Enzo Amore and Big Cass (with Carmella) against The Ascension
Fans did not really know Enzo’s pre-match spiel, pretty silent during their intro aside from the SAWFT line by Cass
Pretty decent match between the four but I dont think many people knew who Amore and Cass were. The heels get the heat on Enzo and he eventually makes the hot tag to Cass.
Finish sees Amore hit a splash onto Viktor for the win
Miz vs. AJ Styles
Major heat for Miz, who got on the mic and complained about Styles breaking his tooth earlier this week
Styles comes out to a massive pop and before they lock up there are huge “AJ Styles” chants and a light “this is awesome” chant
Pretty good stuff here, with Miz hitting the skull crushing finale and Styles kicking out. Styles teased the Clash but Miz broke out. Finish saw Styles lock in the calf slicer for the win
Rusev vs. Axel
Lana works the crowd by bashing Abbotsford and saying how everyone should be so grateful to see herself and Rusev. This brings out Axel (by himself) to not much reaction
Axel says he will kick Rusev’s ass and then have Lana to himself and shakes his hips like Rick Rude
Short match follows, with Lana distracting Axel and it leading to a superkick and accolade.
Rusev then gets on the mic again and asks for competition. This brings out Jack Swagger and another short match that sees Swagger roll up Rusev in a few minutes
New Day vs. Usos/Ryback
Huge reaction for New Day, who came out first and then had to return to the back because their smoke pyro didnt go off. Light boos for the Usos but Ryback was over. He’s wearing new tights that say “Big Guy” and now wrestles wearing a weight belt.
Fun match follows, with Ryback eventually catching Woods and hitting the shell shock on him
Lucha Dragons vs. Los Matadores
Dragons come out to a decent reaction, while the Matadores come out to crickets. They then establish themselves as heels by taking a Lucha Dragons shirt and wiping their nose/underarm and ass with it.
Pretty pedestrian match, with the finish seeing Sin Cara hit one of the Matadores with a swanton
Charlotte vs. Becky Lynch
Both girls got decent reactions, and the match had some decent spots, including Lynch apply an armbar to Charlotte, who turned it into a powerbomb.
Lynch reversed the figure eight but moments later Charlotte rolled her up with the tights to win
Main Event: Roman Reigns vs. Alberto Del Rio
Del Rio was over, and was interacting a lot with the crowd. He was behaving like a face to the males over 13. Good reaction for Reigns, with kids and women behind him
Solid match, but a little long. Reigns eventually goes over after fighting out of the armbar twice. Reigns hits a spear to win.
Biggest Pops:
1) AJ Styles
2) Roman Reigns
3) New Day
Biggest Heat
1) Miz
2) Rusev
3) Charlotte
T-shirts for sale: New Day, Cena, Reigns, Ziggler, Styles, Ambrose and Lucha Dragons. Interesting they had no Kevin Owens items for sale.
– AJ Styles b The Miz by submission with the calf crusher. AJ was super over.
– Enzo Amore & Colin Cassady (w/ Carmella) b The Ascension. Seemed like most of the crowd knew Enzo and Cass.
– Jack Swagger b Curtis Axel by submission with the Patriot Lock.
– The Lucha Dragons b Los Matadores. I guess Sin Cara is healthy again.
– Brock Lesnar (w/ Paul Heyman) b Rusev (w/ Lana) in a short match.
– Divas Champion Charlotte b Becky Lynch to retain in the only title match on the card. Solid work from these two. With the referee distracted, Charlotte poked Becky in the eye and pinned her with a handful of tights. Daddy would be proud.
– Ryback & The Usos b WWE Tag Champions The New Day (w/ Francesca II) in a six-man.
– Roman Reigns b Alberto del Rio. Pretty good, easily the longest match of the night. Del Rio pulled out a table during the match but they never used it.
The Dudleys and Titus O’Neil vs. The Social Outcasts (Rose and Slater) and Fandango
Bubba worked the crowd hard and had a fine 10 minute 6 man tag to get the crowd going. Dudleys and Titus went over with a 3D.
Goldust vs. Darren Young
This match was very quick with Young working heel. There wasn’t very much offense going on. Goldust won with a quick rollup.
Team B.A.D. (Tamina and Naomi) vs. Paige and Natalya with Alica Fox as the special guest ref
Natalya, notably, got a huge pop. B.A.D. was on the offense the entirety of the match, until Nattie got the hot tag and threw on a sharpshooter onto Naomi. Fox then kicked Nattie in the back of the head to end the match in a no contest. B.A.D. and Fox gave a beatdown on both Natalya and Paige before Sasha Banks came in with the save. She helped even the odds, and put on the Banks Statement on one of them while Paige and Natalya put on sharpshooters in stereo.
Tyler Breeze vs. Dolph Ziggler
This was the match of the night. Breeze came out first with the biggest pop of the night. People went ballistic because hometown boy. Ziggler also got a huge pop, but had a lot more boos. Five minutes into the match, Ziggler realized that the fans were cheering hard for Breeze and started playing heel. He started to show mannerisms of his Show Off character, including more hip shaking and mocking Breeze resting on the turnbuckle. It was a very fast pace finish with Ziggler going for a Sweet Chin Music, blocked by an Unprettier, then countered by a backslide pin, which was then followed by a back and forth of pinning combinations.
People were freaking out at every nearfall, which chants of “This is Awesome” filling the SOEC. Ziggler finally won with a Zig Zag, to a huge applause. At the end of the match, Ziggler helped Breeze’s up and was trying to shake his hand. After hesitation, he finally did but then immediately super kicked Ziggler. Breeze got a huge cheer and knocked Ziggler out. The ref came and did the arm raise thing, then on the third arm raise it stayed up. Ziggler spaghetti legged to his feet and walked to the back.
Intermission
R-Truth vs. Stardust
It started with a flurry of ‘CODY’ chants. R-Truth would play to this. He got a microphone and was doing a “remix” where half the crowd was saying Wassup, the other one screaming Cody. It was a fine back and forth, Stardust took of a glove and was whipping Truth with it. Truth took it and started whipping back. Truth won after his flatliner maneuver that I cannot remember the name of. For some reason, a fellow hated Stardust. Like, truly despised him. He would come from his seat in the middle of the floor, run up to the rail and throw up double birds. I did not see what happened or what caused it to happen, but he was tackled and forcefully escorted away.
The Wyatts (Harper and Rowan) vs. Kane and Big Show
I will be honest, I haven’t been paying complete attention to WWE programming, but Harper was flexing on everyone and everything.After hitting a move, he would flex on Kane or Big Show. Kane was in the ring and getting beatdown most of the match, Show hot tagged in and threw the Wyatts around. it ended with Kane chokeslamming Rowan, and Show chokeslamming Harper.
WWE Intercontinental Champion Dean Ambrose vs. Bray Wyatt
People went nuts for Ambrose. It was a fine back and forth match, but I and a quarter of the audience was checked out. There was a little bit of frustration before them because Owens, who was advertised before, was not there. The rumour was that he was bumped for Breeze. Anyway, after an Sister Abigal attempt, Ambrose spun around and hit a double underhook DDT for the win and retained the belt.
– The show was held in The Stampede Coral instead of The Saddledome. Much louder crowd than previous visits.
The Dudleys/Titus O’Neil def Fandango/Adam Rose/Heath Slater
Fun opener. Dudleys won with a 3D
Goldust def. Darren Young
Young attacked Goldust before the bell. Once the bell rang, Goldust pinned Young rather quickly. Match didn’t last longer then 2 minutes if that.
Natalya/Paige def. Tamina/Naomi
Natalya got a good hometown pop. Match was really good. Natalya won with the Sharpshooter. After the match, Tamina and Naomi attacked the faces from behind, but Sasha Banks came out to make the save.
Kane/Big Show/Jericho def The Wyatt Family
Good match. Jericho always gets a good reception here. Jericho won with the Codebreaker, but I’m not sure if it was Rowan or Harper he pinned.
> Intermission
R-Truth def Stardust
Good comedy match. Lots of “Cody” chants.
Dolph Ziggler def Tyler Breeze
Great match. By far, match of the night. Lots of near falls. The crowd was very split lots of Let’s Go Ziggler/ Let’s Go Tyler chants. Ziggler won with the Zigzag by far better then any of the tv matches these two have had.
Dean Ambrose def Bray Wyatt
Not a bad match. Crowd was down a bit from the hot Ziggler/Breeze match. Ambrose reversed the sister Abigail for the win.
Overall, this was a really fun show that worked well in the smaller venue for the house show.
Due to a physical altercation with Reby Sky, Awesome Kong has been released from TNA. According to sources in TNA, the argument stemmed from issues the two had over the last few years. Kong got mad at Hardy for dressing in the womens’ dressing room. Kong wanted her to apologize. She left, and Kong went after her and had to be restrained.
Ryan Satin of Pro Wrestling Sheet reported that allegedly, what escalated the situation to a physical confrontation was Hardy calling Stevens a “f**king maniac.” Whatever the truth behind it all, it ends with Awesome Kong no longer working for TNA.
“We conducted an investigation and determined releasing Awesome Kong is the appropriate action in this case,” said TNA Executive Vice President of Talent Relations and Television John Gaburick. “Kong has been a great contributor to TNA and helped solidify the Knockouts as the best female division in professional wrestling. We thank her and wish her well.”
WWE has a full schedule for events this weekend. We’ll be looking for reports on Friday from the WWE house show in Calgary (Kane vs. Bray Wyatt plus Wyatt Family, Dean Ambrose, Chris Jericho, Dudleys, Paige and Natalya) and NXT shows in Nashville and Lakeland, FL.
NEW JAPAN WORLD PRO WRESTLING AT 9 P.M. FRIDAY NIGHT ON AXS TV
CMLL LIVE FROM ARENA MEXICO ON FRIDAY NIGHT AT 9:30 P.M. EASTERN AT www.ClaroSports.com
LEGACY FIGHTING CHAMPIONSHIPS ON FRIDAY NIGHT IN HINCKLEY, MINN. ON AXS TV AT 10 P.M. EASTERN
R’Mandell Cameron vs. Derek Getzel
Kuchlong Kuchlong vs Nate Richardson
Chase Waldon vs. Justin Winkels-Comparetto
Antonio Trocoli vs. Jacob Volkmann
Brock Larson vs. Travis Coyle
Ricardo Lucas Ramos vs. Manuel Vazquez for the vacant bantamweight title
Saturday has WWE shows in San Jose (Roman Reigns vs. Rusev, Brock Lesnar vs. Alberto Del Rio plus A.J. Styles, New Day, Usos and Big Show), Penticiton, BC (Kane vs. Bray Wyatt plus Wyatt Family, Dean Ambrose, Chris Jericho, Dudleys, Paige and Natalya) and NXT shows in Indianapolis and Bartow, FL. ROH will be doing a major TV taping in Nashville at the Municipal Auditorium on Saturday night featuring the semifinals and finals of the Top Prospect tournament, a seven team gauntlet for a future tag team title shot with Young Bucks, Bobby Fish & Kyle O’Reilly, Trent Baretta & Rocky Romero and four other teams, Briscoes vs. ACH & Alex Shelley, Dalton Castle vs Christopher Daniels, Adam Cole vs. Matt Sydal plus Jay Lethal, Roderick Strong, War Machine, Frankie Kazarian, Cedric Alexander, Moose, B.J. Whitmer, Adam Page, Caprice Coleman, Will Ferrera, Cheeseburger, ODB Amber Gallows, Mandy Leon, Veda Scott, Taeler Hendrix, Kelly Klein, Hania the Huntress and Sumie Sakai.
UFC ON SATURDAY NIGHT ON FS 1 FROM THE MGM GARDEN ARENA IN LAS VEGAS
Fight Pass at 7 p.m. Eastern
Arten Lobov vs. Alex White
Mike Jackson vs. Mickey Gall – winner to face C.M. Punk in June
FS 1 at 8 p.m.
Noad Lahat vs. Diego Rivas
Ray Borg vs. Justin Scoggins
Damian Grabowski vs. Derrick Lewis
K.J. Noons vs. Josh Burkman
Mike Pyle vs. Sean Spencer
Misha Cirkunov vs. Alex Nicholson
Joseph Benavidez vs. Zach Makovsky
Rafael Feijao Cavalcante vs. Ovince Saint Preux
Jared Rosholt vs. Roy Nelson
Johny Hendricks vs. Stephen Thompson
WWE has only one show on Sunday, from Abbotsford, BC (Roman Reigns vs. Rusev).
Raw will be Monday in Seattle. Brock Lesnar and Paul Heyman are scheduled on the show.
Smackdown and Main Event will be taped on Tuesday in Portland, OR. Chris Jericho vs. A.J. Styles is on the show.
If you’ve ever wanted to WATCH our radio shows here on the site, check out our new Youtube page! No full video shows, but lots of video clips, full free audio shows that you can tell your friends about, and much more to come! Make sure you subscribe today!
The new double issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter looks at Bret Hart’s battle with cancer, his discussions about it, and updates on the situation. The most detailed coverage of the last month of Lucha Underground’s second season, backstage news, season three, lots of business notes. Full coverage of all the Ultima Lucha 2 matches and direction. Nakamura’s final day with NJPW, where Nakamura and New Japan go now, his background and building the IC title, the next two New Japan PPV shows to this weekend’s biggest event.
Fast Lane and WrestleMania, what’s up with Undertaker, WWE injury updates, the next WWE Network special, Licensing issue with new WWE signees, notes on the next NXT Takeover show, a look at all the TV building the next Takeover show, who led to a huge increase in demand for WWE tickets, next WWE show in Madison Square Garden update, Nakamura updates, WWE performer wants to compete in the Olympics and what former pro wrestler went back to the Olympics to medal, Lesnar’s schedule, Tough Enough winner starts out, Other Tough Enough competitors start out, change in Rumble plans, New WWE Network series based on wrestling matches, new WWE movie, WWE’s tour of Germany this coming week, more on The Rock’s segment on Raw.
A detailed look at the Awesome Kong-Reby Hardy situation in Manchester, England. Benson Henderson’s decision to leave UFC for Bellator and take a championship fight, why he made the decision, what both Dana White and Henderson said. We look at Pro Wrestling NOAH’s last major event and where it’s storylines are going.
A huge look at the life and career of Archie “The Stomper” Gouldie, one of the most memorable wrestling characters of his generation, stories about him, his gimmick, how big a star he was in his heyday, his incredibly long career title history, how he was two very different successful characters, and his most famous angles and biggest bouts. We also have a lot of comments from people who knew him, including how he changed the life and career of J.J. Dillon. The life and career of the original Espectrito, the best heel mini of his generation including when he main evented the Los Angeles Sports Arena, a rarity for a mini.
We also look at Saturday’s UFC , what’s next for the winners, thoughts on Sage Northcutt, as well as business notes on the show and match-by-match coverage.
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.
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.
– In addition to Bull Dempsey being cut from NXT earlier today, Storm Wrestling Academy alum Sylvester LeFort (the former French Stallion from World Of Hurt and a longtime favorite of this site), Marcus Louis and Oscar Vasquez were also also cut from NXT Friday. LeFort tweeted a picture of himself, Louis and Dempsey saying “Thank you brothers”.
– In even more injury news, although not a WWE injury for once, Davey Richards has an ACL injury. That certainly will keep him out of in-ring action for the foreseeable future.
Also, on the Twittersphere, Scott Jorgenson posted these 2 words “Free Agent”. So, it seems he has been released from his UFC contract. Jorgensen has been with the company since they absorbed WEC at the end of 2010 and had a record of 4-8 in 12 fight there, having lost 6 of his last 7.
Fight Network will air the live UFC Fight Night: Hendricks vs. Thompson prelims in Canada at 8 p.m. ET. The main card airs live on TSN1 and TSN5 at 10 p.m. ET.
Bellator has added Goiti Yamauchi vs Bubba Jenkins to Bellator 151. Already on the card is Michael Page vs Fernando Gonzalez and the main-event Joe Warren vs Darrion Caldwell. The event will take place on March 4th in Thackerville, Oklahoma and broadcast on Spike TV.
ONE Championships announced their next event for Feb 20th in Jakarta, Indonesia. Main event will be Rafael Silva (40-15) against Luis Santos (61-9-1). Silva was scheduled to fight for a British promotion on the same day so I guess that fight is off. Santos had a no contest against Ben Askren last year and then missed weight for their rematch. According to the press release, the fight will take place at the same Welterweight class that Santos last missed weight at, although Silva usually fights at middleweight.
Jake Shields is not happy with WSOF for pulling him from a scheduled fight for their vacant 170 lb title. Shields had lost a fight with Rousimar Palhares for the title and was scheduled to fight Jon Fitch for the same belt after Palhares was suspended for 2 years and stripped of the belt. Fitch is now scheduled to face Joao Zeferino for the belt. Zeferino recently fought in their Lightweight tourney, losing in the tournament final to Brian Foster, which apparently qualifies him for a shot at the 170 lb title in the company that employs Chael Sonnen. The fight takes place in April but WSOF has yet to announce a date or location.
Former Pride and Elite XC star Charles “Krazy Horse” Bennett returns to action tomorrow on GFL.TV show available on iPPV against Terrell Hobbs on a show called Elite Warrior Challenge 9 : Takeover. Former TUF finalist Matt Van Buren faces Derrick Weaver in the show’s main event
MISC
Sports Cards & Collectibles – Jimmy Hart (wrestling icon and singer from the 1960s band The Gentrys) will sign during two of our spring dates in May including the Frontier Field show (on the 14th from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. and NOT the 15th as previously noted).
On July 24th, 2016 at 5pm – Smash Wrestling and Chikara collide for one incredible night of action!
Inside The Rope Live & UNCENSORED! with SCOTT STEINER: Monday 21st March – The Garage, Highbury, LONDON; Tuesday 22nd March – The Comedy Store, MANCHESTER; Wednesday 23rd March – The Classic Grand, GLASGOW; Thursday 24th March – The Empire, BELFAST;
Highspots Wrestling Network, a division of Highspots.com, a recently added a channel to the Roku. They are offering a free 7 day trial at Highspots Wrestling Network
WWE has hired new talent, but there is at least one departure as well in the last day.
Bull Dempsey (James Smith) was released Friday, confirming via Twitter. “It’s been real @WWENXT. Amazing group of coaches and coworkers and a helluva boss. Thank you for the opportunity @TripleH. See ya down the road. That being said, I’m available for bookings, appearances, birthdays, bar mitzvahs and everything in between.” He also gave a Gmail address where he’s now taking bookings.
Dempsey had gotten a push on NXT TV in the past, portrayed as a tough guy and then as a comedy figure, making fun of his weight issues. He was an audience favorite, but you could see they had lost interest in pushing him in recent months, similar to what happened with Sami Callihan before being let go.
The new hire is Cathy Kelley, 27, who is the latest person from Maria Menounos’ AfterBuzz network to be hired by WWE following Ryan Katz, an NXT producer, and Daria Berenato, who came from Tough Enough and was the first member of last season’s cast to be put in live matches. She has wrestling experience as an interviewer of the Championship Wrestling from Hollywood television show.
– Air Date: February 4, 2016 (Feb 3 in Canada) – Location: FedExForum in Memphis, TN
– The Big News:
Chris Jericho and A.J. Styles will have a rematch next week on Smackdown. Also, the main event actually had a real finish, but not before some tension between Dean Ambrose and Roman Reigns.
– Show Recap:
Roman Reigns beat Rusev (w/Alberto Del Rio & King Barrett) via DQ
Less than 3 minutes into the match, Del Rio and Barrett pulled Reigns out of the ring and tossed him into the barricade for a DQ. Ambrose immediately ran out and attacked Rusev. He tried a diving elbow on Barrett and Del Rio but they moved and he nailed Reigns instead.
Ambrose was stunned, so Barrett grabbed him and Del Rio hit a superkick. They dragged him in the ring and Rusev applied the Accolade, but Reigns jumped in the ring with a chair and the League of Nations bailed. Lawler accused Ambrose of intentionally attacking Reigns, but Reigns very obviously did not see it that way. After a break, they announced a tag match with these men for the main event.
Backstage, Renee Young asked Ambrose if his attack on Reigns was a preview of Fastlane. Ambrose said it was an accident, because sometimes he gets wild. He added, “Trust me, when I come after Roman, he’ll know it.” Ambrose finished by saying they’d be on the same page tonight.
U.S. Champion Kalisto beat Kevin Owens via pinfall in a non-title match
In an inset promo, Kalisto said he’s fighting for himself, the legacy of the title and the honour of the fight. Dolph Ziggler did commentary. This was a good match. Owens took Kalisto to the outside and bounced him off the barricade. He cleared the table and set up for a powerbomb, but actually powerbombed Kalisto into Ziggler.
Owens then superkicked Ziggler, and took Kalisto back in the ring. Ziggler miraculously popped up to distract Owens, so Kalisto applied a school boy for the pinfall win. Owens knocked Kalisto down from behind but bailed as soon as Ziggler jumped in the ring.
Owens powerbombing Kalisto into Ziggler was the funniest thing on Smackdown in a while, but it was sort of meaningless considering he lost anyway and Ziggler was totally fine afterwards. Still, Owens was great here and he acted distraught afterwards because of the loss.
Backstage, Jo-Jo interviewed The Miz, who said everything he always says. I was distracted by the “Smackdown” sign behind Miz, because it had a sizable rip along the bottom. Do they only have one “Smackdown” sign?
Ryback beat Erick Rowan (w/Braun Strowman) via pinfall
Ryback has new gear, and yes, he’s basically dressed like Goldberg – plain black trunks, gloves, kneepads and boots. Strowman tried a distraction, but Ryback tossed Rowan into him to knock him off the apron. Ryback followed with a meat hook clothesline on Rowan for the win. Strowman clumsily pushed Ryback out of the ring and he slowly backed down the aisle as they all stared at each other.
They showed some members of the Memphis Grizzlies in attendance, including Vince Carter.
Backstage, Renee asked Becky Lynch why she would help Sasha Banks who is after the same title as her. Before Lynch could explain, Banks jumped in and said if she saw Lynch on fire, she wouldn’t help. They bickered back and forth until they sort of begrudgingly agreed to help each other to take out Team B.A.D. before moving on to Charlotte. Renee was confused.
They announced Brock Lesnar for Raw in Seattle this Monday.
A.J. Styles beat The Miz via submission
Chris Jericho joined commentary and was very good. Byron Saxton wasted no time in reminding Jericho that he lost to Styles on Raw, and Jericho and threatened to slap him. Jericho said Styles came into WWE the same way as him, completely on his own with no friends. Lawler repeated Miz’s “redneck rookie” line, and Jericho said he’s not a rookie and accused Miz and Lawler of having ego problems.
Styles won with a Calf crusher (that’s what they called it) in a good match. I’d complain about Miz getting too much offense, but Styles kicked out of most of his pinfall attempts at a one count.
After the match, Jericho went in the ring and said everybody knows Styles is good, otherwise he never would’ve gotten to WWE or beaten him. Jericho said Styles was good, but wondered if he was great. Jericho has been lying awake at night thinking about it, wondering if Styles could beat him again, so Jericho challenged him to a rematch on Smackdown next week. Styles shook Jericho’s hand and brought him in close, telling him “I’m better than great. I’m phenomenal, Chris, and you’re going to find out – again.” This was good, and the crowd was into A.J.
Backstage, Reigns told Jo-Jo that he and Ambrose are never really on the same page, because Ambrose is crazy, but that’s what he likes about him – they’re different. He said what happens in Fastlane will be no accident, but tonight they’ll fight together.
WWE Tag Team Champion The New Day beat Social Outcasts via pinfall in a six-man tag
New Day did a promo about how great it is having gold. The Social Outcasts interrupted and Adam Rose informed New Day that the tag titles were bronze, not gold. Rose said they would take the bronze off their wastes. New Day told him not to touch their wastes. They did some more “comedy” and then the match started.
The end of the match was a bit of a mess, but I did like the finish. Axel tried to win with his feet on the middle rope, but Woods knocked him off. Kingston then rolled up Axel and put his feet on the middle rope for the pinfall win.
WWE Divas Champion Charlotte (w/Ric Flair) beat Alicia Fox (w/Brie Bella) via submission in a non-title match
As soon as the match started, I wondered if they would do the double big boot spot, and they did. That led to a comeback by Fox, which the crowd didn’t care about. Charlotte hit a “chop block” and applied the Figure Eight for the submission win. Match was about 4 minutes.
Another “comedy” segment with Goldust and R-Truth. Truth was at the hotel and Goldust showed up dressed as a barhop. Some stuff happened and then it was over. Goldust should seek out El Dandy. He’s a great wrestler.
WWE Intercontinental Champion Dean Ambrose & Roman Reigns beat Rusev & Alberto Del Rio via pinfall
Lawler mentioned all night that we would see Ambrose and Reigns implode tonight. That led to the key spot in this match. Reigns made a hot tag and ran wild, but was taken outside the ring by Del Rio. Ambrose went for a suicide dive, but Del Rio moved, and Ambrose went right into Reigns. However, they didn’t collide because Reigns caught him.
Reigns looked annoyed and asked Ambrose what he was doing. Rusev tried to jump Ambrose, so Reigns hit him with a superman punch, shoved him back in the ring and hit a spear for the win. Afterwards, Reigns and Ambrose got along just fine and chuckled about what happened.
As the show ended, they plugged A.J. Styles vs. Chris Jericho for next week.
– Final Thoughts:
This show was a mixed bag. The main stuff was good, but it really dragged after the Styles match. I am glad they pushed a big match for next week and we finally had a main event end with a real finish.
We’re looking for reports from tonight’s NXT show in Memphis at Dave Meltzer
For anyone thinking of going to WrestleMania in Dallas, there are still a few spots open for the web site’s Friday night dinner before the NXT and ROH shows at Texas de Brazil in Dallas, and for the bus to WrestleMania on Sunday. Anyone interested, please contact Ed Loredo at f4wfan@hotmai.com
Smackdown at 8 p.m. tonight is from Memphis
Roman Reigns vs. Rusev
Kalisto vs. Kevin Owens non-title
Ryback vs. Erick Rowan
A.J. Styles vs. The Miz
The Social Outcasts vs. The New Day
Charlotte vs Alicia Fox non-title
Roman Reigns & Dean Ambrose vs. Rusev & Alberto Del Rio
WWE has a full schedule for events this weekend. We’ll be looking for reports on Friday from the WWE house show in Calgary (Kane vs. Bray Wyatt plus Wyatt Family, Dean Ambrose, Chris Jericho, Dudleys, Paige and Natalya) and NXT shows in Nashville and Lakeland, FL.
NEW JAPAN WORLD PRO WRESTLING AT 9 P.M. FRIDAY NIGHT ON AXS TV
CMLL LIVE FROM ARENA MEXICO ON FRIDAY NIGHT AT 9:30 P.M. EASTERN AT www.ClaroSports.com
LEGACY FIGHTING CHAMPIONSHIPS ON FRIDAY NIGHT IN HINCKLEY, MINN. ON AXS TV AT 10 P.M. EASTERN
R’Mandell Cameron vs. Derek Getzel
Kuchlong Kuchlong vs Nate Richardson
Chase Waldon vs. Justin Winkels-Comparetto
Antonio Trocoli vs. Jacob Volkmann
Brock Larson vs. Travis Coyle
Ricardo Lucas Ramos vs. Manuel Vazquez for the vacant bantamweight title
Saturday has WWE shows in San Jose (Roman Reigns vs. Rusev, Brock Lesnar vs. Alberto Del Rio plus A.J. Styles, New Day, Usos and Big Show), Penticiton, BC (Kane vs. Bray Wyatt plus Wyatt Family, Dean Ambrose, Chris Jericho, Dudleys, Paige and Natalya) and NXT shows in Indianapolis and Bartow, FL. ROH will be doing a major TV taping in Nashville at the Municipal Auditorium on Saturday night featuring the semifinals and finals of the Top Prospect tournament, a seven team gauntlet for a future tag team title shot with Young Bucks, Bobby Fish & Kyle O’Reilly, Trent Baretta & Rocky Romero and four other teams, Briscoes vs. ACH & Alex Shelley, Dalton Castle vs Christopher Daniels, Adam Cole vs. Matt Sydal plus Jay Lethal, Roderick Strong, War Machine, Frankie Kazarian, Cedric Alexander, Moose, B.J. Whitmer, Adam Page, Caprice Coleman, Will Ferrera, Cheeseburger, ODB Amber Gallows, Mandy Leon, Veda Scott, Taeler Hendrix, Kelly Klein, Hania the Huntress and Sumie Sakai.
UFC ON SATURDAY NIGHT ON FS 1 FROM THE MGM GARDEN ARENA IN LAS VEGAS
Fight Pass at 7 p.m. Eastern
Arten Lobov vs. Alex White
Mike Jackson vs. Mickey Gall – winner to face C.M. Punk in June
FS 1 at 8 p.m.
Noad Lahat vs. Diego Rivas
Ray Borg vs. Justin Scoggins
Damian Grabowski vs. Derrick Lewis
K.J. Noons vs. Josh Burkman
Mike Pyle vs. Sean Spencer
Misha Cirkunov vs. Alex Nicholson
Joseph Benavidez vs. Zach Makovsky
Rafael Feijao Cavalcante vs. Ovince Saint Preux
Jared Rosholt vs. Roy Nelson
Johny Hendricks vs. Stephen Thompson
WWE has only one show on Sunday, from Abbotsford, BC (Roman Reigns vs. Rusev).
Raw will be Monday in Seattle. Brock Lesnar and Paul Heyman are scheduled on the show.
Smackdown and Main Event will be taped on Tuesday in Portland, OR. Chris Jericho vs. A.J. Styles is on the show.
If you’ve ever wanted to WATCH our radio shows here on the site, check out our new Youtube page! No full video shows, but lots of video clips, full free audio shows that you can tell your friends about, and much more to come! Make sure you subscribe today!
The new double issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter looks at Bret Hart’s battle with cancer, his discussions about it, and updates on the situation. The most detailed coverage of the last month of Lucha Underground’s second season, backstage news, season three, lots of business notes. Full coverage of all the Ultima Lucha 2 matches and direction. Nakamura’s final day with NJPW, where Nakamura and New Japan go now, his background and building the IC title, the next two New Japan PPV shows to this weekend’s biggest event.
Fast Lane and WrestleMania, what’s up with Undertaker, WWE injury updates, the next WWE Network special, Licensing issue with new WWE signees, notes on the next NXT Takeover show, a look at all the TV building the next Takeover show, who led to a huge increase in demand for WWE tickets, next WWE show in Madison Square Garden update, Nakamura updates, WWE performer wants to compete in the Olympics and what former pro wrestler went back to the Olympics to medal, Lesnar’s schedule, Tough Enough winner starts out, Other Tough Enough competitors start out, change in Rumble plans, New WWE Network series based on wrestling matches, new WWE movie, WWE’s tour of Germany this coming week, more on The Rock’s segment on Raw.
A detailed look at the Awesome Kong-Reby Hardy situation in Manchester, England. Benson Henderson’s decision to leave UFC for Bellator and take a championship fight, why he made the decision, what both Dana White and Henderson said. We look at Pro Wrestling NOAH’s last major event and where it’s storylines are going.
A huge look at the life and career of Archie “The Stomper” Gouldie, one of the most memorable wrestling characters of his generation, stories about him, his gimmick, how big a star he was in his heyday, his incredibly long career title history, how he was two very different successful characters, and his most famous angles and biggest bouts. We also have a lot of comments from people who knew him, including how he changed the life and career of J.J. Dillon. The life and career of the original Espectrito, the best heel mini of his generation including when he main evented the Los Angeles Sports Arena, a rarity for a mini.
We also look at Saturday’s UFC , what’s next for the winners, thoughts on Sage Northcutt, as well as business notes on the show and match-by-match coverage.
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
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We just got the word that Brian Knighton, who wrestled as Axl Rotten, best known as one of the major stars of ECW, passed away today at the age of 44.
Kenath Deawyne Peal, better known as Ken Wayne of The Galaxians and Nightmares tag team in the 80s, pleaded guilty to one count of child exploitation charges yesterday and was sentenced to 20 years in prison. He will serve five years behind bars with the remaining 15 years on post-release supervision. He will also be forced to pay $1,000 to the Mississippi Children’s Trust fund, $1,000 to the Mississippi Crime Victim’s Compensation fund and register as a sex offender. Investigators found numerous photos and video of child pornography in his possession.
A.J. Styles will make his WWE house show debut on Saturday night in San Jose, on the same show as a rare Brock Lesnar house show appearance. He starts full-time on the road next weekend. Bill Behrens, Styles’ agent, officially sent out word that Styles is taking no more independent bookings after having signed with WWE and thanked all the promoters who used him over the past two years.
Davey Richards had his knee examined, he suffured an injury on Sunday in Birmingham, England. There are no details other than the injury was worse than was hoped and he will be out of action for a while. With Davey Richards injured, NSPW champion Marko Estrada will face Chris Hero on Saturday in Quebec City at the Horizon Centre. Franky the Mobster and Dru Onyx are also on the show.
Will Ospreay debuts for Evolve on 4/1 and 4/2 in Dallas over WrestleMania weekend.
WWE
Pat Patterson’s autobiography, called “Pat Patterson: Accepted, How the First Gay Superstar Changed WWE will be released in August by ECW Press. Bertand Hebert, who did the great Montreal history book, will be the ghost-writer.
There is a Smackdown ticket pre-sale going on right now for the 4/5 show in Houston, which is the Smackdown right after WrestleMania at the Toyota Center in Houston. It ends at 10 p.m. tonight.
Cesaro is advertised for appearances at next week’s shows in Germany.
WWE announced the payment of its next 12 cent per share dividend will be on 3/25. WWE’s next earnings call will be on Thursday.
WWE stock was up 38 cents per share today to close at $17.01.
Alex Oliveira (14-2-1) was announced as the replacement for Tim Means in the main event of the 2/21 show in Pittsburgh in the battle of the Cowboys against Donald Cerrone. Oliveira replaces Tim Means, who was pulled off the show yesterday due to a potential drug test violation.
Means in a tweet, stated “Never even heard of Ostarine. Look at my physic (sic). Do I look like a steroid user. LOL.” Ostarine is a SARM, not a steroid, but a banned PED.
Rose Namajunas vs. Tecia Torres has been added to the 4/16 FOX UFC event.
UFC also announced these new fights for 4/10 in Zagreb, Croatia
Timothy Johnson vs. Marcin Tybura – heavyweights
Mairbek Taisumov vs. Damir Hadzovic – lightweights
Bojan Velickovic vs. Alessio DiChirico – welterweights
Tybura, Hadzovic, Vlickovic and DiChirico are all making their UFC debuts.
Dana White said that he blew it by allowing Sage Northcutt to fight on Saturday night. “The kid really wanted to fight and I let him fight and he was sick as hell. I blew it.” said White. “I blew that one so bad.”
MISCELLANEOUS
Fubo TV, a sports subscription service which concentrates on soccer coverage, an MVPD which provides a premium bundle of sports and entertainment channels is offering 15 new networks including El Rey, meaning Lucha Underground is available for those who don’t have it available at this point. It streams at www.fubo.tv
Lex Luger has been announced as the recipient of the 2016 Frank Gotch Award at the National Wrestling Hall of Fame Dan Gable Museum inductions on 7/21 to 7/23 in Waterloo, IA. Luger joins myself, Chael Sonnen, J.J. Dillon and Joe Blanchard in being honored that weekend.
Tammy Stych has released an autobiography that came out today called “A Star Shattered: The Rise and Fall of Wrestling Diva Tammy Sunny Sytch” through Riverdale Avenue Books.
Chris Bell, whose brothers were pro wrestlers and is best known for the movie “Bigger, Stronger, Faster” has a movie out now called “Prescription Thugs,” about how pharmaceutical companies and those show have economic ties to the industry are not looking at anyone’s long-term health, but looking at getting us hooked on their products.
Bill Behrens announced bookings for Nick Aldis (TNA Magnus) at SHOWBIS@aol.com, based in Richmond, VA. He also noted that Christopher Daniels, Jay Lethal, and The Young Bucks are no longer available for U.S. or Toronto area bookings but are available in Europe, Mexico and Japan. Others available are Frankie Kazarian, (Los Angeles), Moose (Atlanta), Matt Sydal (Tampa), DDP (Atlanta), Al Snow (Louisville), Scott Hall (Atlanta), Kevin Nash (Daytona Beach), Sean Waltman (Philadelphia) and Tommy Dreamer (New York)
Jamie Yager vs. Greg Parker and Ozzie Alvarez vs. Andrew Ramm have been added to the TV portion of the 2/20 World Series of Fighting show in Garden Grove, CA. The show is headlined by Marlon Moraes (15-4-1) putting his bantamweight title up against Joseph Barajas (12-1) and Timur Valiev (10-1) vs. Chris Gutierrez (8-1-1).
WWN will be doing a seminar and tryout on 3/21 on Long Island and 3/31 in Dallas. This will give wrestlers tools needed to promote themselves, including professionally shot HD footage.
FIP tomorrow night in Ybor City, FL at the Orpheum has a live iPPV at www.wwnlive.com headlined by a death match with Devin & Mason Cutter vs. Reed Bentley & John Wayne Murodch.
In a correction from the Monday update, we listed that on a show in Dyresburg, TN, that Greg Anthony retained the NWA National title over John Saxon, Actually Anthony won the title from Saxon in that match.
Gold Rush Wrestling from Saturday night in Pacifica, CA: Sir Samurai & Corey Kreese b Manny Mars & Ethan White, Will Roberts b Matt Carlos, Synn & Kikyo Nakamura b Dalton Frost & Cowboy Charlie, Virgil Flynn III & Mike Matthews won four-way over Levi Shapiro & Buddy Royal, Johnny Dynamo & Ski Sol and Skye Brothers, Sparky Ballard b Rik Luxury, JR Kratos & Mr. Prime Time b Boyce LeGrande & Marquise Jackson, Boyce LeGrande won Band Slam Cup Battle Royal
Scott Teal announced a new autobiography of former Mid Atlantic wrestler Mark Fleming, a protege of Lou Thesz
National Pro Wrestling Day takes place on Saturday at 2 p.m. in Reading, PA for a free show headlined by Mickie James vs. Kimber Lee.
Cam Newton had a Panthers-style silver Santo mask on Monday night doing media in the Bay Area.
Pro Wrestling Tees now has Pro Wrestling NOAH shirts for sale.
Al Snow headlines for River City Wrestling tomorrow night at Sideliners Grill in San Antonio, facing Paul Titan in the main event.
2/26 in Tijuana at the Auditorio has Alebrije (Kraneo in CMLL) & Charly Manson (Sharlie Rockstar in LLE) & Rey Misterio III vs. Psicosis (the original) & Pakal & Rey Escorpion. The original Octagoncito and Piratita Morgan are in a minis match.
Atlantis, Ultimo Guerrero, Virus and Cavernario headline a 2/20 show in Dallas.
Fenix, Drago and Pentagon Jr are working a Mucha Lucha show on 3/13 in Atlanta.
CMLL on Monday night in Puebla: Asturiano & Black Tiger b Ares & Espiritu Maligno, Rey Apocalipsis & Toro Bill Jr. b Magnus & Metatron, Blue Panther Jr. & Delta & Stigma b Pierroth & Sagrado & Bobby Z, Ephesto & Luciferno & Mephisto b Angel de Oro & Titan & Triton, Rush b Thunder-DQ, Negro Casas & Rey Bucanero & Ultimo Guerrero b Dragon Lee & Mascara Dorada & Volador Jr. (thanks to Kris Zellner)
Chaotic Wrestling tomorrow night in Lawrence, MA at the Elks Lodge #65. Tommy Dreamer & Team Friendship face Chase Del Monte & The Logan Brothers in the main event. Hanson from ROH faces Jesse Sorensen on the show.
I was told there is an excellent Masato Tanaka vs. Nanae Takahashi match at the women’s SeaadLinning show on 1/11.
We just got the word that Brian Knighton, who wrestled as Axl Rotten, best known as one of the major stars of ECW, passed away today at the age of 44. Knighton had been battling drug issues for years and had been in a wheelchair and had vowed to escape from it several months ago.
As Axl Rotten, he got his first break in 1991 with Ian Rotten in the Dallas-based GWF. As Bad Breed, he and Ian started as a team and had a bloody feud after in ECW. Axl Rotten & Balls Mahoney were a regular tag team from 1996 through 1999, often working with the Dudleys.. He worked for WWE briefly in 2005 as part of a team with Mahoney and wrestled once for TNA in 2010, but due to his problems, has been unable to wrestle for the past few years.
“WWE is saddened to learn of reports that Brian Knighton, best known for competing in ECW as Axl Rotten from 1993 to 1999, has passed away. WWE extends its condolences to Knighton’s family, friends and fans.”
Terri Runnels has been a recognizable face in the wrestling industry for well over 20 years. From her early days as Alexandra York in WCW to managing the enigmatic Goldust as Marlena in WWF/E, she has seen, and done, it all.
In this 30 minute interview, I talked to Runnels about a variety of topics:
– How she got into the industry
– How she feels women have been treated by fans and workers alike
– How the Goldust and Marlena characters developed from hated heels to beloved babyfaces
– Her feeling that Brian Pillman was in a dark place the evening before he passed away
– How Dusty Rhodes initially thought she was a gold digger when she began dating Dustin (something she found ironic, given that out of her and Dustin she was the one who owned a home and had money in the bank).
– We discuss what she will be up to at this year’s WrestleCon, whether or not we’ll ever see her and Dustin’s daughter Dakota in a wrestling ring – and even what her favourite breakfast is!
This is a fun, insightful interview that I think everyone who is a fan of Terri’s will enjoy.
