Dave Meltzer is the founder and lead writer on the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, the weekly constant when it comes to news and reviews in pro wrestling and mixed martial arts for more than 40 years. Dave also co-hosts Wrestling Observer Radio with Bryan Alvarez and had had bylines for The National, Yahoo Sports, MMA Fighting and others.
The journey of C.M. Punk to the UFC cage is the lead story in the new issue of the Wrestling Observer, which also includes coverage of the longest-lasting tradition in pro wrestling history, the 83rd CMLL anniversary show, PWG Battle of Los Angeles, updates on Alberto Del Rio and Paige in WWE and rating wrestling matches.
Take a look back at Punk leaving WWE, comparable situations with people starting on the big fighting stage from pro wrestling or other sports, why Punk got in, why it’s been a disappointment, can he draw, can he fight and much more.
Also look at Punk’s claim against WWE, the status of Alberto Del Rio and Paige in WWE, thoughts on the controversy that involves both, what WWE suspensions don’t cover, upcoming PPV matches for the next two shows, Raven suing WWE, next WWE Takeover special, cruiserweight classic, cruiserweight division on Raw, WWE scouting, the 1997 Survivor Series, Mick Foley, Sasha Banks promo, ESPN reporter forced to apologize over tweet involving wrestling, new WWE Network matches, athletic ability of WWE trainees, WWE market value and most watched shows on WWE Network.
The biggest story of the past week is the split between CMLL and Elite right at the time of the Anniversary show. Look at what it means for both groups, what it means for talent, and why the two groups are about to get into a nasty war. We also look at CMLL having another big show this month, and full coverage of the anniversary show.
There is also full coverage of the Battle of Los Angeles tournament, match-by-match, star ratings, five star match note, and coverage of the UFC show from Germany with Andrei Arlovski vs. Josh Barnett, with full event coverage.
You can also order the print Observer right now and get it delivered to your door via mail, by sending your name, address, Visa or Master Card number and an expiration date to Dave Meltzer
For the United States, it is $13 for 4 issues, $32 for 12, $61 for 24, $101 for 40 and $131 for 52. In Canada and Mexico, rates are $14.50 for 4, $35 for 12, $67 for 24, $111 for 40 and $144 or 52. In Europe, you can get the fastest delivery and best rates by sending to [email protected]. 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.
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Click here for the most requested Wrestling Observer back issues.
Check out the latest Online Wrestling Observer BACK ISSUE: July 12, 1999 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Chris Jericho signs with WWF, ECW to air on TNN, tons more – Details on Chris Jericho signing with WWF, ECW programming to air on TNN, plus tons more.
The Wrestling Observer ranges weekly from 35,000 to 50,000 words covering pro wrestling and MMA internationally. Each issue has coverage and analysis of all the major news, plus every issue breaks major news stories before the Internet sties and has the most complete look at the pro wrestling and MMA business anywhere, plus history pieces available nowhere else.
If you are a new subscriber ordering 24 or more issues, you can get one free classic issue of your choice sent to you today. With a 40 issue subscription, you can get two free classic issues sent to you today.
New subscribers ordering 24 or 40 issues have to let us know what major stories of the past 11 years you are most interested in and we’ll send the issue with the best coverage of that story. We’ve got coverage of every major PPV event and world wide spectacular, every major star switching promotions, histories of companies like FMW, Rings and New Japan, retirement and obit issues of every major star who fits into those descriptions over the past 11 years, as well as our biggest issue every year, the annual awards issue, and our most controversial issue of every year, the Hall of Fame issue.
Also in this issue:
Another promotion getting a U.S. national TV outlet
AAA stipulation match being talked about
AAA loses another star
Update on the Dragon Gate tag team tournament
All Japan singles tournament notes
Tokyo Dome 2017 planned main event
Kenny Omega talks future
Biggest New Japan show before the Tokyo Dome
Ticket sales for New Japan upcoming shows
WWE contracted performer works for Japanese group this week
Former TNA stars in Japan
A sick match from Japan
Future plans of Cody Rhodes
Can he use the name Cody Rhodes?
Big iPPV from England in a few weeks
Another promotion does a streaming video service
Scott Hall falls off wagon but admits it
Full rundown of CHIKARA King of Trios tournament
Big legends show coming up
2012 Olympian starts pro wrestling
Notes on to indie shows over the past week
Notes on big Evolve weekend
Former UFC fighter debuting for Evolve
Controversy over a show coming up
Wrestlers running for public office
Lucha Underground house show talk
ROH bringing in stars from Mexico and Japan
Television sale deal in India that could affect TNA
Notes on TNA creative
UFC 202 numbers
Update on Georges St-Pierre and UFC
Who St-Pierre wants to face
What GSP would be worth to UFC right now
Aldo talks who he wants to face if it isn’t McGregor
UFC Canadian numbers
Luke Rockhold talks modeling
First match announced for Madison Square Garden’s UFC debut
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 [email protected]. 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.
A 19-month journey will come to an end, or to a new beginning on 9/10 when Phil Brooks, better known as C.M. Punk, steps into the cage in one of the biggest matches on the UFC 203 PPV card.
While many people have tried to make analogies, using names like Brock Lesnar or James Toney, there is really nothing in UFC history really comparable to this. It was a weird experiment that many had written off as a failure six months into the story. From almost the start, people had proclaimed the day would never happen. But the reality is, Punk lives for proving doubters wrong, so him stepping into the Octagon, no matter how long it took and how many surgeries he would endure, was going to happen.
Stepping out of it is a different story.
There is a symbolic nature of his match being at the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland. The site of his first walk into the cage will come from backstage, the same site as his last walk out of pro wrestling, on January 27, 2014, when he and Vince McMahon got into an argument before an episode of Raw and he quit the company while being one of the company’s three biggest stars.
AD: HUMAN HEAD TRANSPLANT 9/4 – Bryan Alvarez’s side project is After Dark radio. If you’re a fan of professional wrestling, you’re also probably a fan of the surreal world of conspiracy theories and ghost stories. So is Alvarez. You’ll fit right in.
Figure Four Weekly: 8/29/2016, NWA vs. Department of Justice – Recently, as an outgrowth of my interest in public records, court records, and so on, I started to get into the habit of filing Freedom of Information Act (or “FOIA”) requests with various United States government agencies. It was the same fascination that took me to the court records; There’s stuff out there, just waiting to be seen, that nobody was looking at… Subscribers click here to continue reading.
F4W YouTube Page: Tons of clips and full free audio shows that you can tell your friends about, and much more to come! Make sure you subscribe today!
HHH returned for the first time since WrestleMania, single-handedly winning the match by giving both Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins pedigrees and basically handing the championship to Owens in the latest version of The Authority handing out the championship instead of talent winning it… Subscribers click here to continue reading.
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 Dave Meltzer, or by using PayPal directing funds to [email protected].
Rates for the United States are $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 [email protected]. 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 choose one free classic issue, or two free classic issues with a 40-issue subscription.
WON BACK ISSUE: August 2, 1999, Vince McMahon comments on Bret Hart, WWF Fully Loaded review, more – While nobody in their right mind believed that they’d heard the last of Vince McMahon vs. Bret Hart, McMahon went out of his way to goad Hart into responding with blistering comments on TSN’s “Off the Record” talk show, which was taped on 7/22 and aired on 7/27… Subscribers click here to continue reading.
MONDAY NEWS UPDATE
Sasha Banks sent out this tweet: “You shouldn’t settle for what’s expected. The Boss is gonna be on Raw tonight an I got some bad news. Legit boss always.” Hopefully the news isn’t too bad.
We’ll post info on how to get the BOLA DVD when it is released. Day two is a must see up and down the show but particularly for the Will Ospreay & Matt Sydal & Ricochet vs. Young Bucks & Adam Cole match. It was amazing.
Minoru Suzuki has been added to the 10/6 WCPW iPPV “Refuse to Lose” from England that is the one that Jim Ross and Jim Cornette are announcing.
Coming off BOLA, what appears to be the first Jeff Cobb vs. Matt Riddle match will take place on 9/16 for AAW in Merrionette Park, IL. Matches announced or that show are a tag title match with Mat Fitchet & Davey Vega vs. Jake & Dave Crist, Abyss vs. Sami Callihan, Chris Hero vs. Fenix, Cobb vs. Riddle and Heidi Lovelace & Kimber Lee vs. Devin & Mason Cutter.
Bryan and I will be back tonight talking Raw and other news. We should have time for questions so you can send them to: [email protected]
World Wrestling Entertainment
In the discussion on last night’s show regarding whether Paige was threatened with being fired by WWE exec Mark Carrano if she didn’t break up with Alberto De Rio, when MSL reported it, MSL never said directly that Paige had said that, although it was also obvious from how he talked that it was a source very close to the situation.
WWE returns to action with Raw tonight from the Sprint Center in Kansas City. The Raw crew will be flying out right after the show for the Wednesday house show in London.
Smackdown will be Tuesday night from Lincoln, NE.
The much talked about “Hidden Gems” including the October 23, 1983 Last Battle of Atlanta between Tommy Rich vs. Buzz Sawyer, a cage match blow-off of a long feud, go up on the WWE network tomorrow. Apparently the 28 minute segment was produced, but never aired on television. It was one of those old-time arena single camera shoots most likely they they’d use was filming angles at the Omni. Also going up was the 1980 WWF vs. NWA champion battle with Harley Race vs. Bob Backlund.
Tommaso Ciampa needed five stitches and a chunk of his lower lip removed. His mouth was busted up in one of his matches at PWG this past weekend.
John Cena cut a video for Jason Williams, the principal of Henry Hill School in Napier, New Zealand. Williams put Cena in a mural with other athletes trying to inspire kids to do anything they set their mind to. Well, Williams lived that. He’s been trying for a long time to meet Cena including attending two WWE events previously but couldn’t get through to him. Williams was in Los Angeles recently for a professional development trip, and flew to Chicago on his own one more time to try and meet Cena and have him cut a video for his students. He said that security pushed him through, had him shake hands and smile for a photo and he was being pushed on and said he only had a few seconds to convince Cena to make a video. But since the story of Cena on that mural had gotten publicity, Cena immediately figured out who the guy was, had agreed to do the video and said he was very grateful to be on the schools’ walls. The story is here. (thanks to Mike Kuzmuk)
A story on WWE wrestlers being injured is here. (thanks to Chris Cruise)
UFC
Abel Trujillo was injured and has pulled out of his 9/17 fight with Evan Dunham in Hidalgo, TX. UFC is looking for a replacement.
The final episode of “The Evolution of Punk” airs tonight at 9:30 p.m. Eastern on FS 1.
MISCELLANEOUS
Alex Marvez updates us on One Man Gang after his house was flooded.
Pro Wrestling Sheet released a video clip of Jeff Hardy fighting a kangaroo that will appear on Impact on Thursday night. The show is called Delete or Decay and the idea is that Matt is trying to teach Brother Nero to fight instead of be a spot monkey. He calls the kangaroo Smokin Joe, claiming it is the ghost of Joe Frazier.
Brooke Adams, the former TNA woman wrestler and WWE dancer in the ECW days, gave birth to her first child, Jace, yesterday. Congratulations to her.
Sandra Gray, who appeared on many episodes of Total Divas, the former WWE seamstress, has now opened up a fashion store in Winthrop, GA.
Hoosier Pro Wrestling from Saturday night in Columbus, IN: Bobby Black b Scarecrow Eddie Felson, Lightning Bolt b Drax O’Brien, Jonathan Wolfe won four-way over Kenny Cage, Kid Thunder and Tankman, Clint Poe b JKO, Mad Dog Jesse Sawyer b Cousin Cooter, Too Cool TJ & Shawn Kemp b TVZ-DQ. Next show is 10/1 with an appearance of Jimmy Valiant. (thanks to Jerry Wilson)
Dynamo Pro Wrestling on 9/17 in Glen Carbon, IL at the Sports Academy.
NWX on 9/18 in St Catharines, ONT at the CWF Wrestling School
Wrestling with ALS on 11/11 in Fort Erie, ONT at Canadian Hall.
NWA Mid South Wrestling on 9/3 in Dyresburg, TN at the Herb Welch Wrestle Plex: Jakbo Edwinn b Johnny Morton, Dos Amigos Locos b Paco & Jason Roberts, Matt Riviera b Bobby Fulton, Jeremy Moore b Colin Delaney, Greg Anthony d Michael Elgin over 30:00 with the NWA National title and IWGP and IC titles both on the line. Next show is 9/10 with The Iron Empire defending the NWA tag titles against The Heat Seekers.
CWF on 9/30 in St Catharines ONT at the CWF Studios.
Lucha Xtreme TV from Saturday night in Fresno: Skitzo b Hunter Freeman, Big Dogg b Dark Usagi, Manny Fernandez b Anthony Idol-DQ. TV tapings are 9/10 in Coalinga, CA at West Hills College at 4 p.m.
North Wrestling in Newcastle, England has a show on 11/5 at the Riverside with Mark Haskins.
Here is a story on former WCW wrestler and baseball player Dale Torborg.
EVENTS CALENDAR: SEPTEMBER
9 – Chaotic Wrestling & The Lowell Spinners present “A Night of Grand Slams,” Edward A. LeLacheur Park, 450 Aiken St. – Lowell, MA
10 – CZW in Voorhees, NJ at Flyers Skate Zone with a doubleheader with a WSU Women’s show at 4 p.m. that day and the men’s show at 8 p.m.
10 – Barrie Wrestling: Back to School 3; 49 Ferris Lane, Barrie, Ontario, Canada
10 – UFC 203: Miocic vs. Overeem; Cleveland, Ohio
10 – Evolve in Deer Park, NY has Gargano vs. Sabre Jr., Galloway vs. Gulak, Dustin vs. Tracy Williams, Jigsaw vs. Fred Yehi, Riddle vs. Tony Nese, Perkins vs. Allin and Page vs. Dan Barry.
11 – Evolve in Woodside, NY at La Boom has Johnny Gargano & Cody Rhodes vs. Drew Galloway & Chris Hero in Gargano’s last Evolve match, Zack Sabre Jr. vs. Ricochet, Matt Riddle vs. TJ Perkins, Dustin vs. Drew Gulak, Tony Nese vs. Darby Allin and Ethan Page vs David Starr. Joey Styles will also be appearing.
16 – AAW: 115 Bourbon Street (3359 w 115th Street Merrionette Park, IL). Tickets.
16 – Pure Wrestling Association: Lake Cowichan, British Columbia
16 – Smash vs Progress: Uncensored; Oshawa Music Hall, Oshawa, Ontario. Must be 19+ to attend.
16 – Pure Wrestling Association: Private Event in Ontario
16 – SuperKickd’d Pro Wrestling at 7:30 PM – 10 PM, The Great Hall Toronto, 1087 Queen Street West, Toronto, Ontario M6J 1H3
16 – All Pro Wrestling on 9/16 in Daly City, CA at the Bayshore Community Center features Sabu vs. The Almighty Sheik, Willie Mack & B-Boy vs Reno Scrum, plus Jody Kristofferson, JR Kratos, Marcus Lewis and Dylan Drake in a four way for the Universal title.
17 – NWA Smoky Mountain Wrestling on in Kingsport, TN at the Civic Auditorium
17 – Pure Wrestling Association: Alpine Club, Kitchener, Ontario
17 – Pure Wrestling Association: Courtenay, British Columbia
17 – UFC Fight Night, Poirier vs. Johnson: Hidalgo, Texas, State Farm Arena
17 & 18 – SMASH VS PROGRESS: Smash Wrestling welcomes our friends from Progress Wrestling. Mark Haskins and Jack Gallagher (Cruiserweight Classic), Zack Sabre Jr. Mark Andrews and more will be part of the Progress Wrestling team in a Smash vs. Progress Canada vs. UK show in Toronto at the Franklin Horner Community Center.
18 – Pure Wrestling Association: Gold River, British Columbia
22 – NXT; Toronto, Ontario at the Mattamy Athletic Center (the former Maple Leaf Gardens)
22 – All-Star Wrestling: 7:30 PM, Abbotsford Arts Center, 2329 Crescent Way, Abbotsford, BC V2S 3M2, Canada, tickets.
22- Big Time Wrestling in Morganton, NC at the Collette Rec Center features a meet & greet at 6 p.m. before the live show. Appearing are Ric Flair, Ricky Steamboat, Cody Rhodes, Magnum T.A. and Trevor Lee.
23 – Big Time Wrestling in Raleigh, NC at Dorton Arena features Flair and Steamboat together at Dorton Arena for the first time in 28 years, plus Jeff & Matt Hardy, Cody Rhodes, Nasty Boys, Sabu, Magnum T.A., Ivan Koloff, Jimmy Valiant, Gangrel and Shane Helms with the meet & greet at 6 and show at 8.
23 – Invicta FC: Live from Scottish Rite Temple in Kansas City, Mo. Interim Flyweight Champion Jennifer Maia Defends Against Roxanne Modafferi
23 – NXT; St. Catherines, Ontario at The Meridian Centre
23 – Pro Wrestling Eclipse takes a short trip to downtown Oshawa and visits the Oshawa Mason Temple. All tickets purchased on July 24 that list the venue as the Oshawa Legion will be honoured.
24 – IWA Midsouth Wrestling presents the Hybrid Cup, at PRIDE Bar in New Albany, IN.
24 – Ignite Wrestling in Vero Beach, FL at the IG Center features Dave Crist.
24 – UCW, September 24th 7:30 PMBay City,MI UCW Champion Hakim Zane vs MVP, plus appearances by Ron Simmons and Fred Ottman
24 – Big Time Wrestling in Spartanburg, SC at the Memorial Auditorium with the meet and greet at 5:30 and show at 7:30 with Flair, Steamboat, Hardys, Rhodes, Nasty Boys, Sabu, Magnum T.A., Ricky Morton, Robert Gibson, Gangrel and Trevor Lee.
24 – MCW Legends Convention at the MCW Arena in Joppa, MD at 10 a.m. featuring Bret Hart, Jimmy Hart, Howard Finkel, Honky Tonk Man, Hillbilly Jim, Paul Orndorff, Greg Valentine, Jim Ross, Bill Apter, Brutus Beefcake, Bob Orton, Tito Santana, Jim Neidhart, Tammy Sytch, Magnum T.A. and even Dennis Stamp.
24 – Rock Solid: Anarchy in Angus 14: A Nightmare on Mill Street, 7pm – 10pm, Angus Recreation Centre, 8527 County Rd. 10, Angus, Ontario. Tickets.
Four new members were named to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame after the largest balloting thus far to date.
Three of the four members were Japanese, with the balloting topped by Jushin Liger, in his first year eligible, receiving 95% of the vote. That figure is the most in the short history of our elections and a percentage that will be difficult to impossible to ever top in the future. Also selected from Japan were 80s womens wrestling icon Lioness Asuka of Crush Gals fame, who came just two votes short of making it last year and current IWGP heavyweight champion Keiji Muto, who finished second in last year’s balloting (in which only Dos Caras made it), coming one vote short of inclusion. The lone American entrant this year was seven-time winner of the Observer’s Announcer of the Year award, Jim Ross, who overcame two bouts with Bells Palsy to return as the current voice of Raw.
Marty Scurll won this year’s Battle of Los Angeles tournament on Sunday night in Reseda, CA.
There was another great show, although it couldn’t compare to the second night which may have been the best U.S. wrestling show of the year.
The highlights were Will Ospreay having great matches with Zack Sabre Jr. and Ricochet, plus an incredible tag team title match with the Young Bucks vs. Fenix & Pentagon Jr.
The show clocked in at just under five hours. The crowd was tired in spots but got really hot at the end of most matches, and were nonstop strong during the best matches.
Second round:
– Trevor Lee beat Dalton Castle with a small package.
– Ricochet pinned John Hennigan (Johnny Mundo) after a 630 senton.
Very good match but not at the level of some of their matches in Lucha Underground. Hennigan was much better here than with Matt Sydal in the first round.
– Marty Scurll pinned Cody Rhodes after a low blow and cradle.
Very good. Rhodes worked a harder style and fit in, including doing a double springboard plancha once again. He was wearing a BOLA boot which he threw into the crowd, promising the fans he would be back next year. He was raving about the experience and the talent on the weekend.
– Mark Andrews pinned Chris Hero in a short match.
It was great while it lasted with Hero dominating and working as a heel, and Andrews catching him in a front rolling cradle. After the match, Hero came back and destroyed him using a piledriver off the middle ropes. While Andrews did sell the neck in his next match, the move looked so devastating he really should have been “injured” and not have advanced.
– Mark Haskins beat Kyle O’Reilly with the sharpshooter.
Great match. You can see in the tournament they really put over the U.K. guys strong.
– Will Ospreay beat PWG Champion Zack Sabre Jr. in a non-title match
Ospreay went crazy at first with dives and top rope moves early. Shorter because of how many matches on the show then if these two were in a main event, but excellent still.
– PWG Tag Team Champions Young Bucks beat Fenix & Pentagon Jr. to retain
I’d say this was the second best match of the weekend, although there was plenty of competition for that spot.
The two teams worked perfectly together. The Bucks played heel. Fenix is incredible, and both he and Pentagon have adapted so well to working with Americans. There was nothing resembling a style clash. The finish came after a kick out of a Meltzer Driver and also another Meltzer Driver on the floor (which was insane) saw both Bucks just superkick the two to death over and over before getting the pin.
Fans threw money at Fenix & Pentagon Jr. after, and then the Bucks jumped them as they were leaving and stole the money. There is a great potential for a three-way feud here adding in Ricochet & Matt Sydal.
Third round:
– Trevor Lee pinned Mark Andrews with a fisherman buster and cradle.
– Marty Scurll beat Mark Haskins with a chicken wing after a great reverse. Excellent match.
– Will Ospreay beat Ricochet clean with the Oscutter.
Another excellent match, but it was shorter and not as good as their matches in Dallas or Tokyo. But then again, Ospreay had three matches in one night to do.
– Jushin Liger & Jeff Cobb & Tommy End & Cedric Alexander & Chuck Taylor beat Matt Riddle & Sami Callihan & Tommaso Ciampa & Pete Dunne & Brian Kendrick when Liger pinned Dunne after a brainbuster.
This is the traditional comedy match where everyone sticks their thumbs up the next guy’s ass spot, plus the slow motion spot. Everyone worked in slow motion after Liger used the slow mo machine and the crowd joined in by cheering and chanting in slow motion with them.
Kendrick got a huge reaction as did Taylor, but Liger was the star. Everyone got a chance to show their wrestling. Cobb vs. Riddle was fantastic and tore the house down when they were in together.
Finals:
– Scurll beat Ospreay and Lee in an elimination match to win the 2016 BOLA tourney.
This was anticlimactic. Scurll was the most over of the three. Lee and Scurll played heel on Ospreay with fans all weekend chanting “Matt Hardy” related things at him since he’s from TNA and Cameron, NC. Ospreay got beat when Scurll used the chicken wing while Lee stomped him to death at the same time, leading to a submission.
The crowd was tired, and Scurll vs. Lee wasn’t that good once Ospreay was eliminated. Both wrestled well, but it didn’t have the spark a lot of the other matches had. Scurll won with the chicken wing, gave a speech about how people thought he was too short and he was delusional wanting to be a pro wrestler but he just came to the best building for wrestling in the world and beat the best in the world to win this.
Sabre Jr. came out and they built up Sabre defending against Scurll next.
These were some of the best matches of the year in the U.S. It’s really a shame this wasn’t streamed live and people will have to wait for the DVD release, because people would be raving about almost every match on the show. This was better than even day two of BOLA last year, which was the best PWG show I’d seen.
– Dalton Castle defeated Tommaso Ciampa, who subbed for Jack Gallagher who had a flight issue.
Ciampa did some WWE star big moves (Superman punch, Pedigree) but couldn’t finish Castle, who won with the Bang-a-Rang. Excellent bout. Super hard hitting and Castle did a great job building his delayed German suplex spot.
– Mark Andrews defeated Pete Dunne with a reverse hurricanrana off the top rope and shooting star press.
It’s amazing how good Andrews is in this environment. Dunne made a super impression. Tons of crazy counters. I thought Andrews kicking out of three tombstone piledrivers was a bit much but other than that this was up there with the best U.S. matches this year.
– Cody Rhodes defeated Sami Callihan after hitting Cross Rhodes.
Rhodes came out in specially made PWG BOLA trunks to endear himself to everyone. You could see this was a guy who had something to prove and he pretty much did. A hard hitting great match, nonstop action, Rhodes even did a double springboard plancha. His wife did the ring announcing calling him the star that left them in the dust.
– Fenix & Penatgon Jr. defeated Chris Hero & Tommy End when Fenix pinned End after a springboard 450.
I know several people who thought this was the best match of the weekend which speaks volumes when you consider how spectacular tonight’s main event was. Hero did this great Lucha Libre high spot early like he was a 170 pound acrobatic style guy. Fenix came out dressed up like Pentagon and he was super over with constant chants. In the move of the weekend, he stood up on Pentagon’s shoulders near the ropes and did a super high moonsault out of the ring onto both of them.
– Trevor Lee defeated Kamaitachi with a fisherman buster.
Lee got easy heel heat being announced as TNA Superstar Trevor Lee. The big move was Kamaitachi doing a senton off the top rope to the floor.
– Mark Haskins defeated Cedric Alexander with an armbar in an excellent match.
I was very impressed with how Haskins transitioned into a sharpshooter at one point and other cool reversals. Excellent match.
– Kyle O’Reilly defeated Matt Riddle when Riddle essentially pinned himself while having a submission on O’Reilly.
Excellent grappling style match. Riddle got the “please come back” chants. Everyone raves about Riddle for good reason. I know he’s got the issue with failing pot tests in UFC years ago which caused WWE not to sign him yet, but whether it’s New Japan or TNA, they should be on the phone with him yesterday because he has the potential to be one of the biggest stars in the business. He has incredible natural charisma.
– Will Ospreay, Ricochet & Matt Sydal defeated The Young Bucks & Adam Cole when the members of the winning team did simultaneous shooting star presses on all three members of the losing team.
You would expect a lot given who was in this match but it blew away any expectations. It had great spots, super heat, great timing with one exception and the last few minutes were mind blowing. Essentially you have the most physically talented wrestlers in the world on one side working with a team that knows this audience perfectly and all did everything under the sun.
Sydal & Ricochet topped the Meltzer Driver. The place was chanting five star match when it was over. It’s been a long time since I’ve seen a tag team match this good.
The show started at about 9:25 p.m local time. I don’t want to overuse the superlatives but with the exception of Matt Sydal vs. John Hennigan (Mundo), every match was either really good, to great, to fantastic. And Sydal vs. Hennigan was a good match as well.
There was a weird sense of disappointment because the losers don’t advance. The crowd for the most part wanted both guys to win in almost every match.
– Marty Scurll defeated Pentagon Jr. by reversing out of the package piledriver into a chicken wing via submission.
The bottom rope broke during this match but it didn’t play a part in anything. It did slow the show down because it took a while to fix it. Very good.
– Ricochet defeated Jeff Cobb in a fantastic match.
Both brought out the best in each other with flying vs. power. The difference in Cobb from even a few months ago is very noticeable. Ricochet won with the Tour of the Islands into an inside cradle.
– John Hennigan defeated Matt Sydal with a standing shooting star press and the End of the World.
Hennigan was one of the guys who really badly wanted to work PWG.
– Will Ospreay defeated Fenix with the spinning kick and Oscutter.
Fantastic match with things probably never done before inside a pro wrestling ring. Ospreay did his space flying tiger drop and Fenix did a crazy spinning dive. The highlight was a Spanish fly off the top rope where both landed on their feet. Pretty much everyone was blown away by this match.
– Zack Sabre Jr. defeated Tommy End with the octopus submission.
Excellent match. Very different from most Sabre matches as it was more a fight than technical wrestling. Lots of “Thank you Tommy” chants since everyone knows he’s leaving for WWE and this was his last PWG show.
– Chris Hero defeated Jushin Liger with a series of spinning elbows.
Also very good, excellent by the end. They played up the size difference. Liger was the most over wrestler by far on the show and Hero had to play heel because there was no other way. This was the best Liger singles match I can recall in a long time. Perfect timing.
– The Young Bucks & Adam Cole defeated Dalton Castle & The Boys (ReDragon)
The Boys ended up being Bobby Fish & Kyle O’Reilly. For about 15 minutes, they played like they were The Boys, hitting like wimps and just getting beaten up with Castle doing the offense. Then they took off their Boys’ masks and made comebacks, although Fish lost the mask several times before that spot.
It was largely comedy but very good. The crowd was very into it. The finish saw a double Meltzer Driver on Fish & Castle and Matt pinned Fish.
WWE NXT results: The Nakamura era begins – Shinsuke Nakamura is the NXT champion after defeating Samoa Joe. Check out what’s next for the “King of Strong Style.”
Being The Booker: Randy Orton + Bray Wyatt = ‘God vs. Man’ – Breaking down the booking of Randy Orton with John LaRocca is what’s in store for you this week. LaRocca tells you why he is really looking forward to this feud, and why you should be too.
WOL: Adam Cole interview, Kevin Owens Title win, Smackdown rules, more! 8/31 – ROH Champion Adam Cole joins Bryan Alvarez and Mike Semperive on the Wrestling Observer Live radio show to talk about his most recent title win, subsequent defenses, and up coming matches. Cole also shares his nutritional strategy for getting shredded.
F4D: Tom Lawlor on Joe Silva departure, Smackdown Live, TNA Impact, more! 8/31 – This week on the filthiest podcast in the Empire, Tom Lawlor and Bryan Alvarez discuss all the ins-and-outs on from the world of professional wrestling and mixed martial arts including what Joe Silva’s exit means for the filthy one.
The only poll for this weekend will be for tomorrow night’s CMLL Anniversary show, so you can leave a thumbs up, thumbs down or thumbs in the middle along with a best and worst match to [email protected]
There are no WWE house shows this weekend, nor NXT shows.
TNA IMPACT TONIGHT ON POP TV AT 8 P.M.
Ultimate X match to determine the vacant X Division title
Ethan Carter III vs. Eli Drake
Bobby Lashley vs. Mike Bennett for TNA title
New Japan World Pro Wrestling returns airs tomorrow night at 8 p.m. It’ll be a replay of last week’s show with the great Tomohiro Ishii vs. Tomoaki Honma match.
CMLL 83RD ANNIVERSARY SHOW FROM ARENA MEXICO ON FRIDAY NIGHT AT 9:30 P.M. EASTERN TIME
Mistico & Valiente & Volador Jr. vs. Ultimo Guerrero & Gran Guerrero & Euforia for CMLL trios titles
La Mascara vs. Dragon Lee mask vs. mask
SHINE IPPV AT 9 P.M. ON FRIDAY NIGHT FROM YBOR CITY, FL AT THE ORPHEUM at www.wwnlive.com
Ivelisse vs. Allysin Kay (Sienna) for Shine title
Thunderkitty vs. Malia Hosaka
Mercedes Martinez vs. Andrea
Su Yung vs. Vanessa Kraven
Santana vs. Raquel
Amber Gallows vs. Leva Bates vs. Tracy Taylor vs. Kennadi Brink
SHINE
UFC ON FIGHT PASS FROM HAMBURG, GERMANY SATURDAY AT 11:30 A.M. EASTERN TIME
Christian Colombo vs. Jarjis Danho
Nick Hein vs. Tae Hyun Bang
Nicolas Dalby vs. Peter Sobotta
Jessin Ayari vs. Jim Wallhead
Leandro Issa vs. Taylor Lapilus
Germaine de Randamie vs. Ashlee Evans-Smith
Scott Askham vs. Jack Hermanson
Rustam Khabilov vs. Leandro Silva
Ryan Bader vs. Ilif Latifi
Alexander Gustafsson vs. Jan Blachowicz
Andrei Arlovski vs. Josh Barnett
WWE returns to action with Raw on Monday from the Sprint Center in Kansas City.
Smackdown will be Tuesday night from Lincoln, NE.
Figure Four Weekly: 8/29/2016, NWA vs. Department of Justice – Recently, as an outgrowth of my interest in public records, court records, and so on, I started to get into the habit of filing Freedom of Information Act (or “FOIA”) requests with various United States government agencies. It was the same fascination that took me to the court records; There’s stuff out there, just waiting to be seen, that nobody was looking at… Subscribers click here to continue reading.
F4W YouTube Page: Tons of clips and full free audio shows that you can tell your friends about, and much more to come! Make sure you subscribe today!
HHH returned for the first time since WrestleMania, single-handedly winning the match by giving both Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins pedigrees and basically handing the championship to Owens in the latest version of The Authority handing out the championship instead of talent winning it… Subscribers click here to continue reading.
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 Dave Meltzer, or by using PayPal directing funds to [email protected].
Rates for the United States are $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 [email protected]. 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 choose one free classic issue, or two free classic issues with a 40-issue subscription.
WON BACK ISSUE: August 2, 1999, Vince McMahon comments on Bret Hart, WWF Fully Loaded review, more – While nobody in their right mind believed that they’d heard the last of Vince McMahon vs. Bret Hart, McMahon went out of his way to goad Hart into responding with blistering comments on TSN’s “Off the Record” talk show, which was taped on 7/22 and aired on 7/27… Subscribers click here to continue reading.
THURSDAY NEWS UPDATE
If you haven’t seen it, go out of your way to see last night’s episode of the Cruiserweight Classic. It was a two match show with Gran Metalik vs. Akira Tozawa and Brian Kendrick vs. Kota Ibushi. Both matches were outstanding in very different ways. That makes two straight weeks of excellent shows.
The CMLL Anniversary show, which is one of my favorite shows of the year, will not be streaming live tomorrow night. There will be an iPPV through YouTube that will air starting Saturday morning.
Northeast Wrestling has announced an On Demand streaming service for $9.99 per month. For more info
While the NFL doesn’t start on Mondays until 9/5, Raw is hardly unopposed this week, as there will be a major college game with Mississippi (No. 11) vs. Florida State (No. 4).
Roman Reigns was picked as No. 1 this year in the Pro Wrestling Illustrated top 500.
The WWE will be doing fund raising al month for pediatric cancer research. They will be selling bracelets and bandanas starting on Monday and through the end of the month with 100 percent of net proceeds benefiting Connor’s Cure.
The WWE Network will be adding an Eddy Guerrero collection called “Eddie Guerrero: Viva La Raza.”
WWE is advertising for a Smackdown taping on 11/1 in Newark, NJ, a main event of Randy Orton & Dean Ambrose vs. A.J. Styles & Bray Wyatt.
A two part series of articles on current fandom: Part 1 and Part 2
Alex Nicholson got in hot water for remarks that were racial in nature about Hyun Gyu Lim at UFC 202 on 8/20 while he cornered Mike Perry, who faces Lim. UFC announced that the company has talked with Nicholson and Perry and told Nicholson that any future incident of this nature could result in a suspension or termination of his contract.
Jorge Masvidal vs. Kelvin Gastelum and Marcin Held vs. Diego Sanchez have been added to the 11/5 show in Mexico City.
Michael McBride will replace Mairbek Taisumov on 9/10 in a fight with Nik Lentz on the Cleveland show that features C.M. Punk’s debut.
MISCELLANEOUS
Tickets go on sale tomorow for a Bellator show on 11/19 at the SAP Center in San Jose headlined by Michael Chandler vs. Benson Henderson for the lightweight title plus Michael Venom Page vs. Fernando Gonzalez.
Pro Wrestling Sheet reported that Chavo Guerrero Jr. has been hired as a trainer for the new Netflix GLOW comedy show which will have some pro wrestling scenes.
Chaotic Wrestling on 9/9 presents a Night of Grand Slams at LeLacheur Park in Lowell, MA featuring Chase Del Monte & The Logan Brothers vs. Rob Van Dam & Tommy Dreamer & Little Guido, Cody Rhodes vs. Brian Fury and Tommaso Ciampa vs. Hanson, plus Johnny Gargano vs. Austin Aries vs. JT Dunn. Also appearing include Ron Simmons, and Donovan Dijak.
NWA Smoky Mountain Wrestling on 9/17 in Kingsport, TN at the Civic Auditorium.
Capital City Championship Combat on 9/24 in Ottawa, ONT at the Vanier Columbus Club.
Upstate Pro Wrestling on 9/10 in Rochester, NY at the Eagles Club with Josh Alexander and Cody Deaner.
Smash vs. Progress Uncensored on 9/16 in Oshawa, ONT at the Music Hall has Brent Banks vs. Mark Andrews, Maybach Beta vs. Mark Haskins, Jack Gallagher vs. Evil Uno and Facade & Space Monkey vs. London Riots. 9/17 in Toronto at the Franklin Horner Community Centre has Tarik vs. Zack Sabre Jr., Brent Banks vs. Mark Haskins, Scotty O’Shea vs. Mark Andrews, Mike Rollins vs Jack Gallagher, Ligero vs. Evil Uno and Overdogs vs. London Riots. 9/18 also in Toronto has Tyson Dux vs. Zack Sabre Jr., Mike Bailey vs. Mask Haskins, Sebastian Suave vs. Jack Gallagher, Kevin Bennett vs. Mark Andrews and more.
AIW on 9/9 in Cleveland at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel with Dan Severn vs. Eddie Kingston, Grado vs. Colt Cabana plus Shayna Baszler.
Beer City Bruiser vs. Tommy Lee Curtis headlines for Canadian Wrestling Elite on 9/25 in Calgary.
New England Championship Wrestling on 9/10 in Wakefield, MA at the Americal Civic Center with Todo Loco vs. Paul London, plus JTG appears.
Tracey Keluski, who has appeared on TNA television in the past as Bobby Roode’s best friend, as the two grew up together, was recently inducted into the National Lacrosse League Hall of Fame.
All Star Wrestling on Friday night in Castlewood, VA at the Russell County Fair.
Mountain Championship Wrestling runs every Saturday in Pikeville, TN at 97 Tom Pope Road.
Evolve 69 on 9/11 in Queens, NY at La Boom with Tony Nese vs. Darby Allin, Ethan Page vs. David Starr, Tracy Williams vs. Chuck O’Neil (former UFC fighter), Fred Yehi vs. Travis Gordon, TJ Perkins vs. Matt Riddle, Drew Gulak vs. DUSTIN, Zack Sabre Jr. vs. Ricochet and Johnny Gargano & Cody Rhodes vs. Drew Galloway & Chris Hero.
Resurrection Fighting Alliance on 10/28 Prior Lake, MN at the Mystic Lake Casino for AXS TV with Raoni Barcelos defending the featherweight title against Dan Moret and Chase Waldon vs. Gerald Meerschaert for the vacant middleweight title. Four-time NCAA All-American Logan Storley from the University of Minnesota will also be fighting.
House of Hardcore on 9/16 in St. James, NY at the Sports Arena with Rhino vs. Tommy Dreamer in a street fight, Matt Hardy vs. Aaron Stevens, Tony Nese vs. Ricochet, Torito vs. Swoggle, Pat Buck vs. Brian Myers (Curt Hawkins), Team Tremendous & ? vs. Vik Dalishus & Hale Collins& Ben Ortiz plus Terry Funk, Matt Striker, Alex Reynolds, Sami Callihan and Bull James. 9/17 at the Arena in Philadelphia has Dreamer (managed by Funk) vs. Matt Hardy (managed by Senor Benjamin), Ricochet vs. Callihan, Chris Hero vs. Nese and Myers.
WCWF on 9/10 in Yuba City, CA at the Fairgrounds has a Tag Team Battle Royal.
Jason Kincaid & Shane Sabre vs. Beer City Bruiser & Chase Owens on 9/28 in Brandon, Manitoba.
El Rey Network will be carried by Verizon FIOS starting 9/7 which includes the new season of Lucha Underground.
I Believe in Wrestling on 9/3 in Orlando at the Team Vision Dojo has Santana Garrett and Raquel.
Pro Wrestling 2.0 from Tuesday night in Winter Park, FL: Sami Callihan b Jason Cade to win the title, Chico Adams won elimination match, Matt Knotts b Leo Brien, Chelsea Diamond won Battle Royal to become women’s champion, Snoop Strikes b Ace Radic, Lince Dorado b Aaron Epic, Koko Harris won three-way over Omar Amir and Chuckles Lacey Lane b Jon Cruz, Mr. 450 b Martin Stone.
Arn Anderson & Tully Blanchard will be coming to the Legends of Wrestling convention on 2/18 in Winnipeg at the Holy Cross Gym for photos and autographs.
Grand Slam Wrestling on 9/10 in Moosic, PA at the Youth Center with a 21 man Battle Royal.
CMLL on Monday night in Puebla: Artillero & Espiritu Negro & Mayalo b Arkalis & Meyer & Robin, Black Tiger & Espiritu Maligno & Hombre Bala Jr. b Ares & King Jaguar & Policeman, Astral b Demus 3:16 in a CMLL minis title match, Kraneo & Olimpico & Ripper b Ephesto & Luciferno & Mephisto (sets of a match for the Mephisto team’s Mexican national trios titles), Pierroth & Rush & Rey Escorpion b El Terrible & Rey Bucanero & shocker, Dragon Lee & Volador Jr. b Mascara Dorada & La Mascara-DQ
IWF celebrates Fan Appreciation month with live shows on 9/3, 9/10 and 9/24 at the IWF Centre in Nutley, NJ.
The story of how the Kevin Owens title win is symbolic of huge changes in talent judgment, the unlikely story of Joe Silva and his rise to be one of the most important figures in MMA history, the life and times of Mr. Fuji, the story behind the WWE departure of Alberto Del Rio, the arrest of Bo Dallas, plus coverage of the last UFC show and TripleMania all headline the new issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.
The lead story goes into the Universal title change, how it came about, what changes look to be being made, notes on the next two WWE PPV shows, as well as more background on the Daniel Bryan situation, his condition, contract and the Miz storyline.
Take a look at the background of Joe Silva, his retirement, why he’s retiring, and his contributions to UFC and MMA history.
This issue goes through the career of Mr. Fuji, from his start in Hawaii, his early runs, his involvement in building one of the biggest matches of the 70s, his tag teams with Toru Tanaka and Masa Saito, his year as U.S. champion and his role in one of the most talked about mainstream pro wrestling stories during the Roy Shire era. We also look at the biggest singles match of the career of Mr. Fuji–a match he wasn’t even in.
Plus, examine his transition into managing and his famous ribs, as well as the most famous rib ever played on him.
There is also an update on Finn Balor after surgery, Dana White talks Vince McMahon and WWE, why viewers per home numbers for WWE are up, match scheduled and taken off the last PPV, Enzo & Cass background, WWE woman wrestler talks about returning, the story behind the Lesnar vs. Orton match, Orton update, most watched shows on WWE Network, new Dwayne Johnson movie, WWE in War Games and a third generation wrestler getting a tryout.
You can also order the print Observer right now and get it delivered to your door via mail, by sending your name, address, Visa or Master Card number and an expiration date to Dave Meltzer
For the United States, it is $13 for 4 issues, $32 for 12, $61 for 24, $101 for 40 and $131 for 52. In Canada and Mexico, rates are $14.50 for 4, $35 for 12, $67 for 24, $111 for 40 and $144 or 52. In Europe, you can get the fastest delivery and best rates by sending to [email protected]. 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.
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Click here for the most requested Wrestling Observer back issues.
Check out the latest Online Wrestling Observer BACK ISSUE: July 12, 1999 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Chris Jericho signs with WWF, ECW to air on TNN, tons more – Details on Chris Jericho signing with WWF, ECW programming to air on TNN, plus tons more.
The Wrestling Observer ranges weekly from 35,000 to 50,000 words covering pro wrestling and MMA internationally. Each issue has coverage and analysis of all the major news, plus every issue breaks major news stories before the Internet sties and has the most complete look at the pro wrestling and MMA business anywhere, plus history pieces available nowhere else.
If you are a new subscriber ordering 24 or more issues, you can get one free classic issue of your choice sent to you today. With a 40 issue subscription, you can get two free classic issues sent to you today.
New subscribers ordering 24 or 40 issues have to let us know what major stories of the past 11 years you are most interested in and we’ll send the issue with the best coverage of that story. We’ve got coverage of every major PPV event and world wide spectacular, every major star switching promotions, histories of companies like FMW, Rings and New Japan, retirement and obit issues of every major star who fits into those descriptions over the past 11 years, as well as our biggest issue every year, the annual awards issue, and our most controversial issue of every year, the Hall of Fame issue.
Also in this issue:
Notes on the CMLL anniversary show
More questions regarding the Elite promotion
What happened to Brazo de Plata
Sorting out the Alvarado family
Update on Teddy Hart in Mexico
A look at this past week’s Arena Mexico show
Rey Mysterio already returning to AAA and next major show
Where Fenix stands with AAA
Dragon Gate tag team tournament update
Notes from the big All Japan show of the week
Notes from the big NOAH show
A pro wrestling animated series featuring major stars gets a network prime time slot
Details of the new series and what stars will be involved
Updates on this month’s biggest New Japan shows
Kenny Omega talks the entire pro wrestling world
Hiroshi Tanahashi talks U.S. fan base
Onita & Chavo Guerrero form a tag team
Onita and Chavo Guerrero back story
Upcoming tag team tournament
PWG Battle of Los Angeles notes
Highlights from all the Northeast Wrestling shows this past week
Update on gold medalist Helen Maroulis
Cody Rhodes talks leaving WWE
A very interesting indie show including some unique matches being planned
Notes on a new television series with a pro wrestling backdrop
ROH adding a trios title and more background on it
History of trios titles in the U.S.
Some teams involved in the tournament
Lots of notes on upcoming ROH matches including the next PPV card
Full notes on the annual ROH show at MCU Field in Brooklyn
Update on TNA hierarchy
Georges St-Pierre talks more about a return
Dana White on the Diaz vs. McGregor III situation
Lots of new UFC fights and updates on drug test failures
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 [email protected]. 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.
Kevin Owens captured the WWE Universal title in a four-way elimination match on 8/29 in Houston as part of the company’s latest reset.
HHH returned for the first time since WrestleMania, single-handedly winning the match by giving both Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins pedigrees and basically handing the championship to Owens in the latest version of The Authority handing out the championship instead of talent winning it.
Owens, 32, has been wrestling 16 years, most of it on independent shows. He signed with WWE two years ago, and his career path and title win are the very definition of the changes in the industry. Owens has had the talent for more than a decade, as well as the interview ability and the ability to get over. He had everything but he was hampered by a bad physique. That physique kept him out of WWE until 30 and under the old standards that WWE, and to an extent TNA, judged talent by, he’d have been a career indie star.
Jose Alberto Rodriguez, better known as Alberto Del Rio, will not be returning to WWE after the conclusion of his 30-day suspension for a wellness test violation.
WWE may make the announcement shortly, but Rodriguez being removed from all house shows he had been advertised for, even after his suspension was over, was WWE’s indication that he is leaving.
Sources say he and WWE have come to terms on a release, leaving him free to work in Mexico and internationally imminently. He would also be free to work in the U.S. in a few weeks.
The Wrestling Observer had reported for some time that issues with Rodriguez and WWE stemmed from creative problems, and that the chances were solid that he may leave the promotion. It was considered likely last week and now, it is said to be a done deal.
His recent suspension for a Wellness test violation after the issues developed was obviously not going to help matters. Rodriguez’s girlfriend Paige was also suspended on the same day for a different policy violation.
According to sources close to the situation, Rodriguez was unhappy, claiming he was given empty promises when they brought him back last year for a surprise return. He indicated he was promised a main event push which didn’t materialize.
Similar issues caused him to leave Lucha Underground, because he said he was promised the main event of Ultima Lucha and was mad because his match was not in that position. There were also financial issues with that promotion, but the WWE situation has no financial issues tied to it.
He was treated as a big deal behind the scenes upon his return, beating John Cena clean in his first match back to win the U.S. title. He was pegged for a program with Cena when Cena returned from filming “American Grit”, but by that point, his stock had fallen. His creative link with Zeb Colter took him down, and the League of Nations angle wasn’t a success either.
With the show built around a four-way for the vacant Universal title, Raw did some of its best numbers in a long time for a show that wasn’t the day after a PPV.
In fact, the 3.41 million viewers was up three percent from last week’s show, the day after SummerSlam. Even with the lack of major competition, under normal patterns that wouldn’t be the case. It was the best number for Raw since the show the day after Money in the Bank.
The key is that the viewers cared about the Universal title match and it had a week of advertising directly.
Raw was third for the night on cable, trailing only Rizzoli & Isles (4.83 million viewers) and Major Crimes (3.98 million viewer) on TNT.
The other positive, again pointing to the title match, is that the third hour decline was almost nonexistent, and in the 18-49 demo, the third hour was up four percent from the second hour and was the highest rated hour on cable in that demo last night.
The three hours were:
8 p.m. 3.39 million viewers 9 p.m. 3.44 million viewers 10 p.m. 3.41 million viewers
While nobody in their right mind believed that they’d heard the last of Vince McMahon vs. Bret Hart, McMahon went out of his way to goad Hart into responding with blistering comments on TSN’s “Off the Record” talk show, which was taped on 7/22 and aired on 7/27.
Bryan Alvarez talks SummerSlam & TakeOver on The Ross Report – Josh Nason brings you the highlights of our own Bryan Alvarez’s role reversal from his appearance on Jim Ross’ podcast. Among topics, they discussed how JR didn’t care for the Dean Ambrose/Steve Austin podcast.
Finn Balor: ‘The moment I got injured I knew it was serious’ – Finn Balor talks about what he’s experienced since the moment of impact, including video clips from his surgery. “What a rollercoaster week. I woke up the morning of SummerSlam with nothing but positivity & feeling physically better than ever…”
Mr. Fuji passes away at 82 years old – Don Muraco, Demolition, and Yokozuna were just a few of the wrestlers the great Mr. Fuji managed in his day. Joe Currier brings you more on the passing of Harry Fujiwara.
Raw will be Monday night from the Toyota Center in Houston. This will be the first week with a Smackdown Monday night house show, which takes place in Texarkana, TX. The regular Smackdown crew will be there and John Cena is headlining the show.
Tuesday night will be Smackdown from Dallas. John Cena, Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins are all advertised, but Reigns and Rollins are likely to be in dark matches and Cena may be as well.
WWE in Texarkana, TX tonight (Smackdown crew headlined by John Cena vs. A.J. Styles, Dean Ambrose vs. Dolph Ziggler, The Miz vs. Apollo Crews, Kane vs. Bray Wyatt)
Raw tonight in Houston with stuff not on the show like dark matches
WWE in Puebla, Mexico from Saturday
DDT from Sumo Hall Sunday
WWE in Leon on Sunday
Figure Four Weekly: Figure Four Weekly 8/22/2016: Gawker destroyed by Hulk Hogan – While there had been hints that it could happen, it still came as a shock last week that, thanks to the series of events stemming from Hulk Hogan’s lawsuit against Gawker Media, the flagship Gawker blog would be shutting down operations a few days later. It all stemmed from the bankruptcy auction for Gawker Media’s assets, where the bidders ended up being Ziff Davis and Unimodia, the subsidiary of Univision that oversees Fusion and its sister sites like The Onion, AV Club, and The Root… Subscribers click here to continue reading.
F4W YouTube Page: Tons of clips and full free audio shows that you can tell your friends about, and much more to come! Make sure you subscribe today!
The UFC staff was all told to come for a meeting, and as it turned out, the guest of honor was busy at first and they had to regroup and come back later. Fertitta, 48, took a $2 million investment in 2001 to a $4 billion sale 15 years later. Aside from making a killing in business, he saved a sport that was on its deathbed in the U.S. The sale was officially completed with the money changing hands this past week, a similar letter to the one above was sent to all company employees, and the new era of UFC began with UFC 202… Subscribers click here to continue reading.
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 Dave Meltzer, or by using PayPal directing funds to [email protected].
Rates for the United States are $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 [email protected]. 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 choose one free classic issue, or two free classic issues with a 40-issue subscription.
Paige VanZant was the 11th most searched for term in the U.S. on Friday (100,000 plus) and 16th most on Sunday (100,000 Plus). Mr. Fuji was No. 19 on Sunday and UFC was No. 6 on Saturday (but that was only 50,000).
Tonight will be the first pure brand house show, a Smackdown show in Texarkana, since the brand split from six weeks ago.
Episode No. 3 of the C.M. Punk four-part documentary airs at 9:30 p.m. tonight. This is built around his training and recovery from shoulder surgery.
WWE / Professional Wrestling
Adam Cole vs. Will Ospreay at the Destruction in Hiroshima PPV show is now an ROH championship match.
Rolling Stone just kills Hulk Hogan in this article.
You can watch Impact in HD if you have Comcast by going to the Pop TV on Demand section and looking over the shows. (thanks to Jon Southerland)
Sami Zayn promoted the upcoming WWE event in Manila, The Philippines.
This means nothing other than people got some signals crossed, but the Tivo listing for next week’s Smackdown show as of yesterday listed “Chris Jericho offers further explanation for his attack on his Y2AJ partner A.J. Styles.” (thanks to Jason Parker)
The World Series of Fighting announced Ramsey Nijem, a former UFC fighter, has signed with the promoting. Nijem came from the Ultimate Fighter and fought ten times in UFC.
A fan who purchased tickets to UFC 200, Sean Slattery, filed a lawsuit in San Diego Superior Court against Jon Jones and First Round Management claiming concealment, negligent misrepresentation and negligence related to Jones’ removal from the show. Slattery claimed he was robbed and defrauded of the value of the ticket when Jones was pulled from the show for testing positive. This will go nowhere because Slattery had the right to ask for a ticket refund and chose not to.
ONE from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia will be airing live on Friday starting 8:30 a.m. Eastern time on The Fight Network. They will also be airing Lion Fight 31 from Mashantucket, CT on Friday night at 10 p.m. Eastern. AXS will also air LionFights.
Saturday’s UFC show on Fight Pass will have its main card in Canada on The Fight Netweork starting at 3 p.m. Eastern time.
MISCELLANEOUS
A story on the New York State Athletic commission rep who shut down an intergender match even though it wasn’t against state laws is here.
A story on Leo Burke returning to the Maritimes here.
The Dudleys have been added to the 11/20 ICW show in Glasgow, Scotland at the SSE Hydro.
Global Force Wrestling will partner with the Tennessee State Fair in Nashville to run shows from 9/9 to 9/18 at the Fairgrounds
Scottish Wrestling Entertainment from Saturday in Dundee, Scotland: Steven Air Myales won over Kenny Kyd, JD Wilde and Lou King Sharpe, Colt Cabana b Glen Dunbarr, Sara-Marie Taylor b Kristy Love, Felix Fortune b Ian Ambrose, Euan G. Mackie b Stallyon to win the SWE title, Chris James & Darren Blair & Scotty Ricco b Chaz Phoenix & Lix Tetrax & Braveheart, Drew Galloway won no DQ four-way over Joe Hendry, Ethan Carter III and Jack Jester (thanks to Andrew Milne)
Pro Wrestling Resurgence from Saturday night in Swansea, IL: Matt Kenway b Kody Krash, Tyler Colton b Aaron Solow, Everett Connors won four-way over Mike Outlaw, Jojo Bravo and Jason Roberts, Kevin Lee Davidson b Ricky Starks, Alexandre Rudolph & Frank Wyatt & Jake Parnell DCOR Gary Jay & Evan Gelistico & Pierre Abernathy, Danny Adams & Paco Gonzalez b Davey Vega & Mat Fitchett, Michael Elgin b Brandon Espinosa (thanks to Patrick Brandmeyer)
Beer City Bruiser vs. Joey Vendetta has been added to the CWE show on 9/22 in Yorkton, Saskatchewan. Bruiser will be a headliner on a ten-daytour of Saskatchewan and Alberta.
IWA Mid South tomorow night in Clarksville, IN at Jammerz with Matt Cage vs. JJ Garrett for the IWA title, Michael Elgin vs. Kongo Kong, B.J. Whitmer vs. Jonathan Wolf, Matt Tremont vs. Shigehiro Irie and more. They are running every Thursday at Jammerz starting 9/8.
IWA Mid South also announced the Hybrid Cup on 9/24 at the Pride Bar in New Albany, IN which is an eight man tournament. Semifinals will be knockout or tap out rules and finals will be a no rope bared wire match.
IWA Mid South on 10/6 in Clarksville, IN at Jammerz has its 20th anniversary show with Dutch Mantell, Sami Callihan, Chris Hero, Doug Gilbert, Tommy Rich, Colt Cabana, Dave Prazak, Zack Gowen and more.
IWA Mid South on 11/5 in Jeffersonville, IN at the Arena has a 16 man Ted Petty Invitational tournament with Matt Cage, Rickey Shane Page, Joey Janela and Chris Hero.
All Star Wrestling on 9/16 in Garibaldi Highlands, BC at Totem Hall with Adam Ryder vs. Mr. India.
Johnny Kashmere returns to wrestling on 10/22 at the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia for The Acid Cup, to honor the late Trent Acid, his longtime tag team partner.
Taylor Rotunda (Bo Dallas) was arrested on Friday at DFW Airport. Rotunda was charged with public intoxication and drunkenness at 7:15 p.m. local time. Officers came after he was taken off the connecting plane that a number of WWE stars were on, headed to Mexico for the two-day tour.
Rotunda didn’t fly to Mexico for the first or second show. Police were called after Rotunda was singing a song from the Lion King and allegedly said some expletives to crew members and was kicked off the flight. Airport police found him six gates away and the arrest report said he smelled of alcohol and admitted he had been drinking a little as well as slurring his words.
Bo Dallas & Curtis Axel were scheduled to face the Usos on both nights of the tour, but instead Axel worked singles matches on it. WWE has not made any statement about the incident.
