Tag: daily update

Show notes for tonight:

UFC Tonight airs at 7:00 p.m. ET on Fox Sports 1.

NXT at 8:00 p.m. ET on WWE Network has Scott Dawson & Dash Wilder vs. Chad Gable & Jason Jordan in th Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic, Eva Marie vs. Carmella, Bull Dempsey vs. Tyler Breeze. the introduction of Kana/Asuka, and The Vaudevillains (c) vs. Blake & Murphy for the NXT Tag Team Championship.

A rerun of last week’s episode of The Ultimate Fighter airs at 8:00 p.m. ET on Fox Sports 1. It’s titled “Crowded House” and was a very solid start to the regular (post-elimination round) seasom

Impact Wrestling at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT on Destination America features  Ethan Carter III defending the TNA World Heavyweight Championship against Rockstar Spud and a big announcement from Dixie Carter about Bound For Glory.

The Ultimate Fighter at 10:00 p.m. ET on Fox Sports 1 is titled “Recognize the Enemy.” Conor McGregor tries to push Urijah Faber into fighting T.J. Dillashaw and one of the coaches does not react well to how this week’s fight goes.

ROH at 11:00 p.m. ET on Destination America has Michael Elgin vs. Silas Young, Caprice Coleman vs. ACH, and a main event trios match with Kazuchika Okada & Roppongi Vice vs. The Briscoes & Hirooki Goto.

Please send reports from major shows, recommended links, etc. to newstips@wrestlingobserver.com:

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Figure Four Weekly:

The newest issue of Figure Four Weekly is now up for subscribers (subscribe to the site here and get access to Figure Four, the Observer, tons of audio, and more) featuring a look back at how exactly WWE lost the WWF name. Forget the stories you’v heard, this detailsexactly what the World Wildlife Fund objected to, what WWE agreed to and why, what scandals worried the fund, and more.  On top of that, we have all the usual stuff like Vinny’s reviews and international news from Dr. Lucha Steve Sims and and Alan”4L” Counihan.

The recnt FREEFigure Four Weekly is still up with a look at the crazy story of why Gawker thinks the FBI may have helped Hulk Hogan cover up his racist and homophobic comments. A judge has ordered the FBI to turn over the records of their investigation, and what Gawker is saying in court about what has and hasn’t been turned over paints a very interesting picture.

Also, now available for the first time on Kindle (meaning Kindle devices and anything with the Kindle app) is Fall Guys, the seminal 1937 book that has been described as being like the 1930s version of the Wrestling Observer. It was surprisingly not on Kindle already, so we put together a nice version with a full table of contents w/ chapter marks, proper formatting on everything, etc. Right now it’s available from the American, Canadian, and Australian Amazon/Kindle stores OR you can also buy it from anywhere in the world on PayHip, who will provide you with both Kindle and ePub (every other e-reader) format files, and you can either sideload them to your device or have them email it to your Kindle.

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Wrestling Observer Newsletter:

We’ve got a look at WWE right now with the issues that have led to ratings setting record lows as well as an update on TNA, New Japan, GFW, ROH and everyone else in the battle for No. 2, as the lead stories in the new issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.  This issue also has a detailed look at the Nick Diaz situation and why it is far more complicated than most are making it out to be, Atlantis vs. La Sombra in one of the year’s biggest matches, a history of the CMLL anniversary shows, a look at Thomas Hauser’s article on USADA, an update on Dr. Christopher Amann’s lawsuit against C.M. Punk and Colt Cabana, what led to the Mayweather flop on PPV and New Japan builds for two PPVs this month.

The latest issue of the Wrestling Observer: September 14, 2015 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Huge Weekend Preview, WWE/CMLL/ROH/Bellator

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

The lead story looks at what is and isn’t misleading about the record low ratings for Raw and Smackdown over the past two weeks, the rate of decline, the future of Smackdown, and why wrestling even with lower ratings may be far more valuable to the USA Network when the current contract is over.  We look at the problems that are inherent, those that can be addressed and those that can’t.  We look at why this past week’s Raw rating was far more sobering than the week before as well as how wrestling and every combat sport is changing from an economic situation worldwide.  We look at interviews, finishes, making stars and dropping the ball on stars.  We also look at Night of Champions.

We update the TNA television situation, what promotion had a strong growth year, and the future of No. 2, as well as an update on all of TNA’s TV deals.

We go in depth on Nick Diaz, and what are the key elements of the story, why he got a five year suspension, how Diaz has blown his prime years in fighting, the commissioners discuss the suspension and the deliberations leading to it.  We talk about why comparisons to Anderson Silva and Jon Jones aren’t valid in this case, detail the controversies over the test results, the legal issues involved, and Diaz talks about what happened in childhood that led him to where he is.

We also look at the situation with Jake Shields and the commission ruling on his post-match punch to Rousimar Palhares, as well as his comments on what happened.

We also look at what contracted talent was told about Hulk Hogan, as well as a double standard that is too obvious, the next Takeover special, Update on Lana, Dwayne Johnson makes former WWE writer a major executive in his company, what happened at the recent NXT talent meeting, Daniel Bryan talks about creating new stars, and his health situation as well as PPV matches he wants.

We look at plans for the November European tour, WWE performers and Twitter, Paige talks in detail about her incident with Alicia Fox that turned into a fight of sorts with two other women and how it all went down.  Jimmy Noonan talks issues with WWE security including a story when a fan kicked the ass of a main event wrestler inside the ring one night and how that fan ended up as a wrestler.

We look at another sports star that WWE is bringing in for a tryout, four cast members from Tough Enough who have now signed contracts, this week’s NXT shows, and the father of a WWE wrestler who is an all-time legend in slow-pitch softball.

We’ve got notes on the WWE TV shows as well as the next month of NXT shows, as well as reports on WWE business over the past week, and highlights from all the house shows.

We look at the Atlantis vs La Sombra match, the build to the match, why the match is so big, the last angle and what happened with Dr. Wagner Jr. an L.A. Park.  We also look at a history of the CMLL Anniversary shows, with the big names that have appeared on them and the most famous matches over the years.

We look at Thomas Hauser’s article on USADA and how it related to Floyd Mayweather, what about the article had validity and what was a stretch.  We look at USADA’s drug testing in UFC and what the results so far say, the concept of retroactive TUE’s, a scary aspect of a contract Manny Pacquiao was given and wouldn’t sign, rumors of Mayweather positive tests, and the story behind Erik Morales failing four tests before a fight for Clenbuterol and still fighting.

We update the situation with Dr. Christopher Amann’s lawsuit against C.M. Punk.  We look at the response to the suit filed by Punk and Colt Cabana, WWE’s response and what the key issues in the suit are.

We’ve got notes on the Floyd Mayweather-Andre Berto PPV number and lessons that it has taught.

We also run down this past week’s New Japan show at Korakuen Hall and how it builds the next two PPV shows.

We’ve also got ratings from all the television shows this past week along with results from all the major arena events.

We also update on the last two AAA TV tapings, Genichiro Tenryu’s last match at Korakuen Hall, the Dragon Gate Summer Adventure tag team tournament, the All Japan Open singles tournament, the NOAH jr. heavyweight tournament, New Japan talks about their relationship with WWE and more.

We look at the Japanese female wrestler who broke her record for most world championships, and a new Hall of Fame mixed tag team.

We’ve got notes on Hulk Hogan’s latest media and what he said that simple time lines can disprove, notes on Jimmy Snuka including why there will be a lot more coverage of his story coming up, as well as why his hearing this week was canceled.  We look at the U.S. gold medalists in the world wrestling championships and what wrestler looks like a great UFC or WWE prospect.  We also update GFW and where television stands, look at a star indie wrestler sent to prison, Podcasts involving wrestling personalities, two pro wrestlers at the 1980 Olympic team reunion, an update on House of Hardcore, an update on Kelly Kelly, whatever happened to Chuck Palumbo, former UFC star getting a pro wrestling break, a wrestling show uncovered by a historian that drew 80,000 fans in 1936, the daughter of a WWE Hall of Famer starting wrestling training, and a well known pro wrestler competing under another name in pseudo MMA combat.

We also look at some significant negotiations going on with ROH and a look at the weekend events.

We also look at the Jarrett/Dixie Carter deal, Earl Hebner into the TNA Hall of Fame and his background, an update on Bram and Kurt Angle and Angle’s wrestling schedule.

We look at ticket sales for UFC 194 and how early sales have been, more big fights announced, a UFC signee who will start after competing in the 2016 Olympics, Ronda Rousey in the ESPN poll of the greatest female athlete of all-time, as well as lots of new UFC fights.

We also look at a new Bellator deal, and Scott Coker’s hopes for this week’s show.

We also look at a proposed Chael Sonnen vs. Josh Barnett grappling match, and the return of Ben Askren.

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.

New subscribers ordering 24 or 40 issues have to let us know what major stories of the past 11 years you are most interested in and we’ll send the issue with the best coverage of that story. We’ve got coverage of every major PPV event and world wide spectacular, every major star switching promotions, histories of companies like FMW, Rings and New Japan, retirement and obit issues of every major star who fits into those descriptions over the past 11 years, as well as our biggest issue every year, the annual awards issue, and our most controversial issue of every year, the Hall of Fame issue.

Click here for the most requested Wrestling Observer back issues.

***

Wednesday Daily Update

— Jimmy Snuka’s preliminary hearing has been scheduled for two weeks from today. Irv Muchnick has a blog post about the investigators on his website.

— If you’ve been wondering what Linda McMahon is up to, she hosted a $2,700 per ticket fundraiser for Chris Christie’s presidential campaign last night.

— Cameron/Ariane Andrew and VINCENT! appeared on AfterBuzz TV’s Total Divas post-show last night. They talked about her confrontation with Paige and the issues much of the cast had with Eva Marie among other things.  “I’m doing my own training, like what I’m not supposed to be doing. I want to be the best that I can possibly be and if it means like being a rebel, and if I get in trouble for it, at least I can say I got in trouble because I want to be better.”

— Barbie “Kelly Kelly” Blank is trying to gather fan supprt for her to play Pamela Anderson’s old C.J. Parker character in the new Baywatch movie starring Dwayne Johnson:

https://twitter.com/TheBarbieBlank/status/646758874696052737

— Tank Abbott kind of challenges Ronda Rousey.  “[Rousey] is a girl. It’s all about this emotional stuff. I will tell you this: I don’t care, I will fight any woman on this Earth for free. I will. She will have to make me a sandwich – that’s what I get for winning.” He says he’ll pay $100,000 to any woman who can beat him. “You can’t be, like, a tranny. You gotta be a female. Born a female.” Lovely.

— RollingStone.com interviews Kazuchika Okada. Really.  On ROH’s talent: “They’re at the same level. I wanted to wrestle against new people, but it’s very similar to wrestling in Japan. I really appreciate ROH for letting me wrestle in the United States.”

— WWE posted a teaser for the Eric Bischoff’s 10 most controversial moments special on WWE Network. The topic? His “challenge” to Vince McMahon.

— Added to EVOLVE 50 on October 18th in Deer Park, NY: Roppongi Vice (Trent Baretta & Rocky Romero) vs. The Premier Athlete Brand (Caleb Konley & Anthony Nese), TJ Perkins vs. Tracy Williams, and Matt Riddle vs. Chris Dickinson. 

— Really well dne video on Jesse Neal’s final match.

—  Professional wrestling returns to the North Shore as ELKMANIA 3 emanates from the Beverly/Salem Elks Lodge, 39 Bow Street, Beverly, MA on Saturday September 26th, 2015. Doors open at 6:30 PM. Bell time is at 7:00 PM. Tickets cost $10.00 and are on sale Silver Moon Comics & Collectibles located inside of the East India Square Mall, Salem, MA. Tickets will be available at the door, but purchase in advance is highly recommended!

— WWE released SummerSlam 2015, yesterday on DVD and Blu-Ray. The next archival/specialized release is Sting: Into the Light, which comes out on DVD and Blu-Ray on October 13th. Also, WWE’s “Owen: Hart of Gold” Owen Hart DVD set is now available for pre-order on Amazon (the Blu-Ray version isn’t listed yet) and they also have a special collectible “coffin edition” of “Undertaker: The Streak” coming out on November 17th.

By Dave Meltzer

We’re looking for your thoughts on last night’s WWE Night of Champions, Saturday night’s Bellator, Friday night’s CMLL and Friday night’s ROH with a thumbs up, thumbs down or thumbs in the middle along with a best and worst match from each show to Dave Meltzer

Raw is tonight in Laredo, TX, which is a traditionally hot market for WWE, particularly for Hispanic wrestlers.  It’s a mid-sized market that usually sells out or comes close even for house shows.  They’ll start the build for Night of Champions.  Nothing has been announced ahead of time but one would think they’ll follow up in some form with Chris Jericho.   

We’re also looking for reports from these shows:

*WWE Saturday night in Waco, TX

*WWE Saturday night in Beaumont, TX

*NXT Saturday night in San Antonio

Smackdown will be taped Tuesday in Corpus Christi with Roman Reigns, Dean Ambrose, Seth Rollins and Sheamus as the top advertised stars.

New Japan Destruction in Okayama PPV on Tuesday night at 11 p.m. Pacific and 2 a.m. Eastern on New Japan World

Sho Tanaka & Yohei Komatsu & Yuji Nagata & Katsuyori Shibata vs. Jay White & David Finlay & Manabu Nakanishi & Tetsuya Naito

Bobby Fish & Kyle O’Reilly vs. Jushin Liger & Mascara Dorada non-title

Steve Anthony vs. Tiger Mask for NWA jr. title

Hiroshi Tanahashi & Matt Sydal vs. Bad Luck Fale & Tama Tonga

Doc Gallows & Karl Anderson vs. Satoshi Kojima & Hiroyoshi Tenzan for IWGP tag titles

Hirooki Goto & Tomoaki Honma & Captain New Japan & Ryusuke Taguchi & Alex Shelley vs. Shinsuke Nakamura & Tomohiro Ishii & Yoshi-Hashi & Rocky Romero & Baretta

Kazuchika Okada & Toru Yano vs. A.J. Styles & Cody Hall

Kushida vs. Kenny Omega for IWGP jr. title

Togi Makabe vs. Kota Ibushi for Never Open weight title

We’ve got a look at WWE right now with the issues that have led to ratings setting record lows as well as an update on TNA, New Japan, GFW, ROH and everyone else in the battle for No. 2, as the lead stories in the new issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.  This issue also has a detailed look at the Nick Diaz situation and why it is far more complicated than most are making it out to be, Atlantis vs. La Sombra in one of the year’s biggest matches, a history of the CMLL anniversary shows, a look at Thomas Hauser’s article on USADA, an update on Dr. Christopher Amann’s lawsuit against C.M. Punk and Colt Cabana, what led to the Mayweather flop on PPV and New Japan builds for two PPVs this month.

The latest issue of the Wrestling Observer: September 14, 2015 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Huge Weekend Preview, WWE/CMLL/ROH/Bellator

Web site subscriptions, which include access to both current and older newsletters as well as every audio show in the history of the site.  Sign up here for as low as $9.99 per month!

You can also order the print Observer right now and get it delivered to your door via mail, by sending your name, address, Visa or Master Card number and an expiration date to Dave Meltzer

You can also order at via PayPal by sending a payment to dave@wrestlingobserver.com

Rates are:

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.

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

The lead story looks at what is and isn’t misleading about the record low ratings for Raw and Smackdown over the past two weeks, the rate of decline, the future of Smackdown, and why wrestling even with lower ratings may be far more valuable to the USA Network when the current contract is over.  We look at the problems that are inherent, those that can be addressed and those that can’t.  We look at why this past week’s Raw rating was far more sobering than the week before as well as how wrestling and every combat sport is changing from an economic situation worldwide.  We look at interviews, finishes, making stars and dropping the ball on stars.  We also look at Night of Champions.

We update the TNA television situation, what promotion had a strong growth year, and the future of No. 2, as well as an update on all of TNA’s TV deals.

We go in depth on Nick Diaz, and what are the key elements of the story, why he got a five year suspension, how Diaz has blown his prime years in fighting, the commissioners discuss the suspension and the deliberations leading to it.  We talk about why comparisons to Anderson Silva and Jon Jones aren’t valid in this case, detail the controversies over the test results, the legal issues involved, and Diaz talks about what happened in childhood that led him to where he is.

We also look at the situation with Jake Shields and the commission ruling on his post-match punch to Rousimar Palhares, as well as his comments on what happened.

We also look at what contracted talent was told about Hulk Hogan, as well as a double standard that is too obvious, the next Takeover special, Update on Lana, Dwayne Johnson makes former WWE writer a major executive in his company, what happened at the recent NXT talent meeting, Daniel Bryan talks about creating new stars, and his health situation as well as PPV matches he wants.

We look at plans for the November European tour, WWE performers and Twitter, Paige talks in detail about her incident with Alicia Fox that turned into a fight of sorts with two other women and how it all went down.  Jimmy Noonan talks issues with WWE security including a story when a fan kicked the ass of a main event wrestler inside the ring one night and how that fan ended up as a wrestler.

We look at another sports star that WWE is bringing in for a tryout, four cast members from Tough Enough who have now signed contracts, this week’s NXT shows, and the father of a WWE wrestler who is an all-time legend in slow-pitch softball.

We’ve got notes on the WWE TV shows as well as the next month of NXT shows, as well as reports on WWE business over the past week, and highlights from all the house shows.

We look at the Atlantis vs La Sombra match, the build to the match, why the match is so big, the last angle and what happened with Dr. Wagner Jr. an L.A. Park.  We also look at a history of the CMLL Anniversary shows, with the big names that have appeared on them and the most famous matches over the years.

We look at Thomas Hauser’s article on USADA and how it related to Floyd Mayweather, what about the article had validity and what was a stretch.  We look at USADA’s drug testing in UFC and what the results so far say, the concept of retroactive TUE’s, a scary aspect of a contract Manny Pacquiao was given and wouldn’t sign, rumors of Mayweather positive tests, and the story behind Erik Morales failing four tests before a fight for Clenbuterol and still fighting.

We update the situation with Dr. Christopher Amann’s lawsuit against C.M. Punk.  We look at the response to the suit filed by Punk and Colt Cabana, WWE’s response and what the key issues in the suit are.

We’ve got notes on the Floyd Mayweather-Andre Berto PPV number and lessons that it has taught.

We also run down this past week’s New Japan show at Korakuen Hall and how it builds the next two PPV shows.

We’ve also got ratings from all the television shows this past week along with results from all the major arena events.

We also update on the last two AAA TV tapings, Genichiro Tenryu’s last match at Korakuen Hall, the Dragon Gate Summer Adventure tag team tournament, the All Japan Open singles tournament, the NOAH jr. heavyweight tournament, New Japan talks about their relationship with WWE and more.

We look at the Japanese female wrestler who broke her record for most world championships, and a new Hall of Fame mixed tag team.

We’ve got notes on Hulk Hogan’s latest media and what he said that simple time lines can disprove, notes on Jimmy Snuka including why there will be a lot more coverage of his story coming up, as well as why his hearing this week was canceled.  We look at the U.S. gold medalists in the world wrestling championships and what wrestler looks like a great UFC or WWE prospect.  We also update GFW and where television stands, look at a star indie wrestler sent to prison, Podcasts involving wrestling personalities, two pro wrestlers at the 1980 Olympic team reunion, an update on House of Hardcore, an update on Kelly Kelly, whatever happened to Chuck Palumbo, former UFC star getting a pro wrestling break, a wrestling show uncovered by a historian that drew 80,000 fans in 1936, the daughter of a WWE Hall of Famer starting wrestling training, and a well known pro wrestler competing under another name in pseudo MMA combat.

We also look at some significant negotiations going on with ROH and a look at the weekend events.

We also look at the Jarrett/Dixie Carter deal, Earl Hebner into the TNA Hall of Fame and his background, an update on Bram and Kurt Angle and Angle’s wrestling schedule.

We look at ticket sales for UFC 194 and how early sales have been, more big fights announced, a UFC signee who will start after competing in the 2016 Olympics, Ronda Rousey in the ESPN poll of the greatest female athlete of all-time, as well as lots of new UFC fights.

We also look at a new Bellator deal, and Scott Coker’s hopes for this week’s show.

We also look at a proposed Chael Sonnen vs. Josh Barnett grappling match, and the return of Ben Askren.

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.

New subscribers ordering 24 or 40 issues have to let us know what major stories of the past 11 years you are most interested in and we’ll send the issue with the best coverage of that story. We’ve got coverage of every major PPV event and world wide spectacular, every major star switching promotions, histories of companies like FMW, Rings and New Japan, retirement and obit issues of every major star who fits into those descriptions over the past 11 years, as well as our biggest issue every year, the annual awards issue, and our most controversial issue of every year, the Hall of Fame issue.

Click here for the most requested Wrestling Observer back issues

MONDAY’S NEWS UPDATE

• Bryan and I will be back tonight with Wrestling Observer radio, covering Raw as well as the rest of the wrestling and MMA news.  You can send in e-mail questions to the show to mailbag@wrestlingobserver.com
• We don’t have any update on Sting past he suffered a significant neck injury last night.  It was definitely during the buckle bomb spot.  For those asking, the finish they did was the planned finish, although they immediately went to it when Sting basically insisted on finishing the match.  WWE has acknowledged the injury but not the nature of the injury.  Sting was hospitalized for testing.  TMZ reported that the resutls of the testing were no fractures.
• Sting was booked on tonight’s Raw, but TMZ reported that he is at home today so that would seem he’s not at the show.
• This is from Steve Martinez, a rep for Sting: “As many of you may already know, Sting is undergoing treatment for the injuries he sustained in last night’s match with Seth Rollins. Doctors will continue to evaluate his condition, but he is a man of remarkable health and resiliency, especially at his age and with all he’s endured throughout his stellar career. Therefore, we are optimistic he will have a speedy recovery and return to full health soon. Sting has kept his body in excellent shape, due largely to the guidance he’s received from his personal trainer Jeff Cavaliere (ATHLEAN-X), and we trust this will prove beneficial to the recovery process. As a side note, we later learned the greatest damage to his body took place before the match was over, but being the true professional he is and among the hardest workers to ever step foot in the ring, he insisted to see the match through to the end.” -Steve Martinez
• ROH made the official announcement today of a six-month TV deal with L’Equipe 21, a sports channel in France.  They also announced that they would be starting shortly on WNCN in Philadelphia, WMYD in Detroit and WMCN in Charlotte.
• Tonight’s Raw goes against the Jets-Colts game with an 8:30 p.m. kickoff.  Raw is coming off the two least watched non-major holiday episodes, and Smackdown numbers have been way down the past three weeks, but in theory the day after a PPV show and with some angles shot last night should boost the numbers tonight. 
• WWE was the 7th most searched for item on Google yesterday with 500,000 searches, again well above the usual levels for a PPV show.  Not bad considering the NFL & Emmys last night.
• On Saturday, Tito Ortiz was the 8th most searched item, but that was only 50,000 searches.
• Jon Jones is scheduled to enter a plea on 9/29 on his leaving the scene of an accident charge.
• Heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder (34-0, 33 knockouts) vs. Johann Duhaupas (32-2, 20 knockouts) headlines the first prime time heavyweight title fight on NBC in 30 years, which airs on Saturday night.  That will go head-to-head with the UFC prelims from Japan on FS 1 and the early part of the main card..
• The company has announced Monday Nitro week on the network.  The new shows will be a John Layfield interview with Eric Bischoff after Raw tonight, on Tuesday at 10 p.m. will be DDP hosting a countdown of the ten biggest matches in Nitro history; Wednesday at 10 p.m. will be Bischoff announcing the ten biggest moments of his career, Part two of the Layfield interview with Bischoff will air at 10 p.m. Thursday after Smackdown, and they have added 100 new hours of Nitro to the network.
• C.M. Punk and A.J. Lee (using the name A.J. Brooks) will be starring in a movie called “Hellstorm” that will start filming in November.  The story is that after the collapse of the world’s financial system and a devastating world war, a group of mismatched survivors band together to battle unexplainable and horrific beasts that show up.    
• Stardust uses the name “The Queens Crossbow” as the new name for Crossroads because Stephen Amell’s character in Arrow is named Oliver Queen. (thanks to Michael O’Brien and many others).
• In Montreal, where there is a different mentality regarding coverage of pro wrestling in the media (it has gotten sports coverage there since the beginning of time), Kevin Owens title win got a lot of play.  The Journal de Montreal, the biggest newspaper in town, had Owens coverage on Thursday and Saturday talking about his match in Montreal and yesterday and today about his winning the IC title.  The Thursday, Saturday and Sunday features got a full page.  So much media was interested in his return to Montreal that he couldn’t do it all.  In just one week, he got more press in the city than Sylvain Grenier and Maryse Ouellet got in their entire careers.  It’s been nearly 20 years since an active WWE pro wrestler has gotten the kind of coverage Owens got this past week.  Every major area sports web site covered both the Friday night house show and the title win.  (thanks to Patric Laprade)
• Tomorrow’s episode of Total Divas will cover the women getting the news that Dusty Rhodes had passed away.
• The new issue of the National Enquirer has a story on Jimmy Snuka. 
• Tickets for the Ultimate Fighter Finale and the Chad Mendes vs. Frankie Edgar fight on 12/11 at the Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas are priced at $350, $250 and $150 and go on sale to Fight Club members on Wednesday at 10 a.m., newsletter subscribers on Thursday at 10 a.m. and to the public on Friday at 10 a.m.  With only 1,500 seats and with so many tourists in town for the Jose Aldo vs. Conor McGregor, I expect this to be a quick sellout.
• For the 12/10 Fight Pass show, in the same location, headlined by Paige VanZant vs. Joanne Calderwood, tickets go on sale at noon Wednesday to Fight Club members, noon Thursday for a password pre-sale and to the public on Friday.
• Justin Credible (Pete Polaco) on Twitter announced that he plans to retire from wrestling in November.  He said his final match would be 11/20 against Tommy Dreamer for PWS in Rahway, NJ.
• Scott Norton was backstage at the Night of Champions last night, as was Scott Hall and Wale..
• Road Warrior Animal will be appearing for In Your Face Wrestling on 11/7 in Delanson, NY at the Duanesburg Area Community Center doing a Q&A and Meet and Greet.  They also have a show on 10/10 in Albany, NY at the Polish Community Center.
• Was told lots of Balor Club  T-shirts in Houston last night at the PPV.
• Absolute Intense Wrestling on 10/3 in Cleveland at the Mt. Carmel Church at 3 p.m. with a Girls Night Out show and 7:30 p.m with a men’s show.
• NWA Smoky Mountain Wrestling on 10/3 in Kingsport, TN at the Civic Auditorium with Jax Dane vs. Travis Lee for the NWA title.  Also on the show is Jason Kincaid, Rob Conway, Kid Kash and E.Z. Money.
• A John Cena story about his charity work
• A movie about the deaths of La Parkita and Espectrito Jr., two Mexican minis who had worked with WWE in the 90s under other names and were murdered by prostitutes
• Josh Reddick of the Oakland A’s talks his favorite wrestlers and how HHH made him a fan

ON THIS DAY IN PRO WRESTLING HISTORY INTERNATIONAL (thanks to Graeme Cameron)

1950 – Sugi Sito beat Tarzan Lopez to win the NWA middleweight title

1977 – Mario Valenzuela beat Firma Azul in Acapulco to win the Mexican national light heavyweight title

1979 – Tiger Jeet Singh beat Seiji Sakaguchi in Sendai to win the North American title

1989 – Fuerza Guerrera beat Aguila Solitaria in Puebla to win the NWA middleweight title

2001 – Felino beat Nosawa in Mexico City to win the CMLL welterweight title

2008 – Low Ki beat Tiger Mask in Kobe to win the IWGP jr. title

2009 – Kensuke Sasaki & Takeshi Morishima beat Akitoshi Saito & Bison Smith to win the GHC tag titles in Nagoya

2009 – Manami Toyota beat Aja Kong in Sapporo to win the Oz Academy title

2014 – Shinsuke Nakamura beat Bad Luck Fale to win the IC title

By Dave Meltzer

We’re looking for your thoughts on tonight’s WWE Night of Champions, last night’s Bellator, Friday night’s CMLL and Friday night’s ROH with a thumbs up, thumbs down or thumbs in the middle along with a best and worst match from each show to Dave Meltzer

We’re also looking for reports from these shows:

*WWE last night in Waco, TX

*WWE last night in Beaumont, TX

*NXT last night in San Antonio

*TNA last night in Belle Vernon, PA

WWE Night of Champions PPV at 7 p.m. Eastern on WWE network

*Seth Rollins vs. Sting for WWE title – A notable match for a few reasons.  It’s Sting second PPV match in the WWE and at 56, he has to be among the oldest world title challengers in WWE history.  The questions here is, because Rollins vs. Cena can tear the house down, and pretty much did last month, do they put this on in the middle even though it’s the world title.  Given that there are no obvious new challengers for the title if Rollins retains, except Cena or Lesnar, and we haven’t heard anything about a Lesnar return other than the 10/3, you could go multiple shows.  And they are also heavily teasing Sheamus, who isn’t booked on the show elsewhere.

*Seth Rollins vs. John Cena for U.S. title – It doesn’t make sense for Rollins to hold both titles, and it’s more likely he loses this one.  They’ve got a bunch of Cena U.S. title shirts ready to be out there, and the U.S. title challenge was one of the better segments on Raw, and it’s been gone for a while.  If last month is any indication, this should be an excellent match.  

*Roman Reigns & Dean Ambrose & ? vs. Bray Wyatt & Luke Harper & Braun Strowman – For what it’s worth, Kane is in Houston and scheduled for television tomorrow.  Chris Jericho is also said to be in Houston.  As far as Kane being on TV tomorrow, he was scheduled to return weeks ago but it was held off.  Randy Orton has also been advertised for the show in some circles locally.

*Nikki Bella vs. Charlotte for Divas title, title can change hands via DQ or count out – This is one of the more important matches.  No matter what the outcome, and the odds shift does seem to indicate a Charlotte win, they need to have some time, and to have a good finish (either Charlotte wins or gets screwed in a way that puts heat on the person screwing her as opposed to heat on the company).  It would also be helpful not to put them in a death spot after one of the two Rollins matches.

*Dolph Ziggler vs. Rusev – These two have been tearing it up at the house shows.  Obviously Summer Rae will get involved, and probably help Ziggler win but the storyline will be that we’re not sure if she screwed up by accident or on purpose.  At least with where the story is, that seems like a finish that makes sense.

*New Day vs. Dudleys for tag titles – The New Day is hotter than most tag champs in recent years and the Dudleys are new and legends from the past, so they should have more crowd interest than normal.  

*Neville & The Lucha Dragons vs. Stardust & The Ascension preshow match – This is the preshow match and should be a fun opener.

        It doesn’t look on paper any stronger than usual, but most WWE PPV shows are good.  The key to the show is if Cena vs. Rollins delivers, if the Rollins vs. Sting finishes comes off well, who the mystery partner is and the reaction to him, and if the Divas title match is above the usual level.  If all of those things are affirmatives, this should be a very good show.

Raw will be Monday night in Laredo, TX.  For what it’s worth, and it wasn’t worth much last week, Randy Orton is scheduled on the show.

Smackdown will be taped Tuesday in Corpus Christi with Roman Reigns, Dean Ambrose, Seth Rollins and Sheamus as the top advertised stars.

New Japan Destruction in Okayama PPV on Tuesday night at 11 p.m. Pacific and 2 a.m. Eastern on New Japan World

Sho Tanaka & Yohei Komatsu & Yuji Nagata & Katsuyori Shibata vs. Jay White & David Finlay & Manabu Nakanishi & Tetsuya Naito

Bobby Fish & Kyle O’Reilly vs. Jushin Liger & Mascara Dorada non-title

Steve Anthony vs. Tiger Mask for NWA jr. title

Hiroshi Tanahashi & Matt Sydal vs. Bad Luck Fale & Tama Tonga

Doc Gallows & Karl Anderson vs. Satoshi Kojima & Hiroyoshi Tenzan for IWGP tag titles

Hirooki Goto & Tomoaki Honma & Captain New Japan & Ryusuke Taguchi & Alex Shelley vs. Shinsuke Nakamura & Tomohiro Ishii & Yoshi-Hashi & Rocky Romero & Baretta

Kazuchika Okada & Toru Yano vs. A.J. Styles & Cody Hall

Kushida vs. Kenny Omega for IWGP jr. title

Togi Makabe vs. Kota Ibushi for Never Open weight title

This week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter: 

We’ve got a look at WWE right now with the issues that have led to ratings setting record lows as well as an update on TNA, New Japan, GFW, ROH and everyone else in the battle for No. 2, as the lead stories in the new issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.  This issue also has a detailed look at the Nick Diaz situation and why it is far more complicated than most are making it out to be, Atlantis vs. La Sombra in one of the year’s biggest matches, a history of the CMLL anniversary shows, a look at Thomas Hauser’s article on USADA, an update on Dr. Christopher Amann’s lawsuit against C.M. Punk and Colt Cabana, what led to the Mayweather flop on PPV and New Japan builds for two PPVs this month.

The latest issue of the Wrestling Observer: September 14, 2015 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Huge Weekend Preview, WWE/CMLL/ROH/Bellator

Web site subscriptions, which include access to both current and older newsletters as well as every audio show in the history of the site.  Sign up here for as low as $9.99 per month!

You can also order the print Observer right now and get it delivered to your door via mail, by sending your name, address, Visa or Master Card number and an expiration date to Dave Meltzer

You can also order at via PayPal by sending a payment to dave@wrestlingobserver.com

Rates are:

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.

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

The lead story looks at what is and isn’t misleading about the record low ratings for Raw and Smackdown over the past two weeks, the rate of decline, the future of Smackdown, and why wrestling even with lower ratings may be far more valuable to the USA Network when the current contract is over.  We look at the problems that are inherent, those that can be addressed and those that can’t.  We look at why this past week’s Raw rating was far more sobering than the week before as well as how wrestling and every combat sport is changing from an economic situation worldwide.  We look at interviews, finishes, making stars and dropping the ball on stars.  We also look at Night of Champions.

We update the TNA television situation, what promotion had a strong growth year, and the future of No. 2, as well as an update on all of TNA’s TV deals.

We go in depth on Nick Diaz, and what are the key elements of the story, why he got a five year suspension, how Diaz has blown his prime years in fighting, the commissioners discuss the suspension and the deliberations leading to it.  We talk about why comparisons to Anderson Silva and Jon Jones aren’t valid in this case, detail the controversies over the test results, the legal issues involved, and Diaz talks about what happened in childhood that led him to where he is.

We also look at the situation with Jake Shields and the commission ruling on his post-match punch to Rousimar Palhares, as well as his comments on what happened.

We also look at what contracted talent was told about Hulk Hogan, as well as a double standard that is too obvious, the next Takeover special, Update on Lana, Dwayne Johnson makes former WWE writer a major executive in his company, what happened at the recent NXT talent meeting, Daniel Bryan talks about creating new stars, and his health situation as well as PPV matches he wants.

We look at plans for the November European tour, WWE performers and Twitter, Paige talks in detail about her incident with Alicia Fox that turned into a fight of sorts with two other women and how it all went down.  Jimmy Noonan talks issues with WWE security including a story when a fan kicked the ass of a main event wrestler inside the ring one night and how that fan ended up as a wrestler.

We look at another sports star that WWE is bringing in for a tryout, four cast members from Tough Enough who have now signed contracts, this week’s NXT shows, and the father of a WWE wrestler who is an all-time legend in slow-pitch softball.

We’ve got notes on the WWE TV shows as well as the next month of NXT shows, as well as reports on WWE business over the past week, and highlights from all the house shows.

We look at the Atlantis vs La Sombra match, the build to the match, why the match is so big, the last angle and what happened with Dr. Wagner Jr. an L.A. Park.  We also look at a history of the CMLL Anniversary shows, with the big names that have appeared on them and the most famous matches over the years.

We look at Thomas Hauser’s article on USADA and how it related to Floyd Mayweather, what about the article had validity and what was a stretch.  We look at USADA’s drug testing in UFC and what the results so far say, the concept of retroactive TUE’s, a scary aspect of a contract Manny Pacquiao was given and wouldn’t sign, rumors of Mayweather positive tests, and the story behind Erik Morales failing four tests before a fight for Clenbuterol and still fighting.

We update the situation with Dr. Christopher Amann’s lawsuit against C.M. Punk.  We look at the response to the suit filed by Punk and Colt Cabana, WWE’s response and what the key issues in the suit are.

We’ve got notes on the Floyd Mayweather-Andre Berto PPV number and lessons that it has taught.

We also run down this past week’s New Japan show at Korakuen Hall and how it builds the next two PPV shows.

We’ve also got ratings from all the television shows this past week along with results from all the major arena events.

We also update on the last two AAA TV tapings, Genichiro Tenryu’s last match at Korakuen Hall, the Dragon Gate Summer Adventure tag team tournament, the All Japan Open singles tournament, the NOAH jr. heavyweight tournament, New Japan talks about their relationship with WWE and more.

We look at the Japanese female wrestler who broke her record for most world championships, and a new Hall of Fame mixed tag team.

We’ve got notes on Hulk Hogan’s latest media and what he said that simple time lines can disprove, notes on Jimmy Snuka including why there will be a lot more coverage of his story coming up, as well as why his hearing this week was canceled.  We look at the U.S. gold medalists in the world wrestling championships and what wrestler looks like a great UFC or WWE prospect.  We also update GFW and where television stands, look at a star indie wrestler sent to prison, Podcasts involving wrestling personalities, two pro wrestlers at the 1980 Olympic team reunion, an update on House of Hardcore, an update on Kelly Kelly, whatever happened to Chuck Palumbo, former UFC star getting a pro wrestling break, a wrestling show uncovered by a historian that drew 80,000 fans in 1936, the daughter of a WWE Hall of Famer starting wrestling training, and a well known pro wrestler competing under another name in pseudo MMA combat.

We also look at some significant negotiations going on with ROH and a look at the weekend events.

We also look at the Jarrett/Dixie Carter deal, Earl Hebner into the TNA Hall of Fame and his background, an update on Bram and Kurt Angle and Angle’s wrestling schedule.

We look at ticket sales for UFC 194 and how early sales have been, more big fights announced, a UFC signee who will start after competing in the 2016 Olympics, Ronda Rousey in the ESPN poll of the greatest female athlete of all-time, as well as lots of new UFC fights.

We also look at a new Bellator deal, and Scott Coker’s hopes for this week’s show.

We also look at a proposed Chael Sonnen vs. Josh Barnett grappling match, and the return of Ben Askren.

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.

New subscribers ordering 24 or 40 issues have to let us know what major stories of the past 11 years you are most interested in and we’ll send the issue with the best coverage of that story. We’ve got coverage of every major PPV event and world wide spectacular, every major star switching promotions, histories of companies like FMW, Rings and New Japan, retirement and obit issues of every major star who fits into those descriptions over the past 11 years, as well as our biggest issue every year, the annual awards issue, and our most controversial issue of every year, the Hall of Fame issue.

Click here for the most requested Wrestling Observer back issues

SUNDAY’S NEWS UPDATE

• Lots of audio on this gigantic weekend for big shows.  Bryan and I will be doing another show tonight talking Night of Champions.  We have shows on Bellator and ROH/CMLL up as well.  If you’ve got any questions for tonight’s show so you can send them to mailbag@wrestlingobserver.comWrestling Observer Radio 9/20: Bellator Dynamite 1, Fedor returns, Night of Champions preview, more!
  Wrestling Observer Radio 9/19: ROH PPV report, CMLL Anniversary show, Bellator preview, more!
• This news is shocking.  The web site www.post-gazette.com reported that David Angle is being held in the Allegheny County is awaiting arraignment on a homicide charge.  Police responded this morning on  report of a domestic disturbance and a woman who wasn’t breathing.  Donna Angle, the wife of David, was found unresponsive and she was pronounced dead at a local hospital.  Both are family members of Kurt Angle.  
• Night of Champions is expected to be sold out tonight at the Toyota Center. 
• Check out WrestlingObserver.com’s preview of WWE Night of Champions:  WWE Night of Champions 2015 Preview & Prediction
• Ring of Honor TV 9/19 results and recap: Briscoes/Goto vs CHAOS (Roppongi Vice/Okada)
• CMLL 82nd anniversary show live report from Arena Mexico 9-18 Atlantis vs. La Sombra
• Nothing from wrestling, MMA or boxing trended on Google so far this weekend.  WWE will trend today as the PPV usually does 200,000 or more searches.
• On Twitter at this writing, the only thing trending with any legit numbers were Bellator Dynamite at 24,600 and Fedor Emelianenko at 12,300.
• Tickets went on sale to the public today for the UFC 193 show at Etihad Stadium in Melbourne, Australia.   This will be very interesting to see.
• The odds were really long hours early for today’s Night of Champions. WWE News: Long odds for Night of Champions
• During a Friday night Toronto Blue Jays game on Rogers Sportsnet, the announcers were plugging an ad for Night of Champions (which is on Rogers PPV in Canada and also is on the WWE Network that they own the Canadian rights to), and mentioned Rollins vs Sting.  Buck Martinez, an announcer listening to that, said “I’m assuming that’s not the same Sting that used to be in the Police.  No, I think he’d be a little old for that sort of thing.”
• Dolph Ziggler on Twitter said he would be debuting new gear tonight.
• There is a good Hall of Fame story on the Sharpe Brothers and C.M. Punk on the front page by Ryan Clingman.
• The IHWE promotion out of Fort Worth run by David Farmer announced this week it has joined the NWA.  
• John Fennigan, who keeps taps of people’s TV and PPV matches since 11/06, said that since that period, the Jack Swagger match with Bo Dallas on Superstars was his 300th match.  the only wrestlers over the period with more TV matches are Randy Orton, Dolph Ziggler, Kofi Kingston and Sheamus.  John Cena has 299 over that period, so he hits No. 300 with his match with Rollins tonight.
• Premier Wrestling last night in San Jose before 106 fans:  Hawaiian Lion (1-0) b Mike Truex (0-1), Tyler Bateman (1-2) b Dalton Frost (0-1), Alexander Hammerstone (1-0 b Dylan Drake (4-5), Marcus Lewis (5-4) b Julio Pedroza (3-4), Gabriel Gallo (4-0) b Dom Vitalli (1-3), Timothy Thatcher (4-2-1) b Joe Graves (2-1-1), Kahmora & Nicole Savoy b Raze & Kikyo Nakamura, JR Kratos (9-2) b Jeff Cobb (6-3-1) to retain the Premier title.  Apparently Cobb vs. Kratos was really good.  Next show is 11/28 in Gilroy.
• Real Canadian Wrestling announced these dates in Alberta and Saskatchewan
  9/25 in Maple Creek at the Community Centre
  9/26 in Calgary at Legion #1
  9/27 in Bassano at the Community Centre
• Pro Wrestling Phoenix results from Wednesday night in Omaha:  Zac James b Paul Daniels in a street fight, Michael Ray b Joey Daniels, Mark Sterling b Hype Gotti, Tony Cortez b Pat Powers, L-Ray b Dalton Lee Roth, Arik Cannon & Darren Russell b Abu Colossus & Brendan Juarez.  Next show is 9/26. 
• All Star Wrestling on 11/13 in Vancouver at the Scottish Cultural Center.
• Fringe Pro Wrestling on 10/3 in Hamilton, ONT at the Bay City Music Hall.
• Southern Illinois Championship Wrestling last night in East Carondelet, IL:  Keith Smith Jr. & Math Magician b Waco & Daniel Gunner, Chris Hargas b Karim Brigante, Malia Hosaka d Lucy Mendez, Ron Powers won handicap match over Ax Allwardt & Bubba Troll, Chaz Wesson b Howard Mortiz, Sean Vincent b Curtis Wylde in a strap match, Gary Jackson b Brandon Espinosa-DQ, Flash Flanagan b Heath Hatton-DQ (thanks to Patrick Brandmeyer)
• Larry Matysik, who due to health reasons, has been unable to attend these shows for nearly a year, was at last night’s event.
• A college wrestler, Eric Harris, filed a lawsuit against Bucknell University, claiming it ignored or missed his symptoms from a series of concussions he suffered while competing on the wrestling team, including a brain injury that ended up his career and forced him out of college and led to his disability.  Attorneys representing Harris filed suit on 9/4 asking for in excess of $50,000.  The claim is that he suffers from post-concussion syndrome that the effects on his brain pevent him from pursuing a degree and from getting employment.
• GOUGE from last night in Raleigh:  Timmy Lou Retton b Otto Schwanz, Juan Jeremi b Priest, Waylon Maze b Ryker the Clown, Victor Andrews b Chance LeBeaux, Encore b Popo the Clown, Waylon Maze & Juan Jeremi b Otto Schwanz & Corzone Caliente, Seymour Snott DDQ Jimmy Jack Funk Jr. 
• I Believe in Wresting from last night in Orlando:  Slade Porter b Josh Hess and Ace Andrews, Mike Reed b Derick Jordan, Tyrannus b Rex Cacchus, Brandon Scherer b Toby Clements, Mark Silva b Dalton Murphy, Josh Parker b Chico Adams, Dirty Blondes b Rhett Ghiddins & Aaron Epic.  Next show is 10/3 with Santana Garrett defending the NWA women’s title against Saraya Knight. (thanks to Al Haft)
• Big Time Wrestling from Friday night in Glens Falls, NY before 1,200 fans:  Todo Loco won three-way over Danny Miles and Bobby Ocean, Scotty 2 Hotty b Sean burke, Slyck Wagner Brown b Antonio Thomas, Honky Tonk Man & The Patriot b Earl Cooter & Eric Alden, Mister TA b Foxx Vinyer, Flex Armstrong b Ba Shaw, Kevin Nash & Jeff Starr b Vince Beach & Shane Alden

ON THIS DAY IN PRO WRESTLING HISTORY INTERNATIONAL (thanks to Graeme Cameron)

1930 – Ed Strangler Lewis beat Joe Stecher before 10,000 fans in Sydney, Australia.  No title was at stake, but it was a huge match in that country.  

1968 – Toru Tanaka beat Mario Milano to win the IWA heavyweight title

1989 – Masa Saito & Shinya Hashimoto beat Riki Choshu & Takashi Iizuka in Osaka to win the IWGP tag titles  That’s 26 years ago and Iizuka was tag champ.  That’s scary.

1993 – Shinya Hashimoto beat Great Muta in Nagoya to win the IWGP heavyweight title 

1996 – Lioness Asuka beat Lola Gonzalez in Mexico City to win the TWWF women’s title.  The WWE wrestler Kana is taking her name fro Asuka.

1997 – Shawn Michaels beat Davey Boy Smith to win the European title.  This was the match where Davey dedicated the match to his sister who had cancer when he was told he was going to win. Then, on the day of the show, he was told he was losing.  Needless to say, he wasn’t happy about that

1997 – Devil Masami beat Chigusa Nagayo in Kawasaki to win the Gaea All-Asia title

2000 – Gedo & Jado beat Hideki Hosaka & Yoshinori Sasaki and Kintaro Kanemura & Ryuji Hijikata in a three-way in Hokkaido to win the WEW tag titles

2004 – Manami Toyota & Carlos Amano beat Aja Kong & Amazing Kong (TNA’s Awesome Kong) to win the AAAW tag titles

2011 – Olimpico & Psicosis & Volador Jr. beat Angel de Oro & Diamante & Rush in Mexico City to win the Mexican national trios titles

by David Bixenspan | davidbix@wrestlingobserver.com | Follow @davidbix

Show notes for tonight:

Total Divas airs at 9:00 p.m. ET on E! with “An Unwanted Proposal.” Paige’s boyfriend proposes; Brie and Bryan argue about their future; and Trinity/Naomi messes up Jon’s/Jimmy Uso’s standup comedy career (?!??!) somehow.

SmackDown and Main Event will be taped tonight in Little Rock. Please send spoilers/reports to newstips@wrestlingobserver.com.

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Figure Four Weekly:

The newest issue of Figure Four Weekly is now up for subscribers (subscribe to the site here and get access to Figure Four, the Observer, tons of audio, and more) featuring a look at the latest in the concussion lawsuits filed against WWE on behalf of various wrestlers by Konstantine Kyros. On top of that, we have all the usual stuff like Vinny’s reviews and international news from Dr. Lucha Steve Sims and and Alan”4L” Counihan.

The recnt FREE Figure Four Weekly is still up with a look at the crazy story of why Gawker thinks the FBI may have helped Hulk Hogan cover up his racist and homophobic comments. A judge has ordered the FBI to turn over the records of their investigation, and what Gawker is saying in court about what has and hasn’t been turned over paints a very interesting picture.

Also, now available for the first time on Kindle (meaning Kindle devices and anything with the Kindle app) is Fall Guys, the seminal 1937 book that has been described as being like the 1930s version of the Wrestling Observer. It was surprisingly not on Kindle already, so we put together a nice version with a full table of contents w/ chapter marks, proper formatting on everything, etc. Right now it’s available from the American, Canadian, and Australian Amazon/Kindle stores OR you can also buy it from anywhere in the world on PayHip, who will provide you with both Kindle and ePub (every other e-reader) format files, and you can either sideload them to your device or have them email it to your Kindle.

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Wrestling Observer Newsletter:

A look at next weekend, which is one of the biggest weekends of the year with Bellator and CMLL having their biggest shows, plus a WWE PPV show and an ROH PPV, is one of the lead stories in the new issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.  We also have a look at the 2015 Hall of Fame ballot, tons more on the Jimmy Snuka case, An update on TNA and the future of Kurt Angle, a letter UFC sent to all its fighters about unionization, plus full coverage of UFC 191 and Battle of Los Angeles, and thoughts behind Raw & Smackdown doing record low numbers.

The latest issue of the Wrestling Observer: September 14, 2015 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Huge Weekend Preview, WWE/CMLL/ROH/Bellator

Web site subscriptions, which include access to both current and older newsletters as well as every audio show in the history of the site.  Sign up here for as low as $9.99 per month!

You can also order the print Observer right now and get it delivered to your door via mail, by sending your name, address, Visa or Master Card number and an expiration date to Dave Meltzer

You can also order at via PayPal by sending a payment to dave@wrestlingobserver.com

Rates are:

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.

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

We look at next week’s big shows, including a preview of  CMLL’s main event, why L.A. Park is already gone from the promotion, and a preview of  both Raw and Night of Champions.

We’ve got more on the Jimmy Snuka case, with a background of WWE in 1983, Vince McMahon purchasing the company from his father, what was and wasn’t known in wrestling at the time, the first Snuka arrest, the decision made on Hulk Hogan being the face of the company’s expansion, the role Snuka’s autobiography played in his indictment, the corner saying why he felt there was no indictment and his quotes on the subject, new evidence, Buddy Rogers before his death talks about the subject, another coroner weighs in, a lawyer who investigated the case in 1983 weighs in, how Snuka handled his finances fro that point on, Snuka’s run in New Japan, the famous Brody & Snuka walking out on the tag tournament finals, what Vince McMahon was doing to protect Snuka, key Allentown officials talk cover-up rumors, WWE talks those rumors and more.

We also update the Kurt Angle TNA situation and why Angle said he was leaving the company when his contract expires in January.  We look at the situation with Destination America, what talent knows and how WWE fits into all this right now.

We look at the letter sent by UFC to all of its fighters regarding unionization and our thoughts on the subject.

We’ve got a look at the 2005 Hall of Fame ballot, a look at the new candidates and their credentials, candidates for the future, understanding of the process, as well as how everyone on this year’s ballot fared last year.

We also look back at research into the biggest draws of all-time on the ballot, as well how the candidates have done in various awards, in drawing power for their era, as well as match quality, how difficult it is to be voted in, and notes on a lot of this year’s modern candidates.

We have an update on Ronda Rousey and WrestleMania, an upcoming WWE wedding, John Cena injury notes, WWE asks fans about PPV start times and thoughts, update on Amanda from Tough Enough and what appears to be her new deal, WWE pulling out all stops for next months tour of Mexico and why, Dean Ambrose talks acting, Nikki Bella as Divas champion, Eric Bischoff appearing on WWE Network, Undertaker’s future, the signing of Kana and she talks coming to WWE, Zahra Schreiber talks her firing, some NXT matches, a WWE wrestler on a sabbatical, as well as the WWE business notes from the past week and highlights from all the house hows.

We also look at Hulk Hogan’s overseas talk shows, the death of Tommy Rogers of The Fantastics, Dave Brown retires from WMC TV and how it was celebrated locally, Axl Rotten’s future goals, CHIKARA King of Trios, Jeff Jarrett TV talks and the final GFW ballpark shows of the year and what is left on the schedule, Bob Backlund’s autobiography, update on Batista, the death of Jerry Prater, an instrumental figure in Florida wrestling in the 70s and the heyday of wrestling programs and magazines, the Carlos Maynez tribute show this past week featuring legends from the past, a Roddy Piper movie not released and the Darrell Dawkins connection with pro wrestling.

We also update things on Lucha Underground.

We look at next week’s ROH matches.

We look at a TNA wedding, lineups for the upcoming TNA shows, U.K. TNA ratings and updating Impact.

We also have Conor McGregor talking his future, McGregor vs. Faber and why it didn’t happen, key UFC announcements over the pat week including new shows, new main events and new title matches, the retirement of Sam Stout, Rousey doing “Road House,” next UFC TV events, update on Charles Oliveira, UFC’s most popular markets, how much Rousey and McGregor are carrying things right now and former UFC star buys $2.75 million mansion from a rock star.

We also look at Alexander Shlemenko’s attempt to get his steroid punishment over turned and his arguments, plus a new Bellator show was announced.

We also update Fedor Emelianenko and his situation, as well as a former WWE star debuts this week as an MMA announcer and top pro wrestling stars attending.  We also look at the results of the latest medical study on injuries suffered in boxing vs. MMA and where each is more and less dangerous than the other.  

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.

New subscribers ordering 24 or 40 issues have to let us know what major stories of the past 11 years you are most interested in and we’ll send the issue with the best coverage of that story. We’ve got coverage of every major PPV event and world wide spectacular, every major star switching promotions, histories of companies like FMW, Rings and New Japan, retirement and obit issues of every major star who fits into those descriptions over the past 11 years, as well as our biggest issue every year, the annual awards issue, and our most controversial issue of every year, the Hall of Fame issue.

Click here for the most requested Wrestling Observer back issues.

***

Tuesday Daily Update

— Sports Illustrated’s Extra Mustard got to take part in the Hulk Hogan apology tour, with the most newsworthy part being that he never spoke to Vince McMahon about his firing, with Paul Levesque calling him in the middle of the night when they got word of the National Enquirer/Radar Online story. Among the “highlights” is this: “I was surrounded by a bunch of negativity in my personal life. My [23-year] marriage had pretty much unwound, and it wasn’t fixable. I was going through a tough time with my son being put in an adult prison when he was 16 years old. I was stressed out to the max.” The videos with Heather Cole were made before July 13, 2007, the date written on the DVDs that were seized as part of a FBI sting. Nick Bollea’s car accident that put John Graziano in a vegetatve state was August 26, 2007.

— Tickets for the meet and greet/autograph session portion of Hogan’s upcoming “talk show” appearance in England are the equivlaent of $350 U.S. 

— Meanwhile, Hogan has been successfully trolled on Twitter again, this time being tricked into endorsing disgraced Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott. He really, really needs to get away from Twitter, or at the very least stop retweeing things from anyone he doesn’t know.

— Evolve announced that former UFC and Bellator Fighter Matt Riddle will make his debut at their shows in New York next month. Riddle, who purportedly has a ton of potential, has been training at the Monster Factory and working some smaller shows.

— Some new screenshots for WWE 2K16 (comes out on October 27th) that were released today revealed a bit of a pleasant surprise: The game’s campaign, which goes through Steve Austin’s career, will, at the very least, go back to his WCW run. At 2K Games’ media event in New York a during SummerSlam week, the demo they had started with Austin winning King of the Ring ’96, which led a lot of people to think that was where the mode actually started. Today, the screenshots they released included  “Stunning” Steve Austin making his entrance circa 1993-1994 and “Superstar” Steve Austin about to wrestle Mikey Whipwreck at the ECW Arena in 1995. The final roster reveal announcement also included Ricky Steamboat with a photo from 1994, when he feuded with Austin right before being retired by a back injury.

— ThinkProgress explains the appeal of Donald Trump via Roland Barthes’ essay about pro wrestling.

— Kevin Eck writes about WWE’s hesitance to acknowledge Roman Reigns’ Samoan heritage when he was working for the company on the creative team.

— E! sent us a video of a bikini clad Kelly Kelly chopping someone on tonight’s episode of WAGs. Thy’re promoting it as her using wrestling moves.

— Bob Backlund’s book was officially released today in both physical and digital formats. WWE’s next home video release is SummerSlam 2015, which comes out on DVD and Blu-Ray a week from today. WWE’s next archival release is Sting: Into The Light on DVD and Blu-Ray in four weeks.

— The entire Chikara King of Trios tournament is no available as a aVOD  download.

— On the latest Between the Sheets podcast, Kris Zellner and myself are joined by Charles (Pro Wrestling Only) and Sean Wheelock (Let’s Get It On/Bellator/co-author of “Is This Legal?” about the first UFC PPV) to discuss the week that was September 8-14, 1994. Listen to us talk about Jim Cornette breaking car windows, Crush & Yokozuna breaking caskets, Keith Hackney breaking his hands, & the Gracie myth breaking apart.

— PWP runs tomorrow night, 9/16, at The Waiting Room Lounge in Omaha, NE.

— MCW has a show this Saturday Night in Hollywood, MD. WWE Hall Of Famer Jake the Snake Roberts, TNA Diva and Former WWE Diva Mickie James, and all of the stars of MCW will be appearing at the Pre Show Fan fest. The Fan fest will be from 6:30 to 7:30PM  just before the event starts and wrestling fans will be able to meet all of the stars and get photo opportunities with them as well. All that is needed to attend the fan fest is a ticket to the event. Action-Packed Matches include: The Hell Cats vs. Ecktourage vs. Punk Rock All-Stars, Brandon Scott vs. Drolix, Dixon Line Security vs. G-Fed, the Bruiser & Jake the Snake Roberts, Kimber Lee vs. Mickie James, King Ryan McBride vs. Lio Rush, Fenix Fury vs. Chuck Lennox, plus many more stars in action this Saturday Night.

By Dave Meltzer

We’re looking for reports from Raw tonight from Memphis tonight with dark matches, Superstars matches and anything else that wouldn’t be evident from the live TV show at Dave Meltzerdave@wrestlingobserver.com”>  The matches announced are Nikki Bella vs. Charlotte for the Divas title, The New Day vs. Prime Time Players for the tag titles, plus Sting will be there since it’s the go-home show for Night of Champions.

Smackdown and Main Event will be taped Tuesday in Little Rock.

A look at next weekend, which is one of the biggest weekends of the year with Bellator and CMLL having their biggest shows, plus a WWE PPV show and an ROH PPV, is one of the lead stories in the new issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.  We also have a look at the 2015 Hall of Fame ballot, tons more on the Jimmy Snuka case, An update on TNA and the future of Kurt Angle, a letter UFC sent to all its fighters about unionization, plus full coverage of UFC 191 and Battle of Los Angeles, and thoughts behind Raw & Smackdown doing record low numbers.

The latest issue of the Wrestling Observer: September 14, 2015 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Huge Weekend Preview, WWE/CMLL/ROH/Bellator

Web site subscriptions, which include access to both current and older newsletters as well as every audio show in the history of the site.  Sign up here for as low as $9.99 per month!

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 Meltzerdave@wrestlingobserver.com”>

You can also order at www.paypal.com directing funds to dave@wrestlingobserver.com

Rates are:

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.

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

We look at next week’s big shows, including a preview of  CMLL’s main event, why L.A. Park is already gone from the promotion, and a preview of  both Raw and Night of Champions.

We’ve got more on the Jimmy Snuka case, with a background of WWE in 1983, Vince McMahon purchasing the company from his father, what was and wasn’t known in wrestling at the time, the first Snuka arrest, the decision made on Hulk Hogan being the face of the company’s expansion, the role Snuka’s autobiography played in his indictment, the corner saying why he felt there was no indictment and his quotes on the subject, new evidence, Buddy Rogers before his death talks about the subject, another coroner weighs in, a lawyer who investigated the case in 1983 weighs in, how Snuka handled his finances fro that point on, Snuka’s run in New Japan, the famous Brody & Snuka walking out on the tag tournament finals, what Vince McMahon was doing to protect Snuka, key Allentown officials talk cover-up rumors, WWE talks those rumors and more.

We also update the Kurt Angle TNA situation and why Angle said he was leaving the company when his contract expires in January.  We look at the situation with Destination America, what talent knows and how WWE fits into all this right now.

We look at the letter sent by UFC to all of its fighters regarding unionization and our thoughts on the subject.

We’ve got a look at the 2005 Hall of Fame ballot, a look at the new candidates and their credentials, candidates for the future, understanding of the process, as well as how everyone on this year’s ballot fared last year.

We also look back at research into the biggest draws of all-time on the ballot, as well how the candidates have done in various awards, in drawing power for their era, as well as match quality, how difficult it is to be voted in, and notes on a lot of this year’s modern candidates.

We have an update on Ronda Rousey and WrestleMania, an upcoming WWE wedding, John Cena injury notes, WWE asks fans about PPV start times and thoughts, update on Amanda from Tough Enough and what appears to be her new deal, WWE pulling out all stops for next months tour of Mexico and why, Dean Ambrose talks acting, Nikki Bella as Divas champion, Eric Bischoff appearing on WWE Network, Undertaker’s future, the signing of Kana and she talks coming to WWE, Zahra Schreiber talks her firing, some NXT matches, a WWE wrestler on a sabbatical, as well as the WWE business notes from the past week and highlights from all the house hows.

We look at Saturday’s UFC show, the business notes on the show, where the top guys go next along with match-by-match coverage, how much everyone earned, and poll results on the show.

We also have rundowns of the major TV shows of the past week.

We also go in depth on the Battle of Los Angeles tournament with match-by-match coverage for all three nights, what is PWG, the atmosphere and more.

We also have notes on the ratings of all the major television shows, including just how badly the main shows fared, and results of the major league arena events over the past week.

We also look at the affect that Dr. Wagner Jr. and L.A. Park have on business in Mexico, what dream of L.A. Park fell through, Rey Mysterio in AAA and notes on several big shows plus names they are talking about bringing in.

We also update the Dragon Gate tag team tournament and the NOAH Jr. tag team tournament.  We also look at New Japan’s next international tour, why Tenryu vs. Okada is taking place in November, what foreign stars are being discussed for New Japan, and Hiroshi Tanahashi doing the DDT show and the future of Yohei Komatsu and Sho Tanaka.

We also look at Hulk Hogan’s overseas talk shows, the death of Tommy Rogers of The Fantastics, Dave Brown retires from WMC TV and how it was celebrated locally, Axl Rotten’s future goals, CHIKARA King of Trios, Jeff Jarrett TV talks and the final GFW ballpark shows of the year and what is left on the schedule, Bob Backlund’s autobiography, update on Batista, the death of Jerry Prater, an instrumental figure in Florida wrestling in the 70s and the heyday of wrestling programs and magazines, the Carlos Maynez tribute show this past week featuring legends from the past, a Roddy Piper movie not released and the Darrell Dawkins connection with pro wrestling.

We also update things on Lucha Underground.

We look at next week’s ROH matches.

We look at a TNA wedding, lineups for the upcoming TNA shows, U.K. TNA ratings and updating Impact.

We also have Conor McGregor talking his future, McGregor vs. Faber and why it didn’t happen, key UFC announcements over the pat week including new shows, new main events and new title matches, the retirement of Sam Stout, Rousey doing “Road House,” next UFC TV events, update on Charles Oliveira, UFC’s most popular markets, how much Rousey and McGregor are carrying things right now and former UFC star buys $2.75 million mansion from a rock star.

We also look at Alexander Shlemenko’s attempt to get his steroid punishment over turned and his arguments, plus a new Bellator show was announced.

We also update Fedor Emelianenko and his situation, as well as a former WWE star debuts this week as an MMA announcer and top pro wrestling stars attending.  We also look at the results of the latest medical study on injuries suffered in boxing vs. MMA and where each is more and less dangerous than the other.  

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.

New subscribers ordering 24 or 40 issues have to let us know what major stories of the past 11 years you are most interested in and we’ll send the issue with the best coverage of that story. We’ve got coverage of every major PPV event and world wide spectacular, every major star switching promotions, histories of companies like FMW, Rings and New Japan, retirement and obit issues of every major star who fits into those descriptions over the past 11 years, as well as our biggest issue every year, the annual awards issue, and our most controversial issue of every year, the Hall of Fame issue.

Click here for the most requested Wrestling Observer back issues

MONDAY’S NEWS UPDATE

• Bryan and I will be back tonight talking Raw, the Nick Diaz hearing, the huge weekend upcoming as well as taking e-mail questions that can be sent to mailbag@wrestlingobserver.com
• Tonight’s Raw is being pushed around whether or not Nikki Bella breaks the all-time record for the Divas title longest reign, held by A.J. Lee.  She will defend against Charlotte and whatever is done is likely to set up either a rematch on Sunday or some type of title match on Sunday. 
• Also on tonight’s show, The New Day faces The Prime Time Players for the tag titles with the winners going to Night of Champions on Sunday in Houston against The Dudleys.  Given the TV buildup, it’s likely The New Day, or a disputed finish to set up a three-way. 
• If they are going to announce the third partner on the Roman Reigns & Dean Ambrose team against The Wyatt Family, tonight would be the time to do it.  As noted, Randy Orton was scheduled to appear tonight and tomorrow night, but that doesn’t mean they may not change their mind, nor that he’s not just working a dark match.  It is possible they could claim him as injured, even though he headlined house shows the last two nights.
• This is also the first Raw going against Monday Night Football.  There are actually two games on ESPN.  Most of Raw will go against the Philadelphia Eagles vs. Atlanta Falcons, while the last 50 minutes or so go against the 49ers and Minnesota Vikings game. 
• Tonight’s Raw is being pushed as the season premiere.  They’ve also added a Miz TV segment to the show and Sting is scheduled for the show.
• Nick Diaz recieved a 5 year ban from the NSAC.  Diaz tested positive for marijuana for the Anderson Silva fight.
• Congratulations to Vickie Guerrero, who was married over the weekend to Kris Benson. 
• The 9/22 episode of Total Divas has a preview that mentions that the women go on vacation to Mexico where Paige announces her engagement.
• Bellator announced a new TV deal with ESPN Deportes, which starts with Saturday night’s show.  The prelims, which start at 6:30 p.m. Eastern, will stream in Spanish on ESPN 3 and ESPNDeportes+ with the main card eight fights airing starting at 9 p.m.
• The Nevada Athletic commission today ordered Jake Shields to do 50 hours of community service for throwing a punch as Rousimar Palhares after their fight.  Shields said that he was injured by Palhares,who didn’t break a Kimura after he tapped, and said both his elbow and shoulder were torn.  He also said Palhares repeatedly eye gouged him throughout the second round.  Palhares was not at the meeting but he will be facing a hearing for not breaking the hold and eye gouging next month.  He asked for his hearing to be delayed because his wife is pregnant and close to giving birth.
• The Flipps App announced today a partnership with both TNA and ROH to stream their PPV events.  For ROH, they will stream worldwide Friday night’s All-Star Extravaganza show.  They will not only stream TNA Bound for Glory, but also the One Night Only series shows.  The first two will be TNA Legends, which airs TNA footage of Hulk Hogan, Randy Savage, Sting, Roddy Piper, The Road Warriors, Ric Flair, Jeff Hardy, Mick Foley, Rob Van Dam, Scott Hall, Kevin Nash and Jimmy Snuka.  Not exactly the best timing to be pushing Jimmy Snuka.  The other is a World Cup PPV special taped months ago.
• A couple of changes in Saturday’s Bellator show in San Jose.  Serhiy Adamchuk (29-5) of The Ukraine will face Anvar Boynazaraov in a kickboxing match where the winner gets a shot at the Glory featherweight title and champion Gabriel Varga.  That will air on the Spike web site.  In addition, Roy Caughton (12-5) replaces Philipe Lins, in a fight with Francis Carmont, which is an alternates fight in the light heavyweight tournament.
• For those in the area, this is the schedule for Bellator:
• Wednesday will have open media workouts at the AKA Gym in San Jose
  11 a.m. Liam McGeary and Paul Daley
  11:30 a.m. Emanuel Newton and Saulo Cavalari
  Noon Tito Ortiz and Josh Thomson
  12:30 p.m.King Mo and Fernando Gonzalez
  1 p.m. Phil Davis and Kerri Taylor-Melendez
  1:30 p.m. Linton Vassell and Zack Mwekassa
• Press conference at the SAP Center in San Jose at 11 a.m.  Among those appearing at 11 a.m. are Tito Ortiz, Liam McGeary, Paul Daley, King Mo, Linton Vassell, Randy Couture and Cung Le.  At 1 p.m. will be Scott Coker, Phil Davis, Emanuel Newton, Josh Thomson, Frank Shamrock, Royce Gracie, Kazushi Sakuraba and Fedor Emelianenko.
• At 3:30 p.m. Thursday, Randy Couture, Aaron Pico and Ed Ruth will be at the Gilroy High gym training with the wrestling team.
• Weigh-in are Friday at 5 p.m. and will stream live at www.Bellator.com
• The fan fest is Saturday at 7 p.m. at Dave & Buster’s at the Great Mall in Milpitas with Fedor, Royce Gracie, Couture, Frank Shamrock, Cung Le and Sakuraba.
• Kimbo Slice will be signing autographs at 3 p.m. on Saturday when the doors open to the show inside the SAP Center.  The first fight starts at 3:30 p.m. local time.
• GFW sent out a release that they’ve signed an international TV distribution deal with Boulder Creek International of London, England.  The shows that have been taped in Las Vegas will be available through BCI starting in November.
• Combate Americas sent out a press release earlier today plugging Alberto Del Rio as announcing for their MMA promotion that debuts on Thursday night at 11 p.m. on NBC Universo (formerly mun2) in  Spanish.  He was pushed as the biggest name in the promotion and as the only man to win the Royal Rumble and Money in the Bank in the same year as well as being a four-time WWE champion.
• New names added today to the WWE 2K 16 roster are Baron Corbin, Big E, Bray Wyatt, Brian Pillman, Colin Cassady, Enzo More, Jimmy & Jey Uso, Kofi Kingston, The Ascension, Mark Henry, Mikey Whipwreck, Ricky Steamboat, Rusev, Savio Vega, Stephanie McMahon, Sting (two different Sting characters, the late 80s Sting and Crow Sting), Stunning Steve Austin from the Dangerous Alliance, American Badass Undertaker, Ministry of Darkness Undertaker, and Xavier Woods.
• The scheduled CZW PPV show on 10/11 from Philadelphia will not be on PPV.  Instead, they will do an iPPV on 10/10 from Vorhees, NJ.
• Jim Ross will be doing a talk show at 4 p.m. on Sunday at The Warehouse Live Ballroom, near the Toyota Center in Houston, which would be over with time to eat dinner and still attend Night of Champions.
• Regarding Bellator billboards, one of my friends noted that on Lincoln and Moorpark in San Jose there is a really nice billboard for Saturday night’s show. 
• Brodus Clay aka Tyrus appears on 11/28 for Ultimate Championship Wrestling in Halifax.
• Hoosier Pro Wrestling on 10/3 in Columbus, IN at the 4-H Fairgrounds featuring Jimmy Valiant in action, and a main event of Trailer Park Trash & Flash Flanagan vs. Marc Houston & TJ Kemp.
• Premier Wrestling on Saturday at 6 p.m. at Del Mar High School in San Jose.  JR Kratos (8-2) vs. Jeff Cobb (6-2-1) for the Premier title headlines, plus Nicole Savoy & Kahmora vs. Raze & Kikyo Nakamura, Timothy Thatcher vs. Joe Graves, Gabriel Gallo vs. Dom Vitalli, Alexander Hammerstone vs. Dylan Drake, Marcus Lewis vs. Julio Pedroza  and two other matches.
• Dr. Tom Prichard vs. Mark Reagan was added today to NWAClassics.com
• Highlights of Friday night’s All Pro Wrestling Bayshore Bash
• Steve Sims talks the CMLL Anniversary show this Friday
• Jeff Cobb talks about his wrestling career, competing in the Olympics including a match with Yoel Romero, as well as Lucha Underground
• Xavier Woods talks the creation of The New Day and Tyler Breeze
• Jesse Ventura says he’s wants to be Donald Trump’s running mate

By Dave Meltzer

We’re looking for reports on today’s WWE shows in Jonesboro, AR (Seth Rollins vs. Dean Ambrose, Bray Wyatt vs. Roman Reigns) and Tupelo, MS (Randy Orton vs. Sheamus) as well as last night’s NXT show in Gainesville, FL at Dave Meltzer

The World wrestling championship finals from Las Vegas will be airing tonight at 8:30 p.m. Eastern on ESPN 2.  This is a two-hour highlight show airing all four of the bouts where Americans won world titles (Jordan Burroughs, Kyle Snyder at 19 years old, Adeline Gray and Helen Maroulis). 

Raw will be live on Monday from Memphis

Smackdown and Main Event will be taped Tuesday in Little Rock.

A look at next weekend, which is one of the biggest weekends of the year with Bellator and CMLL having their biggest shows, plus a WWE PPV show and an ROH PPV, is one of the lead stories in the new issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.  We also have a look at the 2015 Hall of Fame ballot, tons more on the Jimmy Snuka case, An update on TNA and the future of Kurt Angle, a letter UFC sent to all its fighters about unionization, plus full coverage of UFC 191 and Battle of Los Angeles, and thoughts behind Raw & Smackdown doing record low numbers.

The latest issue of the Wrestling Observer: September 14, 2015 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Huge Weekend Preview, WWE/CMLL/ROH/Bellator

Web site subscriptions, which include access to both current and older newsletters as well as every audio show in the history of the site.  Sign up here for as low as $9.99 per month!

You can also order the print Observer right now and get it delivered to your door via mail, by sending your name, address, Visa or Master Card number and an expiration date to Dave Meltzer

You can also order at via PayPal by sending a payment to dave@wrestlingobserver.com

Rates are:

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.

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

We look at next week’s big shows, including a preview of  CMLL’s main event, why L.A. Park is already gone from the promotion, and a preview of  both Raw and Night of Champions.

We’ve got more on the Jimmy Snuka case, with a background of WWE in 1983, Vince McMahon purchasing the company from his father, what was and wasn’t known in wrestling at the time, the first Snuka arrest, the decision made on Hulk Hogan being the face of the company’s expansion, the role Snuka’s autobiography played in his indictment, the corner saying why he felt there was no indictment and his quotes on the subject, new evidence, Buddy Rogers before his death talks about the subject, another coroner weighs in, a lawyer who investigated the case in 1983 weighs in, how Snuka handled his finances fro that point on, Snuka’s run in New Japan, the famous Brody & Snuka walking out on the tag tournament finals, what Vince McMahon was doing to protect Snuka, key Allentown officials talk cover-up rumors, WWE talks those rumors and more.

We also update the Kurt Angle TNA situation and why Angle said he was leaving the company when his contract expires in January.  We look at the situation with Destination America, what talent knows and how WWE fits into all this right now.

We look at the letter sent by UFC to all of its fighters regarding unionization and our thoughts on the subject.

We’ve got a look at the 2005 Hall of Fame ballot, a look at the new candidates and their credentials, candidates for the future, understanding of the process, as well as how everyone on this year’s ballot fared last year.

We also look back at research into the biggest draws of all-time on the ballot, as well how the candidates have done in various awards, in drawing power for their era, as well as match quality, how difficult it is to be voted in, and notes on a lot of this year’s modern candidates.

We have an update on Ronda Rousey and WrestleMania, an upcoming WWE wedding, John Cena injury notes, WWE asks fans about PPV start times and thoughts, update on Amanda from Tough Enough and what appears to be her new deal, WWE pulling out all stops for next months tour of Mexico and why, Dean Ambrose talks acting, Nikki Bella as Divas champion, Eric Bischoff appearing on WWE Network, Undertaker’s future, the signing of Kana and she talks coming to WWE, Zahra Schreiber talks her firing, some NXT matches, a WWE wrestler on a sabbatical, as well as the WWE business notes from the past week and highlights from all the house hows.

We look at Saturday’s UFC show, the business notes on the show, where the top guys go next along with match-by-match coverage, how much everyone earned, and poll results on the show.

We also have rundowns of the major TV shows of the past week.

We also go in depth on the Battle of Los Angeles tournament with match-by-match coverage for all three nights, what is PWG, the atmosphere and more.

We also have notes on the ratings of all the major television shows, including just how badly the main shows fared, and results of the major league arena events over the past week.

We also look at the affect that Dr. Wagner Jr. and L.A. Park have on business in Mexico, what dream of L.A. Park fell through, Rey Mysterio in AAA and notes on several big shows plus names they are talking about bringing in.

We also update the Dragon Gate tag team tournament and the NOAH Jr. tag team tournament.  We also look at New Japan’s next international tour, why Tenryu vs. Okada is taking place in November, what foreign stars are being discussed for New Japan, and Hiroshi Tanahashi doing the DDT show and the future of Yohei Komatsu and Sho Tanaka.

We also look at Hulk Hogan’s overseas talk shows, the death of Tommy Rogers of The Fantastics, Dave Brown retires from WMC TV and how it was celebrated locally, Axl Rotten’s future goals, CHIKARA King of Trios, Jeff Jarrett TV talks and the final GFW ballpark shows of the year and what is left on the schedule, Bob Backlund’s autobiography, update on Batista, the death of Jerry Prater, an instrumental figure in Florida wrestling in the 70s and the heyday of wrestling programs and magazines, the Carlos Maynez tribute show this past week featuring legends from the past, a Roddy Piper movie not released and the Darrell Dawkins connection with pro wrestling.

We also have Conor McGregor talking his future, McGregor vs. Faber and why it didn’t happen, key UFC announcements over the pat week including new shows, new main events and new title matches, the retirement of Sam Stout, Rousey doing “Road House,” next UFC TV events, update on Charles Oliveira, UFC’s most popular markets, how much Rousey and McGregor are carrying things right now and former UFC star buys $2.75 million mansion from a rock star.

We also look at Alexander Shlemenko’s attempt to get his steroid punishment over turned and his arguments, plus a new Bellator show was announced.

We also update Fedor Emelianenko and his situation, as well as a former WWE star debuts this week as an MMA announcer and top pro wrestling stars attending.  We also look at the results of the latest medical study on injuries suffered in boxing vs. MMA and where each is more and less dangerous than the other.  

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.

New subscribers ordering 24 or 40 issues have to let us know what major stories of the past 11 years you are most interested in and we’ll send the issue with the best coverage of that story. We’ve got coverage of every major PPV event and world wide spectacular, every major star switching promotions, histories of companies like FMW, Rings and New Japan, retirement and obit issues of every major star who fits into those descriptions over the past 11 years, as well as our biggest issue every year, the annual awards issue, and our most controversial issue of every year, the Hall of Fame issue.

Click here for the most requested Wrestling Observer back issues.

SUNDAY’S NEWS UPDATE

• Bryan and I will be back tonight talking weekend news including NXT, New Japan, WWE and more.  With no major shows to cover, it’s a good night for questions that can be sent in to mailbag@wrestlingobserver.com
• Paige was at a Comic Con this weekend and spoke about the incident at Supano’s Steak House in Baltimore on 9/6.  She said there was no fight, but that a woman threw a drink on her and her and Fox threw a drink on the woman back, and they were all kicked out.  The argument started when Paige said she got mad she was being recorded just having a conversation with Fox without her permission.  She said there was nearly a fight but the woman and her friend backed down.  She also said the last thing she wanted was to get into a fight, feeling she didn’t want to risk her job over it.
• Randy Orton worked last night’s show in Huntsville, AL, as advertised.  It was noted in our Friday report that those in WWE have told us that Orton would be appearing at all of his shows this week, including Monday and Tuesday.  As far as whether he’s being written out of things creatively and taking time off, that we don’t know, as he could just appear in dark match segments.  Given tomorrow is the go home show for Night of Champions, if he’s not being written out, he’ll be in the six-man tag, and that in theory should be made clear tomorrow.
• Cris Cyborg has said she will next fight in November on an Invicta show, and will weigh 140 pounds.  Shannon Knapp announced this after last night’s show at the press conference.  there is no date or location official.  They announced Livia Renata Souza defends her strawweight title against Alexa Grasso on that show. 
• Floyd Mayweather was the most searched for term so far this weekend on Google with more than 2 million searches.  Serena Williams had more than 1 million.
• I’m told that this coming Friday’s CMLL Anniversary show on iPPV will only be available live, not video on demand.  That sucks for a lot of people, myself included, as I’ll probably be at the Bellator Fan Fest that night.
• Speaking of Bellator, I saw big roadside banners for Saturday night’s show while traveling yesterday but it was near Fairfield, CA, which is 75 miles or so from San Jose.  I have no idea if there have them in San Jose, but nothing I’ve seen.
• Bret Hart and Lance Storm were backstage last night at the WWE house show in Calgary. 
• Apparently on TBS today during the Yankees game there was a Roller Derby discussion mentioning Joan Weston.
• Totally quiet weekend with nothing from MMA or wrestling trending right now on Twitter, only Mayweather with 196,000 tweets and Badou Jack vs. George Groves with 14,800.
• AAW on 9/18 in Merrionette Park, IL at 115 Bourbon Street has Ethan Page vs. TBS for the AAW title, Dave & Jake Crist vs. The Hooligans for the tag title, plus Louis Lyndon vs. Matt Cage, Tyson Dux vs. Eddie Kingston, Chris Hero vs. Johnny Gargano, Trevor Lee vs. Christian Faith, Justice Jones vs. Kongo Kong plus Heidi Lovelace, Candice LaRae, Shane Hollister and more.
• The movie “Trainwreck” comes out on DVD on 11/10.
• There will be a Four Horseman reunion on 11/14 at the Big Event Wrestling Convention in Queens, NY.  Appearing will be Arn Anderson, Tully Blanchard, Barry Windham and J.J. Dillon.  Details are at www.BigEventNY.com
• There is a benefit show at 2 p.m. today in Lewisburg, TN at the House of Pain for Shane Morton, a regular in the Nashville area who suffered a broken kneecap a few months ago and has been unable to work ever since.
• Yesterday was the 36th anniversary of the final match of the career of Hall of Famer King Curtis Iaukea, who was one of the most colorful characters of his era.  It was a Texas bullrope match in Miami Beach against Dusty Rhodes in the main event and Iaukea was in such bad shape that Dusty had to hold him up at points in the match.. 
• Mid Missouri Wrestling Alliance from last night in St. Louis:  Gary Jackson b J-Mal Swgg, Brandon Aarons won three-way over Clownman Jacko and Andrew Wilder, Barackus b Jim D, LaMarcus Clinton b Brian James, Tommy Dallas & Varik Morgan b Brandon Espinosa & Ace Hawkins-DQ, Gary Jackson won four-way over LaMarcus Clinton, Brandon Aarons and Barackus, Attila Khan b Moondog Rover, Kevin Lee Davidson won three-way over A.J. Williams and Da’Marius Jones (thanks to Patrick Brandmeyer)
• EWA from last night in Graz, Austria before 800 fans:  James Mason b Adrian Severe, Damon Brix & Sultanov & Wanentin Kristow b Dennis Zinner & Tom Gatschlhofer & Tom Schruff, Demolition Davies b Mexx, Chris Colen & Hakeem Waqur b Rockn Rolla & Michael Jaritz, Michael Kovac b John Moss, Chris Raaber b Mason Ryan to retain the EWA world title in a European rules (rounds) match.  They did the Japanese tradition of playing the anthem of the country before the world title match and they said Ryan was American and played the U.S. anthem.  Hakeem Waqur, his second who is Arabian, was waving the U.S. flag to get heel heat.  Tony St. Clair was there as an official.  Otto Wanz was supposed to be there and be given an Otto Wanz title belt, but he wasn’t there and no announcement was made.  Raaber in an interview said Wanz was injured last week.  They had pushed Wanz being there in promoting the show and shows the Wanz title belt at a Friday press conference. (thanks to Markus Gronemann)
• Want to make mention that today is one-year since the death of wrestling historian James Zordani.  Those who worked with him no how valuable a resource he was as he had the best collection of results of almost anyone in the world.  I hope his family realizes how much he is missed among those of us who had regular contact with him.
• Campbell McLaren told us that his Thursday debut of Combate Americas in Las Vegas will have Konnan, Rey Mysterio, Lorenzo Fertitta and Dana White in attendance.  The show airs live on NBC Universo in Spanish at 11 p.m. Eastern. 
• The National Enquirer made fun of Hulk Hogan’s claim that the n word was something everyone said while he was growing up in Tampa. 
• Rock Solid Wrestling on 10/2 in Cobourg, ONT at the Community Centre headlined by Cody Deaner vs. Andrew Davis.
• In today’s episode of the comic strip “Get Fuzzy,” Satchel the Dog donates money to the WWF, thinking it’s the World Wildlife Fund when it’s the wrestling group and Bucky the Cat asks if wrestling fans were that gullible. (thanks to Brian Henke)
• Lucha Xtreme TV from last night in Fresno:  Buddy Royal & Levi Shapiro b Big Dog & Skitzo-DQ, Brandon Pinion b Elemento, Johnny Plinko & Thunder Rosa b Mike Rayne & Kikyo-DQ (thanks to Jon Southerland)
• Great North Wrestling from last night in Hawkesbury, ONT before 250 fans:  Hart Throbs b Sexy Eddy & Carl LeDuc, Chris Dechateletes b Gregory Carpenter, Eve b Stacy Thibault, Hannibal b Myzery Barbarian.  Frenchy Martin managed Hannibal (thanks to Anthony Ambros)
• Reports were that MVP injured his lower back during a Friday night All Pro Wrestling show in Daly City, CA.  It was reported he had to go home early in his match with Dylan Drake (thanks to Mike Lano).
• CWE from Friday night in Port St. Lucie, FL:  JB Cool b CJ O’Doyle, Ace Andrews & Su Yung b T-Rex Bacchus & Aspyn Rose, Santana Garrett b Shaniah Ariyanna, Johann Remzes & Ace Slater NC Lince Dorado & Jon Cruz, Rhett Giddins b Byronico & Ushaka & Hound Dogg & PRS & Areyh Amor & Michael Sky in a ladder match, Barrio Kings b Bidry Bvlondes, Chico Adams b Joey Mayberry-DQ, Zack Monstar DCOR Tyranus.  Next show is 10/23
• There is a show called Hart Legacy Wrestling tonight at the Team Vision Dojo in Orlando with tickets $10 for adults and $7 for kids headlined by Teddy Hart & Lince Dorado vs. Los Ben Dejos.
• Nova Pro Wrestling from last night in Orlando:  Joey Mayberry b Tyranus-DQ, Santana Garrett b Shojo Machiko & Shaniah Ariyanna & Grace Storm & MJ Knight & Cherry Layne and Aspyn Rose in a seven-way to become the womans’ champion, Carlos Rivera & D Ramos DCOR Mike Reed, & Braydon Knight, Chico Adams b Siniestro, Gabriel Black b Johann Remzes & Damian James, Jesus Rodriguez (Ricardo Rodriguez) & Byronico b Ace Andrews & Rex Bacchus, Teddy Hart d Lince Dorado, Teddy Hart & Lince Dorado b Los Ben Dejos.  Next show is 11/14. (thanks to Al Haft)
• A Vince Russo parody video that features an appearance at the end by a Jim Cornette 
• A story on WWE stock which came off very simplistic in its approach claiming it is overpriced
• I didn’t know this existed, but this weekend was the 33rd anniversary of El Santo’s last match, which was also Gori Guerrero’s last match (Eddy’s father and Chavo Jr.’s grandfather)
• The 1980 Olympic boycott still stings these wrestlers
• Matt Bloom, the head trainer at the Performance Center, stars in a movie called “Dog Wedding”

by David Bixenspan | davidbix@wrestlingobserver.com | Follow @davidbix

Tonight’s big show, with no UFC, is Invicta FC live on UFC Fight Pass from the Muncipal Auditorium in Kansas City, Missouri at 8:00 p.m. ET:

Amanda Cooper vs. Aspen Ladd

J.J. Aldrich vs. Daniela Kortmann

Jinh Yu Frey vs. Liz McCarthy

Sharon Jacobson vs. Jamie Moyle

Cindy Dandois vs. Megan Anderson

Andrea Lee vs. Rachel Ostovich

Roxanne Modafferi vs. Mariana Morais

DeAnna Bennett vs. Katja Kankaanpaa

Tonya Evinger (c) vs. Pannie Kianzad for the bantamweight title

Invicta cards are usually pretty fun (though a bit more hit or miss since UFC accquired their strawweight division), so this is worth checking out. Evinger is the queen of the non-UFC bantamweights, dominating everyone lately, but Kianzad is a legit prospect, so it’s a quality main event.

We’re looking for reports on:

* WWE in Calgary (Rollins vs. Ambrose, Wyatt vs. Reigns, Chris Jericho vs. Kevin Owens)

* WWE Huntsville, AL (Randy Orton vs. Sheamus, Ryback vs. Big Show plus Dolph Ziggler and Neville)

* NXT in Gainesville, FL.

* ROH in Chicago (Adam Cole & Kyle O’Reilly vs. Young Bucks, Roderick Strong vs. Bobby Fish, Jay Briscoe vs. Cedric Alexander, Dalton Castle vs. Beer City Bruiser, Mark Briscoe vs. Adam Page, ACH vs,. Matt Sydal).

Please send reports from major shows, recommended links, etc. to newstips@wrestlingobserver.com:

* Sunday has WWE in Jonesboro, AR (Rollins vs. Ambrose, Wyatt vs. Reigns) and Tupelo, MS (Orton vs. Sheamus, Ryback vs. Show).

* The World wrestling championship finals from Las Vegas will be airing Sunday at 8:30 p.m. Eastern on ESPN 2.  

* Raw will be live on Monday from Memphis

* SmackDown and Main Event will be taped Tuesday in Little Rock.

****

Figure Four Weekly:

The newest issue of Figure Four Weekly is now up for subscribers (subscribe to the site here and get access to Figure Four, the Observer, tons of audio, and more) featuring plenty of details on the Jimmy Snuka murder indictment including how the media covered his domestic abuse arrest and Nancy Argentino’s death back in 1993, just how on the ball Irv Muchnick was in writing about the case, the contradictions of the investigator, Snuka’s claims about his finances vs. the reality, and more.  On top of that, we have all the usual stuff like Vinny’s reviews and international news from Dr. Lucha Steve Sims and and Alan”4L” Counihan.

The recnt FREE Figure Four Weekly is still up with a look at the crazy story of why Gawker thinks the FBI may have helped Hulk Hogan cover up his racist and homophobic comments. A judge has ordered the FBI to turn over the records of their investigation, and what Gawker is saying in court about what has and hasn’t been turned over paints a very interesting picture.

Also, now available for the first time on Kindle (meaning Kindle devices and anything with the Kindle app) is Fall Guys, the seminal 1937 book that has been described as being like the 1930s version of the Wrestling Observer. It was surprisingly not on Kindle already, so we put together a nice version with a full table of contents w/ chapter marks, proper formatting on everything, etc. Right now it’s available from the American, Canadian, and Australian Amazon/Kindle stores OR you can also buy it from anywhere in the world on PayHip, who will provide you with both Kindle and ePub (every other e-reader) format files, and you can either sideload them to your device or have them email it to your Kindle.

****

Wrestling Observer Newsletter:

A look at next weekend, which is one of the biggest weekends of the year with Bellator and CMLL having their biggest shows, plus a WWE PPV show and an ROH PPV, is one of the lead stories in the new issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.  We also have a look at the 2015 Hall of Fame ballot, tons more on the Jimmy Snuka case, An update on TNA and the future of Kurt Angle, a letter UFC sent to all its fighters about unionization, plus full coverage of UFC 191 and Battle of Los Angeles, and thoughts behind Raw & Smackdown doing record low numbers.

The latest issue of the Wrestling Observer: September 14, 2015 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Huge Weekend Preview, WWE/CMLL/ROH/Bellator

Web site subscriptions, which include access to both current and older newsletters as well as every audio show in the history of the site.  Sign up here for as low as $9.99 per month!

You can also order the print Observer right now and get it delivered to your door via mail, by sending your name, address, Visa or Master Card number and an expiration date to Dave Meltzer

You can also order at via PayPal by sending a payment to dave@wrestlingobserver.com

Rates are:

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.

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

We look at next week’s big shows, including a preview of  CMLL’s main event, why L.A. Park is already gone from the promotion, and a preview of  both Raw and Night of Champions.

We’ve got more on the Jimmy Snuka case, with a background of WWE in 1983, Vince McMahon purchasing the company from his father, what was and wasn’t known in wrestling at the time, the first Snuka arrest, the decision made on Hulk Hogan being the face of the company’s expansion, the role Snuka’s autobiography played in his indictment, the corner saying why he felt there was no indictment and his quotes on the subject, new evidence, Buddy Rogers before his death talks about the subject, another coroner weighs in, a lawyer who investigated the case in 1983 weighs in, how Snuka handled his finances fro that point on, Snuka’s run in New Japan, the famous Brody & Snuka walking out on the tag tournament finals, what Vince McMahon was doing to protect Snuka, key Allentown officials talk cover-up rumors, WWE talks those rumors and more.

We also update the Kurt Angle TNA situation and why Angle said he was leaving the company when his contract expires in January.  We look at the situation with Destination America, what talent knows and how WWE fits into all this right now.

We look at the letter sent by UFC to all of its fighters regarding unionization and our thoughts on the subject.

We’ve got a look at the 2005 Hall of Fame ballot, a look at the new candidates and their credentials, candidates for the future, understanding of the process, as well as how everyone on this year’s ballot fared last year.

We also look back at research into the biggest draws of all-time on the ballot, as well how the candidates have done in various awards, in drawing power for their era, as well as match quality, how difficult it is to be voted in, and notes on a lot of this year’s modern candidates.

We have an update on Ronda Rousey and WrestleMania, an upcoming WWE wedding, John Cena injury notes, WWE asks fans about PPV start times and thoughts, update on Amanda from Tough Enough and what appears to be her new deal, WWE pulling out all stops for next months tour of Mexico and why, Dean Ambrose talks acting, Nikki Bella as Divas champion, Eric Bischoff appearing on WWE Network, Undertaker’s future, the signing of Kana and she talks coming to WWE, Zahra Schreiber talks her firing, some NXT matches, a WWE wrestler on a sabbatical, as well as the WWE business notes from the past week and highlights from all the house hows.

We also look at Hulk Hogan’s overseas talk shows, the death of Tommy Rogers of The Fantastics, Dave Brown retires from WMC TV and how it was celebrated locally, Axl Rotten’s future goals, CHIKARA King of Trios, Jeff Jarrett TV talks and the final GFW ballpark shows of the year and what is left on the schedule, Bob Backlund’s autobiography, update on Batista, the death of Jerry Prater, an instrumental figure in Florida wrestling in the 70s and the heyday of wrestling programs and magazines, the Carlos Maynez tribute show this past week featuring legends from the past, a Roddy Piper movie not released and the Darrell Dawkins connection with pro wrestling.

We also update things on Lucha Underground.

We look at next week’s ROH matches.

We look at a TNA wedding, lineups for the upcoming TNA shows, U.K. TNA ratings and updating Impact.

We also have Conor McGregor talking his future, McGregor vs. Faber and why it didn’t happen, key UFC announcements over the pat week including new shows, new main events and new title matches, the retirement of Sam Stout, Rousey doing “Road House,” next UFC TV events, update on Charles Oliveira, UFC’s most popular markets, how much Rousey and McGregor are carrying things right now and former UFC star buys $2.75 million mansion from a rock star.

We also look at Alexander Shlemenko’s attempt to get his steroid punishment over turned and his arguments, plus a new Bellator show was announced.

We also update Fedor Emelianenko and his situation, as well as a former WWE star debuts this week as an MMA announcer and top pro wrestling stars attending.  We also look at the results of the latest medical study on injuries suffered in boxing vs. MMA and where each is more and less dangerous than the other.  

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.

New subscribers ordering 24 or 40 issues have to let us know what major stories of the past 11 years you are most interested in and we’ll send the issue with the best coverage of that story. We’ve got coverage of every major PPV event and world wide spectacular, every major star switching promotions, histories of companies like FMW, Rings and New Japan, retirement and obit issues of every major star who fits into those descriptions over the past 11 years, as well as our biggest issue every year, the annual awards issue, and our most controversial issue of every year, the Hall of Fame issue.

Click here for the most requested Wrestling Observer back issues.

***

Saturday Daily Update

— Yesterday, WWE filed a motion for sanctions against lawyer Konstantine Kyros in the lawsuit where he’s representing Michelle James, Matt Borne’s next of kin. It covers the same things they’ve ben crying foul about for a while, like allegations of forum shopping, getting another lawyer to file a case so it wouldn’t be discovered that he was involved, defaming WWE in his complaints, etc.

— What happened at last night’s ROH show with the Young Bucks wrestling reDRagon unplanne. Mike Bennett & Matt Taven were delayed in  getting out of Boston and they didn’t arrive until really late.

— Fabricious Werdum is saying he wants to defend the UFC Heavyweight Championship in December or January, but Dana White is saying he’ll have to wait because the division is tied up. That makes it sound liKe Cain Velasques is no longer his first challenger, since he isn’t booked, or tht White isn’t married to booking him as challenger at all and wants to see how the Fall heavyweight fights play out.

— This does ot seem like a great sign: TNA added a Bobby Lashley vs. Gunner match from Xplosion t their YouTube channel yesterday. Gunner has not worked for TNA since April and the match was shot in February. It might have aired in some countires earlier in the year, Anyone in a country that gets Xplosion on TV have a better idea of if/when this aired before, if the commentary was the same if it did, etc?

— Dave has articles at MMAFighting about the ratings for the TUF premiere and the UFC 191 prelims.

— Rhyno talks NXT & more on Another Wrestling Podcast. On the Dudleys returning to WWE:

It’s return of veterans to the locker room on a full time schedule and that’s very important because not only is it important to learn from the veterans in the ring, not only by watching them and not only by working with them in the ring but seeing how they act and conduct themselves outside of the ring. Because a lot of veterans lets just face it, It’s just human life you learn from your mistakes, some people don’t but most of us do. And then the best thing to do is if you see a person who has made a mistake that has learned from it you can than prevent yourself from making a mistake. So thats the importance of having a veteran on a full time schedule, because you see how they travel, you see what they do, and what they don’t do and you realize why they do certain things and don’t do other things…and therefore as a veteran you become a leader. 

— The latest edition of Sean Wheelock and John McCarthy’s Let’s Get it On Podcast has an analysis of the disqualification at UFC 191, a conversation with Marc Raimondi about his series of articles covering unregulated MMA like Xplode Fight Series, and the usual assortment of listener questions. This is one of the best and most underrated MMA podcasts around and it should be part of every hardcore fan’s weekly rotation.

— All Star Wrestling  tonight at 7:00pm (doors open at 6:30):  Gabriel Gallo vs Matt XStatic, GIRLS GONE WRESTLING TITLE MATCH Chelsea Green(Champion) vs Violet, GIRLS TRIPLE THREAT MATCH Bambi Hall vs Malia Hosaka vs Waspette, Kenny Lush vs Christopher Ryseck, The Great Kasaki vs TKO Cody Smith . Meet the Wrestlers after the show at MAGS on 99!. Tickets are$15 Front Row and $12 General Admission. Available in advance at: Totem Hall  1380 Stawamus Rd, Squamish, British Columbia v8b 0b5

— Rock Solid Wrestling presents RUMBLE, Live Pro Wrestling In support of the Kawartha Lakes Special Olympics at the Lindsay Collegiate and Vocational Institute in Lindsay, Ontario. Doors Open: 7pm • Bell Time: 7:30 pm: Canadian Heavyweight Championship Match with Cody Deaner vs Andrew Davis, Jake O’Reilly vs Jaxon Jarvis, Scotty The Body vs Tornado, KC Spinelli vs Courtney Rush, Anthony Darko vs Chunk. E. Fresh. Tickets are $15, Available at: Bowlaway Lanes – 46 William St South- 705-324-7046 and Square Boy Pizza – 215 Kent St W, Lindsay – 1 705-324-3000.

— Wrestling And Respect returns to the UAW Hall in Lima, Ohio after a summer season of fairs and festivals events. On Saturday October 10th the “Spin The Wheel Challenge” comes back for a special night of wrestling action with all the titles on the line. With 30 wrestlers names on a spinning wheel, the fans spin the wheel to determine who faces who right then and there. If a champions name is spun the next spin of the wheel determines who they will face. You will see friends versus friends, foes versus foes, alliances may face alliances and even family versus family. There will even be 2 unannounced wrestlers names added the night of the event.

By Dave Meltzer

We’re looking for reports on tonight’s WWE show in Edmonton (Seth Rollins vs. Dean Ambrose, Bray Wyatt vs. Roman Reigns plus Sheamus and Kevin Owens) and ROH show in Dearborn, MI (Jay Lethal  vs. Mark Briscoe vs. Dalton Castle vs. Cedric Alexander, Matt Taven & Michael Bennett vs. Young Bucks, ACH vs. Matt Sydal, Jay Briscoe vs. Takaaki Watanabe, Kyle O’Reilly vs. Silas Young) at Dave Meltzerdave@wrestlingobserver.com”>

Invicta FC live on UFC Fight Pass tomorrow at 8 p.m. Eastern time

Amanda Cooper vs. Aspen Ladd

J.J. Aldrich vs. Daniela Kortmann

Jinh Yu Frey vs. Liz McCarthy

Sharon Jacobson vs. Jamie Moyle

Cindy Dandois vs. Megan Anderson

Andrea Lee vs. Rachel Ostovich

Roxanne Modafferi vs. Mariana Morais

DeAnna Bennett vs. Katja Kankaanpaa

Tonya Evinger vs. Pannie Kianzad for the bantamweight title

CMLL live at 9:30 p.m. Eastern from Arena Mexico with free streaming at www.clarosports.com/en-vivo/

Flyer & Robin vs. Artillero & Super Comando

Electrico & Shockercito & Ultimo Dragoncito vs. Demus 3:16 & Pequeno Violencia & Pierrothito

Angel de Oro & Blue Panther & Rey Cometa vs. Dragon Rojo & Polvora & Virus

La Mascara & Stuka Jr. & Titan vs. Barbaro Cavernario & Negro Casas & Rey Hechicero

Super Parka & Valiente & Volador Jr. vs. Dr. Wagner Jr. & Rush & Marco Corleone

Atlantis & Euforia & Ultimo Guerrero vs. La Sombra & Rey Escorpion & Thunder

New Japan on AXS at 9 p.m.

A.J. Styles vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi from last year’s Seibu Dome show

Legacy Fighting Championships at 10 p.m. on AXS

Emmanuel Rivera vs. Wes Sharp

Kathian Catron vs. Kaline Medeiros

Canaan Grigsby vs. Bilal Williams

Derrick Adkins vs. Jesse Chaffin

Caio Rocha vs. James Warren

J.C. Cottrell vs Ed Cline

We’re looking for reports on WWE shows Saturday in Calgary (Rollins vs. Ambrose, Wyatt vs. Reigns, Chris Jericho vs. Kevin Owens) and Huntsville, AL (Randy Orton vs. Sheamus, Ryback vs. Big Show plus Dolph Ziggler and Neville), NXT in Gainesville, FL and ROH in Chicago (Adam Cole & Kyle O’Reilly vs. Young Bucks, Roderick Strong vs. Bobby Fish, Jay Briscoe vs. Cedric Alexander, Dalton Castle vs. Beer City Bruiser, Mark Briscoe vs. Adam Page, ACH vs,. Matt Sydal).

Sunday has WWE in Jonesboro, AR (Rollins vs. Ambrose, Wyatt vs. Reigns) and Tupelo, MS (Orton vs. Sheamus, Ryback vs. Show).

The World wrestling championship finals from Las Vegas will be airing Sunday at 8:30 p.m. Eastern on ESPN 2.  

Raw will be live on Monday from Memphis

Smackdown and Main Event will be taped Tuesday in Little Rock.

A look at next weekend, which is one of the biggest weekends of the year with Bellator and CMLL having their biggest shows, plus a WWE PPV show and an ROH PPV, is one of the lead stories in the new issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.  We also have a look at the 2015 Hall of Fame ballot, tons more on the Jimmy Snuka case, An update on TNA and the future of Kurt Angle, a letter UFC sent to all its fighters about unionization, plus full coverage of UFC 191 and Battle of Los Angeles, and thoughts behind Raw & Smackdown doing record low numbers.

The latest issue of the Wrestling Observer: September 14, 2015 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Huge Weekend Preview, WWE/CMLL/ROH/Bellator

Web site subscriptions, which include access to both current and older newsletters as well as every audio show in the history of the site.  Sign up here for as low as $9.99 per month! 

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 Meltzerdave@wrestlingobserver.com”>

You can also order at www.paypal.com directing funds to dave@wrestlingobserver.com

Rates are:

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.

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

We look at next week’s big shows, including a preview of  CMLL’s main event, why L.A. Park is already gone from the promotion, and a preview of  both Raw and Night of Champions.

We’ve got more on the Jimmy Snuka case, with a background of WWE in 1983, Vince McMahon purchasing the company from his father, what was and wasn’t known in wrestling at the time, the first Snuka arrest, the decision made on Hulk Hogan being the face of the company’s expansion, the role Snuka’s autobiography played in his indictment, the corner saying why he felt there was no indictment and his quotes on the subject, new evidence, Buddy Rogers before his death talks about the subject, another coroner weighs in, a lawyer who investigated the case in 1983 weighs in, how Snuka handled his finances fro that point on, Snuka’s run in New Japan, the famous Brody & Snuka walking out on the tag tournament finals, what Vince McMahon was doing to protect Snuka, key Allentown officials talk cover-up rumors, WWE talks those rumors and more.

We also update the Kurt Angle TNA situation and why Angle said he was leaving the company when his contract expires in January.  We look at the situation with Destination America, what talent knows and how WWE fits into all this right now.

We look at the letter sent by UFC to all of its fighters regarding unionization and our thoughts on the subject.

We’ve got a look at the 2005 Hall of Fame ballot, a look at the new candidates and their credentials, candidates for the future, understanding of the process, as well as how everyone on this year’s ballot fared last year.

We also look back at research into the biggest draws of all-time on the ballot, as well how the candidates have done in various awards, in drawing power for their era, as well as match quality, how difficult it is to be voted in, and notes on a lot of this year’s modern candidates.

We have an update on Ronda Rousey and WrestleMania, an upcoming WWE wedding, John Cena injury notes, WWE asks fans about PPV start times and thoughts, update on Amanda from Tough Enough and what appears to be her new deal, WWE pulling out all stops for next months tour of Mexico and why, Dean Ambrose talks acting, Nikki Bella as Divas champion, Eric Bischoff appearing on WWE Network, Undertaker’s future, the signing of Kana and she talks coming to WWE, Zahra Schreiber talks her firing, some NXT matches, a WWE wrestler on a sabbatical, as well as the WWE business notes from the past week and highlights from all the house hows.

We also look at Hulk Hogan’s overseas talk shows, the death of Tommy Rogers of The Fantastics, Dave Brown retires from WMC TV and how it was celebrated locally, Axl Rotten’s future goals, CHIKARA King of Trios, Jeff Jarrett TV talks and the final GFW ballpark shows of the year and what is left on the schedule, Bob Backlund’s autobiography, update on Batista, the death of Jerry Prater, an instrumental figure in Florida wrestling in the 70s and the heyday of wrestling programs and magazines, the Carlos Maynez tribute show this past week featuring legends from the past, a Roddy Piper movie not released and the Darrell Dawkins connection with pro wrestling.

We also update things on Lucha Underground.

We look at next week’s ROH matches.

We look at a TNA wedding, lineups for the upcoming TNA shows, U.K. TNA ratings and updating Impact.

We also have Conor McGregor talking his future, McGregor vs. Faber and why it didn’t happen, key UFC announcements over the pat week including new shows, new main events and new title matches, the retirement of Sam Stout, Rousey doing “Road House,” next UFC TV events, update on Charles Oliveira, UFC’s most popular markets, how much Rousey and McGregor are carrying things right now and former UFC star buys $2.75 million mansion from a rock star.

We also look at Alexander Shlemenko’s attempt to get his steroid punishment over turned and his arguments, plus a new Bellator show was announced.

We also update Fedor Emelianenko and his situation, as well as a former WWE star debuts this week as an MMA announcer and top pro wrestling stars attending.  We also look at the results of the latest medical study on injuries suffered in boxing vs. MMA and where each is more and less dangerous than the other.  

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.

New subscribers ordering 24 or 40 issues have to let us know what major stories of the past 11 years you are most interested in and we’ll send the issue with the best coverage of that story. We’ve got coverage of every major PPV event and world wide spectacular, every major star switching promotions, histories of companies like FMW, Rings and New Japan, retirement and obit issues of every major star who fits into those descriptions over the past 11 years, as well as our biggest issue every year, the annual awards issue, and our most controversial issue of every year, the Hall of Fame issue.

Click here for the most requested Wrestling Observer back issues

FRIDAY’S NEWS UPDATE

• Somewhat quiet weekend with no major PPV shows, although next week more than makes up for it.  The biggest event is the Floyd Mayweather Jr. vs. Andre Berto fight, which Mayweather is claiming is his retirement fight, but nobody is buying it.  Right now, things aren’t looking good as there were more than 2,000 tickets unsold, all the closed-circuit airings in Las Vegas were quietly canceled and there is a lot of question regarding how the PPV will do.
• For what it’s worth, I was doing an economics class this morning at Kansas State University and when instructor Daniel Kuester asked the class, and this is not a sports class at all, how many people saw Mayweather vs. Pacquiao, about half the class raised their hand.  When he asked how many people are watching Mayweather vs. Berto tomorrow, not one person raised their hand.  He also asked how many people knew who Conor McGregor was and about one-third raised their hand.
• PW Insider is reporting that Monday’s Randy Orton angle was not for him to be on the Roman Reigns & Dean Ambrose team at Night of Champions, but it was to write him off for a few weeks with an injury.  For what that is worth, Orton is advertised as the top star on one of the weekend tours, as well as for both Raw on Monday and Smackdown on Tuesday.  It’s not like WWE doesn’t regularly change its minds, nor that its advertising isn’t always accurate either, however WWE did officially tell us that Orton would be working the weekend shows and the Memphis and Little Rock tapings Monday and Tuesday.  It is possible he could only be working dark matches.
• The public ticket sale for UFC 194, the Conor McGregor vs. Jose Aldo, Chris Weidman vs. Luke Rockhold, Yoel Romero vs. Jacare Souza, Max Holloway vs. Jeremy Stephens,. Urijah Faber vs. Frankie Saenz, Demian Maia vs. Gunner Nelson, Tecia Torres vs. Michelle Waterson and more show in Las Vegas started today.  Most of the tickets were already sold in pre-sale.  Tickets are priced at $178, $278, $403, $603, $853 and $1.253, so they are looking for another gate record out of this.     
• FanPicks.com, a Fantasy League sports site, has signed an endorsement deal with Hulk Hogan to be the site’s official spokesperson and Brand Ambassador.  The site said, “We all make mistakes and deserve second chances.  Hulk Hogan is an admired athlete and Global Icon.  For 3-plus decade, he has been inspiring fans around the world.  He spends a good amount of his time doing so much for numerous charities and causes.  He’s a perfect partner for us and together we will be making contributions to the Make-A-Wish Foundation on behalf of Hulk Hogan.”
• For NXT Takeover on 10/7, after last night’s show, they put tickets on sale to the fans in the building, and with only 400 seats, most were sold in a line that was about two hours long.  the remaining tickets were put on the Internet and sold out in six minutes.  The TV tapings the next night are also sold out.
• Spike will be airing two shows tonight building next Saturday’s Belllator show.  Spike airs PBC boxing in prime time.  After boxing, at about 11:15 p.m., they will air “Road to Dynamite.”  It’s possible I’ll be on that show because I spent an afternoon filming with Scott Coker a few weeks back going through his history.  At 12:15 a.m., they will air a Tito Ortiz special showing his training for his fight with Liam McGeary.
• 12 Rounds 3: Lockdown starts its very limited theatrical release this weekend.  I saw the trailer and Dean Ambrose came across real good.  looked
• So this is scary.  The ESPN poll for the greatest female athlete of all-time is coming down to Ronda Rousey vs. Serena Williams.  Williams in the bracketing of fan voting beat Cheryl Miller (86-14), Kerri Walsh & Misty May-Treanor (74-26), Babe Didrikson (67-33) and Steffi Graf (63-37).  Rousey beat Missy Franklin (63-37), Jackie JoyneKersee (53-47), Diana Taurasi (55-45) and Florence Griffith Joyner (57-43).
• Andrei Arlovski told Submission radio today that his right hand was not broken in Saturday’s fight with Frank Mir, only bruised.  He said he would be ready to fight again in December or January.
• Coming to the Evolve shows on 10/17 and 10/18 in New York are Rocky Romero, Willie Mack and Peter Kassa.  Romero will be teaming with Trent Baretta as Roppongi Vice.  Also on the shows are Timothy Thatcher, Caleb Konley, Tony Nese, Drew Gulak, Tracy Williams, TJ Perkins, Trevor Lee, Andrew Everett, Ethan Page and Matt Cage.
• Northeast Wrestling announced that its show scheduled for tomorrow at Susquehanna Bank Park in Williamsport, PA has been moveed to 9/27 at 4 p.m. due to weather issues. The meet and greet has been moved to 4 p.m.   For more info you can go to NortheastWrestling.com
• John Cena will be appearing as a guset host on the Today Show on Wednesday for the third time in recent weeks.
• Grand Slam Wrestling on Saturday night in Moosic, PA at the Youth Center.
• Bellator announced that Kimbo Slice will be coming to Saturday’s show.  Slice will be at the SAP Center at 3 p.m. for autographs and photos.
• Aggression Wrestling tonight in Lenoir, NC at the Caldwell County Fairgrounds with Mikal Judas, Washington Bullets, Slim J and more.
• My friend Jeff Bukantz related to me that he loved Bob Backlund’s autobiography.  He said it was great to relive the history of his title run in exact order, and it was interesting to read his constant paranoia over being double-crossed in the ring when it never happened and was never going to happen. 
• CMLL on Tuesday night in Guadalajara:  Jocker & Sadico b Frezzer & Nautilus, Omar Brunetti & Magnus & Molotov b Arkangel de la Muerte & El Hijo del Signo & Metalico, Dark Angel & Marcela & Silueta b Amapola & Dallys & Zeuxis, Angel de Oro & Blue Panther & Brazo de Plata b Euforia & Gran Guerrero & Niebla Roja, Negro Casas & Shocker & Ultimo Guerrero b Atlantis & La Mascara & Volador Jr., Marco Corleone b Mr. Niebla
• AAA talent on Tuesday night in Pachuca:  Diosa Atenea & Zuzu Divine b Princesa Mohicana & Xena, Bart & Homero Simpson (yes, really) b Los Minion Morada I & II, Gotita de Plata & Nino Hamburguesa & Goya Kong b Concord & Machine Rocker & Taya Valkyrie-DQ, Psycho Circus b Electroshock & El Hijo de Pirata Morgan & Parka Negra, Averno & Pentagon Jr. b Fenix & Myzteziz.  Myzteziz turned on Fenix and hit him with a chair shot to cause him to get pinned for the finish.
• Elegido & Laredo Kid vs. Difunto I & Psicosis headlines 10/8 in Laredo at the Coliseum.
• Lucha Libre VIP on Sunday in Pico Rivera, CA at the Sports Arena with Dragon Lee & Valiente & Zokre vs. Dr. Maldad & Misterioso Jr. & Shumu Jr. (thanks to Kris Zellner)
• What is billed as Blue Demon Jr’s 30th anniversary match, and didn’t they just do that at TripleMania, takes place on Wednesday night at Arena Lopez Mateos in Tlalnepantla with Demon Jr. & Canek vs. Pirata Morgan & Villano IV.
• All Pro Wrestling tonight in Daly City, CA at the Bayshore Community Center at 450 Martin St. (right near the Cow Palace) has JR Kratos vs. Chris Masters for the Universal title, Boyce LeGrande vs. Will Cuevas for the TV title, Reno Scum vs. The Freaks for the tag title, MVP vs. Dylan Drake, Timothy Thatcher vs Gangrel, Joey Ryan vs. Marcus Lewis vs. Juventud Guerrera, Idris Jackson vs. Sione Finau and more including Jeff Cobb and Joey Kristofferson.
• Big West Wrestling tomorrow night at the Lake City Cowling & Billiards in Kelowna, BC. 
• All Star Wrestling on 9/25 in Surrey, BC at the Cloverdale Fairgrounds with Gangrel vs. Adam Ryder as the main event.
• Maryland Championship Wrestling tonight in White Marsh, MD with Fan Appreciation tonight at Della Rose’s Avenue Tavern with The Bruiser & Jim Duggan & Patrick Clark (from Tough Enough) & Lio Rush vs. Ryan McBride & Ken Dixon & Dixon Line Security, plus Mickie James defends the MCW womens’ title against Amber Rodriguez.
• Jake Roberts vs. Steve Casey is the new match on today’s NWAClassics.com web site, with Jim Ross and Paul Boesch doing the announcing.

By Dave Meltzer

We’re looking for reports on tonight’s NXT tapings in Orlando at Dave Meltzer

Smackdown tonight from Wilkes-Barre:

Paige vs. Sasha Banks

Roman Reigns & Dean Ambrose & Jimmy Uso vs. Big E & Kofi Kingston & Xavier Woods

Sin Cara & Kalisto vs. The Ascension

Seth Rollins vs. Ryback non-title lumberjack match

New Japan runs at 5:30 a.m. tomorrow  Eastern time from Korakuen Hall in Tokyo live on New Japan World

Yohei Komatsu vs. David Finlay

Tiger Mask & Jushin Liger vs. Jay White & Sho Tanaka

Yuji Nagata & Manabu Nakanishi & Ryusuke Taguchi & Mascara Dorada & Juice Robinson vs. Toru Yano & Yoshi-Hashi & Gedo & Rocky Romero & Baretta

Kazuchika Okada & Kazushi Sakuraba vs. Tama Tonga & Cody Hall

Hiroshi Tanahashi & Hiroyoshi Tenzan & Satoshi Kojima & Kushida vs. Bad Luck Fale & Karl Anderson & Doc Gallows & Kenny Omega

Togi Makabe & Katsuyori Shibata vs. Kota Ibushi & Tetsuya Naito

Hirooki Goto & Tomoaki Honma vs. Shinsuke Nakamura & Tomohiro Ishii       

The last two matches are kind of unique and could be something.

There is an Invicta show tomorrow on Fight Pass from Kansas City.

A look at next weekend, which is one of the biggest weekends of the year with Bellator and CMLL having their biggest shows, plus a WWE PPV show and an ROH PPV, is one of the lead stories in the new issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.  We also have a look at the 2015 Hall of Fame ballot, tons more on the Jimmy Snuka case, An update on TNA and the future of Kurt Angle, a letter UFC sent to all its fighters about unionization, plus full coverage of UFC 191 and Battle of Los Angeles, and thoughts behind Raw & Smackdown doing record low numbers.

The issue is on the site right now at September 14, 2015 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Huge Weekend Preview, WWE/CMLL/ROH/Bellator

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

We look at next week’s big shows, including a preview of  CMLL’s main event, why L.A. Park is already gone from the promotion, and a preview of  both Raw and Night of Champions.

We’ve got more on the Jimmy Snuka case, with a background of WWE in 1983, Vince McMahon purchasing the company from his father, what was and wasn’t known in wrestling at the time, the first Snuka arrest, the decision made on Hulk Hogan being the face of the company’s expansion, the role Snuka’s autobiography played in his indictment, the corner saying why he felt there was no indictment and his quotes on the subject, new evidence, Buddy Rogers before his death talks about the subject, another coroner weighs in, a lawyer who investigated the case in 1983 weighs in, how Snuka handled his finances fro that point on, Snuka’s run in New Japan, the famous Brody & Snuka walking out on the tag tournament finals, what Vince McMahon was doing to protect Snuka, key Allentown officials talk cover-up rumors, WWE talks those rumors and more.

We also update the Kurt Angle TNA situation and why Angle said he was leaving the company when his contract expires in January.  We look at the situation with Destination America, what talent knows and how WWE fits into all this right now.

We look at the letter sent by UFC to all of its fighters regarding unionization and our thoughts on the subject.

We’ve got a look at the 2005 Hall of Fame ballot, a look at the new candidates and their credentials, candidates for the future, understanding of the process, as well as how everyone on this year’s ballot fared last year.

We also look back at research into the biggest draws of all-time on the ballot, as well how the candidates have done in various awards, in drawing power for their era, as well as match quality, how difficult it is to be voted in, and notes on a lot of this year’s modern candidates.

We have an update on Ronda Rousey and WrestleMania, an upcoming WWE wedding, John Cena injury notes, WWE asks fans about PPV start times and thoughts, update on Amanda from Tough Enough and what appears to be her new deal, WWE pulling out all stops for next months tour of Mexico and why, Dean Ambrose talks acting, Nikki Bella as Divas champion, Eric Bischoff appearing on WWE Network, Undertaker’s future, the signing of Kana and she talks coming to WWE, Zahra Schreiber talks her firing, some NXT matches, a WWE wrestler on a sabbatical, as well as the WWE business notes from the past week and highlights from all the house hows.

We look at Saturday’s UFC show, the business notes on the show, where the top guys go next along with match-by-match coverage, how much everyone earned, and poll results on the show.

We also have rundowns of the major TV shows of the past week.

We also go in depth on the Battle of Los Angeles tournament with match-by-match coverage for all three nights, what is PWG, the atmosphere and more.

We also have notes on the ratings of all the major television shows, including just how badly the main shows fared, and results of the major league arena events over the past week.

We also look at the affect that Dr. Wagner Jr. and L.A. Park have on business in Mexico, what dream of L.A. Park fell through, Rey Mysterio in AAA and notes on several big shows plus names they are talking about bringing in.

We also update the Dragon Gate tag team tournament and the NOAH Jr. tag team tournament.  We also look at New Japan’s next international tour, why Tenryu vs. Okada is taking place in November, what foreign stars are being discussed for New Japan, and Hiroshi Tanahashi doing the DDT show and the future of Yohei Komatsu and Sho Tanaka.

We also look at Hulk Hogan’s overseas talk shows, the death of Tommy Rogers of The Fantastics, Dave Brown retires from WMC TV and how it was celebrated locally, Axl Rotten’s future goals, CHIKARA King of Trios, Jeff Jarrett TV talks and the final GFW ballpark shows of the year and what is left on the schedule, Bob Backlund’s autobiography, update on Batista, the death of Jerry Prater, an instrumental figure in Florida wrestling in the 70s and the heyday of wrestling programs and magazines, the Carlos Maynez tribute show this past week featuring legends from the past, a Roddy Piper movie not released and the Darrell Dawkins connection with pro wrestling.

We also update things on Lucha Underground.

We look at next week’s ROH matches.

We look at a TNA wedding, lineups for the upcoming TNA shows, U.K. TNA ratings and updating Impact.

We also have Conor McGregor talking his future, McGregor vs. Faber and why it didn’t happen, key UFC announcements over the pat week including new shows, new main events and new title matches, the retirement of Sam Stout, Rousey doing “Road House,” next UFC TV events, update on Charles Oliveira, UFC’s most popular markets, how much Rousey and McGregor are carrying things right now and former UFC star buys $2.75 million mansion from a rock star.

We also look at Alexander Shlemenko’s attempt to get his steroid punishment over turned and his arguments, plus a new Bellator show was announced.

We also update Fedor Emelianenko and his situation, as well as a former WWE star debuts this week as an MMA announcer and top pro wrestling stars attending.  We also look at the results of the latest medical study on injuries suffered in boxing vs. MMA and where each is more and less dangerous than the other.  

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.

New subscribers ordering 24 or 40 issues have to let us know what major stories of the past 11 years you are most interested in and we’ll send the issue with the best coverage of that story. We’ve got coverage of every major PPV event and world wide spectacular, every major star switching promotions, histories of companies like FMW, Rings and New Japan, retirement and obit issues of every major star who fits into those descriptions over the past 11 years, as well as our biggest issue every year, the annual awards issue, and our most controversial issue of every year, the Hall of Fame issue.

Click here for the most requested Wrestling Observer back issues

THURSDAY’S NEWS UPDATE

• Total Divas on Tuesday night drew 1,143,000 viewers, which was well up from the prior week.
• The Ultimate Fighter last night did 622,000 viewers on FS 1.  That’s for the show with Conor McGregor and Urijah Faber as coaches.  The first show of last season did 490,000 viewers.
• Daniel Bryan talks his attempt to get back in the ring, Total Divas, his dream for the 2016 WrestleMania and more
• I’m not sure that this means anything, but on Tuesday there were 94,700 tweets regarding Kana signing with WWE.
• Catherine Jo Perry (Lana) had surgery on her left wrist today.
• The rainstorm in Japan that has been all over the news killed attendance at shows today in Japan.  The New Japan show was in the city where the river overflowed and there was blooding.  There were only 480 fans at the show and some left early, as there were homes lost and damaged in the city.
• Former Australian pro wrestling promoter Andrew McManus, 54, was arrested today at Melbourne Airport, among five people arrested in connection with allegations of cocaine importing and money laundering.  The FBI in the U.S. worked with New Zealand authorities on the case when Sean Carolan, an MMA fighter and racehorse trainer was discovered in 2011 with a black suitcase with $702,000 in cash in it.  He claimed the money came from Owen Hanson Jr., who was going to invest it in his weight loss business.  The authorities confiscated the money, but Carolan went to court to have it returned.  But in court, McManus claimed the money was his after an interview with police in 2012.  He said the money was from the Lenny Kravitz tour he had promoted in New Zealand, but he was using it to replay Hanson Jr., who had put up a deposit for a ZZ Top tour McManus promoted.  .
• The movie “12 Rounds 3:  Lockdown” with Dean Ambrose will have a limited theatrical release starting tomorrow. 
• UFC 194 tickets for 12/12 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena went quickly to Fight Club members yesterday.  Some seats were held back for today’s pre-sale using the code word GOBIG and some tickets will be put on sale Monday.  That’s the Conor McGregor vs. Jose Aldo and Chris Weidman vs. Luke Rockhold show that is expected to do another near record gate.  
• Tickets for UFC’s debut in Monterrey, Mexico go on sale to the public tomorrow.  A press conference was held toady in Monterrey with headliners Kelvin Gastelum, Ricardo Lamas, Diego Sanchez, Erik Perez, Leandro Silva, Efrain Escudero, Hector Urbina and Henry Cejudo.
• A few days ago, when we mentioned it would be good for all talent with WWE dreams to get rid of any photos in social media that have a sexual connotation or any tweets that contain anything that could be taken racially, it was regarding Nhooph Al-Areebi (Jasmin) since some tweets of hers were discovered by those in the company a few days ago.  The company issued a statement saying, “WWE conducted a thorough investigation and has determined that Nhooph-Al Areebie’s Twitter account was used without her knowledge when she was 16 and 17 years old.  Jasmin remains apologetic for any offensive remarks that were made.”
• The World Series of fighting announced three names to its Board of Directors, Mark Ford, the Executive Vice President of Global Advertising for Time Inc., Mike Stevens, the Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer for the New York Giants and John Weiser, the President of U.S. Distribution for Sony Pictures Television.  The promotion also announced the signing of Caros Fodor and Cory Devela, both former Strikeforce fighters.
• Global Force Wrestling announced for its 10/23 tapings in Las Vegas at the Orleans Arena, the last tapings on the current schedule, that PJ Black, Jigsaw, Christina Von Eerie, Amber Gallows, Chris Mordetzky, Bobby Roode, Reno Scum and the Bollywood Boyz will be appearing.
• Kurt Angle will be doing a speaking tour of the U.K.  Dates are:
  11/18 in London
  11/19 in Cardiff
  11/20 in Leicester
  11/21 in Rotherham
  11/22 in Edinburgh
  11/23 in Manchester
• NXT has announced more title matches for next week in Texas
• 9/17 in Houston Bayley vs. Emma for women’s title
• 9/18 in Austin Finn Balor vs. Baron Corbin for NXT title
• 9/19 in San Antonio Finn Balor vs. Tyler Breeze for NXT title
• Premier Wrestling on 9/19 in San Jose at Del Mar High School at 6 p.m..  Tickets are $5 off regular prices at www.premierwrestle.com  JR Kratos (8-2) vs. Jeff Cobb (6-2-1) headlines plus Nicole Savoy (2-1) & Kahmora (0-1) vs. Raze (0-1) & Kikyo Nakamura (0-0), Timothy Thatcher (3-2-1) vs. Joe Graves (2-0-1), Gabriel Gallo (3-0) vs. Dom Vitalli (1-2), Alexander Hammerstone (0-0) vs. Dylan Drake (4-4), Marcus Lewis (4-4) vs. Julio Pedroza (3-3), Tyler Bateman (0-2) vs. Dalton Frost (0-0) and Nick Ruiz (3-4) vs. Hawaiian Lion (0-0).
• There is a 35th anniversary of the 1980 Olympic wrestling team that was not allowed to compete due to the boycott at 4 p.m. tomorrow at the Gold Coast Hotel in Las Vegas.  The 18 surviving members of the team, including former pro wrestler Brad Rheingans and Great Wojo, will be there, a will Dan Gable, Lee Kemp and Randy Couture (who will represent the late Jeff Blatnick).
• Tanner Saraceno from Tough Enough will be fighting in the main event of an MMA show in Kuwait tomorrow night. 
• Lennie Hardt, the famous Pride ring announcer, will be doing the Bellator show in San Jose on 9/19. 
• Austin Matelson, who was in WWE developmental as Judas Devlin, is in the commercial for the new season of Big Brother. (thanks to Ross Blair)
• CWE on 9/25 in Steinbach, Manitoba at the Legion Community Hall has eight woman Battle Royal.
• Pure Wrestling Association on 9/19 in Kitchener, ONT at the Alpine Club and 9/13 in Kitchener, at the Williamsburg Town Centre Community Festival outdoors between 1 and 4 p.m.
• Absolute Intense Wrestling tomorrow night in Cleveland at Our Lady of Mount Carmel School headlined by Bob Holly.  Also on the show are Louis Lyndon, Johnny Gargano, Candice LaRae, Colt Cabana, Athena, Cliff Compton and Eddie Kingston.
• Rey Mysterio Jr. vs. Ricochet vs. P.J. Black in a three-way headlines a TV taping for Destiny World Wrestling on 10/3 at the Don Kolov Arena in Mississauaga, ONT.  There will only be 500 tickets available and they are expecting to sellout, as the ringside and VIP tickets are already gone. 
• Smash Canada vs. USA womens’ wrestling on Sunday at 5 p.m. at the Franklin Horner Community Centre with Nicole Matthews, Portia Perez, Jewells Malone, KC Spinelli, Jennifer Blake, Vanessa Kraven and Xandra Bale of Team Canada against Kimber Lee, Cherry bomb, Sassy Stephanie, Jessicka Havok, Veda Scott, Candice LaRae, Heidi Lovelace and Allysin Kay of Team USA.
• Great North Wrestling has a benefit show for the Canadian Cancer Society on Saturday at 1:30 p.m. at Hawkesbury Ford in Hawkesbury, ONT with Frenchy Martin managing Hannibal against Myzery Barbarian.
• Eddie Edwards headlines for New England Championship Wrestling on Saturday night at 7 p.m. at the Everett Rec Center in Everett, MA.  Slyck Wagner Brown vs. Mike McCarthy vs. Brad Hollister for the NECW title is one of the main events.
• Jim Ross is doing a talk show tonight in Knoxville.
• House of Hardcore runs 11/13 in Philadelphia at the 2300 Arena and 11/14 in Queens at the Elmcor Center with Ethan Carter III, Little Guido & Tony Mamaluke as the FBI, Rhino, Bobby Roode, Eric Young, Chris Hero, Austin Aries and Thea Trinidad.
• Vince Russo is doing a Q&A on 9/28 in Dublin, Ireland at the Academy Plaza.
• Tier One Wrestling on 10/2 at the R Studios in Queens, NY.
• Carolina Wrestling Showcase on Saturday night in Asheboro, NC with Gunner and C.W Anderson.
• Longtime Canadian independent wrestler Robby Royce announced he was retiring after 25 years.    
• ECW Press has a 50% off sale on all of their books, which includes the new Bill Apter autobiography.
• The new match uploaded to NWAClassics.com today is Wahoo McDaniel vs. The Spoiler in a two out of three falls match.
• PBC returns to NBC with a 4 p.m. show on Saturday headlined by Peter Quillin (31-0-1, 22 knockouts) vs. Michael Zerafa (17-1, 9 knockouts) from the Foxwood Resort Casino in Mashantucket, CT.
• A new comic book called Ringside #1 will be released on 11/25, written by Joe Keatinge.
• The South Jersey WrestleFest and Convention takes place on 10/11 in Woodbury Heights, NJ at the Community Center.  The convention starts at 3 p.m.  and features reps from  a number of independent promotions with New Jack, Sandman, Justin Credible and Raven. 
• A BBC piece on Lucha Libre
• Former pro wrestler Matt Ghaffari talks Alexander Kaerlin and Hulk Hogan among others
• Jessie Godderz on Big Brother at the 7:40 mark
• POP-TV also announced that Jessie will be “taking over” their network this Friday Night for their “Orwell Games” promotion at 12/11c.