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Tag: WWE

  • Daily Update: WWE Raw ratings fall, Ben Henderson gets immediate title shot

    We’re looking for reports on yesterday’s WWE house shows in Columbus, GA and Tupelo, MS, as well as the weekend NXT shows in Venice and Largo, FL.  Please send to newstips@wrestlingobserver.com

    Smackdown will be taped on tonight in Memphis, TN.

    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 latest video is “Kill that Mole”.  A silent film we created a few years ago starring Bryan and Vince.

    Figure Four Weekly

    Figure Four Weekly 1/18/2016: Gawker’s motion to dismiss Hulk Hogan lawsuit denied
    Gawker’s motion to dismiss the Hulk Hogan sex tape lawsuit is denied, plus news and notes

    Wrestling Observer Newsletter

    The Latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter: February 1, 2016 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: 2016 Royal Rumble, Road to Wrestlemania, more

    Coverage of the Royal Rumble and where things lead to WrestleMania is the lead story in a jam-packed news issue of the Wrestling Observer.  TNA’s statements regarding A.J. Styles, Doc Gallows and Karl Anderson, the timing, what is accurate, and a lot that wasn’t in those statements as to why the deal didn’t happen. The process that led the stars from New Japan and more. The Cain Velasquez and Fabricio Werdum injuries and title match cancellation and what directions UFC took to try and save it.  More on the injury to Hiroshi Tanahashi, the death of Archie “Mongolian Stomper” Gouldie, some stories about his life and career.  WWE Hall of Fame class of 2016, New Japan Fantatstica Mania tour with full rundowns and stories behind it, Nikki Bella injury and what led to the increase in ratings for Raw and Smackdown.

    The story behind why HHH won the title, why it was the right booking decision given the destination, questions about the execution, the confusing Fast Lane main event, what the original booking plan was behind Roman Reigns ascension to the top and why it was so hard for Vince McMahon to decide against his winning at last year’s WrestleMania, and questions about the crowds at Fast Lane and Mania for the main events. Update WrestleMania, chart out the Royal Rumble with how long everyone was in, eliminations, and news, Rumble business, poll results and match-by-match results with star ratings. 

    The situation with New Japan losing talent, and how the CMLL stars did on the tour.

    The arrival of Shinsuke Nakamura to WWE and why he’s in NXT, an update on Daniel Bryan, NXT finances for talent, another endorsement deal for Dwayne Johnson, notes on the next WWE network live special, updates on NXT talent coming to the main roster, lots of WWE injury notes, WWE plans for post-Mania and the European tour, Lesnar dates, details on NXT tapings as well as details on all the weekend WWE events.

    PLUS MUCH MORE! CLICK HERE FOR A FULL WRESTLING OBSERVER PREVIEW

    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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    Click here for the most requested Wrestling Observer back issues.

    Check out the latest Online Wrestling Observer BACK ISSUE: December 28, 1998 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Bischoff gets historic NBC deal, WCW files lawsuit against WWF over Wrestling With Shadows, more  Eric Bischoff and NBC work out a historic deal to air WCW on NBC, WCW files a lawsuit against WWF over Wrestling With Shadows, plus tons of news.

    TUESDAY NEWS UPDATE

    More on the front page, but the Raw audience was a new non-football season record low.

    As noted on the front page, Benson Henderson’s Bellator debut will be a welterweight title shot on April 22nd.

    Some interesting movement on the betting lines for UFC 196 in the two title fights. Conor McGregor opened as an underdog in his Lightweight title challenge of Rafael Dos Anjos but is now a slight favorite, due to most of the money coming in on the Featherweight champion. While Miesha Tate is still an underdog against Women’s Bantamweight Champion Holly Holm, the line has moved a lot in the last week, with most of the money coming in on Tate.

    Embattled Edmond Tarverdyan, he was fined $5000 and suspended for 3 months due to failing to disclose his criminal past.  Edmond was popped in 2010 for felony identity theft and a resisting arrest charge, which is a misdemeanor.  He ended up pleading no contest to reduced misdemeanor charges but since he didn’t disclose this information to the CSAC he can’t corner anyone for 90 days.  He is having a rough year…

    WWE/Pro Wrestling

    UFC/MMA

    • TMZ Sports interviewed a fake Edmond Tarverdyan (Ronda Rousey’s coach) and hilarity ensued. Technically, the Edmond Twitter account is in violation of Twitter’s rules for not being clearly marked as a parody, but obviously nobody’s reported him, he’s not verified either, and the account being a parody is fairly obvious.  
    • Past TUF cast member Jamie Yager (remember him?) returns to action for the first time in three years on a WSOF undercard fight on 2/20 against Greg Parker.
    • After the initial overnight number for Saturday’s UFC on FOX show came in at 2.43 million viewers, final numbers released today bumped that up to 2.685 million viewers, as we had speculated it would. The FS 1 prelims did 702,000 viewers. The main card number was down about 14% from last January’s FOX show. The prelims were up about 16% in total viewers as has been the case for most shows of late.
    • In other MMA ratings news, Bellator 148 Friday on Spike TV did a disappointing 566,000 viewers for the show headlined by Paul Daley knocking out Andy Uhrich. This show was greatly hurt by the withdrawal of former UFC star Josh Koscheck from the originally scheduled main event and the number was way down from their 2015 average.
    • Bellator 149 on February 19th has a late change to the main card as Mike Bronzoulis had to pull out of his fight with Melvin Guillard. Bellator veteran Derek Campos steps in to face the UFC vet who is coming off losses in 3 of his last 4 fights. In a weird bit of trivia, those three losses came in UFC, WSOF and Bellator.

    MISC

    • For those who haven’t been keeping up with the NWAClassics.com streaming service, they recently released a previously unearthed Terry Funk vs. Mark Lewin match from 1979.
    • This week’s Between the Sheets podcast with Kris Zellner and David Bixenspan covers January 26 to February 1, 1991 including the WWF under firing for Gulf War exploitation, Dave Meltzer under fire from the WWF for what he wrote about their Gulf War exploitation, the WBF holds its first press conference, the birth of RINGS, WCW Clash of the Champions:  Dixie Dynamite, and much more.
    • Fire Pro Podcast this week talks about Royal Rumble 1999 and the week in news here.
    • Here’s a podcast with indie promoter/wrestler Dan Maff.
    • Metro Pro Champion Jeremy Wyatt def. the Beer City Bruiser, The Math Magician def. Tracy Smothers, and Central States Champion Ace Steel def. the Kansas City Wolves this past Saturday at Metro Pro Wrestling’s event at the Turner Rec Center in Kansas City, Kansas.

    ON THIS DAY IN WORLD PRO WRESTLING HISTORY: Daily pro wrestling history (02/02): Midnight Express won the NWA World Tag Team Titles

    For information on website get-togethers for WrestleMania, e-mail: F4Wfan@hotmail.com

  • Ratings drop to non-football record low for RAW

    Raw set another all-time record low for the era for a non-football season broadcast last night averaging 3.37 million viewers.

    The prior lowest audience outside of holidays and football season was 3.46 million set on June 29, 2015.

    In particular was a strong third hour drop to 3.09 million viewers.   Most of the third hours against the NFL topped last night’s final hour.  This RAW was headlined by Roman Reigns & Dean Ambrose vs. New Day.

    Going in, expectations weren’t strong with the Iowa Caucus coverage expected to hurt.  The show was down 18 percent from last week, which showed the combination of the day after the Rumble increase and the Dwayne Johnson appearance didn’t carry over a week later.

    For the three hours:

    8 p.m. 3.59 million viewers
    9 p.m. 3.46 million viewers
    10 p.m. 3.09 million viewers

  • WWE RAW live results: The road to WrestleMania gets in the Fast Lane

    The Big Takeaway: The focus was building up the main event of Fast Lane. Brock Lesnar appeared at the start of the show and stood over the babyfaces at the end. Match of the night was Kevin Owens vs. Dolph Ziggler. Team BAD is caput after Sasha Banks did an interview saying she wanted to go on her own. It led to Naomi and Tamina turning on Banks during her match with Becky Lynch. Show was easy to watch and didn’t drag. 

    Show Recap: 

    Brock Lesnar and Paul Heyman were out first. Heyman talked about Bray Wyatt and his family invoked the 11th Commandment, which was Thou Shall not Provoke Brock Lesnar. Heyman said Stephanie McMahon did what’s least for business when she put Lesnar in the triple threat main event at Fast Lane against Roman Reigns and Dean Ambrose. Heyman said Lesnar would F-5 Reigns and Ambrose and pin both at the same time, then go on to WrestleMania and conquer the Billion Dollar Trophy Husband. Now that’s a great term for HHH. Heyman didn’t sell two-thirds of the Shield short and talked about how Ambrose rode the short bus to school because he’s a nut job. 

    Ambrose came out and called Heyman “Porky.” Ambrose said he had never been in the lair of the beast before, but it’s cozy. Ambrose said he didn’t want to fight Lesnar, but he would to get the WWE World Heavyweight Championship. If he’s crazy, why doesn’t he want to fight him? Ambrose said he couldn’t wait to travel to Suplex City. Lesnar joked snickered through Ambrose’s promo. Ambrose cut his promo and left. These types of segments are just a big waste of Lesnar because it really meant nothing and anyone following Heyman on the mic might as well recite the alphabet. And Ambrose isn’t that bad a promo, he just didn’t have much to talk about here.  

    Kalisto defeated Rusev via countout (10:06)

    Kalisto and Rusev fought outside the ring. Rusev tried to throw Kalisto onto the announcer’s table. Kalisto landed on his feet on top of the table, then gave Rusev a huracanrana to the barricade. After the longest ten count in recorded wrestling history, Kalisto was announced as the winner. Kalisto is the latest person to get the Vince McMahon Cruiserweight push, where he’s demeaned in commentary, gets fluke wins, then runs when the heavyweight heel is feuding with goes after him postmatch, which in this case was Alberto Del Rio, who was on commentary. His rematch with Kalisto for the U.S. Championship is a go for Fast Lane. Lesson for anyone in NXT: when you hear you’re getting the Vince McMahon Cruiserweight push, run. 

    Ambrose and Reigns talked backstage while the WWE World Heavyweight Championship was framed and placed on a table. Stephanie McMahon walked up and said the championship was being held in her office. Somehow, I don’t doubt that. Stephanie tried to divide Reigns and Ambrose by comparing their partnerships to various factions that split over the years and how someone always wound up on the short end. She mentioned Marty Jannetty when Shawn Michaels turned on him, Randy Orton being dumped from Evolution (I’d say he landed on his feet) and even brought up Seth Rollins turning on Ambrose and Reigns. She said when presented with the opportunity, absolute power corrupts absolutely. Reigns and Ambrose realized what she was trying to do and said they were brothers. Stephanie said they would face the New Day later tonight to see how unified they truly are. Good promo by Stephanie and she has been a consistent heel throughout the first weeks of 2016. 

    They had a update on Nikki Bella neck surgery, showing an Instragram photo of her in the hospital. This led to Renee Young interviewing Brie Bella, who said he sister was looking forward to returning at some point this year. Charlotte and Ric Flair walked in. Charlotte told Brie to extend her sympathies to Nikki. Then Charlotte heeled on her saying she was on her way to becoming the new longest reigning Divas champion of all time, and she was the one who likely put Nikki in the hospital. 

    The Usos defeated Social Outcasts (5:11) 

    Lillian Garcia announced the Usos were a “Grammy award winning tag team.” They actually replayed that mistake and the announcers made fun of it. Then Michael Cole said Curtis Axel and Heath Slater would face the Usos. Slater never got in the ring and Adam Rose wrestled instead. That one said anything about that. Jey Uso pinned Rose after a double superkick and splash. Slater announced that Bo Dallas, now known as Bo Rida, wasn’t there this week because he was in a studio mixing his first album. 

    MizTv was with A.J. Styles. The Miz brought up Styles back story, saying Styles was the smallest of four boys and kept bringing up how people told him throughout his life that he was too small. I smell VKM cruiserweight push. Miz brought up the tired Michael Hayes line about the size of the fight in the dog. He recited Styles’ life story without bringing up TNA. Through all the years, Styles wondered what it would be like if he entered the big ship of the WWE. Styles stayed quiet throughout all this. Miz mentioned Styles survived 28:00 in the Royal Rumble and defeated Chris Jericho in his Raw debut. He asked Styles where would he go from here?

    Before Styles could answer, Miz said Styles reminded him of his former protege, Daniel Bryan. (Code word for cruiserweight push). Miz said some called him the father of the Yes Movement. Crowd chanted “no.” Miz said he wanted to mentor Styles and navigate his career. Wasn’t Miz doing that for Neville? Miz got mad at the fans and said this was the WWE,  and the “E” was just as big as the “W.” He said he main evented WrestleMania and who the hell is A.J. Styles? Miz said Styles may have been a big fish in a small pond, but this is an ocean full of sharks. He said Styles will drown if he listens to the fans. Miz called Styles a “rookie redneck” and said there was no chance in hell he could make it in the WWE. Styles belted Miz and threw him into a chair until Miz ran off. Miz really did a great job. He should be a manager at this point, but it’s another instance of the company not putting square pegs into square holes. 

    Brie Bella defeated Charlotte (C) in a nontitle match (4:35)

    Brie won using the classic Flair-Ricky Steamboat finish where she turned Charlotte’s Figure Eight attempt into a small package. Flair jumped up on the apron trying to distract Brie, who had a sleeperhold on Charlotte, who broke it with a chinbreaker. Looks like they’re setting up a Divas title match between the two at Fast Lane. 

    The company sent out its best wishes to Bret Hart in his fight against prostate cancer. Various personalities including HHH, Nattie and Reigns tweeted their best thoughts. 

    The Big Show defeated Erick Rowan (1:18) 

    The Big Show won with a chokeslam. Postmatch, Erick Rowan, Braun Strowman and Luke Harper jumped Show, who turned face again on Smackdown. It led to Show being slammed outside the ring onto ring steps. Wyatt was absent during all of this. Looks like Show will face Strowman, or some variation of the Wyatt Family at Fast Lane. The beatdown got a surprising amount of heat. 

    Titus O’Neal defeated Tyler Breeze (2:38) 

    The weekly squash match with Titus O’Neal, ending with a pin following Clash of the Titus. It’s booking straight from the 80s trying to get O’Neal over, and that’s not a criticism because it’s smart. Speaking of the 80s, Breeze was announced as having his “winter residence in Monaco,” like he was Ted DiBiase. That jobber pay must be pretty good nowadays. At least Breeze got an entrance and an inset promo. 

    Heyman and Lesnar were backstage when HHH walked up. HHH ordered Heyman to leave, and wondered if Lesnar was getting soft because Ambrose got in his face earlier and lived to tell about it. Lesnar said HHH would find out at WrestleMania. 

    Dolph Ziggler defeated Kevin Owens (11:28) 

    Best match on the show so far, and likely the match of the night. Kevin Owens hit two cannonballs, including one after he crotched Dolph Ziggler. He went for the Pop Up Power Bomb, but Zigger got over Owens and hit the ZIg Zag for the pin. Ziggler is a total Ricky Morton-style selling babyface now. Earlier in the match, Ziggler hit a Famouser on the floor. Owens tossed JBL’s cowboy hat to the floor afterwards. 

    Nice segment for Black History Month paying tribute to Mark Henry, which included various highlights from his weightlifting career as a youth. His victory over Orton to win the World Heavyweight Championship was also shown, along with his superplex on Big Show that destroyed a ring. The Rock, Kofi Kingston and Big Show all did interviews putting him over. They all but said Henry would be in the WWE Hall of Fame someday. 

    Sasha Banks came out and said she was on her own now, and nothing was going to stop her fro becoming Divas Champion. She didn’t say so, but basically implied Team BAD was dead. Naomi and Tamina came out and said they could be competitors and still be sisters. Banks asked Naomi if they were still going to have her back. They did the “Unity” handshake as Becky Lynch came out. 

    Becky Lynch and Sasha Banks went to a no contest (3:38) 

    Naomi and Tamina predictably turned on Banks. At first, Naomi and Tamina went after Lynch, but Banks stopped them saying she wanted to do it herself. Banks and Naomi traded words, then shoves, and then came the turn. It led to Banks and Lynch teaming up to send Naomi and Tamina away. Banks and Lynch didn’t have time to get anything going to even remotely resemble some of their great NXT matches. 

    Jericho was interviewed by Young about his loss to Styles. Another good promo. Two on this show. Can’t remember the last time Raw had two good promos. Jericho compared Styles to the Eagles’ song “New Kid in Town,” saying Styles has lived up to the hype. He compared Styles to a pitbull who struck again tonight against the Miz. Styles and Miz will wrestle on Smackdown on Thursday, and Jericho said he’ll be watching that with great interest. 

    R-Truth wondered into a bathroom, where Goldust was waiting on him inside a stall. Goldust, who stepped in the toilet, dropped the Tourette’s gimmick. He again asked Truth to be his tag team partner for a team called “The Golden Truth.” Truth said he didn’t want to tag with Goldust because he was too weird and had do-do on his little toe. Goldust reminded Truth about his previous tag team partner. I was hoping he was going to say Pacman Jones, but no such luck. Instead, Goldust said Little Jimmy, who was imaginary. He still had more in-ring ability than Jones. Truth stormed out. Goldust said he didn’t mean imaginary, he meant interplanatary, but admitted that was really his weirder brother. 

    The New Day came out and mentioned “Bootie-Gate,” based on comments Rock made last week. Kingston mentioned they love children and pointed out a child at ringside. They actually gave a lengthy closeup to a child wearing a “Bullet Club” t-shirt. 

    Dean Ambrose and Roman Reigns defeated Kofi Kingston and Big E. (17:19) 

    Finish was Reigns giving Kingston a Superman’s punch while Ambrose pinned Big E. following Dirty Deeds. Moments earlier, Big E. gave Reigns a belly-to-belly suplex on the table, which tookforever to set up. Pretty good much with several hot tags by the babyfaces. Xavier Woods interfered several times. Heyman was on commentary. 

    Postmatch, Lesnar came out. As Reigns and Ambrose waited, Kingston and Woods jumped them. Ambrose fended off Woods, but Lesnar gave Ambrose an F-5. While this was going on, Reigns couldn’t get in the ring because Kingston gave him a DDT on the floor. 

    SUMMARY: A fine show. Good matches. Some good promos and smart booking of the main event at Fast Lane. Trying to get Reigns over with the shadow of Lesnar looming over him in the main event will be challenging. The fans clearly see Lesnar as the top face. He’s also the only larger-than-life figure the company still has remaining that isn’t from the 90s. Clearly Reigns will have to go over at Fast Lane. The question is will the WrestleMania fans’ resentment of HHH be strong enough for them to cheer Reigns? 

  • Inside the RAW Numbers: January 25, 2016

    The January 25th post-Royal Rumble edition of Monday Night RAW did a 2.93 rating and averaged 4,098,000 viewers for the 3-hour broadcast. Other than the June 15th, 2015 RAW, which did a virtually identical 4.1 million viewers, this was the highest number for RAW since the post-Mania show’s 5.35 million, and the rating was the highest since that March 30th show did a 3.67.

    However, both numbers were significantly down from last year’s post Rumble RAW. That show had a 3.27 rating and averaged 4,410,000 viewers. For the month of January, the average viewership total was 3,624,000 with a 2.56 rating. Those numbers were down 10.51% and 13.31% respectively from the January 2015 averages. This was the 14th straight month that both numbers dropped from the previous year’s total.

    What should that mean for this week?

    The February 2, 2015 edition of RAW averaged 4.28 million viewers and a 3.01 rating. Given the pattern of how recent RAWs have been performing as compared to the same week the previous year, tonight’s show should do a rating somewhere between 2.5 and 2.7 with a viewership total between 3.7 million and 3.9 million.

  • WWE Fastlane: Will Roman Reigns become Stone Cold Steve Austin?

    This month and for only the second time ever, WWE will present Fastlane, the now yearly traditional February PPV, I guess. The show takes place on February 21 from the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio, headlined by a triple threat match between Roman Reigns, Brock Lesnar and Dean Ambrose for the number one contender slot to the WWE World Heavyweight Championship.

    This year, WWE threw tradition out the window and made the Royal Rumble match a WWE World title bout in which Reigns had to defend his title against 29 others, from the number one position no less. Of course, he got tossed by the boss (HHH), but don’t worry, he’s getting a rematch at Fastlane, sort of.

    Let’s look at how each competitor got here in storyline:

    Reigns: He lost in the Royal Rumble so he is due a rematch. One would think he would simply demand his rematch at Wrestlemania, but The Authority made this Fastlane match before he thought of that, I suppose. 

    Ambrose: He was the runner-up to HHH in the Royal Rumble, and is ALSO the current Intercontinental Champion. If this were the 80’s, that would make him the number one contender automatically. That’s valid enough to put him in the match, kinda.

    Lesnar: He had an average showing in the Rumble, and prior to that, was last seen beating the Undertaker at Hell in a Cell in October. He’s the biggest draw, so yeah, he’s in, but in storyline, he hasn’t earned it. Why did The Authority do this? It makes no sense to put the former UFC champion in this match because he’s clearly a major threat unless… he’s joining The Authority. Speculation on my part would suggest to me that Lesnar is winning at Fastlane and turning heel, and will be gifted the title from HHH on Raw. Somehow this will lead to Reigns vs. Lesnar at Wrestlemania with HHH in Lesnar’s corner and The Rock in Reigns’ corner. But that’s purely speculation…

    Prediction: Ambrose and Reigns team up to take out Lesnar early, but then both become consumed with hurting / one-upping each other and forget about Lesnar, who recovers and destroys Ambrose before turning his sites to Reigns. Reigns looks like he’s on the verge of defeat, but makes his comeback only to have HHH come to the ring and throw Lesnar the belt which he uses to put Reigns away, probably.

    My guess is that the real reason they are doing this match as a three-way is because they remember the excellent three-way match with Lesnar, Rollins, and Cena from last year’s Royal Rumble and think that this match will be able to top that one.

    I hope they are right, because the storyline is pretty stupid unless The Authority is just banking on the fact that this match will be so brutal, it won’t matter who wins because they’ll be too badly beaten to put up a fight against HHH at Wrestlemania. From The Authority’s perspective, why give Reigns a chance? They hate him! Why give Ambrose a shot? He is Reigns’ best buddy! Why put Lesnar in there? He is the most dominant force in the WWE and broke HHH’s arm! All this adds up to something fishy smelling.

    Here’s what should have happenend: the day after the Royal Rumble, Reigns should have taken Vince McMahon hostage in the ring and demanded his rematch right then. That’s what “Stone Cold” Steve Austin would have done. Instead, just like John Cena would have done, Reigns just eats his crow and gets back in line. He’s so impotent! He put HHH out for a month! He KO’d Vinny Mac! He battled the beast and got screwed at Wrestlemania last year! WHY ISN’T REIGNS MAD? If they are trying to make the next John Cena, they’re doing a good job of it by having Reigns not really care about losing the belt. 

    This guy is fighting The Authority! Yes, the storyline from 16 years ago is still happening, only instead of an ass kicking, beer swilling, bird flipping madman, we have a cool guy trying to remain cool by not caring. That’s not cool. In fact, that’s decidedly un-cool! Stone Cold didn’t care what Vince wanted. Stone Cold didn’t bother to ask. Stone Cold didn’t wait in line. He took what he wanted, and he was the coolest! Rebels are cool, not guys who take turns.

    Hey WWE, we’re not thrilled with the character development of Roman Reigns. He’s mediocre at best. Please listen to us wrestling fans. It’s not that hard. If you’re hell bent on rehashing the storyline from 16 years ago, that’s fine, but go back and look at what worked then and start from there. It’s really simple WWE, just ask yourself one question: what would Stone Cold Steve Austin do?

  • Daily Update: Yet another WWE injury; Lucha Underground 3rd season?

    We’re looking for your thoughts on last night’s UFC show, so you can leave a thumbs up, thumbs down or thumbs in the middle along with a best and worst match to Dave Meltzer

    We’re looking for reports on today’s Lucha Underground Ultima Lucha tapings in Los Angeles, as well as today’s TNA tapings in Birmingham, England, today’s WWE house shows in Columbus, GA (Roman Reigns vs. Rusev for WWE title, Dean Ambrose vs. Kevin Owens for IC title, New Day vs. Usos & Ryback) and Tupelo, MS (Kane vs. Bray Wyatt) to Dave Meltzer

    Raw will be Monday in Birmingham.  Brock Lesnar and Paul Heyman are scheduled on the show.

    Smackdown will be taped on Tuesday in Memphis.

    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 latest video is “Kill that Mole”.  A silent film we created a few years ago starring Bryan and Vince.

    Figure Four Weekly

    Figure Four Weekly 1/18/2016: Gawker’s motion to dismiss Hulk Hogan lawsuit denied
    Gawker’s motion to dismiss the Hulk Hogan sex tape lawsuit is denied, plus news and notes

    Wrestling Observer Newsletter

    The Latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter: February 1, 2016 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: 2016 Royal Rumble, Road to Wrestlemania, more

    Coverage of the Royal Rumble and where things lead to WrestleMania is the lead story in a jam-packed news issue of the Wrestling Observer.  TNA’s statements regarding A.J. Styles, Doc Gallows and Karl Anderson, the timing, what is accurate, and a lot that wasn’t in those statements as to why the deal didn’t happen. The process that led the stars from New Japan and more. The Cain Velasquez and Fabricio Werdum injuries and title match cancellation and what directions UFC took to try and save it.  More on the injury to Hiroshi Tanahashi, the death of Archie “Mongolian Stomper” Gouldie, some stories about his life and career.  WWE Hall of Fame class of 2016, New Japan Fantatstica Mania tour with full rundowns and stories behind it, Nikki Bella injury and what led to the increase in ratings for Raw and Smackdown.

    The story behind why HHH won the title, why it was the right booking decision given the destination, questions about the execution, the confusing Fast Lane main event, what the original booking plan was behind Roman Reigns ascension to the top and why it was so hard for Vince McMahon to decide against his winning at last year’s WrestleMania, and questions about the crowds at Fast Lane and Mania for the main events. Update WrestleMania, chart out the Royal Rumble with how long everyone was in, eliminations, and news, Rumble business, poll results and match-by-match results with star ratings. 

    The situation with New Japan losing talent, and how the CMLL stars did on the tour.

    The arrival of Shinsuke Nakamura to WWE and why he’s in NXT, an update on Daniel Bryan, NXT finances for talent, another endorsement deal for Dwayne Johnson, notes on the next WWE network live special, updates on NXT talent coming to the main roster, lots of WWE injury notes, WWE plans for post-Mania and the European tour, Lesnar dates, details on NXT tapings as well as details on all the weekend WWE events.

    PLUS MUCH MORE! CLICK HERE FOR A FULL WRESTLING OBSERVER PREVIEW

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    Click here for the most requested Wrestling Observer back issues.

    Check out the latest Online Wrestling Observer BACK ISSUE: December 28, 1998 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Bischoff gets historic NBC deal, WCW files lawsuit against WWF over Wrestling With Shadows, more  Eric Bischoff and NBC work out a historic deal to air WCW on NBC, WCW files a lawsuit against WWF over Wrestling With Shadows, plus tons of news.

    SUNDAY NEWS UPDATE

    Last night’s Wrestling Observer Radio with myself and Bryan Alvarez talking all the weekend news from UFC, TNA and WWE.  We also talk in detail about the Awesome Kong/Reby Hardy incident that took place on Friday in the Manchester, England dressing room.

    Pro Wrestling Sheet announced that at today’s Lucha Underground tapings that talent were told that there would be a third season, but not when filming was to begin.  The scheduled right now is for July.  It also said Lucha Underground would be hitting the iTunes store in a few months.

    Beer Money captured the TNA tag team titles today in Birmingham, England, cashing in their briefcase, beating The Wolves.

    At the UFC post-fight press conference, they said would be announcing the date for Jon Jones vs. Daniel Cormier rematch within the next week.

    Tye Dillinger is the latest WWE injury, collapsing when landing reversing out of a vertical suplex against Sami Zayn, apparently blowing out his right knee.  He will be evaluated tomorrow.

    I’ll be on the MMA Hour at www.mma.fighting.com with Ariel Helwani tomorrow at 1 p.m. Eastern time.  Other guests on the show will be Benson Henderson, Fabricio Werdum, Scott Coker and Anthony Perosh.

    WWE

    • Stephanie McMahon will be on Good Morning America tomorrow in the 8 a.m. hour.
    • Dwayne Johnson on Monday:  “Ha well at WWE events, going off script is what I live for.  So much more fun for the fans.  Nightmare for Vince.”
    • WrestleMania Fan Axxess tickets for Dallas go on sale at 10 a.m. tomorrow with the code TWWETME 
    • A John Layfield interview with Ron Simmons will air after Raw tomorrow night.
    • English translations of Shinsuke Nakamura’s promo from yesterday both in the ring and the press area
    • A story on WWE ref Charles Robinson

    UFC/MMA

    • For yesterday, UFC was the seventh most searched term in the U.S. with more than 100,000.  Among those ahead included the Pro Bowl, Serena Williams and NHL All-Star game.  No. 16 was Sage Northcutt with 50,000.
    • Former WWE star Dave Bautista posted this:  “Anyone who buys that goofy UFC Reebok shit is endorsing the fighters getting fucked out of their sponsorships.  Just a thought.”
    • Phil Mushnick again rips on New York for considering legalizing MMA
    • Concern from Ireland that travel companies think there is less interest in people going to Las Vegas again so quickly
    • A crazy clip from a Joe Lauzon fighter from last night.

    MISCELLANEOUS

    • Southern States Wrestling did a Mongolian Stomper tribute on its TV show this week
    • Lucha Underground debuts tonight on TLM in Canada with shows at 10 p.m and midnight.
    • Bret Hart has started a company called Sharpshooter Funding, a capital investment firm to help small Canadian businesses that his son, Dallas, will be the head of sales for.
    • TV Asahi 2 in Japan announced they will be airing five hours of Antonio Inoki’s most famous matches on 2/20, which is Inoki’s 73rd birthday.
    • Gabi Castrovinci, known as Raquel in TNA (she was on Tough Enough this past season), had her first match last night against Santana Garrett in Orlando.  Full results:  Josh Parker b Rex Bacchus, Josh Hess & Ace Andrews b CT Brown & Alexx Light, Braydon Knight b Tyranus, Brandon Scherrer b Chico Adams, Mike Reed b Jonny Vandal, Santana Garrett b Rex Bacchus, Santana Garrett b Raquel to retain the Wonder of Stardom title, Rhett Giddins b Mark Silva-DQ, Rhett Ghddins b Mark Silva to keep the Florida title.  Next show is 2/20.

    ON THIS DAY IN WORLD PRO WRESTLING HISTORY: Daily pro wrestling history (01/31): Hennig & Race win AWA World Tag Team Titles

    For information on web site get togethers at WrestleMania, you can e-mail F4wfan@hotmail.com

  • WWE Macon, GA, live results: Roman Reigns super over versus Rusev

    Submitted by Maconga Bacon

    I just got back from the house show tonight in Macon, Georgia. It was a pretty damn good show. Overall, the crowd was pretty non-smarky, very old-school when it came to heel/face alignments.

    WWE Tag Team Champions New Day vs. Usos & Ryback

    The New Day, with the first second generation trombone in WWE history opened the show. Unfortunately, they didn’t open the door until 7:15 for a 7:30 show, so most of the crowd was still coming in when they came out. A lot of “NEW DAY SUCKS” chants got going. The finish came when Ryback hit the Shellshock on Xavier Woods and tagged in Jey Uso for the top rope splash. Overall it was a very good match to start with a lot of back and forth action.

    Stardust vs. Titus O’Neil

    Stardust is incredibly charismatic. Fun fact, the Macon Centreplex where the event took place is where Cody Rhodes won some big high school wrestling championship, maybe even the state championship, I didn’t hear the people beside me clearly. Cody came out first and after he finished humping a security guard’s face, he got int he ring and laid down with his chin on his knuckles. When he heard Titus’ music, he just went limp and looked incredibly defeated. That was exactly what happened. Titus pretty much squashed Stardust. Crowd had a lot of “CODY” chants and cheered Titus, although it was a very generic face cheer out of obligation.

    – Kevin Owens promo: Good quick promo by KO. He pointed out that he had wrestled in Macon before, and hated the city. He said he was going to win back his Intercontinental Championship and and get the hell out of the city.

    Los Matadors vs. Hype Bros

    The Hype Bros were not advertised, so this was a surprise. Honestly, the Hype Bros music is so freaking loud it was hard to gauge the reaction, but I was marking out. Mojo is a freak of nature and is charismatic. Ryder seemed bored. He did his stuff, and did most of the ring work, but Mojo was the real star. Hype Bros quickly won and Mojo was amazing, taking photographs at ringside with all the fans. Seemed like an awesome dude, and I can’t wait to see what he does in WWE.

    Intercontinental Champion Dean Ambrose vs. Kevin Owens

    Dean was over with the crowd and the crowd hated Kevin Owens. This match was glorious. These two are so amazing in the ring. After some good back and forth, KO hit the pop-up powerbomb, but Dean kicked out. After that, they had some more back and forth until Dean pulled off the Dirty Deed for the pinfall. Dean Ambrose is a class act. As soon as the match was over, he walked around taking selfies and ringside with the fans and signed a ton of autographs. Dean was OVER with the crowd. I’d say his reaction was #3 of the night.

    Social Outcasts vs. R-Truth & Sandizzle

    Heath Slater and Curtis Axel came out after a quick intermission to pimp autographed merchandise and Wrestlemania. Curtis Axel cut a pretty cool promo about being sick because he ate Bacon…in Macon…He went back and forth with Slater about Macon Bacon, Macon food, Macon in general, and then culminated it by saying it wasn’t the food that made him sick, it was the people. R-Truth was out next to say WHAT’S UP and get the crowd up and going again after the break. His partner, Damien Sandow, worked as Sandizzle, wearing sunglasses and a black doo-rag. I guess Golden Truth is still on the way. Sandizzle used WHOMP THERE IT IS as his catchphrase. He wrestled in his sunglasses the whole match, which was pretty funny. After a lot of crowd hype, and a Bo run around the ring from hashtag Social Outcasts (sans Bo), R-Truth and Sandizzle got the victory.

    – Rusev Promo: Rusev cut a promo from the back stating that when this match was booked, Reigns was the champion, but he robbed him of it at Royal Rumble by putting him through a table. He put over Lana as beautiful, hot, etc.

    Divas Champion Charlotte vs. Becky Lynch vs. Paige

    I will say this…. Becky Lynch was OVER! I don’t mean kind of over. I mean, she was #2 pop of the night, and that was constant through the match. The crowd loved her. Paige worked as a face. At this point, she’s reaching Big Show levels of face/heel turns. Charlotte is pretty damn big in real life. I was surprised by how amazing she looked in person compared to how she looks on television. Paige pushed her “THIS IS MY HOUSE” which got a big reaction since she was working as a face. For a triple threat, they didn’t do much with that aspect. Charlotte got a figure four headlock on Becky and it just dragged on for way too long. Most of the time, one diva was outside of the ring recovering. While Becky was out of the ring, Paige locked in the PTO. Becky got back in and broke it up. Becky slapped on the Disarmer and the crowd went crazy, but Paige broke it up. Becky was out of the ring and Charlotte rolled Paige up with tights for the pin. BECKY. WAS. OVER. It was magical. After the match, Paige pulled Becky into the ring and told the crowd it was her birthday. Paige sang Happy Birthday to her with the crowd. Great moment. I uploaded a video of it, but potato quality, so sadface.

    Roman Reigns vs. Rusev

    Man, the place came UNGLUED when Roman came through the crowd. Easily pop #1 by an incredible margin. He got a quick upper hand and then Rusev walked out on the match. He took a microphone and said that since Roman was no longer champion, and it wasn’t a championship match, he was done. Roman ran up the stage and brought him back. Crowd loved that. Roman and Rusev went back and forth until Rusev got the Accolade on. (Remember when that move was incredible?) Roman quickly powered out, got the superman punch, got the spear, and it was over.

  • WWE Chattanooga, TN, live results: KANE VERSUS BRAY WYATT headlines

    Submitted anonymously

    U.S. Champion Kalisto def. Miz 

    Kalisto was really over and the match went really smooth. Miz was a good heel, jawing back and forth with a typical Tennessee wrasslin fan.

    Darren Young def. Fandango

    Literally ended in under 2 minutes.

    Jack Swagger def. Fandango

    Fandango grabs the mic and asks for another opponent and out comes Swagger. Also ended in under two minutes.

    Adam Rose & Bo Dallas def. The Ascension

    Weird match, but Bo was really over just as he was in ATL.

    Big Show/Dudleyz def. Wyatts

    Big match, really fun. Harper was really having fun with the crowd, and Rowan . . . is Rowan.

    Sasha Banks & Tamina def. Alicia Fox & Brie Bella

    Dolph Ziggler def. Tyler Breeze

    Fun match they went out and put on a show as expected for a Ziggler match.

    Kane defeated Bray Wyatt via DQ

    Nothing special. Bray was really eccentric and being over the top. DQ ending coming was pretty obvious.

  • Daily Update: Alberto Del Rio injured, WWE Network special matches

    We’re looking for reports on tonight’s TNA TV tapings from Manchester, England as well as tonight’s NXT shows in Pittsburgh and Largo, FL to Dave Meltzer

    Our only weekend poll will be for the UFC show tomorrow night on FOX, so you can leave a thumbs up, thumbs down or thumbs in the middle along with a best and worst match to Dave Meltzer

    Tons of stuff for your viewing pleasure tonight. 

    BELLATOR TONIGHT ON SPIKE AT 9 P.M. EASTERN TIME FROM FRESNO

    Raphael Butler (263) vs. Tony Johnson (264.4)

    Ryan Couture (155) vs. Patricky Pitbull Freire (155.4)

    Chris Honeycutt (171) vs. Paul Bradley (171)

    Paul Daley (170.2) vs. Andy Uhrich (169.8)  

    NEW JAPAN WORLD PRO WRESTLING RETURNS AT 9 P.M. EASTERN TIME ON AXS TV

    Young Bucks vs. Rocky Romero & Trent Baretta for IWGP jr. tag titles

    Kenny Omega vs. Mascara Dorada for IWGP jr. title

    Hiroshi Tanahashi & Katsuyori Shibata vs. Kazushi Sakuraba & Toru Yano

    These matches are from last year’s Invasion Attack show, which means A.J. Styles vs. Kota Ibushi should be coming up soon.

    SHINE IPPV AT 9 P.M. FROM YBOR CITY, FL AT WWW.WWNLIVE.COM

    Renee Michelle vs. Barbi Hayden

    Malia Hosaka vs. Thunderkitty

    Jayme Jameson vs. Kimber Lee

    Allysin Kay vs. Su Yung

    Amber Gallows vs. Leva (Blue Pants) for NWA women’s title

    Taylor Made vs. Santana Garrett for Shine championship

    CMLL LIVE FROM ARENA MEXICO AT WWW.CLAROSPORTS.COM AT 9:30 P.M. EASTERN TIME

    Hombre Bala Jr. & Super Halcon Jr. vs. Arkangel de la Muerte & Cancerbero

    Fuego & The Panther & Triton vs. Puma King & Tiger & Virus

    Guerrero Maya Jr. & Titan & Valiente vs. Ephesto & Luciferno & Pierroth

    Gran Guerrero & Mephisto & Niebla Roja vs. Dragon Rojo Jr. & Kraneo & Polvora

    Thunder vs. Euforia

    Dragon Lee & Mistico & Volador Jr. vs. Barbaro Cavernario & Negro Casas & Ultimo Guerrero

    LION FIGHTS TONIGHT FROM TEMECULA, CA AT 10 P.M. ON AXS TV

    Jared Papazian (133) vs. Travis Clay (131.2)

    Coke Chunhawatr (137.4) vs. Anmvar Boynazarov (140.4)

    Chris Culley (150.2) vs. Brian Del Rosario (146.6)

    Kronphet Phetrachapat (143.6) vs. Gaston Bolanos (142.4)

    Ashley Nichos (119.2) vs. Tiffany Van Soest (119) for Womens’ super bantamweight title

    Charlie Peters (146.4) vs. Fabio Pinca (145.2)

    VICTORY FIGHTING CHAMPIONSHIPS ON UFC FIGHT PASS AT 10 P.M.

    Josh Neer vs. Anthony Smith for the middleweight title

    Jake Lindsey vs. Yuri Villefort

    NEW JAPAN FROM KORAKUEN HALL FOR SHINSUKE NAKAMURA’S FAREWELL MATCH AT 4:30 A.M. TONIGHT EASTERN AND 1:30 A.M. PACIFIC ON NEW JAPAN WORLD

    David Finlay vs. Kawato Hirai

    Jay White vs. Yoshi-Hashi

    Hiroyoshi Tenzan & Satoshi Kojima & Jushin Liger vs. Yuji Nagata & Manabu Nakanishi & Tiger Mask

    Kazushi Sakuraba & Toru Yano vs. Yujiro Takahashi & Bad Luck Fale

    Kushida & Ryusuke Taguchi & Captain New Japan vs. Tetsuya Naito & Evil & Bushi

    Togi Makabe & Tomoaki Honma & Michael Elgin & Juice Robinson vs. Kenny Omega & Karl Anderson & Doc Gallows & Cody Hall

    Hiroshi Tanahashi & Katsuyori Shibata & Hirooki Goto vs. Shinsuke Nakamura & Kazuchika Okada & Tomohiro Ishii in the All-Star trios match

    We’ll be looking for reports on Saturday from the TNA tapings in London, WWE in Macon, GA (Roman Reigns vs. Rusev for WWE title, Dean Ambrose vs. Kevin Owens for IC title, New Day vs. Usos for tag titles) and Chattanooga (Kane vs. Bray Wyatt plus Erick Rowan, Braun Strowman, Luke Harper, Big Show and Kalisto) as well as NXT shows in Royal Oak, MI and Venice, FL.

    UFC ON FOX ON SATURDAY FROM THE PRUDENTIAL CENTER IN NEWARK, NJ

    Fight Pass at 3:30 p.m. Eastern time

    Randy Brown vs. Matt Dwyer

    Tony Martin vs. Felipe Olivieri

    Damon Jackson vs. Levan Makashvili

    FS 1 at 5 p.m.

    Alex Bruce Leroy Caceres vs. Masio Fullen

    George Sullivan vs. Alexander Yakovlev

    Wilson Reis vs. Dustin Ortiz

    Kevin Casey vs. Rafael Natal

    Olivier Aubin-Mercier vs. Diego Ferreira

    Jake Ellenberger vs. Tarec Saffiedine

    FOX at 10 p.m.

    Sage Northcutt vs. Bryan Barbarena

    Iuri Alcantara vs. Jimmie Rivera

    Ben Rothwell vs. Josh Barnett

    Anthony Rumble Johnson vs. Ryan Bader

    PRO WRESTLING NOAH SUNDAY FROM YOKOHAMA BUNKA GYM

    Yoshihiro Takayama & Quiet Storm & Hajime Ohara & Genba Hirayanagi vs. Yoshinari Ogawa & Akitoshi Saito & Hitoshi Kumano & Kaito Kiyomiya

    Desperado vs. Yoshinobu Kanemaru

    Shelton Benjamin vs. Mitsuhiro Kitamiya

    Maybach Taniguchi vs. Takashi Iizuka

    Daisuke Harada & Atsushi Kotoge vs. Taka Michinoku & Taichi for GHC jr. tag titles

    Taiji Ishimori vs. Kenou for GHC jr. title 

    Lance Archer & Davey Boy Smith Jr. vs. Mohammed Yone & Katsuhiko Nakajima for GHC tag titles

    Minoru Suzuki vs. Go Shiozaki

    Naomichi Marufuji vs. Takashi Sugiura for GHC heavyweight title

    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 latest video is “Kill that Mole”.  A silent film we created a few years ago starring Bryan and Vince.

    Figure Four Weekly

    Figure Four Weekly 1/18/2016: Gawker’s motion to dismiss Hulk Hogan lawsuit denied
    Gawker’s motion to dismiss the Hulk Hogan sex tape lawsuit is denied, plus news and notes

    Wrestling Observer Newsletter

    The Latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter: February 1, 2016 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: 2016 Royal Rumble, Road to Wrestlemania, more

    Coverage of the Royal Rumble and where things lead to WrestleMania is the lead story in a jam-packed news issue of the Wrestling Observer.  TNA’s statements regarding A.J. Styles, Doc Gallows and Karl Anderson, the timing, what is accurate, and a lot that wasn’t in those statements as to why the deal didn’t happen. The process that led the stars from New Japan and more. The Cain Velasquez and Fabricio Werdum injuries and title match cancellation and what directions UFC took to try and save it.  More on the injury to Hiroshi Tanahashi, the death of Archie “Mongolian Stomper” Gouldie, some stories about his life and career.  WWE Hall of Fame class of 2016, New Japan Fantatstica Mania tour with full rundowns and stories behind it, Nikki Bella injury and what led to the increase in ratings for Raw and Smackdown.

    The story behind why HHH won the title, why it was the right booking decision given the destination, questions about the execution, the confusing Fast Lane main event, what the original booking plan was behind Roman Reigns ascension to the top and why it was so hard for Vince McMahon to decide against his winning at last year’s WrestleMania, and questions about the crowds at Fast Lane and Mania for the main events. Update WrestleMania, chart out the Royal Rumble with how long everyone was in, eliminations, and news, Rumble business, poll results and match-by-match results with star ratings. 

    The situation with New Japan losing talent, and how the CMLL stars did on the tour.

    The arrival of Shinsuke Nakamura to WWE and why he’s in NXT, an update on Daniel Bryan, NXT finances for talent, another endorsement deal for Dwayne Johnson, notes on the next WWE network live special, updates on NXT talent coming to the main roster, lots of WWE injury notes, WWE plans for post-Mania and the European tour, Lesnar dates, details on NXT tapings as well as details on all the weekend WWE events.

    PLUS MUCH MORE! CLICK HERE FOR A FULL WRESTLING OBSERVER PREVIEW

    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 print issues at www.paypal.com directing funds to dave@wrestlingobserver.com

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    Click here for the most requested Wrestling Observer back issues.

    Check out the latest Online Wrestling Observer BACK ISSUE: December 28, 1998 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Bischoff gets historic NBC deal, WCW files lawsuit against WWF over Wrestling With Shadows, more

    Eric Bischoff and NBC work out a historic deal to air WCW on NBC, WCW files a lawsuit against WWF over Wrestling With Shadows, plus tons of news.

    THURSDAY NEWS UPDATE

    Dana White said today that Cain Velasquez will be undergoing back surgery but is expected to make a full recovery in four weeks.

    Gypsy Joe has been on a ventilator since last Thursday.  Joe had one of the longest wrestling careers in history.  He’ll be having a procedure done and try to get him off the ventilator.  If that doesn’t work he will be released to hospice care.  He was something of a legend in Japan for his willingness to take punishment and for his conditioning into his 60s.

    Alberto Del Rio is out of action with a back injury.  He was scheduled on WWE’s weekend shows to face Kalisto.  The injury came from taking a vertical suplex from Brock Lesnar in the Royal Rumble.  He will be reevaluated on Monday in Birmingham.  

    Roman Reigns vs. Sheamus and Brock Lesnar vs. Luke Harper are now confirmed for the next WWE Network live special on 3/12 from Toronto’s Ricoh Coliseum.  There will also be a Highlight Reel with Chris Jericho.  A.J. Styles, Paige and New Day will also be on the show.

    Abel “Juan” Reynosa passed away this past week at the age of 59.  Reynosa wrestled most of his career in his hometown of San Antonio.  He got his main career pushes as Taras Bulba working in Tennessee and had a run as a headliner in the latter days of World Class Championship Wrestling, feuding with Jerry Lawler and Kerry Von Erich.

    Lucha Underground did 109,000 viewers on Tuesday night on El Rey for the live show and an impressive 85,000 for the immediate replay.  Those were the best numbers the show has ever done, which makes sense, because they had more publicity going in than any episode to date, particularly the ESPN hit.

    WWE

    • With Sheamus injured, the scheduled Roman Reigns vs. Sheamus house show main events are now Reigns vs. Rusev (who is now the one man League of Nation) for the WWE title.
    • Adrian Jaoude, who is a WWE developmental performer from Brazil, who they are grooming to be a major Brazilian star, will be competing in the 2016 Olympics.  The WWE web site has a story on him.
    • Advertised for 2/17 in Fresno is Chris Jericho vs. Bray Wyatt and Ryback & The Dudleys vs. Erick Rowan & Luke Harper & Braun Strowman (thanks to Bryan White)
    • The March NXT show in Columbus, OH sold out immediately today.  That was expected given it’s a small building and it’s the Arnold Fitness Expo weekend.
    • The stock was up 8 cents today to close at $17.90.
    • An article on Big E learning the entertainment side of wrestling
    • A story on Carmella from the Staten Island Advance, noting she’s really not from Staten Island
    • T-Mobile adds WWE to Binge On
    • A.J. Styles entrance music

    UFC

    MISCELLANEOUS

    • Hiroshi Tanahashi did worktoday’s New Japan show in Tokorozawa.  He dislocated his shoulder last week but is refusing to take any time off.
    • WaleMania II was officially announced for 3/31 at Winston’s Supper club in Dallas.  Tickets go on sale Monday at www.MLW.com andwww.WaleMania.EventBrite.com  There will be a live podcast with Konnan, Court Bauer and Mister Saint Laurent.  From 8-9 p.m. for VIP ticket holders only there will be a meet and greet cocktail party with a special guest to be announced (may be a big one), red carpet arrival and first access to the venue for a seat for the podcast.  The podcast for VIP & GA ticket holders will be 9-11 p.m. with a live Q&A with fans.  11 p.m. to 2 a.m. will be an after party featuring a Wale concert.  Many major names from pro wrestling will be there.  VIP tickets are $50 and GA are $15.  You must be 21 or older to attend and you will be ID’d.
    • Lucha Underground debuts in Canada.  It will be on TLN  Sunday at 10 p.m. Eastern., with the episode that aired in the U.S. on Wednesday 
    • Kurt Angle is publicly campaigning for Marco Rubio for president.
    • A story on the top matches of 2015
    • A photo feature on legends from Wrestling at the Chase TV in St. Louis
    • An interview with Bobby Roode & James Storm from England’s Sky News Radio
    • Raquel of TNA, real name Gabi Castrovinci from Tough Enough, is now training in Orlando at the Team Vision Dojo.  They’ve been filming her for a possible TV show. 
    • Tuesday night CMLL results from Guadalanjar:  Furia Roja & Carlos Roggi  b Explosivo & Star Black, Canelo Casas & Metalico & Rafaga b Magnum & Magnus & Oro Jr., Fuego & Guerrero Maya Jr. & The Panther b Cuatrero & Forastero & Sanson, Dragon Lee & Mistico & Volador Jr. b Mephisto & Ephesto & Luciferno, Marco Corleone & La Mascara & Rush b Dragon Rojo Jr. & Kraneo & Thunder (thanks to Kris Zellner)
    • Sean Wheelock, a regular guest of our show, will be announcing the Victory Fighting Championships tonight on UFC Fight Pass at 10 p.m.

    ON THIS DAY IN WORLD PRO WRESTLING HISTORY: Daily pro wrestling history (1/29): Junkyard Dog & Killer Karl Kox win Mid South Tag Team Titles

    If you’re planning on attending Wrestlemania 32 and would like to be part of the Empire fun, please contact our self appointed Executive Director of events, Eddie Loredo for more information. You can contact him directly at f4wfan@hotmail.com – Or check out our Empire Get-Together section on the BOARD~! 

  • WWE injury woes continue with Sheamus arm tendonitis

    Photo: @WWESheamus

    On Twitter Thursday, former WWE Champion Sheamus released a photo of himself with a cast on his left arm.

    We’ve confirmed that the injury is legitimate, but we don’t have much in the way of details other than he has tendonitis in the arm. He isn’t expected to be out of the ring for too long, but the timing of when he’ll be able to wrestle again has not been determined. 

    As of today, the feeling is that he will likely remain on television in storylines but won’t be working matches, similar to the role Wade Barrett has been doing in the League of Nations in recent weeks. Sheamus last worked on Raw Monday night in a tag team match with Rusev as his partner against Roman Reigns & Dean Ambrose. He missed considerable time in late-2014/early 2015 due to injuries, returning on the March 30th, 2015, edition of RAW.

    We are also awaiting confirmation on another upper level WWE wrestler that might be hurt.