NXT TakeOver London happened in the middle of the day today! Check out Dave Meltzer’s coverage. From what is being seen on social media and other feedback it is a good show, so you should check it out! NXT TakeOver: London has a prime time replay at 8:00 p.m. ET on WWE Network, but it will already be available on demand by that point.
Other TV Tonight:
UFC Tonight airs tonight at a special broadcast time of 6 PM EST.
Impact Wrestling airs at 11:00 p.m. ET (no replay or west coast prime time showing) on Destination America continues the TNA World Title series in the last episode on the network.
ROH at midnight ET/PT on COMET is headlined by Roppongi Vice vs. ACH & Matt Sydal..
Coverage of the biggest weekend in UFC history, the stories behind the big matches, scouting the fighters, the business and handicapping the fights is the lead story in the new issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter. We look at the promotion of the show, how changes in the UFC can affect the major fights, little things in each fight that haven’t beentalked about, fugure for the winners and much more is looked at.
We also look at the New Japan Tokyo Dome show, the New Japan tag team tournament, what’s new with A.J. Styles and his schedule, the controversy over the winners of the tournament and how it played out, New Japan business this past month and going forward, tournament standings and a rundown of the shows this past week.
We also have an update on Sting and his condition coming off the match with Seth Rollins, something to watch for about a very significant WWE employee, WWE increasing security at leve events, WWE putting up lots of new content on the network, why the Stampede tapes were taken down, Alberto Del Rio blames AAA for his not coming back and losingg the title, why the time-line of what he says doesn’t add up, another new franchise movie idea for Dwayne Johnson, NXT house shows from the past week as well as all the WWE house shows of the past week and the business from the last week.
We’ve got a look at this year’s Tokyo Sports pro wrestling awards, all the winners, how the balloting went down, as well as a list of every MVP dating back to 1974, and why different people won the awards and the nature of the politicas behid the awards.
You can also order the print Observer right now and get it delivered to your door via mail, by sending your name, address, Visa or Master Card number and an expiration date to dave@wrestlingobserver.com” target=”_blank”>dave@wrestlingobserver.com
For the United States, it is $13 for 4 issues, $32 for 12, $61 for 24, $101 for 40 and $131 for 52. In Canada and Mexico, rates are $14.50 for 4, $35 for 12, $67 for 24, $111 for 40 and $144 or 52. In Europe, you can get the fastest delivery and best rates by sending to moonsault@mediaplusint.com For the rest of the world, rates are $16.50 for 4, $44 for 12, $85 for 24, $141 for 40 issues and $183 for 52.
If you order by mail with a check, cash or money order (P.O. Box 1228, Campbell, CA 95009-1228), you can get $1 off in every price range.
If you are a new subscriber ordering 24 or more issues, you can get one free classic issue of your choice sent to you today. With a 40 issue subscription, you can get two free classic issues sent to you today. We’ve got coverage of every major PPV event and world wide spectacular, every major star switching promotions, histories of companies like FMW, Rings and New Japan, retirement and obit issues of every major star who fits into those descriptions over the past 11 years, as well as our biggest issue every year, the annual awards issue, and our most controversial issue of every year, the Hall of Fame issue.
Regarding the story of Rock filming the new Baywatch movie in Georgia in March and April and how it will affect WrestleMania, it has been known for some time that there was almost no chance he was actually wrestling a match on the show. As with most years, they will probably try to figure out a way to have him make a non-wrestling appearance, but an actual match is pretty much out the window. Hunter vs. Rock was the original plan, and Hunter vs. Seth Rollins was the back-up plan, and both are obviously out.
Smackdown is live this coming Tuesday night and the company has announced New Day vs. Lucha Dragons for the show.
Speaking of New Day, you couldn’t buy any of the unicorn horns last night at Smackdown. If you go to the WWE Shop site, they’re backordered. Not sure how many they originally produced but they have apparently sold like crazy.
If you haven’t checked it out, we have had some great Ring of Honor guests on Wrestling Observer Live the last three days, Raymond Rowe of War Machine on Monday (challenging for the Tag Titles on Friday’s Final Battle PPV), Michael Elgin on Tuesday (challenging Moose, and also facing Jay Lethal likely for the ROH World Title at the New Japan Tokyo Dome on July 4th), Lethal today, and we’ve got Jay Briscoe and Adam Cole scheduled for the next two days.
Lethal in the interview today noted that ROH is trying to rebrand the title as the “ROH World Title” and not the “ROH World Heavyweight Title” since the feeling is that most of the wrestlers in the company are not heavyweights. What’s funny is Lethal is almost 220 and didn’t consider himself a heavyweight, however in UFC if you are over 205 pounds, you are a heavyweight. Heavyweight is not 265, that’s the upper limit — 266 is superheavyweight and heavyweight is 206-265 pounds.
UFC/MMA
Bovada already has odds up for a Conor McGregor vs. Jose Aldo rematch and Conor is only a slight favorite, -160 vs. +130. It’s still to be determined what happens to Mr. McGregor, but we should get some clues after this Saturday’s UFC on FOX show headlined by lightweight champion Rafael dos Anjos and Donald Cerrone.
Combate Americas is running their second MMA show tonight on NBC Universo starting at 11 pm eastern. Lucha Underground/AAA star Konnan will be doing commentary, presumably for the Spanish broadcast. The card is mostly unknown fighters, with Liz McCarthy likely being the most familiar name to casual fans as she’s fought a couple of times for Invicta. There is no advertised main event for the show, which will also air on the Fight Network in Canada. Rey Misterio is a brand ambassador for the group but it hasn’t been announced if he’ll appear on the show.
WSOF will follow-up the spectacle that was WSOF 25 with another show Friday night on NBC Sports Network. The show takes place at the Chelsea in the Cosmo in Las Vegas, the same venue that hosted UFC shows last Thursday and Friday night. Team Alpha Male fighter Lance Palmer defends the Featherweight title in the main event against Brazilian Alexandre de Almeida. “Gentleman” Josh Hill of TUF fame (nephew of “Gentleman” Jerry Valiant/”Stomper” Guy Mitchell) and recent UFC cut Robbie Peralta will also fight on the show, which returns to it’s regular 9 pm eastern time slot after being bumped back to 11 o’clock for their last outing. The Fight Network will also be broadcasting this show with the prelims streaming at WSOF.com
Coverage of the biggest weekend in UFC history, the stories behind the big matches, scouting the fighters, the business and handicapping the fights is the lead story in the new issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter. We look at the promotion of the show, how changes in the UFC can affect the major fights, little things in each fight that haven’t beentalked about, fugure for the winners and much more is looked at.
We also look at the New Japan Tokyo Dome show, the New Japan tag team tournament, what’s new with A.J. Styles and his schedule, the controversy over the winners of the tournament and how it played out, New Japan business this past month and going forward, tournament standings and a rundown of the shows this past week.
We also have an update on Sting and his condition coming off the match with Seth Rollins, something to watch for about a very significant WWE employee, WWE increasing security at leve events, WWE putting up lots of new content on the network, why the Stampede tapes were taken down, Alberto Del Rio blames AAA for his not coming back and losingg the title, why the time-line of what he says doesn’t add up, another new franchise movie idea for Dwayne Johnson, a new WWE movie annnounced, Mick Foley’s son with WWE, Sami Zayn’s return, Tommy Dreamer’s schedule, WWE surveys, John Cena media, WWE and ESPN update, NXT taping news, Brock Lesnar schedule news, WWE firing, Del Rio & Colter alliance, as well as notes on all the NXT house shows from the past week as well as all the WWE house shows of the past week and the business from the last week.
We’ve got a look at this year’s Tokyo Sports pro wrestling awards, all the winners, how the balloting went down, as well as a list of every MVP dating back to 1974, and why different people won the awards and the nature of the politicas behid the awards.
You can also order the print Observer right now and get it delivered to your door via mail, by sending your name, address, Visa or Master Card number and an expiration date to dave@wrestlingobserver.com” target=”_blank”>dave@wrestlingobserver.com
For the United States, it is $13 for 4 issues, $32 for 12, $61 for 24, $101 for 40 and $131 for 52. In Canada and Mexico, rates are $14.50 for 4, $35 for 12, $67 for 24, $111 for 40 and $144 or 52. In Europe, you can get the fastest delivery and best rates by sending to moonsault@mediaplusint.com For the rest of the world, rates are $16.50 for 4, $44 for 12, $85 for 24, $141 for 40 issues and $183 for 52.
If you order by mail with a check, cash or money order (P.O. Box 1228, Campbell, CA 95009-1228), you can get $1 off in every price range.
If you are a new subscriber ordering 24 or more issues, you can get one free classic issue of your choice sent to you today. With a 40 issue subscription, you can get two free classic issues sent to you today. We’ve got coverage of every major PPV event and world wide spectacular, every major star switching promotions, histories of companies like FMW, Rings and New Japan, retirement and obit issues of every major star who fits into those descriptions over the past 11 years, as well as our biggest issue every year, the annual awards issue, and our most controversial issue of every year, the Hall of Fame issue.
Jonathan Snowden at Bleacher Report and Brian Fritz at The Sporting News both interviewed new “voice of SmackDown” Mauro Ranallo about landing his dream job. The Snowden interview is the more newsworthy of the two, with Ranallo alluding to SmackDown becoming a hybrid of NXT and Raw.
On a related note, the entire original crew (Renee Young, Kyle “Arda Ocal” Edwards, and Ranallo) from “Right After Wrestling” is now under WWE contract. The show still lives on as Aftermath. (Thx Don Forbes)
Our “Filthy” Tom Lawlor wasn’t the only one upset about Sage Northcutt making $40k and $40k for this Fight Pass main event last week. Eddie “Truck” Gordon, Chris Camozzi, Nick Newell and Ryan LaFlare have also gone public with the discontent.
Chris Weidman on his own doom from Saturday’s UFC 194: I will remember this moment forever. It has already changed me for the better. The motivation I have inside myself has never been stronger. I did not feel like myself in there for many reasons but it was a loss that I needed and deserved. I have been playing back different moments in the fight where i didn’t do or react the way I should have but this was all part of a true master plan that God has in store for me. I will be back and I will be champion again. I just wanna let everyone know that I am ok. I am so blessed with an amazing family, friends, team and fans. Thank you all so much for the support. It means more now than ever.
With the 20th annual ECWA Super 8 tournament coming up next year, it will be an “all-star” edition featuring only past entrants. Jason Kincaid was announced as the first entrant in the tournament, which takes place on April 23rd.
On the latest edition of Between the Sheets, Kris Zellner and David Bixenspan are joined by Pete Lederberg to discuss December 8-14, 1988 including the arrival of Jim Herd in and the exit of Dusty Rhodes from WCW, the disaster that was AWA Super Clash III with some wild stories before the show even happened, the complete awesomeness of Tatsumi Fujinami, the relationship of Memphis, Continental, & Knoxville wrestling in 1988, and much more. As a bonus, Pete talks about the history of the Wrestling Fans International Association to close the show.
AIW is bringing a strong final show to close out the year this Friday in Cleveland, OH, with Scott Hall, Col. Robert Parker, Amazing Red, Bunkhouse Buck, and the regular cast.
Fire Pro Podcast this week talks about Conor McGregor’s amazing knockout of Jose Aldo Jr, then follows that up with talk about the B section of the Observer Awards with their picks here.
Trina Michaels is accepting wrestling, appearance and interview bookings at her email address.
We’re looking for your thoughts on tonight’s TLC show as well as last night’s UFC 194 show, so you can leave a thumbs up, thumbs down or thumbs in the middle along with a best and worst match to Dave Meltzer
We’re looking for reports on today’s Raw in Philadelphia (dark matches, Superstars matches, anything else not evident from watching the live show), today’s NXT show in Nottingham, England and yesterday’s Lucha Underground tapings to Dave Meltzer
Smackdown will be taped Tuesday night in Newark, NJ while NXT runs Tuesday night in Cardiff, Wale.
NXT TAKEOVER FROM SSE WEMBLEY IN LONDON ON WEDNESDAY
Finn Balor vs. Samoa Joe for NXT title
Apollo Crews vs. Baron Corbin
Bayley vs. Nia Jax for women’s title
Scott Dawson & Dash Wilder vs. Enzo Amore & Colin Cassady for tag titles
Coverage of the biggest weekend in UFC history, the stories behind the big matches, scouting the fighters, the business and handicapping the fights is the lead story in the new issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter. We look at the promotion of the show, how changes in the UFC can affect the major fights, little things in each fight that haven’t beentalked about, fugure for the winners and much more is looked at.
We also look at the New Japan Tokyo Dome show, the New Japan tag team tournament, what’s new with A.J. Styles and his schedule, the controversy over the winners of the tournament and how it played out, New Japan business this past month and going forward, tournament standings and a rundown of the shows this past week.
We also have an update on Sting and his condition coming off the match with Seth Rollins, something to watch for about a very significant WWE employee, WWE increasing security at leve events, WWE putting up lots of new content on the network, why the Stampede tapes were taken down, Alberto Del Rio blames AAA for his not coming back and losingg the title, why the time-line of what he says doesn’t add up, another new franchise movie idea for Dwayne Johnson, a new WWE movie annnounced, Mick Foley’s son with WWE, Sami Zayn’s return, Tommy Dreamer’s schedule, WWE surveys, John Cena media, WWE and ESPN update, NXT taping news, Brock Lesnar schedule news, WWE firing, Del Rio & Colter alliance, as well as notes on all the NXT house shows from the past week as well as all the WWE house shows of the past week and the business from the last week.
We’ve got a look at this year’s Tokyo Sports pro wrestling awards, all the winners, how the balloting went down, as well as a list of every MVP dating back to 1974, and why different people won the awards and the nature of the politicas behid the awards.
You can also order the print Observer right now and get it delivered to your door via mail, by sending your name, address, Visa or Master Card number and an expiration date to dave@wrestlingobserver.com” target=”_blank”>dave@wrestlingobserver.com
For the United States, it is $13 for 4 issues, $32 for 12, $61 for 24, $101 for 40 and $131 for 52. In Canada and Mexico, rates are $14.50 for 4, $35 for 12, $67 for 24, $111 for 40 and $144 or 52. In Europe, you can get the fastest delivery and best rates by sending to moonsault@mediaplusint.com For the rest of the world, rates are $16.50 for 4, $44 for 12, $85 for 24, $141 for 40 issues and $183 for 52.
If you order by mail with a check, cash or money order (P.O. Box 1228, Campbell, CA 95009-1228), you can get $1 off in every price range.
If you are a new subscriber ordering 24 or more issues, you can get one free classic issue of your choice sent to you today. With a 40 issue subscription, you can get two free classic issues sent to you today. We’ve got coverage of every major PPV event and world wide spectacular, every major star switching promotions, histories of companies like FMW, Rings and New Japan, retirement and obit issues of every major star who fits into those descriptions over the past 11 years, as well as our biggest issue every year, the annual awards issue, and our most controversial issue of every year, the Hall of Fame issue.
Nothing at this point has been announced for Raw tonight. Obviously the key will be how they handle the aftermath of the Roman Reigns/HHH angle and how that ties into the Royal Rumble. They are in Philadelphia and were expecting the best crowd for a Raw event in the U.S. in months because of a strong advance.
WWE sent out a press release today pushing that Coca Cola will be the presenting sponsor for Tribute to the Troops which airs on 12/23 on USA from 8-10 p.m. Getting Coca Cola involved with WWE has been a goal for years.
John Cena has a role in “Daddy’s Home,” the new movie with Will Ferrell and Mark Wahlberg that comes out over Christmas. That’s the movie Taryn Terrell has a role as a cheerleader who gets hit in the face with a basketball which got some media when it was filmed in New Orleans some time back. That spot is in the trailer that I’ve seen recently at movie previews.
For the weekend, the No. 1 search was Conor McGregor with 2 million. UFC 194 had 1 million. Amazingly, both beat the Warriors winning streak ending at 1 million. No. 5 was Chris Weidman with 200,000. No. 14 was Urijah Faber with 50,000. No. 20 was Roy Jones Jr. Although not close to Ronda Rousey numbers, those are otherwise huge numbers and probably indicate big PPV numbers. UFC officials were talking that it would be the biggest of the year. WWE was No. 6 in Google searches yesterday with 200,000, which is the level just about every B PPV show gets. Top searches were BKS Ivengar, Dallas Cowboys, Pittsburgh Steelers, Independence Day 2 and Philadelphia Eagles.
A story has gone around regarding producers audio from just before the McGregor vs. Aldo fight where Joe Rogan spoke to a producer off air saying Aldo looks soft and deflated. “He looks way different. But it could be that he’s done a lot of cardio. Don’t want to jump to conclusions.” Rogan also said, “Aldo looks nervous as F*** too.” and told the producer he was picking McGregor now.
WWE
Mick Foley said he was going to write something on Facebook in response to Ric Flair criticizing him on Tuesday on Flair’s show. Flair had been critical of Foley being critical of WWE creative. Hasn’t everyone been critical of WWE creative in the last month? I mean this past weekend I was around people who are MMA people who are lifelong fans and they say the same things everyone else says when it comes to creative and the interviews.
There were a lot of problems with the WWE Network last night, more than usual, particularly during the pregame show. I was able to watch it on wwe.com with no problem which is the free site, but I couldn’t watch it on the network.
WWE stock was up 22 cents today to $16.09 per share.
New NXT touring dates announced, tickets for all these shows go on sale on Friday.
1/14 in Milwaukee at Turners Hall Ballroom, which has been an ROH venue
1/15 in Green Bay at Shopko Hall
1/16 in Chicago at the Portage Theater
1/29 in Pittsburgh at Stage AP
1/30 in Royal Oak, MI at the Music Theater.
UFC
The World MMA Awards were announced for 2/5 at the Venetian in Las Vegas at The Venetian theatre. Nominees will be announced in a few weeks. They are billing it as the Ultimate Las Vegas weekend with an MMA Celebrity Poker tournament on Thursday at the Sands Poker Room at the Venetian, the awards plus the after party and a special UFC 196 viewing party at Lagasse’s Station at The Palazzo in Las Vegas.
INDIES/MISCELLANEOUS
PWG tickets for 1/2 go on sale Wednesday at 8 p.m. For all who want to go, be ready. That’s the same night as UFC so I can’t go again. Here’s the card:
Roderick Strong vs. Chris Hero PWG title
Zack Sabre Jr. vs. Akira Tozawa
Mike Bailey vs. Adam Cole
Jack Evans vs. Drew Galloway
Sami Callihan vs. Trevor Lee
Timothy Thatcher vs. Drew Gulak
Angelico vs. Brian Cage
Spectre was No. 7 on the U.S. movie weekend charts doing $4.05 million. It was once again No. 2 on the Australian box office charts (thanks to James Stanios)
Lucha Underground, Billy Gunn and Paul Orndorff have signed deals with Pro Wrestling Tees.
Michael Weber, who formerly worked for WCW and was Vice President of Marketing with TNA from 2008 to 2013, is now Senior Vice President of Marketing with Flipps Media.
ROH has doing a meet and greet with the Briscoes before Friday’s PPV at the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia. They will have autograph photos for everyone bringing a new unwrapped toy for the Toys for Tots collection at Final Battle or the next day for the TV taping.
I want to personally thank everyone involved in wrestling who has done work for Toys for Tots and other organizations regarding underprivileged kids and Christmas, as well as Bob Magee who works tirelessly every year in working with promotions to get the word out on these things.
Hart Legacy Wrestling from last night in Calgary before 200 fans. Smith Hart booked the show and Michelle Billington was the ring announcer: Baron Von Kroutz b Renegade-DQ, Makhan Singh Jr. (with Abu Wizal, the famous manager there from the 80s) b Kato (Singh Jr. looked like a young Makhan Singh), Zack Mercury b Matt Hart (Smith Hart’s son), Davey Boy Smith Jr. d Teddy Hart 30:00 so Smith retained the Stu Hart Heritage title. Very good match. This was Teddy Hart’s first match in Calgary in a long time. He’s been in the U.S. He had a legal issue. It was said by people at the show his issue has been settled. (thanks to Robert O’Connor)
Upcoming shows in Tijuana at the Auditorio are 12/18 with a four-way with Dr. Wagner Jr. vs. L.A. Park vs. Damian 666 vs. Pagano, 12/25 with Wagner Jr. & El Hijo del Rey Misterio & Super Muneco vs. Damian 666 & Pakal & Rey Misterio II, and 1/8 with Gronda XXX & L.A. Park & Rayo de Jalisco Jr. vs. Cibernetico & Cien Caras & Wagner Jr. (thanks to Kris Zellner)
NWA Smoky Mountain Wrestling on Saturday night in Kingsport, TN at the Civic Auditorium with Jason Kincaid vs. Nick Hammonds in a weapons match and a retirement match billed as Kid Kash putting his career on the line against Chase Owens. If Owens loses, Ricky Morton has to retire. Plus NWA title with Jax Dane defending against Rob Conway.
Pro Wrestling Eclipse on 1/10 in Oshawa, ONT at Legion br. 43.
WWE TLC PPV ON SUNDAY FROM THE TD GARDEN IN BOSTON PREVIEW
Sheamus vs. Roman Reigns for WWE title in a TLC match – This is kind of weird because the choices are getting the belt off Sheamus right away on a weak PPV, or keeping a weak champion for another month. My gut says Rumble is the bigger show and you can hold it off until then, but it really doesn’t matter. Ultimately they still need to get a heel hot, and Sheamus isn’t the guy. The matches these two have been having on the road haven’t been tearing the houses down, but WWE TLC matches usually deliver.
Kevin Owens vs. Dean Ambrose for IC title – They have to get Ambrose hotter, whether that’s a turn or what, I don’t know. Owens should retain here and on paper they should have a really good match.
New Day vs. Lucha Dragons vs. Usos in a ladder match for tag titles – Given the Lucha Dragons were given two wins over the New Day on TV, they’re probably losing to the New Day here. It’s not time for the title switch, nor given where the Usos have been positioned in the food chain with Ambrose & Reigns, are they the ones to beat in this match.
Charlotte vs. Paige for the Divas title – A lot here will be determined by the crowd, both in if they give the match a chance, and who they cheer. Charlotte technically hasn’t turned and Paige did back away from her on Monday, but until backing away, Paige was positioned as the face in their segment. The key is whether people care enough one way or the other, and get into the match.
Alberto Del Rio vs. Jack Swagger for the U.S. title in a chair match – This is a big shot for Swagger so he should be motivated, even though he is almost surely losing and even if the match gets over, which Del Rio’s matches haven’t been doing of late, it won’t matter because Swagger isn’t in their plans. The key is will Zeb Colter come out and screw Swagger and the breakup on Monday was a swerve to lead to the finish, or is Zeb gone with Del Rio.
Bray Wyatt & Erick Rowan & Luke Harper & Braun Strowman vs. Dudleys & Tommy Dreamer & Rhyno in a tables match. WWE doesn’t like to put over guys from the past, particularly whose are still best known from another promotion, and the Wyatts are their own act, so Wyatts would be expected to win, unless they are doing a longer four vs. four program with these teams.
Rusev vs. Ryback – I think it’s Rusev’s turn this week, right? Ryback has been working really hard of late and Rusev can go. They probably won’t get a lot of time, though.
Becky Lynch vs. Sasha Banks– Banks is from the Boston area so she’ll probably be cheered even though Lynch is positioned as the face.
WWE talent always works hard but aside from Owens vs. Ambrose, there isn’t a match that will probably get enough time that is a lock for a great match. A lot of this show feels like it’ll be determined by how the main event does overall, and what kind of a story they tell if they hold off the Reigns title win.
We’re looking for your thoughts on tonight’s TLC show as well as last night’s UFC 194 show, so you can leave a thumbs up, thumbs down or thumbs in the middle along with a best and worst match to Dave Meltzer
We’re also looking for reports on today’s Lucha Underground tapings in Los Angeles and today’s NXT show in Blackpool, England
Raw, sorting all of this out, will be Monday night in Philadelphia while NXT runs Monday night in Nottingham, England.
Smackdown will be taped Tuesday night in Newark, NJ while NXT runs Tuesday night in Cardiff, Wale.
NXT TAKEOVER FROM SSE WEMBLEY IN LONDON ON WEDNESDAY
Finn Balor vs. Samoa Joe for NXT title
Apollo Crews vs. Baron Corbin
Bayley vs. Nia Jax for women’s title
Scott Dawson & Dash Wilder vs. Enzo Amore & Colin Cassady for tag titles
Coverage of the biggest weekend in UFC history, the stories behind the big matches, scouting the fighters, the business and handicapping the fights is the lead story in the new issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter. We look at the promotion of the show, how changes in the UFC can affect the major fights, little things in each fight that haven’t beentalked about, fugure for the winners and much more is looked at.
We also look at the New Japan Tokyo Dome show, the New Japan tag team tournament, what’s new with A.J. Styles and his schedule, the controversy over the winners of the tournament and how it played out, New Japan business this past month and going forward, tournament standings and a rundown of the shows this past week.
We also have an update on Sting and his condition coming off the match with Seth Rollins, something to watch for about a very significant WWE employee, WWE increasing security at leve events, WWE putting up lots of new content on the network, why the Stampede tapes were taken down, Alberto Del Rio blames AAA for his not coming back and losingg the title, why the time-line of what he says doesn’t add up, another new franchise movie idea for Dwayne Johnson, a new WWE movie annnounced, Mick Foley’s son with WWE, Sami Zayn’s return, Tommy Dreamer’s schedule, WWE surveys, John Cena media, WWE and ESPN update, NXT taping news, Brock Lesnar schedule news, WWE firing, Del Rio & Colter alliance, as well as notes on all the NXT house shows from the past week as well as all the WWE house shows of the past week and the business from the last week.
We’ve got a look at this year’s Tokyo Sports pro wrestling awards, all the winners, how the balloting went down, as well as a list of every MVP dating back to 1974, and why different people won the awards and the nature of the politicas behid the awards.
You can also order the print Observer right now and get it delivered to your door via mail, by sending your name, address, Visa or Master Card number and an expiration date to dave@wrestlingobserver.com” target=”_blank”>dave@wrestlingobserver.com
For the United States, it is $13 for 4 issues, $32 for 12, $61 for 24, $101 for 40 and $131 for 52. In Canada and Mexico, rates are $14.50 for 4, $35 for 12, $67 for 24, $111 for 40 and $144 or 52. In Europe, you can get the fastest delivery and best rates by sending to moonsault@mediaplusint.com For the rest of the world, rates are $16.50 for 4, $44 for 12, $85 for 24, $141 for 40 issues and $183 for 52.
If you order by mail with a check, cash or money order (P.O. Box 1228, Campbell, CA 95009-1228), you can get $1 off in every price range.
If you are a new subscriber ordering 24 or more issues, you can get one free classic issue of your choice sent to you today. With a 40 issue subscription, you can get two free classic issues sent to you today. We’ve got coverage of every major PPV event and world wide spectacular, every major star switching promotions, histories of companies like FMW, Rings and New Japan, retirement and obit issues of every major star who fits into those descriptions over the past 11 years, as well as our biggest issue every year, the annual awards issue, and our most controversial issue of every year, the Hall of Fame issue.
We cover all the news coming out of last night’s UFC 194 on last night’s Wrestling Observer Radio. A lot of the talk today concerns Conor McGregor’s contract demands that people are talking like he’s going to ask for which would be a level of money that only the top PPV draws in boxing have gotten and nobody in MMA has gotten. Dana White talked about how McGregor can challenge Saturday’s Donald Cerrone vs. Rafael dos Anjos winner for the lightweight title and give up the featherweight title, but McGregor said he wants both belts and is not giving up the featherweight belt. As far as what is next for McGregor, nobody is going to make a decision until after this coming Saturday’s lightweight title fight.
Yoel Romero vs. Jacare Souza scoring, Judge Lester Griffin gave Souza rounds two and three; Judge Glenn Trowbridge gave Romero the first two rounds and gave a 10-8 round one and Judge Tony Weeks gave the first two rounds to Romero. Of 17 key media members polled at MMADecisions.com, only two gave the fight to Romero. Three, including me, had it a draw based on a 10-8 first round for Romero and Souza taking two and three, while 12 others had a 10-9 first for Romero and rounds two and three for Souza. I thought two and three were clearly for Souza.
Luke Rockhold last night talked about wanting Vitor Belfort in a rematch although he also said he knows he does have to face Romero. Belfort knocked out Rockhold two years ago, and Rockhold has been furious about it, especially since Belfort was jacked up on TRT at the time.
Before the stoppage, two judges had Luke Rockhold up 30-26 after three rounds and the other had him up 29-27, with the first round the one in question. All three gave the third round a 10-8, which you had to, but having to doesn’t always happen. Judges are far more liberal now with 10-8s which is a good thing..
There is a major breakthrough on treatment of concussions that has started gaining some traction in the MMA world. I talked about it last night on the Observer radio show but for WWE, all of wrestling, MMA and high school football programs. It is a way to really improve treatment, along with far better methods to determine both the extent of the brain injuries that an athlete has and determining when an injured athlete should be allowed to return to their sport.
Bryan and I will be back tonight with coverage of the WWE TLC PPV. We’ll also be taking questions on wrestling and MMA that can be sent to mailbag@wrestlingobserver.com
WWE
TLC tonight is close to sold out. The expectation is it will sell out. The set up is 13,800 so they’ll probably announce in the 16s.
Steve Austin’s show with Shawn Michaels airs immediately after TLC tonight on the WWE Network.
Big advance for Raw in Philadelphia tomorrow. Raw hasn’t sold out in the U.S. in months, but there is the belief this one will either sell out or come very close. Weird how all the negativity on the product and the bad ratings and this week’s key shows are doing well.
NXT sold out Blackpool, England today, but that was a small venue. We’re looking for reports, but William Regal did an interview and the crowd loved him, as expected since he started there and is billed from there. The crowd was going totally nuts for Jason Jordan & Chad Gable as well.
Odds as of 7:30pm Eastern with smart money in…
Sheamus -4500
Roman Reigns +1500
Kevin Owens +600
Dean Ambrose -1200 (so expect the title change)
Alberto Del Rio -4500
Jack Swagger +1500
New Day -2000
Usos +1500
Lucha Dragons +2000
Charlotte -600
Paige +400
Team ECW +350
Wyatts – 530
Rusev -4500
Ryback +1500
A note since one of our readers didn’t know, WWE no longer allows fans to bring cameras into the arena at their house shows. One reader said that last night in Lewiston, ME, many fans were upset about it.
Not the best of signs. At the NXT shows in the U.K., fans were booing the TLC promotional video.
Ronda Rousey will be featured on Thursday night at 8:30 p.m. as part of the Barbara Walters’ special on the year’s most fascinating people. Those on the list besides Rousey are Bradley Cooper, Amy Shumer, Tracy Morgan, Bernie Sanders, Misty Copeland and Donna Karan. (thanks to Jon Southerland)
ESPN covered the Conor McGregor win as a significant story that I saw, but not nearly as much on the Luke Rockhold win. The coverage wasn’t close to that of the Ronda Rousey loss.
Ratings in Brazil were unreal last night. Like the glory days level.
TSN in Canada didn’t mention the fight until about 15 minutes in and highlights weren’t shown until 20 minutes into their SportsCenter with everything based on the Warriors loss (which was a huge story in the U.S. and all the hockey coverage.
FS 1 has a Best of Donald Cerrone TV special at 8:30 p.m. Eastern time tonight.
Chris Weidman has Ian Matuszak, 20, who suffers from cerebral palsy and stage 3 esophageal cancer in his corner last night as a special guest. Matuszak, despite his problems, has trained in Jiu Jitsu and recently earned his blue belt.
Tryouts for Ultimate Fighter are tomorrow at 8 a.m. at the Red Rock Casino with the next season being light heavyweights, plus bantamweight and strawweight women. Dana White on Friday was asked about the coaches for the season that will air in the spring of 2016. He gave an answer that let you know they have picked them, but said he wasn’t announcing it yet.
MISCELLANEOUS
ROH sent out a press release today regarding a partnership with PWG as we’ve noted has been talked about for a few months. Basically ROH contracted talent is now allowed in PWG. Before, with the exception of The Young Bucks and Roderick Strong, no contracted ROH guys could appear on PWG shows. Guys like Matt Sydal don’t have an ROH contract.
Destination America is pretty much done with TNA. This coming Wednesday, they will air from 11 p.m. to 1 a.m., or out of prime time, with no replay. At this point, that is the last scheduled episode airing., so TNA would be off for two weeks before the launch on Pop TV.
Kyle O’Reilly was the latest ROH performer under contract to appear on PWG last night in Reseda, CA. Heard last night’s show was great.
Great Khali’s wrestling school had its first show today with put together by Jesus Rodriguez, formerly Ricardo Rodriguez. Rodriguez has been the head trainer at the school which has 75 students. They are running under the banner of Continental Wrestling Entertainment.
ECCW from last Saturday in Vancouver, BC: Bishop b Carl Cunningham, Bollywood Boyz (GFW) & Nicole Matthews b West Coast Express & CAT Power, Ravenous Randy b Pete Power, Phantasmo b Air Adonis, Andy the Dreadful Bird b Antonio Thomas, Scotty Mac b Memphis, Tony Baroni b Artemis Spencer.
Red Rock Wrestling on 1/9 in Charlottetow, Prince Edward Island with a combination minor league hockey game at 3 p.m., wrestling at 5:30 p.m. and anther hockey game at 7 p.m.
Elite Canadian Championship Wrestling on 12/15 in Port Coquitlam, BC.
Great Canadian Wrestling on 12/27 in Oshawa, ONT is a charity show for the Harmony Creek food bank. Everyone who brings food will get raffle tickets for a drawing of wrestling prizes.
CWE on 2/20 featuring Colt Cabana.
Rassle Rap charity festival show from Thursday night in Valparaiso, IN: Shane Mercer b Mad Man Pondo, Ring Rydas b Super Strong Tiger & Spider Monkey to keep JCW tag titles, Moshpit Mike over Rude Boy and Chuey Martinez, 2 Tuff Tony b Ruff Crossing in a lumberjack match, Kongo Kong b Weedman to win the JCW world title.
Same promotion from Friday night in Sauget, IL: 2 Tuff Tony & Justin D’Air & Mike Outlaw b Viking War Party, Mad Man Pondo & Crazy Mary Dobson b Jake Dirden & Samantha Heighs, Rude Boy won three-way over Mosh Pit Mike & Chuey Martinez, Super Strong Tiger & Spider Monkey b Ring Rydas to win JCW tag titles, Weedman b Ruff Crossing in a lumberjack match (thanks to Kevin Gill)
Southern Illinois Championship Wrestling from last night in East Carondelet, IL before a sellout of 350 fans: Daniel Gunner b Jimmy D, Britt Tucker d Bobby D, Ax b Barracus, Troll b Red River Jack (Bob Orton)-DQ, Ken Kasa & Jake Dirden b Chris Hargas & Brandon Espinosa, Sean Vincent b Curtis Wyld in a cage match, Gary Jackson b Attila Khan in a cage match, Kahagas won a three-way over Ron Powers and Flash Flanagan in a cage match (thanks to Larry Matysik and Patrick Brandmeyer)
Michael Elgin headlines for Pro Wrestling Phoenix on 12/30 in Omaha at the Waiting Room Lounge.
Colin Delaney vs. Lionel Knight in a loser leaves UWA forever headlines 2/7 in Toronto at the Lithuanian House.
Great North Wrestling on 2/27 in Hawkesbury, ONT at the Robert Harley Arena with Jeremy Prophet managed by disgraced senator Patrick Brazeau vs. Hannibal and Carlito vs. Paul Rosenberg.
Here is F4WOnline.com’s coverage of UFC 194, Jose Aldo vs. Conor McGregor for the featherweight title. As was mentioned yesterday almost all of the professional fighters picked Aldo over McGregor when asked who they thought would win. The professional fighters were not in such heavy agreement for the somewhat forgotten and understandably overshadowed co-mainevent between Chris Weidman and Luke Rockhold for the light heavyweight title. It is a very hard fight to pick as they seem VERY evenly matched.
UFC 194 FROM THE MGM GRAND GARDEN ARENA IN LAS VEGAS ON SATURDAY NIGHT
Fight Pass at 6:30 p.m. Eastern time
Marcio Alexandre Jr. vs. Court McGee
Yancy Medeiros vs. John Makdessi
Magomed Mustafaev vs. Joe Proctor
FS 1 at 8 p.m. Eastern time
Kevin Lee vs. Leonardo Santos
Warlley Alves vs. Colby Covington
Jocelyn Jones-Lybarger vs. Tecia Torres
Urijah Faber vs. Frankie Saenz
PPV AT 10 p.m. Eastern time
Max Holloway vs. Jeremy Stephens
Gunnar Nelson vs. Demian Maia
Yoel Romero vs. Ronaldo Jacare Souza
Chris Weidman vs. Luke Rockhold for the middleweight title
Jose Aldo vs. Conor McGregor for the featherweight title
WWE TLC PPV ON SUNDAY FROM THE TD GARDEN IN BOSTON
Sheaumus vs. Roman Reignns for WWE title in a TLC match
Kevin Owens vs. Dean Ambrose for IC title
New Day vs. Lucha Dragons vs. Usos in a ladder match for tag tiltes
Charlotte vs. Paige in a Divas title match
Alberto Del Rio vs. Jack Swagger for the U.S. title in a chair match
Bray Wyatt & Erick Rowan & Luke Harper & Braun Strowman vs. Dudleys & Tommy Dreamer & Rhyno in a tables match
Sunday is almost NXT in Blackpool, England.
Raw will be Monday night in Philadelphia while NXT runs Monday night in Nottingham, England.
Smackdown will be taped Tuesday night in Newark, NJ while NXT runs Tueday night in Cardiff, Wale.
Coverage of the biggest weekend in UFC history, the stories behind the big matches, scouting the fighters, the business and handicapping the fights is the lead story in the new issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter. We look at the promotion of the show, how changes in the UFC can affect the major fights, little things in each fight that haven’t beentalked about, fugure for the winners and much more is looked at.
We also look at the New Japan Tokyo Dome show, the New Japan tag team tournament, what’s new with A.J. Styles and his schedule, the controversy over the winners of the tournament and how it played out, New Japan business this past month and going forward, tournament standings and a rundown of the shows this past week.
We also have an update on Sting and his condition coming off the match with Seth Rollins, something to watch for about a very significant WWE employee, WWE increasing security at leve events, WWE putting up lots of new content on the network, why the Stampede tapes were taken down, Alberto Del Rio blames AAA for his not coming back and losingg the title, why the time-line of what he says doesn’t add up, another new franchise movie idea for Dwayne Johnson, a new WWE movie annnounced, Mick Foley’s son with WWE, Sami Zayn’s return, Tommy Dreamer’s schedule, WWE surveys, John Cena media, WWE and ESPN update, NXT taping news, Brock Lesnar schedule news, WWE firing, Del Rio & Colter alliance, as well as notes on all the NXT house shows from the past week as well as all the WWE house shows of the past week and the business from the last week.
We’ve got a look at this year’s Tokyo Sports pro wrestling awards, all the winners, how the balloting went down, as well as a list of every MVP dating back to 1974, and why different people won the awards and the nature of the politicas behid the awards.
You can also order the print Observer right now and get it delivered to your door via mail, by sending your name, address, Visa or Master Card number and an expiration date to dave@wrestlingobserver.com” target=”_blank”>dave@wrestlingobserver.com
For the United States, it is $13 for 4 issues, $32 for 12, $61 for 24, $101 for 40 and $131 for 52. In Canada and Mexico, rates are $14.50 for 4, $35 for 12, $67 for 24, $111 for 40 and $144 or 52. In Europe, you can get the fastest delivery and best rates by sending to moonsault@mediaplusint.com For the rest of the world, rates are $16.50 for 4, $44 for 12, $85 for 24, $141 for 40 issues and $183 for 52.
If you order by mail with a check, cash or money order (P.O. Box 1228, Campbell, CA 95009-1228), you can get $1 off in every price range.
If you are a new subscriber ordering 24 or more issues, you can get one free classic issue of your choice sent to you today. With a 40 issue subscription, you can get two free classic issues sent to you today. We’ve got coverage of every major PPV event and world wide spectacular, every major star switching promotions, histories of companies like FMW, Rings and New Japan, retirement and obit issues of every major star who fits into those descriptions over the past 11 years, as well as our biggest issue every year, the annual awards issue, and our most controversial issue of every year, the Hall of Fame issue.
For the record, and since he’s been spot-on with his own predictions in the past, Conor McGregor told Dana White that he would knock out Jose Aldo Jr. in four minutes of the first round tonight.
Bryan and Dave have already done the first of four straight radio shows this weekend, last night’s UFC preview show talking all of the news from Vegas, plus pro-wrestling notes from PWG, WWE and more. They’ll be back tonight with the UFC recap show, Sunday with the WWE TLC recap show, Monday with the Raw recap show, plus Bryan will have his usual weekend fare up as normally scheduled (Wrestling Observer Live TLC pre-show Sunday, Bryan & Vinny Show talking TLC Sunday night, After Dark Radio (more below), etc.).
Smackdown rose from 2.0 million viewers last week to 2.1 million viewers this week.
UFC/MMA
Dana White on Frankie Edgar getting a title shot after his destruction of Chad Mendes last night: “Nobody can deny Frankie anymore. He looked amazing tonight, and he’ll get whatever he wants.”
If the last three days straight of MMA weren’t enough for you, Pancrase 273 will air on UFC Fight Pass around the time UFC 194 ends. No real names on the show that would be familiar to North American fans with Issei Tamura, who fought TJ Dillashaw at UFC 158, being the only former UFC fighter on the card. The main event is a bantamweight title fight between Shintaro Ishitawa and Victor Henry. There will also be a men’s strawweight title fight on the show.
Speaking of Fight Pass show, Bellator Heavyweight Champion Vitaly Minakov knocked out Josh Copeland in the main event of a show that aired on the UFC’s streaming service on Friday. He’s now 17-0.
In the main event of the ONE Championships show yesterday from Manilla, which was tarnished by the death of a young fighter scheduled to compete on it just hours prior, Brandon Vera KO’d Paul Cheng to become that group’s Heavyweight Champion. Strawweight sensation Angela Lee moved to 4-0 on the undercard with a 2nd round sub. She’s finished every one of her pro opponents and is already one of the most popular fighters on their roster.
MISCELLANEOUS
On the latest edition of the 6:05 Superpodcast, David Bixenspan and Brian Last discuss the amazing story of Vince Russo being booked as entertainment at Brian’s bar mitzvah 23 years ago.
From Bryan Alvarez: For those of you asking about the Dark Matter Digital Network and the apparent final retirement of Art Bell, I really don’t know what is going on, nor do I know if I will be doing a show on the network this coming Sunday night. All I know for sure is that one way or another, After Dark will continue, even if it goes back to being a podcast on the website as it was originally before we moved over there. There will be a new show this weekend as I’ve already taped the interview with James Garbarino where we will discuss the psychology of mass shooters based on his 20 years of interviewing killers after the fact. There is more information on the situation up at Artbell.com. Whatever happens, I do want to really thank Keith Rowland for all of the often-thankless hard work and personal expense that he put into the Dark Matter Digital Network over the past few years, and I hope for only the best for him.
Freakshow Wrestling has a unique show (no surprise) tonight in East LA (926 Clela AVE, East LA 90002) with a fans bring the weapons main event featuring BLACK SANTA vs. ZOMBIE JESUS. Santa will have Mrs. Claws in his corner and Jesus will be cornered by Mary. Obviously.
UFC 194 is tomorrow night! Conor McGregor vs Jose Aldo, and Chris Weidman vs Luke Rockhold. First we have a great fight tonight with Frankie Edgar vs. Chad Mendes. The winner to most likely get a shot at the winner of McGregor vs Aldo.
UFC ON FRIDAY NIGHT FROM THE COSMOPOLITAN HOTEL IN LAS VEGAS ON FOX SPORTS 1 STARTING AT 8 P.M. EASTERN/5 P.M. PACIFIC
Chris Gruetzemacher vs. Abner Lloveras
Julian Erosa vs. Marcin Wrzossek
Geane Herrera vs. Joby Sanchez
Konstantin Kerokihn vs. Gabriel Gonzaga
Tatsuya Kawajiri vs. Jason Knight
Ryan LaFlare vs. Mike Pierce
Evan Dunham vs. Joe Lauzon
Ryan Hall vs. Artem Lobov in the TUF lightweight tournament finals
Edson Barboza vs. Tony Ferguson
Frankie Edgar vs. Chad Mendes
Saturday we’re looking for reports from the WWE show in Lewiston, ME and the NXT show in Seffield, England (headilned by Finn Balor vs. Sami Zayn vs. Baron Corbin for the NXT title).
UFC 194 FROM THE MGM GRAND GARDEN ARENA IN LAS VEGAS ON SATURDAY NIGHT
Fight Pass at 6:30 p.m. Eastern time
Marcio Alexandre Jr. vs. Court McGee
Yancy Medeiros vs. John Makdessi
Magomed Mustafaev vs. Joe Proctor
FS 1 at 8 p.m. Eastern time
Kevin Lee vs. Leonardo Santos
Warlley Alves vs. Colby Covington
Jocelyn Jones-Lybarger vs. Tecia Torres
Urijah Faber vs. Frankie Saenz
PPV AT 10 p.m. Eastern time
Max Holloway vs. Jeremy Stephens
Gunnar Nelson vs. Demian Maia
Yoel Romero vs. Ronaldo Jacare Souza
Chris Weidman vs. Luke Rockhold for the middleweight title
Jose Aldo vs. Conor McGregor for the featherweight title
WWE TLC PPV ON SUNDAY FROM THE TD GARDEN IN BOSTON
Sheaumus vs. Roman Reignns for WWE title in a TLC match
Kevin Owens vs. Dean Ambrose for IC title
New Day vs. Lucha Dragons vs. Usos in a ladder match for tag tiltes
Charlotte vs. Paige in a Divas title match
Alberto Del Rio vs. Jack Swagger for the U.S. title in a chair match
Bray Wyatt & Erick Rowan & Luke Harper & Braun Strowman vs. Dudleys & Tommy Dreamer & Rhyno in a tables match
Sunday is almost NXT in Blackpool, England.
Raw will be Monday night in Philadelphia while NXT runs Monday night in Nottingham, England.
Smackdown will be taped Tuesday night in Newark, NJ while NXT runs Tueday night in Cardiff, Wale.
Coverage of the biggest weekend in UFC history, the stories behind the big matches, scouting the fighters, the business and handicapping the fights is the lead story in the new issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter. We look at the promotion of the show, how changes in the UFC can affect the major fights, little things in each fight that haven’t beentalked about, fugure for the winners and much more is looked at.
We also look at the New Japan Tokyo Dome show, the New Japan tag team tournament, what’s new with A.J. Styles and his schedule, the controversy over the winners of the tournament and how it played out, New Japan business this past month and going forward, tournament standings and a rundown of the shows this past week.
We also have an update on Sting and his condition coming off the match with Seth Rollins, something to watch for about a very significant WWE employee, WWE increasing security at leve events, WWE putting up lots of new content on the network, why the Stampede tapes were taken down, Alberto Del Rio blames AAA for his not coming back and losingg the title, why the time-line of what he says doesn’t add up, another new franchise movie idea for Dwayne Johnson, a new WWE movie annnounced, Mick Foley’s son with WWE, Sami Zayn’s return, Tommy Dreamer’s schedule, WWE surveys, John Cena media, WWE and ESPN update, NXT taping news, Brock Lesnar schedule news, WWE firing, Del Rio & Colter alliance, as well as notes on all the NXT house shows from the past week as well as all the WWE house shows of the past week and the business from the last week.
We’ve got a look at this year’s Tokyo Sports pro wrestling awards, all the winners, how the balloting went down, as well as a list of every MVP dating back to 1974, and why different people won the awards and the nature of the politicas behid the awards.
You can also order the print Observer right now and get it delivered to your door via mail, by sending your name, address, Visa or Master Card number and an expiration date to dave@wrestlingobserver.com” target=”_blank”>dave@wrestlingobserver.com
For the United States, it is $13 for 4 issues, $32 for 12, $61 for 24, $101 for 40 and $131 for 52. In Canada and Mexico, rates are $14.50 for 4, $35 for 12, $67 for 24, $111 for 40 and $144 or 52. In Europe, you can get the fastest delivery and best rates by sending to moonsault@mediaplusint.com For the rest of the world, rates are $16.50 for 4, $44 for 12, $85 for 24, $141 for 40 issues and $183 for 52.
If you order by mail with a check, cash or money order (P.O. Box 1228, Campbell, CA 95009-1228), you can get $1 off in every price range.
If you are a new subscriber ordering 24 or more issues, you can get one free classic issue of your choice sent to you today. With a 40 issue subscription, you can get two free classic issues sent to you today. We’ve got coverage of every major PPV event and world wide spectacular, every major star switching promotions, histories of companies like FMW, Rings and New Japan, retirement and obit issues of every major star who fits into those descriptions over the past 11 years, as well as our biggest issue every year, the annual awards issue, and our most controversial issue of every year, the Hall of Fame issue.
This is totally nuts. A JetBlue flight heading from New York to Las Vegas turned around in mid-flight after two “Irish lads”, one of whom had already created a disturbance and caused the flight to be delayed, got into a physical altercation apparently over Conor McGregor.
MMAFighting.com has a story up where you can read who various MMA stars are picking in the Conor McGregor vs. Jose Aldo Jr. fight tomorrow. Virtually everyone picks Aldo. A few years ago they polled the fighters for the first Anderson Silva vs. Chris Weidman fight. At the time, virtually everyone on the outside thought Anderson Silva was winning that fight, but UFC sent out a press release where nearly every fighter picked Weidman. It seemed like the usual UFC deal during Countdown specials where they try to build the best case possible for the underdog to drum up interest but, in fact, the fighters largely really did pick Weidman to win and Weidman won. Obviously anything can happen in a fight, but it’s very interesting to read what fighters are thinking during a time that Aldo, the champion, is going in as an underdog as of a few days ago. Filthy Tom Lawlor on Monday’s Figure Four Daily did change his mind this week and is now picking McGregor to win. It’ll be interesting to see the odds after the weigh-in tonight given that both men for the first time ever had to make weight without the use of an IV, and that could change the game.
WWE
WWE Network officially launches in Japan on January 5th, the day after the annual New Japan Tokyo Dome spectacular.
Someone asked Joey Styles on Twitter why it was taking so long to get new TV episodes online, and he noted: “Because ECW illegally used music we had no rights to, it takes a looooong time to edit the episodes.”
Ronda Rousey told TMZ today that she wants Holly Holm at UFC 200. The article said she “came out of hiding today” and “looked fine”. It also noted that, if you recall the story of the soldier inviting her to the Marine Corps Ball and her saying yes, even though she’s in a lot of pain and psychologically all beat up, the ball is tonight and she’s going.
Add Joe Rogan to the list of those who think Holly should fight Miesha Tate prior to the Ronda Rousey fight, which would also give Rousey more time to heal up and work on her game. He said on his podcast that even if Miesha won you’d end up with a crazy “love triangle” where Ronda would have ready-made matches with both of them and they could rematch each other, plus if Holm beat Miesha she’d be building a legacy to make the Rousey fight even bigger when it happened.
UPDATE! It’s not true. At the press conference last night, Sage joked that he was only allowed to use it for his school work, than admitted that whoever said it on Fight Pass (Jon Anik) was joking.
The press conference should be available on Fight Pass. We’re told that live (and probably on tape as well), he captivates the room at these things and comes off as a “happy-go-lucky robot”.
Shane writes: “The McGregor fight was featured on this evenings RTE News in Ireland which is the top news broadcast in the country. It was a piece ahead of the normal sports section which is rare for a sports story. It showed McGregor at his public workout and how it was the biggest fight of his career. It was mentioned a large number of Irish supporters coming to Vegas with bars stocking up on Guinness and a local band writing a song about McGregor.”
Other
Want to thank Dan Masters (@DanStraightEdge) for doing a great job co-hosting the Bryan & Vinny Show last night. I literally talked to Dan for about 5 seconds before he was thrust on the air and he did an awesome job. He was one of four who donated to the latest Whale Scout Indiegogo campaign and earned a guest hosting gig, so there are more on the way. In the two years we’ve offered spots, every single guest host has done a great job (no pressure to those in the future!). The guest spots via Skype/phone are sold out, but we have ONE in-person spot available which includes airfare, hotel and a seat in the studio, plus tons of smaller perks at the Whale Scout Indiegogo site. This past weekend Whale Scout helped out at North Creek Forest, where they are converting a forest into a park, and helping to improve water quality and remove invasive species, so your donation, however big or small, helps with other habitat restoration projects as well. Thank you so much to everyone who has donated, and thank you again to Dan!
The Rassle Rap charity festival tour continues tonight in Sauget Illinois at Pop’s. Tickets : http://www.popsrocks.com. Details at insaneclownposse.Com and details on charity packages including being a lumberjack at www.HatchetGear.Com. Benefitting Saint Johns Children’s Hospital in Illinois.
We’re looking for your thoughts on yesterday’s New Japan tag team tournament finals so you can leave a thumbs up, thumbs down or thumbs in the middle along with a best and worst match to Dave Meltzer We’ll also be doing polls over the next week for the Saturday night UFC show, WWE on Sunday and NXT on Wednesday.
We’re also looking for reports on today’s NXT show in Newcastle, England to Dave Meltzer
UFC ON FIGHT PASS TODAY STARTING AT 6:45 P.M. EASTERN AND 3:45 P.M. PACIFIC TIME FROM THE COSMOPOLITAN HOTEL IN LAS VEGAS
Kailin Curran (115) vs. Emily Kagan (115)
Phillipe Nover (145) vs. Zubaira Tukhugov (145)
Nathan Coy (170) vs. Danny Roberts (169.5)
Santiago Ponzinibbio (170) vs. Andreas Stahl (171)
Johnnu Eduardo (135) vs. Aljamain Sterling (135.5)
Kevin Casey (185) vs. Antonio Carlos Jr. (185)
Omari Akhmedov (170) vs. Sergio Moraes (171)
John Howard (170) vs. Tim Means (170)
Thiago Santos (185) vs. Elias Theodorou (185)
Serge Northcutt (155.5) vs. Cody Pfiter (156)
Michael Chiesa (156) vs. Jim Miller (155.5)
Rose Namajunas (115.5) vs. Paige VanZant (115.5)
Friday has an NXT house show in Glasgow, Scotland and we’ll be looking for reports on that show.
UFC ON FRIDAY NIGHT FROM THE COSMOPOLITAN HOTEL IN LAS VEGAS ON FOX SPORTS 1 STARTING AT 8 P.M. EASTERN/5 P.M. PACIFIC
Chris Gruetzemacher vs. Abner Lloveras
Julian Erosa vs. Marcin Wrzossek
Geane Herrera vs. Joby Sanchez
Konstantin Kerokihn vs. Gabriel Gonzaga
Tatsuya Kawajiri vs. Jason Knight
Ryan LaFlare vs. Mike Pierce
Evan Dunham vs. Joe Lauzon
Ryan Hall vs. Artem Lobov in the TUF lightweight tournament finals
Edson Barboza vs. Tony Ferguson
Frankie Edgar vs. Chad Mendes
Saturday we’re looking for reports from the WWE show in Lewiston, ME and the NXT show in Seffield, England (headilned by Finn Balor vs. Sami Zayn vs. Baron Corbin for the NXT title).
UFC 194 FROM THE MGM GRAND GARDEN ARENA IN LAS VEGAS ON SATURDAY NIGHT
Fight Pass at 6:30 p.m. Eastern time
Marcio Alexandre Jr. vs. Court McGee
Yancy Medeiros vs. John Makdessi
Magomed Mustafaev vs. Joe Proctor
FS 1 at 8 p.m. Eastern time
Kevin Lee vs. Leonardo Santos
Warlley Alves vs. Colby Covington
Jocelyn Jones-Lybarger vs. Tecia Torres
Urijah Faber vs. Frankie Saenz
PPV AT 10 p.m. Eastern time
Max Holloway vs. Jeremy Stephens
Gunnar Nelson vs. Demian Maia
Yoel Romero vs. Ronaldo Jacare Souza
Chris Weidman vs. Luke Rockhold for the middleweight title
Jose Aldo vs. Conor McGregor for the featherweight title
WWE TLC PPV ON SUNDAY FROM THE TD GARDEN IN BOSTON
Sheaumus vs. Roman Reignns for WWE title in a TLC match
Kevin Owens vs. Dean Ambrose for IC title
New Day vs. Lucha Dragons vs. Usos in a ladder match for tag tiltes
Charlotte vs. Paige in a Divas title match
Alberto Del Rio vs. Jack Swagger for the U.S. title in a chair match
Bray Wyatt & Erick Rowan & Luke Harper & Braun Strowman vs. Dudleys & Tommy Dreamer & Rhyno in a tables match
Sunday is almost NXT in Blackpool, England.
Raw will be Monday night in Philadelphia while NXT runs Monday night in Nottingham, England.
Smackdown will be taped Tuesday night in Newark, NJ while NXT runs Tueday night in Cardiff, Wale.
NXT TAKEOVER FROM SSE WEMBLEY IN LONDON ON WEDNESDAY
Finn Balor vs. Samoa Joe for NXT title
Apollo Crews vs. Baron Corbin
Bayley vs. Nia Jax for women’s title
Scott Dawson & Dash Wilder vs. Enzo Amore & Colin Cassady for tag titles
Coverage of the biggest weekend in UFC history, the stories behind the big matches, scouting the fighters, the business and handicapping the fights is the lead story in the new issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter. We look at the promotion of the show, how changes in the UFC can affect the major fights, little things in each fight that haven’t beentalked about, fugure for the winners and much more is looked at.
We also look at the New Japan Tokyo Dome show, the New Japan tag team tournament, what’s new with A.J. Styles and his schedule, the controversy over the winners of the tournament and how it played out, New Japan business this past month and going forward, tournament standings and a rundown of the shows this past week.
We also have an update on Sting and his condition coming off the match with Seth Rollins, something to watch for about a very significant WWE employee, WWE increasing security at leve events, WWE putting up lots of new content on the network, why the Stampede tapes were taken down, Alberto Del Rio blames AAA for his not coming back and losnig the title, why the time-line of what he says doesn’t add up, another new franchise movie idea for Dwayne Johnson, a new WWE movie annnounced, Mick Foley’s son with WWE, Sami Zayn’s return, Tommy Dreamer’s schedule, WWE surveys, John Cena media, WWE and ESPN update, NXT taping news, Brock Lesnar schedule news, WWE firing, Del Rio & Colter alliance, as well as notes on all the NXT house shows from the past week as well as all the WWE house shows of the past week and the business from the last week.
We also look at the life and career of Hack Myers.
We’ve got a look at this year’s Tokyo Sports pro wrestling awards, all the winners, how the balloting went down, as well as a list of every MVP dating back to 1974, and why different people won the awards and the nature of the politicas behid the awards.
We’ve also got a huge “back of the book” feature on Don Fargo, one of the most colorful pro wrestlers in history. This is an outlandish story that sounds unbelievable, but most of his legacy is true, and we separate what is and isn’t. We rundown his career, his roles as part of the Stevens Brothers, The Fargos, The Daltons, The Chain Gang and many other characters that he played. We look at the creation of the first world tag team champions to be recognized in Madison Square Garden, an absolutely amazing tite history, his different aliases and how he changed with each one, crazy stories, bloodbaths, Jackie Fargo, Greg Valentine, Fonzo Fargo, and one of the greatest runs in Memphis wrestling history.
You can also order the print Observer right now and get it delivered to your door via mail, by sending your name, address, Visa or Master Card number and an expiration date to dave@wrestlingobserver.com” target=”_blank”>dave@wrestlingobserver.com
For the United States, it is $13 for 4 issues, $32 for 12, $61 for 24, $101 for 40 and $131 for 52. In Canada and Mexico, rates are $14.50 for 4, $35 for 12, $67 for 24, $111 for 40 and $144 or 52. In Europe, you can get the fastest delivery and best rates by sending to moonsault@mediaplusint.com For the rest of the world, rates are $16.50 for 4, $44 for 12, $85 for 24, $141 for 40 issues and $183 for 52.
If you order by mail with a check, cash or money order (P.O. Box 1228, Campbell, CA 95009-1228), you can get $1 off in every price range.
If you are a new subscriber ordering 24 or more issues, you can get one free classic issue of your choice sent to you today. With a 40 issue subscription, you can get two free classic issues sent to you today. We’ve got coverage of every major PPV event and world wide spectacular, every major star switching promotions, histories of companies like FMW, Rings and New Japan, retirement and obit issues of every major star who fits into those descriptions over the past 11 years, as well as our biggest issue every year, the annual awards issue, and our most controversial issue of every year, the Hall of Fame issue.
The schedule for me on audio this week will be shows on Friday night after UFC, Saturday night after UFC, Sunday night after TLC and Monday after Raw. This is one of the bigger weekends of the year. You can always send questions for the radio show to mailbag@wrestlingobserver.com
Paul Levesque announced that on Wednesday, they will not only do a two hour NXT Takeover show but also tape the NXT television show for 12/23. One of the matches on that show will be a No. 1 contenders four-way tag match with the Vaudevillains, Hype Bros, Blake & Murphy and Jason Jordan & Chad Gable. On the current tour, the shows in London on Wednesday, as well as Blackpool and Cardiff are sold out. Sami Zayn works every night of the tour. The re-debut of Elias Sampson will be on Wednesday on the TV part of the show.
On Impact last night it was announced that both the semifinals (Bobby Lashley vs. Ethan Carter III, Matt Hardy vs. Eric Young) and finals of the world title tournament will be airing on the first show on Pop TV on 1/5.
The Ultimate Fighter final tomorrow was supposed to be Saul Rogers vs. Artem Lobov, both off Conor McGregor’s team. But Rogers allegedly lied on his visa and was not allowed into the U.S. so Ryan Hall faces Lobov tomorrow night.
Sports Illustrated listed Kevin Owens and Ronda Rousey as among the 100 best twitter follows in sports. Owens I can see for his wit, but I have no idea why Rousey. Bill Barnwell, who is one of our readers, also cracked the list. Georges St-Pierre was listed as No. 10 in best Facebook follows and Dwayne Johnson was listed as No. 4. His sport was listed as wrestling.
Today is the 40th anniversary of Terry Funk winning the NWA title from Jack Brisco in Miami Beach. The storyline is that Jack vs. Dory Funk Jr. was advertised because Jack vs. Dory was always a big draw, and they sold out. Dory was actually in Japan at the time. So Terry was the replacement. It was an Eddie Graham storyline with the idea Jack was training for Dory, who had a totally different style, but Terry was training for Jack, and reversed the figure four into an inside cradle for the pin. They actually showed that match on TV in San Francisco about two weeks later and for the standards of the time, it was an incredible match. A lot of wrestlers copied the flow and the finish and in Mexico a lot of the superstars copied that figure four reversed into an inside cradle as a finish.
WWE
John Cena was on with Jimmy Fallon Tuesday night to promote appearing in “Sisters.” Fallon put over his comedy talent several times. The only mention of wrestling was that he was taking time off to film American Grit. He did a comedy skit where he sang “Hello” by Adele joined by someone who was supposed to be John Cena as a child. The segment didn’t go over well until the kid showed up.
Give the slow advance for the 12/19 show at the Forum in Los Angeles, WWE sent out a mailer announcing that anyone who buys a ticket gets a free hot dog, or a free popcorn and soda. They announced three title matches with Sheamus vs. Roman Reigns for the WWE title, Alberto Del Rio vs. Brock Lesnar for the U.S. title and Kevin Owens vs. Dean Ambrose for the IC title.
Stock closed down 55 cents a share today to close at $16.16,
ESPN will be airing the weigh-ins live tomorrow from Las Vegas at 6 p.m. Eastern. The Fight Network in Canada will also be airing the weigh-nis.
There has been a ton yesterday and today already on ESPN covering Saturday’s show, so there is a really strong buzz.
In Canada for tomorrow, the 8-10 p.m. portion of the show airs on The Fight Network and the main card airs on TSN 1 and TSN 5.
If you are in Las Vegas for the UFC this weekend, go to UFCRegister.com and register for a Fan Access pass. If you then go to http://www.ufc.om/ufcvegas you can get discounts on monorail tickets, at the ice rink at the Cosmopolitan (free skate rental for the viewing party with Demetrious Johnson, Frank Mir and Kendra Perez for tomorrow night’s Fight Night show), as well as comp admission to the Marquee Night Club at the Cosmopolitan on Friday & Saturday night, and other specials at the Hyde Bellgaio (complimentary admission Friday and Saturday) and a lot more clubs in Las Vegas including Ri Ra at Mandalay Bay, McFadden’s at Town Square and the Foxtail Night Club a SLS Vegas.
The 12/18 Titan FC show in Kansas City that was scheduled for UFC Fight Pass has been canceled. The story is that the show was canceled due to health complications related to an expected surgery of CEO Jeff Aronson.
There is a Fight Pass show from Moscow featuring Bellator heavyweight champion Vitali Minakov vs. Josh Copeland this weekend.
There is a big indie show on Sunday in Santiago, Chile, which will include Matt Hardy, Savio Vega, MVP, Robbie E, Scotty 2 Hotty, Santana Garrett, Carlito, Shane Helms and Brian Christopher.
Brennan Ward vs. Ken Hasegawa was announced for the 12/29 Rizin show at the Saitama Super Arena, plus Hinata Watanabe vs. Kazuyuki Miyata in a match where they will alternate rounds of MMA and kickboxing rules.
Shine on iPPV at www.wwnlive.com tomorrow night from The Orpheum in Ybor City has a fatal four way with Allysin Kay vs. Jessicka Havok vs. Amber Gallows vs. Taylor Made with the winner facing Santana Garrett for the title later that night, plus a four-team tag team tournament for the titles with first round matches of Solo Darling & Heidi Lovelace vs. Jayme Jameson & Marti Belle and Mia Yim & Leva Bates (Blue Pants) vs. Malia Hosaka & Brandi Wine. Leilani Kai also faces Leah Von Dutch.
There is a live PBC show on NBC in prime time Saturday night at 8:30 p.m. from San Antonio headlined by Omar Figueroa (25-0-1, 18 KOs) vs. Antonio DeMarco (31-5-1, 23 KOs) in a super lightweight fight and Chris Arreola (36-4-1, 31 KOs) vs. Travis Kauffman (30-1, 22 KOs).
Juggalo Championship Wrestling and ICP have shows on 12/10 in Valpraiso, IN at Big Shots, 12/11 in Sauget, IL at Pop’s, 12/12 in Kokomo, IN at The Stage, 12/13 in Columbus, OH at The Newport, 12/16 in Glean Jean, WV at the Glen Jean Armory and 12/17 in Cleveland at the Agora Ballroom. Among those appearing are 2 Tuff Tony, Crazy Mary Dobson, Madman Pondo, Ring Rydas, Kongo Kong and more. All proceeds g to St. John’s Childrens Hospital.
Santana Garrett vs. Shaniah Arlyana for the NWA womens’ title and Queen of Stardom title headlines 12/19 in Orlando at the Team Vision Dojo.
IWA Mid South presents the Ted Petty Invitational on Friday night in Clarksville, IN at the Colgate Gym with first round matches of Chris Hero vs. Timothy Thatcher, Matt Cage vs. Slade Sludge, Kongo Kong vs. Masada, Shane Mercer vs Sugar D, Hy Zaya vs. Jonathan Gresham.
Absolute Intense Wrestling on 12/18 in Cleveland at Our Lady of Mt Carmel with Scott Hall, Bunkhouse Buck, Amazing Red, Robert Fuller, EC 3 and more.
Hoosier Pro Wrestling on 1/9 in Columbus, IN.
Legends of Wrestling on 1/23 at the Miccosukee Resort and Gaming Entertainment Dome features appearances by Bill Goldberg, Kurt Angle, Mick Foley, Kevin Nash, Ricky Steamboat, Jim Duggan, Scott Steiner, Jimmy Hart, Koko B. Ware, Luke Williams, Lanny Poffo, Tommy Dreamer, Chavo Guerrero Jr. The Nasty Boys, Greg Valentine, Ken Anderson, and Gangrel.
MMA World Expo on Saturday night at the Jacob Javits Center in New York features Jon Jones, Anderson Silva and Eddie Alvarez appearing.
In today’s Gasoline Alley comic strip, a school class was discussing scrapbooking becoming the fastest growing hobby in the U.S. and one of the characters asked “What about the NFL, WFW and NASCAR?” The teacher said, “They’re sports, not hobbies.” The belief was WFW was supposed to be WWE. (thanks to Brian Henke)
Tomorrow starts three UFC events in three nights. Starting with UFC Fight Night 80 which features Paige VanZant vs Rose Namajunas in the main event tomorrow night, UFC’s new golden boy Sage Northcut is also on the card. Friday night is the finale of TUF 22, with the main event between featherweight contenders Frankie Edgar and Chad Mendes. Then of course, Saturday night features UFC 194 with interim featherweight champion Conor McGregor vs. featherweight champion Jose Aldo for the undisputed title while current middleweight champion Chris Weidman takes on #1 contender Luke Rockhold — two very competitive title fights headline what is also a very stacked card. Uriah Faber headlines the FS1 portion of the card against Frankie Saenz. Gunnar Nelson takes on jiu jitsu master Damien Maia. Really is a must see card.
NXT at 8:00 p.m. ET on WWE Network is headlined by Finn Bálor & Apollo Crews vs. Samoa Joe & Baron Corbin. This is the go-home show for next week’s NXT TakeOver: London.
UFC Tonight at 8:00 p.m. ET on Fox Sports 2 (not a typo; everything else is on Fox Sports 1 tonight) is the last show before this week’s triple header. Hosts Kenny Florian and Daniel Cormier break down and preview the epic weekend featuring THE ULTIMATE FIGHTER FINALE and two title fights at UFC 194. Karyn Bryant and Ariel Helwani provide reports.
UFC Ultimate Insider at 9:00 p.m. ET on Fox Sports 1 is the show that premiered earlier in the week. Watch Randa Markos’ story of her remarkable journey from war torn Baghdad, Iraq to Montreal, Canada where she now trains under the tutelage of legendary coach Firas Zahabi and UFC icon Georges St-Pierre. Then, ride along with Myles Jury as he returns to his hometown outside Detroit, Michigan for hard hitting memories, while adding fuel to his championship dreams. Next, UFC featherweight champion Jose Aldo is mic’d up at UFC 190, as teammate and top strawweight contender Claudia Gadelha attempts to dispatch Jessica Aguilar and solidify a title shot. Finally, UFC middleweight champion Chris Weidman sits down with Jon Anik at his gym in Long Island, New York to discuss future plans and upcoming opponent Luke Rockhold’s pre-fight antics.
UFC Fight Flashback at 9:30 p.m. ET on Fox Sports 1 is a rerun of Jose Aldo vs. Chad Mendes II episode to hype this weekend’s main events.
The Ultimate Fighter at 10:00 p.m. ET on Fox Sports 1 is titled “Here For Myself.”. Moving into the semifinals, one squad’s training session turns a little more intense. Urijah surprises Team USA by bringing in UFC featherweight champion Jose Aldo as a guest coach, who shows the fighters some jiu-jitsu. In the final Team McGregor training session, Conor reflects on his experience, being grateful for the opportunity. As the fighters arrive for the fight, Conor is shocked Aldo is in attendance. A few words are exchanged before the focus shifts to the fights. After two exciting semifinals, the final is set, and fighters square off. Then, McGregor and Aldo have their own face-off, ready to do battle in their title fight.
ROH at midnight ET/PT on COMET has a main event of Mark & Jay Briscoe vs. The Young Bucks. Reminder: If you don’t get COMET, ROH puts the TV show up for free on their website on Thursday.
Mick Foley’s talk on WWE creative and a look at all the new moves WWE tried this week on television is the lead story in the new issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter. We look at the changes WWE attempted after a week of record low ratings, as well as the fan questionnaire sent out, what can be learned from it, and why they are asking exactly the wrong people.
We also look at the strengths and weaknesses of the current WWE business, as well as why the ratings may be important, but other factors are probably more important,when it comes to WWE’s next television deal. We look at the different potential changes in the landscape look at what aspects of business are and aren’t improving, as well as WWE’s business in the big picture.
He also update the situation with A.J. Styles, and the New Japan tag team tournament with standings and notes on the tournament matches over the past week.
We also look at the TLC PPV update, more on La Sombra in WWE, questions about all the shoulder injuries, WWE security at live shows, Cena movie release, Brad Maddox firing, Maddox’s WWE history, talents WWE has shown interest in, WWE overseas tour lineup and WWE weekend live event notes and business.
We have a look at the debut of the new Rizin promotion, major announcements for the first weekend of shows, the tournament, just how big Bob Sapp vs Akebono was the first time.
We also have a story on the domestic abuse claims by the girlfriend of Tomoaki Honma, and his response.
We look at the realities of the free agency of Benson Henderson, judging of the key fights, as well as full rundown of UFC’s debut in South Korea this past week.
We’ve got notes of TNA’s canceled tour of India, notes on the death of Tommy Gilbert and El Bello Greco, along with a feature on Stan Holek, a member of two of the most decorated tag teams of the 50s and 60s, the Lisowski Brothers with Crusher and the Neilson Brothers with Art Neilson. We look at the unique reason why all of his success was as a tag team wrestler, his biggest rivals, and his 13 runs as world tag team champion.
We’ve got a feature on the retirement of Act Yasukawa and the sad reason it happened.
We’ve also got the awards ballot for the 2015 awards and information on how well Hell in a Cell did this year on PPV.
You can also order the print Observer right now and get it delivered to your door via mail, by sending your name, address, Visa or Master Card number and an expiration date to dave@wrestlingobserver.com” target=”_blank”>dave@wrestlingobserver.com
For the United States, it is $13 for 4 issues, $32 for 12, $61 for 24, $101 for 40 and $131 for 52. In Canada and Mexico, rates are $14.50 for 4, $35 for 12, $67 for 24, $111 for 40 and $144 or 52. In Europe, you can get the fastest delivery and best rates by sending to moonsault@mediaplusint.com For the rest of the world, rates are $16.50 for 4, $44 for 12, $85 for 24, $141 for 40 issues and $183 for 52.
If you order by mail with a check, cash or money order (P.O. Box 1228, Campbell, CA 95009-1228), you can get $1 off in every price range.
If you are a new subscriber ordering 24 or more issues, you can get one free classic issue of your choice sent to you today. With a 40 issue subscription, you can get two free classic issues sent to you today. We’ve got coverage of every major PPV event and world wide spectacular, every major star switching promotions, histories of companies like FMW, Rings and New Japan, retirement and obit issues of every major star who fits into those descriptions over the past 11 years, as well as our biggest issue every year, the annual awards issue, and our most controversial issue of every year, the Hall of Fame issue.
Sting said on Ric Flair’s newest podcast episode (ep #32) that he needs neck surgery. Key quote (h/t Geno Mrosko at Cageside Seats for the transcription): “Yeah, MRI’s and neurologists have been looking at it, Dr. Maroon out of Pittsburgh, he’s looked at it. He’s telling me that I’ll have to have a surgery. The dust only in the last couple weeks has kind of started to settle a little bit for me, just trying to get so much done in life but now it’s time to go get this thing taken care of. No, I’m hoping [they don’t have to do a fusion surgery]. I know that’s one of the techniques that they use and I’m not sure if Dr. Maroon will have to do that or not. I’ve got two spots in my neck that are troublesome. I guess it’s called cervical spinal stenosis. That’s what it is. I have two areas in my neck where the spinal canal, which holds the spinal cord, it’s kind of choked off in two different locations. Lucky that a catastrophe didn’t happen that night, long story short. I’ve gotta go get it fixed. I guess John Cena had something very similar, he had his fixed, and Dr. Maroon has done several of the WWE guys up there and all with great success.”
Jimmy Snuka’s trial date was set yesterday for March 22, 2016. Coincidentally, it’ll start right as the Hulk Hogan/Gawker civil trial ends.
The White House’s official response to the Nick Diaz petition is every bit as useless as you’d expect. This is the key portion: “The federal government plays no role in the disciplinary actions taken by state athletic commissions, so we are not in a position to address the specific request raised in your petition. State authorities — in this case, the Nevada Athletic Commission — will generally be the best source for information about those kinds of issues.”
Rizin Fighting Federation announced today that the Bob Sapp-Akebono match on New Year’s Eve will be held under shoot boxing rules (kickboxing with takedowns and standing submissions, but no groundfighting). This release also gives an opponent for King Mo and explains some of the other whacky matches/fight taking place on the Rizin shows.
On the same day as UFC 194 in Vegas, there will be a World MMA Expo in New York. They are advertising Jon Jones, Anderson Silva and Eddie Alvarez from UFC all appearing at the show. WSOF figurehead Ray Sefo will make an announcement regarding company plans in 2016. WSOF Middleweight and Light Heavyweight Champion David Branch will host a one hour Q and A and there will be amateur MMA fights held at the end of the expo, which will be held at the Jacob Javits Centre. More information is available at http://mmaworldexpo.com/
Combate Americos, the new MMA organization featuring Latino fighters, announced today that Rey Misterio will serve as an “ambassador”, seemingly filling the role previously held by Alberto Del Rio. In addition, Konnan will be doing color commentary for their next show, which airs on NBC Universo next Wednesday, December 16th at 11 pm eastern/8 pacific.
Bill Goldberg, in a rare live appearance, leads a cavalcade of Legends and current pro wrestling stars coming to South Florida for a Fan Fest and Live Event on Saturday, January, 23, 2016 at the Miccosukee Resort & Gaming’s Entertainment Dome brought to you by Legends of Wrestling. Joining Goldberg is TNA Wrestling’s Kurt Angle, “Hardcore Legend” Mick Foley, “Big Sexy” Kevin Nash, Ricky Steamboat, “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan, “Big Poppa Pump” Scott Steiner, “Mouth of the South” Jimmy Hart, Koko B. Ware, Butchwacker Luke, “Leaping” Lanny Poffo, Tommy Dreamer, Chavo Guerrero, Greg “The Hammer” Valentine, Mr. Anderson, Gagrel, and Legendary tag team, The Nasty Boys with more to be announced. There will be a Meet & Greet Experience at 4pm with an extremely limited amount of tickets available. This is sure to sell out. You will receive a photo AND one signed item of your choice with ALL of the Legends and Stars at this event. At 7:30 the Live Event will begin with 6 matches with appearances by ALL the Legends and Stars of the Event. Tickets start at $35.
Fire Pro Podcast this week looks at Slamboree 2000, a dull show highlighted by a stupid main event angle here.
We’re looking for reports on Raw tonight from North Charleston, SC with Superstars matches, dark matches and anything else that wouldn’t be evident on the live Raw tonight, as well as reports from the WWE weekend shows in Augusta, Fayetteville and Florence, SC to Dave Meltzer
Bryan and I will be back tonight with Wrestling Observer radio tonight talking Raw, the big weekend upcoming and taking your e-mail questions to mailbag@wrestlingobserver.com
Smackdown and Tribute to the Troops will be taped on Tuesday in Jacksonville.
The finals of the New Japan tag team tournament will be late Tuesday/early Wednesday from Sendai at 4:30 a.m. Eastern and 1:30 a.m. Pacific
Yohei Komatsu & Sho Tanaka vs. Juice Robinson & David Finlay
Jay White vs. Mascara Dorada
Jushin Liger & Kushida vs. Tiger Mask & Ryusuke Taguchi
Hiroyoshi Tenzan & Satoshi Kojima & Yuji Nagata & Manabu Nakanishi vs. Karl Anderson & Doc Gallows & Tama Tonga & Yujiro Takahashi
Michael Bennett & Matt Taven vs. Christopher Daniels & Frankie Kazarian
Shinsuke Nakamura & Toru Yano vs. Bad Luck Fale & Cody Hall
Mick Foley’s talk on WWE creative and a look at all the new moves WWE tried this week on television is the lead story in the new issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter. We look at the changes WWE attempted after a week of record low ratings, as well as the fan questionnaire sent out, what can be learned from it, and why they are asking exactly the wrong people.
We also look at the strengths and weaknesses of the current WWE business, as well as why the ratings may be important, but other factors are probably more important,when it comes to WWE’s next television deal. We look at the different potential changes in the landscape look at what aspects of business are and aren’t improving, as well as WWE’s business in the big picture.
He also update the situation with A.J. Styles, and the New Japan tag team tournament with standings and notes on the tournament matches over the past week.
We also look at the TLC PPV update, more on La Sombra in WWE, questions about all the shoulder injuries, WWE security at live shows, Cena movie release, Brad Maddox firing, Maddox’s WWE history, talents WWE has shown interest in, WWE overseas tour lineup and WWE weekend live event notes and business.
We have a look at the debut of the new Rizin promotion, major announcements for the first weekend of shows, the tournament, just how big Bob Sapp vs Akebono was the first time.
We also have a story on the domestic abuse claims by the girlfriend of Tomoaki Honma, and his response.
We look at the realities of the free agency of Benson Henderson, judging of the key fights, as well as full rundown of UFC’s debut in South Korea this past week.
We’ve got notes of TNA’s canceled tour of India, notes on the death of Tommy Gilbert and El Bello Greco, along with a feature on Stan Holek, a member of two of the most decorated tag teams of the 50s and 60s, the Lisowski Brothers with Crusher and the Neilson Brothers with Art Neilson. We look at the unique reason why all of his success was as a tag team wrestler, his biggest rivals, and his 13 runs as world tag team champion.
We’ve got a feature on the retirement of Act Yasukawa and the sad reason it happened.
We’ve also got the awards ballot for the 2015 awards and information on how well Hell in a Cell did this year on PPV.
You can also order the print Observer right now and get it delivered to your door via mail, by sending your name, address, Visa or Master Card number and an expiration date to dave@wrestlingobserver.com” target=”_blank”>dave@wrestlingobserver.com
For the United States, it is $13 for 4 issues, $32 for 12, $61 for 24, $101 for 40 and $131 for 52. In Canada and Mexico, rates are $14.50 for 4, $35 for 12, $67 for 24, $111 for 40 and $144 or 52. In Europe, you can get the fastest delivery and best rates by sending to moonsault@mediaplusint.com For the rest of the world, rates are $16.50 for 4, $44 for 12, $85 for 24, $141 for 40 issues and $183 for 52.
If you order by mail with a check, cash or money order (P.O. Box 1228, Campbell, CA 95009-1228), you can get $1 off in every price range.
If you are a new subscriber ordering 24 or more issues, you can get one free classic issue of your choice sent to you today. With a 40 issue subscription, you can get two free classic issues sent to you today. We’ve got coverage of every major PPV event and world wide spectacular, every major star switching promotions, histories of companies like FMW, Rings and New Japan, retirement and obit issues of every major star who fits into those descriptions over the past 11 years, as well as our biggest issue every year, the annual awards issue, and our most controversial issue of every year, the Hall of Fame issue.
The annual Tokyo Sports pro wrestling awards will be announced late tonight. Minoru Suzuki and Kazuchika Okada are the favorites for MVP.
WWE has pulled its Stampede Wrestling footage from the Network today over a rights issue that has to be resolved between Vince McMahon and Bret Hart, who owns all of his Stampede footage.
Bubba Ray Dudley on Twitter yesterday saying “Just got off the phone with an Extreme Brother. Do not miss Raw tomorrow night.”
Jimmy Snuka was scheduled in court for a pretrial hearing today in the Nancy Argentino case. The hearing is in regard to the prosecution turning over evidence to the defense.
WWE announced the hiring of John Brody as Executive Vice President of Global Sales and Partnerships. He has performed similar positions with the NFL, Major League Baseball and the Boston Celtics. He will work directly under Michelle Wilson, the Chief Revenue and Marketing Officer as a new member of the senior management team.
Street & Smith’s Sports Business Journal released its 50 most influential people in sports in 2015 list. No Dana White, Lorenzo Fertitta or Vince McMahon in the top 50. White & Fertitta have been on the list in years past. Eric Shanks of Fox Sports was No. 10. Bob Bowman of Major League Baseball, who was formerly on the WWE Board of Directors before resigning, was No. 24. Al Haymon, the boxing promoter, was the only combat sports person on the list at No. 46.
WWE
Even though Tommy Dreamer is getting a main roster run right now, he is a free agent and will be still doing his indie shows.
The WWE’s Owen Hart documentary will be released tomorrow.
Expect some Happy Birthday Dean stuff on Raw since Ambrose turns 30 today.
UFC/MMA
Ronda Rousey will be on the cover of this week’s ESPN Magazine with her first interview since her loss. Rousey noted it could be three to six months before she can eat an apple or take an impact due to loose teeth from the knockout. Preview provided by People.
Here is some of the schedule for the week in Las Vegas (all times listed are Pacific time)
Tomorrow at 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. open workouts at the MGM Grand Casino floor with Rose Namajunas, Paige VanZant, Jim Miller, Michael Chiesa, Sage Northcutt and Cody Pfister free and open to the public
Wednesday from 1-2:30 p.m. at the MGM Grand Garden Arena press conference with Dana White, Jose Aldo, Conor McGregor, Chris Weidman, Luke Rockhold, Frankie Edgar and Chad Mendes. Free and open to the public.
Wednesday at 4 p.m. at the MGM Grand Garden Arena: Fight Night weigh-ins. Free and open to the public.
Thursday from 10 a.m. to 12:30 a.m. open workouts at the MGM Grand Garden Arena with Jose Aldo, Conor McGregor, Chris Weidman and Luke Rockhold free and open to the public.
Thursday at 2 p.m. weigh-ins for the Friday night show at the MGM Grand Garden Arena free and open to the public
Thursday Fight Night starting at 3:45 p.m. at The Chelsea at The Cosmopolitan.
Friday weigh-ins for the PPV at 3 p.m. at the MGM Grand Garden Arena free and open to the public.
Friday Fight Night starting at 4:30 p.m. at The Chelsea at The Cosmopolitan.
Saturday UFC 194 first bout at 3:30 p.m. at the MGM Grand Garden Arena
An announcement was made today of a UFC Gym opening in Dubai in early 2016.
Northeast Wrestling is looking for a play-by-play announcer. They must have experience and live in the Northeast. Anyone interested send resumes and samples to newwrestling@yahoo.com
The movie “Spectre” in week five was in fifth place with $5.52 million gross in the U.S. and it was No. 2 in Australia this week (thanks to James Stanios)
Pro Wrestling Chaos from Saturday in Yate, Bristol, UK: Mark Andrews b Morgan Webster (good match), Jeckal b Tommaso Ciampa, Martina Kirby (Martin Kirby in drag) b Jinny-COR, Doomsday Killers b Gideon & Rhino & Mikey Whiplash (Rhino lost the fall which surprised everyone), Masked Mystery Man (Jeckal) won the Rumble, Wild Boar b Mike Bird in a 30:00 Iron man match to win the King of Chaos title. The Masked Man attacked Boar and unmasked as Jeckal. Next show in February with Grado. (thanks to James Witcombe)
Legacy Fighting Championships on 2/5 in Hinckley, MN at the Grand Casino Hinckley with Ricardo Ramos (8-0) vs. Augusto Mendes (5-0) for the bantamweight title that was vacated when Thomas Almeida went to UFC, plus Bock Larson (39-10) vs. Travis Coyle (14-8). The show will air live on AXS.
Resurrection Fighting Alliance on AXS on 1/15 from the 1st Bank Center in Broomfield CO with Bojan Velickovic (12-3) vs. Benjamin Smith (15-3) for the welterweight title as the main event.
Pro Wrestling Championship Series from Sunday in Alton, IL: Christian Rose b Paco Gonzalez, Alexandre Rudolph & Jake Parnell b Jay Howard & Roy Lewis, Pierre Abernathy b Kikutaro, Colt Cabana b Jeremy Wyatt, Mike Outlaw b Danny Adams, Makaze b Greg Jovi, Gerald James b Zakk Sawyers 2/3 falls, Grado b Everett Connors, Steven Kennedy & Jake Dirden & Davey Vega & Mat Fitchett b KC Karrington & Adam Caster & Evan Gelistico & Pierre Abernathy in an elimination match (thanks to Patrick Brandmeyer)
Maryland Championship Wrestling from Friday night in Felton, DE: Funky White Boy & Fed Up (with Mick Foley) b Sonny deeds & Hotlanta Hustals, Oakley Woods b Andrew Steele, Paul Jordane b Fenix Fury, Hell Cats b The Ecktourage via COR so Ecktourage retains MCW tag titles, Ken Dixon b Brandon Scott, Travis Banks b Joe Kerr-COR, Headbangers b Drake Carter & Shaun Cannon, Kimber Lee b Renee Michelle to keep women’s title, Brandon Scott & The Bruiser & Lio Rush b Ken Dixon & Joe Keys & Rob Locke. Next show is 12/26 in Joppa, MD at the MCW Arena with Chyna, Ethan Carter III and Ashely Massaro.
Zero One announced today a show in Yangon, Myanmar on 2/13 at the National Stadium as the first wrestling show in that country. Press from Myanmar were covering the announcement. They announced 20 wrestlers from six countries appearing.
Grand Slam Wrestling tonight in Moosic, PA at the Moosic Youth Center. Yusuke Kodama from Japan is on the show.
Crossfire Wrestling from 12/5 in St. Catherines, ONT: Rochester Wrecking Crew b Italianos, Justin Sane b Tyler Tirva, Kaitlin Diemond b Jewells Malone, Jaxon Jarvis b Chris Laplante, Cody Deaner won three-way over Eric Young and Kongo Kong (thanks to Steven Ashe)
Deathproof Fight Club from yesterday in Etobicoke, ONT: Matt Cash b Taylor Kay-Deen, Maybach Beta b Tarik-COR, Steve Brown b Space Monkey, Danny Orlando & Hardcore Hick b Vaughn Vertigo & Gabriel Fuerza, Smiley b Eddie Sappalucci & Mattick in a three-way, Aiden Rayne & Rob Rage b Shane Sabre & John Greed, Balls Mahoney b Shaunymo in a flaming tables match (thanks to Chris DeCarvalho)
Destiny World Wrestling from yesterday in Mississauga, ONT: Stone Rockwell won three-way over Phil Atlas and Pepper Parks (Eric Young attacked Rockwell after the match), Dalton Castle b Psycho Mike Rollins, Kongo Kong b Randy Reign, Jersey Boys b The Fraternity, RJ City b Ken Anderson, Alexia Nicole b Jennifer Blake-DQ, Ricochet won four-way over Ethan Page, Tyler Tirva and Scotty O’Shea. Moose, Michael Elgin and Mick Foley will be working the next show in January.
Want to again praise some good work in the wrestling community in recent weeks:
The holiday season is here…and independent wrestling helps the public for the holidays with a wide variety of charity events.
Here’s all the good work that has happened so far:
* 3XWrestling presented Holiday Havoc 6 on December 4th, and the 3XW annual Toys for Tots Drive.
* Pure Wrestling Association returned to Guelph, ON on December 4 and Kitchener, ON on December 5 for “Spirit of the Season” collecting scores of new, unwrapped toys and Guelph, ON on December 6 collecting many canned foods items.
* 2300 (ECW) Arena presented the first of their Toys for Tots collection on December 5 at the CHIKARA Pro Wrestling season finale at the 2300 (ECW) Arena with an overflowing box of toys as well as cash donations for Toys for Tots, and food donations to Philabundance being collected.
* Charity Wrestling Show comes to Kingston Gospel Temple, Kingston, ON, Canada on December 5 with a 7:00 pm belltime. with proceeds will go to Hands of Hope, a charity that provides groceries over the holiday season to families in need.
* ECWA Pro Wrestling held its annual Toys for Tots show on December 5 at the Woodbury Heights Community Center, Woodbury, NJ with six boxes of Toys for Tots collected.
* Right Coast Pro returned to Newark, DE on December 5 and collected 2 shopping carts of canned and nonperishable goods for the “Feed the Need Ministry” in Newark, DE and $500 for the Josh Jones Fund.
* New England Championship Wrestling held its annual Toys for Tots collection/meet and greet at West Real Estate in Wilmington, MA on December 5, collecting nearly 100 toys.
* The originator of Toys for Toys events in the Philadelphia/South Jersey region, United Wrestling Coalition, did it again on December 5 at Kelly’s Bar/Banquet Hall, 14 Railroad Avenue, Wrightstown, NJ with 300-350 toys plus 10 bikes.
* WAR Wrestling returns to Lima, OH on December 5 for United or Divided in a fundraiser for the Veterans Food Pantry. raised over $600 in cash and a whole SUV full of food.
* Crossfire Wrestling presented Jingle Bell Brawl IV on December 5 at The Merritton Community St. Catharine’s, ON, and raised $500 for The Niagara Children’s Centre Foundation.
* New Era Wrestling returned to Golden, CO on December 5, collecting dozens of toys at their Toys for Tots collection.
* Xtreme Intense Championship Wrestling returns to Warren, MI on December 6 for Hardcore With A Heart at The Ritz, collecting hundreds of cans of food for the homeless of metro Detroit.
Here are the events still scheduled:
* Grumpy’s Bail Bonds Operation Christmas sponsors a show in Portland, TN at the Richland Park Gym on December 11 with Ricky Morton, Bill Dundee, and TNA’s Crimson.
* Texas Wrestling Association returns to the Texas Wolverine All-Star Gym, San Antonio, TX on December 11 for Gold Envy, part of the annual Toy Drive for Mujeres Unidas benefit Children’s Hospital of San Antonio.
* Pro Wrestling All Stars proudly presents “Christmas Classic” LIVE Friday night December 11th from The Play Atlantis in Melvindale, Michigan. Doors open at 7pm and the show starts at 730pm. Tickets are Only $10 for adults and $5 for kids 12 & under. Bring in a New / unopened toy donation for “Toys 4 Tots” and receive a FREE TICKET to our January 1 show.
In your Double Main, PWAS CruiserCore Champion, El Mano del Diablo puts the PWAS CruiserCore Championship on the line as he battles, Hardcore wrestling legend and former PWAS CruiserCore champion, The Homicidal, Suicidal, Genocidal, Sabu. In tag team action, the odd couple of The Mysterious Movado and his tag team partner, “The Oldtimer” Jeff King make their first title defense against “The State of Corruption’s” Frank Issac Anderson aka F.I.A and his partner & current PWAS Heavyweight Champion, ” Officer” Rod Street. In a #1 Contender Challenge, “Inmate” Jack Thriller takes on Johnny Guh with the winner getting a future PWAS Heavyweight Championship match.
* Brew City Wrestling will run its annual Headlock for Hunger on December 11 at the Knight of Columbus Hall in West Allis, WI. The show features a food drive for the Hunger Task Force of Greater Milwaukee. Fans are asked to bring two non-perishable food items.
* Chaotic Wrestling will do its second Toys for Tots show of the year on December 11th at the Woburn, MA at the Elks Lodge, 295 Washington St, Woburn, MA.
* Join Game Changer Wrestling in Howell, NJ on December 12. On that night we will be giving back! Not only via our Toys for Tots fundraiser, but to a pioneer of our industry, as we honor “Reckless Youth” Tom Carter for his contributions to the sport of Pro Wrestling. Not only that, but #WWE Hall of Famer George “The Animal” Steele and the lovely Terri Runnels will be in the house. For this special celebration to kick off the holiday season with Santa and his elves, get your tickets, NOW by calling the GCW Ticket line at 201-257- 8621.
* Chaotic Wrestling is joining forces once again with The United States Marine Corps Reserve Toys For Tots Program on December 12. In Lowell, MA, we will be collecting NEW, UNWRAPPED TOYS to help provide a happier holiday for families in need.
* All Star Wrestling presents Bodyslams For Toys on December 12 at the Cloverdale Fairgrounds, 6050 176 St, Surrey, BC, Canada. Bring a new unwrapped toy with at least a $10 value and get in FREE.
* Combat Zone Wrestling presents its annual Toys for Tots collection (in conjunction with the Marine Corps Reserve) to take place for the eleventh year in a row with Combat Zone Wrestling’s 17th annual Cage of Death on December 12 at the Flyers Skate Zone in Voorhees, NJ. Cage of Death is part of an all day CZW event. Featured is the annual Cage of Death match, and the CZW return of Sami Callihan
The afternoon features a Combat Zone Wrestling DOJO WARS afternoon student show, with an admission of $5 or one new, unwrapped toy. Toys for Tots will be collected all day.
* GALLI Lucha Libre presents its annual GALLI Toy Drive Navidad event in Villa Park, IL on December 13.
* 2300 (ECW) Arena and Ring of Honor present a Toys for Tots collection at Ring of Honor’s Final Battle PPV on December 18 at the 2300 (ECW) Arena on December 18 with an 8:30 pm belltime.
* 2300 (ECW) Arena and Ring of Honor present a Toys for Tots collection at Ring of Honor’s TV taping on December 19 at the 2300 (ECW) Arena on December 18 with an 6:00 pm belltime.
* SCW Entertainment returns to the Coronaca Fire Department in Coronaca, PA for the 5th annual Toys for Tots event on December 19. Featured matches: Anderson Strong (c) vs. Dean Richards in a SCW Heavyweight Championship/30 Minute Iron Man Match, TJ Boss vs. Ben Wright in a Cage Match/Loser Leaves SCW/Winner is # 1 Contender to the SCW Heavyweight Title, and Kat Daddy (c) vs. Karl Hager for the SCW Internet Championship
* Elite Canadian Championship Wrestling will hold Wrestling With Hunger in at the Elks Hall #49 ,2272 Leigh Square, Port Coquitlam, BC on December 19 (8:00 pm belltime/ 7:30 doors open) to support Share Family Services Food Bank. All seats ONLY $16
* Wrestling for a Cause will run The Fight for Haylie on December 12 in Pryor, OK (7:00 pm belltime) . 100% of the show’s proceeds go to the family of a child with cancer.
* Keystone Championship Wrestling will hold its yearly Toys for Tots show, tentatively scheduled for December 19.
* Supreme Pro Wrestling returns to Sacramento’s SPW Arena on Sunday, December 20, with Brian Tannen defending the SPW Heavyweight Title against Scoot Robertson — The Beautiful People defending the SPW Tag Team Titles against the Honor Society — Michael Hayashi defends the SPW Xtreme Title against Airon Skye — and Joe DeSoul in a grudge match against Ring Announcer Ethan White. Fans donating an unwrapped toy will get half-price admission in our annual Toys For Kids promotion!
* Premiere Wrestling Xperience is offering an opportunity for spectators to bring a new unwrapped toy to the Hickory National Guard Armory, 1251 8th St NE in Hickory, NC on December 19. Spectators who bring a new unwrapped toy (with a suggested minimum value of just $10) can attend their event for only $10 and any child, aged 12 and under, who also brings an unwrapped toy will be FREE in rows 3-8.
* Great Canadian Wrestling presents Season’s Beatings ’15 on December 27 at Harmony Creek Community Hall, 15 Harmony Rd. N, Oshawa Ontario. This is the annual Christmas show for local food bank. Fans are asked to bring donations for Harmony Creek food bank. No matches yet announced.
Between all of these over the years, thousands of children have been able to have a Christmas or Hanukkah. Please help your local independent promotion do the same, or encourage them to schedule an event soon for the Holidays if they haven’t already. If you’re a promoter, PLEASE email me and let me know of your holiday charity themed plans (fund- raisers/collections for clothes, food pantries, Toys for Toys, etc.) at wrestling or MMA events to bobmagee1@hotmail.com.
We’re looking for reports from last night’s WWE shows in Augusta and Fayetteville and tonight’s WWE shows in Charlotte (Roman Reigns vs. Sheamus, plus New Day, Dudleys, Charlotte and Paige) and in Florence, SC (Kevin Owens vs. Dean Ambrose, Tyler Breeze vs. Dolph Ziggler, Rusev vs. Ryback) at Dave Meltzer
Raw will be live Monday in North Charleston, SC. Nothing special has been announced for the show.
Smackdown and Main Event will be taped on Tuesday in Jacksonville.
Mick Foley’s talk on WWE creative and a look at all the new moves WWE tried this week on television is the lead story in the new issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter. We look at the changes WWE attempted after a week of record low ratings, as well as the fan questionnaire sent out, what can be learned from it, and why they are asking exactly the wrong people.
We also look at the strengths and weaknesses of the current WWE business, as well as why the ratings may be important, but other factors are probably more important,when it comes to WWE’s next television deal. We look at the different potential changes in the landscape look at what aspects of business are and aren’t improving, as well as WWE’s business in the big picture.
He also update the situation with A.J. Styles, and the New Japan tag team tournament with standings and notes on the tournament matches over the past week.
We also look at the TLC PPV update, more on La Sombra in WWE, questions about all the shoulder injuries, WWE security at live shows, Cena movie release, Brad Maddox firing, Maddox’s WWE history, talents WWE has shown interest in, WWE overseas tour lineup and WWE weekend live event notes and business.
We have a look at the debut of the new Rizin promotion, major announcements for the first weekend of shows, the tournament, just how big Bob Sapp vs Akebono was the first time.
We also have a story on the domestic abuse claims by the girlfriend of Tomoaki Honma, and his response.
We look at the realities of the free agency of Benson Henderson, judging of the key fights, as well as full rundown of UFC’s debut in South Korea this past week.
We’ve got notes of TNA’s canceled tour of India, notes on the death of Tommy Gilbert and El Bello Greco, along with a feature on Stan Holek, a member of two of the most decorated tag teams of the 50s and 60s, the Lisowski Brothers with Crusher and the Neilson Brothers with Art Neilson. We look at the unique reason why all of his success was as a tag team wrestler, his biggest rivals, and his 13 runs as world tag team champion.
We’ve got a feature on the retirement of Act Yasukawa and the sad reason it happened.
We’ve also got the awards ballot for the 2015 awards and information on how well Hell in a Cell did this year on PPV.
You can also order the print Observer right now and get it delivered to your door via mail, by sending your name, address, Visa or Master Card number and an expiration date to dave@wrestlingobserver.com” target=”_blank”>dave@wrestlingobserver.com
For the United States, it is $13 for 4 issues, $32 for 12, $61 for 24, $101 for 40 and $131 for 52. In Canada and Mexico, rates are $14.50 for 4, $35 for 12, $67 for 24, $111 for 40 and $144 or 52. In Europe, you can get the fastest delivery and best rates by sending to moonsault@mediaplusint.com For the rest of the world, rates are $16.50 for 4, $44 for 12, $85 for 24, $141 for 40 issues and $183 for 52.
If you order by mail with a check, cash or money order (P.O. Box 1228, Campbell, CA 95009-1228), you can get $1 off in every price range.
If you are a new subscriber ordering 24 or more issues, you can get one free classic issue of your choice sent to you today. With a 40 issue subscription, you can get two free classic issues sent to you today. We’ve got coverage of every major PPV event and world wide spectacular, every major star switching promotions, histories of companies like FMW, Rings and New Japan, retirement and obit issues of every major star who fits into those descriptions over the past 11 years, as well as our biggest issue every year, the annual awards issue, and our most controversial issue of every year, the Hall of Fame issue.
Bryan and I will be back tonight with Wrestling Observer radio, talking WWE, the New Japan tournament, McGregor vs. Aldo, Kamaitachi vs. Dragon Lee and taking your e-mail questions at mailbag@wrestlingobserver.com
The finals of the New Japan tag team tournament are Tomoaki Honma & Togi Makabe vs. Tetsuya Naito & Evil, which take place late Tuesday night/Wednesday morning in Sendai. Check out Dave Meltzer’s play-by-play.
The Dragon Lee vs. Kamaitachi CMLL lightweight title match from Friday night’s Arena Mexico show that has been a big topic of conversation all weekend.
John Cena will be on The Tonight Show on Tuesday. He’ll likely be plugging the new TV show he’s hosting. (thanks to Jon Southerland and Paul Fontaine)
Regarding Jim Ross, as everyone knows by now, he is fine. His twitter account was hacked at 5 a.m. today with a report of his death. It was pretty clear it was a hoax early on, but there were still friends of his who woke up to that news.
WWE
The Steve Austin podcast with Shawn Michaels, that was previously taped, will be airing a week from tonight, starting right after the end of the PPV.
Tommy Dreamer will start on the road with WWE starting with the PPV this coming Sunday.
Bayley is on the current WWE Ambrose tour this weekend. She & Becky Lynch are wrestling Sasha Banks & Naomi in tag team matches.
Shannon Knapp on Inside MMA on Friday night announced that Cris Cyborg would not be cutting to 140 as first announced for her next fight in Costa Mesa in January on Fight Pass, but would instead defend her 145 pound weight class Invicta title. The reason given is that without the ability to use an IV to rehydrate for the first time, she doesn’t want to weigh in lower than 145.
Cung Le will be on tonight’s episode of Into the Badlands on AMC at 10 p.m.
The Glory show from Friday night in Amsterdam, Holland featuring heavyweight champion Rico Verhoeven vs. Benjamin Adegbuyi and welterweight champion Nieky Holzken vs. Murthel Groenhart will be airing on ESPN 2 tonight at 8 p.m.
Rey Mysterio Jr. has a knee injury. He was to wrestle at last night’s AAA TV tapings in Neza and was there, on a crutch. He was replaced in the match by Blue Demon Jr.
Paragon Pro Wrestling will be moving its TV tapings to Friday nights, once per month, at Sam’s Town Hotel in Las Vegas, starting on 1/8 at 6:30 p.m. They have a taping this coming Tuesday night, which is the final Tuesday night taping.
CMLL from last night at Arena Coliseo in Mexico City: Apocalipsis b Bengala, Inquisidor b Robin, Super Halcon Jr. b El Hijo del Signo, Hombre Bala Jr. b Nitro-DQ, Triton b Sangre Azteca, Guerrero Maya Jr. & The Panther b Misterioso Jr. & Sagrado, Atlantis & Blue Panther & Titan b Mephisto & Ephesto & Luciferno (thanks to Kris Zellner)
NWA Mid South from Friday night in Tunica, MS before 400 fans: John Saxon b Cassidy Riley, The Posse b Roosevelt & Jeremy Moore, Moose b Tim Storm-DQ, Greg Anthony b Americos, Matt Riviera & Rob Conway (managed by Jim Cornette) b The Heat Seekers to win the NWA tag titles, Matt Sydal b Kincaid (managed by Bruce Tharpe). This group runs every Saturday night in Dyresburg, TN at the Herb Welch Wrestle Plex.
Colt Cabana will headline a Canadian Wrestling Elite tour from 2/19 to 2/27 that will include shows on 2/21 in Edmonton, 2/23 in Calgary, 2/24 in Regina and 2/26 in Winnipeg.
CWE from Friday night in Winnipeg: Silas Young won three-way over Tommy Lee Curtis and Travis Cole, Dick Blood & Billy Blaze won four way over Stefan Epic & Kevy Chevy, Bobby Collins & Rob Stardom and Mike Mission & Moses Luke, Anderson Tyson Moore d Chase Owens, Mr. Inkredible & Antonio Scorpio b Zero Gravity, Danny Duggan & Troy Westwood (former CFL star) b Shane Madison & Adam Knight, Tyler Colton b Charlie Haas, Tyler Colton won 50 man Rumble eliminating Chi Chi Cruz
Winnipeg area wrestler Chi Chi Cruz, 45, worked his first match in five years on Friday night in the 50 man Rumble style Battle Royal. He started first and stayed in for almost an hour before being the last person eliminated by Colton.
Mid Missouri Wrestling Alliance from last night in St. Louis: LaMarcus Clinton & Damion Cortess b Brandon Espinosa & Ace Hawkins-DQ, J-Mal Swgg vs. Brandon Aarons vs. Varik Morgan was a no contest, Andrew Wilder & Johnathan Zulu b Billy Diamond & Clownman Jacko, LaMarcus Clinton & Damion Cortess & Barackus & Prince Moses b Brandon Espinosa & Ace Hawksins and Da’Marius Jones & A.J. Williams in an elimination tag match, Brian James b Moondog Rover, Gary Jackson b Kevin Lee Davidson in a strap match to win the title (thanks to Patrick Brandmeyer)
Lucha Xtreme TV from last night in Fresno: Guerrero de la Muerte b Chad Douglas, Manny Fernandez b Brandon Pinion, Mortal DDQ Brandon Groom (thanks to Jon Southerland)
I Believe in Wrestling from last night in Orlando: Braydon Knight b Gabriel Black, Tyranus b Bucky Wells, Mark Silva b Josh Parker, Jonny Vandal & Aaron Epic b Brandon Scherer & Rex Bacchus, Rhett Giddins b Chico Adams, Santana Garrett won over Shaniah Ariyana, Grace Storm and MJ Knight to keep NWA world title and Wonder of Stardom title, in an elimination match, Teddy Hart & Lince Dorado b Josh Hess & Ace Andrews. Next show is 12/19 with Garrett, Giddins, Dorado Silva and more. They also celebrated Larry Zbyszko’s birthday on the show (thanks to Al Haft)
North Shore Pro Wrestling from last night in Quebec City before 507 fans: Buxx Belmar & Brendan O’Connor b Leon Saver & HC Ryder, Shayne Hawke b Brad Alekxis, Heavy Metal Chaos b 3.0, Alex Price b Surfer Mitch to keep jr. title, Pee Wee & Judas b Giovanni & Michael Style, Travis Toxic b Matt Angel, Franky the Mobster b Chakal, Kickin n Stompin b TDT to win tag titles Marko Estrada b Johnny Gargano to retain NSPW title (thanks to Patric Laprade)
