two Man Power Trip of Wrestling talks to The Pope/Elijah Burke.
    • Here’s a look at who is cutting the cord, a hot topic among the masses now.
    • CHIKARA: Off The Hook is this Saturday, October 24th, 2015 at 7:00 p.m. It takes place at the Jeffersonville Arena on 1416 Spring Street in Jeffersonville, IN. Tickets are still available.
    • AWA wrestling personalities will be honoring Stan Kowalski with a luncheon tribute on October 29 in Minneapolis. AWA alums  Larry “The Axe” Hennig, Kenny “Sodbuster” Jay, Eddie Sharkey, and Jim Brunzell have all indicated they will be attending.
    • Crossfire Wrestling returns to the Merritton Community Centre 7 Park Avenue St. Catharines ON for “JINGLE BELL BRAWL IV!” Saturday December 5th 5pm Bell Time with a Double Main Event of Crossfire Wrestling Heavyweight Champion Jeremy Elliott vs. Kongo Kong Cody Deaner vs. “Showtime” Eric Young. General Admission tickets are $15 individually or 2 for $25. General Admission Entry is 4:30pm. You can also call the Hotline 905-329-2693 for General Admission tickets.
    • Border City Wrestling Excellence results from  October 17, 2015 at St. Clair College in Windsor, Ontario: Sonjay Dutt, Brent B & Ashley Sixx defeated N8 Mattson, Benjamin Boone & Orlando Christopher, John E. Bravo won the Doug Chevalier Memorial Gauntlet. Other participants were Krimson, Toro Acero, Ray Steele, Muscles Marinara, Mysterious Movado, Randy Reign, A1, Tyler Tirva, and Bobby Clancy. Moose (w/ Scarlett) defeated Johnny Swinger (w/ Jade), Shane Helms & The Great Sanada defeated Tyson Dux & Brad Martin. Overdogs Sebastian Suave & Tarik defeated Action Jackson & Aiden Prince in the first match of the BCW Can-Am Tag-Team Championship Tournament after Jackson laid out Prince and abandoned him in the ring, PJ Black defeated Phil Atlas, Lisa Marie Varon & Bryan Castle defeated Joe Coleman & Taeler Hendrix, and Cody Deaner defeated Bobby Roode & Kongo Kong (w/ Scott D’Amore) to win the Interim BCW Can-Am Championship.

    ​

  • WWE debuts new show Breaking Ground free on YouTube and FaceBook

    WWE is going to be offering the first episode of  “Breaking Ground,” a documentary on NXT, on its Facebook page and YouTube channel on Sunday at Noon Eastern time.

    Future episodes, will be WWE Network exclusives.  The show will be airing regularly on Monday nights right after Raw.  There are currently 10 episodes in the series.

    William Shatner of “Star Trek” fame will be the narrator of the show.

    The show is a behind-the-scenes look at training to be a WWE performer. There will be ten episodes of the series.

    Kevin Dunn will be the producer of the series, which is a co-production of WWE and 3 Ball Entertainment.

    3 Ball Entertainment has produced reality shows such as Bar Rescue, Catch a Contractor and Sweat Inc. on Spike TV, My Cat from Hell on Animal Planet and Extreme Weight Loss on ABC.