Category: Daily Updates

Daily Update: WrestleMania, Angle, Silva vs. Gastelum

Posted on by Joseph Currier

THE ROUND-UP

The Latest from the F4W Staff

NEWS

AUDIO

Smackdown and 205 Live take place tonight in Pittsburgh. The New Japan Cup continues as well with second round action in Shiga.

The New Japan Cup also has second round action on Wednesday in Nagano.

FIGURE FOUR WEEKLY: 3/6/2017: Bad booking disappoints at WWE Fastlane

Goldberg is one of WWE’s top champions in 2017. That it was a formality doesn’t make the reality of that sentence any less startling. Nearly 20 years after his peak in WCW, and over a decade after his first stint with WWE came to an end, Goldberg is going to main event WrestleMania. All of that was locked in when Goldberg defeated Kevin Owens to win the WWE Universal Championship at Fastlane. Predictably, the main event was a wrestling match in name only. Goldberg won with a spear and a jackhammer in just over 20 seconds…

Subscribers click here to continue.

WRESTLING OBSERVER NEWSLETTER: March 13, 2017 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: WWE Fastlane review, Tomoaki Honma injury, plus tons of news

Updated the plans for WrestleMania, detail what happened with Tomoaki Honma and a progress update, features on Ron Bass, Rick Rude and Tom Jones, a major new WWE signing and future company plans all in the new double issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.

Our lead story runs down WrestleMania, what is on, what is in limbo and where everyone fits in, plus a breakdown of the Fast Lane PPV with business notes, stories behind the matches, match-by-match coverage with star ratings and poll results.

Have a look back at the career of Ron Bass, his multitude of championships around the country, and why his career ended and post-wrestling.

There is a major feature on the 2016 Wrestling Observer awards, with a breakdown of winners, and notes about the different people in the major categories and compare and contrast them. Plus, discussion about the landslides and the close races and what made the difference.

This issue has a feature on the Hardys and Bully Ray in ROH, back-story of Hardys value on the independent market and where the different companies stand in the U.S. marketplace.

Take a look at the business of UFC 209, including Tony Ferguson’s pay when his fight was canceled, what was supposed to be a benefit to everyone that has backfired but nobody will say it, the judging of Wonderboy vs. Woodley, weight cutting, the welterweight position, as well as business notes on the show, match-by-match coverage and how much everyone was paid.

Examine Daniel Bryan possibly wrestling again, The Miz on promos, the Shane McMahon vs. A.J. Styles angle, notes on WWE talks with two of the best women wrestlers in the world, an update on the Jack Swagger situation, Dana Brooke competes in another sport, WWE Hall of Fame news, Jerry Lawler update, backstage when Dwayne Johnson was talking about C.M. Punk, this week’s Madison Square Garden show, Raw plans post-Mania, the most watched shows on the WWE Network, plus a look at all the arena matches over the past week with highlights and business notes. 

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 Dave Meltzer, or by using PayPal directing funds to [email protected]. 

Rates in 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: February 21, 2000: 1999 attendance numbers, WCW turmoil, tons more

For the year, WWF increased attendance 20%. Monday night Raw ratings for the year as an average increased from a 4.40 average in 1998 to a 6.04 average in 1999, a 37% increase. PPV buy rates for the year increased from a 1.02 average in 1998 to a 1.25 average in 1999 which is a 23% increase. In 1998, WWF sold out 33.5% of its house shows while the figure increased to 63% of its shows in 1999. Average live gate per arena show increased from $188,482 in 1998 to $286,495, a whopping 52% caused by a combination of the increase in attendance and an increase in average ticket price from $18.84 to $23.84… Subscribers click here to continue.

TUESDAY NEWS UPDATE

WWE

  • A clip of Kurt Angle meeting with Vince McMahon for the first time in over a decade was shown during Angle’s interview with Corey Graves on Bring it to the Table last night, with it being indicated that the footage is part of a future episode of WWE 24.
  • As was announced last night, the Raw Tag Team Championship match at WrestleMania will be a triple threat with Luke Gallows & Karl Anderson defending against Enzo Amore & Big Cass and Cesaro & Sheamus. That brings the number of announced matches for WrestleMania up to eight.
  • Big Show was confirmed as an entrant in the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal, which would likely mean that his match against Shaquille O’Neal is now definitely off.
  • Roman Reigns vs. Braun Strowman and a Highlight Reel segment with Chris Jericho “exposing the real Kevin Owens” are advertised for Raw next week.
  • Shane McMahon responding to AJ Styles confronting him after SmackDown last week is the only thing being promoted for SmackDown tonight aside from a continuation of the show’s other WrestleMania angles. 205 Live will have Austin Aries vs. Akira Tozawa vs. Brian Kendrick vs. Tony Nese vs. TJ Perkins in an elimination match, with the winner challenging Neville for the Cruiserweight title at WrestleMania.
  • AJ Styles, Alexa Bliss, Apollo Crews, Mojo Rawley, and Natalya visited the Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh today.
  • Shawn Michaels spoke to Sports Illustrated’s Justin Barrasso about WrestleMania, Kurt Angle, and the Kliq.
  • Deadline has an article about television networks being upset about the delay in ratings, which was caused by power failure at Nielsen’s data center. The power failure delayed the ratings for last night’s Raw and likely will for SmackDown as well.

Pro Wrestling

  • Impact Wrestling posted a video on YouTube of an angle where Alberto El Patron relinquishes the World title after winning it last week. El Patron initially seemed to win the title on the first day of the latest TV tapings but later didn’t have it and Bobby Lashley still held the belt. Impact also uploaded a vignette for the return of LAX.
  • Lio Rush returns to EVOLVE on March 31st in Orlando, Florida. Rush will be facing Drew Galloway. The updated card for EVOLVE 81 is:
    EVOLVE Champion Zack Sabre Jr. vs. Michael Elgin in a non-title match
    Fred Yehi vs. Matt Riddle
    Keith Lee vs. Donovan Dijak
    Tracy Williams, Chris Dickinson & Jaka vs. Jason Kincaid, Sammy Guevara & Austin Theory
    Drew Galloway vs. Lio Rush
    Timothy Thatcher vs. ACH
  • Zack Sabre Jr. vs. Kyle O’Reilly has been announced for AAW’s Homecoming show in Berwyn, Illinois this Friday.
  • Pluto TV launched a new pro wrestling channel.

UFC/MMA

  • Brett Okamoto tweeted that he’s confirmed that Anderson Silva will face Kelvin Gastelum at UFC 212 in Rio on June 3rd.
  • Dana White shot down rumors that the Floyd Mayweather vs. Conor McGregor boxing match has been finalized, saying that it’s “nowhere near being done.”
  • Roy Nelson vs. Alexander Volkov has been added to the card for UFC on Fox 24 on April 15th.
  • BBC has an article on the dangers of weight cutting.
  • A 14-year-old kickboxer passed away after a fight in England.

F4W / WO EMPIRE WRESTLEMANIA GROUP INFO

BUS INFO:

  • The Empire bus to WrestleMania will cost $50.00 and will be round trip from Rosen Inn at 9000 International Drive 32819 (a few blocks away from Wrestlcon). THERE ARE ONLY 5 SEATS LEFT!
  • The bus will leave at 3:30pm (time subject to change) for WrestleMania and will leave WrestleMania no later then one hour after the show. If you would like a seat email Ed at [email protected] or message him on the BOARD~! for Paypal payment instructions.

DINNER INFO:

  • WHAT: Dinner at Texas de Brazil
  • WHEN: Friday March 31st
  • WHERE: 5259 International Dr Ste F1, Orlando, FL 32819 at 5 p.m. (they may open at 4:30 for us)
  • WHO: All your best empire buddies, including BIG DAVE MELTZER
  • DETAILS: The cost of the dinner will be $68.00 which includes the dinner, salad bar, soft drinks and tea, and dessert, tax and tip. This is a pre pay dinner and you can send payment to paypal at [email protected] (please send as a gift to a friend). Payments must be made by March 24th (if you wait until after that, Ed will charge an extra $5.00 for being a pain).

Pro Wrestling Tees is now carrying our latest line of F4W shirts. Support the Empire~! Grab yours today!

CONTACT INFORMATION

​

Daily Update: Rusev’s surgery, Cedric Alexander injury, NJ Cup

Posted on by Dave Meltzer

THE ROUND-UP

The Latest from the F4W Staff

NEWS

AUDIO

Raw is tonight  for the final WWE event ever at the Joe Louis Arena. Brock Lesnar will be on the show in some form. Cesaro & Sheamus vs. Enzo & Cass with the winner getting a shot at the tag titles at WrestleMania will be on the card. Bill Goldberg is not scheduled this week. Smackdown has a house show on Monday night in Charleston, WV with John Cena as the headliner. We’re looking for reports live from both shows to [email protected].

We’re looking for your thoughts on the weekend ROH PPV show from Las Vegas as well as both nights of the New Japan Cup, with a thumbs up, thumbs down or thumbs in the middle along with a best and worst match to [email protected].

Smackdown and 205 Live take place on Tuesday in Pittsburgh. The New Japan Cup continues on Tuesday with second round action in Shiga.

The New Japan Cup also has second round action on Wednesday in Nagano.

FIGURE FOUR WEEKLY: 3/6/2017: Bad booking disappoints at WWE Fastlane

Goldberg is one of WWE’s top champions in 2017. That it was a formality doesn’t make the reality of that sentence any less startling. Nearly 20 years after his peak in WCW, and over a decade after his first stint with WWE came to an end, Goldberg is going to main event WrestleMania. All of that was locked in when Goldberg defeated Kevin Owens to win the WWE Universal Championship at Fastlane. Predictably, the main event was a wrestling match in name only. Goldberg won with a spear and a jackhammer in just over 20 seconds…

Subscribers click here to continue.

WRESTLING OBSERVER NEWSLETTER: March 13, 2017 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: WWE Fastlane review, Tomoaki Honma injury, plus tons of news

Updated the plans for WrestleMania, detail what happened with Tomoaki Honma and a progress update, features on Ron Bass, Rick Rude and Tom Jones, a major new WWE signing and future company plans all in the new double issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.

Our lead story runs down WrestleMania, what is on, what is in limbo and where everyone fits in, plus a breakdown of the Fast Lane PPV with business notes, stories behind the matches, match-by-match coverage with star ratings and poll results.

Have a look back at the career of Ron Bass, his multitude of championships around the country, and why his career ended and post-wrestling.

There is a major feature on the 2016 Wrestling Observer awards, with a breakdown of winners, and notes about the different people in the major categories and compare and contrast them. Plus, discussion about the landslides and the close races and what made the difference.

This issue has a feature on the Hardys and Bully Ray in ROH, back-story of Hardys value on the independent market and where the different companies stand in the U.S. marketplace.

Take a look at the business of UFC 209, including Tony Ferguson’s pay when his fight was canceled, what was supposed to be a benefit to everyone that has backfired but nobody will say it, the judging of Wonderboy vs. Woodley, weight cutting, the welterweight position, as well as business notes on the show, match-by-match coverage and how much everyone was paid.

Examine Daniel Bryan possibly wrestling again, The Miz on promos, the Shane McMahon vs. A.J. Styles angle, notes on WWE talks with two of the best women wrestlers in the world, an update on the Jack Swagger situation, Dana Brooke competes in another sport, WWE Hall of Fame news, Jerry Lawler update, backstage when Dwayne Johnson was talking about C.M. Punk, this week’s Madison Square Garden show, Raw plans post-Mania, the most watched shows on the WWE Network, plus a look at all the arena matches over the past week with highlights and business notes. 

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 Dave Meltzer, or by using PayPal directing funds to [email protected]. 

Rates in 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: February 14, 2000, Vince McMahon announces the XFL, 1999 awards, more

Vince McMahon made sports and business headlines on 2/3 with the announcement of him starting his own professional football league called the XFL. McMahon, who failed in negotiations last year to buy the Canadian Football League, looks to be that league’s No. 1 rival for players not quite good enough for the NFL in his eight-team league scheduled to start in February 2001 with each team playing ten games and ending with championship playoffs in April… Subscribers click here to continue.

MONDAY NEWS UPDATE

Bryan and I will be back tonight with Wrestling Observer radio covering Raw, the Impact legal action against the Hardys and the other latest news. You can send questions to the show to [email protected].

Evil beat Yuji Nagata earlier today in Fukui to advance to the final four of the New Japan Cup. He’ll face the winner of tomorrow morning’s Toru Yano vs. Bad Luck Fale match on 3/19 in Hamamatsu.   

It is confirmed that Rusev had shoulder surgery last week. There were rumors going around and we were only told he’d be out of action for a while, but WWE officials confirmed it was shoulder surgery. Cedric Alexander is also out of action with a right knee injury. Pro Wrestling Sheet first reported the Alexander news.

John Cena will receive the Action Star of the Year award from CinemaCon at their CinemaCon convention 3/27 to 3/30 in Las Vega. He’ll be presented with the award on 3/30 at The Colosseum at Caesar’s Palace. The guy is going places. Cena was on The Today Show earlier today with Nikki Bella talking about the Kids’ Choice Awards that he hosted on Saturday night. He was in New York this morning for the show, spoke at SXSW in Austin, TX today as well. Then he’s advertised for the house show tonight in Charleston, WV and scheduled for Pittsburgh tomorrow.

The WWE will air a one hour edited version of the Hall of Fame show at 11:05 p.m. on the Monday after WrestleMania, which should do great ratings since the Raw that night is likely to be the most-watched Raw of the year.

Dana White will be on Conan O’Brien on TBS on Wednesday at 11 p.m. (thanks to Jon Southerland)

Prediction results from Saturday night’s UFC show in Fortaleza, Brazil:

  • 4-0-1:  Mike Sawyer
  • 3-1-1:  Mike Sempervive, Josh Nason, Steve Juon, Ryan Frederick, John Pollock, myself
  • 2-2-1:  David Bixenspan, Frontrow Brian, Paul Fontaine

WWE

  • Eric LeGrand was a great choice for the Warrior Award based on what the award is. Congratulations to him for that.
  • Advertised locally for Raw tonight is Roman Reigns vs. Braun Strowman, Chris Jericho & Sami Zayn vs. Kevin Owens & Samoa Joe and Sheamus & Cesaro vs. Enzo & Cass with the winners getting a WrestleMania title match. That doesn’t mean these matches will take place, only that is what is being advertised.
  • The second episode of Bring it to the Table will air after Raw tonight, with Peter Rosenberg with Corey Graves and John Layfield. Let’s see if they can avoid making everyone mad by blowing off any and all company criticism tonight. The show will also feature the return of Kurt Angle to the WWE Network as they taped an interview with him about a week ago to air as part of this show.
  • Former WWE ring announcer Justin Roberts’ book about his time with the promotion called “Best Seat in the House” will be released on 4/1. He will be doing an autograph signing with Tommy Dreamer on 4/1 in Orlando at the Barnes & Nobles at Plaza Venezia. I’ve read most of the book and it’s great. It’s a look at WWE behind the scenes in a different way than any book that has come out has done. It is fair and honest.
  • With Smackdown in Pittsburgh tomorrow, we’ll see if the usual strong crowds for the show continue. Pittsburgh usually draws well, but has a rep for not being very responsive. I know of wrestlers who have talked management into delaying angles by a week in the past because it was Pittsburgh and they were afraid it wouldn’t get a good reaction.
  • The WWE Jetsons movie called “Robo-WrestleMania” will come out tomorrow.
  • These dates were announced for out of Florida NXT live events:
    4/13 in Atlanta
    4/14 in Spartanburg, SC
    4/15 in Charlotte
    4/27 in Kansas City
    4/28 in St. Louis
    4/29 in Southhaven, MS (Memphis outskirts)

MISCELLANEOUS

  • Impact announced that even though TV ratings weren’t up, that YouTube views were up to 2.4 million and up 275% percent from the prior week.
  • They also announced they would be taping television on 5/30 and 5/31 in Mumbai, India. They will tape two hours of the show both nights, meaning that in June, there will be four shows from India. They also announced they were looking at doing their own satellite promotion in India for local television in quarter four of this year, using a lot of local talent and flying in Impact talent for tapings.
  • A new Evolve video documentary is here.
  • Here are notes on Kota Ibushi’s weekend debut in England. (thanks to Marti Hines and Mike Kuzmuk)
  • Saraya Knight, Paige’s mother, announced that the Bellatrix promotion would be holding a women’s tournament on 5/12 and she’s looking for women from all over the world to attend.
  • Battlarts on 3/18 at the Dan Kolov Arena in Mississauga, ONT with the semifinals and finals of their tag team title tournament.
  • Independence Pro Wrestling announced that Matt Cross (Son of Havoc) still hasn’t recovered enough from his broken leg and won’t be able to wrestle on 3/17 in Moosic, PA. Joey Janela will replace him in the main event of the show at the Moosic Youth Center against Lio Rush.
  • Famed Jiu Jitsu coach John Danaher was in episode four of the TV show “Billions.” There was a scene where he and the lead character played by Paul Giammati were grappling and Danaher caught him in an armbar after Giammati made a quick move and Danaher told him that you have to learn the difference between naive aggression and effective aggression.
  • Pro Wrestling Phoenix on 3/17 in Omaha at the Waiting Room Lounge.
  • TCW from yesterday in Rozzano, Milano, Italy: Sami Grayson & Error won over Claudio Campari & La Pasta and Break Bones & Marieddu to win the tag titles, Violent Joe b III Prescelto-DQ, Jacob b Apollo, Rocco Gioiello b Carlo Birra to win the Revolution title, Pain won over Fenice Rossa and Backslash to keep the Extreme title, II Marchese b Scandalo to win the Rebel title, Darkness II b II Marchese to win the Rebel title. (thanks to Alessio Garbini)
  • Rey Mysterio Jr. appears on 6/3 for Finest City Wrestling in Imperial Beach, CA.
  • Dan Severn, Manny Fernandez, Steve Keirn, Cryme Time, Brooke Adams, Tanea “Rebel” Brooks and George South have been added to this year’s WrestleCon in Orlando. It is unbelievable how many different things are going on in Orlando that week. You’d have to be five people at the same time to take in all the good wrestling scheduled.
  • David Marquez’s Championship Wrestling from Hollywood has added TV on WADL-TV in Detroit and KCDO-TV in Denver. The WADL show will air Saturdays at 4 p.m. starting on 4/1 and the Denver show will also air on Saturdays at 4 p.m. starting 4/1.
  • A story on the late woman wrestling star Karen Kellogg is here.
  • JTG of Cryme Tyme talks John Cena yelling at him in front of the locker room before the first time he was fired.
  • The WWN Super Show on 4/1 at 8 p.m. in Orlando at Orlando Live Events in Fern Park, FL on Flo Slam has:
    Elimination match to crown the first WWN champion (which will tour multiple promotions on Flo Slam) with Drew Galloway vs. Fred Yehi vs. Jon Davis vs. Matt Riddle vs. Parrow vs. Tracy Williams
    Zack Sabre Jr. vs. Mark Haskins for Evolve title (if Sabre retains beforehand)
    Pete Dunne vs. ACH (this will be an Evolve title match if ACH wins the title)
    Ethan Page vs Jimmy Havoc
    Travis Banks & TK Cooper vs. Chris Dickinson & Jake
    LuFisto vs. Su Yang for Shine title
    Keith Lee vs. Jason Kincaid

Today in Professional Wrestling History (3/13): TNA Victory Road 2011

F4W / WO EMPIRE WRESTLEMANIA GROUP INFO

BUS INFO:

  • The Empire bus to WrestleMania will cost $50.00 and will be round trip from Rosen Inn at 9000 International Drive 32819 (a few blocks away from Wrestlcon). THERE ARE ONLY 5 SEATS LEFT!
  • The bus will leave at 3:30pm (time subject to change) for WrestleMania and will leave WrestleMania no later then one hour after the show. If you would like a seat email Ed at [email protected] or message him on the BOARD~! for Paypal payment instructions.

DINNER INFO:

  • WHAT: Dinner at Texas de Brazil
  • WHEN: Friday March 31st
  • WHERE: 5259 International Dr Ste F1, Orlando, FL 32819 at 5 p.m. (they may open at 4:30 for us)
  • WHO: All your best empire buddies, including BIG DAVE MELTZER
  • DETAILS: The cost of the dinner will be $68.00 which includes the dinner, salad bar, soft drinks and tea, and dessert, tax and tip. This is a pre pay dinner and you can send payment to paypal at [email protected] (please send as a gift to a friend). Payments must be made by March 24th (if you wait until after that, Ed will charge an extra $5.00 for being a pain).

Pro Wrestling Tees is now carrying our latest line of F4W shirts. Support the Empire~! Grab yours today!

CONTACT INFORMATION

​

Daily Update: WWE MSG, Rusev out of action, Vitor Belfort

Posted on by Dave Meltzer

THE ROUND-UP

The Latest from the F4W Staff

NEWS

AUDIO

We’re looking for reports on today’s WWE show in London, ONT and yesterday’s ROH TV tapings in Las Vegas to [email protected].

We’re also doing weekend polls on the ROH PPV show from Las Vegas as well as both nights of the New Japan Cup, with a thumbs up, thumbs down or thumbs in the middle along with a best and worst match to [email protected].

Raw is Monday in Detroit for the final WWE event ever at the Joe Louis Arena. Brock Lesnar will be on the show in some form. Cesaro & Sheamus vs. Enzo & Cass with the winner getting a shot at the tag titles at WrestleMania will be on the card. Bill Goldberg is not scheduled this week. Smackdown has a house show on Monday night in Charleston, WV with John Cena as the headliner.

Also on Monday will be second round action in the New Japan Cup from Fukui. This won’t be on New Japan World.

Smackdown and 205 Live take place on Tuesday in Pittsburgh. The New Japan Cup continues on Tuesday with second round action in Shiga.

The New Japan Cup also has second round action on Wednesday in Nagano.

FIGURE FOUR WEEKLY: 3/6/2017: Bad booking disappoints at WWE Fastlane

Goldberg is one of WWE’s top champions in 2017. That it was a formality doesn’t make the reality of that sentence any less startling. Nearly 20 years after his peak in WCW, and over a decade after his first stint with WWE came to an end, Goldberg is going to main event WrestleMania. All of that was locked in when Goldberg defeated Kevin Owens to win the WWE Universal Championship at Fastlane. Predictably, the main event was a wrestling match in name only. Goldberg won with a spear and a jackhammer in just over 20 seconds…

Subscribers click here to continue.

WRESTLING OBSERVER NEWSLETTER: March 13, 2017 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: WWE Fastlane review, Tomoaki Honma injury, plus tons of news

Updated the plans for WrestleMania, detail what happened with Tomoaki Honma and a progress update, features on Ron Bass, Rick Rude and Tom Jones, a major new WWE signing and future company plans all in the new double issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.

Our lead story runs down WrestleMania, what is on, what is in limbo and where everyone fits in, plus a breakdown of the Fast Lane PPV with business notes, stories behind the matches, match-by-match coverage with star ratings and poll results.

Have a look back at the career of Ron Bass, his multitude of championships around the country, and why his career ended and post-wrestling.

There is a major feature on the 2016 Wrestling Observer awards, with a breakdown of winners, and notes about the different people in the major categories and compare and contrast them. Plus, discussion about the landslides and the close races and what made the difference.

This issue has a feature on the Hardys and Bully Ray in ROH, back-story of Hardys value on the independent market and where the different companies stand in the U.S. marketplace.

Take a look at the business of UFC 209, including Tony Ferguson’s pay when his fight was canceled, what was supposed to be a benefit to everyone that has backfired but nobody will say it, the judging of Wonderboy vs. Woodley, weight cutting, the welterweight position, as well as business notes on the show, match-by-match coverage and how much everyone was paid.

Examine Daniel Bryan possibly wrestling again, The Miz on promos, the Shane McMahon vs. A.J. Styles angle, notes on WWE talks with two of the best women wrestlers in the world, an update on the Jack Swagger situation, Dana Brooke competes in another sport, WWE Hall of Fame news, Jerry Lawler update, backstage when Dwayne Johnson was talking about C.M. Punk, this week’s Madison Square Garden show, Raw plans post-Mania, the most watched shows on the WWE Network, plus a look at all the arena matches over the past week with highlights and business notes. 

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 Dave Meltzer, or by using PayPal directing funds to [email protected]. 

Rates in 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: February 14, 2000, Vince McMahon announces the XFL, 1999 awards, more

Vince McMahon made sports and business headlines on 2/3 with the announcement of him starting his own professional football league called the XFL. McMahon, who failed in negotiations last year to buy the Canadian Football League, looks to be that league’s No. 1 rival for players not quite good enough for the NFL in his eight-team league scheduled to start in February 2001 with each team playing ten games and ending with championship playoffs in April… Subscribers click here to continue.

SUNDAY NEWS UPDATE

We did weekend shows after ROH on Friday night and after UFC last night that are on the site today. We’ll be back on Monday after Raw. You can always send questions to the show to [email protected].

The WWE Madison Square Garden show will be finished by the time you read this. Brock Lesnar beat Kevin Owens in around 3:00 with the F-5 in the main match. The next MSG show will be on Friday, 7/7.

Vitor Belfort announced last night after his loss to Kelvin Gastelum that he’s got one fight left on his contract, would like to fight on the June PPV show in Rio de Janeiro, and would retire at that point, unless UFC starts up a seniors circuit in which case he would continue to fight.

In the New Japan Cup earlier today in Amagasaki, Juice Robinson beat Yujiro Takahashi, Seiya Sanada beat Yoshi-Hashi, Katsuyori Shibata beat Minoru Suzuki, and Tomohiro Ishii beat Kenny Omega to all advance. Ishii and Omega is worth going way out of your way to see. The next round will have a match late tonight/tomorrow morning in Fukui with Yuji Nagata vs. Evil, Tuesday in Shiga has Toru Yano vs. Bad Luck Fale, Wednesday in Matsumoto has Shibata vs. Robinson, and Friday in Tokorozawa has Ishii vs. Sanada. None of those shows are on New Japan World at least as far as the last schedule I had. The semifinal and finals, which both start at 2 a.m. Eastern and 11 p.m. Pacific on Saturday and Sunday night this coming week, are on New Japan World.

While there are rumors going around about a Kenny Omega vs. Adam Cole match on 4/1 in Lakeland, FL, that is not the case. Right now there is no date for that match, but Omega is not on the Lakeland show. The Hardys vs. Young Bucks main event on that show has been changed to a ladder match for the tag team titles.

WWE

  • Rusev will be out of action for some time to come. Big Show said that Rusev will be undergoing shoulder surgery. We can’t confirm that as the reason, but he’s definitely out of action, which has been known about for a few weeks.
  • Tickets for Raw are far from sold out, which isn’t a good sign. They haven’t been selling out Raw even during Mania season in traditionally strong markets like Detroit, even though this has been pushed as the last show at the Joe Louis Arena. It would be really cool if during the show tomorrow they’d acknowledge it being the last event in the building and do a video highlight of events that were in the arena.

MISCELLANEOUS

  • FloSlam tonight presents Style Battle from Ybor City, FL, an eight-man single elimination tournament.
  • Insane Championship Wrestling TV taping on Friday night in Liverpool before 700 fans: Kenny Williams b Davey Blaze, Polo Promoters b The Purge, Nathan Cruz b Joe Hendry, Joe Coffey b Zack Gibson (very good), Stevie Boy b Jack Jester, Pete Dunne b Chris Renfrew (very good), Wolfgang b Aaron Echo (Wolfgang, even though a face in WWE, was a heel here and ripped on Grado saying that when he goes to Orlando, he’s a star and when Grado goes to Orlando, he’s in the minor leagues), BT Gunn b Chris Ridgeway, Wild Boar & Mike Bird b Ravie Davie & Danny Hope, Trent Seven b Jordan Devlin (told this was off the charts great partially due to it being a bloodbath due to Devlin getting cut). Devlin did a swanton over the top rope to the floor, but missed Seven and hit his head on the floor with a sickening thud. The whole back of his head was covered with blood at that point. They went another 5-7 minutes. The crowd was chanting for Devlin and promoter Mark Dallas talked about what a great performance it was and how we’d be seeing a lot more of him. (thanks to Stephen Lyon)
  • ICW from yesterday in Motion, Bristol, England before 280 fans: Kenny Williams b Morgan Webster, Jackie Polo & Mark Coffey b Danny Jones & Edwin Ricci, Davey Blaze b Ravie Davie, Pete Dunne b Joe Hendry, BT Gunn b Joe Coffey, Iestyn Rees b Aaron Echo, Wolfgang b Charlie Sterling, Chris Renfrew b Big Grizzly, Mike Bird & Wild Boar b Krobar & Stevie James to keep the tag titles, Trent Seven b Jack Jester to keep the ICW title. 
  • Lucha Slam on 3/25 in Brantford, ONT at 6 Aberdeen Avenue.
  • Best of the West has an iPPV tonight on Fite TV for $9.99. The show starts at 9 p.m. Eastern and 6 p.m. Pacific and will be from the Fresno’s University Square Hotel at 4961 N. Cedar, across from Fresno State, for the one year anniversary show. Lio Rush is on the show facing Funnybone, plus Jody Kristofferson vs. JR Kratos and Brandon Pinion vs. Wiseguy for the Best of the West heavyweight title.
  • WrestleMerica from last night in Barnesville, GA before 150 fans: David Tita b Corey Hollis, Zac Edwards & Michael Stevens b Trevor Aeon & Gil Quest, Gillberg won three-way over Scotty Beach and Johnny Romano, Iceberg b Micah Taylor, Fry Daddy won four-way to keep WrestleMerica title over Drew Adler, Tyson Dean and Zane Stevens. (thanks to Kris Zellner)
  • NWA Smoky Mountain from last night in Kingsport, TN: Axton Ray b Chris Shane, Robbie Cassidy & Tyler Foshie NC Jeff Connelly & Wild Bill, Jordan Kage b Toby Farley, Cross Brothers b Los Chicanos, Austin Tyler Morris b Ali Shabazz, Chase Owens b Trevor Lee to keep the Southeastern title, Jones Boys b The Savages. This show raised more than $5,000 for Sullivan South High School football coach Chris Sturgill, who is battling cancer.
  • World League Wrestling from last night in Troy, MO: Jon Webb b Jack Gamble, Stacey O’Brien & Monica Passeri b Lucy Mendez & Heather Patera, Rex Fults b Roy Lewis, Kyle Roberts b Superstar Steve Fender, Karim Brigante b Steve Anthony, Leland Race b Jayden Fenix in a no DQ match with Kurt Angle as the guest referee. (thanks to Patrick Brandmeyer)
  • Crowbar Press has released two new books. One is “The Greatest Wrestling Ever in the History of Nashville Volume 1” by Scott Teal and Don Luce, covering more than 2,000 shows, with matches, attendances and gates, plus “Wrestling in the Garden: The Battle for New York: Shoots, Works and Double-Crosses” by Scott Deal and J. Michael Kenyon.
  • CZW from last night in Voorhees, NJ: Sami Callihan b Alexander James, Dave Crist b Anthony Deppen, Isiah Kassidy & Marq Quen b Lance Lude & Rob Killjoy, Shane Strickland won over Ace Romero, Ace Austin, Alex Daniels and Tim Donstafter, Genocide Junkies won over Cannonball & Joey Janels in a bed of nails, barbed wire board, thumbtacks, bats and bed of forks death match, Dezmond Xavier & Zachary Wentz kept tag titles over EYFBO and Dub Boyz, Conor Claxton b Devon Moore, Joe Gacy b Chris Dickinson to keep the CZW title. Next show is 4/8 with a return trios tag team title match. (thanks to Bob Magee)
  • Southside Wrestling on Friday night in Sheffield, England for an all-women’s show: Viper b Ruby Summers, Session Moth Martina b Lady Katherine Darcy, Jade b Shanna, Kasey Owens & Leah Owens b Melina & Lana Austin, Nixon Newell b Viper, Candice LeRae b Kay Lee Ray-DQ, Kay Lee Ray b Candice LeRae in a no DQ rematch.
  • They had an afternoon show yesterday in Sheffield: Bubblegum over Ethan Silver and Robbie X, El Ligero b Damian Dunne to keep the heavyweight title, Kay Lee Ray won over Session Moth Martina and Jade, Rey Fenix b Ethan Page, Candice LeRae NC Nixon Newell, Chris Tyler & HC Dyer b Travis Banks & Chris Brooker.
  • And they had an evening show last night: HC Dyer b Ethan Page, Joseph Conners NC Magnus (Nick Aldis), Robbie X & Damian Dunne & Kid Lykos b El Ligero & Gabriel Kidd & Ruby Summers, Session Moth Martina b Alex Gracie, Chris Brookes & Travis Banks b Nixon Newell & Candice LeRae, PJ Black b Chris Tyler, Jade b Kay Lee Ray, Bubblegum b Rey Fenix to keep the Speed King title. (thanks to Jan Buxton)
  • UCW from last night in Roscommon, MI: Soul Taker won Battle Royal, El Ridiculoso b Jumal Kyng, Blaek Acumen b Lewis Lambda, Chris Moore b Devin Shaw, Lawrence Jester & Fabio Feo b Chuck Wagon & Johnny Axe, Brooklyn Brawler b Soul Talker-COR. (thanks to Leonard Brand)
  • wXw from Thursday at their academy in Essen, Germany before 100 fans: Paul London b Absolute Andy, Walter b ACH, Marius Al-Ani b Jeff Cobb, Timothy Thatcher b Francis Kaspin, David Starr b Matt Riddle (they tore the house down). (thanks to Markus Gronemann)

Today in Professional Wrestling History (3/12): Jim Crockett Promotions Final Conflict

F4W / WO EMPIRE WRESTLEMANIA GROUP INFO

BUS INFO:

  • The Empire bus to WrestleMania will cost $50.00 and will be round trip from Rosen Inn at 9000 International Drive 32819 (a few blocks away from Wrestlcon). THERE ARE ONLY 5 SEATS LEFT!
  • The bus will leave at 3:30pm (time subject to change) for WrestleMania and will leave WrestleMania no later then one hour after the show. If you would like a seat email Ed at [email protected] or message him on the BOARD~! for Paypal payment instructions.

DINNER INFO:

  • WHAT: Dinner at Texas de Brazil
  • WHEN: Friday March 31st
  • WHERE: 5259 International Dr Ste F1, Orlando, FL 32819 at 5 p.m. (they may open at 4:30 for us)
  • WHO: All your best empire buddies, including BIG DAVE MELTZER
  • DETAILS: The cost of the dinner will be $68.00 which includes the dinner, salad bar, soft drinks and tea, and dessert, tax and tip. This is a pre pay dinner and you can send payment to paypal at [email protected] (please send as a gift to a friend). Payments must be made by March 24th (if you wait until after that, Ed will charge an extra $5.00 for being a pain).

Pro Wrestling Tees is now carrying our latest line of F4W shirts. Support the Empire~! Grab yours today!

CONTACT INFORMATION

​

Daily Update: Finn Balor returns, The Hardys, Mayweather

Posted on by Joseph Currier

THE ROUND-UP

The Latest from the F4W Staff

NEWS

AUDIO

We’re looking for reports on today’s WWE Raw in Toronto (HHH will be wrestling on the show in a six-man tag), Smackdown in Fairfax, VA (John Cena is not booked on the show), ROH TV tapings in Las Vegas (Hardys vs. Briscoe has been announced) and NXT in Orlando to [email protected].

UFC ON FS1 FROM FORTALEZA, BRAZIL ON SATURDAY

Fight Pass at 7 p.m. Eastern time

  • Paulo Borrachinha (5-0) vs. Garreth McLellan (13-5)
  • Rony Jason (14-6) vs. Jeremy Kennedy (9-0)

FS1 at 8 p.m. Eastern

  • Josh Burkman (28-14) vs. Michel Prazeres (21-2)
  • Joe Soto (16-5) vs. Rani Yahya (23-8)
  • Sergio Moraes (11-2-1) vs. Davi Ramos (6-1)
  • Kevin Lee (12-2) vs. Francisco Trinaldo (21-4)
  • Tim Means (26-7-1) vs. Alex Oliveira (15-4-1)
  • Bethe Correia (10-2) vs. Marion Reneau (7-3)
  • Ray Borg (10-2) vs. Jussier Formiga (19-4)
  • Edson Barboza (18-4) vs. Beneil Dariush (14-2)
  • Mauricio Shogun Rua (24-10) vs. Gian Villante (15-7)
  • Vitor Belfort (25-13) vs. Kelvin Gastelum (13-2)

NEW JAPAN CUP FROM AMAGASAKI AT 3 A.M. EASTERN / 11 P.M. PACIFIC LATE SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE ON NEW JAPAN WORLD. Because of daylight savings time at 2 a.m., the show starts one hour later Eastern time)

  • David Finlay vs. Tomoyuki Oka
  • Jushin Liger & Yuji Nagata vs. Manabu Nakanishi & Tiger Mask
  • Satoshi Kojima & Hiroyoshi Tenzan & Hirai Kawato vs. Bad Luck Fale & Tama Tonga & Tanga Roa
  • Hiroshi Tanahashi & Michael Elgin & Kushida & Ryusuke Taguchi vs. Tetsuya Naito & Evil & Hiromu Takahashi & Bushi
  • Kazuchika Okada & Hirooki Goto & Toru Yano & Gedo & Jado vs. Takashi Iizuka & Yoshinobu Kanemaru & Desperado & Taka Michinoku & Taichi

First round tournament matches

  • Yujiro Takahashi vs. Juice Robinson
  • Yoshi-Hashi vs. Seiya Sanada
  • Minoru Suzuki vs. Katsuyori Shibata
  • Kenny Omega vs. Tomohiro Ishii

Sunday we’re looking for reports from WWE Smackdown in Madison Square Garden and Raw in London, ONT (no Kevin Owens since he’s on the Smackdown show).

WWE IN MADISON SQUARE GARDEN AT 3 P.M.

  • Bray Wyatt vs. John Cena for WWE title
  • Brock Lesnar vs. Kevin Owens
  • Dean Ambrose vs. Luke Harper vs. Baron Corbin vs. The Miz for IC title
  • Jason Jordan & Chad Gable vs. Usos for tag titles
  • Apollo Crews vs Dolph Ziggler
  • Nikki Bella & Becky Lynch & Tamina & Asuka vs. Alexa Bliss & Mickie James & Natalya & Carmella
  • Rhyno & Heath Slater & Kalisto vs. Tyler Breeze & Fandango & Curt Hawkins

        Also appearing are A.J. Styles, Randy Orton and Shane McMahon

Raw is Monday in Detroit for the final WWE event ever at the Joe Louis Arena. Brock Lesnar will be on the show in some form. Cesaro & Sheamus vs. Enzo & Cass with the winner getting a shot at the tag titles at WrestleMania will be on the card. Bill Goldberg is not scheduled this week. Smackdown has a house show on Monday night in Charleston, WV with John Cena as the headliner.

Also on Monday will be second round action in the New Japan Cup from Fukui. This won’t be on New Japan World.

Smackdown and 205 Live take place on Tuesday in Pittsburgh. The New Japan Cup continues on Tuesday with second round action in Shiga.

The New Japan Cup also has second round action on Wednesday in Nagano.

FIGURE FOUR WEEKLY: 3/6/2017: Bad booking disappoints at WWE Fastlane

Goldberg is one of WWE’s top champions in 2017. That it was a formality doesn’t make the reality of that sentence any less startling. Nearly 20 years after his peak in WCW, and over a decade after his first stint with WWE came to an end, Goldberg is going to main event WrestleMania. All of that was locked in when Goldberg defeated Kevin Owens to win the WWE Universal Championship at Fastlane. Predictably, the main event was a wrestling match in name only. Goldberg won with a spear and a jackhammer in just over 20 seconds…

Subscribers click here to continue.

WRESTLING OBSERVER NEWSLETTER: March 13, 2017 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: WWE Fastlane review, Tomoaki Honma injury, plus tons of news

Updated the plans for WrestleMania, detail what happened with Tomoaki Honma and a progress update, features on Ron Bass, Rick Rude and Tom Jones, a major new WWE signing and future company plans all in the new double issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.

Our lead story runs down WrestleMania, what is on, what is in limbo and where everyone fits in, plus a breakdown of the Fast Lane PPV with business notes, stories behind the matches, match-by-match coverage with star ratings and poll results.

Have a look back at the career of Ron Bass, his multitude of championships around the country, and why his career ended and post-wrestling.

There is a major feature on the 2016 Wrestling Observer awards, with a breakdown of winners, and notes about the different people in the major categories and compare and contrast them. Plus, discussion about the landslides and the close races and what made the difference.

This issue has a feature on the Hardys and Bully Ray in ROH, back-story of Hardys value on the independent market and where the different companies stand in the U.S. marketplace.

Take a look at the business of UFC 209, including Tony Ferguson’s pay when his fight was canceled, what was supposed to be a benefit to everyone that has backfired but nobody will say it, the judging of Wonderboy vs. Woodley, weight cutting, the welterweight position, as well as business notes on the show, match-by-match coverage and how much everyone was paid.

Examine Daniel Bryan possibly wrestling again, The Miz on promos, the Shane McMahon vs. A.J. Styles angle, notes on WWE talks with two of the best women wrestlers in the world, an update on the Jack Swagger situation, Dana Brooke competes in another sport, WWE Hall of Fame news, Jerry Lawler update, backstage when Dwayne Johnson was talking about C.M. Punk, this week’s Madison Square Garden show, Raw plans post-Mania, the most watched shows on the WWE Network, plus a look at all the arena matches over the past week with highlights and business notes. 

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 Dave Meltzer, or by using PayPal directing funds to [email protected]. 

Rates in 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: February 14, 2000, Vince McMahon announces the XFL, 1999 awards, more

Vince McMahon made sports and business headlines on 2/3 with the announcement of him starting his own professional football league called the XFL. McMahon, who failed in negotiations last year to buy the Canadian Football League, looks to be that league’s No. 1 rival for players not quite good enough for the NFL in his eight-team league scheduled to start in February 2001 with each team playing ten games and ending with championship playoffs in April… Subscribers click here to continue.

SATURDAY NEWS UPDATE

WWE

  • As was advertised, Finn Balor returned to the ring at last night’s WWE house show in Buffalo, New York. Balor teamed with Chris Jericho & Sami Zayn in the main event against Triple H, Kevin Owens & Samoa Joe. WWE uploaded video of some of Balor’s appearance and posted an article about it on their website.
  • In an interview with Sports Illustrated’s Justin Barrasso, Bully Ray claimed that his Bully Ray character was previously set to debut in WWE when he was with the company but the idea was nixed at the last minute. “We came one day away in August from debuting Bully Ray in WWE,” Bully Ray said. “At the last second, the decision was made to not go forward with it. Bully Ray was ready to go, but that’s all I can tell you. We were one day away, and they had to pull the plug on it.”
  • John Cena hosts the Kids’ Choice Awards on Nickelodeon tonight. The show starts at 8 p.m. ET.
  • Kassius Ohno & Aleister Black reunited their team for at least one night at NXT’s house show in Daytona Beach, Florida last night. The pair were formerly known as “Heroes Eventually Die” when they were Chris Hero & Tommy End on the indies, and took on Bobby Roode & Andrade “Cien” Almas in last night’s main event.
  • Edge & Christian are debuting a new podcast on March 24th.

Pro Wrestling

  • Reby Hardy continued to go off on Impact Wrestling on Twitter today. She tweeted: “UPDATE: TNA sending ‘spooky’ letters to cable providers threatening to sue if they air Hardys. Trying to screw ROH & ruin wrestling for fans,” and told Dish Network to do better by fans after they didn’t carry last night’s ROH pay-per-view because of legal threats. She also claimed that Matt Hardy’s contract with TNA didn’t have any exclusivity and he could have appeared on any other televised wrestling program while under contract with them, and questioned who would work with Impact now. 
  • Matt Hardy posted a message of support about Reby on Twitter: “I love my wife, Queen Rebecca. If you’re loyal & faithful to her, she’d die for you. If you cross & betray her, she will massacre you.”
  • The Hardys cut a promo on The Young Bucks after last night’s PPV, hyping their next match in Lakeland, Florida over WrestleMania weekend.
  • TK O’Ryan of the new Kingdom suffered a gruesome looking leg injury at last night’s PPV when doing a moonsault to the outside and smashing his leg against the barricade. He tweeted that he’ll probably need surgery.
  • Ratings for the first episode of the new era of Impact Wrestling were virtually stagnant. The show averaged 292k viewers, down slightly from the 293k it did a week prior.
  • EVIL, Bad Luck Fale, Toru Yano, and Yuji Nagata advanced to the second round of the New Japan Cup at this morning’s show. It will be EVIL vs. Nagata and Fale vs. Yano in the next round. Tomorrow morning’s show will have Kenny Omega vs. Tomohiro Ishii, Minoru Suzuki vs. Katsuyori Shibata, YOSHI-HASHI vs. SANADA, and Yujiro Takahashi vs. Juice Robinson in the remaining first round matches.
  • Pete Dunne and Mark Haskins will be wrestling at WWN’s WrestleMania weekend EVOLVE vs. PROGRESS Supershow. PROGRESS announced Haskins, Sami Callihan, Toni Storm, and the South Pacific Power Trip (TK Cooper, Travis Banks & Dahlia Black) for their show in Orlando.

UFC/MMA

  • Floyd Mayweather announced that he’s officially coming out of retirement with the intention of fighting Conor McGregor in a boxing match in June. “I don’t want to hear no more excuses about the money, about the UFC. Sign the paper with the UFC so you can fight me in June,” Mayweather said. “Simple and plain. Let’s fight in June. You’re the B side, I’m the A side. We’re not here to cry about money. I’m tired of all this crying about money and talking about you want to fight. You blowing smoke up everybody’s ass. If you want to fight, sign the paperwork, let’s do it.”
  • Amanda Nunes said that she felt sad and alone about the UFC only promoting Ronda Rousey ahead of their fight at UFC 207.
  • Marlon Vera will now face Brad Pickett in Pickett’s retirement fight after stepping in for an injured Henry Briones on short notice.

F4W / WO EMPIRE WRESTLEMANIA GROUP INFO

BUS INFO:

  • The Empire bus to WrestleMania will cost $50.00 and will be round trip from Rosen Inn at 9000 International Drive 32819 (a few blocks away from Wrestlcon). THERE ARE ONLY 5 SEATS LEFT!
  • The bus will leave at 3:30pm (time subject to change) for WrestleMania and will leave WrestleMania no later then one hour after the show. If you would like a seat email Ed at [email protected] or message him on the BOARD~! for Paypal payment instructions.

DINNER INFO:

  • WHAT: Dinner at Texas de Brazil
  • WHEN: Friday March 31st
  • WHERE: 5259 International Dr Ste F1, Orlando, FL 32819 at 5 p.m. (they may open at 4:30 for us)
  • WHO: All your best empire buddies, including BIG DAVE MELTZER
  • DETAILS: The cost of the dinner will be $68.00 which includes the dinner, salad bar, soft drinks and tea, and dessert, tax and tip. This is a pre pay dinner and you can send payment to paypal at [email protected] (please send as a gift to a friend). Payments must be made by March 24th (if you wait until after that, Ed will charge an extra $5.00 for being a pain).

Pro Wrestling Tees is now carrying our latest line of F4W shirts. Support the Empire~! Grab yours today!

Today in Professional Wrestling History (3/11): Sting wins the WCW World title

CONTACT INFORMATION

​

Daily Update: WWE UK, The Hardys, Reby goes off on Impact

Posted on by Dave Meltzer

THE ROUND-UP

The Latest from the F4W Staff

NEWS

AUDIO

We’re looking for reports on tonight’s WWE show in Buffalo (HHH, Brock Lesnar and Finn Balor are all booked) and tonight’s NXT show in Daytona Beach to [email protected].

We’re also doing a poll on tonight’s ROH show from Las Vegas on PPV, as well as on both tonight and tomorrow night’s or mornings New Japan shows in Nagoya and Amagasaki, so you can leave a thumbs up, thumbs down or thumbs in the middle along with a best and worst match to [email protected].

NEW JAPAN WORLD PRO WRESTLING RETURNS ON AXS TV TWO HOUR SPECIAL STARTING AT 7 P.M.EASTERN TIME

  • Hiroyoshi Tenzan vs. Tomohiro Ishii
  • Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Seiya Sanada
  • Hirooki Goto vs. Bad Luck Fale
  • Kazuchika Okada vs. Naomichi Marufuji

        Tonight is the first of four weeks of two hour specials covering the 2016 G-1 Climax tournament. They will be running 7-9 p.m. Eastern through 3/31 with killer shows every week.

ROH 15TH ANNIVERSARY PPV FROM SAM’S TOWN CASINO IN LAS VEGAS STARTING AT 9 P.M. EASTERN TIME

  • Adam Cole vs. Christopher Daniels for ROH title
  • Matt & Jeff Hardy vs. Young Bucks vs. Rocky Romero & Trent Baretta in a street fight for ROH tag team titles
  • Marty Scurll vs. Lio Rush for TV title
  • Matt Taven & TK O’Ryan & Vinnie Marseglia vs. Dalton Castle & The Boys for six-man titles
  • Jay Lethal vs Bobby Fish
  • Briscoes & Bully Ray vs. Davey Boy Smith Jr. & War Machine

LEGACY FIGHTING ALLIANCE AT 9 P.M. EASTERN ON AXS TV FROM SAN ANTONIO’S COWBOY’S DANCE HALL ON AXS TV

  • Arthur Ashton (2-1, 171) vs. Anthony Ivy (2-1, 170.2)
  • Gleidson Cutis (5-2, 147) vs. Dimitrie Ivy (6-3, 146.8)
  • William Hoffman (8-2, 247) vs. Richard Odoms (11-3, 263.6)
  • Mackenzie Dern (2-0, 120) vs. Katherine Roy (1-0, 119.8)
  • Jon Kirk (19-13, 191) vs. Eryk Anders (6-0, 189.4)
  • Rivaldo Junior (15-6-2, 146.8) vs. Ray Rodriguez (11-4, 144.2)

SHINE ON FLO SLAM AT 9 P.M. FROM YBOR CITY, FL

  • Leva Bates vs. ACR vs. Jayme Jameson vs Dynamite DiDi
  • Aerial Monroe vs. Priscilla Kelly
  • Malia Hosaka vs. Angel Rose
  • Su Yung vs. Candy Cartwright
  • Tessa Blanchard vs. Thea Trinidad
  • Allysin Kay vs. Mercedes Martinez
  • Santana Garrett & Chelsea Green (Laurel Van Ness) vs. Kennadi Brink & Vanessa Kraven
  • LuFisto vs. Ivelisse for the Shine championship

CMLL TONIGHT LIVE FROM ARENA MEXICO AT 9:30 P.M.

  • Fuego & Soberano Jr. vs. Sagrado & Misterioso Jr.
  • Drone & Esfinge & Guerrero Maya Jr. vs. Sanson & Cuatrero & Forastero
  • Stuka Jr. vs. Bobby Villa
  • Atlantis & Volador Jr. & Marco Corleone vs. Sam Adonis & Negro Casas & Felino
  • Mistico & Dragon Lee & Valiente vs. Ultimo Guerrero & Euforia & Niebla Roja
  • Caristico & Maximo Sexy & Diamante Azul vs. Rush & La Mascara & Pierroth

NEW JAPAN CUP FROM NAGOYA AIICHI GYM AT 4 A.M. EASTERN EARLY SATURDAY MORNING / 1 A.M. PACIFIC TONIGHT LIVE ON NEW JAPAN WORLD

  • Ryusuke Taguchi & Hirai Kawato vs. Desperado & Taka Michinoku
  • Hiroyoshi Tenzan & Satoshi Kojima & Jushin Liger vs. Tomoyuki Oka & Tiger Mask & Manabu Nakanishi
  • Tomohiro Ishii & Yoshi-Hashi vs. Kenny Omega & Yujiro Takahashi
  • Katsuyori Shibata & Juice Robinson & Kushida & David Finlay vs. Tetsuya Naito & Seiya Sanada & Hiromu Takahashi & Bushi
  • Kazuchika Okada & Hirooki Goto & Gedo & Jado vs. Minoru Suzuki & Takashi Iizuka & Yoshinobu Kanemaru & Taichi

First round tournament matches

  • Yuji Nagata vs. Tanga Roa
  • Toru Yano vs. Tama Tonga
  • Bad Luck Fale vs. Michael Elgin
  • Hiroshi Tanahashi vs Evil

We’re looking for reports on Saturday’s WWE Raw in Toronto (HHH will be wrestling on the show in a six-man tag), Smackdown in Fairfax, VA (John Cena is not booked on the show), ROH TV tapings in Las Vegas (Hardys vs. Briscoe has been announced) and NXT in Orlando to [email protected].

UFC ON FS 1 FROM FORTALEZA, BRAZIL ON SATURDAY

Fight Pass at 7 p.m. Eastern time

  • Paulo Borrachinha (5-0) vs. Garreth McLellan (13-5)
  • Rony Jason (14-6) vs. Jeremy Kennedy (9-0)

FS 1 at 8 p.m. Eastern

  • Josh Burkman (28-14) vs. Michel Prazeres (21-2)
  • Joe Soto (16-5) vs. Rani Yahya (23-8)
  • Sergio Moraes (11-2-1) vs. Davi Ramos (6-1)
  • Kevin Lee (12-2) vs. Francisco Trinaldo (21-4)
  • Tim Means (26-7-1) vs. Alex Oliveira (15-4-1)
  • Bethe Correia (10-2) vs. Marion Reneau (7-3)
  • Ray Borg (10-2) vs. Jussier Formiga (19-4)
  • Edson Barboza (18-4) vs. Beneil Dariush (14-2)
  • Mauricio Shogun Rua (24-10) vs. Gian Villante (15-7)
  • Vitor Belfort (25-13) vs. Kelvin Gastelum (13-2)

NEW JAPAN CUP FROM AMAGASAKI AT 3 A.M. EASTERN / 11 P.M. PACIFIC LATE SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE ON NEW JAPAN WORLD. Because of daylight savings time at 2 a.m., the show starts one hour later Eastern time)

  • David Finlay vs. Tomoyuki Oka
  • Jushin Liger & Yuji Nagata vs. Manabu Nakanishi & Tiger Mask
  • Satoshi Kojima & Hiroyoshi Tenzan & Hirai Kawato vs. Bad Luck Fale & Tama Tonga & Tanga Roa
  • Hiroshi Tanahashi & Michael Elgin & Kushida & Ryusuke Taguchi vs. Tetsuya Naito & Evil & Hiromu Takahashi & Bushi
  • Kazuchika Okada & Hirooki Goto & Toru Yano & Gedo & Jado vs. Takashi Iizuka & Yoshinobu Kanemaru & Desperado & Taka Michinoku & Taichi

First round tournament matches

  • Yujiro Takahashi vs. Juice Robinson
  • Yoshi-Hashi vs. Seiya Sanada
  • Minoru Suzuki vs. Katsuyori Shibata
  • Kenny Omega vs. Tomohiro Ishii

Sunday we’re looking for reports from WWE Smackdown in Madison Square Garden and Raw in London, ONT (no Kevin Owens since he’s on the Smackdown show).

WWE IN MADISON SQUARE GARDEN AT 3 P.M.

  • Bray Wyatt vs. John Cena for WWE title
  • Brock Lesnar vs. Kevin Owens
  • Dean Ambrose vs. Luke Harper vs. Baron Corbin vs. The Miz for IC title
  • Jason Jordan & Chad Gable vs. Usos for tag titles
  • Apollo Crews vs Dolph Ziggler
  • Nikki Bella & Becky Lynch & Tamina & Asuka vs. Alexa Bliss & Mickie James & Natalya & Carmella
  • Rhyno & Heath Slater & Kalisto vs. Tyler Breeze & Fandango & Curt Hawkins

        Also appearing are A.J. Styles, Randy Orton and Shane McMahon

Raw is Monday in Detroit for the final WWE event ever at the Joe Louis Arena. Brock Lesnar will be on the show in some form. Cesaro & Sheamus vs. Enzo & Cass with the winner getting a shot at the tag titles at WrestleMania will be on the card. Bill Goldberg is not scheduled this week. Smackdown has a house show on Monday night in Charleston, WV with John Cena as the headliner.

Also on Monday will be second round action in the New Japan Cup from Fukui. This won’t be on New Japan World.

Smackdown and 205 Live take place on Tuesday in Pittsburgh. The New Japan Cup continues on Tuesday with second round action in Shiga.

The New Japan Cup also has second round action on Wednesday in Nagano.

FIGURE FOUR WEEKLY: 3/6/2017: Bad booking disappoints at WWE Fastlane

Goldberg is one of WWE’s top champions in 2017. That it was a formality doesn’t make the reality of that sentence any less startling. Nearly 20 years after his peak in WCW, and over a decade after his first stint with WWE came to an end, Goldberg is going to main event WrestleMania. All of that was locked in when Goldberg defeated Kevin Owens to win the WWE Universal Championship at Fastlane. Predictably, the main event was a wrestling match in name only. Goldberg won with a spear and a jackhammer in just over 20 seconds…

Subscribers click here to continue.

WRESTLING OBSERVER NEWSLETTER: March 13, 2017 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: WWE Fastlane review, Tomoaki Honma injury, plus tons of news

Updated the plans for WrestleMania, detail what happened with Tomoaki Honma and a progress update, features on Ron Bass, Rick Rude and Tom Jones, a major new WWE signing and future company plans all in the new double issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.

Our lead story runs down WrestleMania, what is on, what is in limbo and where everyone fits in, plus a breakdown of the Fast Lane PPV with business notes, stories behind the matches, match-by-match coverage with star ratings and poll results.

Have a look back at the career of Ron Bass, his multitude of championships around the country, and why his career ended and post-wrestling.

There is a major feature on the 2016 Wrestling Observer awards, with a breakdown of winners, and notes about the different people in the major categories and compare and contrast them. Plus, discussion about the landslides and the close races and what made the difference.

This issue has a feature on the Hardys and Bully Ray in ROH, back-story of Hardys value on the independent market and where the different companies stand in the U.S. marketplace.

Take a look at the business of UFC 209, including Tony Ferguson’s pay when his fight was canceled, what was supposed to be a benefit to everyone that has backfired but nobody will say it, the judging of Wonderboy vs. Woodley, weight cutting, the welterweight position, as well as business notes on the show, match-by-match coverage and how much everyone was paid.

Examine Daniel Bryan possibly wrestling again, The Miz on promos, the Shane McMahon vs. A.J. Styles angle, notes on WWE talks with two of the best women wrestlers in the world, an update on the Jack Swagger situation, Dana Brooke competes in another sport, WWE Hall of Fame news, Jerry Lawler update, backstage when Dwayne Johnson was talking about C.M. Punk, this week’s Madison Square Garden show, Raw plans post-Mania, the most watched shows on the WWE Network, plus a look at all the arena matches over the past week with highlights and business notes. 

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 Dave Meltzer, or by using PayPal directing funds to [email protected]. 

Rates in 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: February 14, 2000, Vince McMahon announces the XFL, 1999 awards, more

Vince McMahon made sports and business headlines on 2/3 with the announcement of him starting his own professional football league called the XFL. McMahon, who failed in negotiations last year to buy the Canadian Football League, looks to be that league’s No. 1 rival for players not quite good enough for the NFL in his eight-team league scheduled to start in February 2001 with each team playing ten games and ending with championship playoffs in April… Subscribers click here to continue.

FRIDAY NEWS UPDATE

Bryan and I will be back tonight and tomorrow night with shows. Tonight’s show will cover Impact and the ROH PPV as well as other news and tomorrow’s show will cover UFC and the first night of the New Japan Cup. You can send questions for both shows to [email protected]

Some more on the WWE taping television on 5/6 and 5/7 in Norwich, England at Epic Studios. This will be a taping for the WWE’s new U.K. television show. It’s not clear if this will air on the network or on Sky, or somewhere else, but the idea was not for it to be a network show originally as it’s meant to get the jump on ITV running its weekly show, which is not official, but probable. It is the same studio that the WAW promotion in the U.K. tapes out of, which is Paige’s family. However, they are furious for WWE going there feeling it’s their taping studio. It will be set up for 900 seats both days. This is obviously a late thing because the U.K. talent had been booked on WWE house shows those days and now they’ve been pulled. This will be a combination of the wrestlers under contract in the U.K. and several of the WWE cruiserweights who would be booked on 5/8 and 5/9 for Raw and Smackdown but weren’t booked on the house shows in the U.K., so they were already coming, but headed in two days earlier. Taping that week makes sense, the production crew comes in without a separate trip, announcers already in, and non U.K. based talent was already coming in.

WWE is clearly working with Progress because fans of Progress Wrestling and on their mailing list were told they had a four-hour window to buy tickets today before they went on sale to the public.

Ricky Knight, Paige’s father, claimed it was a conspiracy that WWE announced the UK tapings Friday as it was the day before the biggest weekend in WAW history and thought it would hurt their ticket sales in the local market. He also noted that 5/6 and 5/7 were a week before they had booked the same building. He said they had an idea why WWE was doing this, but didn’t want to say it publicly.

The show does go head-up with a Revolution Pro show on 5/7 in London, so any guys under WWE contract booked for that show are going to be pulled.

WWE has been contacting women talent for dates in mid-May for a taping for the beginning of a women’s tournament on the WWE Network similar to the cruiserweight tournament.

Reby Hardy is going nuts on Twitter today on Impact. So the back story to all this is Impact is claiming the entire Broken Hardys angle as its intellectual property and have threatened to sue Matt Hardy if they continue to use it outside of the company. Of course that’s before tonight’s ROH PPV. At the same time, since ROH & Impact are both on Fight Network, and Anthem owns Fight Network and Impact, they want to work cohesively with ROH, although there are other things going on there which may change that game as well.

If they haven’t already, Impact and Anthem are attempting to get an injunction against further use of the character and in particular the use of Senor Benjamin, claiming that name and character was Impact IP. She also claims that Matt had his contract breached due to numerous issues on the TNA side. She also noted that Ed Nordholm sent them a wishing you well tweet hours before then threatening to sue them. She also accused Jeff Jarrett of “nonsensical drunk texts.” “Everything these boys have done for the company and you want to try and f*** us for the sake of it. Literally no other reason except you mad.” She also noted Matt left to do television for TNA one day after his son was born and that the highest rated episodes of the show were financed by Matt & Jeff. She also noted Impact waited until the last minute to even offer the Hardys their new deals. You can go to Reby Hardy’s Twitter to get the latest. 

WWE

  • The annual WWE stockholders meeting will be on 4/20 at the Hilton Stamford Hotel at 10 a.m. Eastern time. All stockholders are invited, but this is not a place to get autographs or anything like that.
  • WWE released how much the top executives earned last year:
    Vince McMahon $5,348,624
    Michelle Wilson $4,730,377
    George Barrios $4,728,291
    Paul Levesque $948,113 — Levesque’s total salary for the year was $3,993,417 which includes his income from wrestling.
    Kevin Dunn $5,050,727
  • Shane McMahon’s salary as a performer in 2016 was $2,150,000. He was an independent contractor and not an employee.
  • Stephanie McMahon’s total salary as a performer and an executive was about $2,000,000. She earned less than Shane because Shane got paid as a main eventer on a couple of major PPVs.
  • Joseph Perkins is retiring from the WWE Board of Directors. Perkins has been with the company since the 70s and on the board since 1999.
  • Just one day after all the surprise cuts at The Fight Network, WWE cut people from its social media department yesterday. They are merging social media with digital into one department.
  • The NHL Tampa Bay Lightning honored Titus O’Neil yesterday as a community hero and they sent a check of $50,000 to a charity in his name.
  • So the reason for the Billie Kay worked injury on NXT from Wednesday night is a storyline where Billie Kay & Peyton Royce are demanding that the Eclipse be banned. 
  • Paul Heyman talks Shinsuke Nakamura on the main roster.

MISCELLANEOUS

  • The Hardys match from CWF Mid Atlantic that was originally supposed to air on Impact last night was aired by Matt Hardy on his Facebook page. 
  • ROH COO Joe Koff in an interview basically said the Hardys are only in for a short period of time (“they are with us for the immediate future”) in an interview on local CBS radio. He noted Bully Ray is in longer.
  • On tonight’s New Japan show, the Kazuchika Okada vs. Naomichi Marufuji match in the second hour was the 2016 Tokyo Sports match of the year. Some of that was political. It didn’t win fan voting or Observer voting, although it was a great match. The match that made Honorable Mention in the Observer awards wasn’t tonight’s match, but was the rematch that took place in October. Both the Okada and Tanahashi matches tonight were great, particularly when it comes to starting out the tournament strong.
  • Tonight is also the go-home show at Arena Mexico for next Friday’s El Homenaje a Dos Leyendas show which features the Diamante Azul vs. Pierroth mask vs. mask match.
  • Some notes on tonight’s AXS TV Legacy Fights. Mackenzie Dern is the big star of the show, considered the best female grappler in the world. The fight was scheduled at 115 pounds, but she missed weight badly and it was remade as a 120 pound catch weight fight. Eryk Anders, who is in the semifinals, is a former University of Alabama football star.
  • There is a major breakthrough tomorrow night as Claressa Shields, who won an Olympic gold medal in boxing in 2012, becomes the first woman to headline a major boxing show on premium cable. Mauro Ranallo will call Shields Showtime main event tomorrow night against Szilvia Szabados, in a card from Flint, MI.
  • USA Today on tonight’s ROH PPV is here.
  • New Japan Pro Wrestling has opened up a new web site for its two shows in Long Beach. Tickets are not yet on sale for the 7/1 and 7/2 shows, but when tickets go on sale soon, you would be able to order tickets through the site.
  • Dave Bautista and Sylvester Stallone will co-star in a movie “Escape Plan 2,” directed by Steven C. Miller. They will start filming in Atlanta in the spring. It’s interesting as Bautista is being billed as a former MMA champion (he did one MMA fight) with no mention of WWE.
  • A play called “Sam and Dede” premiered Off Broadway in New York at the 59E59 Theater last night. It’s based on the friendship that Samuel Beckett, the famous writer, had with a teenage Andre Roussimoff, who grew up to be Andre the Giant. (thanks to Brian Henke)
  • In yesterday’s note when talking about the Lindell AC documentary, when mentioning the famous match with Dick the Bruiser vs. Alex Karras that got national publicity, the match was at the Olympia Stadium in Detroit, not Joe Louis Arena. 
  • CZW Dojo Wars from Wednesday night at their gym in New Jay: Jimmy Lloyd b Mike Del, Tee An Ri b John Rockhold, Laszlo Aprad b Kit Osbourne-DQ, Frankie Pickard b Dan O’Hare, Billy Danvers b Billy Avery, George Gatton b Billy Avery, Tylpa & Rencho b Clutch Adams & Anthony Bennett, Tahir James b DJ Hyde, Blackwater b Geoff Bravo, Geoff Bravo b Blackwater, Blackwater b Bravo-COR, Blackwater b Bravo. Next show is tomorrow night at Flyer’s Skate Zone with Joey Gacy vs. Chris Dickinson for CZW title plus Private Party vs. Impact tag champs EYFBO vs. Dub Boys. They also have another Dojo Wars show on Wednesday night with Blackwater vs. Danvers for the Dojo Wars Medal of Valor. (thanks to Michael Langan)
  • National Wrestling League from last night in St. Louis: Todd Letterman b Marcellus Gaines, Blaine Meeks b Niles Plonk, Christian Adonis b Ca Stark, Davey Gibson b Arik Cannon, Matthew Grundy b Emmett DuBois, Buddy Shepherd & Skyler Beckett b Tommy Flagg & August Marshall, Cornell Douglass b Jay Lutz, Maverick b Dez Wellston. (thanks to Patrick Brandmeyer and Brian Hoops)
  • For those wondering about Kyle O’Reilly, he was at the St. Louis show last night and said he is now a regular with the promotion and will start on 3/26. The last two matches of the show were part of the St. Louis title tournament.
  • Stardom’s Io Shirai 10th anniversary show from yesterday at Korakuen Hall before 975 fans: AZM b Natsuko Tora, Kris Wolf won a three-way over HZK and Kagetsu, Minoru Suzuki & Midnight Angel (Io Shirai under a mask) b Kai & Black Midnight Devil (Kaori Yoneyama under a mask), Toni Storm d Hiroyo Matsumoto 15:00 draw, Kairi Hojo & Yoko Bito & Konami b Jungle Kyona & Hiromi Mimura & Aoi Kazuki, Io Shirai & Meiko Satomura b Mayu Iwatani & Chihiro Hashimoto when Shirai pinned Iwatani after a moonsault.
  • Chaotic Wrestling on 3/17 in Haverhill, MA at the Northern Essex Community College Gym featuring Chase Del Monte vs. Elia Markopoulos for the Chaotic title, Cody Rhodes vs. Brick Mastone and Warbeard Hanson vs. JT Dunn, as well as Impact tag champs EYFBO and Donovan Dijak..
  • ECCW on 4/8 in New Westminster, BC at the Sapperton Pensioners Hall.
  • On 3/17 in Tijuana at the Auditorio has Tinieblas Jr. & Blue Demon Jr. & Rayo de Jalisco Jr. vs. Zorro & Cibernetico & Silver King, plus Garza Jr. & Daga vs. Nicho & Damian 666, and Angelo Blanco Jr. vs. Solar.
  • Combate Americas announced a 3/30 show in Tijuana which will air live on Azteca America and UFC fight Pass with Marcelo Rojo vs. Ivan Flores as the main event. The show airs at 10 p.m. Eastern time.
  • CWA Wrestling on 4/8 in North Little Rock, AR with Jim Duggan & Americos vs. Genetic Perfection and Tim Storm defends the NWA title against Matt Riviera.

Today in Professional Wrestling History (3/10):Bully Ray wins the TNA title

F4W / WO EMPIRE WRESTLEMANIA GROUP INFO

BUS INFO:

  • The Empire bus to WrestleMania will cost $50.00 and will be round trip from Rosen Inn at 9000 International Drive 32819 (a few blocks away from Wrestlcon). THERE ARE ONLY 5 SEATS LEFT!
  • The bus will leave at 3:30pm (time subject to change) for WrestleMania and will leave WrestleMania no later then one hour after the show. If you would like a seat email Ed at [email protected] or message him on the BOARD~! for Paypal payment instructions.

DINNER INFO:

  • WHAT: Dinner at Texas de Brazil
  • WHEN: Friday March 31st
  • WHERE: 5259 International Dr Ste F1, Orlando, FL 32819 at 5 p.m. (they may open at 4:30 for us)
  • WHO: All your best empire buddies, including BIG DAVE MELTZER
  • DETAILS: The cost of the dinner will be $68.00 which includes the dinner, salad bar, soft drinks and tea, and dessert, tax and tip. This is a pre pay dinner and you can send payment to paypal at [email protected] (please send as a gift to a friend). Payments must be made by March 24th (if you wait until after that, Ed will charge an extra $5.00 for being a pain).

Pro Wrestling Tees is now carrying our latest line of F4W shirts. Support the Empire~! Grab yours today!

CONTACT INFORMATION

​

Daily Update: Anthem & ITV, Bully Ray’s ROH contract, Impact

Posted on by Dave Meltzer

THE ROUND-UP

The Latest from the F4W Staff

NEWS

AUDIO

NXT has a show tonight in Largo, FL. 

IMPACT WRESTLING ON POP TV

  • Adam Thornstowe & Luster the Legend vs. Bram & Eddie Kingston
  • Braxton Sutter vs. Marshe Rockett vs. DJZ vs. Caleb Konley
  • Garza Jr. & Laredo Kid vs. Eli Drake & Tyrus
  • Bobby Lashley vs. Alberto El Patron for Impact title

FIGURE FOUR WEEKLY: 3/6/2017: Bad booking disappoints at WWE Fastlane

Goldberg is one of WWE’s top champions in 2017. That it was a formality doesn’t make the reality of that sentence any less startling. Nearly 20 years after his peak in WCW, and over a decade after his first stint with WWE came to an end, Goldberg is going to main event WrestleMania. All of that was locked in when Goldberg defeated Kevin Owens to win the WWE Universal Championship at Fastlane. Predictably, the main event was a wrestling match in name only. Goldberg won with a spear and a jackhammer in just over 20 seconds…

Subscribers click here to continue.

WRESTLING OBSERVER NEWSLETTER: March 13, 2017 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: WWE Fastlane review, Tomoaki Honma injury, plus tons of news

Updated the plans for WrestleMania, detail what happened with Tomoaki Honma and a progress update, features on Ron Bass, Rick Rude and Tom Jones, a major new WWE signing and future company plans all in the new double issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.

Our lead story runs down WrestleMania, what is on, what is in limbo and where everyone fits in, plus a breakdown of the Fast Lane PPV with business notes, stories behind the matches, match-by-match coverage with star ratings and poll results.

Have a look back at the career of Ron Bass, his multitude of championships around the country, and why his career ended and post-wrestling.

There is a major feature on the 2016 Wrestling Observer awards, with a breakdown of winners, and notes about the different people in the major categories and compare and contrast them. Plus, discussion about the landslides and the close races and what made the difference.

This issue has a feature on the Hardys and Bully Ray in ROH, back-story of Hardys value on the independent market and where the different companies stand in the U.S. marketplace.

Take a look at the business of UFC 209, including Tony Ferguson’s pay when his fight was canceled, what was supposed to be a benefit to everyone that has backfired but nobody will say it, the judging of Wonderboy vs. Woodley, weight cutting, the welterweight position, as well as business notes on the show, match-by-match coverage and how much everyone was paid.

Examine Daniel Bryan possibly wrestling again, The Miz on promos, the Shane McMahon vs. A.J. Styles angle, notes on WWE talks with two of the best women wrestlers in the world, an update on the Jack Swagger situation, Dana Brooke competes in another sport, WWE Hall of Fame news, Jerry Lawler update, backstage when Dwayne Johnson was talking about C.M. Punk, this week’s Madison Square Garden show, Raw plans post-Mania, the most watched shows on the WWE Network, plus a look at all the arena matches over the past week with highlights and business notes. 

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 Dave Meltzer, or by using PayPal directing funds to [email protected]. 

Rates in 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: February 14, 2000, Vince McMahon announces the XFL, 1999 awards, more

Vince McMahon made sports and business headlines on 2/3 with the announcement of him starting his own professional football league called the XFL. McMahon, who failed in negotiations last year to buy the Canadian Football League, looks to be that league’s No. 1 rival for players not quite good enough for the NFL in his eight-team league scheduled to start in February 2001 with each team playing ten games and ending with championship playoffs in April… Subscribers click here to continue.

THURSDAY NEWS UPDATE

It will likely be announced shortly that Anthem Entertainment and ITV have reached a deal. This was the deal Jeff Jarrett was working on as ITV wants a wrestling show for the U.K. but doesn’t want to run a wrestling promotion. So the two companies will be partnering in some form on a promotion.

Anthem Entertainment laid off several full-time staff members on The Fight Network yesterday. The most notable name was Robin Black, an excellent fight analyst.

ROH’s 5/12 show at the Hammerstein Ballroom in New York will be a PPV featuring a lot of New Japan talent.

Bully Ray said that his ROH contract was for one year or longer.

There is a lot going on this weekend with the ROH PPV tomorrow night from Las Vegas as well as last year’s G-1 Climax debuting tomorrow night on AXS, the New Japan Cup starts this weekend with live shows on late Friday/Saturday and late Saturday/Sunday, UFC has an FS1 show from Fortaleza, Brazil on Saturday night. WWE also has a major Toronto house show with HHH wrestling and Finn Balor is scheduled to return tomorrow night in Buffalo.

WWE

  • There will be a closed-circuit airing of the NXT TakeOver show from Orlando on 4/1 in Melbourne, Australia at the Village Cinemas.
  • Dolph Ziggler has a comedy show called “BioDome” in Los Angeles tomorrow night at The Pack Theater.
  • An article on Shinsuke Nakamura is here.
  • Luke Harper talks his frustrations and trying to get a higher spot
  • An interview with Vickie Guerrero is here.

UFC/MMA

  • Frankie Edgar vs. Yair Rodriguez has been added to the 5/13 UFC 211 PPV from Dallas, TX, which is the show headlined by Stipe Miocic vs. Junior dos Santos.
  • Mackenzie Dern, the incredible submission specialist who has been fighting on AXS of late, has another fight tomorrow night and once again missed weight. She was scheduled for 115 pounds for a fight with Katherine Roy, this morning got it changed to 120, and didn’t make 120 until her second try.
  • Tickets go on sale to the public tomorrow for the UFC show on 4/15 in Kansas City at the Sprint Center which is a FOX show with TV fights of Demetrious Johnson vs. Wilson Reis for the flyweight title, Rose Namajunas vs. Michelle Waterson, Ronaldo Jacare Souza vs. Robert Whittaker, and Tim Elliott vs. Louis Smolka. All eight fighters on the main card are top 15 in their weight class. Tickets run from $200 down to $40.
  • Stevie Ray vs. Joe Lauzon was announced today for UFC’s 4/15 show in Nashville.
  • Jon Jones is no longer the richest member of his family. Defensive end Chandler Jones, his younger brother, agreed to terms for a five-year contract with the Arizona Cardinals for $83 million. Of that, $53 million is guaranteed money.

MISCELLANEOUS

  • Tonight is the Impact reboot on Pop TV at 8 p.m., including burying former management and Alberto El Patron vs. Bobby Lashley. 
  • A correction from the new Observer. The Evolve show on 3/30 at 8 p.m. on FloSlam isn’t going head-to-head with the WWE Hall of Fame. The show is on Thursday night and going head-to-head with WaleMania.
  • Missy Hyatt is selling autographed photos and WCW trading cards for $13 to raise money for needed surgery for one of her dogs who was diagnosed with a stage 2 histamine in his leg. For more info you can contact her at [email protected].
  • A promo piece on tomorrow night’s ROH PPV show is here.
  • AAW from Saturday night in LaSalle, IL before 385 fans: Dezmond Xavier & Zachary Wentz b Mat Fitchett & Davey Vega, Jessicka Havok b Samantha Hughes, Ethan Page b Krugar (Adam Rose), CJ Esparza & Brett Gakiya won three-way over Ace Perry & Paco Gonzalez and Louis Lyndon & Stephen Wolf, AR Fox b JT Dunn, Brubaker b Arik Cannon, Kody Rice & Bucky Collins b Mike Hartenbower & Space Monkey, ACH b Dezmond Xavier to keep the AAW Heritage title, Sami Callihan b Rey Fenix to retain the AAW title. Next show is 3/17 in Berwyn, IL at the Eagles Club with Callihan defending against Low Ki, Trent ? & Chuck Taylor vs. Trevor Lee & Andrew Everett, Abyss vs. Homicide plus Zack Sabre Jr. and Drew Galloway.
  • A trailer for the new documentary “Meet me at the Lindell: The Story of America’s First Sports Bar” which debuts on 3/31 at Cinema Detroit. There are a few wrestling references in the trailer. The famed Lindell AC, at one point owned by Alex Karras, was the site of the famous 1962 brawl between Karras and Dick the Bruiser which was national news at the time and led to a match between the two of them at the Joe Louis Arena (which drew 8,000 fans, a disappointment). (thanks to Jake Koch)
  • Jim Ross will be doing a live chat on Friday night on Fite TV during the ROH PPV.
  • MCW Winter Blast on Saturday in Hollywood, MD at the Volunteer Fire Department featuring Ryback & The Bruiser & Jimmy Starz & Sexy Steve vs. Sean Studd & Jeremiah & Ray & Andy Vineberg.
  • GWNM on 4/30 in Hamilton, ONT at 241 Kenilworth, Avenue.
  • Great North Wrestling has Cage Wars on 5/13 in Smiths Falls, ONT at the Memorial Community Center with all cage matches headlined by Hannibal vs. Wes Brisco and Davey Boy Smith Jr vs. Jeremy Prophet.
  • Superkick’d on 3/17 in Toronto at the Great Hall’s Longboat Hall.
  • Acclaim Pro Wrestling on 4/15 in Ottawa at the SPK Dom Polski Polish Combatants Centre.
  • ECWA on Sunday in Woodbury Heights, NJ at the Community Center. Show time is 2 p.m.
  • UPW on Saturday in Rochester, NY at the Eagles Club at 6 p.m.
  • CHIKARA from Sunday in Enfield, CT before 150 fans: Hemit Crab b Dasher Hatfield, Merlock b Fire Ant, Mr Azerbaijan & Jeremy Leary & Wani b Mark Angelosetti & Officer Warren Barksdale & Officer Bruno Meloni, Juan Francisco de Coronado b Lucas Calhoun, Cajun Crawdad & Cornelius Crummels & Sonny DeFrage & Rock Lobster b Travis Huckabee & El Hijo del Ice Cream & Ice Cream Jr. & Solo Darling, Ultramantis Black b Max Smashmaster, Donald Kluger & Jasper Tippins b Razerhawk & Sylverhawk. Next show is 3/31 in Orlando with Ultramantis Black vs. Grado
  • Blitzkrieg Pro Wrestling on Sunday in Enfield, CT before 80 fans: CPA & Francis Kip Stevens b J George & Ryan Malice, Johnny Idol & Marshall McNeil & Troy Nelson & Mark Sterling b Zachary Pierre Beaulieu & Johnny Miyagi & Jason Sinclair & Isiah Wolf, Scotty Wilde b Anthony Greene, Sasha Jenkins won six-way over Ken Broadway, Josh Briggs, Foxx Vinyer, Biggs, Marc Hauss, Robbie E and Maxwell Jacob Feinstein, Isaiah Rex b Narciso Rex, Jeremy Leary & Logan Black & Rude Boy Riley b Orange Cassidy & Swamp Monster & Chuck Taylor, Donovan Dijak b Chuck O’Neil, Skylar b Veda Scott, Flex Rumblecrunch b Hammer Tunis. Next show is 3/25 in Enfield, CT with Cody Rhodes vs Dijak, Joey Janela vs Chuck O’Neil plus Shannon Moore.
  • Absolute Intense Wrestling Saturday at 7:30 p.m. at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel in Cleveland with Shayna Baszler vs. Allysin Kay for the AIW title, Britt Baker vs. Rebel, Sonya Strong vs. Lufisto, Angeldust vs. Shotzi Blackheart, Veda Scott vs. Penelope Ford, Ray Lyn vs. Faye Jackson and a few other matches. Rebel will replace Gail Kim, who hasn’t been wrestling due to a back injury. Kim will be appearing at the show. Kim is expected to be able to wrestle in a few weeks.
  • Smash Wrestling on 3/26 in London, ONT at the London Music Hall with Tyler Tirva vs Tyson Dux vs. Cody Deaner, Braxton Sutter vs. Davey Richards, Colt Cabana vs. Scotty O’Shea, Rosemary vs. KC Spinelli and more. Angelina Love will be doing a meet and greet.
  • Bellator has named Ryan Grab, who formerly worked for UFC from 2010 to 2015, as its Senior Director of Communications and Athlete Strategy. He went from UFC to the Phoenix International Raceway to Bellator. 
  • Independence Pro on 3/17 in Moosic, PA at the Youth Center with Matt Cross vs. Lio Rush an Matt Tremont vs. Rickey Shane Page.
  • Deathproof on Saturday in Hamilton, ONT at the Christopher Banquet Hall.
  • A promotion called Welterweight Wrestling is doing an under 185 pound tournament on iPPV on 5/7 from Turner Hall in Cleveland. Among the names announced are Sammy Guevara, Kevin Bennett, Ace Perry, Gory and Sonny Vice.
  • Angela Lee vs. Jenny Huang headline for One on Saturday in Bangkok, Thailand. for the One Atomweight title.
  • Moose defends the Impact Grand Championship on 3/26 in Mississauga, ONT in a cage match against Josh Alexander.
  • War Machine was sent a gift by a woman while on trial for beating his ex-girlfriend.
  • An article on the Mount Rushmore of pro wrestling is here. (thanks to Chris Cruise)

F4W / WO EMPIRE WRESTLEMANIA GROUP INFO

BUS INFO:

  • The Empire bus to WrestleMania will cost $50.00 and will be round trip from Rosen Inn at 9000 International Drive 32819 (a few blocks away from Wrestlcon). THERE ARE ONLY 5 SEATS LEFT!
  • The bus will leave at 3:30pm (time subject to change) for WrestleMania and will leave WrestleMania no later then one hour after the show. If you would like a seat email Ed at [email protected] or message him on the BOARD~! for Paypal payment instructions.

DINNER INFO:

  • WHAT: Dinner at Texas de Brazil
  • WHEN: Friday March 31st
  • WHERE: 5259 International Dr Ste F1, Orlando, FL 32819 at 5 p.m. (they may open at 4:30 for us)
  • WHO: All your best empire buddies, including BIG DAVE MELTZER
  • DETAILS: The cost of the dinner will be $68.00 which includes the dinner, salad bar, soft drinks and tea, and dessert, tax and tip. This is a pre pay dinner and you can send payment to paypal at [email protected] (please send as a gift to a friend). Payments must be made by March 24th (if you wait until after that, Ed will charge an extra $5.00 for being a pain).

Pro Wrestling Tees is now carrying our latest line of F4W shirts. Support the Empire~! Grab yours today!

CONTACT INFORMATION

​

Daily Update: WrestleMania, Bryan & Miz, SmackDown ratings

Posted on by Joseph Currier

THE ROUND-UP

The Latest from the F4W Staff

NEWS

AUDIO

FIGURE FOUR WEEKLY: 3/6/2017: Bad booking disappoints at WWE Fastlane

Goldberg is one of WWE’s top champions in 2017. That it was a formality doesn’t make the reality of that sentence any less startling. Nearly 20 years after his peak in WCW, and over a decade after his first stint with WWE came to an end, Goldberg is going to main event WrestleMania. All of that was locked in when Goldberg defeated Kevin Owens to win the WWE Universal Championship at Fastlane. Predictably, the main event was a wrestling match in name only. Goldberg won with a spear and a jackhammer in just over 20 seconds…

Subscribers click here to continue.

WRESTLING OBSERVER NEWSLETTER: February 27, 2017, Massive Ivan Koloff bio, death of George “The Animal” Steele, tons more

The 2016 awards issue of the Observer is out with not only the winners, but the top place winners in every category as well as every winner of the awards which date back to 1980. Plus, have a look at the pros and cons of the Georges St-Pierre vs. Michael Bisping fight that looks to be the biggest PPV event at least until the fall, plus a detailed look at all the changes going on in TNA including people leaving, why they are leaving, where they are headed, who is coming in, and office changes.  We also look at the New Japan Cup, the career of Beth Phoenix, and Honor Rising tour.

The new issue has awards in these categories:

  • Ric Flair/Lou Thesz Award for Wrestler of the Year
  • MMA MVP
  • Most Outstanding Wrestler
  • Most Outstanding MMA Fighter
  • Best Box Office Draw
  • Feud of the Year
  • Tag Team of the Year
  • Most Improved
  • Best on Interviews
  • Most Charismatic
  • Bryan Danielson Award for Best Technical Wrestler
  • Bruiser Brody Award for Best Brawler
  • Best Flying Wrestler
  • Most Overrated
  • Most Underrated
  • Promotion of the Year
  • Best Weekly TV show
  • Pro Wrestling Match of the Year
  • MMA Match of the Year
  • Rookie of the Year
  • Best Non-Wrestler
  • Best TV announcer
  • Worst TV announcer
  • Best major show
  • Worst major show
  • Best maneuver
  • Most disgusting promotional tactic
  • Worst TV show
  • Worst match of the year
  • Worst feud of the year
  • Worst promotion of the year
  • Best Booker
  • Promoter of the Year
  • Best gimmick
  • Worst gimmick
  • Best Book
  • Best DVD/documentary

In this issue, there are notes on the business climate headed into WrestleMania week in Orlando as compared to last year, notes on Fast Lane, more on the WWE concussion lawsuit, departure of Jack Swagger from WWE, lots more on WrestleMania week, WWE Hall of Fame, HHH wrestling dates in March, a new WWE signee, John Cena outside activities and talks about Dwayne Johnson, Kurt Angle update and notes no next week’s TV. Plus, look at the most-watched shows on the WWE Network, business notes from all the WWE and NXT weekend shows and highlights.

There is also the results of the major league arena events held all over the world this past week, as well as notes on the various TV shows.

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 Dave Meltzer, or by using PayPal directing funds to [email protected]. 

Rates in 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: February 14, 2000, Vince McMahon announces the XFL, 1999 awards, more

Vince McMahon made sports and business headlines on 2/3 with the announcement of him starting his own professional football league called the XFL. McMahon, who failed in negotiations last year to buy the Canadian Football League, looks to be that league’s No. 1 rival for players not quite good enough for the NFL in his eight-team league scheduled to start in February 2001 with each team playing ten games and ending with championship playoffs in April… Subscribers click here to continue.

WEDNESDAY NEWS UPDATE

WWE

  • SmackDown averaged 2.738 million viewers on Tuesday night. That number is up from the 2.566 million the show did last week, which was against President Donald Trump’s address to Congress, and closer to the strong number that SmackDown did two weeks ago when it averaged 2.792 million viewers.
  • Daniel Bryan and The Miz continued to blur the line between storyline and reality on Talking Smack last night. After Bryan said that he didn’t want to be an actor like Miz claimed to be, Miz replied that Bryan wants to wrestle but can’t because of his history of head injuries. Bryan then asked if it was because he couldn’t wrestle or if WWE wouldn’t let him, and said that we’ll see in a year and a half.
  • There was also a continuation of the storyline between AJ Styles and Shane McMahon, with Styles confronting Shane after SmackDown went off the air.
  • Austin Aries returned to the ring against Tony Nese on 205 Live last night.
  • A 12-foot-tall version of the WWE Championship was unveiled on the shore of Lake Eola in Orlando today in advance of WrestleMania 33 taking place in the city next month.
  • Edge celebrated International Women’s Day with a post on his Facebook account about his wife Beth Phoenix and her induction into the WWE Hall of Fame.
  • WWE released the first new Kurt Angle t-shirt since he returned to the company’s good graces.
  • Shinsuke Nakamura vs. TJ Perkins will air on tonight’s episode of NXT TV. The match will be Nakamura’s return from the storyline knee injury he suffered against Bobby Roode at NXT TakeOver: San Antonio.
  • Big Show posted a video reflecting on Detroit’s Joe Louis Arena, which was where he debuted for WCW. Next Monday’s Raw will be the last episode to take place at the arena before it closes down.

Pro Wrestling

  • The Hardys will face The Briscoes at ROH’s TV tapings in Las Vegas on Saturday after the promotion’s 15th Anniversary pay-per-view the night before.
  • Christopher Daniels appeared on Wrestling Observer Live today to promote the Anniversary show.
  • The next set of Impact tapings will take place over four days on April 20-23.

UFC/MMA

  • Henry Cejudo vs. Sergio Pettis has been announced for UFC 211 in Dallas on May 13th. Eddie Alvarez will also face Dustin Poirier on that show, which was previously verbally agreed to.
  • Tony Ferguson said that he received “less than half” of the $250k that he was supposed to get for fighting Khabib Nurmagomedov after the fight was canceled due to issues with Nurmagomedov’s weight cut.
  • Rashad Evans is going to keep fighting despite his loss at UFC 209.

F4W / WO EMPIRE WRESTLEMANIA GROUP INFO

BUS INFO:

  • The Empire bus to WrestleMania will cost $50.00 and will be round trip from Rosen Inn at 9000 International Drive 32819 (a few blocks away from Wrestlcon). THERE ARE ONLY 5 SEATS LEFT!
  • The bus will leave at 3:30pm (time subject to change) for WrestleMania and will leave WrestleMania no later then one hour after the show. If you would like a seat email Ed at [email protected] or message him on the BOARD~! for Paypal payment instructions.

DINNER INFO:

  • WHAT: Dinner at Texas de Brazil
  • WHEN: Friday March 31st
  • WHERE: 5259 International Dr Ste F1, Orlando, FL 32819 at 5 p.m. (they may open at 4:30 for us)
  • WHO: All your best empire buddies, including BIG DAVE MELTZER
  • DETAILS: The cost of the dinner will be $68.00 which includes the dinner, salad bar, soft drinks and tea, and dessert, tax and tip. This is a pre pay dinner and you can send payment to paypal at [email protected] (please send as a gift to a friend). Payments must be made by March 24th (if you wait until after that, Ed will charge an extra $5.00 for being a pain).

Pro Wrestling Tees is now carrying our latest line of F4W shirts. Support the Empire~! Grab yours today!

    Today in professional wrestling history (3/8): Frank Gotch retains the World title

    CONTACT INFORMATION

    ​

    Daily Update: SmackDown, Hardys vs. Bucks vs. RPG Vice, UFC news

    Posted on by Joseph Currier

    THE ROUND-UP

    The Latest from the F4W Staff

    NEWS

    AUDIO

    FIGURE FOUR WEEKLY: 3/6/2017: Bad booking disappoints at WWE Fastlane

    Goldberg is one of WWE’s top champions in 2017. That it was a formality doesn’t make the reality of that sentence any less startling. Nearly 20 years after his peak in WCW, and over a decade after his first stint with WWE came to an end, Goldberg is going to main event WrestleMania. All of that was locked in when Goldberg defeated Kevin Owens to win the WWE Universal Championship at Fastlane. Predictably, the main event was a wrestling match in name only. Goldberg won with a spear and a jackhammer in just over 20 seconds…

    Subscribers click here to continue.

    WRESTLING OBSERVER NEWSLETTER: February 27, 2017, Massive Ivan Koloff bio, death of George “The Animal” Steele, tons more

    The 2016 awards issue of the Observer is out with not only the winners, but the top place winners in every category as well as every winner of the awards which date back to 1980. Plus, have a look at the pros and cons of the Georges St-Pierre vs. Michael Bisping fight that looks to be the biggest PPV event at least until the fall, plus a detailed look at all the changes going on in TNA including people leaving, why they are leaving, where they are headed, who is coming in, and office changes.  We also look at the New Japan Cup, the career of Beth Phoenix, and Honor Rising tour.

    The new issue has awards in these categories:

    • Ric Flair/Lou Thesz Award for Wrestler of the Year
    • MMA MVP
    • Most Outstanding Wrestler
    • Most Outstanding MMA Fighter
    • Best Box Office Draw
    • Feud of the Year
    • Tag Team of the Year
    • Most Improved
    • Best on Interviews
    • Most Charismatic
    • Bryan Danielson Award for Best Technical Wrestler
    • Bruiser Brody Award for Best Brawler
    • Best Flying Wrestler
    • Most Overrated
    • Most Underrated
    • Promotion of the Year
    • Best Weekly TV show
    • Pro Wrestling Match of the Year
    • MMA Match of the Year
    • Rookie of the Year
    • Best Non-Wrestler
    • Best TV announcer
    • Worst TV announcer
    • Best major show
    • Worst major show
    • Best maneuver
    • Most disgusting promotional tactic
    • Worst TV show
    • Worst match of the year
    • Worst feud of the year
    • Worst promotion of the year
    • Best Booker
    • Promoter of the Year
    • Best gimmick
    • Worst gimmick
    • Best Book
    • Best DVD/documentary

    In this issue, there are notes on the business climate headed into WrestleMania week in Orlando as compared to last year, notes on Fast Lane, more on the WWE concussion lawsuit, departure of Jack Swagger from WWE, lots more on WrestleMania week, WWE Hall of Fame, HHH wrestling dates in March, a new WWE signee, John Cena outside activities and talks about Dwayne Johnson, Kurt Angle update and notes no next week’s TV. Plus, look at the most-watched shows on the WWE Network, business notes from all the WWE and NXT weekend shows and highlights.

    There is also the results of the major league arena events held all over the world this past week, as well as notes on the various TV shows.

    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 Dave Meltzer, or by using PayPal directing funds to [email protected]. 

    Rates in 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: February 14, 2000, Vince McMahon announces the XFL, 1999 awards, more

    Vince McMahon made sports and business headlines on 2/3 with the announcement of him starting his own professional football league called the XFL. McMahon, who failed in negotiations last year to buy the Canadian Football League, looks to be that league’s No. 1 rival for players not quite good enough for the NFL in his eight-team league scheduled to start in February 2001 with each team playing ten games and ending with championship playoffs in April… Subscribers click here to continue.

    TUESDAY NEWS UPDATE

    WWE

    • A number one contender’s match between Randy Orton and AJ Styles with the winner going on to challenge Bray Wyatt for the WWE Championship at WrestleMania is the most hyped thing for tonight’s SmackDown. John Cena & Nikki Bella will also team up on the show against James Ellsworth & Carmella. WWE.com is teasing that there may be entrants announced for the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal as well.
    • Austin Aries conducting an interview with himself is advertised for 205 Live tonight after he began a program with Neville on Raw.
    • It was announced on last night’s Raw that Enzo Amore & Big Cass would take on Cesaro & Sheamus in a tag team title number one contender’s match next week.
    • WWE UK Champion Tyler Bate turned 20 years old today.
    • Big Show was interviewed by Yahoo Sports.
    • WWE is advertising that Emma will return soon, again.
    • Kassius Ohno spoke to WWE.com about returning to NXT.

    Pro Wrestling

    • For the first time since becoming Ring of Honor Tag Team Champions, The Hardys will defend their titles at Friday’s 15th Anniversary pay-per-view. They’ll face The Young Bucks and Roppongi Vice in a triple threat Vegas street fight. Bully Ray will also make his ROH in-ring debut in a six-man tag team match as he teams up with The Briscoes to take on War Machine & Davey Boy Smith Jr.
    • PROGRESS Wrestling’s show on March 31st in Orlando over WrestleMania weekend will be available as an iPPV on WWNLive.com. Pete Dunne, Trent Seven, Tyler Bate, Matt Riddle, Zack Sabre Jr., Mark Andrews, Shane Strickland, and Sami Callihan are scheduled to appear on the show.
    • NJPW announced that Yuji Nagata will be Tomoaki Honma’s replacement in the New Japan Cup. Nagata will face Tanga Loa in the first round.
    • Dick Togo vs. Zack Sabre Jr. has been announced for PWG on April 21st.
    • Impact Wrestling tweeted a promo video for this week’s episode, which will be the first of the new regime.
    • Matt Riddle will be appearing for WCPW on March 20th, 21st, and 23rd.

    UFC/MMA

    • Ben Rothwell has been flagged by USADA for a potential anti-doping violation. The possible violation stems from an out-of-competition sample that was taken on February 6th.
    • In an interview with TMZ, Nick Diaz said that he offered to face Michael Bisping in a non-title fight at catchweight before Bisping vs. Georges St-Pierre was made.
    • Eddie Alvarez vs. Dustin Poirier has been verbally agreed to for UFC 211 in Dallas.
    • Yoel Romero posted on Instagram that he wants to speak to Dana White soon after GSP got the next shot at Bisping’s title instead of him. Romero also spoke to FloCombat about the decision.

    F4W / WO EMPIRE WRESTLEMANIA GROUP INFO

    BUS INFO:

    • The Empire bus to WrestleMania will cost $50.00 and will be round trip from Rosen Inn at 9000 International Drive 32819 (a few blocks away from Wrestlcon). THERE ARE ONLY 5 SEATS LEFT!
    • The bus will leave at 3:30pm (time subject to change) for WrestleMania and will leave WrestleMania no later then one hour after the show. If you would like a seat email Ed at [email protected] or message him on the BOARD~! for Paypal payment instructions.

    DINNER INFO:

    • WHAT: Dinner at Texas de Brazil
    • WHEN: Friday March 31st
    • WHERE: 5259 International Dr Ste F1, Orlando, FL 32819 at 5 p.m. (they may open at 4:30 for us)
    • WHO: All your best empire buddies, including BIG DAVE MELTZER
    • DETAILS: The cost of the dinner will be $68.00 which includes the dinner, salad bar, soft drinks and tea, and dessert, tax and tip. This is a pre pay dinner and you can send payment to paypal at [email protected] (please send as a gift to a friend). Payments must be made by March 24th (if you wait until after that, Ed will charge an extra $5.00 for being a pain).

    Pro Wrestling Tees is now carrying our latest line of F4W shirts. Support the Empire~! Grab yours today!

      Today in professional wrestling history (3/7): Memphis Memories Reunion Show

      CONTACT INFORMATION

      ​

      Daily Update: Fastlane, Big Show vs. Shaq, Khabib

      Posted on by Dave Meltzer

      THE ROUND-UP

      The Latest from the F4W Staff

      NEWS

      AUDIO

      We’re looking for reports from Raw in Chicago with dark matches, Main Event matches and anything notable not on television, as well as the SmackDown house show in Bloomington, IL, to [email protected].

      We’re also looking for your thoughts on UFC 209, Fast Line & the NJPW Anniversary show tonight, thumbs up, thumbs down or thumbs in the middle along with a best and worst match to [email protected].

      NEW JAPAN FROM KORAKUEN HALL ON TUESDAY AT 4:30 A.M. EASTERN TIME ON NEW JAPAN WORLD

      • The card won’t be announced until Monday after the anniversary show.

      SmackDown and 205 Live will be taped Tuesday in Indianapolis. Announced so far are A.J. Styles vs. Randy Orton with the winner meeting Bray Wyatt for the WWE title at WrestleMania, plus John Cena & Nikki Bella vs. James Ellsworth & Carmella.

      FIGURE FOUR WEEKLY: 2/27/2017: Looking ahead to WWE Fast Lane

      With WWE’s final pay-per-view before WrestleMania under a week away, the build to Fastlane has been aided by a few of the company’s best television segments of at least the past several months. The Festival of Friendship was perfect. From the timing of it coming before the audience knew for sure that the full turn was happening, the performances of Kevin Owens and Chris Jericho, and even the parts played by the bit characters, everything delivered… Subscribers click here to continue.

      WRESTLING OBSERVER NEWSLETTER: February 27, 2017, Massive Ivan Koloff bio, death of George “The Animal” Steele, tons more

      The 2016 awards issue of the Observer is out with not only the winners, but the top place winners in every category as well as every winner of the awards which date back to 1980. Plus, have a look at the pros and cons of the Georges St-Pierre vs. Michael Bisping fight that looks to be the biggest PPV event at least until the fall, plus a detailed look at all the changes going on in TNA including people leaving, why they are leaving, where they are headed, who is coming in, and office changes.  We also look at the New Japan Cup, the career of Beth Phoenix, and Honor Rising tour.

      The new issue has awards in these categories:

      • Ric Flair/Lou Thesz Award for Wrestler of the Year
      • MMA MVP
      • Most Outstanding Wrestler
      • Most Outstanding MMA Fighter
      • Best Box Office Draw
      • Feud of the Year
      • Tag Team of the Year
      • Most Improved
      • Best on Interviews
      • Most Charismatic
      • Bryan Danielson Award for Best Technical Wrestler
      • Bruiser Brody Award for Best Brawler
      • Best Flying Wrestler
      • Most Overrated
      • Most Underrated
      • Promotion of the Year
      • Best Weekly TV show
      • Pro Wrestling Match of the Year
      • MMA Match of the Year
      • Rookie of the Year
      • Best Non-Wrestler
      • Best TV announcer
      • Worst TV announcer
      • Best major show
      • Worst major show
      • Best maneuver
      • Most disgusting promotional tactic
      • Worst TV show
      • Worst match of the year
      • Worst feud of the year
      • Worst promotion of the year
      • Best Booker
      • Promoter of the Year
      • Best gimmick
      • Worst gimmick
      • Best Book
      • Best DVD/documentary

      In this issue, there are notes on the business climate headed into WrestleMania week in Orlando as compared to last year, notes on Fast Lane, more on the WWE concussion lawsuit, departure of Jack Swagger from WWE, lots more on WrestleMania week, WWE Hall of Fame, HHH wrestling dates in March, a new WWE signee, John Cena outside activities and talks about Dwayne Johnson, Kurt Angle update and notes no next week’s TV. Plus, look at the most-watched shows on the WWE Network, business notes from all the WWE and NXT weekend shows and highlights.

      There is also the results of the major league arena events held all over the world this past week, as well as notes on the various TV shows.

      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 Dave Meltzer, or by using PayPal directing funds to [email protected]. 

      Rates in 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: February 7, 2000, Radicalz debut in WWF, The Rock autobiography review, more

      Chris Benoit, Dean Malenko, Perry Saturn and Eddy Guerrero debuted as The Radicals on the 1/31 Raw show from Pittsburgh in what was considered a big push but it all fell apart the next night in their in-ring debut when Guerrero suffered what appeared to be a serious elbow injury on the 2/1 SmackDown tapings in Detroit. SmackDown, live Raw the previous night, was to be built around the newcomers with the stipulations that they would have a best-of-three series between DX and the Radicals, and if the Radicals won, then Hunter Hearst Helmsley would have to agree to sign them to a WWF contract… Subscribers click here to continue.

      MONDAY NEWS UPDATE

      Not a lot new from Raw tonight on the first show with the hard-sell for WrestleMania and the Goldberg vs. Lesnar match. As of earlier today, there was a plan for controversy regarding one of the title matches. Since clearly the tag team title match and cruiserweight title match had no controversy, that leaves the heavyweight and women’s title and the heavyweight title doesn’t seem to fit but we’ll see if that goes through and how it will be handled.

      Shaquille O’Neal on his podcast has claimed that he’s back in talks with WWE officials about the WrestleMania match with Big Show. 

      The angle that would appear to end Josh Mathews as Impact announcer was shot yesterday with Team JB beating Team Josh in an eight-man tag team match that will air in early April. Chris Masters as Chris Adonis and Matt Morgan were both involved in that match as babyfaces on Team JB with Morgan winning it for the team.

      The first A.J. Styles vs. Randy Orton match of their new program took place as the main event of the SmackDown brand house show last night in Rockford. It’s expected that will be the main event in Bloomington, IL tonight before their TV match on Tuesday night in Indianapolis to determine who faces Bray Wyatt at WrestleMania.

      Zack Sabre Jr. joined Suzuki-gun at today’s New Japan anniversary show.

      WWE

      • Finn Balor is advertised as starting back on the road this coming weekend on the Raw brand.   
      • Last night’s show was the rare show where the smart money didn’t come in late at all, and major underdogs won matches including Sasha Banks and Roman Reigns. I mentioned by the betting patterns that it never appeared this was a smart money show.
      • WWE is now advertising SummerSlam travel packages, to get the best tickets to the show before they go on sale to the public on 3/25. SummerSlam will be part of a weekend with NXT Takeover on 8/19, SummerSlam on 8/20, Raw on 8/21 and SmackDown on 8/22 at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn.
      • Chris Jericho has a fundraising campaign for Type 1 diabetes research and is selling Stupid Idiot T-shirts for the next two weeks to raise money. For more info and ordering you can go here.

      UFC

      • This isn’t related to wrestling, but in a round about way, any ESPN news that involves the budget does affect UFC in particular with the contract with FOX coming due at the end of 2018, but this is about the latest round of ESPN budget cuts. (thanks to Denis Gorman and many others)

      • Dana White said he’s not sure what to do with Khabib Nurmagomedov, who missed weight. Tony Ferguson was upset at Nurmagomedov on today’s MMA Hour with Ariel Helwani, saying he didn’t know if he could trust that Nurmagomedov would fight if they booked the fight again. Nurmagomedov will have to get healthy and then be able to train to get into fight shape, and he never fights over the summer due to religious beliefs so they are also fighting time. Ferguson said whoever he fights next, it has to be a title fight. Ferguson said today that he weighs 195 pounds when he starts dropping weight to fight at 155 and the final pounds are quite painful. One thing Bryan and I talked about is that there have been a lot more people missing weight with the new earlier weigh-ins, and I think it’s the mentality that with the extra several hours to rehydrate, you can cut from a higher weight, and clearly some in doing that don’t get down to contracted weight, which is the exact opposite of what the new regulations were put there for.
      • Here are our results from the UFC 209 panel picks (where only one of the four favorites won):
        2-2: Mike Sempervive, Josh Nason, Steve Juon, John Pollock, David Bixenspan, Front Row Brian and Paul Fontaine
        1-3: Dave Meltzer
        0-4: Ryan Frederick

      MISCELLANEOUS

      • The 2016 G-1 Climax tournament will air in a series of two-hour New Japan specials on AXS this coming Friday night. Friday’s show has Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Seiya Sanada, Hiroyoshi Tenzan vs. Tomohiro Ishii, Hirooki Goto vs. Bad Luck Fale and Kazuchika Okada vs. Naomichi Marufuji. Okada vs. Marufuji was a hell of a match, and Tanahashi vs Sanada was a breakthrough performance for Sanada.
      • Dann Lennard has a piece reviewing every single Observer match of the year winner, updated with this year.
      • Chaotic Wrestling on 3/8 in Nashua, NH at Chunky’s with Elia Markopolous vs. JT Dunn and Hanson vs. Christian Casanova.
      • Bully Ray, who is scheduled to work regularly for ROH going forward, will be co-hosting the SiriusXM wrestling show Busted Open with Dave LaGreca, debuting today and tomorrow and starting next week, will be a regular every Thursday and Friday on the show.
      • Eduard Folayang defends his One lightweight title against Ev Ting in the main event of the show on 4/21 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in The Philippines.
      • Legacy Fighting Alliance on 4/7 in Greenville, SC at the Convention Center will air live on AXS TV as part of their Fridaynight fights series.
      • NFC runs on 4/22 at Center Stage in Atlanta with Jared  Gooden (7-1) vs. Julien Williams (8-1) as the main event.
      • NWF KC from Saturday at the Scottish Rite Temple in Kansas City:  Lakota Red Cloud b Ken Dharma (Mike Sydal) to advance to the final four of the KC title tournament, Miles Plonk b Thor Thieriot to advance to the final four, Dez Wellston b Buddy Shepard, Jeremy Wyatt b Scott Slade-DQ, Devlin won three-way over Ray Briggs and Chad Barstow, Blaine Meeks b Flex Zebra to advance to the final four, Dak Draper b Max Edwards to advance to the final four, Royal bloods b The Underground in a KC vs. St. Louis match, putting KC up 4-1. (thanks to Brian Hoops)
      • Cross Body Pro Wrestling on 3/18 in Kitchener, ONT at 69 Agnes St. headlined by Tyler Thomas vs. Scotty O’Shea.
      • Fite TV announced an interview with Christopher Daniels plus a free new episode of ROH Wrestling on their app at 7 p.m,. tonight. They also announced a taped Ringside with Jim Ross iPPV for $5.99 which will be a Ross show featuring Jeff Hardy, Jeff Jarrett, Karen Jarrett, Rob Van Dam and Jim Cornette.
      • This week’s quiz on pro athletes doing pro wrestling is here.

      F4W / WO EMPIRE WRESTLEMANIA GROUP INFO

      BUS INFO:

      • The Empire bus to WrestleMania will cost $50.00 and will be round trip from Rosen Inn at 9000 International Drive 32819 (a few blocks away from Wrestlcon). THERE ARE ONLY 5 SEATS LEFT!
      • The bus will leave at 3:30pm (time subject to change) for WrestleMania and will leave WrestleMania no later then one hour after the show. If you would like a seat email Ed at [email protected] or message him on the BOARD~! for Paypal payment instructions.

      DINNER INFO:

      • WHAT: Dinner at Texas de Brazil
      • WHEN: Friday March 31st
      • WHERE: 5259 International Dr Ste F1, Orlando, FL 32819 at 5 p.m. (they may open at 4:30 for us)
      • WHO: All your best empire buddies, including BIG DAVE MELTZER
      • DETAILS: The cost of the dinner will be $68.00 which includes the dinner, salad bar, soft drinks and tea, and dessert, tax and tip. This is a pre pay dinner and you can send payment to paypal at [email protected] (please send as a gift to a friend). Payments must be made by March 24th (if you wait until after that, Ed will charge an extra $5.00 for being a pain).

      Pro Wrestling Tees is now carrying our latest line of F4W shirts. Support the Empire~! Grab yours today!

      Today in professional wrestling history (3/6): Williams & Gordy win AJPW tag titles

      CONTACT INFORMATION

      ​

      Daily Update: Fastlane preview and odds, UFC 209, Becky Lynch

      Posted on by Dave Meltzer

      THE ROUND-UP

      The Latest from the F4W Staff

      NEWS

      AUDIO

      We’re looking for reports today from the Impact tapings in Orlando (the final night of the tapings) and the WWE house show in Rockford, IL to [email protected].

      We’re also looking for your thoughts on UFC 209 from last night, Fastlane & NJPW Anniversary show tonight, thumbs up, thumbs down or thumbs in the middle along with a best and worst match to [email protected].

      WWE FASTLANE ON SUNDAY AT 7:30 P.M. ON WWE NETWORK

      • Kevin Owens vs. Bill Goldberg for the Universal title — Goldberg pretty much promised a win via spear and jackhammer on Raw and Goldberg vs. Lesnar with the title at stake was the plan for Mania all along. Chris Jericho somehow costing Owens the match would fit the storyline direction. Right now Goldberg is a -2000 favorite. While that sounds like the smart money is in, based on the odds for the rest of the show, I don’t think it is because most people probably figure Goldberg is winning.
      • Roman Reigns vs. Braun Strowman — Similarly, Strowman is a -1700 favorite and Undertaker hasn’t been around and there’s been nothing since the Rumble to push Reigns and Undertaker. So that could be a direction. Strowman’s hand raised here makes sense but since Reigns got destroyed in every angle, the usual thing for a top babyface is to get some revenge at the PPV. 
      • Sami Zayn vs. Samoa Joe — Joe is a -1625 favorite. Again, this doesn’t feel so much like smart money as just the logical obvious because Joe shouldn’t be losing on his first PPV. This is also a key match on the show because the top two matches may not be great, but these two on paper should be.
      • Bayley vs. Charlotte for the Women’s title — This is why I don’t think smart money is in. Charlotte was a -170 favorite. If WrestleMania is still the four-way, then it doesn’t really matter who goes in as champion so it’s not imperative who wins here. The odds reflect that. If smart money was in, the odds would be far stronger on who was winning. Because so much focus has been put on this program, it’s always a lot of pressure on the women’s title match since it’s really pushed more than the U.S. title most of the time of late as the No. 2 belt on the brand.
      • Luke Gallows & Karl Anderson vs. Enzo Amore & Big Cass for the tag titles — They started teasing minor issues with Enzo & Cass, but it feels early to pull the trigger on that. Plus, I still don’t think this is the right time for that. but it does feel like Enzo is the one to lose the fall. Gallows & Anderson are -560 favorites.
      • Neville vs. Jack Gallagher for the Cruiserweight title — It’ll be interesting how the crowd reacts here. Neville has been doing a strong job as champion. Gallagher is getting over in a comedic way. The cruiserweight division has been tough for crowd reactions both on Raw and 205 Live. But on paper, the two should have a strong match.
      • Sasha Banks vs. Nia Jax — Jax has been pushed as a monster on TV which is why she’s a -1700 favorite. These two had a weak match last time out. So the pressure is on them here.
      • Rich Swann & Akira Tozawa vs. Noam Dar & Brian Kendrick — Swann & Tozawa are -215 favorites. It’s the preshow match so it’s not of great consequence who wins.

              As far as match quality goes, this isn’t a show that looks tremendous. Goldberg is all about the spectacle and it could be short, and if it’s not short, Owens will have to really do a great job. Reigns vs. Strowman is a program built well on television and I think the curiosity will carry things, plus Strowman is a hot rising act and one thinks they have to protect both in the finish. But it’s Mania season, interest is up, and two years ago, who would have ever thought Goldberg would come back and be a WWE champion?

      There are Impact tapings on Sunday in Orlando as well as a Sunday WWE house show in Rockford, IL with the SmackDown brand. No John Cena nor Nikki Bella, but Randy Orton is advertised to return on that show.

      NEW JAPAN 45TH ANNIVERSARY SHOW ON MONDAY AT 5 A.M. EASTERN TIME ON NEW JAPAN WORLD

      • Jushin Liger & Hirai Kawato vs. Tiger Mask & Tomoyuki Oka
      • Hirooki Goto & Yoshi-Hashi & Gedo & Jado vs. Minoru Suzuki & Davey Boy Smith Jr. & Desperado & Taka Michinoku
      • Hiroyoshi Tenzan & Satoshi Kojima & Yuji Nagata & Manabu Nakanishi & David Finlay vs. Kenny Omega & Bad Luck Fale & Yujiro Takahashi &Tama Tonga & Tonga Roa
      • Rocky Romero & Baretta vs. Taichi & Yoshinobu Kanemaru for IWGP jr. tag titles
      • Katsuyori Shibata vs. Zack Sabre Jr. for British heavyweight title
      • Toru Yano & Tomohiro Ishii vs. Togi Makabe & ? for IWGP tag team titles
      • Hiroshi Tanahashi & Michael Elgin & Juice Robinson & Kushida vs. Tetsuya Naito & Evil & Bushi & Seiya Sanada
      • Hiromu Takahashi vs. Ryusuke Taguchi for IWGP jr. title
      • Kazuchika Okada vs. Tiger Mask W (Kota Ibushi) in a non-title match

      Raw will be Monday night in Chicago at the All-State Arena. Brock Lesnar, Bill Goldberg and Chris Jericho are all advertised for Monday’s show. There will also be a SmackDown brand house show Monday night in Bloomington, IL. No John Cena or Nikki Bella advertised but Randy Orton is advertised. There will also be Impact tapings in Orlando.

      NEW JAPAN FROM KORAKUEN HALL ON TUESDAY AT 4:30 A.M. EASTERN TIME ON NEW JAPAN WORLD

      • The card won’t be announced until Monday after the anniversary show.

      SmackDown and 205 Live will be taped Tuesday in Indianapolis. Announced so far are A.J. Styles vs. Randy Orton with the winner meeting Bray Wyatt for the WWE title at WrestleMania, plus John Cena & Nikki Bella vs. James Ellsworth & Carmella.

      FIGURE FOUR WEEKLY: 2/27/2017: Looking ahead to WWE Fast Lane

      With WWE’s final pay-per-view before WrestleMania under a week away, the build to Fastlane has been aided by a few of the company’s best television segments of at least the past several months. The Festival of Friendship was perfect. From the timing of it coming before the audience knew for sure that the full turn was happening, the performances of Kevin Owens and Chris Jericho, and even the parts played by the bit characters, everything delivered… Subscribers click here to continue.

      WRESTLING OBSERVER NEWSLETTER: February 27, 2017, Massive Ivan Koloff bio, death of George “The Animal” Steele, tons more

      The 2016 awards issue of the Observer is out with not only the winners, but the top place winners in every category as well as every winner of the awards which date back to 1980. Plus, have a look at the pros and cons of the Georges St-Pierre vs. Michael Bisping fight that looks to be the biggest PPV event at least until the fall, plus a detailed look at all the changes going on in TNA including people leaving, why they are leaving, where they are headed, who is coming in, and office changes. We also look at the New Japan Cup, the career of Beth Phoenix, and Honor Rising tour.

      The new issue has awards in these categories:

      • Ric Flair/Lou Thesz Award for Wrestler of the Year
      • MMA MVP
      • Most Outstanding Wrestler
      • Most Outstanding MMA Fighter
      • Best Box Office Draw
      • Feud of the Year
      • Tag Team of the Year
      • Most Improved
      • Best on Interviews
      • Most Charismatic
      • Bryan Danielson Award for Best Technical Wrestler
      • Bruiser Brody Award for Best Brawler
      • Best Flying Wrestler
      • Most Overrated
      • Most Underrated
      • Promotion of the Year
      • Best Weekly TV show
      • Pro Wrestling Match of the Year
      • MMA Match of the Year
      • Rookie of the Year
      • Best Non-Wrestler
      • Best TV announcer
      • Worst TV announcer
      • Best major show
      • Worst major show
      • Best maneuver
      • Most disgusting promotional tactic
      • Worst TV show
      • Worst match of the year
      • Worst feud of the year
      • Worst promotion of the year
      • Best Booker
      • Promoter of the Year
      • Best gimmick
      • Worst gimmick
      • Best Book
      • Best DVD/documentary

      In this issue, there are notes on the business climate headed into WrestleMania week in Orlando as compared to last year, notes on Fastlane, more on the WWE concussion lawsuit, departure of Jack Swagger from WWE, lots more on WrestleMania week, WWE Hall of Fame, HHH wrestling dates in March, a new WWE signee, John Cena outside activities and talks about Dwayne Johnson, Kurt Angle update and notes no next week’s TV. Plus, look at the most-watched shows on the WWE Network, business notes from all the WWE and NXT weekend shows and highlights.

      There is also the results of the major league arena events held all over the world this past week, as well as notes on the various TV shows.

      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 Dave Meltzer, or by using PayPal directing funds to [email protected]. 

      Rates in 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: February 7, 2000, Radicalz debut in WWF, The Rock autobiography review, more

      Chris Benoit, Dean Malenko, Perry Saturn and Eddy Guerrero debuted as The Radicals on the 1/31 Raw show from Pittsburgh in what was considered a big push but it all fell apart the next night in their in-ring debut when Guerrero suffered what appeared to be a serious elbow injury on the 2/1 SmackDown tapings in Detroit. SmackDown, live Raw the previous night, was to be built around the newcomers with the stipulations that they would have a best-of-three series between DX and the Radicals, and if the Radicals won, then Hunter Hearst Helmsley would have to agree to sign them to a WWF contract… Subscribers click here to continue.

      SUNDAY NEWS UPDATE

      The wrestling world was just filled with interesting news at last night’s ROH tapings with the Hardys saying they’ve signed an ROH deal and Bully Ray saying the same. Bryan and I just did a new show this morning on that and UFC 209.

      In the main event where Tyron Woodley retained the title on scores of 48-47, 47-47 and 48-47 over Stephen Wonderboy Thompson, it was a close fight that could have gone either way. Dana White scored it for Thompson. Bryan and I both had it a draw with Thompson winning one, two and four and Woodley getting a 10-8 fifth. Interestingly, Bob Bennett of the Nevada Athletic Commission said that in no way was that fifth round a 10-8, saying that he’s going to talk to Sal D’Amato, the only judge who scored it that way. It’s so unusual for the head of the commission to outright say a judges score is wrong, particularly when a lot of people had that round 10-8. The key round was No. 2, as judge Chris Lee and Derek Clearly gave it to Woodley while D’Amato gave it to Thompson. That ended up deciding the fight. 

      Ariel Helwani reported that the news last night that Mark Hunt suffered a broken tibiaearly in his loss to Alistair Overeem is incorrect. The bone was just badly bruised but no break.

      F8: The Fate of the Furious, which is the last Fast & Furious movie, with Dwayne Johnson and Vin Diesel, opens on 4/14 in the U.S. Australia gets the open on 4/12. That means Johnson should be in heavy movie promotion mode at WrestleMania time. They haven’t pushed his name on the show of late, but he’s shown up to do angles without being promoted in the past.

      WWE

      • With Randy Orton and John Cena off the show last night, the SmackDown brand main event was Bray Wyatt defending against A.J. Styles. Orton is scheduled on tonight’s show in Rockford, IL.
      • Becky Lynch wasn’t at last night’s show because she was in Las Vegas. Her boyfriend, Luke Sanders, fought on the UFC show and dominated Iuri Alcantara, a ranked fighter, before suddenly being caught in a kneebar in the second round and having to tap. Lynch was shown on screen on FS1 and identified.
      • There will be an episode of Ride Along in the post-Raw time slot tomorrow night on the WWE Network. It’ll have Cesaro, Sami Zayn and Neville traveling together in the most underrated car on the circuit.
      • Natalya is now doing a column in the Calgary Sun like Bret did for years. Her first one is here.
      • An interview with Pete Gas, who has a book coming out soon is here.

      UFC

      • You may want to check out the GSP/Michael Bisping press conference that UFC had on Friday. GSP is such an old-school polite babyface and it works as a great contrast with Bisping, who did the McGregor and showed up 30 minutes late and GSP kept saying that he was drunk and smelled of alcohol. Bisping didn’t deny it either.

      MISCELLANEOUS

      • Northeast Wrestling results from Friday night in Waterbury, CT which drew 3,300 fans and turned people away: Travis Gordon won three-way over Brad Hollister and Vinny Marseglia, Anthony & Chris Battle b Daniel Evans & Keith Gordon, Wrecking Ball Legursky b Donovan Dijak, Ron Zombie b Hanson, Bull Dredd & Jerry Lawler b Cam Zagami & Romeo Roselli, Ryback b Jake Manning, Mike Bennett b TK O’Ryan to win the NEW title, Cody Rhodes b Kurt Angle in a cage match.
      • This story just made my day. Thanks so much, the idea I was put in the company of those people overwhelmed me. (thanks to Gary Collins) 
      • Luke Hawx has a role in the movie “Logan” that is out in theaters. It was filmed in New Orleans, where Hawx runs a wrestling promotion. 
      • NWX on 3/18 in St. Catharines, ONT at the CWF Studios.
      • I Believe in Wrestling from Friday night in Orlando, FL: Jonny Vandal b CJ O’Doyle, Amber Noa b Raegan Fire, Tyranus b Rey Xion, Chico Adams & Fari Hakeem & Nick Nero b Dinamita Solar & Alex Todd & Jason Dugan, Mila Naniki & Aria Blake b Kaci Lennox & Layne Rosario, Leo O’Farell b JD Amazing-DQ, Chasyn Rance & Aaron Epic b Chris Silvio & Charles Gabriel, Rhett Giddins b Jesse Neal via ref stoppage. Neal may have broken his ankle and they stopped the match immediately.
      • Empire State Wrestling on 3/25 in North Tonawanda, NY at the St. Johnsburg Fire Hall with Lio Rush, DJZ and Ethan Page.
      • Lita wrestled Friday night in Joppa, MD for the MCW show. Brian Cage beat Lio Rush in the main event. Lita, wrestling under her real name of Amy Dumas, teamed with The Bruiser & Hell Cats to beat Sean Studd & Andy Vineberg & Rayo & Jeremiah.
      • Tito Santana will be a guest at the 7/14 Reading, PA minor league baseball game doing a preshow meet and greet for $15 at FirstEnergy Stadium. There will also be a post-game CHIKARA wrestling show. 
      • Hoosier Pro Wrestling from last night in Columbus, IN before 165 fans: Eddie Felson b Johnathan Wolfe, TJ Kemp b JKO, Drax O’Brien b El Rayo (who was unmasked as Lighting Bolt), Cooter b Dave the Rave, Flash Flanagan b Shawn Kemp, Doink the Clown b Kid Thunder, Clint Poe & Marc Houston b TVZ to win the tag team titles. Next show is 4/1 in Columbus, IN.

      F4W / WO EMPIRE WRESTLEMANIA GROUP INFO

      BUS INFO:

      • The Empire bus to WrestleMania will cost $50.00 and will be round trip from Rosen Inn at 9000 International Drive 32819 (a few blocks away from Wrestlcon). THERE ARE ONLY 5 SEATS LEFT!
      • The bus will leave at 3:30pm (time subject to change) for WrestleMania and will leave WrestleMania no later then one hour after the show. If you would like a seat email Ed at [email protected] or message him on the BOARD~! for Paypal payment instructions.

      DINNER INFO:

      • WHAT: Dinner at Texas de Brazil
      • WHEN: Friday March 31st
      • WHERE: 5259 International Dr Ste F1, Orlando, FL 32819 at 5 p.m. (they may open at 4:30 for us)
      • WHO: All your best empire buddies, including BIG DAVE MELTZER
      • DETAILS: The cost of the dinner will be $68.00 which includes the dinner, salad bar, soft drinks and tea, and dessert, tax and tip. This is a pre pay dinner and you can send payment to paypal at [email protected] (please send as a gift to a friend). Payments must be made by March 24th (if you wait until after that, Ed will charge an extra $5.00 for being a pain).

      Pro Wrestling Tees is now carrying our latest line of F4W shirts. Support the Empire~! Grab yours today!

      CONTACT INFORMATION

      ​

      Daily Update: Big Show & Shaq, Cody vs. Angle, UFC 209

      Posted on by Joseph Currier

      THE ROUND-UP

      The Latest from the F4W Staff

      NEWS/COLUMNS

      AUDIO

      For this weekend, we’ll be doing three polls, for the UFC 209 PPV on Saturday night in Las Vegas, for WWE Fastlane on Sunday from Milwaukee, and from the New Japan anniversary show on Monday from Tokyo.

      We’re looking for reports on the Impact tapings in Orlando, WWE SmackDown show in La Crosse, WI (neither Randy Orton, Nikki Bella nor John Cena are advertised), NXT in Warren, OH and ROH in New York at the Hammerstein Ballroom (Adam Cole vs Bobby Fish for the ROH title, Young Bucks vs. Lio Rush & Jay White for the tag titles, Marty Scurll vs. Sonjay Dutt for the TV title, Will Ospreay vs. Dragon Lee, Dalton Castle vs. Colt Cabana, Cody & Hangman Page & Frankie Kazarian vs. Mark & Jay Briscoe & Jay Lethal, plus a 15-man battle royal where the winner gets an ROH title shot and the Top Prospect tournament semifinals with Brian Milonas, John Skyler, Josh Woods and Curt Stallion.

      UFC 209 TAKES PLACE TONIGHT AT THE T-MOBILE ARENA IN LAS VEGAS

      Fight Pass at 7 p.m. ET

      • Albert Morales (135.5) vs. Andre Soukhamthath (136)
      • Paul Craig (204) vs. Tyson Pedro (205)

      FS1 at 8 p.m. ET

      • Mark Godbeer (241.5) vs. Daniel Spitz (240)
      • Iuri Alcantara (135.5) vs. Luke Sanders (135)
      • Mirsad Bektic (145) vs. Darren Elkins (145.5)
      • Luis Henrique (248.5) vs. Marcin Tybura (251.5)

      PPV at 10 p.m ET.

      • Cynthia Calvillo (115.5) vs. Amanda Cooper (116)
      • Mark Hunt (265) vs. Alistair Overeem (256)
      • David Teymur (156) vs. Lando Vannata (156)
      • Rashad Evans (185) vs. Daniel Kelly (186)
      • Tyron Woodley (170) vs. Stephen Thompson (169) for the welterweight title

      WWE FASTLANE ON SUNDAY AT 7:30 P.M. ON WWE NETWORK

      • Kevin Owens vs. Bill Goldberg for Universal title
      • Roman Reigns vs. Braun Strowman
      • Sami Zayn vs. Samoa Joe
      • Bayley vs. Charlotte for women’s title
      • Luke Gallows & Karl Anderson vs. Enzo Amore & Big Cass for tag titles
      • Neville vs. Jack Gallagher for cruiserweight title 
      • Sasha Banks vs. Nia Jax
      • Rich Swann & Akira Tozawa vs. Noam Dar & Brian Kendrick

      There are Impact tapings on Sunday in Orlando as well as a Sunday WWE house show in Rockford, IL with the SmackDown brand. No John Cena nor Nikki Bella, but Randy Orton is advertised to return on that show.

      NEW JAPAN 45TH ANNIVERSARY SHOW ON MONDAY AT 5 A.M. ET ON NEW JAPAN WORLD

      • Manabu Nakanishi vs. Tomoyuki Oka
      • Gedo & Jado & Yoshi-Hashi & Hirooki Goto vs. Minoru Suzuki & Davey Boy Smith Jr. & Taka Michinoku & Desperado
      • Togi Makabe & Yuji Nagata & Jushin Liger & Tiger Mask & David Finlay vs. Kenny Omega & Bad Luck Fale & Yujiro Takahashi & Tama Tonga & Tanga Roa
      • Rocky Romero & Baretta vs. Taichi & Yoshinobu Kanemaru for the IWGP jr. tag titles
      • Katsuyori Shibata vs. Zack Sabre Jr. for the British heavyweight title
      • Ishii & Yano vs. Kojima & Tenzan for the IWGP tag titles
      • Hiroshi Tanahashi & Michael Elgin & Juice Robinson & Kushida vs. Tetsuya Naito & Seiya Sanada & Evil & Bushi
      • Hiromu Takahashi vs. Ryusuke Taguchi for the IWGP jr. title
      • Kazuchika Okada vs. Tiger Mask W (Kota Ibushi) in a non-title match

      Raw will be Monday night in Chicago at the All-State Arena. Brock Lesnar, Bill Goldberg and Chris Jericho are all advertised for Monday’s show. There will also be a SmackDown brand house show Monday night in Bloomington, IL. No John Cena or Nikki Bella advertised but Randy Orton is advertised. There will also be Impact tapings in Orlando.

      NEW JAPAN FROM KORAKUEN HALL ON TUESDAY AT 4:30 A.M. ET ON NEW JAPAN WORLD

      • The card won’t be announced until Monday after the anniversary show.

      SmackDown and 205 Live will be taped Tuesday in Indianapolis. Announced so far are A.J. Styles vs. Randy Orton with the winner meeting Bray Wyatt for the WWE title at WrestleMania, plus John Cena & Nikki Bella vs. James Ellsworth & Carmella.

      FIGURE FOUR WEEKLY: 2/27/2017: Looking ahead to WWE Fast Lane

      With WWE’s final pay-per-view before WrestleMania under a week away, the build to Fastlane has been aided by a few of the company’s best television segments of at least the past several months. The Festival of Friendship was perfect. From the timing of it coming before the audience knew for sure that the full turn was happening, the performances of Kevin Owens and Chris Jericho, and even the parts played by the bit characters, everything delivered… Subscribers click here to continue.

      WRESTLING OBSERVER NEWSLETTER: February 27, 2017, Massive Ivan Koloff bio, death of George “The Animal” Steele, tons more

      The 2016 awards issue of the Observer is out with not only the winners, but the top place winners in every category as well as every winner of the awards which date back to 1980. Plus, have a look at the pros and cons of the Georges St-Pierre vs. Michael Bisping fight that looks to be the biggest PPV event at least until the fall, plus a detailed look at all the changes going on in TNA including people leaving, why they are leaving, where they are headed, who is coming in, and office changes.  We also look at the New Japan Cup, the career of Beth Phoenix, and Honor Rising tour.

      The new issue has awards in these categories:

      • Ric Flair/Lou Thesz Award for Wrestler of the Year
      • MMA MVP
      • Most Outstanding Wrestler
      • Most Outstanding MMA Fighter
      • Best Box Office Draw
      • Feud of the Year
      • Tag Team of the Year
      • Most Improved
      • Best on Interviews
      • Most Charismatic
      • Bryan Danielson Award for Best Technical Wrestler
      • Bruiser Brody Award for Best Brawler
      • Best Flying Wrestler
      • Most Overrated
      • Most Underrated
      • Promotion of the Year
      • Best Weekly TV show
      • Pro Wrestling Match of the Year
      • MMA Match of the Year
      • Rookie of the Year
      • Best Non-Wrestler
      • Best TV announcer
      • Worst TV announcer
      • Best major show
      • Worst major show
      • Best maneuver
      • Most disgusting promotional tactic
      • Worst TV show
      • Worst match of the year
      • Worst feud of the year
      • Worst promotion of the year
      • Best Booker
      • Promoter of the Year
      • Best gimmick
      • Worst gimmick
      • Best Book
      • Best DVD/documentary

      In this issue, there are notes on the business climate headed into WrestleMania week in Orlando as compared to last year, notes on Fast Lane, more on the WWE concussion lawsuit, departure of Jack Swagger from WWE, lots more on WrestleMania week, WWE Hall of Fame, HHH wrestling dates in March, a new WWE signee, John Cena outside activities and talks about Dwayne Johnson, Kurt Angle update and notes no next week’s TV. Plus, look at the most-watched shows on the WWE Network, business notes from all the WWE and NXT weekend shows and highlights.

      There is also the results of the major league arena events held all over the world this past week, as well as notes on the various TV shows.

      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 Dave Meltzer, or by using PayPal directing funds to [email protected]. 

      Rates in 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: February 7, 2000, Radicalz debut in WWF, The Rock autobiography review, more

      Chris Benoit, Dean Malenko, Perry Saturn and Eddy Guerrero debuted as The Radicals on the 1/31 Raw show from Pittsburgh in what was considered a big push but it all fell apart the next night in their in-ring debut when Guerrero suffered what appeared to be a serious elbow injury on the 2/1 SmackDown tapings in Detroit. SmackDown, live Raw the previous night, was to be built around the newcomers with the stipulations that they would have a best-of-three series between DX and the Radicals, and if the Radicals won, then Hunter Hearst Helmsley would have to agree to sign them to a WWF contract… Subscribers click here to continue.

      SATURDAY NEWS UPDATE

      WWE

      • In an interview with ESPN, Big Show blamed Shaquille O’Neal’s weight for why their planned WrestleMania match may not happen. “It’s on Shaq,” Big Show said. “He has to figure things out in his own camp. Maybe he is just too scared to show up because he’s too busy riding around singing karaoke with John Cena and going to Krispy Kreme and getting fatter every week.”
      • Corey Graves filmed an interview with Kurt Angle, which will air on an episode of “Bring it to the Table” on the WWE Network on March 13th.
      • Charlotte Flair appeared at last night’s Milwaukee Bucks game and interrupted the mascot race with a steel chair. The Bucks play at the Bradley Center, which is where Fastlane will take place on Sunday, and Charlotte was also interviewed before the game.
      • Sasha Banks spoke to Mirror Online about her Hell in a Cell match with Charlotte.
      • Dana Brooke competed at the Arnold Classic last night.
      • Mary Kate (formerly known as Andrea on the indies) and former Seattle Seahawks running back Demitrius Bronson made their NXT house show debuts at last night’s show in Crystal River, Florida.
      • Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson continued to post pictures on his Instagram account from his time backstage at Raw last month. He had positive words for Samoa Joe, Bayley, and Enzo Amore.
      • Extreme Rules will be a Raw-exclusive pay-per-view.
      • The La Crosse Tribune has an article on Mojo Rawley’s life in pro wrestling after football.
      • The Orlando Sentinel spoke to Shawn Michaels about his role at the WWE Performance Center.

      Pro Wrestling

      • Kurt Angle had his indie farewell match last night against Cody Rhodes in a steel cage match in Waterbury, Connecticut for Northeast Wrestling. The show drew a sellout of 3,300 fans. Cody missed a moonsault from the top of the cage in a big spot at one point.
      • Thursday’s episode of Impact on Pop TV was watched by an average of 293k viewers. That number is up from 275k the week prior.
      • Bubba Ray Dudley, Tommy Dreamer, and Velvet Sky appeared on a recent episode of “Impractical Jokers.”

      UFC/MMA

      • Daniel Cormier lobbied on Twitter for Khabib Nurmagomedov vs. Tony Ferguson to take place at UFC 210, which will be headlined by Cormier vs. Anthony “Rumble” Johnson.
      • Ferguson addressed the crowd at the UFC’s ceremonial weigh-ins yesterday.
      • Dana White said that he’s uncertain about rebooking Nurmagomedov vs. Ferguson and said that their UFC 209 fight possibly could’ve been saved if Nurmagomedov’s team called UFC doctors instead of going to the hospital.
      • White explained why he’s tired of fighters, aside from Conor McGregor, talking about “money fights.”
      • From Paul Fontaine on last night’s Bellator show:
        “Bellator 174 took place last night on Spike TV and was a pretty good show. The show lost two main card fights due to weight cutting issues and they did allude to that at points during the show, but to casual fans they wouldn’t have noticed the difference really. There were two retirements on the show as Cody Pfister, after picking up a win in his Bellator debut, announced he was leaving the sport following the fight. And in the main event, Marloes Coenen did the same after being stopped in the fourth round by new women’s featherweight champion Julia Budd.”“In other fights: Fernando Gonzalez beat Brandon Girtz via decision. Gonzalez had also missed weight but Girtz accepted the fight even though he was outweighed by almost eight lbs and it looked like closer to 25 lbs in the cage. Emily Ducote submitted Katy Collins in the first round of a women’s flyweight fight, and Justin Wren submitted Roman Pizzolato in round one of a heavyweight fight. Afterwards he cut the most amazing babyface promo that’s worth going out of your way to see. Rafael Lovato Jr. scored a 13 second KO over Charles Hackman in a 195 catchweight bout in the opener.”

      F4W / WO EMPIRE WRESTLEMANIA GROUP INFO

      BUS INFO:

      • The Empire bus to WrestleMania will cost $50.00 and will be round trip from Rosen Inn at 9000 International Drive 32819 (a few blocks away from Wrestlcon). THERE ARE ONLY 5 SEATS LEFT!
      • The bus will leave at 3:30pm (time subject to change) for WrestleMania and will leave WrestleMania no later then one hour after the show. If you would like a seat email Ed at [email protected] or message him on the BOARD~! for Paypal payment instructions.

      DINNER INFO:

      • WHAT: Dinner at Texas de Brazil
      • WHEN: Friday March 31st
      • WHERE: 5259 International Dr Ste F1, Orlando, FL 32819 at 5 p.m. (they may open at 4:30 for us)
      • WHO: All your best empire buddies, including BIG DAVE MELTZER
      • DETAILS: The cost of the dinner will be $68.00 which includes the dinner, salad bar, soft drinks and tea, and dessert, tax and tip. This is a pre pay dinner and you can send payment to paypal at [email protected] (please send as a gift to a friend). Payments must be made by March 24th (if you wait until after that, Ed will charge an extra $5.00 for being a pain).

      Pro Wrestling Tees is now carrying our latest line of F4W shirts. Support the Empire~! Grab yours today!

        Today in professional wrestling history (3/4): ROH 10th Anniversary show

        CONTACT INFORMATION

        ​

        Daily Update: Honma injury, Khabib, Impact tapings

        Posted on by Dave Meltzer

        THE ROUND-UP

        The Latest from the F4W Staff

        NEWS

        AUDIO

        We’re looking for reports tonight from the Impact tapings in Orlando, and the NXT shows in Cleveland, OH and Crystal River, FL, to [email protected].

        For this coming weekend, we’ll be doing three polls, for the UFC 209 PPV on Saturday night in Las Vegas, for WWE Fast Lane on Sunday from Milwaukee, and from the New Japan anniversary show on Monday from Tokyo.

        NEW JAPAN WORLD PRO WRESTLING RETURNS AT 8 P.M. EASTERN AND MIDNIGHT ON AXS TV

        • Kazuchika Okada vs. Tetsuya Naito for the IWGP heavyweight title

        BELLATOR MMA TONIGHT AT 9 P.M. ON SPIKE TV

        • Rafael Lovato (193) vs. Charles Hackmann (194.8)
        • Roman Pizzoloato (242.6) vs. Justin Wren (234.4)
        • Fernando Gonzalez (173.9) vs. Brandon Girtz (165.6)
        • Marloes Coenen (144.7) vs. Julia Budd (144.8) to determine the first Bellator womens’ featherweight champion

        CMLL LIVE FROM ARENA MEXICO AT 9:30 P.M. EASTERN

        • Ultimo Dragoncito & Fantasy vs. Pequeno Nitro & Demus 3:16
        • Soberano Jr. & Fuego & Pegasso vs. Misterioso Jr. & Sagrado & Disturbio
        • Blue Panther & The Panther & Blue Panther Jr. vs. Dragon Rojo Jr. & Bobby Villa & Polvora
        • Atlantis & Angel de Oro & Titan vs. Mascara Ano 2000 & Sanson & Forastero
        • Maximo Sexy &  Diamante Azul & Valiente vs. Rush & Pierroth & La Mascara
        • Volador Jr. vs. Yoshitatsu

        Saturday we’re looking for reports on the Impact tapings in Orlando, WWE Smackdown show in LaCrosse, WI (neither Randy Orton, Nikki Bella nor John Cena are advertised), NXT in Warren, OH and ROH in New York at the Hammerstein Ballroom (Adam Cole vs Bobby Fish for ROH title, Young Bucks vs. Lio Rush & Jay White for tag titles, Marty Scurll vs. Sonjay Dutt for TV title, Will Ospreay vs. Dragon Lee, Dalton Castle vs. Colt Cabana, Cody & Hangman Page & Frankie Kazarian vs. Mark & Jay Briscoe & Jay Lethal plus a 15 man Battle Royal where the winner gets an ROH title shot and the Top Prospect tournament semifinals with Brian Milonas, John Skyler, Josh Woods and Curt Stallion).

        UFC 209 TAKES PLACE SATURDAY AT THE T MOBILE ARENA IN LAS VEGAS

        Fight Pass at 6:30 p.m. Eastern time

        • Cynthia Cavillo (3-0) vs. Amanda Cooper (2-2)
        • Albert Morales (6-1-1) vs. Andre Soukhamthath (11-3)
        • Paul Craig (9-0) vs. Tyson Pedro (5-0)

        FS 1 at 8 p.m. Eastern time

        • Iuri Alcantara (33-7) vs. Luke Sanders (11-0)
        • Mirsad Bektic (11-0) vs. Darren Elkins (21-5)
        • Luis Henrique (10-2) vs. Marcin Tybura (14-2)
        • Daniel Spitz (5-0) vs. Mark Godbeer (11-2)

        PPV at 10 p.m. Eastern time

        • Mark Hunt (12-10-1) vs. Alistair Overeem (41-15)
        • David Teymur (5-1) vs. Lando Vannata (9-1)
        • Rashad Evans (19-5-1) vs. Daniel Kelly (12-1)
        • Tyron Woodley (16-3-1) vs Stephen Thompson (13-1-1) for welterweight title

        WWE FAST LANE ON SUNDAY AT 7:30 P.M. ON WWE NETWORK

        • Kevin Owens vs. Bill Goldberg for Universal title
        • Roman Reigns vs. Braun Strowman
        • Sami Zayn vs. Samoa Joe
        • Bayley vs. Charlotte for women’s title
        • Luke Gallows & Karl Anderson vs. Enzo Amore & Big Cass for tag titles
        • Neville vs. Jack Gallagher for cruiserweight title 
        • Sasha Banks vs. Nia Jax
        • Rich Swann & Akira Tozawa vs. Noam Dar & Brian Kendrick

        There are Impact tapings on Sunday in Orlando as well as a Sunday WWE house show in Rockford, IL with the Smackdown brand. No John Cena nor Nikki Bella, but Randy Orton is advertised to return on that show.

        NEW JAPAN 45TH ANNIVERSARY SHOW ON MONDAY AT 5 A.M. EASTERN TIME ON NEW JAPAN WORLD

        • Jushin Liger & Hirai Kawato vs. Tiger Mask & Tomoyuki Oka
        • Hirooki Goto & Yoshi-Hashi & Gedo & Jado vs. Minoru Suzuki & Davey Boy Smith Jr. & Desperado & Taka Michinoku
        • Hiroyoshi Tenzan & Satoshi Kojima & Yuji Nagata & Manabu Nakanishi & David Finlay vs. Kenny Omega & Bad Luck Fale & Yujiro Takahashi &Tama Tonga & Tonga Roa
        • Rocky Romero & Baretta vs. Taichi & Yoshinobu Kanemaru for IWGP jr. tag titles
        • Katsuyori Shibata vs. Zack Sabre Jr. for British heavyweight title
        • Toru Yano & Tomohiro Ishii vs. Togi Makabe & ? for IWGP tag team titles
        • Hiroshi Tanahashi & Michael Elgin & Juice Robinson & Kushida vs. Tetsuya Naito & Evil & Bushi & Seiya Sanada
        • Hiromu Takahashi vs. Ryusuke Taguchi for IWGP jr. title
        • Kazuchika Okada vs. Tiger Mask W (Kota Ibushi) in a non-title match

        Raw will be Monday night in Chicago at the All-State Arena. Brock Lesnar, Bill Goldberg and Chris Jericho are all advertised for Monday’s show. There will also be a Smackdown brand house show Monday night in Bloomington, IL. No John Cena or Nikki Bella advertised but Randy Orton is advertised. There will also be Impact tapings in Orlando.

        NEW JAPAN FROM KORAKUEN HALL ON TUESDAY AT 4:30 A.M. EASTERN TIME ON NEW JAPAN WORLD

        • The card won’t be announced until Monday after the anniversary show.

        Smackdown and 205 Live will be taped Tuesday in Indianapolis. Announced so far are A.J. Styles vs. Randy Orton with the winner meeting Bray Wyatt for the WWE title at WrestleMania, plus John Cena & Nikki Bella vs. James Ellsworth & Carmella.

        FIGURE FOUR WEEKLY: 2/27/2017: Looking ahead to WWE Fast Lane

        With WWE’s final pay-per-view before WrestleMania under a week away, the build to Fastlane has been aided by a few of the company’s best television segments of at least the past several months. The Festival of Friendship was perfect. From the timing of it coming before the audience knew for sure that the full turn was happening, the performances of Kevin Owens and Chris Jericho, and even the parts played by the bit characters, everything delivered… Subscribers click here to continue.

        WRESTLING OBSERVER NEWSLETTER: February 27, 2017, Massive Ivan Koloff bio, death of George “The Animal” Steele, tons more

        A huge feature on the life and career of Ivan Koloff is the lead story in the new issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, which is available right now. Plus, there are also features on George Steele, Nicole Bass, Johnny K-9, Diamond Dallas Page and Teddy Long.

        The Koloff story talks about the most famous match of the 1970s in the U.S., his win over Bruno Sammartino, as well as his loss to Pedro Morales in WWWF title matches, the birth of Ivan Koloff, his days as Red McNulty, his first match with Sammartino, how he got the Koloff gimmick and who he was named after. This issue also looks at his title run with Sammartino the first time in Pittsburgh and then the WWWF, the most one-sided trade in sports history, the return of Koloff for his title win, the angle done to cover Sammartino, and the two big nights in Madison Square Garden.

        Have a look at the creation of Ivan Koloff in Quebec and how he first made his name as a major drawing card, and look at his run in Australia where Gary Hart managed him. Plus look at his days in the AWA, Hawaii, St. Louis, Georgia, Florida, the second WWWF run, the role as top heel for the opposition, the tag team with Ole Anderson, his feud with Dusty Rhodes, and the emergence of Nikita Koloff and the other Russians in the 80s.

        Examine the career of George Steele, the life and times of Johnny K-9, the strange world of Nicole Bass, and the WWE Hall of Fame inductions of DDP and Teddy Long.

        Plus, details about the filming of “Fighting with My Family” after Raw and Smackdown this past week, notes on the movie, the phone calls to C.M. Punk in front of the fans, the Naomi injury, an update on Fast Lane, return of Finn Balor notes, a look at plans for a show after WrestleMania, the busy Raw brand schedule, WWE working with Indies on WWE Network update, WWE market value, most watched shows on WWE Network, plus details of all the WWE & NXT house shows over the past week along with business notes.

        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 Dave Meltzer, or by using PayPal directing funds to [email protected]. 

        Rates in 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: February 7, 2000, Radicalz debut in WWF, The Rock autobiography review, more

        Chris Benoit, Dean Malenko, Perry Saturn and Eddy Guerrero debuted as The Radicals on the 1/31 Raw show from Pittsburgh in what was considered a big push but it all fell apart the next night in their in-ring debut when Guerrero suffered what appeared to be a serious elbow injury on the 2/1 Smackdown tapings in Detroit. Smackdown, live Raw the previous night, was to be built around the newcomers with the stipulations that they would have a best-of-three series between DX and the Radicals, and if the Radicals won, then Hunter Hearst Helmsley would have to agree to sign them to a WWF contract… Subscribers click here to continue.

        FRIDAY NEWS UPDATE

        We haven’t heard anything new since this morning regarding Tomoaki Honma, who was rushed to the hospital after landing badly on a DDT off the middle rope from Jado during a match today in Okinawa. We’ve been in contact with people from New Japan and as of last word, they still don’t know anything new. 

        Regarding Khabib Nurmagomedov, he was taken to Sunrise Hospital & Medical Center in Las Vegas last night due to issues with weight cutting. He was out of the hospital this morning but the doctor’s recommended that he not fight tomorrow. Nurmagomedov was reported resting in his room earlier today by his management team who apologized to Ferguson for the fight not happening.

        A number of fighters, including Lando Vanatta who has already made weight, Michael Johnson, who said he can make weight, and Eddie Alvarez have asked to step in to face Tony Ferguson in place of Khabib Nurmagomedov. At this writing UFC hasn’t made any decision, and Ferguson, who on such short notice shouldn’t have to make a rash decision, hasn’t said anything yet either.

        In light of today’s news with Khabib Nurmagomedov and all the discussion of weight cutting,this article regarding amateur wrestling and how they approach weight cutting is notable. It should also be noted that amateur wrestling responded to its problems immediately after tragedies as opposed to MMA which, aside from One, really didn’t address the issue until Andy Foster and other commissioners did last year, and pro wrestling, which dragged its feet on the drug death issue for nearly 30 years.

        Regarding my speculation on Jim Ross being the mystery guy at the TNA tapings tonight, that won’t be the case as Ross will be in Thackerville, OK, with his wife, at the Bellator show. Ross and Bellator announcer Sean Grande are good friends and Ross is an MMA fan.

          WWE

          • As noted above, John Cena and Nikki Bella are not on this weekend’s WWE house shows. I doubt they will be next weekend since Cena is hosting the Kids Choice Awards on 3/11. Randy Orton will not be in LaCrosse, WI tomorrow but he is scheduled for the rest of the tour. This is all subject to change since the ad department isn’t always aware of what’s going on as last weekend shows.
          • Jerry Lawler will be in Milwaukee to do the post-fight show after Fast Lane on the WWE Network.
          • A story on Natalya is here.
          • A story on Dean Ambrose and Renee Young is here.

          UFC

          • Tickets for the 4/15 show in Nashville went on sale today priced from $175 down to $40. Cub Swanson vs. Artem Lobov is the main event.
          • Here were the results of the World MMA Awards from last night’s ceremony in Las Vegas:Fighter of the Year- Conor McGregor
            Female Fighter of the Year – Amanda Nunes
            Breakthrough Fighter of the Year – Cody Garbrandt
            International Fighter of the Year – Khabib Nurmagomedov
            Fight of the Year – Cub Swanson vs. Doo Ho Choi
            Knockouts of the Year – Michael Page vs. Cyborg Santos
            Submission of the Year – Nate Diaz vs. Conor McGregor
            Comeback of the Year – Miesha Tate vs. Holly Holm
            Upset of the Year – Michael Bisping vs. Luke Rockhold
            Coach of the Year – John Kavanagh
            Trainer of the Year – Mike Dolce
            Gym of the Year – American Top Team
            Referee of the Year – John McCarthy
            Ringcard Girl of the Year – Jhenny Andrade
            Leading Man – Dana White
            Promotion of the Year – UFC
            Analyst of the Year – Dominick Cruz
            Best program – Ultimate Fighter
            Best Media Source – MMA Fighting
            Best MMA reporter – Ariel Helwani
            Best Clothing brand – Venum

          MISCELLANEOUS

          • ROH announced a joint show with New Japan Pro Wrestling on 5/12 at the Hammerstein Ballroom in New York. We had reported on that show several months ago, but they didn’t want to announce it because they didn’t want to hurt tickets sales for tomorrow’s show in the same building.
          • The Evolve show on 3/30 at 8 p.m. in Orlando, the Thursday before WrestleMania, has a strong lineup with Zack Sabre Jr. vs. ACH for the Evolve title, Tracy Williams & Fred Yehi vs. Michael Elgin & Donovan Dijak for the tag titles, Matt Riddle vs. Drew Galloway, Ricochet vs. Keith Lee plus Ethan Page, Timothy Thatcher and more. They also run 3/31 at 4 P.M. with Sabre Jr. vs. Elgin for the Evolve title, Yehi vs. Riddle, Lee vs. Dijak, and ACH vs. Galloway.
          • The deal for Impact Wrestling to bring in Alberto El Patron wasn’t finalized until Wednesday.
          • Reno Scum’s match was taped for next week’s Impact and they were wearing the GFW tag team titles belts, so GFW and those belts will be acknowledged on television.
          • Add Tanea Brooks (Rebel) to the list of those expected back in Impact this week. 
          • Kurt Angle vs. Cody Rhodes takes place tonight for Northeast Wrestling in Waterbury, CT, at Crosby High School in a cage match. Also appearing are Great Khali, Ryback, Jerry Lawler, Vinny Marseglia, TK O’Ryan, Hanson and Charles “Godfather” Wright. There is a Sports lllustrated interview on it here.
          • There is a documentary called Wrestling School about the Santino Brothers school that can be viewed here. PROMO CODE: OBSERVER
          • A look at the last PWG show is here.
          • Guardians of the Galaxy II, where Dave Bautista will once again play Drax, opens on 4/25 in Australia.
          • Davey Boy Smith Jr. vs. Jeremy Prophet headlines on 5/13 for Great North Wrestling in Hawkesbury, ONT at the Smiths Falls Memorial Centre. Also on the show is Hannibal vs. Wes Brisco for the Canadian title. Both matches will be inside an MMA style cage.
          • SWF tomorrow night in Avenel, NJ at the Avenel Colombian Club.
          • ACH has been added to the WWN Supershow on 4/1 in Orlando. 
          • The next Style Battle show on Flo Slam is 3/12 in Ybor City, FL. Style Battle is a one-night eight-man tournament with first round matches of Martin Stone vs. Anthony Henry, Kyle Matthews vs. Jason Cade, Jon Davis vs. James Drake and Parrow vs. Jon Cruz.
          • Sean Waltman appears on 4/30 in London for IPW UK.
          • David Lagana talks his time in TNA.

          Leon White (Vader) on his health issues from the Two Man Power Trip:

          The cryptic tweets regarding his health:

          “I really kind of regret tweeting it out. In other words when I got diagnosed and was told, ‘Leon, you have a bad heart and you have congestive heart failure and we feel your time is limited and you have maybe a couple of years left…two years or less to live.’ I remember getting very angry and said this has got to be bullshit because I don’t feel bad and I remember getting extremely angry. Since that time and when I got the news I left the hospital and went right to the gym and rode the bike for a half hour. Hard. As hard as I could and when I got off the bike and got on the treadmill and walked for another 15 minutes pretty hard and I was exhausted but my heart felt fine so how can I do that if my heart is going to give out? The doctor in some of the ongoing appointments that I had with him explained to me that when you are tipping the scales at 400 and 420-25 pounds that a man that size and that heavy isn’t supposed to be able to push himself in a cardiovascular endeavor no matter what it is much past 2 or 3 minutes.”

          Accepting his fate and still taking bookings to wrestle:

          “I kind of wish I hadn’t brought it up, and I am continuing to wrestle. Someone said, ‘Aren’t you afraid? Why would you get a booking (to wrestle) at this point when you’ve had this type of diagnosis?’ I said, ‘Brother, where would you rather die in a bed at home, or in the hospital, or would you rather die in front of 10,000 people having fun in the ring?”

          “So, if it’s true, if this doctor isn’t just totally full of sh*t which, that’s what I’m betting on, and I should say ‘these doctors’ at this point you know, that’s my choice, and that’s the way I decide to go out. If this thing’s gonna happen, I’d rather be in a ring, anywhere, compared to sitting in a hospital room in a hospital bed, sitting there like some sheep getting ready to be slaughtered. It’s not who I am, and it’s not the way it’s gonna happen with me.”

          F4W / WO EMPIRE WRESTLEMANIA GROUP INFO

          BUS INFO:

          • The Empire bus to WrestleMania will cost $50.00 and will be round trip from Rosen Inn at 9000 International Drive 32819 (a few blocks away from Wrestlcon). THERE ARE ONLY 5 SEATS LEFT!
          • The bus will leave at 3:30pm (time subject to change) for WrestleMania and will leave WrestleMania no later then one hour after the show. If you would like a seat email Ed at [email protected] or message him on the BOARD~! for Paypal payment instructions.

          DINNER INFO:

          • WHAT: Dinner at Texas de Brazil
          • WHEN: Friday March 31st
          • WHERE: 5259 International Dr Ste F1, Orlando, FL 32819 at 5 p.m. (they may open at 4:30 for us)
          • WHO: All your best empire buddies, including BIG DAVE MELTZER
          • DETAILS: The cost of the dinner will be $68.00 which includes the dinner, salad bar, soft drinks and tea, and dessert, tax and tip. This is a pre pay dinner and you can send payment to paypal at [email protected] (please send as a gift to a friend). Payments must be made by March 24th (if you wait until after that, Ed will charge an extra $5.00 for being a pain).

          Pro Wrestling Tees is now carrying our latest line of F4W shirts. Support the Empire~! Grab yours today!

          CONTACT INFORMATION

          ​

          Daily Update: Jack Swagger, Fastlane, UFC odds

          Posted on by Dave Meltzer

          THE ROUND-UP

          The Latest from the F4W Staff

          NEWS

          AUDIO

          We’re looking for reports from tonight’s NXT shows in Columbus, OH and Lakeland, FL, as well as from the TNA Impact tapings tonight from Orlando, FL to [email protected].

          IMPACT ON POP TV TONIGHT AT 8 P.M.

          • Rosemary vs. Jade Last Knockouts standing match for the title
          • Trevor Lee vs Andrew Everett for X title
          • Bobby Lashley vs. Josh Barnett for TNA title 

          For this coming weekend, we’ll be doing three polls, for the UFC 209 PPV on Saturday night in Las Vegas, for WWE Fast Lane on Sunday from Milwaukee, and from the New Japan anniversary show on Monday from Tokyo.

          FIGURE FOUR WEEKLY: 2/27/2017: Looking ahead to WWE Fast Lane

          With WWE’s final pay-per-view before WrestleMania under a week away, the build to Fastlane has been aided by a few of the company’s best television segments of at least the past several months. The Festival of Friendship was perfect. From the timing of it coming before the audience knew for sure that the full turn was happening, the performances of Kevin Owens and Chris Jericho, and even the parts played by the bit characters, everything delivered… Subscribers click here to continue.

          WRESTLING OBSERVER NEWSLETTER: February 27, 2017, Massive Ivan Koloff bio, death of George “The Animal” Steele, tons more

          A huge feature on the life and career of Ivan Koloff is the lead story in the new issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, which is available right now. Plus, there are also features on George Steele, Nicole Bass, Johnny K-9, Diamond Dallas Page and Teddy Long.

          The Koloff story talks about the most famous match of the 1970s in the U.S., his win over Bruno Sammartino, as well as his loss to Pedro Morales in WWWF title matches, the birth of Ivan Koloff, his days as Red McNulty, his first match with Sammartino, how he got the Koloff gimmick and who he was named after. This issue also looks at his title run with Sammartino the first time in Pittsburgh and then the WWWF, the most one-sided trade in sports history, the return of Koloff for his title win, the angle done to cover Sammartino, and the two big nights in Madison Square Garden.

          Have a look at the creation of Ivan Koloff in Quebec and how he first made his name as a major drawing card, and look at his run in Australia where Gary Hart managed him. Plus look at his days in the AWA, Hawaii, St. Louis, Georgia, Florida, the second WWWF run, the role as top heel for the opposition, the tag team with Ole Anderson, his feud with Dusty Rhodes, and the emergence of Nikita Koloff and the other Russians in the 80s.

          Examine the career of George Steele, the life and times of Johnny K-9, the strange world of Nicole Bass, and the WWE Hall of Fame inductions of DDP and Teddy Long.

          Plus, details about the filming of “Fighting with My Family” after Raw and Smackdown this past week, notes on the movie, the phone calls to C.M. Punk in front of the fans, the Naomi injury, an update on Fast Lane, return of Finn Balor notes, a look at plans for a show after WrestleMania, the busy Raw brand schedule, WWE working with Indies on WWE Network update, WWE market value, most watched shows on WWE Network, plus details of all the WWE & NXT house shows over the past week along with business notes.

          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 Dave Meltzer, or by using PayPal directing funds to [email protected]. 

          Rates in 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: February 7, 2000, Radicalz debut in WWF, The Rock autobiography review, more

          Chris Benoit, Dean Malenko, Perry Saturn and Eddy Guerrero debuted as The Radicals on the 1/31 Raw show from Pittsburgh in what was considered a big push but it all fell apart the next night in their in-ring debut when Guerrero suffered what appeared to be a serious elbow injury on the 2/1 Smackdown tapings in Detroit. Smackdown, live Raw the previous night, was to be built around the newcomers with the stipulations that they would have a best-of-three series between DX and the Radicals, and if the Radicals won, then Hunter Hearst Helmsley would have to agree to sign them to a WWF contract… Subscribers click here to continue.

          THURSDAY NEWS UPDATE

          I just realized that in two weeks, there will be a weekend with major shows from CMLL, a UFC from London, the NCAA tournament (on ESPN live Friday and Saturday night plus other sessions televised and streamed with nearly 110,000 fans expected for the six events), New Japan Cup semifinals and finals (two different shows) and a PWG show.

          Odds for the main UFC fights this weekend:

          • Stephen Thompson -170
          • Tyron Woodley +150
          • Khabib Nurmagomedov -170
          • Tony Ferguson +150
          • Daniel Kelly +200
          • Rashad Evans -240
          • Alistair Overeem -145
          • Mark Hunt +125

          The WAW UK promotion announced U.K. shows with Jack Swagger (his first non-WWE appearance), Jazz, Bushwhacker Luke Williams and Scott Hall for 3/10 and 3/11.

          WWE

          • There was significant betting today for Sunday’s Fastlane show that turned odds around completely in two matches. Nia Jax is now -1500 against Sasha Banks, and Braun Strowman is now -2000 against Roman Reigns. (thanks to David Taylor)
          • There is a documentary on the Sasha Banks vs. Charlotte Hell in a Cell match. (thanks to David Youell)
          • There is a pre-sale going on for the Extreme Rules PPV on 6/4 in Baltimore at the Royal Farms Arena with the code: EXTREMERULES
          • Kurt Angle was on ESPN today talking WWE Hall of Fame.
          • A pre-sale for the 5/15 Raw from Newark, NJ is going on with the code: WWERAW 
          • The Hollywood Reporter today noted that actress Haley Lu Richardson (“Split”) has been added to the movie “The Pact,” a comedy where John Cena is one of the stars. The movie is set for release on April 20, 2018. It’s about three parents, one of which was Cena, finding out that their daughters have all planned to lose their virginity after the prom and they go out and try to stop that from happening.
          • A story on Big Show’s 60 pound weight loss is here.

          UFC

          • Jeremy Stephens vs. Renato Moicano has been added to the 4/15 show in Kansas City.

          MISCELLANEOUS

          • Bobby Fish promoting Saturday’s ROH show at the Manhattan Center.
          • Frankie Kazarian talks about the 3/10 ROH PPV and Christopher Daniels.
          • Mr. T will be on the new season of Dancing with the Stars which starts on 3/20.
          • The Hulk Hogan trial with Gawker documentary called “Nobody Speaks: Trials of the Free Pass” will have an international premiere in Toronto at the Hot Docs festival.  It had a U.S. premiere at Sundance in January.
          • Headlocked Comics is doing a comic called “Headlocked: The Hardy Way,” featuring stories from Ric Flair, Mick Foley, Cody Rhodes, Kenny Omega and artwork from Jerry Lawler, Fred Ottman and Lince Dorado. There will be a kickstarter for the release at 8 p.m. tonight with special pricing for early backers.
          • A story on Rocky King, the former Crockett wrestler known for helping the homeless in Atlanta is here. (thanks to Larry Weaver) 
          • Cassandro and other wrestlers appeared on Conan O’Brien in a segment where Conan trains Lucha Libre is here. (thanks to Chris Aiken)
          • A kid who grew up idolizing Larry Zbyszko.
          • The Legacy Fighting Alliance announced a 3/24 show in Houston headlined by Ricky Turcios vs. Levi Mowles and Klayton Maj vs. Roberto Sanchez. The show airs live from the Arena Theater on AXS.
          • Smash Wrestling on Saturday night in Toronto at the Franklin Horner Community Centre with Tyson Dux vs. Scotty O’Shea vs. Greed, plus James Davis, Jimmy Havoc and Rob Lynch from the U.K. and a pre-show autograph signing with Jake Roberts.
          • Jeff Walton is being inducted into the Empire Wrestling Federation Hall of Fame on 5/5 at their anniversary show in Covina, CA.
          • Oddity Wrestling Alliance results from Saturday afternoon in San Diego: Bestia 666 b Viento, Rey Horus b Oracle, Rey Fenix b Laredo Kid, Brody King & Tyler Bateman b Vilento Jack & Aeroboy, Rey Fenix won three-way over Rey Hours and Bestia 666, Fidel Bravo over Adrian Quest, Jake Atlas, D’Marco Wilson, Biagio Crescenzo, Dragox, Sepahim and Stigma, Inframundo b Donnie Suarez & Huracan, Ruby Raze b Datura, Ryan Kidd b Eli Everfly.
          • ECCW on 4/8 in New Westminster, BC at the Sapperton Pensioners Hall.
          • Pure Wrestling Associates on 3/11 in Kitchener, ONT at the Alpine Club.
          • House of Hardcore on 4/21 in Metcheun, NJ and 4/22 in Philadelphia has Tommy Dreamer, Bully Ray, Matt & Jeff Hardy, MVP, Sami Callihan and Brian Cage.
          • Big League Wrestling Gold Rush will be on FITE TV on Sunday live from the U.K. headlined by Alberto El Patron vs. Ken Anderson.
          • MCW tomorrow night in Joppa, MD at the MCW Arena has Brian Cage, Adam Rose, Amy “Lita” Dumas, Lio Rush and Brittany Blake appearing. 
          • Bill Behrens sent out a release that Sean Waltman is not discontinuing wrestling after April as he had first sent out, but that he will be discontinuing wrestling soon and is only taking bookings for matches that can be confirmed through the end of April, and he will only do tag team matches. He can be booked at [email protected].
          • AAW on Saturday night in LaSalle, IL at the Knights of Columbus with Sami Callihan vs. Rey Fenix for the AAW title, ACH vs. Penta 0M for the Heritage title, Dave & Jake Crist vs. Dezmond Xavier & Zachary Went 2/3 falls, Kruger (Adam Rose) vs. Ethan Page, Jessicka Havok vs. Samantha Heights and AR Fox vs. JT Dunn.
          • Acclaim Pro Wrestling on Saturday night at the SPK Dom Polski Polish Combatants Centre.
          • Joe Gacy is the final person announced for the ECWA Super 8 tournament on 4/29 in Woodbury Heights, NJ at the Community Center. The seven previously announced were Lio Rush, Timmy Lou Retton, Brandon Scott, Zombiie King, Joey Janela, LSG and Anthony Bennett.
          • The movie “Ascent to Hell,” where John Hennigan (Johnny Mundo) is one of the leads, will be released on video on 3/14. It’s a horror movie about a real estate agent and her wealthy investment manager end up stuck in a building in a supernatural trap. 
          • Rob Van Dam vs. MVP headlines 3/24 in Wilmington, CA at the PCW Memorial Hall.
          • After the Missouri commission refused to overturn her loss, Invicta’s Celine Haga had filed in Cole County Circuit Court for a judicial review of the results of her fight with Amy Montenegro at the January Invicta show. Haga choked Montenegro out. Ref Greg Franklin didn’t stop the fight and the bell rang, although Montenegro actually went out before the bell. Montenegro was given the decision by the judges and Haga is claiming the fight should be a win by her since she put Montenegro out before the bell rang. That was the finish of a famous 1973 pro wrestling match with Harley Race defending the world title against Mr Wrestling in the first show that ever sold out the Omni in Atlanta.
          • Ringside Championship Wrestling on 3/18 in Cherry Valley, AR, at the Cross Country High School in a benefit show for the Food Pantry, featuring Doug Gilbert vs. Eric Wayne, the son of Tommy Gilbert against the grandson of Buddy Wayne.

          F4W / WO EMPIRE WRESTLEMANIA GROUP INFO

          BUS INFO:

          • The Empire bus to WrestleMania will cost $50.00 and will be round trip from Rosen Inn at 9000 International Drive 32819 (a few blocks away from Wrestlcon). THERE ARE ONLY 5 SEATS LEFT!
          • The bus will leave at 3:30pm (time subject to change) for WrestleMania and will leave WrestleMania no later then one hour after the show. If you would like a seat email Ed at [email protected] or message him on the BOARD~! for Paypal payment instructions.

          DINNER INFO:

          • WHAT: Dinner at Texas de Brazil
          • WHEN: Friday March 31st
          • WHERE: 5259 International Dr Ste F1, Orlando, FL 32819 at 5 p.m. (they may open at 4:30 for us)
          • WHO: All your best empire buddies, including BIG DAVE MELTZER
          • DETAILS: The cost of the dinner will be $68.00 which includes the dinner, salad bar, soft drinks and tea, and dessert, tax and tip. This is a pre pay dinner and you can send payment to paypal at [email protected] (please send as a gift to a friend). Payments must be made by March 24th (if you wait until after that, Ed will charge an extra $5.00 for being a pain).

          Pro Wrestling Tees is now carrying our latest line of F4W shirts. Support the Empire~! Grab yours today!

            Today in professional wrestling history (3/2): reDRagon win ROH tag team gold

            CONTACT INFORMATION

            ​

            Daily Update: Owens DVD, Netflix’s GLOW series, SmackDown

            Posted on by Joseph Currier

            THE ROUND-UP

            The Latest from the F4W Staff

            NEWS

            AUDIO

            FIGURE FOUR WEEKLY: 2/27/2017: Looking ahead to WWE Fast Lane

            With WWE’s final pay-per-view before WrestleMania under a week away, the build to Fastlane has been aided by a few of the company’s best television segments of at least the past several months. The Festival of Friendship was perfect. From the timing of it coming before the audience knew for sure that the full turn was happening, the performances of Kevin Owens and Chris Jericho, and even the parts played by the bit characters, everything delivered… Subscribers click here to continue.

            WRESTLING OBSERVER NEWSLETTER: February 27, 2017, Massive Ivan Koloff bio, death of George “The Animal” Steele, tons more

            A huge feature on the life and career of Ivan Koloff is the lead story in the new issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, which is available right now. Plus, there are also features on George Steele, Nicole Bass, Johnny K-9, Diamond Dallas Page and Teddy Long.

            The Koloff story talks about the most famous match of the 1970s in the U.S., his win over Bruno Sammartino, as well as his loss to Pedro Morales in WWWF title matches, the birth of Ivan Koloff, his days as Red McNulty, his first match with Sammartino, how he got the Koloff gimmick and who he was named after. This issue also looks at his title run with Sammartino the first time in Pittsburgh and then the WWWF, the most one-sided trade in sports history, the return of Koloff for his title win, the angle done to cover Sammartino, and the two big nights in Madison Square Garden.

            Have a look at the creation of Ivan Koloff in Quebec and how he first made his name as a major drawing card, and look at his run in Australia where Gary Hart managed him. Plus look at his days in the AWA, Hawaii, St. Louis, Georgia, Florida, the second WWWF run, the role as top heel for the opposition, the tag team with Ole Anderson, his feud with Dusty Rhodes, and the emergence of Nikita Koloff and the other Russians in the 80s.

            Examine the career of George Steele, the life and times of Johnny K-9, the strange world of Nicole Bass, and the WWE Hall of Fame inductions of DDP and Teddy Long.

            Plus, details about the filming of “Fighting with My Family” after Raw and Smackdown this past week, notes on the movie, the phone calls to C.M. Punk in front of the fans, the Naomi injury, an update on Fast Lane, return of Finn Balor notes, a look at plans for a show after WrestleMania, the busy Raw brand schedule, WWE working with Indies on WWE Network update, WWE market value, most watched shows on WWE Network, plus details of all the WWE & NXT house shows over the past week along with business notes.

            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 Dave Meltzer, or by using PayPal directing funds to [email protected]. 

            Rates in 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: February 7, 2000, Radicalz debut in WWF, The Rock autobiography review, more

            Chris Benoit, Dean Malenko, Perry Saturn and Eddy Guerrero debuted as The Radicals on the 1/31 Raw show from Pittsburgh in what was considered a big push but it all fell apart the next night in their in-ring debut when Guerrero suffered what appeared to be a serious elbow injury on the 2/1 Smackdown tapings in Detroit. Smackdown, live Raw the previous night, was to be built around the newcomers with the stipulations that they would have a best-of-three series between DX and the Radicals, and if the Radicals won, then Hunter Hearst Helmsley would have to agree to sign them to a WWF contract… Subscribers click here to continue.

            WEDNESDAY NEWS UPDATE

            WWE

            • WWE will be releasing “Fight Owens Fight: The Kevin Owens Story” on DVD in July. The company posted a teaser for the DVD on Twitter.
            • Owens also appeared on today’s episode of the Steve Austin Show, which was taped backstage at the February 20th Raw in Los Angeles.
            • John Cena & Nikki Bella vs. James Ellsworth & Carmella has been announced for next week’s SmackDown.
            • After the angle where Randy Orton turned his back on Bray Wyatt last night, there was a segment on Talking Smack that furthered tensions between AJ Styles and Shane McMahon with Styles still demanding to challenge for Wyatt’s WWE Championship at WrestleMania.
            • Tonight’s episode of NXT features two title matches, with Asuka vs. Peyton Royce for the Women’s Championship and The Authors of Pain vs. DIY for the tag titles.
            • In an interview with the Sporting News, Big Show was asked about Shaquille O’Neal claiming that their WrestleMania match “probably” won’t happen and said that he still doesn’t know whether the match is off yet.

            Pro Wrestling

            • Netflix’s GLOW series, which was inspired by the pro wrestling promotion of the same name, will premiere on June 23rd.
            • In an interview with the Scottish Sun, Drew Galloway explained why he turned down a “great” financial offer from TNA.
            • Revolution Pro Wrestling announced Marty Scurll vs. Ricochet for their show in Orlando on March 31st. RevPro also tweeted a thank you to Ring of Honor for allowing Scurll and Will Ospreay to work the show.
            • Scurll was interviewed by ESPN.
            • Anthem’s Leonard Asper spoke about TNA’s place within the company.
            • AXS TV will showcase NJPW’s 2016 G1 Climax over four episodes, beginning on March 10th and concluding on the 31st.

            UFC/MMA

            • While appearing on SportsCenter to announce the Michael Bisping vs. Georges St-Pierre middleweight title fight for later this year, Dana White was asked about whether Tyron Woodley feels upset about how he’s being promoted heading into his UFC 209 fight with Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson.
            • Yoel Romero’s management declined to comment on not getting the next shot at Bisping’s title: “We don’t have any comment right now other than Yoel wishes GSP well in his return. He’ll talk more about this soon.”
            • Jacare Souza’s management issued a comment: “Michael ‘The Count’ Bisping is now Michael ‘The King’ Bisping, he just got promoted! Money fights win again.”
            • The press conference with GSP and Bisping will be on Friday at 5 p.m. ET at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas prior to the UFC 209 ceremonial weigh-ins.
            • Misha Cirkunov has agreed to a new contract with the UFC.
            • The UFC released the third episode of Embedded for UFC 209.
            • Dave Meltzer spoke to Tom Lawlor for a piece on MMA Fighting about Lawlor’s suspension and the level of interest he’s gotten from pro wrestling companies.
            • Joe Rogan, Jon Anik, and Dominick Cruz will be the broadcast team for UFC 209.

            F4W / WO EMPIRE WRESTLEMANIA GROUP INFO

            BUS INFO:

            • The Empire bus to WrestleMania will cost $50.00 and will be round trip from Rosen Inn at 9000 International Drive 32819 (a few blocks away from Wrestlcon). THERE ARE ONLY 5 SEATS LEFT!
            • The bus will leave at 3:30pm (time subject to change) for WrestleMania and will leave WrestleMania no later then one hour after the show. If you would like a seat email Ed at [email protected] or message him on the BOARD~! for Paypal payment instructions.

            DINNER INFO:

            • WHAT: Dinner at Texas de Brazil
            • WHEN: Friday March 31st
            • WHERE: 5259 International Dr Ste F1, Orlando, FL 32819 at 5 p.m. (they may open at 4:30 for us)
            • WHO: All your best empire buddies, including BIG DAVE MELTZER
            • DETAILS: The cost of the dinner will be $68.00 which includes the dinner, salad bar, soft drinks and tea, and dessert, tax and tip. This is a pre pay dinner and you can send payment to paypal at [email protected] (please send as a gift to a friend). Payments must be made by March 24th (if you wait until after that, Ed will charge an extra $5.00 for being a pain).

            Pro Wrestling Tees is now carrying our latest line of F4W shirts. Support the Empire~! Grab yours today!

              Today in professional wrestling history (3/1): Kobashi vs. Misawa for the GHC title

              CONTACT INFORMATION

              ​

              Daily Update: SmackDown, The Hardys, Holly Holm’s appeal denied

              Posted on by Joseph Currier

              THE ROUND-UP

              The Latest from the F4W Staff

              NEWS

              AUDIO

              FIGURE FOUR WEEKLY: 2/27/2017: Looking ahead to WWE Fast Lane

              With WWE’s final pay-per-view before WrestleMania under a week away, the build to Fastlane has been aided by a few of the company’s best television segments of at least the past several months. The Festival of Friendship was perfect. From the timing of it coming before the audience knew for sure that the full turn was happening, the performances of Kevin Owens and Chris Jericho, and even the parts played by the bit characters, everything delivered… Subscribers click here to continue.

              WRESTLING OBSERVER NEWSLETTER: February 27, 2017, Massive Ivan Koloff bio, death of George “The Animal” Steele, tons more

              A huge feature on the life and career of Ivan Koloff is the lead story in the new issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, which is available right now. Plus, there are also features on George Steele, Nicole Bass, Johnny K-9, Diamond Dallas Page and Teddy Long.

              The Koloff story talks about the most famous match of the 1970s in the U.S., his win over Bruno Sammartino, as well as his loss to Pedro Morales in WWWF title matches, the birth of Ivan Koloff, his days as Red McNulty, his first match with Sammartino, how he got the Koloff gimmick and who he was named after. This issue also looks at his title run with Sammartino the first time in Pittsburgh and then the WWWF, the most one-sided trade in sports history, the return of Koloff for his title win, the angle done to cover Sammartino, and the two big nights in Madison Square Garden.

              Have a look at the creation of Ivan Koloff in Quebec and how he first made his name as a major drawing card, and look at his run in Australia where Gary Hart managed him. Plus look at his days in the AWA, Hawaii, St. Louis, Georgia, Florida, the second WWWF run, the role as top heel for the opposition, the tag team with Ole Anderson, his feud with Dusty Rhodes, and the emergence of Nikita Koloff and the other Russians in the 80s.

              Examine the career of George Steele, the life and times of Johnny K-9, the strange world of Nicole Bass, and the WWE Hall of Fame inductions of DDP and Teddy Long.

              Plus, details about the filming of “Fighting with My Family” after Raw and Smackdown this past week, notes on the movie, the phone calls to C.M. Punk in front of the fans, the Naomi injury, an update on Fast Lane, return of Finn Balor notes, a look at plans for a show after WrestleMania, the busy Raw brand schedule, WWE working with Indies on WWE Network update, WWE market value, most watched shows on WWE Network, plus details of all the WWE & NXT house shows over the past week along with business notes.

              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 Dave Meltzer, or by using PayPal directing funds to [email protected]. 

              Rates in 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: February 7, 2000, Radicalz debut in WWF, The Rock autobiography review, more

              Chris Benoit, Dean Malenko, Perry Saturn and Eddy Guerrero debuted as The Radicals on the 1/31 Raw show from Pittsburgh in what was considered a big push but it all fell apart the next night in their in-ring debut when Guerrero suffered what appeared to be a serious elbow injury on the 2/1 Smackdown tapings in Detroit. Smackdown, live Raw the previous night, was to be built around the newcomers with the stipulations that they would have a best-of-three series between DX and the Radicals, and if the Radicals won, then Hunter Hearst Helmsley would have to agree to sign them to a WWF contract… Subscribers click here to continue.

              TUESDAY NEWS UPDATE

              WWE

              • In addition to the AJ Styles vs. Luke Harper match to supposedly determine a new number one contender for Bray Wyatt’s WWE Championship and John Cena appearing on Miz TV with Miz and Maryse, tonight’s SmackDown will feature two stipulation matches. Becky Lynch will face Mickie James in a two-out-of-three falls match and Apollo Crews will take on Dolph Ziggler in a chairs match.
              • Neville delivering a “State of 205 Live” address is advertised for tonight’s 205 Live.
              • John Cena spoke to Sports Illustrated’s Justin Barrasso and reflected on previously being critical of The Rock’s pursuits outside of pro wrestling.
              • Our Dave Meltzer tweeted that Finn Balor is due back any day now.
              • ESPN’s Brian Campbell interviewed JBL for a profile on his career.
              • Brock Lesnar and Paul Heyman appeared after Raw went off the air last night in a segment where Lesnar laid out Big Show.

              Pro Wrestling

              • Reby Hardy spoke to SiriusXM’s Busted Open radio show about The Hardys’ situation with TNA. She confirmed that they’re leaving the company and said that Matt Hardy won’t be giving up his Broken character any time soon.
              • Jeff Jarrett posted on Twitter about The Hardys and Drew Galloway leaving TNA (formatting has been added for readability): “For the record, it’s @IMPACTWRESTLING ‘s corporate policy not to make any comments on talent contractual matters. I personally wish nothing but continued success for @JEFFHARDYBRAND @MATTHARDYBRAND @GallowaySpeaks. All three of them are fantastic talent and wherever they land they will obviously do very well. Wrestling business can be tough at times, but one thing is for sure the business is ALWAYS changing! Ready for @UniversalORL and can’t wait for Thursday! #MIGA”
              • Matt Hardy tweeted about departing TNA: “My stint with @IMPACTWRESTLING was DELIGHTFUL. EXCEPTIONAL talent & locker room. A great, respectful team that worked hard in tough times. I wish @IMPACTWRESTLING all the best going forward, especially the INDUSTRIOUS talent. I hope they’re all treated with respect & fairness.”
              • VICE has an article about Christopher Daniels’ pursuit of the ROH title.
              • Joey Janela vs. Marty Jannetty has been announced for Janela’s Spring Break show over WrestleMania weekend.
              • Will Ospreay will face Rey Fenix at Revolution Pro Wrestling’s show in Orlando on March 31st.

              UFC/MMA

              • The New York State Athletic Commission has denied Holly Holm’s appeal of her UFC 208 loss against Germaine de Randamie. Holm had filed the appeal asking the commission to review referee Todd Anderson’s decision not to deduct points from de Randamie after she had landed blows following the horn sounding to end multiple rounds.
              • Alexander Gustafsson vs. Glover Teixeira will officially main event the UFC’s show in Stockholm on May 28th.
              • The UFC has released the first and second episodes of Embedded for UFC 209.
              • MMA Junkie reported that Demian Maia vs. Jorge Masvidal will take place at UFC 211 in Dallas.
              • Chuck Mindenhall of MMA Fighting wrote a feature on the Blackzilians MMA team.

              F4W / WO EMPIRE WRESTLEMANIA GROUP INFO

              BUS INFO:

              • The Empire bus to WrestleMania will cost $50.00 and will be round trip from Rosen Inn at 9000 International Drive 32819 (a few blocks away from Wrestlcon). THERE ARE ONLY 5 SEATS LEFT!
              • The bus will leave at 3:30pm (time subject to change) for WrestleMania and will leave WrestleMania no later then one hour after the show. If you would like a seat email Ed at [email protected] or message him on the BOARD~! for Paypal payment instructions.

              DINNER INFO:

              • WHAT: Dinner at Texas de Brazil
              • WHEN: Friday March 31st
              • WHERE: 5259 International Dr Ste F1, Orlando, FL 32819 at 5 p.m. (they may open at 4:30 for us)
              • WHO: All your best empire buddies, including BIG DAVE MELTZER
              • DETAILS: The cost of the dinner will be $68.00 which includes the dinner, salad bar, soft drinks and tea, and dessert, tax and tip. This is a pre pay dinner and you can send payment to paypal at [email protected] (please send as a gift to a friend). Payments must be made by March 24th (if you wait until after that, Ed will charge an extra $5.00 for being a pain).

              Pro Wrestling Tees is now carrying our latest line of F4W shirts. Support the Empire~! Grab yours today!

                Today in professional wrestling history (2/28): Anderson & Hansen win NWA tag titles

                CONTACT INFORMATION

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