THE ROUND-UP

The Latest from the F4W Staff

NEWS

• The Hardys done with TNA barring drastic changes
• ROH TV results: Marty Scurll defends against Donovan Dijak
• WWE adds Beth Phoenix to 2017 Hall of Fame class
• Drew Galloway bids farewell to TNA, Matt and Jeff Hardy’s status still in limbo
• NJPW/ROH Honor Rising results: Omega & Okada square off in tag action
• NJPW/ROH Honor Rising results: The return of Kenny Omega
• EVOLVE 79 recap: Timothy Thatcher vs. Zack Sabre Jr.

AUDIO

• WOR: RAW preview, New Japan, Arena Mexico, Bob Sweetan, more 2/27
• B&V: ROH TV, NWA World Championship Wrestling from 30 years ago this week! 2/26
• WOL: New Japan Honor Rising, Show vs. Shaq, news, more! 2/26
• AD: Monsters and mysteries of Minnesota! 2/26

We’re looking for reports on today’s Raw in Green Bay with any dark matches, Main Event matches and anything else not on the live show, as well as the Smackdown house show from Dubuque, IA, to [email protected].

We’re also doing polls on both Sunday and today’s shows at Korakuen Hall to [email protected].

Raw will be live on Monday from Green Bay, WI. Bill Goldberg’s return is being promoted for what is the go-home show for Fast Lane. Brock Lesnar and Paul Heyman are also booked on the show. Seth Rollins will be doing an interview regarding HHH and WrestleMania.

Smackdown and 205 Live will be Tuesday from St. Paul featuring an A.J. Styles vs. Luke Harper match which supposedly will be for the WrestleMania title shot.

NEW JAPAN AT KORAKUEN HALL WEDNESDAY MORNING AT 4:30 A.M. EASTERN ON NEW JAPAN WORLD

• Yujiro Takahashi vs. Tomoyuki Oka
• Rocky Romero & Baretta & Yoshi-Hashi & Jado vs. Yoshinobu Kanemaru & Taichi & Desperado & Taka Michinoku
• Hiroyoshi Tenzan & Satoshi Kojima & Yuji Nagata & Manabu Nakanishi vs. Kenny Omega & Bad Luck Fale & Tama Tonga & Tanga Roa
• Togi Makabe & Tomoaki Honma & Jushin Liger vs. Toru Yano & Tomohiro Ishii & Hirooki Goto
• Katsuyori Shibata & David Finlay vs. Minoru Suzuki & Davey Boy Smith Jr.
• Hiroshi Tanahashi & Michael Elgin & Juice Robinson & Ryusuke Taguchi & Kushida vs. Tetsuya Naito & Evil & Sanada & Bushi & Hiromu Takahashi
• Kazuchika Okada & Gedo vs. Tiger Mask & Tiger Mask W

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.

MONDAY NEWS UPDATE

Seth Rollins and Ric Flair are both in Green Bay for Raw tonight. I’m presuming Flair will be part of the Charlotte/Bayley angle unless he’s just there for social reasons.

HHH has announced that he will be wrestling on 3/10 in Buffalo, 3/11 in Toronto and 3/26 in White Plains. I believe it will be HHH & Kevin Owens & Samoa Joe vs. Sami Zayn & Finn Balor & Chris Jericho at all three shows. That is at least the current plan for Toronto and White Plains.

Congratulations to Beth Phoenix for her induction into the WWE Hall of Fame. Pretty obvious Edge should be the one doing the inducting.

Not sure why Randy Orton wasn’t at the show in Cedar Rapids last night but he’s not injured. Luke Harper, who had been working with him on house shows, was moved into the main event where they did a four-way title match with Bray Wyatt, Harper, Baron Corbin and John Cena. As noted yesterday, A.J. Styles is also off the weekend Smackdown shows, but is scheduled for TV tomorrow night.

Regarding New Japan World, there is a Wednesday morning show from Korakuen Hall which will only have Japanese language announcing. The shows this coming Monday and Tuesday in Tokyo will both have English language announcing with Kevin Kelly and Don Callis. That makes five shows in nine days in Tokyo, four in the same building.

WWE

• John Cena hosts the Nickelodeon Kids Choice Awards which will air live on 3/11 from the Galen Center on the USC campus in Los Angeles. Dwayne Johnson will also be appearing on the show, as will Megan Fox, Kevin Hart, Scarlett Johansson, Felicity Jones, Bruno Mars, Melissa McCarthy, Justin Timberlake and many others.
• Mad Magazine has a feature on how Linda McMahon will change the Trump Administration, such as that Trump will now be able to use the vast military knowledge of Sgt. Slaughter.
• The TV show “Billions” on Showtime had a scene where lead character Bobby “Axe “Axelrod, played by Damien Lewis, was compared with Ric Flair, with the line, “the only reason you put Ric Flair in the ring is to get that heat from the crowd.” (thanks to Joe Puccio)

UFC

• A match where the winner is likely to get a strawweight title shot with Karolina Kowalkiewicz vs. Claudia Gadelha has been added to the 6/3 UFC PPV show from Rio de Janeiro.

MISCELLANEOUS

• Young Bucks vs. Rey Mysterio Jr. & Dana takes place on 3/25 in Tijuana.
• There are rumors that Sexy Dulce (formerly Sexy Star) will be the latest to join La Rebelion, the CRASH group that is attempting to market T-shirts together. This could happen tonight in Monterrey.
• Results from SPW on Friday night in Invercargill, New Zealand: Charlie Roberts won three-way over Mason Daniels and Brook Duncan, Shane Sinclair b Brook Duncan, T-Rex b Hammer, Dr. Feelgood b Michael Richards, Deadly Sins b Young Nats, Jakob Cross b Markus Cool, T-Rex b Kool. (thanks to Steve Ogilvie)
• Revolution Pro from Friday night in Portsmouth, UK before about 350 fans: Marty Scurll b Ryan Smile, Trent Seven b Dave Mastiff, Colt Cabana & Hornswoggle b Rishi Gosh & Lord Gideon Gray, Joel Redman & Charlie Sterling b Spirit Squad, Penta El Zero M b Pete Dunne. Crowd really liked the main event. (thanks to David Youell)
• IWF on 4/8 in Nutley, NJ at the Rec Center with Tommy Dreamer and Tito Santana.
• FEW has a show on 3/4 in Miami Gardens at the FEW Arena. Fans can pick who wrestles who and also the stipulations. Teddy Long will be making an appearance on the show.
• Ultimate Championship Wrestling from Bay City, MI on Saturday night: Brooklyn Brawler won Battle Royal to get a main event match with Jerry Lawler, Soultaker b Blake Acumen Chuck Wagon & Jay Maynard b Kurt Hendrik & Fabio, Gavin Quinn b Black Bushido, Ben Boone & KC Spinelli b John E. Bravo & Ingrid Isley, Joe Coleman & Idris Abraham b Palmer Cruise & Xavier Walker, Hakim Zane won three-way over Jake Something and Danny Shay, Jerry Lawler NC Brooklyn Brawler when both men attacked referee TK Parker. (thanks to Leonard Brand)
• With all the unfortunate deaths last week, this week we take a look at some of the famous “Television Tributes” in wrestling.

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 (2/27): NXT takes over

CONTACT INFORMATION

• Poll opinions: [email protected]
• ​Feedback: [email protected]
• Show results and news tips: [email protected]
• Wrestling Observer Radio questions: [email protected]

​

THE ROUND-UP

The Latest from the F4W Staff

NEWS

• NJPW/ROH Honor Rising results: The return of Kenny Omega
• EVOLVE 79 recap: Timothy Thatcher vs. Zack Sabre Jr.
• EVOLVE 78 recap: Timothy Thatcher looks to continue his title reign
• ‘Bruiser’ Bob Sweetan dies at 76 years old
• VIDEO: Former UFC champion Josh Barnett makes his TNA in-ring debut
• TNA Impact Wrestling results: A wedding, a return & the Hardys

AUDIO

• WOL: New Japan Honor Rising, Show vs. Shaq, news, more! 2/26
• DR. KEITH PRESENTS: ‘I was there when…’ 2/25
• WOL: Dr. Lucha, open lines, news and more! 2/24
• Wrestling Weekly: Les & Vic answer your questions 2/24

Today WWE has a Smackdown brand house show in Cedar Rapids, IA.

ROH/NEW JAPAN AT KORAKUEN HALL ON MONDAY MORNING AT 4:30 A.M. EASTERN TIME ON NEW JAPAN WORLD

• Kushida & David Finlay & Tomoyuki Oka vs. Silas Young & Gedo & Jado
• Tiger Mask & Jushin Liger & Delirious & Dalton Castle & Ryusuke Taguchi vs. Tetsuya Naito & Sanada & Evil & Bushi & Hiromu Takahashi
• War Machine vs. Tama Tonga & Tanga Roa
• Hiroshi Tanahashi & Jay Lethal & Juice Robinson vs. Bad Luck Fale & Yujiro Takahashi & Hangman Page
• Hirooki Goto vs. Damien Martinez for Never Open weight title
• Adam Cole vs. Yoshi-Hashi for ROH title
• Mark & Jay Briscoe & Kazuchika Okada & Will Ospreay vs. Young Bucks & Kenny Omega & Cody

Raw will be live on Monday from Green Bay, WI. Bill Goldberg’s return is being promoted for what is the go-home show for Fast Lane. Brock Lesnar and Paul Heyman are also booked on the show.

There will be a Smackdown brand house show on Monday night in Dubuque, IA.

Smackdown and 205 Live will be Tuesday from St. Paul featuring an A.J. Styles vs. Luke Harper match which supposedly will be for the WrestleMania title shot.

FIGURE FOUR WEEKLY: 2/20/2017, Looking at pro wrestling’s stellar start to 2017

While making judgments about a year less than two full months into it probably isn’t a good idea, it’s clear that 2017 is already on pace to surpass its predecessor in terms of match quality. That’s not entirely unexpected. The stellar in-ring work that defined professional wrestling in 2016 didn’t come out of nowhere. It was the result of there being more qualified workers, more opportunities for them to work, and a wider variety of promotions for them to work for than there have been in many years… 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: January 31, 2000, WCW departures, WWF Royal Rumble review, more

The soap opera surrounding WCW and the group of wrestlers who vowed to stick together got even stranger over the past week, with the company mired in even more uncertainty and friends who stuck together breaking apart. WCW sent unconditional release letters to Chris Benoit, Dean Simon (Malenko), Carlos Ashenoff (Konnan), Troy Martin (Shane Douglas), Eddy Guerrero and Perry Satullo (Perry Saturn) on 1/19, thus cancelling the planned meeting Bill Busch had agreed two days later to have with the group that same day, and allowing all of them to start with Titan Sports on 2/1 provided they agreed not to say anything publicly disparaging about WCW and agreed not to sue WCW… Subscribers click here to continue.

SUNDAY NEWS UPDATE

Bryan and I will be back tonight with Wrestling Observer radio. We’ll be covering the weekend news as well as taking questions you can send to [email protected].

A.J. Styles is off the weekend Smackdown house shows. He was advertised. I guess it was an ad mix-up as he had the time off and will be back to wrestle Luke Harper on Tuesday night in St. Paul.

Alexander Gustafsson vs. Glover Teixiera is being targeted by UFC to headline a 5/28 show in Stockholm.

Ed Nordholm, the President of TNA, went with Jeff Jarrett to Tijuana for The Crash show last night. Sounds like Dorian Roldan’s strategy of threatening to sue them didn’t lead to them working with AAA. Who would ever have thought?

Results from The Crash show last night: Flamita b Septimo Dragon to keep the cruiserweight title, Black Danger & Ultimo Maldito & Tiago b Oraculo & Black Boy & Arkangel Divino, Juventud Guerrera & Laredo Kid & Bestia 666 b Willie Mack & Zumbi & Mascarita Dorada, Fenix & Daga b Ricochet & Rey Hours (this match tore the house down), Blue Demon Jr. & Garza Jr. & Zorro b Jeff Jarrett & Eli Drake & Brian Cage-DQ. Cage saved Demon from an unmasking by Jarrett and went face. Rey Mysterio Jr. did a run-in saving the babyfaces and they did an angle where Pentagon asked him to join La Rebelion, and he agreed. Nicho & Mazada b Aeroboy & Violento Jack in a cage match. Tons of weapons used. Many left when the cage match started. (thanks to Ramses Tavera)

The Young Bucks and Bobby Lashley were announced for The Crash show on 3/25 in Tijuana. Young Bucks surprise me but sometimes CMLL (which has a deal with both ROH and New Japan) doesn’t care about the Tijuana market since they don’t run their own. But they’ve made it pretty much impossible for their talent to work on Crash shows.

WWE

• WWE finished up the Germany tour yesterday and the crew is flying into Green Bay for the show tomorrow.
• Paul Heyman, who usually avoids talking negatively in public about former ECW talent, went off on C.W. Anderson after an Anderson interview on a podcast where he claimed that Heyman didn’t try to save ECW and when he claimed he was meeting with USA Network officials he was actually filming “Rollerball.” Heyman noted he filmed “Rollerball” months after ECW closed, although talent for 15 years has passed around that story.
• Ric Flair celebrated his 68th birthday in Los Angeles doing a signing at Frank & Son’s Collectibles. There were hundreds of people singing Happy Birthday to him when he arrived. (thanks to Daniel Short)
• Bret Hart talks Linda McMahon and Donald Trump.

UFC / MMA

• After a two year layoff from MMA, Shayna Baszler, who was on tour in Japan with Stardom, lost a fight yesterday to Reina Miura via decision on a show in Tokyo.
• The LawNews streaming network will be airing the War Machine (Jon Koppenhaver) trial when it starts on Monday. 

MISCELLANEOUS

• Congrats to the U.S. national team in winning the World Cup, beating the Russian national team in wrestling yesterday, with wins by Logan Steiber at 134, James Green at 154, Jordan Burroughs at 162, David Taylor at 185, Kyle Snyder at 213 and Zach Ray at 275.
• Hiroshi Tanahashi & Ryusuke Taguchi worked as “The Boys” on today’s ROH show at Korakuen Hall for Dalton Castle. 
• Friday night’s Arena Mexico main event turned into quite the match. It was Volador Jr. & Cavernario teaming up against Ultimo Guerrero & Valiente in the finals of the parejas increibles tournament.
• AAW on 3/4 in LaSalle, IL at the Knights of Columbus with Sami Callihan vs. Rey Fenix for the AAW title, ACH vs. Pentagon Jr. for the Heritage title, Dave & Jake Crist vs. Dezmond Xavier & Zachary Wentz in 2/3 falls, Leo Kruger (Adam Rose) vs. Ethan Page, Jessicka Havok vs. Samantha Heights plus AR Fox, Arik Cannon, JT Dunn and more.
• WrestleMerica from Friday night in Barnesville, GA before 400 fans: Scotty Beach b Matt Gilbert, Merica Strong b ?, David Tita won three-way over CB Suave and Gil Quest, Abyss b Iceberg in a falls count anywhere match, Tyson Dean b Sal Rinauro, Tommy Dreamer & Fry Daddy b Nigel Sherrod & Scotty Beach. Next show is 3/11 featuring Gillberg and Joey Mercury. (thanks to Kris Zellner)
• Dynamo Pro Wrestling from last night in Alton, IL: Justin D’Air won four-way over Jackal, The Snitch and Jayson Khaos, Makaze b Jack Gamble, Shawn Santel & Mauler McDarby b Jay Howard & Roy Lewis, Karim Brigante b Jayden Fenix, Jon Webb b CJ Shine, Michael Elgin b Outkast, Brandon Aarons b Elvis Aliaga. (thanks to Patrick Brandmeyer)
• Pro Wrestling 2.0 from last night in Azalea Park, FL: Dez Griffin & Markos Espada b Chico Adams & Josh Parker, CT Brown b Saieve Al Sabah, Matt Knotts & Mark Harris b Erik Lockhart & Andrew Lockhart, Jesus (Ricardo) Rodriguez b Alexander Zane, Chasyn Rance & Kaci Lennox b Leo O’Farrell & Mila Naniki, JC Metro & Chris Metro b Li Bryan & Jason Dugan, Chuckles b Aaron Epic.
• I Believe in Wrestling on Friday in Orlando at the Team Vision Dojo with Jesse Neal vs. Rhett Giddins as the main event.
• Dan Masters, the ring announcer for Championship Wrestling from Hollywood, said that he was leaving the company. 
• Bodyslam Pro Wrestling from yesterday in Esbjerg, Denmark: Kristian Thorn b Levi Petrus, Emeritus b Shooter Schjotler, Swedish Elite b Heresh Kurdl & Vecino, Michael Fynne d Rick Dominick, Vasyl b Zach White, Tank b Chuck Cyrus. Next show is 4/29 in Odense, Denmark. (thanks to Kristian Nielsen)
• Upstate Pro Wrestling on 3/11 in Rochester, NY at the Eagles Club at 6 p.m.
• Results from Preston City Wrestling’s Kris Travis tournament. About 300 fans at each show:
  Yesterday afternoon: Bubblegum b Lionheart, Kenny Williams b David Starr, Dean Allmark b Joey Hayes, Colt Cabana b Philip Michael, MVP b Danny Hope, Chris Ridgeway b Sha Samuels, T Bone b Charlie Sterling, Pentagon Jr. b Roy Knight.
  Last night: Kenny Williams b Chris Ridgeway, Dean Allmark b MVP-COR, Pentagon Jr. b Colt Cabana, Bubblegum b T-Bone, Iestyn Rees b Jack Barton to keep PCW title, Charlie Sterling b David Starr, Jimmy J b Alex Boylin, Danny Hope & Zak Knight & Roy Knight b Joey Hayes & Lionheart & Sha Samuels.
  This afternoon’s results: Bubblegum b Pentagon Jr. in a semifinal, Kenny Williams b Dean Allmark in a semifinal, Bubblegum b Kenny Williams in the finals, Iestyn Rees b Philip Michael to keep PCW title, Spirit Squad (Mike Mondo & Kenn Doane) b Joey Hayes & Martin Kirby and Zak & Roy Knight to win the PCW tag titles, Charlie Sterling won four-way over Jimmy J, David Starr and Chris Ridgeway, Sha Samuels & Lionheart b Danny Hope & Colt Cabana. The ring broke during the T-Bone vs. Sterling match. They had a cake for Roy Knight’s birthday with a drawing of Alberto Del Rio on the cake. The cake ended up in the face of Joey Hayes. The Spirit Squad returns on 4/2 to face Roy & Zak Knight, who have to leave PCW forever if they don’t win the tag team titles.
• PW Eclipse’s on 3/12 in Ottawa at the Legion headlined by Jake O’Reilly vs. Cody Deaner in a strap match.
• Kurt Angle will make a non-wrestling appearance at Harley Race’s WLW show on 3/11 in Troy, MO. It will be Angle’s first time with the promotion and his first time ever appearing in Troy. He will do a meet and greet from 1-4 p.m. that day at the Race Wrestling Arena. For more info you can call 573-392-4100.

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

Today in professional wrestling history (2/26): Verne Gagne wins AWA title on his birthday

CONTACT INFORMATION

• Poll opinions: [email protected]
• ​Feedback: [email protected]
• Show results and news tips: [email protected]
• Wrestling Observer Radio questions: [email protected]

​

THE ROUND-UP

The Latest from the F4W Staff

NEWS / REPORTS

• EVOLVE 78 recap: Timothy Thatcher looks to continue his title reign
• WWE Main Event results: Alexander & Perkins vs. Nese & Dar
• ‘Bruiser’ Bob Sweetan dies at 76 years old
• VIDEO: Former UFC champion Josh Barnett makes his TNA in-ring debut
• TNA Impact Wrestling results: A wedding, a return & the Hardys
• WWE NXT results: Kassius Ohno returns to TV

AUDIO

• DR. KEITH PRESENTS: ‘I was there when…’ 2/25
• WOL: Dr. Lucha, open lines, news and more! 2/24
• Wrestling Weekly: Les & Vic answer your questions 2/24
• B&V: Bryan and Vinny Thursday night spectacular! 2/23
• WOL: Raw and SmackDown ratings, New Japan and ROH, Dave Meltzer, more! 2/23

WWE Raw is in Regensburg, Germany for the final night of the tour, as well as a SmackDown brand show in Moline, IL and an NXT show in Fort Pierce, FL.

EVOLVE AT 6 P.M. EASTERN TIME SATURDAY FROM LA BOOM IN WOODSIDE, NY

• Fred Yehi vs. Chris Dickinson vs. Austin Theory vs. Anthony Henry
• Jeff Cobb vs. Jaka
• ACH vs. Jason Kincaid
• Tracy Williams vs. Keith Lee
• Ethan Page vs. Darby Allin
• Drew Galloway vs. Matt Riddle
• Timothy Thatcher vs. Zack Sabre Jr. for Evolve title

ROH/NEW JAPAN AT KORAKUEN HALL ON SUNDAY MORNING AT 4:30 A.M. EASTERN TIME ON NEW JAPAN WORLD

• Kushida & Juice Robinson & David Finlay vs. Silas Young & Gedo & Jado
• Sanada & Evil & Bushi vs. Jushin Liger & Tiger Mask & Delirious for Never six man titles
• Kazuchika Okada & Hirooki Goto & Yoshi-Hashi & Will Ospreay vs. Bad Luck Fale & Yujiro Takahashi & Tama Tonga & Tanga Roa
• Young Bucks vs. War Machine
• Hiroshi Tanahashi & Dalton Castle & Ryusuke Taguchi vs. Tetsuya Naito & Hiromu Takahashi & Damien Martinez
• Katsuyori Shibata & Jay Lethal vs. Cody & Hangman Page
• Mark & Jay Briscoe vs. Kenny Omega & Adam Cole

Sunday has WWE with a SmackDown brand house show in Cedar Rapids, IA.

ROH/NEW JAPAN AT KORAKUEN HALL ON MONDAY MORNING AT 4:30 A.M. EASTERN TIME ON NEW JAPAN WORLD

• Kushida & David Finlay & Tomoyuki Oka vs. Silas Young & Gedo & Jado
• Tiger Mask & Jushin Liger & Delirious & Dalton Castle & Ryusuke Taguchi vs. Tetsuya Naito & Sanada & Evil & Bushi & Hiromu Takahashi
• War Machine vs. Tama Tonga & Tanga Roa
• Hiroshi Tanahashi & Jay Lethal & Juice Robinson vs. Bad Luck Fale & Yujiro Takahashi & Hangman Page
• Hirooki Goto vs. Damien Martinez for Never Open weight title
• Adam Cole vs. Yoshi-Hashi for ROH title
• Mark & Jay Briscoe & Kazuchika Okada & Will Ospreay vs. Young Bucks & Kenny Omega & Cody

Raw will be live on Monday from Green Bay, WI. Bill Goldberg’s return is being promoted for what is the go-home show for Fast Lane. Brock Lesnar and Paul Heyman are also booked on the show.

There will be a SmackDown brand house show on Monday night in Dubuque, IA.

SmackDown and 205 Live will be Tuesday from St. Paul featuring an A.J. Styles vs. Luke Harper match which supposedly will be for the WrestleMania title shot.

FIGURE FOUR WEEKLY: 2/20/2017, Looking at pro wrestling’s steller start to 2017

While making judgments about a year less than two full months into it probably isn’t a good idea, it’s clear that 2017 is already on pace to surpass its predecessor in terms of match quality. That’s not entirely unexpected. The stellar in-ring work that defined professional wrestling in 2016 didn’t come out of nowhere. It was the result of there being more qualified workers, more opportunities for them to work, and a wider variety of promotions for them to work for than there have been in many years… 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: January 31, 2000, WCW departures, WWF Royal Rumble review, more

The soap opera surrounding WCW and the group of wrestlers who vowed to stick together got even stranger over the past week, with the company mired in even more uncertainty and friends who stuck together breaking apart. WCW sent unconditional release letters to Chris Benoit, Dean Simon (Malenko), Carlos Ashenoff (Konnan), Troy Martin (Shane Douglas), Eddy Guerrero and Perry Satullo (Perry Saturn) on 1/19, thus cancelling the planned meeting Bill Busch had agreed two days later to have with the group that same day, and allowing all of them to start with Titan Sports on 2/1 provided they agreed not to say anything publicly disparaging about WCW and agreed not to sue WCW… Subscribers click here to continue.

SATURDAY NEWS UPDATE

WWE

• In an article on their website and a video on Instagram, WWE promoted an angle where Kevin Owens attacked Chris Jericho at a house show in Germany. They’ve been doing the angle on the shows this tour, but it appears that today’s could at least be acknowledged on TV with WWE saying that Owens may face fallout for his actions.
• WWE.com posted an updated list of the 100 best matches on the Network in celebration of the streaming service’s third birthday.
• Alexa Bliss and her parents were profiled on WWE’s “My Daughter is a WWE Superstar” video series.
• Casey Michael of Squared Circle Sirens reported that Canadian weightlifter Isabel Lahela has signed with WWE and will be starting at the Performance Center in April.
• Goldberg tweeted a congratulations to Asuka on having 149 wins in a row.
• Mashable interviewed John Cena about his first impressions of the Nintendo Switch and his favorite video games as a child.
• Mike Mooneyham wrote about WWE missing the opportunity to induct Ivan Koloff into their Hall of Fame while he was still alive.

Pro Wrestling

• Today is Ric Flair’s 68th birthday.
• Seasons one and two of Lucha Underground are set to be made available for streaming on Netflix on March 15.
• In a bonus clip from FloSlam’s Matt Riddle documentary, Riddle was asked about Dana White and was critical of how White treats people.
• NJPW World has an interview with Kenny Omega for subscribers about his return to Japan.
• OTT announced Marty Scurll vs. Jay White for ScrapperMania on April 15th.
• Dutch Mantell was contacted by Viceland for an appearance on a TV project about untold stories in pro wrestling.
• Yoshitatsu vs. Volador Jr. will be the main event of next Friday’s CMLL show.

UFC/MMA

• On Showtime Boxing last night, Floyd Mayweather appealed to Conor McGregor to make their potential boxing mega-fight happen and give the fans what they want to see. Mayweather also put over McGregor as a competitor and powerful puncher.
• Despite Mayweather’s comments, Dana White told TMZ that he expects McGregor’s next fight to be in the UFC and against the winner of Khabib Nurmagomedov vs. Tony Ferguson.
• Nurmagomedov, Ferguson, Tyron Woodley, and Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson participated in a media conference call ahead of UFC 209.
• Dominick Cruz appeared on the Joe Rogan Experience.
• From Paul Fontaine on last night’s Bellator show: “Last night’s Bellator 173 on Spike from Belfast was ‘a show.’ Liam McGeary beat up on journeyman Brett McDermott in the main event before the ref stopped it early in the second. McDermott was McGeary’s third opponent in five days and was actually retired before taking this fight. McGeary will face fellow UK fighter Linton Vassell on the company’s London show in May. Conor McGregor’s teammate, 20-year-old James Gallagher,  submitted Kirill Medvedovski in the first round of the co-main event. He then challenged AJ McKee to a fight on the London card. Another McGregor teammate, Sinead Kavanagh, lost in a women’s catchweight bout at 140 lbs to Iony Razafiarison by decision. Kavanagh was expected to win and was significantly larger than her opponent but got outwrestled badly to lose a one-sided contest. It really looked like a featherweight against a strawweight in there and the strawweight won. The other main card fight saw former UFC fighter Colin Fletcher lose by submission to French prospect Alex Lohore, whose record is now 11-1.”

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

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 4pm (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).

CONTACT INFORMATION

• Poll opinions: [email protected]
• ​Feedback: [email protected]
• Show results and news tips: [email protected]
• Wrestling Observer Radio questions: [email protected]

​

THE ROUND-UP

The Latest from the F4W Staff

NEWS

• ‘Bruiser’ Bob Sweetan dies at 76 years old
• VIDEO: Former UFC champion Josh Barnett makes his TNA in-ring debut
• TNA Impact Wrestling results: A wedding, a return & the Hardys
• SmackDown does third-best ratings number since brand split
• WWE NXT results: Kassius Ohno returns to TV
• NXT TV taping spoilers: Roode vs. Ohno; Finn Balor appears

AUDIO

• WOL: Dr. Lucha, open lines, news and more! 2/24
• Wrestling Weekly: Les & Vic answer your questions 2/24
• B&V: Bryan and Vinny Thursday night spectacular! 2/23
• WOL: Raw and Smackdown ratings, New Japan and ROH, Dave Meltzer, more! 2/23
• WOR: Smackdown, NXT spoilers, 205 Live, death of Johnny K-9, more! 2/23

We’re looking for reports on today’s WWE show in Hannover, Germany and NXT show in Coral Gables, FL to [email protected].

We’ll be doing polls on both Sunday and Monday’s ROH/New Japan shows at Korakuen Hall to [email protected].

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

• Katsuyori Shibata vs. Yuji Nagata for Never Open weight title
• Kushida vs. Will Ospreay for IWGP jr. title

EVOLVE AT 8 P.M. EASTERN TONIGHT ON FLO SLAM FROM THE MCW ARENA IN JOPPA, MD

• Darby Allin vs. Austin Theory
• Chris Dickinson & Jaka vs. The Gatekeepers
• Ethan Page vs. Jason Kincaid
• Matt Riddle vs. Anthony Henry
• Tracy Williams vs. ACH
• Drew Galloway vs. Jeff Cobb
• Keith Lee vs. Zack Sabre Jr.
• Timothy Thatcher vs Fred Yehi for Evolve title

LEGACY FIGHTING ALLIANCE TONIGHT FROM BROOMFIELD, COLORADO ON AXS TV AT 9 P.M. EASTERN TIME

• Arut Pogosjan (2-1, 155.4) vs. Nicholi Navarro (4-2, 154.2)
• Slobodan Maksimovic (11-5-1, 155.8) vs. Eric Grant (2-2, 153.6)
• Brandon Royval (4-2, 125.8) vs. Rakan Adwan (3-1, 124.8)
• Le’Ville Simpson (6-2, 154.2) vs. Matt Johnson (3-0, 155.8)
• Kris Hocum (9-5, 173.4) vs. Matthew Frincu (9-2, 170.8)
• Cory Sandhagen (5-0, 145) vs. Jamall Emmers (10-3, 144.8)
• Marcus Edwards (12-4, 155.8) vs. Adam Townsend (16-4, 155.8)

BELLATOR TONIGHT AT 9 P.M. EASTERN TIME FROM SSE ARENA BELFAST IN BELFAST, NORTHERN IRELAND ON SPIKE TV

• Colin Fletcher vs. Alex Lohore
• Sinead Kavanagh vs. Iony Razafiarison
• James Gallagher vs. Kirill Medvedovsky
• Liam McGeary vs. Brett McDermott

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

• Robin & Star Jr. vs. Raziel & Cancerbero
• Soberano Jr. & Triton & Esfinge vs. Okumura & Sagrado & Misterioso
• Stuka Jr. & Drone & Guerrero Maya Jr. vs. El Terrible & Rey Bucanero & Vangellys
• Angel de Oro vs. Dragon Rojo Jr.
• Atlantis & Marco Corleone & Diamante Azul vs. Rush & Yoshitatsu & Pierroth
• Volador Jr. & Cavernario Barbaro vs. Ultimo Guerrero & Valiente in the finals of the Parejas Increibles tournament

Saturday has WWE Raw in Regensburg, Germany for the final night of the tour, as well as a Smackdown brand show in Moline, IL and an NXT show in Fort Pierce, FL.

EVOLVE AT 6 P.M. EASTERN TIME SATURDAY FROM LA BOOM IN WOODSIDE, NY

• Fred Yehi (or Timothy Thatcher, whoever loses on Friday) vs. Chris Dickinson vs. Austin Theory vs. Anthony Henry
• Jeff Cobb vs. Jaka
• ACH vs. Jason Kincaid
• Tracy Williams vs. Keith Lee
• Ethan Page vs. Darby Allin
• Drew Galloway vs. Matt Riddle
• Timothy Thatcher (or Fred Yehi) vs. Zack Sabre Jr. for Evolve title

ROH/NEW JAPAN AT KORAKUEN HALL ON SUNDAY MORNING AT 4:30 A.M. EASTERN TIME ON NEW JAPAN WORLD

• Kushida & Juice Robinson & David Finlay vs. Silas Young & Gedo & Jado
• Sanada & Evil & Bushi vs. Jushin Liger & Tiger Mask & Delirious for Never six man titles
• Kazuchika Okada & Hirooki Goto & Yoshi-Hashi & Will Ospreay vs. Bad Luck Fale & Yujiro Takahashi & Tama Tonga & Tanga Roa
• Young Bucks vs. War Machine
• Hiroshi Tanahashi & Dalton Castle & Ryusuke Taguchi vs. Tetsuya Naito & Hiromu Takahashi & Damien Martinez
• Katsuyori Shibata & Jay Lethal vs. Cody & Hangman Page
• Mark & Jay Briscoe vs. Kenny Omega & Adam Cole

Sunday has WWE with a Smackdown brand house show in Cedar Rapids, IA.

ROH/NEW JAPAN AT KORAKUEN HALL ON MONDAY MORNING AT 4:30 A.M. EASTERN TIME ON NEW JAPAN WORLD

• Kushida & David Finlay & Tomoyuki Oka vs. Silas Young & Gedo & Jado
• Tiger Mask & Jushin Liger & Delirious & Dalton Castle & Ryusuke Taguchi vs. Tetsuya Naito & Sanada & Evil & Bushi & Hiromu Takahashi
• War Machine vs. Tama Tonga & Tanga Roa
• Hiroshi Tanahashi & Jay Lethal & Juice Robinson vs. Bad Luck Fale & Yujiro Takahashi & Hangman Page
• Hirooki Goto vs. Damien Martinez for Never Open weight title
• Adam Cole vs. Yoshi-Hashi for ROH title
• Mark & Jay Briscoe & Kazuchika Okada & Will Ospreay vs. Young Bucks & Kenny Omega & Cody

Raw will be live on Monday from Green Bay, WI. Bill Goldberg’s return is being promoted for what is the go-home show for Fast Lane. Brock Lesnar and Paul Heyman are also booked on the show.

There will be a Smackdown brand house show on Monday night in Dubuque, IA.

Smackdown and 205 Live will be Tuesday from St. Paul featuring an A.J. Styles vs. Luke Harper match which supposedly will be for the WrestleMania title shot.

FIGURE FOUR WEEKLY: 2/20/2017, Looking at pro wrestling’s steller start to 2017

While making judgments about a year less than two full months into it probably isn’t a good idea, it’s clear that 2017 is already on pace to surpass its predecessor in terms of match quality. That’s not entirely unexpected. The stellar in-ring work that defined professional wrestling in 2016 didn’t come out of nowhere. It was the result of there being more qualified workers, more opportunities for them to work, and a wider variety of promotions for them to work for than there have been in many years… 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: January 31, 2000, WCW departures, WWF Royal Rumble review, more

The soap opera surrounding WCW and the group of wrestlers who vowed to stick together got even stranger over the past week, with the company mired in even more uncertainty and friends who stuck together breaking apart. WCW sent unconditional release letters to Chris Benoit, Dean Simon (Malenko), Carlos Ashenoff (Konnan), Troy Martin (Shane Douglas), Eddy Guerrero and Perry Satullo (Perry Saturn) on 1/19, thus cancelling the planned meeting Bill Busch had agreed two days later to have with the group that same day, and allowing all of them to start with Titan Sports on 2/1 provided they agreed not to say anything publicly disparaging about WCW and agreed not to sue WCW… Subscribers click here to continue.

FRIDAY NEWS UPDATE

John Cena, Randy Orton and the entire Smackdown crew are working the entire Midwest house show run starting tomorrow night.

Tom Lawlor of this site was officially announced as suspended for two years due to testing positive for Ostarine in an out of competition test on 10/10. We’ll have more on this later but he’s been suspended since November when the result came out. He will be eligible to return on October 10, 2018, at which point he’ll be 35 years old. He is also suspended from cornering fighters or anything that would require a license from an athletic commission. Lawlor will be wrestling for Future Stars of Wrestling in Las Vegas tomorrow.

Don Callis won’t be announcing the New Japan shows this week. Kevin Kelly will be working with Rocky Romero.

Pro wrestler Shayna Baszler returns to MMA tomorrow for a fight with King Reina at Shinjuku Face for the Deep Jewels promotion. Baszler weighed in today at 152.9 pounds and Reina at 150.5 pounds. Baszler just came off main eventing at Korakuen Hall against Io Shirai for Stardom’s main title.

The wedding on TNA last night with Laurel Van Ness and Braxton Sutter was great television, one of the best skits of the type on wrestling television in a long time. The live crowd was so great as was Maria Kanellis in her role as the evil heel, and really everyone involved. Aron Rex was tremendous in his character, Sutter was great doing the giant eyes seeing Allie in the Cinderella roll. TNA uploaded the entire segment on YouTube. It didn’t move ratings as they only did 275,000 viewers.

WWE

• There is a petition to get Dick “Destroyer” Beyer in the WWE Hall of Fame. It’s the only Hall of Fame that he’s not already in. The petition is here.
• Today is the third anniversary of the debut of the WWE Network, the tenth anniversary of the first Pride show in the U.S., and 39th anniversary of Bob Backlund beating Superstar Billy Graham for the WWWF title. Shinsuke Nakamura also turns 37 today.
• The WWE is promoting a George Steele collection on the network. With the exception of a 1973 title match with Pedro Morales from Madison Square Garden, and a 1977 match with Bruno Sammartino, it’s all 1983 or later. But the collection does have matches with Bob Backlund and Hulk Hogan. Nothing from Ivan Koloff, but that’s not a surprise.
• WWE will be using the U.K. contracted talent on the May house show tour with six-man tag matches on both tours.
• Asuka will be replacing Naomi in Madison Square Garden on 3/12. She’ll team with Nikki Bella & Becky Lynch & Tamina vs. Alexa Bliss & Mickie James & Natalya & Carmella.
• It feels like WWE may not be so sure about the Big Show vs. Shaquille O’Neal match at WrestleMania from this interview with Show on the web site which says:

WWE.COM: Last question: You’ve been very vocal about wanting a match with Shaq at WrestleMania, and you just called him out on Twitter over karaoke and doughnuts.

BIG SHOW:I mean, here’s the thing. We shot this off at the ESPY Awards, Shaq said he’s in, I thought this would be a good match for fans to see two giants go at it. And I see Shaq riding around, singing karaoke and stopping in at Krispy Kreme. I’m like, “Hey! If you’re not gonna take it serious, find something else to do!” I’ve given 22 years of my blood, sweat and tears to this business and I’m doing this favor to Shaq. This could be my last WrestleMania. He needs to step up. I’m not trying to be mean, but my time’s valuable. I get it. I don’t have foot powder commercials, car commercials, insurance commercials. I get it. He’s a busy man. But if he’s gonna step in the ring, in my business, at our biggest event of the year? Show me you’re serious. If anything, talk a little trash. Let me know you’re motivated. Because right now? I just get the feeling he’s terrified. He shot his mouth off, he’s in over his head and he’s trying to back out. So just let me know what’s going on, brother. (thanks to David Taylor)

UFC

• UFC Fight Pass has announced a new series called The Third Degree with Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira. Each week Nogueira will be visiting different style gym and learning, such as the Oklahoma State wrestling room to train with John Smith of going to Bangkok for train Muay Thai. The series will start in early April.
• The company announced that the 8/5 PPV show, UFC 214, scheduled for the Honda Center in Anaheim, is being moved up one week to 7/29.

MISCELLANEOUS

• National Wrestling League from last night in St. Louis: Dez Wellston b Adam Ryan, Matthew Grundy b Cal Stark, Maverick b Tommy Flagg & August Marshall, Blaine Meeks b Jay Lutz, Todd Letterman & Dak Draper b Boulder & Spike, Skyler Beckett b Christian Adonis, Cornell Douglass b Davey Gibson. (thanks to Patrick Brandmeyer)
• WPCH TV, Ch. 17 in Atlanta, which was the original WTBS owned by Turner Broadcasting, has been sold by Meredith for $70 million. That was the flagship station for Georgia Championship Wrestling in the Atlanta market since the early 1970s. (thanks to Chris Cruise)
• National Fighting Championships on 3/234 in Kennesaw, GA at the Electric Cowboy is headlined by welterweight champion Dave Vitkay vs. Jeremie Holloway.
• World Series of Fighting on 3/18 in Verona, NY at the Turning Stone Resort Casino features Blagoi Ivanov defending their heavyweight title against Shawn Jordan, Lance Palmer defends the featherweight title against Andre Harrison and the vacant bantamweight title will be up with Timur Valiev vs. Berkbulat Magomedov. The show airs live that night at 11 p.m. Eastern on NBC Sports Network.
• Lucha Slam tomorrow in Brantford, ONT at 6 Aberdeen Ave. at 3:30 p.m.
• The WCWF noted to us that the info we were given yesterday regarding their show at the Yuba-Sutter Fairgrounds in Yuba City, CA, was incorrect. The show will be on 3/11 not 5/11 as listed yesterday.
• Glory Kickboxing tonight at 8 p.m. Eastern on Fight Pass and other matches will be airing on Sunday at 10 p.m. on tape delay on ESPN 2. The show takes place at the Sears Center in Chicago.

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

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 4pm (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).

Today in professional wrestling history (2/24): War Games at WCW WrestleWar 1991

CONTACT INFORMATION

• Poll opinions: [email protected]
• ​Feedback: [email protected]
• Show results and news tips: [email protected]
• Wrestling Observer Radio questions: [email protected]

​

THE ROUND-UP

(Image: @JJWilliamsWON)

The Latest from the F4W Staff

NEWS

• SmackDown does third-best ratings number since brand split
• WWE NXT results: Kassius Ohno returns to TV
• NXT TV taping spoilers: Roode vs. Ohno; Finn Balor appears
• WWE Raw ratings up slightly this week
• WWE SmackDown video highlights: Main event ends in controversy
• Zack Sabre Jr. debuting for NJPW at 45th anniversary show
• WWE 205 Live results: Jack Gallagher vs. Tony Nese

AUDIO

• WOL: Raw and Smackdown ratings, New Japan and ROH, Dave Meltzer, more! 2/23
• WOR: Smackdown, NXT spoilers, 205 Live, death of Johnny K-9, more! 2/23
• F4D: Smackdown, Impact, Total Divas, Tom’s pro-wrestling debut, more! 2/22
• FREE WOL! Smackdown battle royal, women’s title change, news, tons more! 2/22
• FREE B&V&C! Retro Raw and Nitro flashback from 19 years ago this week! 2/21

IMPACT TONIGHT AT 8 P.M. ON POP TV

• Jessie Godderz vs Bram
• Tyrus vs. Eli Drake
• Bobby Lashley vs. Josh Barnett for TNA title
• Wedding of Laurel Van Ness and Braxton Sutter

We’re looking for reports on today’s WWE house show Nurnberg, Germany and tomorrow’s show in Hannover to [email protected].

We’ll be doing polls on both Sunday and Monday’s ROH/New Japan shows at Korakuen Hall to [email protected].

FIGURE FOUR WEEKLY: 2/20/2017, Looking at pro wrestling’s steller start to 2017

While making judgments about a year less than two full months into it probably isn’t a good idea, it’s clear that 2017 is already on pace to surpass its predecessor in terms of match quality. That’s not entirely unexpected. The stellar in-ring work that defined professional wrestling in 2016 didn’t come out of nowhere. It was the result of there being more qualified workers, more opportunities for them to work, and a wider variety of promotions for them to work for than there have been in many years… 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: January 31, 2000, WCW departures, WWF Royal Rumble review, more

The soap opera surrounding WCW and the group of wrestlers who vowed to stick together got even stranger over the past week, with the company mired in even more uncertainty and friends who stuck together breaking apart. WCW sent unconditional release letters to Chris Benoit, Dean Simon (Malenko), Carlos Ashenoff (Konnan), Troy Martin (Shane Douglas), Eddy Guerrero and Perry Satullo (Perry Saturn) on 1/19, thus cancelling the planned meeting Bill Busch had agreed two days later to have with the group that same day, and allowing all of them to start with Titan Sports on 2/1 provided they agreed not to say anything publicly disparaging about WCW and agreed not to sue WCW… Subscribers click here to continue.

THURSDAY NEWS UPDATE

Thanks everyone for the response to this week’s issue and the story on Ivan Koloff. 

The sexual assault trial for Jon (War Machine) Koppenhaver for his alleged attack and mutilation of former girlfriend and porn star Christy Mack in 2014 goes to trial on Monday. Jury selection begins at 1:30 p.m. Koppenhaver is facing 34 felony counts including attempted murder. 

Bellator filed a lawsuit yesterday to quash subpoenas that UFC asked for related to UFC’s defense in its antitrust case, looking for copies of all Bellator contracts with fighters and detailed financial records of the company. Bellator in the lawsuit said that releasing the information would be giving away trade secrets. Scott Coker said in court documents that Bellator was not a party to the lawsuit (the Cung Le, Jon Fitch, Nate Quarry antitrust suit against UFC) and should not have to produce confidential documents, because it would lead to gave harm to the company, saying it would give UFC a significant advantage that would negatively harm Bellator and stifle competition in the industry.

There was an interesting note in the Las Vegas Review-Journal earlier this week that betting on the Mayweather vs. McGregor fight, with Mayweather as the 25-to-1 favorite, has been nonexistent.

An article with Bruno Sammartino talking about George Steele and Ivan Koloff is here. (thanks to Chris Cruise) 

The WWE is booking Tyler Bate, Pete Dunne, Trent Seven, Wolfgang, Joseph Conners, T-Bone, Mark Andrews, James Drake, Dan Moloney Sean Gradwell, Saxon Huxley, Tucker and Jordan Devlin on its May tour of the U.K.

WWE

• Finn Balor returned last night at the NXT tapings doing a run-in to save Shinsuke Nakamura from a double-team attack from Bobby Roode and Andrade Cien Almas. This was likely just done for the live house in Orlando. Balor said he wasn’t fully cleared, but he’s expected back within two weeks.
• The Raw crew is currently in Germany, with today being the second of four days there.
• Heidi Lovelace debuted at the NXT tapings using the name Ruby Riot. It looks like she’ll feud with Nikki Cross. 
• The WWE Network sent out a survey asking how interested people were in each match at Fastlane, if they were going to watch Fastlane and their overall opinion of the lineup.

UFC

• They announced a show on 6/17 in Kallang, Singapore at Singapore Indoor Stadium.
• The UFC has added two more fight to the 3/4 show in Las Vegas. Albert Morales will face Andre Soukamthath, the CES bantamweight champion, debuting in UFC. Cynthia Calvillo debuts facing Amanda Cooper in a strawweight fight.

MISCELLANEOUS

• An interview with Joe Koff of ROH is here.
• Rob Terry & Kazushi Miyamoto won the NWA world tag team titles over Rob Conway & Matt Riviera earlier today in Tokyo. Road Warrior Animal was in Terry & Miyamoto’s corner while Bruce Tharpe was in the corner of the champions. The title change happened at a Diamond Star Wrestling show.
• Road Warrior Animal and Rikishi make appearances for River City Wrestling on 3/10 in San Antonio at the Ratama Park Horse Race Track. Tatanka will also face The Barbarian on the show headlined by Rikishi vs. Michael Faith.
• A story on the long buildup for the debut of Glacier in WCW and how it turned out is here.
• MCW on 3/3 in Joppa, MD at the MCW Arena features Brian Cage vs. Lio Rush. They also run 3/11 in Hollywood, MD at the Volunteer Fire Department with Ryback as the headliner.
• Shannon Moore is taking wrestling and appearance bookings through Bill Behrens at [email protected]. He is based in Orlando, FL. Silas Young is also available for bookings outside the U.S. and Ontario, based out of Milwaukee, at the same address. Other names listed are Chase Stevens our of Nashville, Sean Waltman (for appearances, he won’t be wrestling after April), Mike Posey, DDP, Kevin Nash, Drew Galloway, Tommy Dreamer, Scott Hall, Al Snow, Shane Helms, Christopher Daniels (outside U.S. & Ontario), Frankie Kazarian (outside U.S. & Ontario), Young Bucks (outside U.S. & Ontario), Jay Lethal (outside U.S. & Ontario), Ricochet, Matt Sydal and Tessa Blanchard.
• Tommy Dreamer will be doing a seminar on 3/18 in Martselle, AL at the House of New South Wrestling. For more info you can call 256-684-5435.
• Rosemary of TNA headlines on Sunday at 5 p.m. in East York, ONT at the Detroit Eatery at 1083 Pape Avenue.
• CWE on 3/18 in Winnipeg at Rookie’s Sports Bar for the 2017 King of Transcona tournament. 
• wXw from Sunday in Waldkraiburg, Germany: Absolute Andy b Hakeem Waqur, Robert Dreissker b Blaze, Michael Dante b Bobby Gunns, David Starr b Alexander James to keep the Shotgun title, Jurn Simmons b Chris Colen, Absolute Andy & Marius Al-Ani & Gunter Schmid b Axel Dieter Jr. & Timothy Thatcher & Walter. (thanks to Markus Gronemann)
• WCWF on 5/11 in Yuba City, CA at the Yuba-Sutter Fairgrounds headlined by Nathan Brick vs. Reggie Bright.
• Anthony Bennett, who was in the WWE cruiserweight tournament, has been added to the ECWA Super 8 lineup for the tournament on 4/29 in Woodbury Heights, NJ at the Community Center.
• Superkick’d tomorrow night in Toronto at the Longboat Hall at the Great Hall.
• PWA from Sunday in Calgary at the Century Casino before 300 fans: Cody & Brandi Rhodes b Michael Richard Blaze & Connie Lynn, Brett Moran b Brandn Van Danielson, Alexander Pryme & Shaun Moore b Millennial Rebels, Fury (Kenneth Anthony) b Fabirn Ribeiro-DQ, Andrew Hawks & Richie Rage b Duke Durrango & Chris Steele, Omen Gabriel b Sheik Shabaz (Gama Singh Jr.-)-DQ, Giselle b Michael Allen Richard Clark in an intergender match, Kenny Stryker kept the PWA Mayhem title over Frantico & Aiden Adams. (thanks to Ross Hart)
• C4 Wrestling on 3/18 in Ottawa, ONT at the Vanier Columbus Club.
• Rock Solid Wrestling on Saturday at 4 p.m. in Sudbury, ONT at the Chelsmford Valley District Composite School
• EVOLVE has announced the Keith Lee trial series with matches on 2/24 in Joppa, MD against Zack Sabre Jr., 2/25 in Queens, NY against Tracy Williams, 3/30 in Orlando against Ricochet and 3/31 in Orlando against Donovan Dijak.
• Absolute Intense Wrestling Girls Night Out on 3/11 in Cleveland at Our Lady of Mt Carmel with Shayna Baszler vs. Allysin Kay (Sienna) for the AIW women’s title, Gail Kim vs. Britt Baker, Sonya Strong vs Lufisto, Angeldust vs. Shotzi Blackheart, Veda Scott vs Penelope Ford, Ray Lyn vs. Faye Jackson and more.
• CMLL from Tuesday night in Guadalajara: Divino & Gallo b Evola & Exterminador, Electrico & Fugaz & Shockercito b Mercurio & Pequeno Nitro & Relampago, Amapola & Dallys & Metalica b Vaquerita & Marcela & Silueta, Dragon Lee & Esfinge & Stuka Jr. b Bobby Villa & Hechicero & Polvora, Pierroth & Rush & Yoshitatsu b Atlantis & Diamante Azul & Valiente.
• A group called Welterweight Wrestling debuts on 5/7 for shows with wrestlers only under 185 pounds. The show will take place in Cleveland. 
• Legacy Fighting Alliance tomorrow night on AXS TV from Broomfield, CO with Marcus Edwards vs. Adam Townsend as the main event. 
• FEW on 3/31 in Orlando at the Downtown Rec Complex with an all-women’s show with Santana Garrett, Lindsay Snow, Marti Bell, Rebel, Faye Jackson and more. The show is at 3 p.m. over Mania weekend.
• Alpha 1 Wrestling on 3/5 in Hamilton, ONT featuring ACH, Kikutaro and Ethan Page.
• An almost all-women’s show (one men’s match is on it) called Girls Gone Wrestling takes place on Saturday in Surrey, BC at the Cloverdale Fairgrounds Alice McKay Building with Nicole Matthews, Holidead, Malia Hosaka, Chelsea Green (Laurel Van Ness) and more. 
• Chaotic Wrestling on Friday night in Woburn, MA at the Elks Hall with a main event of Elia Markorpolous vs JT Dunn vs Adam Booker vs. Christian Casanova.
• Christopher Daniels talks his tenure in ROH, Samoa Joe and other topics here:

You’ve been wrestling for a long time and were with Ring of Honor at its inception. Do you feel like you’ve paid your dues, and a title reign is overdue?
I think I paid enough dues a long time ago. But circumstances are what they are, and sometimes matches don’t go the way you want them to go. Certainly going into the 15th Anniversary Show I feel like there’s a lot of momentum on my side right now. If the fans’ feelings are that it’s about time I’ve had the championship, I’m not going to argue with that. It remains to be seen what happens…

Have you been frustrated that you haven’t been elevated to the top position in ROH?
Not specifically frustrated. Things go the way they go. It’s not up to me to say this is a good direction or a bad direction. It’s just the way it was. All of us as pro wrestlers try to put ourselves out there as the best product we can be. It falls to people above us to decide that’s the best direction for the company to go…

Are you surprised that it took so long for Samoa Joe to wind up on WWE’s main roster?
Not so much surprised, I’m just happy that it finally happened. I feel like one of the reasons that it took so long is that they were waiting for the right moment… I’m certainly interested to see where this goes. Coming off the Royal Rumble to go toward WrestleMania, I would think that would mean Joe is in a prime position to have a high-profile match at his first WrestleMania.

TNA has been undergoing a massive overhaul in recent months with turnover and new ownership. Did you have the feeling that this was something that’s been on the cusp of happening for years and you’re surprised it took so long?
I can’t really comment on it with any sort of intelligence because all I know is the same thing that everyone else has seen and read. … I know when I left that I felt like there was some upheaval in management. But I couldn’t tell you everything that’s gone on. I’ve seen what everyone else has with the ratings and mishaps that have gone on.

On the comic book cover you look like a nefarious character. You’re robbing a bank and Kazarian is saying you must be stopped. What’s going on?
I don’t want to give too much away. I’m not 100 percent ready to retire, so am I looking to add a couple of zeros to the end of my bank account? You’ll have to pick up the book to find out exactly what’s going on. It’s worth picking up to check out.

Growing up, you’re either a DC Comics guy or a Marvel guy. Which were you?
I was Marvel, 100 percent. I grew up reading Marvel comics. The first comic that really got me hooked was Uncanny X-Men.

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

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 4pm (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).

Today in professional wrestling history (2/23): WWE Elimination Chamber 2014

CONTACT INFORMATION

• Poll opinions: [email protected]
• ​Feedback: [email protected]
• Show results and news tips: [email protected]
• Wrestling Observer Radio questions: [email protected]

​

THE ROUND-UP

The Latest from the F4W Staff

NEWS

• WWE Raw ratings up slightly this week
• WWE SmackDown video highlights: Main event ends in controversy
• Zack Sabre Jr. debuting for NJPW at 45th anniversary show
• WWE 205 Live results: Jack Gallagher vs. Tony Nese
• Naomi relinquishes the SmackDown Women’s Championship
• WWE SmackDown live results: Number one contender’s battle royal

AUDIO

• FREE WOL! Smackdown battle royal, women’s title change, news, tons more! 2/22
• FREE B&V&C! Retro Raw and Nitro flashback from 19 years ago this week! 2/21
• FREE WOL! Raw, Rock calls CM Punk, tons more! 2/21
• WOR: RAW, Rock calls CM Punk, WrestleMania, more! 2/21
• WOL: Solo Sempervive with Dr. Lucha, UFC recap, more 2/20

There was a Raw house show tonight from Dusseldorf, Germany and we’re looking for reports on the show. 

FIGURE FOUR WEEKLY: 2/20/2017: Looking at pro wrestling’s stellar start to 2017

While making judgments about a year less than two full months into it probably isn’t a good idea, it’s clear that 2017 is already on pace to surpass its predecessor in terms of match quality. That’s not entirely unexpected. The stellar in-ring work that defined professional wrestling in 2016 didn’t come out of nowhere. It was the result of there being more qualified workers, more opportunities for them to work, and a wider variety of promotions for them to work for than there have been in many years… Subscribers click here to continue.

WRESTLING OBSERVER NEWSLETTER: February 20, 2017: WWE financials, death of Chavo Guerrero, more

An update on the WWE’s WrestleMania plans and then two PPV’s leading to WrestleMania is the lead story in the new issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter. We update the situation with the Seth Rollins vs. HHH proposed match, new matches that have changed due to injuries, update injured talent and a new proposed championship match on the Mania show, as well as more on different planned matches.

We also look at plans for both Elimination Chamber and Fast Lane.

We’ve got full coverage of the New Beginning in Sapporo show headlined by Kazuchika Okada vs. Minoru Suzuki, with match-by-match coverage with star ratings, poll results and business notes. We look at the build up angle and the story behind the main event, and this week’s show in Osaka.

We look at the big coup by WWE Studios working with Dwayne Johnson, a current WWE star being talked about for doing MMA, Kurt Angle talks wrestling in WWE, NXT Takeover Orlando notes, and lots of thoughts on the XFL documentary and key points that were not in.

We also have more WWE WrestleMania week plans, more on Mike Adamle and his battle against dementia and his background, update on a lot of WWE injuries, a surprise coach at the Performance Center and update on where that come from, and another WWE movie project.

We also have tons of notes on the wrestlers brought to the Performance Center this past week as well as other athletes for tryouts, including who they are and their backgrounds including some very unique prospects. We also look at the most-watched shows of the past week on the network as well as a rundown of all the WWE and NXT arena events this past week with both 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: January 31, 2000 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: WCW departures, WWF Royal Rumble review, more

The soap opera surrounding WCW and the group of wrestlers who vowed to stick together got even stranger over the past week, with the company mired in even more uncertainty and friends who stuck together breaking apart. WCW sent unconditional release letters to Chris Benoit, Dean Simon (Malenko), Carlos Ashenoff (Konnan), Troy Martin (Shane Douglas), Eddy Guerrero and Perry Satullo (Perry Saturn) on 1/19, thus cancelling the planned meeting Bill Busch had agreed two days later to have with the group that same day, and allowing all of them to start with Titan Sports on 2/1 provided they agreed not to say anything publicly disparaging about WCW and agreed not to sue WCW… Subscribers click here to continue.

WEDNESDAY NEWS UPDATE

WWE

• Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson tweeted about calling CM Punk from the ring after Raw went off the air: “I work off instinct, always listen to the people and try to give em something special. Huge positive feedback from @WWE Universe. Fun night”
• Johnson posted a photo on Instagram with Kevin Owens from Monday night and shared a story about asking Curt Hawkins who Owens was when he was still Kevin Steen and wrestling on the indies.
• NXT tapes its next round of television shows in Orlando tonight at the University of Central Florida. Bobby Roode is scheduled to defend the NXT Championship against Kassius Ohno at the tapings. Shinsuke Nakamura also returns to the ring following his storyline knee injury and will be facing TJ Perkins, and WWE is promoting a live appearance by Finn Balor for the crowd.
• Heidi Lovelace was given the name Ruby Riot in a dark match against Kimber Lee at the tapings.
• After SmackDown’s battle royal main event ended in controversy with WWE claiming that AJ Styles and Luke Harper’s feet touched the floor at the same time, it was announced that Styles would be facing Harper next week. The match will supposedly determine a new number one contender for the WWE Championship as part of the storyline where Randy Orton refuses to face Bray Wyatt at WrestleMania.
• Mick Foley tweeted about the finish of the battle royal: “Come on, if we did that on #Raw, we would be eviscerated for it by #Smackdown fans.”
• WWE also announced that John Cena would be appearing on Miz TV with The Miz and Maryse next week, which should ramp up the build to Cena & Nikki Bella vs. The Miz & Maryse at WrestleMania after that direction was furthered last night.
• The New Day would like to see Conor McGregor make an appearance in WWE.
• AJ Brooks tweeted in response to a video of Thea Trinidad playing her in “Fighting with My Family”: “Whoa haha. I’ve never looked hotter…”

Pro Wrestling

• Keith Lee will face Donovan Dijak for EVOLVE on March 31st over WrestleMania weekend in Orlando.
• Matt Hardy will be appearing at WrestleCircus on March 17th.
• Hirooki Goto vs. Zack Gibson has been announced for Revolution Pro Wrestling on April 13th at York Hall in London.
• Highspots released a free video honoring the life of Ivan Koloff.
• Fight Club: PRO announced Nixon Newell vs. Candice LeRae for March 18th.

UFC/MMA

• USADA communications manager Ryan Madden sent a statement to Bloody Elbow confirming that Cris Cyborg did not disclose her use of spironolactone prior to her drug test failure: “Her use of the medication was not initially disclosed; but more importantly, once contacted by USADA, she immediately identified the medication as the source of her positive test, submitted all necessary medical information and demonstrated that it was being used for legitimate medical purposes without enhancing her performance. Those are the primary considerations when reviewing any TUE application.”
• Former UFC fighter Terry Etim was seriously injured in Liverpool today after reportedly running in and out of traffic and throwing himself against cars in what was seemingly an attempt to harm himself.
• This past Sunday’s UFC Fight Night show averaged 907k viewers on FS1 and Bellator from Saturday averaged 807k on Spike TV.

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

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 4pm (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).

Today in professional wrestling history (2/22): Sting defeats Hogan to win vacant WCW title

CONTACT INFORMATION

• Poll opinions: [email protected]
• ​Feedback: [email protected]
• Show results and news tips: [email protected]
• Wrestling Observer Radio questions: [email protected]

​

THE ROUND-UP

The Latest from the F4W Staff

NEWS

• WWE SmackDown live results: Number one contender’s battle royal
• WWE & MMA ratings delayed due to President’s Day
• Togi Makabe 20th Anniversary results: Makabe & Honma vs. Ishii & Yano
• WWE Raw video highlights: Kevin Owens opens the show with a promo
• WWE Raw live results: More build to Fastlane
• The New Day named as hosts of WWE WrestleMania 33
• The Rock at Raw for filming of ‘Fighting with My Family’
• DDP joins 2017 WWE Hall of Fame class

AUDIO

• FREE WOL! Raw, Rock calls CM Punk, tons more! 2/21
• WOR: RAW, Rock calls CM Punk, WrestleMania, more! 2/21
• WOR: UFC on FS1, Raw and Smackdown previews, news, mailbag, more! 2/20
• B&V: AWESOME NWA World Championship Wrestling show from 30 years ago this week! 2/19
• WOL: Sunday Sempervive Solo Showcase! 2/19
• DragonKing Dark: Hollow Earth 2/19

SmackDown and 205 Live will be taped tonight in Ontario, CA. Announced for the show is a Battle Royal for the WrestleMania title shot, which is some sort of an angle situation, Nikki Bella vs. Natalya falls count anywhere and Naomi vs. Alexa Bliss for the Women’s title.

NXT will be taped at the University of Central Florida Gym on Wednesday night. This will be all the shows leading into WrestleMania, so we should have the full TakeOver card on Wednesday night. 

There will be a Raw house show on Wednesday night from Dusseldorf, Germany and we’re looking for reports on the show. 

FIGURE FOUR WEEKLY: 2/20/2017: Looking at pro wrestling’s stellar start to 2017

While making judgments about a year less than two full months into it probably isn’t a good idea, it’s clear that 2017 is already on pace to surpass its predecessor in terms of match quality. That’s not entirely unexpected. The stellar in-ring work that defined professional wrestling in 2016 didn’t come out of nowhere. It was the result of there being more qualified workers, more opportunities for them to work, and a wider variety of promotions for them to work for than there have been in many years… Subscribers click here to continue.

WRESTLING OBSERVER NEWSLETTER: February 20, 2017: WWE financials, death of Chavo Guerrero, more

An update on the WWE’s WrestleMania plans and then two PPV’s leading to WrestleMania is the lead story in the new issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter. We update the situation with the Seth Rollins vs. HHH proposed match, new matches that have changed due to injuries, update injured talent and a new proposed championship match on the Mania show, as well as more on different planned matches.

We also look at plans for both Elimination Chamber and Fast Lane.

We’ve got full coverage of the New Beginning in Sapporo show headlined by Kazuchika Okada vs. Minoru Suzuki, with match-by-match coverage with star ratings, poll results and business notes. We look at the build up angle and the story behind the main event, and this week’s show in Osaka.

We look at the big coup by WWE Studios working with Dwayne Johnson, a current WWE star being talked about for doing MMA, Kurt Angle talks wrestling in WWE, NXT Takeover Orlando notes, and lots of thoughts on the XFL documentary and key points that were not in.

We also have more WWE WrestleMania week plans, more on Mike Adamle and his battle against dementia and his background, update on a lot of WWE injuries, a surprise coach at the Performance Center and update on where that come from, and another WWE movie project.

We also have tons of notes on the wrestlers brought to the Performance Center this past week as well as other athletes for tryouts, including who they are and their backgrounds including some very unique prospects. We also look at the most-watched shows of the past week on the network as well as a rundown of all the WWE and NXT arena events this past week with both 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: January 31, 2000 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: WCW departures, WWF Royal Rumble review, more

The soap opera surrounding WCW and the group of wrestlers who vowed to stick together got even stranger over the past week, with the company mired in even more uncertainty and friends who stuck together breaking apart. WCW sent unconditional release letters to Chris Benoit, Dean Simon (Malenko), Carlos Ashenoff (Konnan), Troy Martin (Shane Douglas), Eddy Guerrero and Perry Satullo (Perry Saturn) on 1/19, thus cancelling the planned meeting Bill Busch had agreed two days later to have with the group that same day, and allowing all of them to start with Titan Sports on 2/1 provided they agreed not to say anything publicly disparaging about WCW and agreed not to sue WCW… Subscribers click here to continue.

TUESDAY NEWS UPDATE

WWE

• A sit-down interview with Seth Rollins addressing Triple H, Samoa Joe, and his status for WrestleMania will air on next week’s Raw.
• After Shinsuke Nakamura said that he would like to face AJ Styles at WrestleMania, Styles responded on Twitter: “@ShinsukeN how’s this? Sorry, but I do have a match at Wrestlemania. N fact, I’ll be headlining Wrestlemania after tonight.”
• The ten entrants in tonight’s battle royal to supposedly determine a new number one contender for the WWE Championship are: AJ Styles, John Cena, Dean Ambrose, The Miz, Luke Harper, Baron Corbin, Dolph Ziggler, Kalisto, Apollo Crews, and Mojo Rawley.
• Steve Austin was backstage at last night’s Raw recording an episode of his podcast with Kevin Owens.
• Diamond Dallas Page spoke to ESPN about his career and his post-wrestling projects after news broke that he would be part of the 2017 WWE Hall of Fame class.
• 2K Sports released a Hall of Fame showcase pack as WWE 2K17’s latest downloadable content.
• Brian Kendrick vs. Akira Tozawa and Jack Gallagher vs. Tony Nese are advertised for tonight’s 205 Live.

Pro Wrestling

• The first WWN Champion will be crowned over WrestleMania weekend at the EVOLVE vs. PROGRESS Mercury Rising supershow. The champion will be determined by a multi-man elimination match featuring current or former champions from WWN promotions. Drew Galloway has been announced for the match.
• EVOLVE’s latest mini-doc profiles ACH. ACH was also interviewed by Title Match Wrestling.
• John Pollock interviewed Matt Riddle on the latest episode of Live Audio Wrestling.
• Lionheart tweeted that he’s been suspended by ICW for what was apparently a real physical altercation with Joe Hendry. He previously explained the incident.
• Marco Corleone’s (the former Mark Jindrak) career in Mexico was profiled by ESPN.
• Joey Janela announced an appearance by Earl Hebner for his WrestleMania weekend show.

UFC/MMA

• Freddie Roach was on this week’s edition of the MMA Hour with Ariel Helwani and was asked about the potential Conor McGregor vs. Floyd Mayweather boxing super-fight. Roach said: “It looks like it’s gonna happen. Everything is pointing in the right direction. I think Conor will have his hands full with a boxer like Floyd. But he’s sellable, he’s making some noise.” Roach also said that Mayweather came to his gym three months ago to ask if McGregor had approached him about training for the fight and said that he was going to fight McGregor and they would make a lot of money.
• Cris Cyborg also appeared on the MMA Hour to talk about being cleared by USADA after receiving a retroactive TUE and dealing with people who have a negative perception of her.
• Derrick Lewis posted on Instagram that he broke his foot in his fight against Travis Browne last Sunday.
• Scott Coker said in an interview with Daily Star Online that Fedor Emelianenko felt like the postponement of his fight against Matt Mitrione was a sign from God that it wasn’t the right time for him to fight on Saturday.

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

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).
• The bus will leave at 4pm (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
• 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).

Today in professional wrestling history (2/21): WCW SuperBrawl 1993

CONTACT INFORMATION

• Poll opinions: [email protected]
• ​Feedback: [email protected]
• Show results and news tips: [email protected]
• Wrestling Observer Radio questions: [email protected]

​

THE ROUND-UP

The Latest from the F4W Staff

NEWS

• The New Day named as hosts of WWE WrestleMania 33
• The Rock at Raw for filming of ‘Fighting with My Family’
• DDP joins 2017 WWE Hall of Fame class
• UFC Fight Night 105 live results: Derrick Lewis vs. Travis Browne
• PWG Only Kings Understand Each Other results: Zack Sabre Jr. vs. Chuck Taylor
• Bellator 172 live results: Josh Thomson vs. Patricky Pitbull; Fedor fight scrapped

AUDIO

• WOR: UFC on FS1, Raw and Smackdown previews, news, mailbag, more! 2/20
• B&V: AWESOME NWA World Championship Wrestling show from 30 years ago this week! 2/19
• WOL: Sunday Sempervive Solo Showcase! 2/19
• DragonKing Dark: Hollow Earth 2/19
• WOR: Bellator, Fedor update, UFC preview, Koloff vs. Sammartino follow-up, more! 2/19

We’re looking for reports on the Saturday night WWE house show in Bakersfield, tonight’s Smackdown show in San Diego as well as the non-Raw stuff from the Staples Center in Los Angeles tonight to [email protected].

The only thing announced for Raw is Brock Lesnar scheduled for the show and Big Show vs. Braun Strowman is the only match announced. 

Smackdown and 205 Live will be taped on Tuesday in Ontario, CA. Announced for the show is a Battle Royal for the WrestleMania title shot, which is some sort of an angle situation, Nikki Bella vs. Natalya falls count anywhere and Naomi vs. Alexa Bliss for the women’s title.

NXT will be taped at the University of Central Florida Gym on Wednesday night. This will be al the shows leading into WrestleMania, so we should have the full Takeover card on Wednesday night. 

There will be a Raw house show on Wednesday night from Dusseldorf, Germany and we’re looking for reports on the show. 

FIGURE FOUR WEEKLY: 2/13/2017: Bray Wyatt’s overdue WWE Championship win

From nearly the moment The Wyatt Family debuted on the main roster, Bray Wyatt’s place as a future WWE Champion seemed almost certain. The only surprising thing about Wyatt capturing the title is that it took until Sunday night at the Elimination Chamber, where he was finally presented as the force that WWE has all too often failed to portray him as over the last three-plus years… Subscribers click here to continue.

WRESTLING OBSERVER NEWSLETTER: February 20, 2017: WWE financials, death of Chavo Guerrero, more

An update on the WWE’s WrestleMania plans and then two PPV’s leading to WrestleMania is the lead story in the new issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter. We update the situation with the Seth Rollins vs. HHH proposed match, new matches that have changed due to injuries, update injured talent and a new proposed championship match on the Mania show, as well as more on different planned matches.

We also look at plans for both Elimination Chamber and Fast Lane.

We’ve got full coverage of the New Beginning in Sapporo show headlined by Kazuchika Okada vs. Minoru Suzuki, with match-by-match coverage with star ratings, poll results and business notes. We look at the build up angle and the story behind the main event, and this week’s show in Osaka.

We look at the big coup by WWE Studios working with Dwayne Johnson, a current WWE star being talked about for doing MMA, Kurt Angle talks wrestling in WWE, NXT Takeover Orlando notes, and lots of thoughts on the XFL documentary and key points that were not in.

We also have more WWE WrestleMania week plans, more on Mike Adamle and his battle against dementia and his background, update on a lot of WWE injuries, a surprise coach at the Performance Center and update on where that come from, and another WWE movie project.

We also have tons of notes on the wrestlers brought to the Performance Center this past week as well as other athletes for tryouts, including who they are and their backgrounds including some very unique prospects. We also look at the most-watched shows of the past week on the network as well as a rundown of all the WWE and NXT arena events this past week with both 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: January 24, 2000 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: WCW Souled Out review, WCW turmoil, more

The most tumultuous four-day period in the recent history of World Championship Wrestling started with WCW getting the word that an injury would cause champion and main eventer Bret Hart to miss the Souled Out PPV. As dominos starting falling one by one, it ended with a new booker, the crowning of a new champion who asked to be released from his contract anyway, and his vacating the title voluntarily some 18 hours later and possibly with several wrestlers leaving the company… Subscribers click here to continue.

MONDAY NEWS UPDATE

Bryan and I will be back tonight covering Raw and the latest news. You can send questions to the show to [email protected].

They will be filming scenes for the movie “Fighting With My Family” after Raw goes off the air which is just after 8:10 p.m. local time at the Staples Center. I don’t know if this is part of the filming, and it probably is, but they are doing a Thea Trinidad vs. Tessa Blanchard match tonight. Trinidad has a role in the movie and Blanchard is the stunt double for Florence Pugh, who plays Paige in the movie. As noted earlier today, Dwayne Johnson is in the building. We haven’t had confirmation of him being on the show tonight one way or another but a few hours ago people backstage thought he would be if he wants to be, but he said he would be coming out before the crowd at 4:45 p.m., which means 15 minutes before Raw starts that may indicate only being live for the fans in attendance. No word on Chris Jericho, who was advertised to return tonight and is also advertised for the Germany tour.

The Raw crew leaves right after the show for Dusseldorf, Germany for a four-show tour that starts on Wednesday.

A bunch of new names have been announced for Wrestlecon in Orlando over WrestleMania weekend. Among the names are Lex Luger, Tony Schiavone, Bobby Lashley, Stan Hansen, Veda Scott, Kikutaro, Torito, Ivelisse, Molly Holly, Brian Hebner, Sonjay Dutt, Sid Vicious, Iron Sheik and Armando Estrada.

Pete Dunne pulled out of the Preston City Wrestling shows on 2/25 and 2/26. He claimed it was due to “insensitive comments from the promoter.” There was controversy with the promoter’s arguing with fans who complained to him that this weekend’s shows, the Kris Travis tournament isn’t a benefit show for Travis, a popular and talented wrestler who died of cancer. Preston City did a benefit show for Travis in 2015. A few weeks ago, after the comments were made, Dunne said he’d donate his purse to a local cancer charity. He pulled out today but said he would still donate money to the charity. He also said that he was supposed to face Pentagon Jr. on the Saturday show in the first round of the tournament, but would now face him for Revolution Pro in Portsmouth on Friday night. Given this was to be taped for DVD release, I’m not sure how he’d have been able to be in the tournament in the first place but he claimed this had nothing to do with WWE pulling him. There were people who had expected him to pull out since the tournament was being taped for DVD release.

WWE

• It is official that the Payback PPV will take place on 4/30 in San Jose at the SAP Center. Tickets will go on sale Friday. This will be a Raw PPV.
• Best wishes to Charles Robinson, who underwent surgery on Friday for the foot that he injured in the John Cena vs. A.J. Styles match at the Rumble. He’s expected back for WrestleMania. 
• Starting after WrestleMania, ProSieben MAXX in Germany will start airing Raw on Wednesday nights at 10 p.m. and Smackdown on Thursday night at 10 p.m. It had been airing on Thursday nights and Friday nights. 
• Carsten Schaefer, who has been the WWE’s German TV announcer for almost 30 years, will be stepping down as host of the German language version of Raw. He will continue to work with Calvin Knie and Tim Haber on the big four PPV broadcasts. (thanks to Moonsault.de)
• WWE will have a Smackdown live event on 10/21 in Santiago, Chile, so they will probably be doing a few shows in South America in late October. (thanks to Pablo Bustamante)
• Armando Montalvo, the obsessed Lita fan who was shot in front of the Performance Center by police after he kept banging on the glass door and came at officers threatening, was denied bail. In court, he tried to claim he was the victim because he was shot. Montalvo’s father noted that he was mentally ill and without medication, tends to have outbursts. He was arrested again last month outside a bar, and charged with battery. He took a vacuum hose and put one end in his pants and the other up a woman’s skirt, and was arrested and held with no bond. The judge ruled he had to stay in jail until his trial.

UFC / MMA

• The latest UFC departure is Kyoji Horiguchi, whose contract expired and he got an offer from Rizin, where he starts on 4/16 at the Yokohama Arena show. UFC would not match the offer and he’s gone. Horiguchi is coming off three wins in a row and was 7-1 in UFC with the only loss being to Demetrious Johnson, who beats everyone in that division.
• Todd Grisham spoke to Bleacher Report’s Jonathan Snowden about his UFC announcing debut and working with Vince McMahon.
• Cezar Ferreira broke his hand on the first punch thrown last night in his fight with Elias Theodorou.
• An injury to Chris Fields pulls him out of Friday night’s Bellator main event in Belfast against Liam McGeary. Vladirmr Filipovic (8-2), who has been fighting with the Serbian Battle Championship, took the fight on short notice.

MISCELLANEOUS

• Brian Pillman Jr. is beginning a career in pro wrestling.
• WrestleCircus iPPV from yesterday in Austin, TX before a sellout 674 fans in what we’re told was the company’s best show to date. The crowd was super heat for a five hour show. DJZ won three-way over Jonathan Cruz and Jervis Cottonbelly, Scott Norton b Joey Ryan, Jax Done won handicap match over KO Cox and Grand Hammer-COR, Jax Dane b Trevor Lee, Dezmond Xavier won three-way over Rey Fenix and Shane Strickland (fans were chanting five star match after this one, said to be super innovative), Donvan Dijak b Ray Rowe Scorpio Sky b Jordan Len-X to keep the Sideshow title, Tama Tonga & Tanga Roa won a Tag Team Rumble Battle Royal over The Boys, Extra Talented (Ricky Stars & Aaron Solow), Davey Boy Smith Jr. & Texas Lion Carson and Scott MacKinzie & Andy Dalton to become first tag team champions, Jeff Cobb b ACH (people were raving about this match, said to be second best of the show), Brian Cage b Zack Sabre Jr. to keep the Ringmaster title (also said to be great), Rachael Ellering won three-way over Sexy Dulce (Sexy Star) and Chelsea Green (Laurel Van Ness), Ricochet b Sammy Guveara (Guevara did a moonsault off one of the high support beams. Story was Guevara, the local star, doing everything he could to win but finally losing. Guevera flipped him off after so Ricochet used a rock bottom and people’s moonsault and Ricochet teased a rematch in his post-match promo.
• Michael Elgin’s Glory Pro Wrestling show debuted yesterday in Alton, IL before 303 fans: Matt Kenway & Edvin Kudic b Barackus & Garrett Shanks, Paco Gonzalez b Kobe Durst, Ethan Page b Danny Adams, Shigehiro Irie b Curt Stallion, Jason Kincaid b Everett Connors, Myron Reed won six-way over Davey Vega, Gary Jay, Mat Fitchett, Jason Roberts and Space Monkey, Brandon Espinosa b Sean Orleans, Jake Something b Shane Sabre, Matt Riddle b Michael Elgin (I was told this was ****1/4 and worked like a New Japan main event), Jason Kincaid won four-way over Paco Gonzalez, Shigehiro Irie and Ethan Page (told this was ****) to become first champion. People like Cody Rhodes Sami Callihan and Pentagon are headed to this promotion for upcoming shows, the next one being in May. (thanks to Brian Tramel)
• Pro Wrestling Tees is having a President’s Day 15% off sale today. Pick up your F4W shirts while the savings are presidential! Use the code: PREZ

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).
• The bus will leave at 4pm (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
• 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).

CONTACT INFORMATION

• Poll opinions: [email protected]
• ​Feedback: [email protected]
• Show results and news tips: [email protected]
• Wrestling Observer Radio questions: [email protected]

​

THE ROUND-UP

The Latest from the F4W Staff

NEWS

• UFC Fight Night 105 live results: Derrick Lewis vs. Travis Browne
• PWG Only Kings Understand Each Other results: Zack Sabre Jr vs. Chuck Taylor
• Bellator 172 live results: Josh Thomson vs. Patricky Pitbull; Fedor fight scrapped
• Fedor’s Bellator MMA debut postponed as Matt Mitrione falls ill
• Looking at the effects of brand-exclusive PPVs on WWE ratings
• Ivan Koloff passes away at 74 years old

AUDIO

• DragonKing Dark: Hollow Earth 2/19
• WOR: Bellator, Fedor update, UFC preview, Koloff vs. Sammartino follow-up, more! 2/19
• WOL: Celebrating the lives of George Steele, Ivan Koloff and Nicole Bass 2/18
• WOR: Breaking News Audio on the deaths of Ivan Koloff, George Steele & Nicole Bass 2/18
• FREE! Wrestling Weekly: Special guest Danny Cage of the Monster Factory 2/17

UFC TONIGHT FROM HALIFAX, NOVA SCOTIA AT THE SCOTIABANK CENTRE

Fight Pass at 6:30 p.m.

• Ryan Janes vs. Gerald Meerschaert

FS 1 at 7 p.m.

• Jack Marshman vs. Thiago Santos
• Reginaldo Vieira vs. Alemann Zahabi
• Carla Esparza vs. Randa Markos
• Santiago Ponzinibbio vs. Nordine Taleb
• Paul Felder vs. Alessandro Ricci
• Gina Mazany vs. Sara McMann
• Cezar Ferriera vs. Elias Theodorou
• Sam Sicilia vs. Gavin Tucker
• Johny Hendricks vs. Hector Lombard
• Derrick Lewis vs. Travis Browne

Today the Raw crew house show is in Long Beach, CA and a Smackdown crew show in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.

Raw will be Monday in Los Angeles at the Staples Center. Brock Lesnar is scheduled for the show and Big Show vs. Braun Strowman is the only match announced. There will also be a Smackdown brand house show in San Diego.

Smackdown and 205 Live will be taped on Tuesday in Ontario, CA. Announced for the show is a Battle Royal for the WrestleMania title shot, which is some sort of an angle situation, Nikki Bella vs. Natalya falls count anywhere and Naomi vs. Alexa Bliss for the women’s title.

FIGURE FOUR WEEKLY: 2/13/2017: Bray Wyatt’s overdue WWE Championship win

From nearly the moment The Wyatt Family debuted on the main roster, Bray Wyatt’s place as a future WWE Champion seemed almost certain. The only surprising thing about Wyatt capturing the title is that it took until Sunday night at the Elimination Chamber, where he was finally presented as the force that WWE has all too often failed to portray him as over the last three-plus years… Subscribers click here to continue.

WRESTLING OBSERVER NEWSLETTER: February 20, 2017: WWE financials, death of Chavo Guerrero, more

An update on the WWE’s WrestleMania plans and then two PPV’s leading to WrestleMania is the lead story in the new issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter. We update the situation with the Seth Rollins vs. HHH proposed match, new matches that have changed due to injuries, update injured talent and a new proposed championship match on the Mania show, as well as more on different planned matches.

We also look at plans for both Elimination Chamber and Fast Lane.

We’ve got full coverage of the New Beginning in Sapporo show headlined by Kazuchika Okada vs. Minoru Suzuki, with match-by-match coverage with star ratings, poll results and business notes. We look at the build up angle and the story behind the main event, and this week’s show in Osaka.

We look at the big coup by WWE Studios working with Dwayne Johnson, a current WWE star being talked about for doing MMA, Kurt Angle talks wrestling in WWE, NXT Takeover Orlando notes, and lots of thoughts on the XFL documentary and key points that were not in.

We also have more WWE WrestleMania week plans, more on Mike Adamle and his battle against dementia and his background, update on a lot of WWE injuries, a surprise coach at the Performance Center and update on where that come from, and another WWE movie project.

We also have tons of notes on the wrestlers brought to the Performance Center this past week as well as other athletes for tryouts, including who they are and their backgrounds including some very unique prospects. We also look at the most-watched shows of the past week on the network as well as a rundown of all the WWE and NXT arena events this past week with both 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: January 24, 2000 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: WCW Souled Out review, WCW turmoil, more

The most tumultuous four-day period in the recent history of World Championship Wrestling started with WCW getting the word that an injury would cause champion and main eventer Bret Hart to miss the Souled Out PPV. As dominos starting falling one by one, it ended with a new booker, the crowning of a new champion who asked to be released from his contract anyway, and his vacating the title voluntarily some 18 hours later and possibly with several wrestlers leaving the company… Subscribers click here to continue.

SUNDAY NEWS UPDATE

We’ve got a lot of new audio up this weekend. We’ve got a show on George Steele and Ivan Koloff and their career histories, a show last night covering weekend wrestling news and the Bellator show, and will have another show tonight covering UFC. You can send questions for tonight’s show to [email protected].

As noted, Matt Mitrione suffered a kidney stone and they wouldn’t let him fight Fedor Emelianenko on last night’s Bellator show. He wanted to fight even though he was in intense pain. We talked about all the details on the audio show but the attempt will be made to book a match between the two in June, with San Jose as a possible destination. It’ll all likely be announced in a few weeks. Bellator runs on Friday night in Belfast this coming week.

Tamina Snuka was back with WWE last night on the SmackDown brand. She worked as a face last night teaming with Natalya, who, because they were in Edmonton, also worked as a face.

Samoa Joe started on the Raw brand working with Sami Zayn the past two nights.

For the weekend searches, Bellator was No. 11 yesterday with 50,000, Ivan Koloff was No. 13 yesterday with 50,000, while George Steele was No. 3 on Friday with 200,000 and Nicole Bass was No. 8 on Thursday with 100,000.

WWE

• There is a Goldust tribute drag racing car. (thanks to Mark Heck)

MISCELLANEOUS

• AAW from Friday night in Merrionette Park, IL: Trent Baretta & Chuck Taylor b Mat Fitchett & Davey Vega, Zema Ion b Conor Braxton, Matt Riddle b Jason Kincaid, Trevor Lee b Matt Sydal in what was a tag team title match to retain, Low Ki b El Hijo del Fantasma, Michael Elgin & Brian Cage b Dezmond Xavier & Zachary Wentz, Abyss b Eddie Kingston, Fenix & ACH & AR Fox b Dave & Jake Crist & Sami Callihan. Heard main event was awesome. Next show is 3/4 in LaSalle, IL and 3/17 in Berwyn IL at the Eagles Club. The Berwyn show has Homicide, Andrew Everett, Drew Galloway, Shane Strickland and Zack Sabre Jr. (thanks to Qumar Zaman)
• A video making the rounds of a knockout while a guy was showboating is here.
• Red Rock Wrestling on 4/7 in Stratford, Prince Edward Island.
• Hogtown Wrestling tomorrow night in Toronto at the Lula Lounge.
• All Star Wrestling on 2/25 in Surrey, BC at the Cloverdale Fairgrounds at the Alice McKay Building with Nicole Matthews vs. Holidead for the Girls Gone Wrestling title.
• Lucha Libre Monster Fights on 3/5 in Toronto at Lee’s Palace featuring Kikutaro.
• Elite Canadian Championship Wrestling on 3/11 in New Westminster, BC at the Sapperton Pensioners Hall.
• Smash Wrestling on 5/14 in Toronto at the Phoenix Concert Theater.
• On the AXS Fights show on Friday night from Bossier City, LA, women’s flyweight champion Andrea Lee retained her Legacy Fighting Alliance women’s flyweight title over Heather Bassett with an armbar at 3:40 of the third round and Kevin Aguilar beat Damon Jackson in the featherweight title fight via knockout at 4:05 of the fourth round.
• I Believe in Wrestling from Friday night in Orlando, FL: Aaron Epic b Carlos Gabriel, Daniel Drennen b Rey Xion, Kaci Lennox won three-way over Gabi Castrovinci and Amber Nova, Josh Hess b CT Brown, JD Amazing b Leo O’Farrell, Chasyn Rance b Chris Silvio, Jonny Vandal & Tyranus b Chico Adams & Tyler Matrix, Rhett Giddins DDQ Jesse Neal. Next show is 3/3 with Giddins vs. Neal in a no DQ match. (thanks to Al Haft)
• Destiny Wrestling on 3/24 at the Battlearts Academy in Mississauaga, ONT features Billy Gunn plus a cage match with Moose vs. Josh Alexander.
• Big Time Wrestling March of Champions on 3/24 in Newark CA at the Newark Pavilion features Rhyno, Carlito, Jade and Chris Masters.
• Lucha Xtreme TV in Fresno from yesterday: El Spirito won a three-way over Dark Usagi and SoCal Crazy, Sean Black b Chazz Herrera, Sgt. Major b Lukas Riley & Alfonso Alvarez in a handicap match, Hunter Freeman b Dark Usagi-DQ. (thanks to Jon Southerland)
• Best of the West iPPV on 3/12 in Fresno at the University Square Hotel at 6 p.m. on FITE TV. They also have a TV taping on 4/15 in Merced, CA at the American Legion Post 83.
• Last summer’s Oklamania show streams today at 8 p.m. on FITE TV with Hardys vs. War Machine managed by Jim Cornette, Jerry Lawler vs. Jeff Jarrett, plus Sting, Abyss, Lance Hoyt, Chavo Guerrero Jr., Moose, EC3, Mickie James, Angelina Love, Nikki Knight, Dalton Castle, Roderick Strong, Marshall & Ross Von Erich, Jim Duggan, Donovan Dijak, Aron Rex and more, with Jim Ross announcing the show. 
• NWL Kansas City before 300 fans last night: Dak Draper b Thor Theriot, Flex Zebra b Laz Kalo, Niles Plonk b Joe of the Union, Jeremy Wyatt b Skyler Beckett, Ken Dharma (Mike Sydal) b Gil Rogers, Chad Barstow b Ray Briggs, Red Cloud & Blaine Mieeks b The Howletts-DQ. (thanks to Brian Hoops)
• ICW fro last night in Sheffield, England before 250 fans: Ravie Davie b The Sam Barbour Experience, Krobar & Stevie James b Jackie Polo & Mark Coffey, Kay Lee Ray b Lana Austin to keep women’s title, Lionheart b DCT, Wolfgang b Grado, Joe Coffey b Sha Samuels, Kenny Williams b Zack Gibson to keep Zero G title, Drew Galloway NC Jack Jester, Trent Seven b Joe Hendry to keep ICW title. They ran today in Manchester.
• Premier Championship Wrestling from last night in Winnipeg: Moses Luke b Bobby Shink, James Beaver b Trent Nash, Scott Justice b Antonio Scorpio, Richard Blood & William Jennings Blaze b London Dynasty and Ace Riviera & Brett Evans, Alix Vanna b Jackie Lee, Chad Tatum b Jay Walker. (thanks to Andrew Shallcross)
• Southern Illinois Championship Wrestling from last night in East Carondelet, IL before a sellout 300 fans: Dave Vaughn b Clint Poe, Ken Kasa b Superstar Steve Fender-COR, Gary Jackson b Waco, Chris Harges b Big Texan, Jimmy D b Curt Ganno-DQ, Ax b Jayson Chaos, Mark Houston b Bobby D, Curtis Wyld b Moondog Rover, Flash Flanagan b Johnny Blade. (thanks to Larry Matysik)

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).
• The bus will leave at 4pm (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
• 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).

Today in Professional Wrestling History (2/19): Kurt Angle vs. Undertaker at No Way Out 2006

CONTACT INFORMATION

• Poll opinions: [email protected]
• ​Feedback: [email protected]
• Show results and news tips: [email protected]
• Wrestling Observer Radio questions: [email protected]

​

THE ROUND-UP

(Image: Esther Lin of MMA Fighting)

The Latest from the F4W Staff

NEWS / COLUMNS

• Bellator 172 live results: Josh Thomson vs. Patricky Pitbull; Fedor fight scrapped
• Fedor’s Bellator MMA debut postponed as Matt Mitrione falls ill
• Looking at the effects of brand-exclusive PPVs on WWE ratings
• Ivan Koloff passes away at 74 years old
• Georges St-Pierre officially signs new UFC deal
• George ‘The Animal’ Steele passes away at 79 years old
• Why the former Pentagon Jr. is happy again
• TNA Impact Wrestling results: The Expedition of Gold begins
• Nicole Bass passes away at 52 years old

AUDIO

• WOR: Breaking News Audio on the deaths of Ivan Koloff, George Steele & Nicole Bass 2/18
• FREE! Wrestling Weekly: Special guest Danny Cage of the Monster Factory 2/17
• B&V&G: NXT, Raw with FESTIVAL OF FRIENDSHIP, NWA Crockett, Granny, more! 2/16
• WOL: Fedor fight, TNA digitized ref, calls, emails, more! 2/16
• DragonKingKarl Classic Wrestling Show: Gotch vs. Hackenschmidt I 2/16

BELLATOR 172 FROM THE SAP CENTER IN SAN JOSE SATURDAY NIGHT AT 9 P.M. EASTERN AND PACIFIC ON SPIKE TV

• Mauricio Alonso (169.5) vs. Josh Koscheck (169.9)
• Brooke Mayo (126) vs. Veta Arteaga (126)
• Cheick Kongo (241.6) vs. Oli Thompson (230.7)
• Patricky Pitbull Freire (155.9) vs. Josh Thomson (155.2)

WWE has a Raw crew house show tonight in Bakersfield and a SmackDown crew show in Edmonton, as well as two NXT events, one in Winter Haven, FL and one in Cocoa, FL.

Sunday has a Raw crew house show in Long Beach, CA and a SmackDown crew show in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.

UFC RUNS SUNDAY NIGHT FROM HALIFAX, NOVA SCOTIA AT THE SCOTIABANK CENTRE

Fight Pass at 6:30 p.m.

• Ryan Janes vs. Gerald Meerschaert

FS 1 at 7 p.m.

• Jack Marshman vs. Thiago Santos
• Reginaldo Vieira vs. Alemann Zahabi
• Carla Esparza vs. Randa Markos
• Santiago Ponzinibbio vs. Nordine Taleb
• Paul Felder vs. Alessandro Ricci
• Gina Mazany vs. Sara McMann
• Cezar Ferriera vs. Elias Theodorou
• Sam Sicilia vs. Gavin Tucker
• Johny Hendricks vs. Hector Lombard
• Derrick Lewis vs. Travis Browne

Raw will be Monday in Los Angeles at the Staples Center. Brock Lesnar is scheduled for the show and Big Show vs. Braun Strowman is the only match announced. There will also be a SmackDown brand house show in San Diego.

SmackDown and 205 Live will be taped on Tuesday in Ontario, CA. Announced for the show is a Battle Royal for the WrestleMania title shot, which is some sort of an angle situation, Nikki Bella vs. Natalya falls count anywhere and Naomi vs. Alexa Bliss for the women’s title.

FIGURE FOUR WEEKLY: 2/13/2017: Bray Wyatt’s overdue WWE Championship win

From nearly the moment The Wyatt Family debuted on the main roster, Bray Wyatt’s place as a future WWE Champion seemed almost certain. The only surprising thing about Wyatt capturing the title is that it took until Sunday night at the Elimination Chamber, where he was finally presented as the force that WWE has all too often failed to portray him as over the last three-plus years… Subscribers click here to continue.

WRESTLING OBSERVER NEWSLETTER: February 20, 2017: WWE financials, death of Chavo Guerrero, more

An update on the WWE’s WrestleMania plans and then two PPV’s leading to WrestleMania is the lead story in the new issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter. We update the situation with the Seth Rollins vs. HHH proposed match, new matches that have changed due to injuries, update injured talent and a new proposed championship match on the Mania show, as well as more on different planned matches.

We also look at plans for both Elimination Chamber and Fast Lane.

We’ve got full coverage of the New Beginning in Sapporo show headlined by Kazuchika Okada vs. Minoru Suzuki, with match-by-match coverage with star ratings, poll results and business notes. We look at the build up angle and the story behind the main event, and this week’s show in Osaka.

We look at the big coup by WWE Studios working with Dwayne Johnson, a current WWE star being talked about for doing MMA, Kurt Angle talks wrestling in WWE, NXT Takeover Orlando notes, and lots of thoughts on the XFL documentary and key points that were not in.

We also have more WWE WrestleMania week plans, more on Mike Adamle and his battle against dementia and his background, update on a lot of WWE injuries, a surprise coach at the Performance Center and update on where that come from, and another WWE movie project.

We also have tons of notes on the wrestlers brought to the Performance Center this past week as well as other athletes for tryouts, including who they are and their backgrounds including some very unique prospects. We also look at the most-watched shows of the past week on the network as well as a rundown of all the WWE and NXT arena events this past week with both 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: January 24, 2000 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: WCW Souled Out review, WCW turmoil, more

The most tumultuous four-day period in the recent history of World Championship Wrestling started with WCW getting the word that an injury would cause champion and main eventer Bret Hart to miss the Souled Out PPV. As dominos starting falling one by one, it ended with a new booker, the crowning of a new champion who asked to be released from his contract anyway, and his vacating the title voluntarily some 18 hours later and possibly with several wrestlers leaving the company… Subscribers click here to continue.

SATURDAY NEWS UPDATE

WWE

• WWE acknowledged the deaths of George “The Animal” Steele and Ivan Koloff with articles on their website. The New York Times also posted an article on Steele passing away, and Mike Mooneyham wrote about Steele and Koloff for the Charleston Post and Courier.
• Nickelodeon released a commercial for the Kids’ Choice Awards that features John Cena. Cena will host the event on March 11th.
• Baron Corbin was interviewed by the Phoenix New Times. He spoke about not paying attention to the audience’s reaction to him: “No, because I don’t really care. And that’s why I’m good at what I do, that’s why I’m good at my job, that’s why I’m successful. I’ve never really cared what people think of how I’m doing or what I’m doing. If they have a problem with it, they can either change their mind or they can tell me how they feel, but it’s just falling on deaf ears. And that’s what’s funny right now, too, is all these people who hated me and then I go out there and I think we steal the show at TLC [with Kalisto] and now people are like, ‘Oh wait, Baron Corbin’s good.’ I don’t want them to change their opinion because someone else did. All those people who are negative can stay that way. It doesn’t fill my pockets more with their respect. Their respect doesn’t pay my bills. So I’m just going to continue to go out there and do what I do every single night.”
• Samoa Joe made his house show debut as a full-time member of the main roster against Sami Zayn last night. The show took place in Dallas, Texas and also featured Roman Reigns vs. Braun Strowman in the main event with Kevin Owens not on the card.
• WWE posted video of Brock Lesnar wreaking havoc on a lower card tag match on the house show before facing Big Show.
• Paul Fontaine looked at the effects of brand-exclusive PPVs on WWE ratings, finding a noticeable drop in Raw ratings after those shows.
• Billie Kay spoke to the Miami Herald about her friendship with Peyton Royce and her road to WWE.
• Thea Trinidad is playing AJ Lee in “Fighting with my Family.”

Pro Wrestling

• Bill Apter talked to Bruno Sammartino about the passings of Ivan Koloff and George Steele.
• Today marks 24 years since the death of Kerry Von Erich. This also would have been Larry Sweeney’s 36th birthday.
• Pro Wrestling Guerrilla returns with “Only Kings Understand Each Other” tonight, the promotion’s first show of 2017. The card for the show is:
  PWG Champion Zack Sabre Jr. defending against Chuck Taylor
  Sami Callihan, Jake Crist & Dave Crist vs. The Young Bucks & Adam Cole
  Cody Rhodes vs. Trevor Lee
  Matt Riddle & Jeff Cobb vs. Michael Elgin & Brian Cage
  Trent vs. Rey Fenix
  Marty Scurll vs. Jay White
  Ricochet vs. Lio Rush
• Jeff Jarrett and Anthem’s Ed Nordholm were interviewed by Newsweek about Impact Wrestling and some of the talks they’ve been involved with in the UK.
• Wrestle Circus has an iPPV tomorrow at 7 p.m. ET.

UFC/MMA

• Ariel Helwani reported that Chael Sonnen offered to face Fedor Emelianenko tonight after Fedor’s fight with Matt Mitrione was called off due to Mitrione falling ill. Helwani noted that Bellator was interested in the fight but weren’t able to make it happen, with Fedor seemingly not open to a late replacement.
• Johny Hendricks officially made weight for his middleweight fight against Hector Lombard at UFC Fight Night in Halifax tomorrow night.
• Dan Hardy said that he’s been cleared to fight again by the best cardiologists in the UK.
• Max Holloway isn’t afraid of fighting Jose Aldo in Brazil.
• Jacare Souza wants to fight Luke Rockhold in July.

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).
• The bus will leave at 4pm (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
• 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).

Today in Professional Wrestling History (2/18): WWF War to Settle the Score

CONTACT INFORMATION

• Poll opinions: [email protected]
• ​Feedback: [email protected]
• Show results and news tips: [email protected]
• Wrestling Observer Radio questions: [email protected]

​

THE ROUND-UP

The Latest from the F4W Staff

NEWS

• Georges St-Pierre officially signs new UFC deal
• George ‘The Animal’ Steele passes away at 79 years old
• TNA Impact Wrestling results: The Expedition of Gold begins
• Nicole Bass passes away at 52 years old
• WWE NXT results: Tyler Bate vs. Trent Seven for the UK title

AUDIO

• FREE! Wrestling Weekly: Special guest Danny Cage of the Monster Factory 2/17
• B&V&G: NXT, Raw with FESTIVAL OF FRIENDSHIP, NWA Crockett, Granny, more! 2/16
• WOL: Fedor fight, TNA digitized ref, calls, emails, more! 2/16
• DragonKingKarl Classic Wrestling Show: Gotch vs. Hackenschmidt I 2/16
• WOR: GSP, Lesnar, Fedor, Smackdown, WWE ratings, more! 2/16

We’re looking for reports on tonight’s WWE show in Dallas and NXT show in Tampa to [email protected]. Brock Lesnar will be working tonight’s Dallas show.

No polls for this weekend.

NEW JAPAN WORLD PRO WRESTLING RETURNS ON AXS TV AT 8 P.M. EASTERN (and replayed after the MMA fights around midnight)

• Satoshi Kojima & Michael Elgin vs. Bad Luck Fale & Kenny Omega
• Will Ospreay vs. Ryusuke Taguchi in the 2016 Best of the Super Juniors final

LEGACY FIGHTING ALLIANCE TONIGHT AT 9 P.M. EASTERN ON AXS TV FROM THE HORSESHOE HOTEL AND CASINO ON BOSSIER CITY, LA

• Mike Murphy (1-0, 155.6) vs. Brandon Shavers (2-0, 154)
• Chauncey Foxworth (5-2, 169.9) vs. Nick Jackson (4-3, 169)
• Bryan Billot (3-0, 155.9) vs. David Bosnick (18-9, 170)
• Hayward Charles (14-8, 169.9) vs. Derrick Krantz (16-9, 170)
• Heather Bassett (4-2, 124.7) vs. Andrea Lee (5-2, 125) for the womens’ flyweight title
• Damon Jackson (11-1-1, 144.8) vs. Kevin Aguilar (11-1, 142.9) for the featherweight title

        Bassett was the Resurrection Fighting Alliance flyweight champion and Lee was the Legacy Fighting Championship champion before the two promotions merged, so this is the title unification match.

With Nick Jackson on the show, somebody should do a list of guys who had identical names of pro wrestlers, such as Buddy Roberts, Rocky Johnson, Michael Hayes, Kazuchika Okada (yes) and Jake Roberts.

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

• Stukita vs. Electrico vs. Pierrothito & Mercurio
• Marcela & Sanely & Vaquerita vs. Tiffany & Reyna Isis & Metalica
• Volador Jr. & Marco Corleone & Diamante Azul vs. Yoshitatsu & Pierroth & Kraneo
• Week two of the Parejas incredibles tournament (feuding wrestlers team together):
• Mistico & Negro Casas, Rush & El Terrible, Ultimo Guerrero & Valiente, Dragon Lee & La Mascara, Atlantis & Euforia, Guerrero Maya Jr. & Dragon Rojo Jr., Titan & Ripper, Stuka Jr. & Hechicero

WWE has a Raw crew house show on Saturday night in Bakersfield and a Smackdown crew show in Edmonton, as well as two NXT events, one in Winter Haven, FL and one in Cocoa, FL.

BELLATOR 172 FROM THE SAP CENTER IN SAN JOSE SATURDAY NIGHT AT 9 P.M. EASTERN AND PACIFIC ON SPIKE TV

• Mauricio Alonso (169.5) vs. Josh Koscheck (169.9)
• Brooke Mayo (126) vs. Veta Arteaga (126)
• Cheick Kongo (241.6) vs. Oli Thompson (230.7)
• Patricky Pitbull Freire (155.9) vs. Josh Thomson (155.2)
• Fedor Emelianenko (236) vs. Matt Mitrione (257.5) 

Sunday has a Raw crew house show in Long Beach, CA and a Smackdown crew show in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.

UFC RUNS SUNDAY NIGHT FROM HALIFAX, NOVA SCOTIA AT THE SCOTIABANK CENTRE

Fight Pass at 6:30 p.m.

• Ryan Janes vs. Gerald Meerschaert

FS 1 at 7 p.m.

• Jack Marshman vs. Thiago Santos
• Reginaldo Vieira vs. Alemann Zahabi
• Carla Esparza vs. Randa Markos
• Santiago Ponzinibbio vs. Nordine Taleb
• Paul Felder vs. Alessandro Ricci
• Gina Mazany vs. Sara McMann
• Cezar Ferriera vs. Elias Theodorou
• Sam Sicilia vs. Gavin Tucker
• Johny Hendricks vs. Hector Lombard
• Derrick Lewis vs. Travis Browne

Raw will be Monday in Los Angeles at the Staples Center. Brock Lesnar is scheduled for the show and Big Show vs. Braun Strowman is the only match announced. There will also be a Smackdown brand house show in San Diego.

Smackdown and 205 Live will be taped on Tuesday in Ontario, CA. Announced for the show is a Battle Royal for the WrestleMania title shot, which is some sort of an angle situation, Nikki Bella vs. Natalya falls count anywhere and Naomi vs. Alexa Bliss for the women’s title.

FIGURE FOUR WEEKLY: 2/13/2017: Bray Wyatt’s overdue WWE Championship win

From nearly the moment The Wyatt Family debuted on the main roster, Bray Wyatt’s place as a future WWE Champion seemed almost certain. The only surprising thing about Wyatt capturing the title is that it took until Sunday night at the Elimination Chamber, where he was finally presented as the force that WWE has all too often failed to portray him as over the last three-plus years… Subscribers click here to continue.

WRESTLING OBSERVER NEWSLETTER: February 20, 2017: WWE financials, death of Chavo Guerrero, more

An update on the WWE’s WrestleMania plans and then two PPV’s leading to WrestleMania is the lead story in the new issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter. We update the situation with the Seth Rollins vs. HHH proposed match, new matches that have changed due to injuries, update injured talent and a new proposed championship match on the Mania show, as well as more on different planned matches.

We also look at plans for both Elimination Chamber and Fast Lane.

We’ve got full coverage of the New Beginning in Sapporo show headlined by Kazuchika Okada vs. Minoru Suzuki, with match-by-match coverage with star ratings, poll results and business notes. We look at the build up angle and the story behind the main event, and this week’s show in Osaka.

We look at the big coup by WWE Studios working with Dwayne Johnson, a current WWE star being talked about for doing MMA, Kurt Angle talks wrestling in WWE, NXT Takeover Orlando notes, and lots of thoughts on the XFL documentary and key points that were not in.

We also have more WWE WrestleMania week plans, more on Mike Adamle and his battle against dementia and his background, update on a lot of WWE injuries, a surprise coach at the Performance Center and update on where that come from, and another WWE movie project.

We also have tons of notes on the wrestlers brought to the Performance Center this past week as well as other athletes for tryouts, including who they are and their backgrounds including some very unique prospects. We also look at the most-watched shows of the past week on the network as well as a rundown of all the WWE and NXT arena events this past week with both 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: January 24, 2000 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: WCW Souled Out review, WCW turmoil, more

The most tumultuous four-day period in the recent history of World Championship Wrestling started with WCW getting the word that an injury would cause champion and main eventer Bret Hart to miss the Souled Out PPV. As dominos starting falling one by one, it ended with a new booker, the crowning of a new champion who asked to be released from his contract anyway, and his vacating the title voluntarily some 18 hours later and possibly with several wrestlers leaving the company… Subscribers click here to continue.

FRIDAY NEWS UPDATE

Very sorry to hear the news about the death of Jim Myers aka George Steele from kidney failure at the age of 79. Steele was an iconic character in pro wrestling, really more for his 80s role as a babyface with Elizabeth to modern fans. He was a main event heel in the WWWF, working mostly the summer months in the Northeast as he had a regular job as a high school teacher and wrestling and football coach in Madison Heights, MI. Even though he achieved considerable fame as a pro wrestler, he never gave up his teaching job until the 80s when the money he started to make made keeping his teaching job ridiculous. He was actually quite well regarded as a football coach in the 60s and 70s. During the 60s he would pretend at school that he wasn’t George Steele in case anyone made the connection, as he never used the George Steele name in the area.

He did wrestle in Michigan under a mask as The Student in the 60s to keep his identity a secret (which was later the premise of a pro wrestling TV show with Lyle Alzado where he was a teacher in a show called “Learning the Ropes” who wrestled under a mask at night). Eventually he lost his mask in Michigan. Steele was also instrumental in starting the Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame that was located in Amsterdam, NY, now in Wichita Falls, TX. He was actually completely different from his character, a very intelligent man who was a strong promo until the decision was made by Vince McMahon that being a strong promo didn’t fit his character.

He became a comedy figure, best known for the green tongue and eating turnbuckles. He once remarked to me that he regretted staying so long past his prime, but noted that it seems like everyone does that. He also branched out into acting. He had health issues dating back to the late 1980s when he suffered from Crohn’s disease. It has been a very tough run for the profession with so many high profile deaths in recent weeks. Best wishes to his family.

Dana White told Lance Pugmire of the Los Angeles Times that Georges St-Pierre has signed a new deal, confirming reports from earlier this week. As noted on our show, the fight being talked about is with Michael Bisping for the middleweight title sometime during the summer.

Cris Cyborg was given a retroactive TUE for Spironolactone, a diuretic she tested positive for in December. They ruled her usage was medically justifiable to treat her kidney issues. She has been pulled off the suspension list. We had talked about this and written about this since this news was expected. Expect UFC to attempt to make Cyborg vs. Germaine de Randamie for the featherweight title.

The biggest event of the weekend would be Bellator featuring Fedor Emelianenko’s first U.S. fight in more than five years, against Matt Mitrione. Mitrione is actually a slight favorite in a fight that most feel with end quickly with one or the other getting a knockout.

Jeff Jarrett and Ed Nordholm, who are running TNA, met with ITV yesterday in the U.K. They were looking at a deal where Anthem would buy into the promotion and have certain roles. The goal is to make the ITV World of Sport show have television outside of the U.K.

WWE

• On the WWE house shows this weekend, Kevin Owens and Chris Jericho were pulled from advertising for Dallas tonight and Bakersfield tomorrow. Owens is advertised for Long Beach on Sunday. Jericho is advertised for Raw on Monday, however. On the Smackdown side, Bray Wyatt, Randy Orton and John Cena are not listed on the Edmonton or Saskatoon shows, headlined by Dean Ambrose vs. Miz vs. A.J. Styles. All three are scheduled for the Monday night show in San Diego.

UFC / MMA

• There appear to be a lot of things going on behind the scenes. Another ranked fighter, Nikita Krylov, was taken out of the ratings and is no longer on the roster. The company is cutting back on the roster. Krylov lost via choke to Misha Cirkunov, but was still ranked in the light heavyweight division and was known for exciting fights and quick wins. He was only 24 and had won five in a row prior to the loss to Cirkunov (who is also no longes coming off a loss to Benson Henderson, when the fight was stopped when he suffered a broken leg back in August. They also announced Michael Venom Page vs. Derek Anderson for the 5/19 show at SSE Wembley in London.

MISCELLANEOUS

• All Pro Wrestling will be on iPPV on Fite TV tonight from Daly City, CA with Cody Rhodes vs. Pentagon Jr. and Will Cuevas vs. Zack Sabre Jr. The show starts at 10:30 p.m. Eastern time. Jeff Cobb and Joey Ryan are also on the show.
• Fite TV also has a show on Sunday which is taped, with Jim Ross announcing and Jerry Lawler vs. Jeff Jarrett and Hardys vs. War Machine as the main events.
• Tomorrow will be the 24th anniversary of the suicide death of Kerry Von Erich, at the age of 33. Kerry Von Erich figured to be one of the biggest stars of the 80s and 90s, as he was one of the biggest stars in pro wrestling by the age of 22, but drug issues and a motorcycle accident that caused him to lose much of one of his feet slowed him down. He was a remarkably charismatic wrestler.
• TNA just made a contract offer to bring back Nick “Magnus” Aldis back. The deal hasn’t been completed at press time but talks are significant.
• Impact did 325,000 viewers last night, its best number since 12/15 and up 29 percent from the prior week.
• Some new Evolve promos are up at: Ethan Page, Darby Allin
• NWA Smoky Mountain Wrestling on 3/11 in Kingsport, TN at Sullivan South High School with Chase Owens defending his Southeastern title i the main event.
• Jeff Cobb vs. Jake can be added to the lineup in yesterday’s update for the 2/25 Evolve show in Queens, NY.
• National Fighting Championships tomorrow night in Atlanta at Center Stage with Lawson McClure vs. Nathan Williams for the featherweight title. They also run 3/234 i Kennesaw, GA at the Electric Cowboy and 4/8 in Greenville, SC at the TD Convention Center.
• The TV station Starz is close to picking up eight-episodes of a one-hour drama series called “Heels,” about two brothers who fight over control of a small Georgia based independent promotion that their late father left behind. Paramount TV is behind the series.
• Glory Kickboxing has a show on 2/24 in Chicago at the Sears Cetnre Arena is Artenm Vakhiot vs. Saulo Cavalari for the light heavyweight title plus a four-man one-night tournament to determine who faces the winner.
• On last night’s episode of the NBC sitcom Superstore, one of the female characters fell down and it led to a few lines about pro wrestling. The character said when she was a kid she wanted to be the Ultimate Warrior and had arm tassels and poofy hair. (thanks to Joe Puccio)

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).
• The bus will leave at 4pm (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
• 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).

Today in Professional Wrestling History (2/17): Sid Vicious wins the WWF title

CONTACT INFORMATION

• Poll opinions: [email protected]
• ​Feedback: [email protected]
• Show results and news tips: [email protected]
• Wrestling Observer Radio questions: [email protected]

​

THE ROUND-UP

The Latest from the F4W Staff

NEWS/EDITORIALS

• Why the former Pentagon Jr. is happy again
• The Week In British Wrestling: WWE UK heroes go home
• WWE NXT results: Tyler Bate vs. Trent Seven for the UK title
• WWE SmackDown ratings virtually unchanged from last week
• GSP, UFC reportedly come to terms on new multi-fight contract
• WWE SmackDown video highlights: Wyatt vs. Cena vs. Styles
• WWE 205 Live results: Gran Metalik debuts

AUDIO

• WOL: Fedor fight, TNA digitized ref, calls, emails, more! 2/16
• DragonKingKarl Classic Wrestling Show: Gotch vs. Hackenschmidt I 2/16
• WOR: GSP, Lesnar, Fedor, Smackdown, WWE ratings, more! 2/16
• F4D: Big changes in Tom’s life, Smackdown, Impact, Total Divas, more! 2/15

IMPACT TONIGHT AT 8 P.M. ON POP TV

• Laurel Van Ness bachelorette party
• Moose & Brandi Rhodes vs. Mike Bennett & Maria
• Hardys vs. Super Crazy & Psicosis from Tijuana for the Crash tag team titles
• They start the ball rolling on the Josh Barnett vs. Bobby Lashley feud on tonight’s show

FIGURE FOUR WEEKLY: 2/13/2017: Bray Wyatt’s overdue WWE Championship win

From nearly the moment The Wyatt Family debuted on the main roster, Bray Wyatt’s place as a future WWE Champion seemed almost certain. The only surprising thing about Wyatt capturing the title is that it took until Sunday night at the Elimination Chamber, where he was finally presented as the force that WWE has all too often failed to portray him as over the last three-plus years… Subscribers click here to continue.

WRESTLING OBSERVER NEWSLETTER: February 20, 2017: WWE financials, death of Chavo Guerrero, more

An update on the WWE’s WrestleMania plans and then two PPV’s leading to WrestleMania is the lead story in the new issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter. We update the situation with the Seth Rollins vs. HHH proposed match, new matches that have changed due to injuries, update injured talent and a new proposed championship match on the Mania show, as well as more on different planned matches.

We also look at plans for both Elimination Chamber and Fast Lane.

We’ve got full coverage of the New Beginning in Sapporo show headlined by Kazuchika Okada vs. Minoru Suzuki, with match-by-match coverage with star ratings, poll results and business notes. We look at the build up angle and the story behind the main event, and this week’s show in Osaka.

We look at the big coup by WWE Studios working with Dwayne Johnson, a current WWE star being talked about for doing MMA, Kurt Angle talks wrestling in WWE, NXT Takeover Orlando notes, and lots of thoughts on the XFL documentary and key points that were not in.

We also have more WWE WrestleMania week plans, more on Mike Adamle and his battle against dementia and his background, update on a lot of WWE injuries, a surprise coach at the Performance Center and update on where that come from, and another WWE movie project.

We also have tons of notes on the wrestlers brought to the Performance Center this past week as well as other athletes for tryouts, including who they are and their backgrounds including some very unique prospects. We also look at the most-watched shows of the past week on the network as well as a rundown of all the WWE and NXT arena events this past week with both 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: January 24, 2000 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: WCW Souled Out review, WCW turmoil, more

The most tumultuous four-day period in the recent history of World Championship Wrestling started with WCW getting the word that an injury would cause champion and main eventer Bret Hart to miss the Souled Out PPV. As dominos starting falling one by one, it ended with a new booker, the crowning of a new champion who asked to be released from his contract anyway, and his vacating the title voluntarily some 18 hours later and possibly with several wrestlers leaving the company… Subscribers click here to continue.

THURSDAY NEWS UPDATE

George Steele (Jim Myers) is in poor health right now and is currently in hospice care. Best wishes to him.

There may be a first on tonight’s Impact show. Because of legal threats from Lucha Underground, when the Hardys vs. Super Crazy & Psicosis match airs on Impact tonight, taped from a few weeks ago at the Auditorio in Tijuana, the referee will have to be digitized out. Marty Elias was the referee in the match and he’s under contract to Lucha Underground, who evidently was looking for the piece to not air at all. The Crash promotion and Konnen tried to be careful to keep anyone under contract with Lucha Underground who worked their show away from what was being taped for TNA, but nobody considered the referee. They had other referees there, but Elias, because he’s bilingual, is the guy they like in the ring when American talent works with Mexican talent.

A story claiming that Vince McMahon is the most influential person of his time in the entertainment business is here. Wow, talk about living in a bubble.

The Kingdom vs. Dalton Castle & The Boys for the trios title has been added to the 3/10 ROH PPV in Las Vegas.

EVOLVE has announced Ricochet vs. Keith Lee for WrestleMania weekend in Orlando on 3/30 on a show that also includes Tracy Williams & Fred Yehi defending the tag team titles against Michael Elgin & Donovan Dijak. Their next event on FloSlam is 2/24 from Joppa, MD:

• Timothy Thatcher vs. Fred Yehi for the EVOLVE title
• Zack Sabre Jr. vs. Keith Lee
• Drew Galloway vs. Jeff Cobb
• Tracy Williams vs. ACH
• Matt Riddle vs. Anthony Henry
• Ethan Page vs. Jason Kincaid
• Chris Dickinson & Jaka vs. The Gatekeepers
• Austin Theory vs. Darby Allin

They also run 2/5 in Queens, NY:

• Timothy Thatcher vs. Zack Sabre Jr.
• Drew Galloway vs. Matt Riddle
• Ethan Page vs Darby Allin
• Tracy Williams vs. Keith Lee
• ACH vs. Jason Kincaid

WWE

• According to Pro Wrestling Sheet, the movie “Fighting with my Family” will be shooting wrestling scenes on Monday night at the Staples Center, likely before or after Raw. 
• Former WWE writer Kevin Eck talks about Naomi and Bray Wyatt’s title wins.

UFC/MMA

• Johny Hendricks was 197 pounds this morning. He was to make 186 by Saturday morning’s weigh-ins. That’s not unusual, except that Hendricks spent most of his career at 170.
• There is a pre-sale right now for the UFC 210 show on 4/8 in Buffalo headlined by Daniel Cormier vs. Anthony Rumble Johnson for the light heavyweight title using the code BUFFALO. It’s all day today. Tickets go on sale to the public at 10 a.m. tomorrow.
•  The cast members for the new season of Ultimate Fighter will be mostly former UFC fighters and one current UFC fighter (James Krause). The names include former winners Joe Stevenson, Jesse Taylor, Ramsey Nijem, and Eddie Gordon. The rest of the cast is Seth Baczynski, Julian Lane, Mehdi Baghdad, Dheigo Lima, Justin Edwards, Tom Gallicchio, Gilbert Smith, Hayder Hassan, and Hector Urbina. The show debuts on FS1 on 4/19.
• Conor McGregor talks about protesters of Donald Trump. (thanks to Ed Gursky)
• Holly Holm’s coach Mike Winkeljohn talks Cris Cyborg to Submission Radio: 

On why he thinks Cyborg needs to stay clean for a year

“Well you know, things are obvious. And people are always worried about hurting people’s feelings, but if you look at her over her career, her body did change as time went on. There’s a reason why it changed. That’s it. It’s black and white. Let’s not lie about it, let’s not be politically correct. It’s not about hurting feelings. So now it’s not just that they’re on things and they get the fight time, but density has changed, structures have changed of your body, bone structure has changed. These things are effected by cheating and we can’t go back, but at least let’s go with keeping things clean for a year so at least the muscles are not getting enhanced as such. I think it’s only fair. it’s simple and I’m sick and tired of worrying about hurting people’s feelings.”

If Coach Wink would be concerned with Holly fighting Cyborg while Germaine gets surgery

“I would recommend probably not takes it until Cyborg is suspended for a year, because you never know what you’re going to get and you never know behind the scenes who’s getting tested and who’s not. Holly’s the number one tested person in the whole UFC. They knock on her door in the morning – I think she’s been tested, I want to say off the top of my head 17 times now in the last year and a half. Why? Why were they looking for her? Probably because they weren’t happy that she knocked out Ronda. But with that being said, people need to be clean to make people fight on a fair level playing field, and I think before Holly were to fight Cyborg she needs to do that.”

MISCELLANEOUS

• The World Cup tournament which is currently taking place in Mermanshah, Iran will be streamed live at Trackwrestling.com. Sessions are tonight at 1:30 a.m. and 2:45 a.m. Eastern, 7:30 a.m. Friday morning and 9 a.m. Friday morning.
• At this year’s Thesz/Tragos Hall of Fame ceremony in Waterloo, IA, there will be a tournament called the Hall of Fame classic that takes place in conjunction with the event. We’ll have more as it approaches but Matt Riddle, Pentagon (or whatever name he’ll be allowed to use by July), and Chuck Taylor are three people already committed to the event.
• Hoosier Pro Wrestling on 3/4 in Columbus, IN at the 4-H Fairgronds.
• Leon St-Giovanni has been added to the ECWA Super 8 tournament on 4/49 in Woodbury Heights, NJ at the Community Center. He joins Lio Rush, Timmy Lou Retton, Brandon Scott, Zombie King, and Joey Janela.
• AAW tomorrow night in Merrionette Park, IL at 115 Bourbon Street has Sami Callihan & Dave & Jake Crist vs. ACH & AR Fox & Rey Fenix, Trevor Lee vs. Matt Sydal, Michael Elgin & Brian Cage vs. Dezmond Xavier & Zachary Wentz, Eddie Kingston vs. Abyss, Chuck Taylor & Trent Baretta vs. Davey Vega & Mat Fitchett, Low Ki vs. El Hijo del Fantasma and Matt Riddle vs. Jason Kincaid. They also announced 3/4 in LaSalle, IL at the Knights of Columbus with Dave & Jake Crist vs. Xavier & Wentz 2/3 falls and Leo Kruger (formerly Adam Rose) vs. Ethan Page, plus Callihan, JT Dunn, and Fenix.
• Superkick’d on 2/24 in Toronto at the Great Hall.
• Smash Wrestling on 3/4 in Toronto at the Franklin Horner Community Center with Tyson Dux, Brent Banks, Jimmy Havoc, and London Riots.
• WrestleCircus on Sunday on iPPV from Austin, TX has Ricochet vs. Sammy Guevara, Brian Cage vs. Zack Sabre Jr., Jeff Cobb vs. ACH, Joey Ryan vs. Scott Norton, Ray Rowe vs. Donovan Dijak, and more.
• Shane Douglas is doing a pro wrestling seminar on Saturday at 2 p.m. in Brantford, ONT. Price is $20 for wrestlers and $30 for fans. It will take place at 183 Ernie Avenue. For more info go here.
• UWC on 3/11 in Wrightstown, NJ at Kelly’s Banquet Hall.
• Capital City Championship Combat on 2/25 in Ottawa, ONT at the Vanier Club with Evil Uno vs. Kobe Durst as the main event.
• Tier 1 Lucha Libre noted that due to problems caused by a promotion they didn’t mention (AAA), that their planned Penta el Cero Miedo match with Drago on Sunday at 4 p.m. is off. Penta will now face Rey Horus. They also noted Matt Cross is off the show due to his broken leg and he’s been replaced by Facade. The show will be at Club LaBoom in Queens.
• The Hollywood Reporter noted that a new documentary on South Korean fighter Song Ka Yeon, called “Deadly Beauty,” will be the subject of a documentary series directed by Vlad Yudin. It will be a series of episodes devoted to her living in the U.S., training and preparing for a fight this summer.
• Colt Cabana had a small role on the show Chicago PD last night on NBC.
• Alberto El Patron vs. Low Ki headlines a show in Jamaica, Queens for House of Glory on Saturday night. Matt Sydal is also on the show.
• NWL St. Louis has announced moving its every other Thursday shows to Sunday afternoons with the move taking place on 3/26. They will be continuing on Thursday nights until the move, including this coming Thursday. They run regularly at the Casa Loma Ballroom.
• IWA Mid South tonight in Jeffersonville, IN at The Arena at 1416 Spring St., has Shigehiro Irie, Kongo Kong, and Michael Elgin. 
• There is a Go Fund Me for Jesse Hernandez, whose ring, lighting, and sound equipment that are used on shows throughout Southern California were destroyed when his ring truck caught fire last week.
• Gary Capetta interview is here.
• Impact Wrestling women’s star and former WWE Tough Enough contestant Laurel Van Ness was the latest guest on the Pancakes and Powerslams Show to talk about her “wedding” with Braxton Sutter. She also talked about what hurt her the most from her Tough Enough cut, and her WWE character Megan Miller during the Stephanie McMahon and Brie Bella storyline. Here are some highlights:

On her Megan Miller character during the Brie Bella/Stephanie McMahon feud:

“I was three months out of training, and I got a call asking if I would like to be a rosebud. So, of course, I said yes, [and was] extremely excited. And on the second day of being a rosebud, I believe we were in Yakima, Washington, which is like such a tiny, tiny, little town. You know, it took me like six hours to drive there, I was so excited to be a rosebud. And they said, ‘We want you to come in for Raw tomorrow, and we have a little part for you.’ So I thought, well that’s cool. Ok, no problem. I’ll be there.

“I came in, and I did the same thing I had done the last two days. I’d changed with all the rosebuds and got ready. And then, one of the backstage [crewmen] pulled me aside, and said, ‘We just need you to come over here, we’re gonna chat with you about your little part today.’ And they actually walked me into the room, and in front of me was Triple H, Stephanie, and Vince McMahon. And, immediately, in that moment, I thought, oh my God. This is way bigger than I could have ever thought it would be. I had no idea what I was getting myself into. They handed me a script and they said, ‘Ok, come to the ring in an hour. Be ready.'”

On what hurt her the most about being cut from Tough Enough:

“I was very, very hurt and upset when I heard that a lot of the cast members of Tough Enough [were] signed, and [WWE] hadn’t reached out to me. That hurt more than being kicked off of some silly reality show.” 

On what to expect during her wedding with Braxton Sutter on Impact Wrestling: 

“I cannot wait for everyone to see this. You know, I think a lot of people started tuning into Impact Wrestling again with the Hardys doing all their crazy stuff, and I think that this is just gonna give all the viewers another reason to stay tuning in, and hopefully pull in some new audience as well. It is just chaos. I can’t wait for you guys to see it.”

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).
• The bus will leave at 4pm (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
• 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).

Today in Professional Wrestling History (2/16): Bret Hart wins WWF gold at In Your House

CONTACT INFORMATION

• Poll opinions: [email protected]
• ​Feedback: [email protected]
• Show results and news tips: [email protected]
• Wrestling Observer Radio questions: [email protected]

​

THE ROUND-UP

The Latest from the F4W Staff

NEWS

• WWE SmackDown ratings virtually unchanged from last week
• GSP, UFC reportedly come to terms on new multi-fight contract
• WWE SmackDown video highlights: Wyatt vs. Cena vs. Styles
• WWE 205 Live results: Gran Metalik debuts
• WWE SmackDown live results: Bray Wyatt vs. John Cena vs. AJ Styles
• Brock Lesnar informs the UFC of his retirement from MMA
• WWE Raw ratings hold steady on Monday night
• Senate confirms Linda McMahon to lead Small Business Administration

AUDIO

• Big Audio Nightmare: Adam & Mike talk NJPW’s New Beginning tour 2/15
• WOL: Mike Quackenbush talks Chikara, plus all the news! 2/15
• B&C: Retro Raw and Nitro from 19 years ago this week! 2/14
• WOL: RAW fallout, Bayley vs. Charlotte, FESTIVAL OF FRIENDSHIP, more! 2/14
• WOR: Raw, new champion, friendship smashed, more! 2/14

FIGURE FOUR WEEKLY: 2/13/2017: Bray Wyatt’s overdue WWE Championship win

From nearly the moment The Wyatt Family debuted on the main roster, Bray Wyatt’s place as a future WWE Champion seemed almost certain. The only surprising thing about Wyatt capturing the title is that it took until Sunday night at the Elimination Chamber, where he was finally presented as the force that WWE has all too often failed to portray him as over the last three-plus years… Subscribers click here to continue.

WRESTLING OBSERVER NEWSLETTER: February 13, 2017 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: NJPW New Beginning review, WWE Fast Lane/Elimination Chamber cards, more

An update on the WWE’s WrestleMania plans and then two PPV’s leading to WrestleMania is the lead story in the new issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.  We update the situation with the Seth Rollins vs. HHH proposed match, new matches that have changed due to injuries, update injured talent and a new proposed championship match on the Mania show, as well as more on different planned matches.

We also look at plans for both Elimination Chamber and Fast Lane.

We’ve got full coverage of the New Beginning in Sapporo show headlined by Kazuchika Okada vs. Minoru Suzuki, with match-by-match coverage with star ratings, poll results and business notes. We look at the build up angle and the story behind the main event, and this week’s show in Osaka.

We look at the big coup by WWE Studios working with Dwayne Johnson, a current WWE star being talked about for doing MMA, Kurt Angle talks wrestling in WWE, NXT Takeover Orlando notes, and lots of thoughts on the XFL documentary and key points that were not in.

We also have more WWE WrestleMania week plans, more on Mike Adamle and his battle against dementia and his background, update on a lot of WWE injuries, a surprise coach at the Performance Center and update on where that come from, and another WWE movie project.

We also have tons of notes on the wrestlers brought to the Performance Center this past week as well as other athletes for tryouts, including who they are and their backgrounds including some very unique prospects. We also look at the most-watched shows of the past week on the network as well as a rundown of all the WWE and NXT arena events this past week with both 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: January 24, 2000 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: WCW Souled Out review, WCW turmoil, more

The most tumultuous four-day period in the recent history of World Championship Wrestling started with WCW getting the word that an injury would cause champion and main eventer Bret Hart to miss the Souled Out PPV. As dominos starting falling one by one, it ended with a new booker, the crowning of a new champion who asked to be released from his contract anyway, and his vacating the title voluntarily some 18 hours later and possibly with several wrestlers leaving the company… Subscribers click here to continue.

TUESDAY NEWS UPDATE

WWE

• The entire immediate McMahon family visited Washington, DC yesterday as Linda McMahon was confirmed and sworn in as the new administrator of the Small Business Administration, which produced what will become a memorable photo in the Oval Office with President Donald Trump. As has been noted, nearly half of the people in the picture, including the President of the United States, have been recipients of at least one stunner from Steve Austin.
• Last night’s SmackDown and Talking Smack were interesting in terms of WWE’s booking for WrestleMania season. It was announced on Talking Smack that there would be a battle royal to determine a new number one contender to challenge for the WWE Championship at WrestleMania after Randy Orton refused to face Bray Wyatt, which figures to be a storyline that plays out over the next few weeks.
• WWE also began to set up tension between AJ Styles and Shane McMahon with Styles complaining that he didn’t get a one-on-one rematch for the title and Daniel Bryan not taking responsibility for the decision.
• There was a segment last night where Alexa Bliss challenged Naomi, who WWE said suffered an injury at Elimination Chamber, to get healthy in time to give Bliss a rematch for the title next week. Nikki Bella will also face Natalya in a falls count anywhere match next week.
• Tyler Bate vs. Trent Seven for the UK Championship airs on tonight’s episode of NXT TV on the WWE Network. That match got strong reviews from the live crowd, including our NXT reporter JJ Williams calling it the best match at Full Sail University since the Cruiserweight Classic. Peyton Royce & Billie Kay vs. Liv Morgan & a mystery partner is also advertised for the show.
• The WWE Network finally has Chromecast support.
• Tickets for Money in the Bank go on sale to the general public at 11 a.m. ET on Friday morning. The show will take place at the Scottrade Center in St. Louis, Missouri, and is being advertised as a SmackDown-exclusive PPV.
• WWE is publishing an official rule book.
• A new WWE.com video series premieres tomorrow. The show is called “My Son is a WWE Superstar,” and the first episode features Finn Balor and his parents.

Pro Wrestling

• Vader posted a sad tweet regarding his health on Twitter: “As I enter my final days, proud of the Father Son Brother Football player Pro WrestlerThe Super Heavy Big Man Goat Im Grateful for the Time.”
• Jay Lethal will face either Adam Cole or Bobby Fish in a top contenders match at Ring of Honor’s 15th Anniversary PPV in Las Vegas on March 10th. Lethal’s opponent will be whoever loses the Cole vs. Fish ROH World Championship match prior to that at Manhattan Mayhem.
• Mark Andrews vs. Shane Strickland is set for PROGRESS Wrestling on February 26th at the Electric Ballroom in London. That show will be headlined by Mark Haskins, Jimmy Havoc & Flash Morgan Webster vs. Pete Dunne, Trent Seven & Tyler Bate.
• The Tampa Bay Times has an article featuring wrestlers from the area sharing Andre the Giant stories following the announcement that HBO would be partnering with WWE to make a documentary about Andre’s life.

UFC/MMA

• Holly Holm is appealing her UFC 208 loss due to multiple blows Germaine de Randamie landed after rounds were over. Holm is asking the New York State Athletic Commission to review the referee’s decision not to deduct points from de Randamie.
• Derek Brunson is also appealing his UFC 208 loss to Anderson Silva due to what he feels was bad judging.
• Michael Bisping wants to face Georges St-Pierre before Yoel Romero due to the “gigantic payday” that the fight against GSP would bring.
• Conor McGregor tweeted a shot at Floyd Mayweather.
• The UFC is no longer making fight tape available to coaches and fighters, instead telling them to use Fight Pass.
• The cast for “The Ultimate Fighter 25: Redemption” has been revealed.
• Rashad Evans has been medically cleared for UFC 209.
• David Branch has signed with the UFC.

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).
• The bus will leave at 4pm (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
• 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).

Today in Professional Wrestling History (2/15): Eddie Guerrero wins the WWE Championship

CONTACT INFORMATION

• Poll opinions: [email protected]
• ​Feedback: [email protected]
• Show results and news tips: [email protected]
• Wrestling Observer Radio questions: [email protected]

​

THE ROUND-UP

The Latest from the F4W Staff

NEWS

• WWE SmackDown live results: Bray Wyatt vs. John Cena
• Brock Lesnar informs the UFC of his retirement from MMA
• WWE Raw ratings hold steady on Monday night
• Senate confirms Linda McMahon to lead Small Business Administration
• WWE Raw video highlights: The Festival of Friendship
• Report: Conor McGregor, Floyd Mayweather come to financial terms on mega-fight
• Bray Wyatt vs. John Cena WWE title match set for SmackDown
• WWE Raw live results: Charlotte Flair vs. Bayley

AUDIO

• WOR: Raw, new champion, friendship smashed, more! 2/14
• WOL: WWE Elimination Chamber fallout and Road to WrestleMania 2/13
• WOR: Elimination Chamber, ROH, WhatCulture PPV, more! 2/13
• B&V: WWE Elimination Chamber PPV, Vinny on New Japan, more! 2/12

FIGURE FOUR WEEKLY: 2/13/2017: Bray Wyatt’s overdue WWE Championship win

From nearly the moment The Wyatt Family debuted on the main roster, Bray Wyatt’s place as a future WWE Champion seemed almost certain. The only surprising thing about Wyatt capturing the title is that it took until Sunday night at the Elimination Chamber, where he was finally presented as the force that WWE has all too often failed to portray him as over the last three-plus years… Subscribers click here to continue.

WRESTLING OBSERVER NEWSLETTER: February 13, 2017 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: NJPW New Beginning review, WWE Fast Lane/Elimination Chamber cards, more

An update on the WWE’s WrestleMania plans and then two PPV’s leading to WrestleMania is the lead story in the new issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.  We update the situation with the Seth Rollins vs. HHH proposed match, new matches that have changed due to injuries, update injured talent and a new proposed championship match on the Mania show, as well as more on different planned matches.

We also look at plans for both Elimination Chamber and Fast Lane.

We’ve got full coverage of the New Beginning in Sapporo show headlined by Kazuchika Okada vs. Minoru Suzuki, with match-by-match coverage with star ratings, poll results and business notes. We look at the build up angle and the story behind the main event, and this week’s show in Osaka.

We look at the big coup by WWE Studios working with Dwayne Johnson, a current WWE star being talked about for doing MMA, Kurt Angle talks wrestling in WWE, NXT Takeover Orlando notes, and lots of thoughts on the XFL documentary and key points that were not in.

We also have more WWE WrestleMania week plans, more on Mike Adamle and his battle against dementia and his background, update on a lot of WWE injuries, a surprise coach at the Performance Center and update on where that come from, and another WWE movie project.

We also have tons of notes on the wrestlers brought to the Performance Center this past week as well as other athletes for tryouts, including who they are and their backgrounds including some very unique prospects. We also look at the most-watched shows of the past week on the network as well as a rundown of all the WWE and NXT arena events this past week with both 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: January 24, 2000 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: WCW Souled Out review, WCW turmoil, more

The most tumultuous four-day period in the recent history of World Championship Wrestling started with WCW getting the word that an injury would cause champion and main eventer Bret Hart to miss the Souled Out PPV. As dominos starting falling one by one, it ended with a new booker, the crowning of a new champion who asked to be released from his contract anyway, and his vacating the title voluntarily some 18 hours later and possibly with several wrestlers leaving the company… Subscribers click here to continue.

TUESDAY NEWS UPDATE

WWE

• Gran Metalik is scheduled to make his 205 Live debut tonight, with Neville vs. TJ Perkins also set for the show.
• Bobby Roode vs. Kassius Ohno for the NXT title is being advertised for next week’s NXT TV tapings at the University of Central Florida. Shinsuke Nakamura returns to TV on that show as well.
• Vince Vaughn has been tapped for a role in “Fighting with my Family,” the film that Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s production company is producing about Paige and her family. Vaughn will play an “80’s wrestling star who squandered his money and opportunities because he didn’t have the capacity to handle his fame.”
• WWE announced Braun Strowman vs. Big Show for next week’s Raw.
• Kelly Kelly was backstage at Raw, with WWE posting a video on their YouTube channel teasing her making an appearance at WrestleMania.
• DIY reacted to Kevin Owens turning on Chris Jericho during the Festival of Friendship.
• Heath Slater and The Ascension’s rental car was broken into during WWE’s trip to Oakland for a house show on Monday.
• Bray Wyatt got the custom plates for his WWE Championship. Troy University also has an article on Wyatt becoming WWE Champion.

Pro Wrestling

• Ring of Honor has announced Jay Lethal vs. Cody Rhodes in a Texas bullrope match and The Kingdom defending their trios titles against Silas Young, Beer City Bruiser, and a mystery partner for the promotion’s WrestleMania weekend show in Lakeland, Florida on April 1st.
• Marty Scurll defending the TV title against Lio Rush is also set for ROH’s 15th Anniversary PPV on March 10th in Las Vegas.
• In addition to the Honor Rising cards that were released, NJPW announced a Togi Makabe 20th anniversary show for February 21st at Korakuen Hall. Makabe will team with Tomoaki Honma against Tomohiro Ishii & Toru Yano in the show’s main event.
• Kazuchika Okada is scheduled to face Tiger Mask W in a non-title match for NJPW on March 6th.
• Joey Janela has announced a WrestleMania week show that will take place in Orlando on March 30th, with Matt Riddle vs. Dan Severn and Eddie Kingston vs. Matt Tremont already scheduled.
• Dave Meltzer appeared on the Two Man Power Trip of Wrestling podcast.

UFC/MMA

• After reports claimed that he and Conor McGregor had agreed to financial terms on their potential boxing super-fight, Floyd Mayweather tweeted that no deals have been made and he’ll be the first to let the world know if he does come out of retirement.
• The Nevada State Athletic Commission is re-evaluating Conor McGregor’s punishment for his bottle-throwing incident at the UFC 202 press conference prior to his fight against Nate Diaz.
• Karim Zidan has an article on Bleacher Report focusing on the UFC’s unsuccessful pursuit of Fedor over the years.
• Luke Rockhold is targeting a fight with Jacare Souza.
• Johny Hendricks commented on his weight cut now that he’s moved up to middleweight.
• Gunnar Nelson vs. Alan Jouban is set for the UFC’s show in London on March 18th.

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 Wrestlecon).
• The bus will leave at 4pm (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
• 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).

Today in Professional Wrestling History (2/14): Austin vs. McMahon at St. Valentine’s Day Massacre

CONTACT INFORMATION

• Poll opinions: [email protected]
• ​Feedback: [email protected]
• Show results and news tips: [email protected]
• Wrestling Observer Radio questions: [email protected]

​

THE ROUND-UP

The Latest from the F4W Staff

NEWS

• Teddy Long joins 2017 WWE Hall of Fame class
• Kenny Omega’s return highlights ROH & NJPW Honor Rising lineup
• WWE expected to partner with HBO Sports, Bill Simmons on Andre The Giant documentary
• WWE Elimination Chamber live results, news & recap
• ROH TV taping results: Bullet Club, Jay Lethal, Top Prospect tourney kickoff
• WCPW launches the 2017 Pro Wrestling World Cup in the UK

AUDIO

• WOL: WWE Elimination Chamber fallout and Road to WrestleMania 2/13
• WOR: Elimination Chamber, ROH, WhatCulture PPV, more! 2/13
• B&V: WWE Elimination Chamber PPV, Vinny on New Japan, more! 2/12
• WOL: WWE Elimination Chamber preview plus weekend news 2/12

We’re looking for your thoughts on Elimination Chamber, UFC 208 and NJPW New Beginning in Osaka, so you can leave a thumbs up, thumbs down or thumbs in the middle along with a best and worst match for all three shows to [email protected].

Raw is from Las Vegas. Neither Bill Goldberg nor Brock Lesnar are scheduled for the show. There is also a Smackdown brand house show in Oakland, CA at the Oracle Arena.

Smackdown will be Tuesday from Anaheim, CA.

FIGURE FOUR WEEKLY: 2/6/2017: How WWE got it right with Goldberg this time

Over a decade after their match at Madison Square Garden was nearly booed out of the building, it’s remarkable that Goldberg vs. Brock Lesnar will once again be a marquee match on a WrestleMania card in 2017. Their collision course that became inevitable once Goldberg was booked to dominate Lesnar at Survivor Series took the next step forward on last week’s Raw as Paul Heyman challenged Goldberg to the rematch on behalf of Lesnar… Subscribers click here to continue.

WRESTLING OBSERVER NEWSLETTER: February 13, 2017 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: NJPW New Beginning review, WWE Fast Lane/Elimination Chamber cards, more

An update on the WWE’s WrestleMania plans and then two PPV’s leading to WrestleMania is the lead story in the new issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.  We update the situation with the Seth Rollins vs. HHH proposed match, new matches that have changed due to injuries, update injured talent and a new proposed championship match on the Mania show, as well as more on different planned matches.

We also look at plans for both Elimination Chamber and Fast Lane.

We’ve got full coverage of the New Beginning in Sapporo show headlined by Kazuchika Okada vs. Minoru Suzuki, with match-by-match coverage with star ratings, poll results and business notes. We look at the build up angle and the story behind the main event, and this week’s show in Osaka.

We look at the big coup by WWE Studios working with Dwayne Johnson, a current WWE star being talked about for doing MMA, Kurt Angle talks wrestling in WWE, NXT Takeover Orlando notes, and lots of thoughts on the XFL documentary and key points that were not in.

We also have more WWE WrestleMania week plans, more on Mike Adamle and his battle against dementia and his background, update on a lot of WWE injuries, a surprise coach at the Performance Center and update on where that come from, and another WWE movie project.

We also have tons of notes on the wrestlers brought to the Performance Center this past week as well as other athletes for tryouts, including who they are and their backgrounds including some very unique prospects. We also look at the most-watched shows of the past week on the network as well as a rundown of all the WWE and NXT arena events this past week with both 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: January 17, 2000 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Death of Gary Albright, Observer awards, more

Gary Albright, a former world class amateur wrestling star and headliner on many big shows as a pro in Japan, died after collapsing in the ring at an independent show in Hazleton, PA before about 100 fans on 1/7. He was 36. The preliminary reports from the corner attributed the death of the 6-foot-4, 340-pound powerhouse to a heart attack, technically speaking a combination of severe atherosclerosis, diabetes mellitus and acute pulmonary edema… Subscribers click here to continue.

MONDAY NEWS UPDATE

Bryan and I will be back late tonight covering Raw, as well as all the latest news. You can send e-mail questions for tonight’s show to [email protected].

Linda McMahon’s Senate confirmation, which is expected to be a basic rubber stamp approval as there is no major opposition to her in the role as head of the Small Business Administration, is set for tomorrow morning. 

The WWE stock, as part of the market’s rise as a whole and as part of Wall Street feeling WWE is growing was up to $22.66 per share today. 

Melina Roucka (Rosa Mendes) announced her retirement today. She hadn’t wrestled since April 2015, when she was written out of storylines after finding out she was pregnant. She made the announcement on her daughter’s first birthday.

Contenders Clothing, a men’s active lifestyle apparel company, has partnered with WWE to co-brand WWE boxer briefs called the WWE Contenders Collection. There will be adult and youth boxer briefs of John Cena, Roman Reigns, A.J. Styles, Dean Ambrose, Randy Savage, Ric Flair and Steve Austin. They will be available for order on 2/21.

Dorian Roldan on Twitter confirmed for the first time the Lucha Underground deal on Netflix. He only said it would be available in the spring. The target date was this week and it will be available in both the U.S. and Mexico.

WWE

• After years of staying out of the state for TVs and PPVs (they have run house shows) due to issues with the commission and its rule about stopping matches if there is blood, after the state changed the law, WWE has announced a Smackdown TV taping on 4/18 at the Yum Center in Louisville.
• Moana was No. 18 in the U.S. box office this past week and No, 8 in Australia. (thanks to James Stanios)
• The WWE network announced a New Day “Feel the Positivity” collection that is being released.

UFC / MMA

• UFC sent out a release stating that UFC 205 on 11/12 in Madison Square Garden had $37.4 million in economic impact for the area. That’s significant, although for a comparison to WrestleMania, that show has been topping $100 million in economic impact.
• Germaine de Randamie said that due to all the controversy coming off her fight with Holly Holm, she would like to do it again. There was controversy, between the officiating and the scores, but it wasn’t a very exciting fight so there wouldn’t be a ton of interest in a rematch right now.
• The Wall Street Journal has an article on Dana White.
• John Danaher, the famous Jiu Jitsu coach of Georges St-Pierre and many others, was in the opening scene of Showtime’s show “Billions” demonstrating a gi choke to the lead character on the show played by Paul Giammati. (thanks to Eric Poon)

MISCELLANEOUS

• The Empire Wrestling Federation’s ring truck caught on fire and the ring, lighting and sound system were destroyed. This was the ring and sound system that has been used forever by PWG. That won’t affect Saturday’s PWG show in Reseda directly, as the EWF has a second ring that will be used for the show. But it won’t be the normal ring. Unfortunately, their insurance will only cover about half the value of what was lost. (thanks to Steven Bryant)
• The New York Post has a long article about the death of Chyna.
• The Warriors of Wresting promotion apologized to its fans for Rikishi not wrestling at their show over the weekend. They sent out a post saying that they contacted him months ago, agreed on a price, he was put in full, made money from his autographs, and claimed that he then refused to wrestle on the show. The company wrote on Twitter, “We have never experienced something so blatantly disrespectful to the fans.”
• Finest City Wrestling from Saturday night in Imperial Beach, CA: Aaron Garvey b Veinom, Corey Jackson b Zack Reeb, Lil Cholo b Adrian Quest, Jesse James won three-way over Jorel Nelson and Donnie Suarez, B-Boy b Andy Brown, Tyler Bateman b Scorpio Sky, Almighty Sheik & Fatu & Brody King b Guy Cool & Jake Atlas & D’Marco Wilson, Eli Everfly won over Danny Limelight and Biagio Crescenzo, Thunder Rosa & Holidead b Human Tornado & C-Love, Rey Fenix b Bestia 666. Told the Fenix match and B-Boy matches were really good (thanks to Steven Bryant).
• Luke Hawx’s Wildcat Sports out of Louisiana is running on 6/10 in Philadelphia at the 2300 Arena. Scheduled to appear are Bestia 666, Stevie Richards, Luke Hawx, Crowbar, Homicide, Steve Anthony and more. They will be working in conjunction with The Monster Factory.
• Total Combat Wrestling from yesterday in Rozzano, Milano, Italy: Claudio Campari & La Pasta b Sami Grayson & Error, Carlo Birra won over Rocco Gioiello, Saetta Nera and Backslash, Pain won over Oxlade Black and Fenice Rossa, Violent Joe won three-way over Jacob and Turbo, Scandalo b II Marchese (thanks to Alessio Garbini)
• Longtime friend Jeff Zinger noted that the Josh Alexander vs. Mike Bailey match on Friday night in Kitchener was incredible, he said ****1/2 before a sellout 200 fans. He noted that almost nobody there knew Bailey but within five minutes he got the crowd going nuts and there was a two minute standing ovation for both men when it was over. He also noted that the ceiling was low in the building which limited doing much off the top, but he said it was one of the best indie matches he’s ever seen.
• Tommy Dreamer and Bubba Ray Dudley will be doing a wrestling seminar on 3/30 at the Team 3-D Wrestling Academy in Kissimmee, FL. It’s $99 per person. You must be 18 to attend. Everyone is welcome, beginners to advanced. One person attending will get a six month scholarship to their school and one person attending will be put on a future event.
• Absolute Intense Wresting on 2/17 in Cleveland at Our Lady of Mt Carmel. Among those appearing are Britt Baker, Swoggle, Tracy Williams, Louis Lyndon, Paul Burchill, Joey Janela, Ethan Page, Raymond Rowe and Laredo Kid.
• Dynamo Pro Wrestling on 2/25 in Alton, IL at the Mineral Springs Mall.
• AAW on Friday night in Merrionete Park, IL at 115 Bourbon Street has ACH vs. Matt Sydal for the Heritage title, Trevor Lee & Jack Evans vs. Dezmond Xavier & Zachary Wentz for the AAW tag titles, Eddie Kingston vs. Abyss, Chuck Taylor & Trent Baretta vs. Davey Vega & Mat Fitcherr and El Hijo del Fantasma (King Cuerno) vs. Low Ki, plus Sami Callihan, Rey Fenix, Dave & Jake Crist, Michael Elgin, Matt Riddle, Brian Cage, Zema Ion and AR Fox. They also run 3/4 in LaSalle, IL at the Knights of Columbus.
• This week’s pro wrestling quiz 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).
• The bus will leave at 4pm (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
• 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).

Today in Professional Wrestling History (2/13): Shawn Michaels loses his smile

CONTACT INFORMATION

• Poll opinions: [email protected]
• ​Feedback: [email protected]
• Show results and news tips: [email protected]
• Wrestling Observer Radio questions: [email protected]

​