Author: Bryan Rose

Bryan Rose is an editor from California that has been covering professional wrestling for well over a decade. He officially joined F4WOnline as an editor in 2017.

Daily Update: Khabib, Pro Wrestling NOAH, Jose Aldo

Posted on by Bryan Rose

DAILY UPDATE

Latest News

Latest Audio

F4W NEWSLETTER: Figure Four Weekly: Seth Rollins, Becky Lynch win Royal Rumbles

For the second straight year, WWE went with two fan-pleasing choices as their Royal Rumble winners. WWE followed up on Shinsuke Nakamura and Asuka’s wins from last year by having Seth Rollins and Becky Lynch win their respective Rumble matches on Sunday night. The results were entirely predictable, but that doesn’t mean they weren’t the right choices. While there are other stories that WWE can tell, top babyfaces beginning their road to WrestleMania by winning the Royal Rumble will pretty much always work. 

WON NEWSLETTER: January 28, 2019 Observer Newsletter: Future of Ronda Rousey, Royal Rumble preview, more

Our lead story in the new issue of the Wrestling Observer talks about Ronda Rousey and her WWE schedule including how long a time frame of when she has talked of stepping away.

Also, look at the top of the WrestleMania card and what major star isn’t scheduled, and what other major star may be having his match changed.

Read the full preview of the Royal Rumble, with notes on ticket expectation, how the market is for all four WWE arena events in Phoenix this week, and the situation with John Cena.

Also, look at UFC’s first show on ESPN, the Dillashaw vs. Cejudo aftermath, the Greg Hardy debut, the business notes on the show and what record was set as well as how streaming sign-ups destroyed any combat sport event in history, and match-by-match coverage.

Break down the latest Jon Jones drug test failure and why failing the test actually gives more credence to his story than if he had passed all of his tests.

Examine a fourth generation wrestler training at the Performance Center, what happened with The Revival, lots of WWE contract news, XFL President announced, XFL TV talks, and injury updates.

Look at the major hearing next week in Nevada, California’s reaction and UFC’s reaction to Jones’ test failure.

This issue has a rundown of the final three nights of the Fantastica Mania tour, including why the third night was such an entertaining show, as well as an update on the talent in CMLL and the unique match that came from a movie.

ORDERING INFO:  Order the print Wrestling Observer right now and get it delivered  via mail, by sending your name, address, Visa or Master Card number and an expiration date to [email protected] or by going to www.paypal.com directing funds to [email protected].

Rates in the United States are $14.50 for 4 issues, $35.50 for 12, $70 for 24, $116 for 40 and $149.50 for 52.

In Canada and Mexico, the rates are $16 for 4, $27 for 8, $38.50 for 12, $76 for 24, $126 for 40 and $162.50 for 52.

For the rest of the world, rates are $18 for 4, $48.50 for 12, $93 for 24, $155 for 40 and $201.50 for 52.

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

TUESDAY NEWS UPDATE

WWE

  • The last of four straight shows in Phoenix, Arizona concludes tonight as SmackDown will air live at the Talking Stick Arena. Shinsuke Nakamura will defend the United States title against R-Truth, while The Miz and Shane McMahon are set to throw “The Best Tag Team Celebration in The World”.
  • Total Bellas on Sunday did 454,000 viewers, a record viewership low for the series.
  • WWE Studios’ Blood Brother is now out on DVD, digital and Blu-ray. It stars Trey Songz and features R-Truth in a supporting role.
  • No Way Jose, Tyler Breeze, Bayley and Dana Warrior hosted a Kid Power event recently at Valencia Newcomer School in Phoenix.
  • Lacey Evans, Bianca Belair and Montez Ford served breakfast to veterans at MANA House during Royal Rumble weekend.

Pro Wrestling

  • Pro Wrestling NOAH’s parent company has been taken over by LIDET Entertainment, who now own 75 percent of NOAH Global Entertainment. All office members of the parent company will retire next month, which includes Masayuki Uchida, the company’s president. Yusuke Fuwa will continue to be president of the company.
  • Impact has moved a number of people on their roster to their alumni section, including Caleb Konley and Matt Sydal.
  • Sydal posted an update following knee surgery: “Surgery went well! I’m meeting with my doctor tomorrow for more information and to begin the recovery process. Thanks for the support.”
  • Chris Jericho posted on Instagram: “I’m coming back…I will return… @njpw1972”
  • PWInsider reported that MLW has parted ways with Sammy Guevara. They reported that Guevara double-booked himself for select MLW dates, including the show this weekend and felt there was no way to use him consistently.

UFC/MMA

  • Ariel Helwani is reporting that Khabib Nurmagomedov is “done” fighting in Nevada until his teammates’ suspensions were lifted. Abubakar Nurmagomedov and Zubaira Tukhugov received a one year suspension in Nevada due to their participation in the post-fight brawl at UFC 229.
  • José Aldo told Portal do Vale Tudo (via Bloody Elbow) he is planning to retire by the end of 2019, and he no longer wishes to go after UFC gold.
  • According to Aaron Bronsteter, USADA’s testing database was updated today and Brock Lesnar’s name was among those who have been tested since the start of 2019. Lesnar has been eligible to fight since 1/8.
  • Bellator was scored 697,000 viewers on Saturday, placing tenth for the night on cable.
  • Posting a picture of herself in a lucha libre outfit, Joanna Jedzejczyk wrote on Instragram: “@rondarousey can I join ya in @wwe?”
  • ONE Championship wrestling will run a promotional tour in the US next month with new signees Eddie Alvarez, Demetrious Johnson and Sage Northcutt.
  • The United States Fight League announced that UFC veteran Joe Stevenson and renowned trainer Duke Roufus will be the coaches for the U.S. youth MMA team.
  • This article is about how reformed gang leader Ruben Saldaña has changed his life and the lives of many through MMA coaching. 

Daily Pro Wrestling History: John Cena defeats AJ Styles to win WWE title

Ed in San Antonio presents the WRESTLEMANIAWeekend Events (more to be added):

  • Sunday, April 6th, at 12:00 pm: Lunch (all you can eat) at Churrascaria Plataforma ($90 per person), located at 316 W. 49th street in Manhattan. Purchase tickets here~!
  • Luxury Bus to MetLife Stadium for Wrestlemania: We will depart from the Hilton Midtown (site of Wrestlecon) located at 1335 Avenue of the Americas. Departure time is 4:00 pm and will return from MetLife approximately 30 mins after the event. Times are subject to change, and cost $67.00 per person for the round trip. Purchase tickets here~!

CONTACT INFORMATION

PWG announces card for Two Hundred

Posted on by Bryan Rose

Matches are now set for PWG’s next show, Two Hundred.

Bandido will get a crack at the PWG title as he will face Jeff Cobb in the main event. Cobb defeated WALTER to win the championship back in October.

The tag team titles will also be on the line. Current champions The Rascalz (Zachary Wentz and Dezmond Xavier) will take on the Lucha Brothers (Penta El Zero M and Rey Fenix) and LAX in a three way bout.

New talent coming in for this show include Aussie Open, which consists of Mark Davis and Kyle Fletcher. They will make their debut taking on Best Friends. Trey Miguel, who is associated with the Rascalz, will also make his debut, facing Jake Atlas and Jungle Boy in a  three way match.

Here is the full card for the show, which will take place on March 1st at the Globe Theater in Los Angeles. Tickets will go on sale Tuesday, February 5, on PWG’s website:

  • Jeff Cobb vs. Bandido for the PWG title
  • LAX vs. Lucha Brothers vs. The Rascalz for the PWG tag team titles
  • Jonathan Gresham vs. David Starr
  • Brody King vs. Darby Allin
  • Aussie Open vs. Best Friends
  • Laredo Kid vs. Puma King
  • Trey Miguel vs. Jake Atlas vs. Jungle Boy

Daily Update: Shane Helms, WWE notes, Werdum

Posted on by Bryan Rose

DAILY UPDATE

Latest News

Latest Audio

F4W NEWSLETTER: Figure Four Weekly: AEW roster starts to take shape

Plans for All Elite Wrestling started to come into focus at a rally in Jacksonville, Florida last Tuesday. A surprise appearance by Chris Jericho closed the event, with Jericho instantly becoming the highest profile signing AEW has made in its brief history. “I’m Chris Jericho, and I am all in with All Elite Wrestling,” Jericho said to begin his speech. “Surprise — I think we just took things to a different level, didn’t we?” Jericho said he’s not here with AEW for the money — he’s here because he believes in doing something new and different. 

WON NEWSLETTER: January 28, 2019 Observer Newsletter: Future of Ronda Rousey, Royal Rumble preview, more

Our lead story in the new issue of the Wrestling Observer talks about Ronda Rousey and her WWE schedule including how long a time frame of when she has talked of stepping away.

Also, look at the top of the WrestleMania card and what major star isn’t scheduled, and what other major star may be having his match changed.

Read the full preview of the Royal Rumble, with notes on ticket expectation, how the market is for all four WWE arena events in Phoenix this week, and the situation with John Cena.

Also, look at UFC’s first show on ESPN, the Dillashaw vs. Cejudo aftermath, the Greg Hardy debut, the business notes on the show and what record was set as well as how streaming sign-ups destroyed any combat sport event in history, and match-by-match coverage.

Break down the latest Jon Jones drug test failure and why failing the test actually gives more credence to his story than if he had passed all of his tests.

Examine a fourth generation wrestler training at the Performance Center, what happened with The Revival, lots of WWE contract news, XFL President announced, XFL TV talks, and injury updates.

Look at the major hearing next week in Nevada, California’s reaction and UFC’s reaction to Jones’ test failure.

This issue has a rundown of the final three nights of the Fantastica Mania tour, including why the third night was such an entertaining show, as well as an update on the talent in CMLL and the unique match that came from a movie.

ORDERING INFO:  Order the print Wrestling Observer right now and get it delivered  via mail, by sending your name, address, Visa or Master Card number and an expiration date to [email protected] or by going to www.paypal.com directing funds to [email protected].

Rates in the United States are $14.50 for 4 issues, $35.50 for 12, $70 for 24, $116 for 40 and $149.50 for 52.

In Canada and Mexico, the rates are $16 for 4, $27 for 8, $38.50 for 12, $76 for 24, $126 for 40 and $162.50 for 52.

For the rest of the world, rates are $18 for 4, $48.50 for 12, $93 for 24, $155 for 40 and $201.50 for 52.

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

MONDAY NEWS UPDATE

WWE

  • Raw takes place tonight at the Talking Stick Resort Arena in Phoenix, Arizona. It will feature Kurt Angle taking on Baron Corbin, Braun Strowman facing Drew McIntyre and qualifying matches for the women’s tag team title match inside the Elimination Chamber.
  • WrestlingInc reported this morning that WWE has signed Shane Helms to a deal to work as a producer.  PWInsider reported that both he and Sonjay Dutt are backstage at Raw working as producers for tonight’s show.
  • Video footage of WWE security forcing someone to remove their AEW shirt hit social media last night during the Royal Rumble. Nick Jackson responded on Twitter, saying “Let it be known that if you wanna wear a WWE shirt at Double Or Nothing or any AEW related event we won’t do this to you.”
  • Cris Cyborg was seen at the WWE Performance Center today.
  • Bray Wyatt had some cryptic words following last night’s events.
  • Karl Anderson doesn’t seem too sure about future episode of Botch Club, WWE’s take on the Botchamania series.
  • An Invisible John Cena Funko Pop is now on sale at Amazon.
  • Be sure to check out Bryan & Vinny’s review of the Royal Rumble up now at video.f4wonline.com, including the annual visit from their friend Mark. Here’s a clip.

Pro Wrestling

  • Chris Jericho went on social media late last night/early Monday morning, writing “Intimidation and fear goes a LONG way in our business guys. But let’s be honest, @BrockLesnar needs to pull up his pants and lose the gut… the dream is over dude. I don’t play by the script…”. In another tweet, he wrote “Hey @wwe, @ringofhonor & @IMPACTWRESTLING … I love watching you push all your randoms, But just know that we are interested in maybe 6-8 of your talents total. We don’t need you!” Both tweets have since been deleted.
  • Kenny Omega was a guest on Andrew Patterson’s The Warmup on TSN where he talked about his upcoming documentary that will air on the network on March 27.

UFC/MMA

  • Former UFC Heavyweight champion Fabricio Werdum told Ariel Helwani that he is going to ask for his UFC release. He’s under a USADA suspension until May 2020 because of a failed drug test.
  • Andy Foster told Fightful that the CSAC did not take action against Jon Jones following another positive test was because there was no evidence of re-administration.
  • After winning the Bellator heavyweight title, Ryan Bader expressed interest in a cross-promotion fight against UFC Heavyweight champion Daniel Cormier.
  • Justin Gaethje mentioned that he plans to sign a new contract with the UFC after his next fight.
  • Callan Potter is stepping in to face Jalin Turner at UFC Melbourne on February 10. Potter is replacing Alex Gorgees, who is out due to personal reasons.
  • Damir Ismagulov will fight Joel Alvarez at UFC Prague on February 23.

Daily Pro Wrestling History: WWE Royal Rumble 2018

Ed in San Antonio presents the WRESTLEMANIAWeekend Events (more to be added):

  • Sunday, April 6th, at 12:00 pm: Lunch (all you can eat) at Churrascaria Plataforma ($90 per person), located at 316 W. 49th street in Manhattan. Purchase tickets here~!
  • Luxury Bus to MetLife Stadium for Wrestlemania: We will depart from the Hilton Midtown (site of Wrestlecon) located at 1335 Avenue of the Americas. Departure time is 4:00 pm and will return from MetLife approximately 30 mins after the event. Times are subject to change, and cost $67.00 per person for the round trip. Purchase tickets here~!

CONTACT INFORMATION

Becky Lynch wins 2019 women’s Royal Rumble match

Posted on by Bryan Rose

Becky Lynch is the winner of this year’s women’s Royal Rumble match.

Earlier in the pre-show, Lana injured her leg during a spot in the United States title match where she fell off the apron. She entered the Royal Rumble at number 28 and took her time getting to the ring.

When Nia Jax entered at number 29, she immediately took out Lana, targeting her bad leg.  Becky Lynch, who lost to Asuka earlier in the show, came out wanting to take her spot. Finlay eventually gave her the go-ahead, and she entered the match.

It ended up boiling down to her, Charlotte and Jax. Once Jax was eliminated, she retaliated by shoving Lynch off the steps and sent her to the floor, injuring her leg. She eventually entered the match and secured the elimination, beating the odds and winning the Rumble.

The winner of the Royal Rumble can challenge either the Raw or SmackDown women’s champions, meaning Lynch could either face Asuka again or face Ronda Rousey. Lynch was originally supposed to face Rousey in a champion vs. champion battle at Survivor Series, but suffered a broken nose and concussion, eventually being replaced by Charlotte.

AEW notes: Jungle Boy signed, Ticket Party announced

Posted on by Bryan Rose

The Road to Double or Nothing’s first episode revealed a couple of nuggets of AEW news, including an upcoming ticket announcement party on February 7th.

The video, the first in a series of videos ahead of Double or Nothing first confirmed that Jack Perry, known as Jungle Boy in the independent scene, has signed with AEW. He. Cody and AEW coordinator Michael Cuellari (QT Marshall) were shown speaking on the phone about him coming in.

Jungle Boy is the son of actor Luke Perry, who is best known for his run on Beverly Hills 90210. He’s been a regular on the California independent scene, most recently making his debut for PWG last weekend.

It was also announced toward the end of the video that there will be a ticket announcement party on February 7th starting at 9pm ET. It will be held at the talent pool at the MGM Grand Hotel, and it will be open to the public. Brandi Rhodes on Twitter hinted at the possibility of bringing in newly signed female talent.

Double or Nothing will take place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada on May 25.

Abyss, Sonjay Dutt depart Impact, headed to WWE

Posted on by Bryan Rose

This story was updated at 7 AM Eastern.

Two more names are out of Impact Wrestling.

Ed Nordholm, President of Impact Wrestling, released a statement to Wrestling Inc. confirming that Abyss and Sonjay Dutt, who are currently working as producers and occasional talent have been released, with Konnan and Tommy Dreamer being added to Impact’s creative team in their place.

“We reached an amicable agreement with Sonjay and Abyss to allow them to pursue this opportunity,” the statement says. “They have been tremendous contributors to IMPACT Wrestling and we wish them every success. We are thrilled that Konnan and Tommy Dreamer have agreed to bring their 50+ years of experience to our core creative team.”

PWInsider first reported the story this afternoon. In this week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Dave Meltzer said both men are headed to WWE to likely work in backstage roles for NXT.

“Dutt was under contract through September but he had the chance to go to WWE as they are looking to expand backstage people for NXT. Dutt, Jimmy Long (who WWE already hired) and Park were three of Jeremy Borash’s best friends when he was in Impact and that probably ties that all in,” he wrote.

Abyss has been with the company since 2002, appearing on the very first NWA-TNA show under the name Justice. He was inducted into Impact’s Hall of Fame last year during Bound for Glory weekend.

Dutt has also been associated with the company for years, first starting in 2003. He most recently returned in 2017 when Jeff Jarrett regained power, joining the promotion as a producer.

Daily Update: Sasha Banks, Road to G1 Supercard, Holm/Nunes

Posted on by Bryan Rose

DAILY UPDATE

Latest News

Latest Audio

F4W NEWSLETTER: Figure Four Weekly: AEW roster starts to take shape

Plans for All Elite Wrestling started to come into focus at a rally in Jacksonville, Florida last Tuesday. A surprise appearance by Chris Jericho closed the event, with Jericho instantly becoming the highest profile signing AEW has made in its brief history. “I’m Chris Jericho, and I am all in with All Elite Wrestling,” Jericho said to begin his speech. “Surprise — I think we just took things to a different level, didn’t we?” Jericho said he’s not here with AEW for the money — he’s here because he believes in doing something new and different. 

WON NEWSLETTER: January 21, 2019 Observer Newsletter: Ring of Honor signs Rush, more

The business year in review issue of the Wrestling Observer is out with looks at both the biggest drawing cards and best big match wrestlers of the modern era.

This issue looks at combat sports including the biggest crowds of 2018, what main eventers headlined the most successful house shows, PPV numbers for 2018, big crowds broken down by major promotion, and UFC PPV comparisons over the last 12 years.

Also have a detailed look at the new signings and negotiations over the past week. Look in depth at the battle to sign Rush, including what MLW and RHO offered, how CMLL played a role, and when Rush will be a free agent.

Read the update on the Royal Rumble show, the story behind why Brock Lesnar vs. Braun Strowman was pulled from the show a long time before it got out, the real reasons why the match isn’t happening and why it continued to be pushed even though it wasn’t happening. 

Read a complete rundown of the NXT UK show, with match-by-match coverage with star ratings and poll results.

Examine the success of WWE stock, the new U.K. training center, WWE women’s’ tag team titles, the reasons behind some of the debuts of new characters on television, Vince McMahon’s new XFL update, WWE changing hosts for WWE Network, new contracts signed, injury updates, who wants out, and the Nigel McGuinness documentary.

ORDERING INFO:  Order the print Wrestling Observer right now and get it delivered  via mail, by sending your name, address, Visa or Master Card number and an expiration date to [email protected] or by going to www.paypal.com directing funds to [email protected].

Rates in the United States are $14.50 for 4 issues, $35.50 for 12, $70 for 24, $116 for 40 and $149.50 for 52.

In Canada and Mexico, the rates are $16 for 4, $27 for 8, $38.50 for 12, $76 for 24, $126 for 40 and $162.50 for 52.

For the rest of the world, rates are $18 for 4, $48.50 for 12, $93 for 24, $155 for 40 and $201.50 for 52.

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

TUESDAY NEWS UPDATE

WWE

  • SmackDown takes place tonight at the Intrust Bank Arena in Wichita, Kansas. Matches for tonight include Rey Mysterio vs. Andrade in a 2 out of 3 falls match, Mandy Rose vs. Naomi and The Miz vs. Cesaro with their tag team partners in their respective corners. Mr. McMahon will also moderate a face-to-face between WWE champion Daniel Bryan and AJ Styles ahead of their match this Sunday.
  • Sasha Banks had some words for Ronda Rousey following what went down on Raw: “You wanna call me a faux horsewomen? I laugh. You wanna say you’re gonna tap me out? I say come try it. You wanna call into question my desire for professional wrestling? I’ll kick your teeth in, tap you out, and send you back to your farm wishing you never even stepped in a ring. Enjoy the next couple of days because come Royal rumble @rondarousey you step into my world. And I ain’t got no time to waste on fake ones. #legitboss”
  • WWE 24: WrestleMania 34 will air after the Royal Rumble this Sunday.
  • Stephanie McMahon will narrate “Special Olympics: 50 Game Changers” which will air tomorrow on SportsCenter from 8-10 a.m. ET
  • WWE 2K19’s Rising Stars DLC pack is out now.
  • Performance Center trainees were asked their Royal Rumble predictions.
  • WWE put out a press release saying they are now partnering with New Era Cap, who will make hats and other headwear for WWE going forward.

Pro Wrestling

  • The Tag Wars semifinals and finals will take place at the Road to G1 Supercard on January 26. The winners will get a shot at the ROH tag team titles and will be a part of the NWA’s Crockett Cup tournament on April 27.
  • Marty Scurll will face either Mark Haskins or Jonathan Gresham on the same night. Who he will face will depend on who advances in the Tag Wars tournament.
  • MLW announced that internet host GoDaddy will be sponsoring future events, starting with next Saturday’s MLW Fusion live event.
  • PWInsider reported that Roxanne Biggerstaff, who briefly worked for Impact Wrestling as a valet for the Disciples of the New Church, passed away Friday after being found unresponsive in her home.
  • Impact has renewed their deal for Mexico with MVS Comunicaciones/MVStv.
  • Impact Wrestling uploaded Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. AJ Styles from Final Resolution 2006 to their YouTube page.
  • Congratulations to Masato Tanaka, who is now a father to twins.
  • Leva Bates is warning people on Twitter that there are fake accounts pretending to be her that are asking for money.

UFC/MMA

  • Colby Covington is still upset that despite being interim champion, he was snubbed for the title shot against Tyron Woodley in favor of Kamaru Usman.
  • Holly Holm told MMA Fighting that if she were to face Amanda Nunes, she would want to do it at bantamweight, not featherweight.
  • UFC will return to Miami for a Fight Night event on April 27.
  • Edson Barboza will face Justin Gaethje on March 30 in Philadelphia.
  • Gian Villante vs. Michal Oleksiejczuk is now set for the UFC Fight Night show in Prague, Czech Republic on February 23.

Daily Pro Wrestling History: WWF Royal Rumble 1994

Ed in San Antonio presents the WON/F4W Empire Events for WRESTLEMANIA Weekend (more to be added):

  • Sunday, April 6th, at 12:00 pm: Empire lunch (all you can eat) at Churrascaria Plataforma ($90 per person), located at 316 W. 49th street in Manhattan. Purchase tickets here~!
  • Luxury Bus to MetLife Stadium for Wrestlemania: We will depart from the Hilton Midtown (site of Wrestlecon) located at 1335 Avenue of the Americas. Departure time is 4:00 pm and will return from MetLife approximately 30 mins after the event. Times are subject to change, and cost $67.00 per person for the round trip. Purchase tickets here~!

CONTACT INFORMATION

Heavy Machinery wrestle on WWE Raw, Lacey Evans added to Rumble

Posted on by Bryan Rose

The new NXT call-ups continued to cement themselves on the main roster during tonight’s Raw.

Lacey Evans came out following a brawl between the Raw participants in this year’s women’s Royal Rumble match. After Alexa Bliss, who was hosting her Moment of Bliss talk show, announced that she would be entering the Rumble Evans appeared and announced she was entering. She also called Bliss a “sawed off, girly little runt”.

Meanwhile, Heavy Machinery made their in-ring debut taking out the Ascension in under three minutes with their Compactor finish. The match highlighted Otis Dozivich, who did some comedy spots including the worm.

The two other new call-ups were also seen during tonight’s show. Nikki Cross was involved with the women’s Royal Rumble brawl and will be a part of Sunday’s match as well. EC3 was briefly seen posing in a mirror as Dana Brooke asked him questions about his physique.

Lars Sullivan, who was also set to be called up, wasn’t seen on tonight’s episode of Raw.

WWE says John Cena ‘questionable’ for Royal Rumble

Posted on by Bryan Rose

John Cena may be out of the Royal Rumble after WWE.com ran a story saying that his status was ‘in question’ for the Royal Rumble match on Sunday.

The article said that Cena injured his left ankle during last week’s fatal four way match on Raw that determined Brock Lesnar’s new opponent for the Royal Rumble. It suggests that the injury occurred when Drew McIntyre put Cena in an ankle lock. He was noticeably limping after the match had ended.

The article later metnioned that he had exacerbated a leg injury earlier today while training his legs in the gym and that his status for the Royal Rumble match was now cast in dobut. Cena did not appear on Raw.

The fatal four way match was made when Braun Strowman, in storyline, turned over Vince McMahon’s limo which caused McMahon to punish him by taking away his title match. Finn Balor then won the fatal four way, pinning Cena with the coup de grace.

NJPW/CMLL Fantastica Mania results: Family tag tournament finals

Posted on by Bryan Rose

Here are quick results from this morning’s Fantastica Mania event at Korakuen Hall. It featured the finals of this year’s family tag tournament, as well as a special singles match between Soberano Jr. and Barbaro Cavernario.

– Jushin Thunder Liger, Ryusuke Taguchi and Audaz defeated Gedo, Taiji Ishimori and Templario

Audaz submitted Templario with the cross arm breaker.

– Titan and Angel de Oro defeated Okumura and Forastero

Titan picked up the win over Forastero with the titanica.

– Satoshi Kojima, Toa Henare, Fujin and Raijin defeated Terrible, Tetsuya Naito, BUSHI and Shingo Takagi

Kojima pinned Terrible following a lariat. This was the annual Black Cat memorial match.

– Ultimo Guerrero and Gran Guerrero defeated Atlantis and Atlantis Jr.

Gran Guerrero defeated Atlantis Jr. after hitting a modified sit down powerbomb.

– Caristico and Namajague defeated Volador Jr. and Flyer

Caristico submitted Flyer with la mistica for the win.

– Barbaro Cavernario defeated Soberano Jr.

In a special singles match, Cavernario scored the win over Soberano following a cavernaria.

– Dragon Lee and Mistico defeated Cuatrero and Sanson in the CMLL 2019 family tag tournament

Dragon Lee pinned Sanson with the desnucadora to win this year’s family tag team tournament.

Ultimo and Gran Guerrero confronted Dragon Lee and Mistico after the match.

Humberto Carrillo makes WWE 205 Live debut

Posted on by Bryan Rose

Humberto Carrillo is the latest WWE call-up, joining the 205 Live roster.

After TJP backstage tried to answer Buddy Murphy’s open challenge, 205 Live GM Drake Maverick told TJP that the open challenge had already been accepted. Carrillo came out after Murphy cut a promo about his match at the Royal Rumble.

The two had a back and forth competitve match. At one point, Murphy feigned a knee injury. Carrillo took his guard down as turned his back to Murphy, who was being attended to by referees. Murphy jumped him, but Carillo cut him off, at one point sending Murphy over the announce table. The cruiserweight champion was able to cut him off, however, and pinned him with Murphy’s law.

Carrillo is best known for his run in Mexico under a mask as Ultimo Ninja, wrestling for the Crash and other independent promotions in Mexico since his debut in 2012. He signed with WWE and made his NXT debut back in August without a mask. He’s been used on NXT television mostly as enhancement talent, sometimes teaming with Raul Mendoza.

His name was listed among other 205 Live names as part of WWE’s Worlds Collide tournament that will take place during the Royal Rumble Axxess event starting on January 26. It was later removed, with WWE listing “a superstar to be named” in his place.

Women’s tag champs to be decided at WWE Elimination Chamber

Posted on by Bryan Rose

The first WWE Women’s tag team champions of the modern era will be decided inside the Elimination Chamber next month.

The announcement was made during Alexa Bliss’ talk show segment, A Moment of Bliss, tonight on Raw. Three Raw teams and three SmackDown teams will compete inside the Elimination Chamber, with the winners becoming the first champions.

The championships have been mentioned on and off for the last couple of months on WWE television. Sasha Banks and Bayley brought up the idea of the titles during an open forum that was hosted by Alexa Bliss. On the Christmas Eve edition of Raw, Vince McMahon said that the titles would be coming in 2019.

While these aren’t the first set of women’s tag team titles in the WWE, they would be the first in almost 30 years. The first champions, Velvet McIntyre and Princess Victoria, carried the NWA Women’s tag team titles over to the WWE in 1983. The titles would be more famously traded between the Jumping Bomb Angels and the Glamour Girls before they were deactivated in early 1989.

Elimination Chamber will take place on February 17, 2019 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas.

NXT call-ups make main roster debut during WWE Raw

Posted on by Bryan Rose

Several new WWE talents made their first main roster appearances tonight during Raw.

Nikki Cross made her televised in-ring debut, teaming with Bayley and Natalya in a six person tag match defeating the Riott Squad. It was noted during Cross’s entrance that all of the NXT stars coming to the main roster will be free agents in the coming weeks until they are signed to a brand.

EC3 made a silent appearance during a segment that had Dasha Fuentes question a number of stars about being a potential replacement for Braun Strowman in the Royal Rumble Universal title match. Lacey Evans also appeared, talking to other talent backstage as Finn Balor as walking to the ring for his match against Jinder Mahal.

Heavy Machinery made their debut during the Moment of Bliss talk show segment. Otis Dozovic interrupted the interview between Alexa Bliss and Paul Heyman and eventually had to be escorted away by tag team partner Tucker Knight.

Lars Sullivan did not make an appearance. According to last week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Sullivan flew himself home before last week’s SmackDown tapings due to what is being reported as an anxiety attack that took place before Raw last Monday.

Kay Lee Ray, Jazzy Gabert appear at NXT UK TakeOver: Blackpool

Posted on by Bryan Rose

Several talents, including Mae Young Classic standout Jazzy Gabert, made an appearance at this afternoon’s NXT TakeOver: Blackpool event.

Luke Menzies was shown in the crowd first. He’s a former rugby player from West Yorkshire who first began training for pro wrestling in 2016. He was signed to WWE in May of last year and has worked for the US NXT brand, losing to Keith Lee in his televised debut.

Kay Lee Ray and Jazzy Gabert were later also shown in the front row. Ray has been wrestling since 2009 on the British indy circuit, competing in the second TNA British Boot camp in 2014. She was also a participant in the 2017 Mae Young Classic, where she was eliminated in the first round by Princesa Sugehit. Dave Meltzer reported in this week’s Observer that she was expected to sign with WWE.

Jazzy Gabert was also a participant in the 2017 Mae Young Classic, losing to Abbey Laith in the first round. She was a part of Impact at one point with a storyline involving her and Chris Sabin. 

She was set to be signed to WWE following the 2017 Mae Young Classic, but WWE passed after it was revealed during medicals that she had three herniated discs in her neck. She underwent surgery to repair the damaged discs in March of last year.

NJPW/CMLL Fantastica Mania results: Eight-man tag team action

Posted on by Bryan Rose

NJPW and CMLL kicked off their Fantasticamania tour this morning in Osaka with a number of matches, including the debut of Atlantis Jr., son of Atlantis.

Taiji Ishimori, Templarino and Gedo defeated Ryusuke Taguchi, Tiger Mask and Audaz

Gedo stalled early. Kinda boring until Audaz was tagged in and did an amazing corkscrew moonsault to the floor, wiping out Templarino. They ended up having some pretty good chemistry together and was a highlight of the match.

Ishimori and Taguchi, who was wearing his pharaoh outfit as he normally does on these tours, went at it. It was pretty okay.Templarino picked up the win over Audaz with a sitout powerbomb. Pretty solid opener.

Taichi, Yoshinobu Kanemaru and Forastero defeated Jushin Thunder Liger, Titan and Flyer

This felt kind of uninteresting until Liger started to make a hot comeback, sending Forastero to the floor. He took out Kanemaru on the outside as Flyer and Kanemaru went at it.

Titan and Forastero had some fun back and forth towards the end. Forastero scissored him and went for the triangle armbar, submitting Flyer. Dull in parts but largely okay.

Okumura and Sanson defeated Atlantis and Atlantis Jr.

This is the debut match of Atlantis Jr., who naturally is the son of Atlantis. He and Sanson worked together early and looked okay, doing some cool spots including a suicide dive to the floor, taking out Sanson.

It was kind of sad seeing Atlantis, as it seems clear his knee is still bothering him, especially when he has to run. Atlantis Jr. wiped out both with a tope con hilo as Atlantis went to the top rope, hitting a crossbody to the floor.

As the match wore on, Atlantis Jr. continued to work the bulk of the match, looking good.

Okumura planted him with a draping cutter off the top rope but Atlantis broke it up. Sanson took Atlantis out of the ring as Atlantis Jr. got a near fall with a roll up. As he was arguing with referee, Okumura grabbed him and hit a spinning DDT for the win.

Okumura and Sanson took the masks of both father and son after the match.

Ultimo Guerrero, Gran Guerrero and Cuartero defeated Mistico, Dragon Lee and Niebla Roja

Everyone paired off against one another with some good back and forth. Gran and Ultimo teamed up to slam Mistico off the top rope. The technicos then teamed up to send all three rudos out of the ring.

Dragon Lee and Mistico teamed up to work on the rudos, doing some great tandem offense to take out the Guerreros. Niebla Roja and Cuatero worked against one another, and both looked good. Roja took out Cuatero with a giant Sasuke special as Lee and Mistico took out the Guerreros with stereo topes.

Roja and Cuartero continued their offense until Cuartero cut off Roja and pinned him with the Cuatero bomb. A pretty good match, with Mistico and Dragon Lee’s offense being the highlights.

Caristico, Namajague and Barbaro Cavernario defeated KUSHIDA, Volador Jr. and Soberano Jr.

Namajague was Desperado’s gimmick during his CMLL excursion years ago.

Volador and Caristico had a hot sprint early. Namajague used his belt as a rope to choke and attack KUSHIDA throughout the match. Soberano came in and did a big moonsault dive to the floor that wiped out both KUSHIDA and Namajague on the outside.

Volador and Caristico were back in the ring and did a few more spots before Volador tapped to la mistica. Short, but good action while it lasted.

Tetsuya Naito, El Terrible, BUSHI and Shingo Takagi defeated Satoshi Kojima, Toa Henare, Raijin and Fujin

Fujin and Raijin, much like Desperado, were SHO and YOH wearing their CMLL masks.

The first few minutes of this was just kind of a match. People would tag in, get worked over for a bit before tagging out. Nothing particularly interesting.

Fujin and Rajin picked things up toward the end by working over BUSHI with some tandem offense. They went for the 3K, but it was broken up by Shingo who attempted to clear house.

Fujin went for a dragon suplex, but BUSHI countered with the BUSHI roll and got the win. Again, the first half of this was really dull but it picked up towards the end.

This was an easy two in a half hours to watch. If you like these shows, it’s worth a look, but there isn’t anything that I would consider must see barring the debut of Atlantis Jr..