On this week’s Chad Dukes Wrestling Show ( Wednesdays at 7pm on CBS Radio’s 106.7 The Fan DC, Podcast available on iTunes & Play.it) we discussed the comments by UFC President Dana White on Dukes’ afternoon drive program, Chad Dukes Versus the World responding to his infamous “fake” comment regarding pro wrestling.
White offered the following clarification to his comments.
“Listen, try to do anything today without pissing people off. Try it. I mean anything you say people get mad, you just gotta not care and I don’t care. Anything you say on Twitter or Instagram or anywhere these days every week I have a different group mad at me so you know it’s always something, but it’s still the world we live in today. My Twitter and social media has beene xactly the same since the day I got on it and one of the things, you said it best, the more successful you become, the bigger something gets, the harder it is to be yourself and to really speak honestly because somebody ends up getting mad. You literally just have to get to the point where you just don’t care who gets mad and that’s how I am.”
“I’ve had my, you know, my battles with Vince [McMahon] behind the scenes with some stuff that we’ve worked on but I respect all the guys in the WWE in the wrestling profession. We have so many guys that are that are fans of the UFC and when they come to the events we take very good careof ’em, we treat ’em with respect, I have yet to meet a bad guy from the wrestling world. Everybody is really classy and everybody’s really cool. My wrestling thing was just a response to an idiot on social media that was talking smack so I kind of gave him a zinger back and the whole wrestling world went crazy on me. But it is what it is, to be honest with you I really don’t care.”
We’re looking for your thoughts on last night’s UFC 191 PPV show, so you can leave a thumbs up, thumbs down or thumbs in the middle along with a best and worst match to Dave Meltzer
We’re also looking for reports on these shows:
*WWE Friday night in Hampton, VA
*WWE Saturday night in Charlottesville
*WWE Saturday night in Wildwood, NJ
*WWE Sunday in Fairfax, VA
*WWE Sunday in Salisbury, MD
*GFW Friday in Waterloo, IA
WWE runs Sunday in Fairfax, VA (John Cena vs. Kevin Owens) and Salisbury, MD (Roman Reigns vs. Bray Wyatt, Ryback vs. Big Show, Luke Harper vs. Dean Ambrose).
Raw will be Monday night in Baltimore.
Smackdown and Main Event are taped Tuesday night in Wilkes-Barre, PA.
Wrestling Observer Newsletter:
It’s a gigantic news week in the new issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter with the main feature story on everything that led to the indictment of Jimmy Snuka after 32 years, plus Irv Muchnick, who has reported on the story for years gives his views on the proceedings, and we also look at Hulk Hogan’s attempt at redemption of his character, the full story behind the shooting at the Performance Center, notes from Battle of Los Angeles, the retirement of Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira, Hayabusa walks to the ring, Bram gets arrested, WWE fires Zahra Schreiber, UFC brings back Travis Browne, a rundown of the PPV business in WWE in 2015 and the latest monthly business report from WWE & TNA.
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 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.
Our lead story goes back to 1983 with an in-depth look at the death of Nancy Argentino, how the media caused the case to be reopened, a look at the charges against Jimmy Snuka, the different statements on the subject by Snuka, Snuka’s lawyer speaks, notes on documentation and testimony from the time, lots of notes regarding evidence, where Jimmy Snuka stood in the wrestling business in 1983, how Buddy Rogers fits into this story, what Snuka told police the morning after Argentino died as well as testimony from those who treated Argentino before her death.
We also look at the autopsy report, the police report from that time, the strange question that was never answered regarding the case being dropped, what Snuka has said to different people, the brawl in Syracuse before Argentino’s death, how the pro wrestling business in 1983 is so completely different from today and the previous legal action regarding this case.
Irv Muchnick also does a piece on the indictment talking about several points from the indictment.
We also look at Hulk Hogan appearing on Good Morning America and Nightline in a way to get his job back and repair his public image. We look at the WWE reaction, what Hogan said, what does and doesn’t hold up, the timeline issues with his various stories, neighbors of his growing up contradict his story and more.
We also look at the story of the man who was shot in front of the Performance Center, the circumstances of the shooting, and the different things he had done in recent months regarding his obsession with wrestling.
We also look at Battle of Los Angeles, how the tournament went, highlights from the weekend and celebrities at the shows.
We also look back at the career of Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira, including his new job with UFC, his becoming the top heavyweight in the sport at one time, his background, his debut in RINGS, his move to Pride, his fight with Bob Sapp, his three fight series with Fedor and his UFC run.
We look at the arrest of Thomas “Bram” Latimer of TNA, police details of what happened, TNA’s response and what is next for him.
We’ve got a story on Hayabusa, one of the best high flyers from 15-20 years ago and his attempted recovery from near paralysis.
We’ve got a look at Travis Browne and his reinstatement in UFC.
We look at the firing of Zahra Schreiber, the girlfriend of Seth Rollins, by WWE.
We also look at WWE & TNA business when it comes to house shows, merchandise, ratings and other categories for the past month.
We also have a PPV chart with how all the shows in the first seven months of the year have been, and compared them with the last few years.
We also look at WWE signing one of the major international women stars and why she’s not going to be wrestling in NXT, the return of Dr. Wagner Jr. & L.A. Park to Arena Mexico and how it got over, top pro wrestling star gets a reality show gig, and some major title changes.
We also look at maneuvering for the 2017 and 2018 WrestleMania, and the favorites, the 10/3 Madison Square Garden WWE live special, notes on lots of indie stars on WWE’s radar, ticket sales for NXT in the U.K., a new WWE movie, Update on Wade Barrett, action figure sales, announcing changes, SummerSlam edits, lots of notes on various WWE lawsuits, Dean Ambrose talks Renee Young, Fan tries to attack Ambrose, Sara Lee in NXT, plus notes on all the WWE & NXT house shows over the past week.
We also look at a number of top stars who worked recently in Bolivia, the last AAA TV taping and AAA wrestlers in a bodybuilding contest.
We update Wrestle-1 and the three generations of green mist stars trios match.
We also look at the Dragon Gate summer tag team tournament and its big show in Fukuoka and what came out of it.
We look at All Japan’s last major show and its current singles tournament.
We look at Pro Wrestling NOAH’s next major show, including a title match that was set up in the U.S., a well as the bracketing in the upcoming junior heavyweight tag team tournament.
We look at the weekend IGF show, a record that will be set at the next Tokyo Dome show, and the NWA title change.
We also look at U.S. stars who usually don’t tour Japan that are going shortly.
We’ve got more on the planned bio movie on Chris Benoit, Angelo Mosca getting his number retired, the weekend GFW shows and angles, Preston City Wrestling’s weekend show, former TNA star retires and a unique main event, plus early notes on this year’s WWC Anniversary show.
We also update the TNA TV situation, the Lucha Underground TV situation, the next ROH PPV show, new roles for people in ROH and notes from the weekend show.
We also look at changes in UFC main events, can UFC sell 70,000 tickets to its November show with Ronda Rousey, Rousey talks when she expects to retire, Cyborg, the date with the marine and notes about live shows on Fight Pass this month. We also look at this week’s PPV show, talks about the Jan. 2 Las Vegas card, a star fighter retires, Chad Mendes wants a rematch with McGregor, what happened recently with Jose Aldo, Rousey T-shirt sales, plus lots of more fights.
We also have a look at Bellator’s next major show, including the updated card, as well as plans for the big November show. We look at the Fan Fest with Fedor and Sakuraba, as well as notes on last week’s show.
We also look at the arrest of Chris Leben, and new restrictions on weight cutting that is being tried out for in California.
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
Not a lot coming out of last night’s UFC show. In the Frank Mir vs. Andrei Arlovski fight, Judge Adelaide Byrd had all three rounds for Arlovski. Judge Sal D’Amato had one and three for Arlovski. Chris Lee also had one and three for Arlovski. Dana White said he thought Mir won. I had Arlovski. Media scores were about 75% for Arlovski. Arlovski outlanded him in all three rounds but round two was close and Mir got a takedown in that round.
UFC 191 had 200,000 searches yesterday, which is significantly more than one would have expected from that show. It was seventh behind six different football related themes. Five were college football schools or coverage and one was Tim Tebow. Of the top 20 searches yesterday, 19 of them were football related, 18 college football and UFC 191 was the only thing that wasn’t football related.
CHIKARA King of Trios from night one on Friday night in Easton, PA
Juan Francisco de Coronado & Mr. Azerbaijin & Proletariat Boar of Moldova b Mark Andrews & Morgan Webster & Pete Dunne
MK McKinnan & Trent ? & Tyler Bae b Jakob Hammermeier & Nekken & Soldier Ant
Kodama & Obariyan & Oleg the Usurper b El Hijo del Ice Cream & Ice Cream Jr. & Princess Kimber Lee
Blaster McMassive & Flex Rumblecrunch & Max Smashmaster b Stevie Richards & Blue Meanie & Nova
Kevin Condron & Lucas Calhoun & Missile Assault Man b Dasher Hatfield & Icarus & Mark Angelosetti
A.J. Styles & Young Bucks b Amasis & Fire Ant & Worker Ant
Frightmare & Hallowicked & Silver Ant b Eddie Kingston & Ophidian & Shynron
Aero Star & Drago & Fenix b Chuck Taylor & Drew Gulak & Swamp Monster
CHIKARA King of Trios from night two in Easton, PA last night
Jake b Ashley Remington
MK McKinnan & Trent ? & Tyler Bae b Juan Francisco de Coronado & Proletariat Boar of Moldova & Mr. Azerbaijan
Shynon won four-way over 2 Cold Scorpio, Matt Cross and Madjai Amasis
Aero Star & Drago & Fenix b Hallowicked & Frightmare & Silver Ant
3.0 & NRG b Flying Francis & Arctic Rescue Ant & Orbit Adventure Ant
A.J. Styles & Young Bucks b Kevin Condron & Lucas Calhoun & Missile Assault Man
Mark Andrews won four-way over Pinkie Sanchez, Purpura and Ophidian Cobra
Max Smashmaster & Blaster McMassive & Flex Rumblecrunch b Obariyon & Kodama & Oleg the Usurper
Damian Gonzalez said that he just watched SummerSlam on the WWE Network and Brock Lesnar’s middle finger was not edited off, but the New Day ring entrance was edited off.
Ric Flair, Jerry Lawler, John Layfield, Ron Simmons, RVD, Chyna and Katrina from Lucha Underground appear at the San Antonio Comic Con from 9/11 to 9/13 signing autographs (thanks to Pete Schirmacher)
The new season of The Ultimate Fighter debuts Wednesday night with a two-hour special from 10 p.m. to midnight on FS 1.
The plan for the trio of The Ascension and Stardust is to be called the Cosmic Wasteland.
Squared Circle Pro Wrestling on 9/26 in Lubbock
WWE runs Lubbock on 10/17 with John Cena and Seth Rollins headlining (thanks to Victor Martinez)
Right Coast Pro on 9/12 at Life Community Church in Newark, DE
Lucha Xtreme TV from last night in Fresno: Levi Shapiro b Elemento, Manny Fernandez b Jesse Pool-DQ, Mike Rayne b Wiseguy (thanks to Jon Southerland)
I Believe in Wrestling from last night in Orlando: Lince Dorado b Rex Bacchus, Chico Adams b Derick Jordan, Brandon Scherer b Dalton Murphy, Mark Silva b Carlos Rivera, Josh Hess b Josh Parker, Jonny Vandal & Tyranus b Mike Reed & Ace Andrews, Rhett Ghiddins b Aaron Epic. Next show is 9/19 (thanks to Al Haft)
The new match on NWAClassics.com is Wahoo McDaniel vs. Masked Ichiban managed by Gary Hart.
Ricochet is taking bookings through Bill Behrens at showbis@aol.com He’s based out of Orlando. Others available include A.J. Styles (Atlanta), Christopher Daniels (Los Angeles), Frankie Kazarian (Los Angeles), Matt Sydal (Tampa), Moose (Atlanta), Jay Lethal (Tampano bookings allowed in U.S., only international), Drew Galloway (Tampa), Eric Young (Nashville), James Storm (Nashville), Bobby Roode (Toronto), Mike Posey (Birmingham) and Corey Hills (Atlanta).
Trans South Wrestling from last night in Union, SC: TK Stark b George South, Kameron Kade b JR Reynolds & Ostgard, Boris Baranov b Vinnie Valentino, Deon Johnson & Peter Kaasa b Eric Adamz & Black Angel, Chase Brown b Matt Hardy. Next show is 10/3 in Union, SC (thanks to Thomas Simpson)
Destiny World Wrestling from last night in Mississauaga, ONT: Scotty O’Shea won four-way over Ethan Page, Marcus Burke and Damien Adams, Tyler Tirva b Robbie McAllister, Randy Reign b David Kross-DQ, Bobby Roode & Rhyno b Flatliners, Jennifer Blake b Alexia Nicole, P.J. Black b Kongo Kong to retain DWW (thanks to Steven Ashe)
IWS from last night in Montreal before 200 fans: Excess b Chris Dickinson to win Canadian title, Shayne Hawke b Evan Adams, Vampiro & Green Phantom b Latino Connection and Los Cartel in a three-way, TDT b Super Smash Brothers, Black Dynamite b Sexxxy Eddy, Speedball Mike Bailey b Jack Evans. Vampiro met with Louis Laurence, who trained him back in 1986. This was his first match in Montreal in 28 years. Rey Mysterio faces Mike Bailey on 3/5 at the Metropolis in Montreal. (thanks to Patric Laprade)
Dynamo Pro Wrestling from last night in Fenton, MO: Kevin Lee Davidson b Adrian Surge, Evan Morris b Snitch, Jayden Fenix b Rocket Mapache, Mike Sydal b Justin D’Air, Ricky Cruz & Shorty Biggs & Outtkast b Brandon Espinosa & Elvis Aliaga & Danny Adams, Jack Gamble & Jon Webb b Michael Magnuson & Dave DeLoran-DQ, Jake Dirden b Brandon Aarons, Michael Elgin b Mike Outlaw (thanks to Patrick Brandmeyer)
Nova Pro Wrestling on 9/12 in Orlando at the Northwest Community Center with Teddy Hart, Santana Garrett, Jesus (Ricardo Rodriguez), Lince Dorado and others.
Prairie Wrestling Alliance on 9/19 in Calgary at the Century Casino Showroom and 9/26 in Edmonton at the Northgate Lions Center.
Hoosier Pro Wrestling from last night in Columbus, IN: Tom Van Zant b Drax O’Brien, Psycho b Dynamite Dillen, Lightning Bolt b Troy Van Zant, Wicked Clown b A.J. Hawkins, Eddie Felson b Mini Mr. Big, Flash Flanagan & Trailer Park Trash NC Marc Houston & TJ Kemp. Cousin Cooter worked under the name Psycho in honor of Psycho, a former HPW wrestler who passed away a few weeks ago. Next show is 10/3 with Jimmy Valiant (thanks to Jerry Wilson)
Small profit again last time out at UFC Saskatoon as I try to inch my way back to even. UFC is back on PPV this weekend with UFC 191. Playing it safe this weekend with all favorites so let’s take a look at which five picks I think have the best value on this show.
Pick 1 – Jan Blachowicz (18-4) -140 over Corey Anderson (5-1) I’m betting $100 to win $71.43
Blachowicz has the experience edge, having fought for years against top-level competition despite just making his UFC debut last year. His only UFC loss was to top 15 contender Jimi Manuwa. Anderson is coming off the first loss of his career, to Gian Villante (who was just knocked out by this site’s own Tom Lawlor). Go with experience here and Blachowicz.
Pick 2 – Nazarene Malegarie (30-3) -145 over Joaquin Silva (7-0) I’m betting $100 to win $68.97
Malegarie has been out of the spotlight for years, with his last high profile fight coming in 2012 for Bellator, where he lost to Rad Martinez. Since then he’s rung up 8 straight wins in South America and will make his UFC debut here after 8 years and 33 pro fights. Silva is also making his debut and is unbeaten with all finishes. Silva’s wins have been far less highly profiled and again, go with experience here.
Pick 3 – Clay Collard (14-6) -135 over Tiago Trator (19-5-1) I’m betting $100 to win $74.07
Collard’s had a rough start to his UFC career, going 1-2 but I think he’s prime here to turn that around and get back on the winning track. He was brought into UFC with a lot of hype and he was really impressive for Showdown fights. Trator is also coming off of a loss and it was a devastating KO at the hands of Mike de la Torre. I like Collard here.
Pick 4 – Andrei Arlovski (24-10) -155 over Frank Mir (18-9) I’m betting $100 to win $64.52
This is the real main event of tonight’s show for a lot of people. Arlovski’s been on a roll since returning to UFC with 3 straight wins. Mir has two straight wins of his own after a long losing streak. Arlovski has a title shot starting him in the face if he can get past Mir and I really think he will. I don’t think Mir will be able to withstand his power after a long career in the Octagon. One thing I’m virtually certain of is this fight will end quickly.
Pick 5 – Jessica Andrade (13-4) -210 vs Raquel Pennington (5-5) I’m betting $100 to win $47.62
This is the second fight for these two, with Andrade having won a split decision back in March of last year. Since then Andrade has won 2 of 3, including a decision over Sarah Moras in her last fight. Pennington has fought just twice with her most recent being a loss to Holly Holm in the co-main event of UFC 184. Andrade is more experienced and has fought a higher quality of fighters in her career. I think she marches up the contender list with a second straight win over Pennington here.
All told, I’m betting $500 with a chance to win $326.60
We’re both on a losing streak with both of our guys losing quickly in Saskatoon. I will turn things around with my pick this week, Andrei Arlovski as he’ll make quick work of Frank Mir and allow me to retain my lead.
Ryan’s pick:
I’m going John Lineker -135 over Francisco Rivera Jr
Good luck, enjoy the fights and remember, don’t bet more than you can afford to lose and try to have fun with it!
Fight week continues on with the build-up to tonight’s UFC 191 event in Las Vegas with UFC 191 Embedded. In this episode, it is media day and we get to hear from the competitors fighting on the card. Alex Chambers shows off a unique way of cutting weight for her fight. We hear from Urijah Faber and Chad Mendes, teammates of Paige VanZant, as VanZant is shown cutting weight. Demetrious Johnson, John Dodson and Frank Mir enjoy final training sessions. It is then time for Friday’s Go Big event and the weigh-ins as the fighters weigh-in and have their final staredowns. All of that and more, so check out episode five of UFC 191 Embedded above.
Welcome to WrestlingObserver.com’s live coverage of UFC 191: Johnson vs. Dodson 2 from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. The event is headlined by UFC Flyweight Champion Demetrious Johnson making his seventh title defense, this time in a rematch against top contender John Dodson. The two met in January 2013, a bout Johnson won by unanimous decision. In the co-main event, former UFC Heavyweight Champions Andrei Arlovski and Frank Mir meet as both men put their win streaks on the line. The action kicks off with preliminary card fights at 7 PM eastern time on UFC Fight Pass. The action moves over to FOX Sports 1 at 8 PM eastern time with additional preliminary fights before the main card kicks off at 10 PM eastern time on pay-per-view. We are looking for your thoughts on the show, so send a thumbs up, thumbs down or thumbs in the middle as well as a best fight and worst fight to dave@wrestlingobserver.com.
Coverage provided by Ryan Frederick, who is cageside at the event.
The UFC presents the launch of their GO BIG Campaign, highlighting the main events of their events beginning with UFC Fight Night 75 on September 27 and going through UFC On FOX 16 on December 19, a series of can’t-miss fights. The press event kicks off at 3:30 PM eastern time above. The entire list of fights scheduled to attend:
UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Daniel Cormier UFC Women’s Bantamweight Champion Ronda Rousey UFC Featherweight Champion Jose Aldo UFC Interim Featherweight Champion Conor McGregor UFC Lightweight Champion Rafael Dos Anjos Alexander Gustafsson Holly Holm Luke Rockhold Donald Cerrone Josh Barnett Roy Nelson Dustin Poirier Joseph Duffy Vitor Belfort Dan Henderson Matt Brown Kelvin Gastelum Frankie Edgar Chad Mendes
Welcome to WrestlingObserver.com’s live coverage of the UFC 191: Johnson vs. Dodson weigh-ins from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada kicking off at 7 M eastern time. The event airs on Saturday on pay-per-view at 10 PM eastern time. Preliminary card action kicks off on UFC Fight Pass at 7 PM eastern time before moving over to FOX Sports 1 at 8 PM eastern time.
The event is headlined by UFC Flyweight Champion Demetrious Johnson making his seventh title defense, this time in a rematch against top contender John Dodson. Johnson defeated Dodson by unanimous decision at UFC On FOX 6 in January 2013, and Dodson has won three straight fights since to earn another shot at winning gold. In the co-main event, former UFC Heavyweight Champions Andrei Arlovski and Frank Mir put their win streaks on the line and try to potentially earn a title opportunity with a win. Also on the card is number-one ranked light heavyweight contender Anthony Johnson, and rising UFC women’s strawweight star Paige VanZant making her pay-per-view debut.
MAIN CARD (PPV- 10 PM ET/7 PM PT):
Demetrious Johnson () vs. John Dodson () (UFC Flyweight Championship) Andrei Arlovski () vs. Frank Mir () Anthony Johnson () vs. Jimi Manuwa () Jan Blachowicz () vs. Corey Anderson () Paige VanZant () vs. Alex Chambers ()
PRELIMINARY CARD (FOX SPORTS 1- 8 PM ET/5 PM PT):
Ross Pearson () vs. Paul Felder () Francisco Rivera () vs. John Lineker () Jessica Andrade () vs. Raquel Pennington () Clay Collard () vs. Tiago Trator ()
We’re looking for reports on tonight’s WWE show in Hampton, VA (John Cena vs. Kevin Owens, Dolph Ziggler vs. Rusev) and GFW show in Waterloo, IA (Nick Aldis vs. Chris Mordetzky) at Dave Meltzer
Our only poll this weekend will be on the UFC 191 PPV tomorrow night from Las Vegas.
New Japan World on AXS TV at 9 p.m.
Tetsuya Naito vs. Kazuchika Okada
Ryusuke Taguchi vs. Desperado for IWGP jr. title
Shine iPPV from Ybor City, FL at www.WWNLive.com at 9 p.m. Eastern
Santana vs. Allysin Kay for the Shine championship
Vanessa Kraven vs. Athena
Jessicka Havok vs. LuFisto
Tracy Taylor vs. Su Yung no DQ street fight
Leah Von Dutch vs. Brandi Wine
Cherry Bomb vs. Taylor Made
Leva (Blue Pants) & Mia Yim (Jade in TNA) vs. Andrea & Jayme Jameson
Crazy Mary Dobson vs. Jessica James
Thunderkitty vs. Amanda Carolina Rodriguez
UFC 191 from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas
Fight Pass at 7 p.m. Eastern
Nazareno Malegarie vs. Joaquin Silva
Joe Riggs vs. Ron Stallings
FS 1 at 8 p.m. Eastern
Clay Collard vs. Thiago Trator
Jessica Andrade vs. Raquel Pennington
John Lineker vs. Francisco Rivera
Paul Felder vs. Ross Pearson
PPV at 10 p.m. Eastern
Paige VanZant vs. Alex Chambers
Corey Anderson vs. Jan Blachowicz
Anthony Rumble Johnson vs. Jimi Manuwa
Frank Mir vs. Andrei Arlovski
Demetrious Johnson vs. John Dodson for flyweight title
WWE runs Saturday night in Charlottesville, VA (John Cena vs. Kevin Owens) and Wildwood, NJ (Roman Reigns vs. Bray Wyatt, Ryback vs. Big Show, Luke Harper vs. Dean Ambrose) and GFW in Clinton, IA.
WWE runs Sunday in Fairfax, VA (John Cena vs. Kevin Owens) and Salisbury, MD (Roman Reigns vs. Bray Wyatt, Ryback vs. Big Show, Luke Harper vs. Dean Ambrose).
Raw will be Monday night in Baltimore.
Smackdown and Main Event are taped Tuesday night in Wilkes-Barre, PA.
It’s a gigantic news week in the new issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter with the main feature story on everything that led to the indictment of Jimmy Snuka after 32 years, plus Irv Muchnick, who has reported on the story for years gives his views on the proceedings, and we also look at Hulk Hogan’s attempt at redemption of his character, the full story behind the shooting at the Performance Center, notes from Battle of Los Angeles, the retirement of Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira, Hayabusa walks to the ring, Bram gets arrested, WWE fires Zahra Schreiber, UFC brings back Travis Browne, a rundown of the PPV business in WWE in 2015 and the latest monthly business report from WWE & TNA.
Web site subscriptions, which include access to both current and older newsletters as well as every audio show in the history of the site are at 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
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.
Our lead story goes back to 1983 with an in-depth look at the death of Nancy Argentino, how the media caused the case to be reopened, a look at the charges against Jimmy Snuka, the different statements on the subject by Snuka, Snuka’s lawyer speaks, notes on documentation and testimony from the time, lots of notes regarding evidence, where Jimmy Snuka stood in the wrestling business in 1983, how Buddy Rogers fits into this story, what Snuka told police the morning after Argentino died as well as testimony from those who treated Argentino before her death.
We also look at the autopsy report, the police report from that time, the strange question that was never answered regarding the case being dropped, what Snuka has said to different people, the brawl in Syracuse before Argentino’s death, how the pro wrestling business in 1983 is so completely different from today and the previous legal action regarding this case.
Irv Muchnick also does a piece on the indictment talking about several points from the indictment.
We also look at Hulk Hogan appearing on Good Morning America and Nightline in a way to get his job back and repair his public image. We look at the WWE reaction, what Hogan said, what does and doesn’t hold up, the timeline issues with his various stories, neighbors of his growing up contradict his story and more.
We also look at the story of the man who was shot in front of the Performance Center, the circumstances of the shooting, and the different things he had done in recent months regarding his obsession with wrestling.
We also look at Battle of Los Angeles, how the tournament went, highlights from the weekend and celebrities at the shows.
We also look back at the career of Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira, including his new job with UFC, his becoming the top heavyweight in the sport at one time, his background, his debut in RINGS, his move to Pride, his fight with Bob Sapp, his three fight series with Fedor and his UFC run.
We look at the arrest of Thomas “Bram” Latimer of TNA, police details of what happened, TNA’s response and what is next for him.
We’ve got a story on Hayabusa, one of the best high flyers from 15-20 years ago and his attempted recovery from near paralysis.
We’ve got a look at Travis Browne and his reinstatement in UFC.
We look at the firing of Zahra Schreiber, the girlfriend of Seth Rollins, by WWE.
We also look at WWE & TNA business when it comes to house shows, merchandise, ratings and other categories for the past month.
We also have a PPV chart with how all the shows in the first seven months of the year have been, and compared them with the last few years.
We also look at WWE signing one of the major international women stars and why she’s not going to be wrestling in NXT, the return of Dr. Wagner Jr. & L.A. Park to Arena Mexico and how it got over, top pro wrestling star gets a reality show gig, and some major title changes.
We also look at maneuvering for the 2017 and 2018 WrestleMania, and the favorites, the 10/3 Madison Square Garden WWE live special, notes on lots of indie stars on WWE’s radar, ticket sales for NXT in the U.K., a new WWE movie, Update on Wade Barrett, action figure sales, announcing changes, SummerSlam edits, lots of notes on various WWE lawsuits, Dean Ambrose talks Renee Young, Fan tries to attack Ambrose, Sara Lee in NXT, plus notes on all the WWE & NXT house shows over the past week.
We also look at a number of top stars who worked recently in Bolivia, the last AAA TV taping and AAA wrestlers in a bodybuilding contest.
We update Wrestle-1 and the three generations of green mist stars trios match.
We also look at the Dragon Gate summer tag team tournament and its big show in Fukuoka and what came out of it.
We look at All Japan’s last major show and its current singles tournament.
We look at Pro Wrestling NOAH’s next major show, including a title match that was set up in the U.S., a well as the bracketing in the upcoming junior heavyweight tag team tournament.
We look at the weekend IGF show, a record that will be set at the next Tokyo Dome show, and the NWA title change.
We also look at U.S. stars who usually don’t tour Japan that are going shortly.
We’ve got more on the planned bio movie on Chris Benoit, Angelo Mosca getting his number retired, the weekend GFW shows and angles, Preston City Wrestling’s weekend show, former TNA star retires and a unique main event, plus early notes on this year’s WWC Anniversary show.
We also update the TNA TV situation, the Lucha Underground TV situation, the next ROH PPV show, new roles for people in ROH and notes from the weekend show.
We also look at changes in UFC main events, can UFC sell 70,000 tickets to its November show with Ronda Rousey, Rousey talks when she expects to retire, Cyborg, the date with the marine and notes about live shows on Fight Pass this month. We also look at this week’s PPV show, talks about the Jan. 2 Las Vegas card, a star fighter retires, Chad Mendes wants a rematch with McGregor, what happened recently with Jose Aldo, Rousey T-shirt sales, plus lots of more fights.
We also have a look at Bellator’s next major show, including the updated card, as well as plans for the big November show. We look at the Fan Fest with Fedor and Sakuraba, as well as notes on last week’s show.
We also look at the arrest of Chris Leben, and new restrictions on weight cutting that is being tried out for in California.
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FRIDAY’S NEWS UPDATE
UFC will be holding a press conference today at 3:30 p.m. Eastern time today from the MGM Grand Garden Arena which will be streamed live on the site. Those attending will be Daniel Cormier, Ronda Rousey, Jose Aldo, Conor McGregor, Rafael dos Anjos, Alexander Gustafsson, Holly Holm, Luke Rockhold, Donald Cerrone, Josh Barnett, Roy Nelson, Dustin Poirier, Joe Duffy, Vitor Belfort, Dan Henderson, Matt Brown, Kelvin Gastelum, Frankie Edgar and Chad Mendes.
VIDEO: Watch today’s UFC GO BIG Campaign Launch Event
Also check out the Weigh-ins right after: UFC 191: Johnson vs. Dodson 2 weigh-in results and live video
VIDEO: UFC 191 Countdown
Check out Ryan Fredrick’s preview piece: UFC 191 Preview: 5 storylines to watch, betting odds & predictions
The UFC show on 12/12 added Gunnar Nelson vs. Demian Maia in a battle of the two of the best submission guys in the company to the loaded show which last night added Urijah Faber vs. Frankie Saenz and Max Holloway vs. Jeremy Stephens.
At the 9/19 Bellator show in San Jose, in the prelims, at two different times they will experiment with two fights going on at the same time. There will be a ring and a cage both set up. So they will have a kickboxing match inside the ring and the MMA match going on inside the cage. It’s going to be a long show as they’ve got 20 fights on the card. There will be 16 MMA fights and four kickboxing bouts.
While not officially announced, there are reports from Brazil that Miesha Tate vs. Amanda Nunes will be taking place. That bout has been talked about ever since Tate was pulled from the Ronda Rousey fight. No date or place is confirmed.
We’ll see what happens. Finn Balor and Samoa Joe are scheduled to headline for NXT in Jacksonville tonight. Balor was on Twitter saying he was hiking in Ireland. Balor was also advertised the last time NXT was in Jacksonville and wasn’t there.
Tommy Dreamer’s House of Hardcore promotion runs 11/13 in Philadelphia at the 2300 Arena and 11/14 in New York at the Elmcor Center in Queens, NY.
Funny thing on WWE.com. They are doing a Where are they now? For Maria Kanellis, it says, “Today, she’s an actress, podcaster and honor student at Johnson & Wales University, where she’s studying for a degree in event management.” That’s all true, but what is her actual job today?
Ryan Couture vs. Nick Gonzalez has been added to the 9/25 Bellator show in Hidalgo, TX at the State Farm Arena. Couture vs. Gonzalez will air on the Spike.com prelims.
CMLL on Tuesday night in Guadalajara: Exterminador & Malefico b Magnum & Metatron, Cancerbero & Raziel & Virus b Esfigne & Pegasso & Starman, Metalico b Omar Brunetti, Angel de Oro & Brazo de Plata & Stuka Jr. b El Terrible & Rey Bucanero & Rey Escorpion, Atlantis & Marco Corleone & Valiente b Negro Casas & Mr. Niebla & Shocker-DQ (thanks to Kris Zellner)
The new match added to NWAClassics.com today is Black Gordman vs. Omar Atlas. Gordman was actually as far as I can tell, the inventor of the DDT. He was doing it in Texas when Jake Roberts was starting out as a referee. He brought the move into the U.S. in the 60s from Mexico.
C.W. Anderson faces Matt Saigon in the main event for ECWA on 9/19 in Woodbury Heights, NJ at the Community Center.
Pro Wrestling Illustrated released its top 500 this year at www.pwi-online.com the top ten is Seth Rollins, John Cena, A.J. Styles, Roman Reigns, Shinsuke Nakamura, Randy Orton, Jay Briscoe, Rusev, Alberto el Patron and Kevin Owens.
Tickets for NXT in Nashville went on sale at 10 a.m. local time today and they are almost sold out in a 2,000 seat concert hall. Ringside at $105 sold out almost immediately (thanks to Chris Kunkel)
Notes from yesterday’s UFC press conference. Paige VanZant got more media attention than anyone else. She was swarmed. The next most attention was Demetrious Johnson, followed by Frank Mir. Not many paying attention to John Dodson. Anthony Johnson was super friendly to fans, above and beyond. Lots of fans were from England and Ireland. Dana White took photos with every fan there for a long time after it was over.
ON THIS DAY IN PRO WRESTLING HISTORY INTERNATIONAL (thanks to Graeme Cameron)
1902 – George Hackenschmidt beat Tom Cannon in Liverpool, England to win the European Greco-Roman heavyweight title. This was the win that set up Hackenschmidt coming to the U.S. as European champion for his first match with Frank Gotch in 1908.
1980 – Giant Baba beat Harley Race to win the NWA title in Saga
1989 – Cuchillo beat Super Astro in Monterey to win the UWA junior light heavyweight title
1992 – Bestia Salvaje bet Dandy in Mexico City to win the CMLL middleweight title
1994 – Pierroth beat Vampiro in Monterrey to win the FILL heavyweight title
2012 – Titan beat Polvora in Mexico City to win the Mexican national welterweight title
UFC announced three fights Thursday night, including two for the 12/12 UFC 194 show which is among the most loaded in recent years.
– Welterweight champion Robbie Lawler vs. Carlos Condit, originally scheduled for mid-November in Melbourne, Australia, has been rescheduled as the main event for UFC 195 on January 2nd, 2016, in Las Vegas. Lawler suffered a thumb injury that caused the delay.
– The December 12 UFC 194 event headlined by Conor McGregor vs. Jose Aldo and Chris Weidman vs. Luke Rockhold got even deeper with the additions of Urijah Faber vs. Frankie Saenz at bantamweight and Max Holloway vs. Jeremy Stephens at featherweight.
The card for that show also includes Yoel Romero vs. Jacare Souza, Demian Maia vs. Gunnar Nelson, Tecia Torres vs. Michelle Waterson, and more.
