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Tag: Cody Rhodes

  • Daily Update: WWE stars in Japan, NJPW Kizuna Road, Toru Yano to ROH

    Thanks to Joseph Currier for contributing to this post.

    It’s a pretty quiet weekend leading to a monster week next week with three UFC events in three days including UFC 200. We’ll be doing one weekend poll which is for the New Japan show in Iate on late Saturday night/Sunday morning with thumbs up, down or middle and best and worst match to dave@wrestlingobserver.com.

    A NEVER Openweight Championship match featuring champion Katsuyori Shibata defending against Tomoaki Honma will headline New Japan Pro Wrestling’s Kizuna Road show late Saturdaynight/early Sunday morning. The two previously had one of the best matches of the tournament in 2014’s G-1.

    The show also features Kenny Omega and the Young Bucks defending their NEVER Openweight Six-Man Tag Team Championship against Satoshi Kojima, Ricochet and Matt Sydal. Chaos (Kazuchika Okada, Hirooki Goto, Yoshi-Hashi and Will Ospreay) will once again take on Los Ingobernables de Japon (Tetsuya Naito, Sanada, Evil and Bushi) in a multi-man tag. Complete lineup as follows:

    NEW JAPAN FROM IWATE ON NEW JAPAN WORLD AT 3 A.M. LATE SATURDAY NIGHT EASTERN AND MIDNIGHT PACIFIC TIME

    • David Finlay vs. Chase Owens
    • Hiroyoshi Tenzan & Jushin Liger & Tiger Mask & Ryusuke Taguchi vs. Tomohiro Ishii & Kazushi Sakuraba & Rocky Romero & Baretta
    • Yoshitatsu & Captain New Japan vs. Yujiro Takahashi & Hangman Page
    • Yuji Nagata & Manabu Nakanishi vs. Togi Makabe & Juice Robinson
    • Kenny Omega & Young Bucks vs. Satoshi Kojima & Ricochet & Matt Sydal for Never six man titles
    • Kazuchika Okada & Hirooki Goto & Yoshi-Hashi & Will Ospreay vs. Tetsuya Naito & Evil & Seiya Sanada & Bushi in an elimination match
    • Katsuyori Shibata vs. Tomoaki Honma for Never Open weight title

    – WWE has a house show in Pikeville, KY (Kane, Big Show, The Miz, Sheamus, Sami Zayn, Rusev, Cesaro, Enzo, Cass, Dudleys, Kalisto, Sasha Banks). We’re looking for reports on the show at Dave@WrestlingObsever.com.

      – Sunday has a WWE show in Huntington, WV (Kane, Big Show, The Miz, Sheamus, Sami Zayn, Rusev, Cesaro, Enzo, Cass, Dudleys, Kalisto, Sasha Banks).

      – Raw will be Monday night from Columbus, OH. Given that Raw is on July 4th, it is likely to be the lowest rating for a Raw show in the history of the show. Rusev vs. Titus O’Neil for the U.S. title has been announced. Shane McMahon is scheduled to return.

      – Smackdown is Tuesday night in Toledo. No John Cena or Seth Rollins advertised, but Dean Ambrose, A.J. Styles and Kevin Owens are advertised.

      THE ROUNDUP

      ​The 10th annual Wrestling Observer/F4W convention in Las Vegas takes place during UFC’s International Fight Week from July 7 – 11. Ed in San Antonio has information on Facebook, or you can email him at F4Wfan@hotmail.com. It’s always a fun time, so hurry up and make your plans to join Dave Meltzer, Bryan Alvarez, Vinny, Granny, Ed, Peach, Dez, Dr. Lucha, Rodney, Sr. Jaialai, “Filthy” Tom, and the rest of the group in beautiful Las Vegas this July. Plus… some extra secret surprises.

      ​If you’ve ever wanted to WATCH our radio shows here on the site, check out our 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!

      Figure Four Weekly

      READ IT HERE: Figure Four Weekly 6/27/2016: WWE concussion lawsuit update, more – The latest information in WWE’s concussion lawsuit. 

      Subscribers click here to continue reading.

      Wrestling Observer Newsletter

      READ IT HERE: July 4, 2016 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: NJPW G1 tournament preview, Ali vs. Inoki anniversary, more – A preview of NJPW’s G1 tournament, notes on the anniversary of Ali vs. Inoki, plus tons more.

      It’s a double issue week featuring a look back 40 years at what was the biggest undertaking up to that point in pro wrestling history, and Inoki vs. Ali match, how it came together, what happened that night, coverage of the upcoming G-1 Climax tournament, coverage of Ultima Lucha 3 and details on where the company stands, full coverage of the WWE cruiserweight classic, ROH Best in the World coverage as well as a look at those coming and going from the promotion, the death of Ryan Jimmo, the life and times of Gypsy Joe, and far more about the fallout of the Roman Reigns suspension.

      The lead story details this years G-1 tournament including what will air in English, newcomers to the tournament, some interesting political news regarding who is and isn’t in it, as well as a complete lineup for every show.

      This issue looks at the background of Ali vs. Inoki, the first time boxer vs. wrestler with major stars came close to happening, boxing champions who did wrestling and wrestlers who faced boxers including involving one of the all-time greats, Thesz vs. Marciano talk, and the two best known mixed matches prior to Ali vs. Inoki in the U.S.

      There is also a look at Japanese pro wrestling in the 70s and how that led to the match, the business of Billy Robinson involving Inoki vs. Baba, how Inoki was being marketed, and the attempts to put together Ali vs. Bruno Sammartino and how that led to this.

      The goals of Ali vs. Inoki for the New Japan side, the pro wrestling angles, just how big the match was why the match wasn’t a work, where Ali’s career stood at the time, media coverage, how the terrible rules were the reason the fight, Sammartino’s broken neck and return, Stan Hansen becoming a superstar in Japan, and why Ali vs. Inoki was not a success in much of the U.S, and much more in this issue of the Wrestling Observer. 

      Subscribers click here to continue reading.

      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.

      Rates are:

      For the United States, it is $13 for 4 issues, $32 for 12, $61 for 24, $101 for 40 and $131 for 52. In Canada and Mexico, rates are $14.50 for 4, $35 for 12, $67 for 24, $111 for 40 and $144 or 52. In Europe, you can get the fastest delivery and best rates by sending to moonsault@mediaplusint.com. For the rest of the world, rates are $16.50 for 4, $44 for 12, $85 for 24, $141 for 40 issues and $183 for 52.

      If you order by mail with a check, cash or money order (P.O. Box 1228, Campbell, CA 95009-1228), you can get $1 off in every price range.

      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. 

      Wrestling Observer Newsletter BACK ISSUE

      READ IT HERE: May 24, 1999 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: ECW Hardcore Heaven/WWF No Mercy – Amidst rumors flying everywhere of the possible demise of the company and others who are talking that the company is a short period away from growing bigger than ever, the ECW Hardcore Heaven PPV came off like a show that was a bridge for the company to something new, but when it was over, there were still no answers over whether what is new is good news or bad news… Current subscribers click here to continue reading.

      SATURDAY NEWS UPDATE

      WWE

      As was announced earlier this week, Shinsuke Nakamura made his return to Japan in a match against Chris Jericho on Friday’s WWE house show at Sumo Hall. WWE has uploaded video of Nakamura’s entrance and the warm reaction he received in his home country:

      AJ Styles, Karl Anderson and Luke Gallows also competed in Japan for the first time since leaving NJPW earlier this year. WWE has video of The Club reacting to their return:

      – Toru Yano will make his stateside Ring of Honor debut as the first announced NJPW talent appearing on ROH’s August 19th Death Before Dishonor XIV pay-per-view and August 20th TV taping.

      – TNA has a ridiculous trailer promoting “Hardy vs. Hardy: The Final Deletion” on this Tuesday’s Impact:

      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xcwfimGPYyY

      – Stephen Amell tweeted that former foe Cody “Stardust” Rhodes will appear on an episode of “Arrow” this fall.

      MMA

      MISCELLANEOUS

      SUMMER EVENTS CALENDAR

      • TONIGHT – Stars of Wrestling from Alameda, CA at the Alameda Point Gym has Bobby Lashley, Carlito and The Boogeyman appearing.
      • TONIGHT – NWA Cajun Heat in Morgan City, LA at the Municipal Auditorium with Jax Dane vs. Mustang Mike for the NWA title, and an appearance by Kevin Nash
      • July 7 – Rock Solid Wrestling runs in Sudbury, ON.
      • July 7-11 The 10th annual Wrestling Observer/F4W convention in Las Vegas, EdinSanAntonio has information up on Facebook, or email him F4Wfan@hotmail.com
      • July 9 – All Pro Wrestling + Fit of Mind present: #MalaceInThePalace from the Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco, CA.
      • July 9 – Upstate Pro Wrestling in Rochester, NY, features Ethan Pate, HC Loc, a triple threat match main event, and more.
      • July 9 – Acclaim Pro Wrestling presents: Star-Mageddon 6!
      • July 9 – Smash Wrestling in Fort Erie, ONT at the Native Friendship Center. Chris Hero will headline this fundraising event.
      • July 16 – In Your Face Wrestling Presents: “Malicious Intent” – Polish Community Center, 225 Washington Avenue Extension, Albany, NY www.iyfwrestling.com
      • July 17 – Lucha by the Water ft. Blue Demon Jr! – Harbourfront Centre Theatre, 231 Queens Quay West, Toronto, Ontario M5J 2G8, 3-6 pm. Tickets here.
      • July 17 – Premier Wrestling at the IFDES Lodge and Portuguese Hall in Gilroy, CA with Joe Graves vs. Gabriel Gallo for the Premier.
      • July 22 – Ignite Wrestling in Fort Pierce, FL at the National Guard Armory on a show with Lince Dorado, Mr. 450 Hammet, Lio Rush, Martin Stone, Los Ben Dejos, and more
      • July 22 – AIW runs on 7/22 in Cleveland, OH, with Ethan Page vs. Josh Prohibition vs. Josh Alexander, and Johnny Gargano & Candice LeRae vs. Ethan Carter III & Karlee Perez
      • July 22 – The Lou Thesz Hall of Fame weekend show in Waterloo, IA, featuring Ricochet vs. Sami Callihan, Wes Brisco, B. Brian Blair, Jessika Havok, Tessa Blanchard, a steel cage match and more – This is the weekend Dave Meltzer will be honored.
      • July 23 – Live Pro Wrestling, Glengarry Sports Palace, 170 McDonald Blvd. Alexandria, Ontario        
      • July 23 – Chikara Pro announced a doubleheader event at Toronto’s Franklin Horner Community Center.
      • July 23 – AAW  in Merrionnette Park, IL, with Sami Callihan vs. Pentagon Jr., Zack Sabre Jr., Marty Scurll; Tommaso Ciampa; Fenix; Johnny Gargano. Here’s what you missed.  
      • July 23 – Masters of Ring Entertainment in Wilmington, NC, as part of Pro Wrestling Fan Expo 3 will feature Jeff Jarrett vs. ECIII vs. James Storm, announced by Jarrett.
      • July 24 – Fenix vs. Pentagon Jr. headlines for Lucha Libre New York at Club LaBoom in Queens, NY
      • July 30 – WSOF32: Moraes vs. Hill 2 – Live on NBCSN from Everett, Washington
      • July 30 – Smash Wrestling – Oshawa Music Hall, 39 King St E, Oshawa, Ontario L1H 1B2
      • July 31 – BATTLEWAR 36; Les Foufounes Électriques, 87 Sainte-Catherine Street East Montreal, QC

      TODAY IN PROFESSIONAL WRESTLING HISTORY:Piper wins Mid Atlantic Title; Umaga wins WWE IC Title

    • Cody Rhodes heading to Evolve, NXT debut, NBA star’s dad prefers RAW to watching son

      Here are a few early news notes today regarding WWE and an ex-WWE star:

      – Cody Rhodes has announced he will be working with Evolve on their 8/19 iPPV in Joppa, MD. Rhodes’ non-compete with WWE ends that day. Interestingly, Evolve has been also working with WWE in recent months in building up competitors for the global cruiserweight classic tournament. 

      – WWE announced this morning that Andrade Cien Almas (the former La Sombra and Manny Andrade) will face the “Perfect 10” Tye Dillinger at this Wednesday’s TakeOver event. After working NXT house shows for months, this likely means Almas will also debut to a national audience at the next television tapings. They are hoping he transitions into becoming a Hispanic star.

      The TV lineup for the show as it stands now:

      • NXT Champion Samoa Joe vs. Finn Balor in a cage match
      • Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Austin Aries — possible that the next title challenger is the winner
      • NXT Tag Champions American Alpha (Jason Jordan & Chad Gable) vs. The Revival (Scott Dawson & Dash Wilder)
      • NXT Women’s Champion Asuka vs. Nia Jax
      • Andrade Almas vs. Tye Dillinger

      – Robert Murillo tweeted us a link to an SI story about Klay Thompson’s father choosing to watch RAW this past Mondayinstead of his son in Game 7 of the NBA Western Conference semifinals.

    • Cody Rhodes return features a match against Kurt Angle

      One of Cody Rhodes’ first matches on the independent scene will be on what is traditionally the biggest independent show of the year in the U.S.

      Rhodes will be facing Kurt Angle, one of the names on his bucket list, on 8/27 in Wappingers Falls, NY, at Dutchess Stadium for Northeast Wrestling’s annual “Wrestling Under the Stars” event. The stadium show has featured over the years the biggest independent stars available, including names like Ric Flair and Hulk Hogan, and usually draws in excess of 3000 fans.

      Rhodes, by the terms of his WWE contract release, will be allowed to start working under his name on 8/19, and earlier this week, he posted a bucket list of what his goals were. Another of his bucket list items, the Battle of Los Angeles put on by PWG, is usually held at about that same time each year.

      Also announced for the show will be Jeff Hardy vs. Jushin Liger in what is believed to be the first time the two have faced off in a singles match. They join Matt Hardy, Jerry Lawler, Booker T, Pentagon Jr., Sami Callihan, Kamaitachi along with local wrestlers and the wrestler formerly known as Hornswoggle.

      Stemming from the success of its Wappingers Falls shows, Northeast Wrestling will be doing a series of Wrestling Under the Stars events this summer, including in Hickory, NC; Niles, OH; Pomona, NY; and Pittsfield, MA.

    • Wrestling Weekly: Cody Rhodes Quits, AJ Styles Dilemma, WWE Brand Split

      From Cody Rhodes to Extreme Rules to the build to Money in the Bank to the WWE brand split, it’s been an incredibly eventful week and Les and Vic return to talk about it all!  We’ll start with Cody and the statement he released that didn’t do him any favors at WWE Headquarters, how many guys feel the way he does, and having a lot of respect for him being willing to walk away from a good amount of money if the money doesn’t come with the opportunity he’s seeking.  Vic was live in the building for Extreme Rules last Sunday and he’ll talk about a feeling he couldn’t shake while watching AJ Styles vs Roman Reigns (18:41) and just how far (and for what reasons) AJ Styles is willing to go to have a great match.  Also, is that willingness doing him any good within the company at this point?  No discussion would be complete this week without touching on the brand split (47:10) and the announcement that Smackdown is moving to Tuesdays and going live in July.  We’ll talk the idea of 2 champions as opposed to 1 and something that might be missing from the product today that will be essential to the brand split being a successful one this time around.  We hope you have a happy and healthy holiday (in the USA) weekend and thanks for listening~!

      Right click save

    • Eden Stiles/Brandi Runnels asks for, gets WWE release

      Brandi Runnels announced Tuesday that she was leaving WWE, following her husband Cody’s departure last week.

      Runnels, who used the name Eden Stiles in the promotion, wrote on Twitter, “What I’ve been teasing for weeks: I’ve been offered a new opportunity outside of WWE.
      So I’ve decided to part with WWE after tonight.”  She also plugged her website, BeingBrandiRunnels.com.

      The WWE then announced via Twitter and their website that Runnels had been released as of today.

      Runnels worked in local news in Michigan before moving to Florida to try modeling. She signed a deal with WWE in 2011 and quit the next year. She returned in November 2013 as a ring announcer shortly after marrying Cody two months earlier. She worked as a ring announcer and occassional interviewer on Smackdown starting in October 2014.

      Earlier tonight, Cody tweeted “Lot of folks say “ride or die” these days…well @RealEdenWWE is just that in the next 24hrs, most people will realize what I’m saying”, following that up with a tweet referencing Game of Thrones.