Jon Jones, the former UFC light heavyweight champion, was given a conditional discharge and 18 months probation on a felony charge of leaving the scene of an accident in a plea bargain Tuesday morning.
Judge Charles Brown ordered Jones to make at least 72 appearances for both charity and speaking with children over the probation period. Once he fulfills the terms of the probation, he will be brought back to court and given a conditional discharge and would not have a felony conviction on his record.
Jones was arrested from an incident on 4/26 on charges of leaving the scene of an accident involving death or serious injury when he crashed a rented SUV into a car driven by a pregnant woman, Vanessa Sonnenberg. Sonnenberg suffered a broken arm but has made a full recovery.
Jones was suspended and stripped of his title The police report indicated Jones ran a red light and struck Sonnenberg’s car. He left the scene, but then returned to grab a handful of money, and then ran away over a fence. Jones disappeared for about 24 hours before turning himself in. A marijuana pipe was found in the car.
UFC president Dana White, who was in court this morning with Jones, has said that Jones would get a shot at the title that he never lost in the cage, as soon as he was ready to return.
The main focus of the show was to build up the Big Show vs. Brock Lesnar match at Madison Square Garden this Saturday. The main event was built up to be the final battle between Roman Reigns and Bray Wyatt, but instead it ended with a couple of big spots that will carry the program over to Hell in a Cell. The biggest was Reigns spearing Wyatt through the announcer’s table, moments after Wyatt had speared Reigns through a barricade.
Show Recap:
John Cena started the show with the return of the open challenge for the U.S. Championship. When Cena asked for the challenger, Xavier Woods could be heard playing Cena’s theme song on his trombone as the New Day came out. Big E. mentioned the New Day’s tag team title defense against the Dudley Boyz at Madison Square Garden this Saturday on the Network. New Day had an idea for a new Cena slogan “Hustle, Loyalty, Bootee” and attempted to get over the catchphrase “at the same damn time.” A stoic Cena cut them off and said there was a time to be entertaining and a time to be funny. That’s coming from John “titles come and go” Cena. Woods stepped up to be the challenger.
John Cena (C) defeated Xavier Woods by DQ, so Cena retained the U.S. Championship (9:22)
Cena had Woods in the STF when Big E. and Kofi ran in for the DQ. The Dudleys ran down for the save. Woods used the Gail Kim Eat Defeat for a near fall. There appeared to be a botched spot where Woods was supposed to be caught on Cena’s shoulders, possibly for the AA, but it got twisted up. Cena was visibly upset about it. Big E. and Kofi Kingston threatened to interfere, so the referee sent them to the back in the opening two minutes.
This set up a six-man with the Dudleys and Cena against the New Day. Michael Cole claimed the match was set up by Corporate Kane, though we never saw that because they were in a commercial. So Kane’s dual personas will continue.
The New Day defeated The Dudley Boyz and John Cena (6:38)
The Dudleys gave Kofi Wazzup and tried to set up the 3-D, but Woods tripped Bubba Ray. As Devon was distracted, Kofi hit Trouble in Paradise for the pin. Cena was taken out of the picture moments beforehand when Big E. gave him a shoulder block and they crashed to the floor.
HHH and Stephanie talked with a woman named Ashley from Human Resources. Corporate Kane walked in. Stephanie said an anonymous complaint had been lobbied against Kane so Ashley would observe Kane tonight. Seth Rollins walked in and said he couldn’t believe someone would send an anonymous complaint about Kane. Rollins sold nothing from being dragged under the ring by Demonic Kane last week.
Dean Ambrose was backstage with Roman Reigns and told him that he didn’t think facing Bray Wyatt tonight one-on-one was the best idea. Ambrose said he would have Reigns’ back tonight. Reigns said Randy Orton could help Ambrose, who didn’t sound too happy about that idea. Orton walked in. Ambrose said after what happened with Chris Jericho at Night of Champions, he wasn’t too keen on outsiders trying to help them. Orton wondered if Reigns and Ambrose could handle their business against the Wyatt family alone.
The Big Show defeated Mark Henry (2:38)
Simple booking as the Big Show won quickly look make him a formable challenger for Brock Lesnar on Saturday night. Show slammed Henry repeatedly and pinned him with the knockout punch.
MizTV with Becky Lynch and Charlotte. The Miz asked them about the drama regarding Paige. Charlotte wanted Paige to come down. Lynch threw the Miz’s microphone on the ramp. Team Bella came out. Nikki Bella said Charlotte was going to be a hot mess by the time they wrestled again. Isn’t that the other company’s champion? Charlotte challenged her to come in the ring. Nikki said Paige didn’t start the Divas Revolution, it was her. Somehow, Charlotte said the fans were responsible for the Revolution. They started to square off when Paige came out to a noticeable pop. Paige took credit for putting NXT on the map for being the first NXT Women’s Champion. Nikki said with friends like Paige, who needs enemies? Paige shot back with if you have two boyfriends like yours, who needs ambition? In a segment that was overly scripted, that was a good line. That started a massive brawl with Team PCB fighting together again clearing the ring of the Bellas. This set up our second impromptu trios match in less than an hour.
Nikki Bella, Brie Bella and Alicia Fox defeated Charlotte, Paige and Becky Lynch (7:43)
Charlotte attempted the Figure 8 on Nikki, who kicked Charlotte into Paige. That led to Paige walking out. Natalya confronted Paige and they argued. Natalya acted like she was going to replace Paige, but Paige came back down and tripped Natalya onto the apron. Charlotte was distracted and it led to Nikki pinning Charlotte with the Rack Attack.
Very good video piece regarding the Lesnar-Show match. It contained footage of Show’s victory over Lesnar from Survivor Series 2002.
Rollins talked with Human Resources Ashley when Corporate Kane showed up carrying a big gift package. Rollins looked scared to open it, but it turned out to be the severed head of Rollins’ statue. Kane explained that he went to a Baltimore landfill to dig it up. Ashley found that charming, but Rollins didn’t want any piece of it. While this may be a ripoff of a TNA idea, Corporate Kane is entertaining in his role.
Braun Strowman and Luke Harper defeated the Prime Time Players via submission (4:17)
Braun Strowman made Titus O’Neal pass out with the head and arm choke. It’s clear how limited Strowman is because he didn’t set foot in the ring until the finish. Still, he was the focal point of the match as Darren Young and O’Neal bounced off of him while he was on the apron.
Neville defeated Stardust by DQ (2:32)
King Barrett, looking like he’s lost about 10 pounds of muscle, walked in for the DQ and gave Neville a Bullhammer Elbow. Then he gave Stardust a Bullhammer Elbow, as well. Barrett said “All hail the return of the King.”
Director of Operations Kane, coming out to Demonic Kane’s music, was in the ring with HR Ashley. As she was about to present her report, Rollins came out and said Kane wasn’t the man he pretends to be. Rollins showed a video of Demonic Kane choke slamming person after person over the past 18 years, including Rollins, who implored Ashley not to keep Kane around as Director of Operations. Otherwise, the carnage that Kane will inflict will be on her head. Rollins said Kane tried to drag him to hell last week. But Rollins said people like him don’t go to hell, he’s going to heaven. Rollins claimed to have a private session with Pope Francis last week, and the Pope informed him he was going to heaven.
Then Kane showed Ashley yet another video of Rollins mistreating various people who worked with him this year. Finally, Ashley read her report and said Kane was sound of mind and capable of fulfilling his duties as Director of Operations. She said Kane was the perfect WWE employee. She said if anyone needed to be evaluated, it was Rollins, because he was crude, paranoid and the most unprofessional person she’s ever met in the WWE.
Rollins went into the ring and came unglued, shoving Kane and screaming he was out of his ind. In the midst of his tantrum, Rollins dropped his belt. Kane started to pick it up, but Rollins gave him a pedigree. Then Rollins picked up a chair and hit Kane on his injured ankle, and threw several more shots across Kane’s back to leave him laying. Rollins put the chair around Kane’s bad ankle and stomped on it, though the announcers never called it the Curb Stomp. That was what we thought it was supposed to be. A doctor came into the ring and called for a stretcher. Rollins ran down Kane as he did a stretcher job and said he would never get close to him again.
Kane was loaded into an ambulance and it drove off. Rollins talked some more, but then the ambulance reappeared on the TitonTron filled with smoke. Demon Kane emerged limping heavily towards the ramp, then he planted his bad leg and walked normally to the ring.
Rollins met Demonic Kane with a chair shot to the leg again, something that Demonic Kane no sold. Demonic Kane let loose with punches, which was meant to be a babyface spot. Crowd had a mild reaction. Kane choke slammed Rollins. Some fans could be heard chanting “Russo.” Kane teased a tombstone, but Rollins escaped. Kane looked at the WWE World Championship belt.
Wyatt did a promo talking about Harper and Strowman victory earlier. However, Wyatt told Reigns he would face him one-on-one. Wyatt said he and Reigns were the Alpha and Omega and only a fool would believe he could look into the dragon’s eyes and not be burned.
Bo Dallas came out and mentioned that members of the Buffalo Bills were at ringside. They were almost an inspiration, except they didn’t have a Super Bowl. All they had to do to win one is Bo-Lieve.
Randy Orton defeated Bo Dallas (1:56)
Orton with the draping DDT and RKO in a squash.
Kevin Owens and Rusev went to a no contest (:45)
Kevin Owens threw Rusev into Ryback, who was at ringside doing commentary. This led to Ryback and Rusev brawling. Owens and Rusev joined forces to toss Ryback into the ring steps. Dolph Ziggler ran down for the save.
In the WWE’s Campaign Against Pediatric Cancer, Ellen Degeneres was shown asking people to videotape themselves dancing. This led to Daniel Bryan challenging Brie Bella. It led to Paige, Becky Lynch, The New Day, Jon Stewart (who was sucker punched with a chair shot by his son) Naturally, Stewart challenged Stephanie McMahon, who challenged the WWE Universe.
They aired a promo of Total Divas where Ziggler teased he had feelings for Nikki Bella. Like he
Paul Heyman came out for a promo regarding Lesnar’s Road to Hell Tour. He said this Saturday night, hell would descend on Madison Square Garden when Lesnar fights the Big Show. He said he knows Show better than anybody else. He said Show has grown complacent because no one except Lesnar can push the Big Show to his limits. He said Lesnar would take Show to Suplex City.
Show came out and took issue with being called complacent. Show did a Heyman impression talking about beating Lesnar. Heyman walked out. Show stopped him and said he wanted Heyman to think about a future without Lesnar. Heyman looked concerned. I can’t imagine they would turn Heyman against Lesnar to help Show because they made that same mistake a decade ago.
Roman Reigns and Bray Wyatt went to a double countout (12:59)
Another match where Reigns didn’t get the heat of a future main eventer. Crowd was mainly dead as it feels like this program is long in the tooth. It turned into a brawl into the crowd where Wyatt threw a planted stage hand onto Reigns. Then Wyatt charged at Reigns and they charged through a barricade. After selling it for a minute, Wyatt stood on top of the announcer’s table. Then Reigns got up and did a spear on Wyatt through the table. Crowd did pop big for that as both men were laid out, side-by-side as the show ended.
SUMMARY: Not much of a show. Nothing great in terms of matches. The show closing angle may help light a spark to the Reigns-Wyatt program.
The WWE announced today the suspension of Dylan Postl (Hornswoggle) for 30 days due to his first violation of the company’s Wellness policy.
Postl has been rarely used on television since the company got rid of Drew McIntyre (now Drew Galloway) and Jinder Mahal (now Tiger Raj Singh) in breaking up the 3MB unit. Years ago, Postl was a heavily pushed commodity, even given the role as the illegitimate son of Vince McMahon, aimed at young children.
It has been more than two years since the company’s last previously announced suspension for Jesus “Ricardo” Rodriguez.
The UFC’s attempt to stage their first show in New York had a dramatic twist Monday as the world’s largest MMA organization simply announced they are going to run a show at NYC’s Madison Square Garden on April 23, 2016… but only with a judge’s help.
UFC sent out a press release with the date and location, and announced they have filed a new case in federal court “reiterating its claim that the New York law banning MMA events is unconstitutional. This out-of-date law is too unclear for the public to understand, and has allowed regulators in New York to pick and choose arbitrarily what events they will permit. Events featuring every combat sport except MMA seem to be allowed in New York, though this is not explicitly stated in the law. The statute, and the state’s pattern of enforcing it, violates the Constitution’s prohibition on unconstitutionally vague laws.”
They added that later this week, they will “ask a federal judge to issue a preliminary injunction against New York state officials enforcing its unconstitutional law. Without such an injunction, the event at Madison Square Garden will not be able to proceed.”
The announcement is actually a legal strategy. UFC had a lawsuit out against the state of New York that was thrown out because they were given the impression they couldn’t prove damages, in the sense the state had never denied their request to run a show. They had never requested running a show because the state didn’t sanction MMA due to a 1997 law that banned the sport. They took the ruling to mean that by never announcing a date, and having the state then cancel it, there were no damages.
The UFC will attempt to now get a preliminary injunction against the state and use that in its battle to promote there. If the injunction fails, the show would not take place, but it would them give them a stronger legal case against the state.
A bit of grandstanding? Yes, but for those who have followed the MMA in NY State drama for the past few years, that is what is needed in order to draw more attention to the UFC’s struggles to get into the state.
One interesting side note: when it comes to scheduling, a potential MSG event (which would be loaded) would come less than three months before UFC 200 in July, another show that is expected to be loaded up. When it comes to the 2016 schedule, we’ll see if UFC goes lighter around that time to help fuel both cards. Of course, this all may be for naught depending on the legal system.
Here are this morning’s results of the second Destruction show, which took place at Kobe World Hall.
Yohei Komatsu and Sho Tanaka vs. Jay White and David Finlay
This was a pretty short match, but was good while it lasted with some good back and forth offense. Komatsu and Tanaka had both of their opponents in the Boston crab. Finlay made it to the ropes, but White was the legal man and submitted, with Tanaka getting the win for his team.
Jushin Liger, Tiger Mask and Yuji Nagata vs. Captain New Japan, Manabu Nakanishi and Juice Robinson
Nagata worked a lot of this match, first against Nakanishi then against Robinson. He and Nakanishi were fine, though I thought Nagata selling for Nakanishi’s weak offense was kind of jarring. Robinson came in and got the heat for a bit but Nagata cut him off with the white eyes armbar then pinned him with the backdrop hold. Typical New Japan multi man tag you’d see on any show.
Roppongi Vice, Yoshi-Hashi and Tomohiro Ishii vs. Mascara Dorada, Tomoaki Honma, Togi Makabe and Ryusuke Taguchi
Good six man action. It had the usual NJPW multi man tag tropes but everyone worked hard. Focus was on IShii and Makabe which seems like the next NEVER title program. Mascara Dorada did a great tornillo dive on the outside, wiping out his opponents, but he’s the one pinned as Beretta cuts him off and RPG Vice do their Omori Driver/dropkick finish for the win. They focused on Makabe and Ishii again after the match. Not that they’ll have a bad match, but they started this program a year ago and it feels like they’re going nowhere by doing the same match repeatedly.
Hiroyoshi Tenzan, Satoshi Kojima and Matt Sydal vs. Karl Anderson, Doc Gallows and Kenny Omega
Another good tag team match. Tenkoji and Anderson/Gallows mostly worked with one another and Sydal and Omega did as well. Sydal looked good and the crowd were into him. Sydal gave Omega a great looking reverse rana then pinned him with a shooting star press. So it’s clear this is leading to their title match, probably at King of Pro Wrestling.
Katsuyori Shibata vs. Tetsuya Naito
Naito took his sweet time getting to the ring, complete with a new mask. When Shibata came down, he quickly kicked him in his face and started work on him. Naito cut him off and threw him into the barricades, taking his suit off. He had the offense for a while, but Shibata came back and beat him up unmercifully, making everything look as unpleasant as possible He repeatedly threw him in the barricades on all sides of the area, eventually laying him out with a boot that sent him into the crowd. Shibata took a lot of the match.
He had Naito in the sleeper, but Naito grabbed the ref and gave Shibata two low blows, then pinned him with the Destino for the win. Makes sense given his new character. I wouldn’t say this was a blow away match, but it was a pretty good match. Naito destroyed Jay White after the match, then a cameraman as he was walking to the back. He was about to beat up the cameraman some more when Shibata came flying out of nowhere and jumped him, sending them both brawling to the back. Seems like that feud isn’t over.
Tama Tonga, Cody Hall and AJ Styles vs. Kazushi Sakuraba, Kazuchika Okada and Toru Yano
This was a good bout. It was clear this crowd were into Kazuchika Okada far more than anyone else on this show so far. At one point he dropkicked Styles and the place erupted. A lot of the match was Yano doing his antics with Tama Tonga, who he is afraid of. Tonga smacked Yano with the turnbuckle pad at one point to get the heat. Hall was working on Sakuraba when Yano low blowed him and Sakuraba put him in a sleeper. AJ broke it up but Okada dropkicked him to the floor and Sakuraba tapped out Hall with the kimura. Another decent tag team match.
IWGP Jr. Tag Team Championship: reDragon vs. Time Splitters
This was a good match, but it just felt like something was missing. It was never bad and there was action throughout but the crowd was just kind of there, only reacting for big spots, and the action was just there, never bad, pretty good, but nothing that would blow people away. Both teams have had better matches on other shows. reDragon retained the titles with Fish pinning Shelley after hitting Chasing the Dragon.
reDragon extended their hands to Time Splitters after the match and they shook hands and put the titles on them in a sign of good sportsmanship. Roppongi Vice came out and acted like they were going to be all chummy with the two teams, then jumped them and left them all lying. Rocky Romero then grabbed the mic and said he and Beretta would be the next champions. This should be a good match, but the title situation in this division feels like a revolving door of challengers that doesn’t change all that much.
Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Bad Luck Fale for the IWGP title shot at WrestleKingdom
Tanahashi worked his butt off, including doing a high fly flow from the top rope to the floor. Fale at one point just sat on Hiroshi Tanahashi to a big pop for a nearfall. It looks like he uses his full weight on that move and it just seems so not fun to take. Crowd was into Tanahashi big time which helped this match. Tanahashi went for the high fly flow but Fale countered with a grenade. He went to the top rope, teasing the high fly flow that pinned Tanahashi a few months ago but Tanahashi countered with a superplex then pinned him with the high fly flow. Good finish to a match that was pretty solid overall thanks to Tanahashi.
After the match Tanahashi told Naito to come out as he wants to fight him. Naito comes out and sits on a chair, acting uninterested before eventually just leaving. This makes sense since Naito beat Tanahashi during the G1, and probably would be his last stop before facing whoever is champion at WrestleKingdom.
IWGP Intercontinental Championship: Hirooki Goto vs. Shinsuke Nakamura
Turned out to be the best match of either show, a typically great New Japan main event. Most of it was just solid work for most of the match. Nothing out of this world, but good offense by both. Nakamura hit a sliding boma ye at one point and the people exploded. Goto hit the code red from the top rope but Nakamura came back. He was going for the boma ye from the middle rope but Goto came back and hit his knee neckbreaker, then another one from the top rope for a near fall. Nakamura did his jumping clothesline but Goto came back immediately and tried to do one of his own.
Finally Nakamura escaped and hit a boma ye, went for another but Goto blocked him, only for Nakamura to come back with another boma ye and pin him to win the title. Not really sure what Nakamura benefits from having another run with the title when Goto probably needed it more than him. Still, turned out to be a really great match. Not match of the year but a great New Japan main event.
Nakamura celebrates as Karl Anderson comes to the ring to challenge him for the title. He says that since he beat Nakamura and Goto in the G1, he deserves a shot and wants to be a double champion. Nakamura’s response to this is YEAOH, so looks like that’s the next title program.
Final Thoughts:
Overall I felt most of the show was just okay until the main event. NJPW’s booking right now feels stagnant with the same people in the same positions wrestling each other over and over. Not that it’s a bad thing, because most of the build towards King of Pro Wrestling appears to be pretty good (Styles/Okada, Anderson/Nakamura, Ishii/Makabe, Sydal/Omega, RPG Vice/reDragon, maybe Tanahashi/Naito). The repetitive nature of New Japan’s booking however is starting to become the white elephant in the room, and becoming more noticeable as the year draws to a close.
Fans tuning into Friday’s Eurasia Fight Nights: Dagestan event airing on UFC Fight Pass were treated to an appearance from a special guest in the form of former UFC Middleweight Champion Anderson Silva. Silva is currently under a year-long suspension following multiple failed drug tests stemming from his fight against Nick Diaz at UFC 183 in January. Many have thought that Silva may never fight again, but he let it be known that he will, perhaps releasing news of his return without any blessing.
Silva stated that he was offered a return to action in April against Michael Bisping in a fight that would serve as the co-main event under UFC Heavyweight Champion Fabricio Werdum vs. Cain Velasquez, II in Curitiba, Brazil. He was quick to retract the statement, though, almost like he knew he let the cat out of the bag. Bisping is currently booked for a fight against Robert Whittaker, scheduled to take place at UFC 193 in November. Win or lose, though, and Bisping could be headed for a bout against Silva, a fight many fans have thought about over the years.
This also seems to stamp down an unofficial confirmation on the booking of the rematch between Werdum and Velasquez. Werdum has expressed past interest in wanting the fight in a soccer stadium in Brazil, and recent statements made by UFC President Dana White indicated Werdum was looking at returning to action in March. Werdum made conflicting statements that he would be ready to return just past the start of the new year, but indications from Silva suggest Werdum may get his wish.
This is all speculation, though, as Silva was quick to recant his statement on the broadcast. We will keep you updated in the coming months concerning both the return of Silva, and the official confirmation of when and where Werdum vs. Velasquez will take place.
Welcome to WrestlingObserver.com’s live coverage of UFC Fight Night 75: Barnett vs. Nelson from the Saitama Super Arena in Saitama, Japan. The event is headlined by former UFC Heavyweight Champion Josh Barnett returning from a long layoff to take on Roy Nelson. In the co-main event slot, it will be Gegard Mousasi taking on Uriah Hall in middleweight action. The action kicks off with preliminary card fights at 8 PM eastern time on FOX Sports 2. The action moves over to FOX Sports 1 at 10 PM eastern time for the main card. Enjoy the fights all.
First round: Zapata tried a kick to the head. Anzai working for a takedown. Now throwing punches as he borke. He went for another takedown. Anzai again working for a takedown. Anzai got him down. Anzai keeping him down but doing no damage. Anzai tried a takedown, Zapata held the cage to block but the ref missed it. Anzai again working for a takedown. Anzai 10-9.
Second round: Zapata kicked the body. Zapata with punches but Anzai again working for a takedown. Anzai landed a punch, Zapata landed several back and Anzai took him down but Zapata right back up. Anzai took him down again even with Zapata grabbing the cage. Anzai got his back now. Zapata got back up and trying for a takedown himself. Anzai 20-18.
Third round: Anzai with a nice right. They called a time out. Zapata hurt his finger. He didn’t want the doctor to look at it. You’re not supposed to stop the fight due to an injury for a time out. The ref realized it and he had to stop the fight since he can’t call a time out.
LIGHTWEIGHTS- NAOYUKI KOTANI VS. KAJAN JOHNSON
First round: Johnson landed a right. Johnson landed a left. High kick by Johnson. Johnson hurt him with a right and a high kick. Kotani went for a takedown but couldn’t get it. Spin kick by Johnson. Johnson 10-9.
Second round: Kotani with a body kick. Body kick by Johnson. Johnson dropped him with a right. Johnson landing punches from the top. He’s landing several good shots from the top. Kotani got back to his feet. Crowd popped for that. Knee by Johnson dropped Kotani. Johnson on top landing punches and elbows. Kotani in real trouble. Kotani back up. Johnson staggered him again. Johnson, I’d go 10-8, because he had him in trouble twice, so 20-17.
Third round: Left by Johnson. Kotani took him down. Johnson went for the leg from the bottom. Kotani on top but doing no damage. Kotani with punches and working for a leglock but Johnson out of it. Kotani shooting for a takedown but didn’t get it. Hard right by Johnson at the horn. Kotani’s round, but Johnson should win 29-27.
Scores: Johnson 29-28, 29-28 and 30-27. No 10-8s in round two.
Johnson said that he wanted to fight later this year on the South Korea debut.
LIGHTWEIGHTS- NICK HEIN VS. YUSUKE KASUYA
First round: Kasuya threw him down and landed a high kick when Hein got up. Hein kneed him hard in the groin. Kasuya is hurt. Kazuya is laying on his back while it was stopped. He looks really hurt. Kasuya finally got up after three plus minutes. Hein only got a warning. Left by Hein. High kick by Kasuya. Hein landing punches. Hard left by Kasuya. Kasuya shot for a takedown but didn’t get it. Close round, Hein 10-9.
Second round: Both throwing punches. Left by Hein. Hein landed another left. Kasuya with a left and a high kick. Left by Hein. Right by Hein. Kasuya is the one moving forward by Hein is landing more. Hein 20-18.
Third round: Left by Hein. Right by Kasuya. Left and right by Hein. Hein with a low kick. Takedown by Kasuya and Hein reversed and got back up. Hein got his eye poked. Rigth by Hein but a body kick by Kasuya. Hein 30-27 but I actually could see a home town decision with a close first and third round.
Scores: 30-27, 30-27 and 29-28 for Hein
WELTERWEIGHTS- KEITA NAKAMURA VS. LI JINGLIANG
First round: Both throwing punches. Nakamura dropped him with a left. Jingliang working for a triangle from the bottom. Nakamura landing hammer fists on the ground. Totally boring round. If we weren’t in Japan people would be booing like crazy. A stand-up was ordered. Nakamura landed a right and a knee. Jingliang back with punches. Nakamura 10-9.
Second round: Both throwing. Left by Jingliang. Hard right by Jingliang. Jingliang landing more. Jingliang landing a lot more. Nakamura just standing there. Right by Jingliang. Nakamura with a bloody nose. Jingliang hurting himn with punches and dropped him. Jigliant working to finish him. Jingliang with punches on the ground. Trading punches. Jingliang’s round so 19-19 going into the third.
Third round: Jingliang still landing. Nakamura went for a takedown and not even close. Left by Nakamura. Jingliang took him down. Nakamura working for a takedown and didn’t get it. Nakamura got his back. Crowd going nuts and finished him with a choke. Great come from behind win for Nakamura.
MAIN CARD (FOX SPORTS 1- 10 PM ET/7 PM PT):
UFC: ROAD TO JAPAN FEATHERWEIGHT FINALS- MIZUTO HIROTA VS. TERUTO ISHIHARA
First round: This is the final of the Road to UFC Japan tournament on Japanese television. Winner gets a six figure contract, which doesn’t really mean that much these days. Hard body kick by Ishihara which was a cheap shot since he went to shake hands it seemed. Left by Ishihara. Ishihara landed low kicks. Good left by Ishihara. Left by Ishihara. High kick by Hirota. Right by Hirota. Hirota has him pinned against the fence. Good left by Ishihara. Left by Hirota. Nice right by Hirota. Hard left by Ishihara. Ishihara dropped him at the end of the round. 10-9 Ishihara.
Second round: Ishihara with a left. Now low kicks by Ishihara. Ishihara dropped him with a left. Good left by Ishihara. Hirota landing. Hirota connected with a right. Left by Ishihara. Hirota took him down. Ishihara back up with no damage. Spinning punch to the stomach by Ishihara. Left by Ishihara. Hirota landed several punches. This is the best fight so far tonight. Both landing punches now. Ishihara 20-18.
Third round: Ishihara dropped him again with a left. Knee by Hirota. Hirota landing punches now. Hirota hurt him with a right. Knee by Hirota. Punches by Hirota and took him down. Hirota has his back. Ishihara back up. Hirota took him down but Ishihara back up. Knee by Hirota. Both throwing and Hirota landed a solid punch. Hirota is working for a takedown. He gave it up. Crowd really hot right now as both are swinging. Hirota’s round, 29-28 for Ishihara.
FEATHERWEIGHTS- KATSUNORI KIKUNO VS. DIEGO BRANDAO
First round: Brandao dropped him with a right and pounding on him. He threw him down and a few more punches and it was over. :28
BANTAMWEIGHTS- TAKEYA MIZUGAKI VS. GEORGE ROOP
First round: Both trading punches. Mizugaki with a knee from close range. Body shot and right cross. Roop back with punches. Both trading punches. Mizugaki with a right. Mizugaki starting to land. Good round. 10-9 Mizugaki.
Second round: Mizugaki landing two solid punches. Roop pressing him against the fence. Roop with knees. Mizugaki with punches and a knee and Roop pushed him against the fence. Roop bleeding from the nose. 20-18 Mizugaki.
Third round: Roop landed a right. Roop took him down but Mizugaki immediately back to his feet. Mizugaki landed a left. Knee by Mizugaki. Close round. Mizugaki 29-28.
Scores: All three have it 29-28 for Mizugaki.
They have just announced that both Hirota and Ishihara have gotten six figure contracts so they are co-winners of the Road to Japan.
FLYWEIGHTS- KYOJI HORIGUCHI VS. CHICO CAMUS
First round: Body kick by Horiguchi. Punches and a kick by Horiguchi. Camus got behind him on a missed spin kick. Body kick by Horiguchi. Horiguchi with a body kick. Horiguchi 10-9.
Second round: Horiguchi came out fast landing a lot of punches and tried to get his back but Camus out of trouble. Camus cut under the right eye. Horiguchi continues to land. Another flurry by Horiguchi. Both landing and a body kick by Horiguchi. Camus landed and Horiguchi bleeding from the nose. Right by Horiguchi. Horiguchi 20-18.
Third round: Body kick by Horiguchi. Horiguchi landed a series of punches. Horiguchi got his back standing for a second. Body kick by Horiguchi. Knee by Horiguchi. Body kick by Horiguchi. Head kick by Horiguchi Horiguchi trying to finish but Camus back with several punches that landed. 30-27 Horiguchi
Scores: All three have it 30-27 for Horiguchi.
MIDDLEWEIGHTS- GEGARD MOUSASI VS. URIAH HALL
First round: Takedown by Mousasi. Crowd is into Mousasi. Mousasi working from the top. He’s working for an arm triangle. He’s got full mount. Hall trying or a leglock but has nothing. Mousasi moved to side control. Hall has a Kimura. Mousasi pulled out of it. Mousasi has his back and throwing punches. Mousasi working for a choke but doesn’t have it. Crowd liked this round. 10-9 Mousasi.
Second round: Great spin kick landed right to the face on Mousasi and a hard knee. He’s landing punches and Mousasi is in a lot of trouble. Hall landing punches and Mousasi is in a lot of trouble. Hall with a ton of punches and it was stopped. Big upset. Crowd going nuts.
HEAVYWEIGHTS- JOSH BARNETT VS. ROY NELSON
First round: Barnett got a big pop. Barnett landed a kick. Nelson took Barnett down. Ref Steve Perceval ordered a standup. Barnett with a knee. Barnett with more knees. Nelson landed to the body. Anohter knee by Barnett. Nelson didn’t get a takedown. Barnett landing to the body. Barnet landing from the clinch. Nelson got a second takedown. Nelson landed a few punches from the top. 10-9 Nelson.
Second round: Nelson landed the right. Nelson started to land. Low kick by Barnett but two uppercuts by Nelson. Barnett landed a right and an uppercut. Both traded punches. Knee by Barnett. Barnett landing big punches and a knee. Barnett landed several punches and a knee. Elbows by Barnett. Barnett with several knees. Hard knee by Barnett. Uppercut and knees by Barnett. Elbow and knee by Barnett. Great head kick by Nelson. Barnett back with punches. More punches by Barnett. Knees and uppercuts by Barnett. Barnett stomping on his foot. Barnett’s round 19-19.
Round three: Uppercut by Barnett. Nelson trying for a bodylock takedown. Nelson throwing knees to the thigh. Ref ordered a break. Barnett moved in and landed but both ended up by the fence. Barnett with uppercuts,. Barnett with knees. Barnett landing. Nelson landed and trying for a takedown and Barnett defending it. Nelson tried for a takedown but Barnett blocked it. The ref broke them up again. Body kick and knee by Barnett, Nelson with a body shot. Very close round. Barnett 29-28.
Round four: Elbow by Barnett. Knees by Barnett and a punch. Nelson got him down but Barnett right up. Elbow by Barnett. Knee and punches by Barnett. Barnett with a lot of punches, knees and elbows. Nelson seems in trouble. Nelson is taking them. Hard elbow by Barnett. Knee by Barnett. Hard elbow by Barnett. Elbow and backfist by Nelson with a takedown and Nelson has his back. Barnett back up. Another break called. Barnett landing punches and knees. These two aer exhausted. Knee to the body by Barnett. Barnett 39-37.
Fifth round: Barnett with spinning back kick. Body kick by Nelson. Barnett moved and landed more punches. Knee by Barnett. Barnett landing all kinds of punches. Elbow by Barnett. Knee by Barnett. Elbow by Barnett. Elbow by Nelson. Knee by Barnett. Taekdown by Nelson. Nelson punching the body. Barnett back up. Uppercut by Barnett. The ref ordered a break. Nelson with a body shot and punch. Barnett kicked the body. Nelson landed punches. Barnett with a body kick. Very close round. Nelson’s round so I’ve got 48-47 Barnett. Could go the other way easily.
Scores: 48-47, 48-47 and 50-45 Barnett.
Barnett said it proves pro wrestling is strong. He said his clinch work wasn’t good enough, nothing he did was good enough but it was a good staring point. Barnett did his interview in Japanese. He said he loves this country. He called Nelson over. He put over Roy Nelson. He said Roy fights like a warrior and he gave Roy everything he had and Roy took it.
WWE Hall-of-Famer Tammy “Sunny” Sytch was arrested on Wednesday for missing three different court dates.
The new issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter noted her not appearing for court dates on 7/29 and 8/21, as well as missing an arraignment on 9/3, all stemming from several charges on 5/30 in Palmerton, PA.
News of her arrest was reported Friday morning by TMZ Sports. Sytch was arrested on charges of a DUI, driving with a suspended license and careless driving. She also faces two other DUI charges in June that this is not related to. She is currently in custody and has a hearing Friday when a bail amount will be set.
Sytch, better known as Sunny, has had a long track record of issues and remains the only person ever under contract that WWE will no longer send to rehab if a request is made.
Al Friend, who was best known as a manager in the Central States during the 70s as Percival A. Friend, passed away today after what was reported as a lengthy illness.
Friend was 70.
Friend started as in wrestling in his native Flint, MI, as a ring announced in 1963. Shortly thereafter, he started working as a referee, and then a masked wrestler, often using the name The Green Hornet.
He gained his greatest success moving into managing in 1970, managing a number of heels that came through the Central States territory, most notably British star Black Angus Campbell, as well as Harley Race, Roger Kirby, and the tag team of Tokyo Joe & The Great Togo. He also managed in other territories, most notably West Texas in 1973.
When his daughter was born in 1975, he slowly moved out of wrestling. He got a job working with Standard Oil of Ohio in 1976 and retired from wrestling.
He remained close to the wrestling business for the rest of his life, writing extensively on the subject, regularly posting on web sites and was a well-known regular at the Cauliflower Alley Club banquets in Las Vegas in recent years.
With WWE ratings at historic lows, the company has announced a loaded up go-home show for Hell in a Cell.
The final Raw before the PPV, on October 19th from the American Airlines Arena in Dallas, TX, has announced a lineup for the show that includes Steve Austin, Shawn Michaels, Ric Flair along with Hell in a Cell headliners Undertaker and Brock Lesnar. With the go-home Raw being in Dallas, and it being the final show in the market until WrestleMania, it is expected that significant WrestleMania 32 news will come out of that event.
Raw on Monday, September 21st, drew just 3.34 million viewers, down from the 3.39 million that the show drew the week prior. Worse, the show lost viewers as it went on, finishing with just 3.26 million in the third hour. John Cena defending the WWE United States Title versus Seth Rollins was the main event.
Brock Lesnar vs. Undertaker in a Hell in a Cell match headlines the October 19th PPV.
