THE ROUND-UP

The Latest from the F4W Staff

The substance that Cris Cyborg Justino tested positive for was a diuretic Spironolactone, according to Ray Elbe her boyfriend and manager. Elbe said she was using it under doctor’s supervision due to heath problems stemming from her last weight cut. It should be noted that it is a banned substance and one would have to get an exemption from USADA to use it and she had not applied for that exemption. She is facing a maximum one year suspension and USADA has confirmed the substance she failed for was Spioronolactone.

NEWS

• UFC’s Cris Cyborg flagged by USADA for out-of-competition sample failure
• Yumiko Hotta replaces Shinobu Kandori in Rizin fight against Gabi Garcia
• Lucha Underground results: Johnny Mundo battles Sexy Star in a cage
• Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Bobby Roode set for NXT TakeOver: San Antonio
• WWE NXT results: A fatal four-way decides the new number one contender

AUDIO

• DragonKingKarl Classic Wrestling Show: A Longform History of Wrestling Part 8 12/22
• WOR: Huge UFC update, Smackdown, 205 Live, ratings, tons more! 12/22
• F4D: Smackdown Live, 205 Live, HOLIDAY CHEER and more! 12/21
• WOL: Smackdown Live, 205 Live, John Cena’s return, tons more! 12/21

Impact tonight at 8 p.m. is a year-in-review show. There are no WWE or NXT shows this weekend. It’s a shorter than usual Christmas break as they are only off until both Raw and Smackdown start on Monday and do post-holiday house shows after TV all week.

FIGURE FOUR WEEKLY: 12/12/2016 The Paige/Alberto Del Rio relationship isn’t funny anymore

International Wrestling Revolution Group, or IWRG, has been one of Mexico’s top independent promotions for over two decades. Yet aside from the period where it was the Mexican home of Ultimo Dragon’s students when Toryumon was getting off the ground, the promotion rarely got much international attention… Subscribers click here to continue.

WRESTLING OBSERVER NEWSLETTER: December 26, 2016 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: WWE announces UK tournament, Urijah Faber retires, more

In pro wrestling this past year, one of the biggest stories behind-the-scenes has been what people have called the golden age of independent wrestling. With the advent of Internet streaming, there are talented wrestlers who have been able to make a decent, and in some cases very good living being world travelers, most of which are affiliated with New Japan, ROH or Lucha Underground, and led to the advent of Flo Slam, which has made some deals paying significant rights fees for live content.

WWE is also aggressively making moves, whether it be signing talent that just a few years ago they’d have dismissed based on size and/or look, expanding content for the network and aggressively pursuing women wrestlers, with the idea of creating more and more content…

The Association of Boxing Commissions has officially adopted the new unified rules for MMA, starting in 2017, which will modify a lot of the current rule set that have been in place since 2000… 

Urijah Faber, the fighter who was largely responsible for the success of the WEC promotion and the key figure, along with Joe Silva, in getting sub-155 pound fighters into prominence, retired on his own terms on 12/17… 

WWE’s final PPV show of the year, Roadblock End of the Line, on 12/18 at the PPG Arena in Pittsburgh, was one of its weakest shows as well… Subscribers click here to continue.

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:November 29, 1999 Steve Austin’s career in doubt, WCW Mayhem review, more – Steve Austin gets bad news from doctors regarding his neck, a full review of WCW Mayhem, plus tons of news. As mentioned last week, the future of Steve Austin as an in-ring performer is in serious doubt after getting results of tests on his neck, originally injured in the August 3, 1997 Meadowlands match against Owen Hart… Subscribers click here to continue.

THURSDAY NEWS UPDATE

Regarding rumors of Cain Velasquez pulling out of the 12/30 show, Velasquez was training this afternoon and that story is incorrect. Velasquez does have a back injury and said several weeks ago that he needs surgery, but is going to fight.

Anthem Sports & Entertainment Corporation announced the launch of the TNA Impact Wrestling app for the U.K. and Ireland called Total Access TNA Wrestling. It will be available on-line and on mobile platforms for 4.99 pounds per month. It will air weekly episodes of Impact at the same time as they air in the U.S. and Canada. There will also be a lot of library footage.

The George Tragos-Lou Thesz pro wrestling Hall of Fame induction ceremony will be 7/20 to 7/22 in Waterloo, IA. There is a very good chance I’m attending that this year as I had a great time last year. Two inductees announced today for this coming year are Dusty Rhodes and Paul Orndorff. Listed as appearing include Jerry Brisco, Jim Ross, Brian Blair, Jim Brunzell, Larry Hennig, Baron Von Raschke, Wade Keller, Bill Murdoch, Rob Schamberger, Matt Riddle and Charlie Thesz. They will be doing a one-night wrestling tournament on 7/21 with Riddle the first name announced. For more info email [email protected].

ROH runs 2/4 at Gilley’s in Dallas with Christopher Daniels & Frankie Kazarian vs. Cody & Adam Cole.

Jeff Cobb and Matt Riddle are taking their rivalry to the world of legitimacy. Riddle said on his podcast that him and Cobb are tentatively scheduled for a grappling match in January at Chael Sonnen’s Submission Underground. We had heard that the promotion wanted a Cobb vs. Riddle match on its show on 1/29 in Portland, OR.

WWE

• Mickie James was in Pittsburgh today doing her WWE physicals. She is scheduled to start on the Smackdown women’s division if all goes right.
• You can get 2 for 1 tickets for the 12/30 house show at the Staples Center in Los Angeles through 10 p.m. Pacific time tonight using the password TAGTEAM
• Total Wrestling Magazine talks to Bayley: Favourite Dusty Rhodes story: When I first started my character in my first match with Alicia Fox, I walked out with my hair I a ponytail and as soon as I got into the ring I took the ponytail out and let my hair down, because I knew it would get messed up and I didn’t want to look ridiculous on TV. When I came back through the curtain Dusty was the first one to stop me and he said “why did you take your hair down?” I said because it’s going to get messed up and I didn’t think WWE would like a girl with a ponytail. He said “no. That is your trademark. That is your thing. That’s what makes you stand out.” And now little girls love to put their hair up in a side ponytail and it’s like a little trademark. Thoughts on WWE debut and teaming with Sasha Banks to face Dana Brooke and Charlotte Flair: It was incredible. I was trying to keep it cool the whole day. Because it wasn’t my official debut I feel like I held in my emotions a lot as I thought this doesn’t mean anything really, so I’m just going to have fun with it and enjoy it. I thought it was ok and I said thank you for letting me do this, that was incredible. I was so surprised by how excited the crowd was that it was me. I thought it was fun. Then I got to my hotel room and as soon as I closed the door I broke down and was like what just happened?

MISCELLANEOUS

• The Bullet Club of the Young Bucks & Hangman Adam Page & Adam Cole vs. Chris Sabin & Alex Shelley & Lio Rush & Jay White was announced for a 2/3 ROH show in San Antonio, that also has Dalton Castle vs. Bobby Fish vs. Jay Lethal and Cody vs. Donovan Dijak.
• Andy Robin will be the second inductee into the Scotland pro wrestling Hall of Fame tomorrow at 10:30 a.m. outside the Perth City Hall in Perth, Scotland.  George Kidd was the first inductee.
• Kevin Eck talks to Ryback.
• MCW on 1/28 in Joppa, MD at the MCW Arena features Matt & Jeff Hardy, King Maxel, Queen Rebecca and Senor Benjamin.  The promotion has struck a deal with Rey Mysterio Jr. for an appearances in 2017.
• CZW on 1/14 in Voorhees, NJ at Flyers Skate Zone. 
• NWL has announced its first show for 1/7 at the Scottish Rite Temple in Kansas City.  They are embarking on a heavy local radio advertising campaign in both Kansas City and St. Louis to see  if that will work at drawing an audience with shows every other Saturday night in Kansas City, and every other Thursday night in St. Louis at the Casa Loma Ballroom starting on 1/12.  Major Baisden is the promoter, who had sold a startup, Iris Data Services, for $134 million in 2015 and had hired a six person office and signed up a number of area wrestlers.
• Alpha One Wrestling from Sunday in Oshawa, ONT:  Josh Alexander b Eric Cairnie, Young Miles b Gregory Iron, Jade b KC Spinelli, Rickey Shane Page b Heidi Lovelace, Alessandero del Bruno over Shane Sabre and Donovan Dijak, Team Nye b Team Monkey, Kobe Durst b Michael Elgin (thanks to Steven Ashe)
• Gabe Sapolsky’s Style Battle promotion, which debuts on 1/7 in Ybor City at the Ivy Astoria Event Center, which is across the street from the Orpheum, where they had been running.  They are doing a one night eight man single elimination tournament, has announced Anthony Henry, AR Fox, Austin Theory, Darby Allin, Dave Crist, Dezmond Xavier, Fred Yehi and Sammy Guevara as the participants in the first tournament.
• Drew Galloway returns to Evolve on 2/24 in Joppa, MD and 2/25 in Queens, NY.
• Gabe Sapolsky has announced a creative seminar on 3/31 after the Evolve event in Orlando, FL.
• Drew Galloway vs. Jeff Cobb was announced for the AAW show on 12/30 in Merrionette Park, IL.  

Former WWF & WCW ring announcer Gary Michael Cappetta is doing a tour called the “Beyond Bodyslams” tour. He’s announced a number of dates:

• 2/19 in Philadelphia at CSZ Philadelphia
• 2/24 in Scranton, PA at the Providence Playhouse
• 2/25 in Worcester, MA at the Clark University Razzo Hall
• 3/4 in Indianapolis at the Iriving Theater
• 3/5 in Chicago at Stage 773
• 3/12 in Greensboro at the Triad Stage’s Pyrie Theater
• 3/18 in Pittsburgh at the Steel City Improv Theater
• 3/25 in Baltimore at An die Musik
• 3/31 and 4/1 in Orlando at Wrestlecon

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

• SmackDown does second best rating of fall TV season
• WWE SmackDown video highlights: James Ellsworth gets his title shot
• WWE 205 Live results: Rich Swann & TJP vs. Neville & Brian Kendrick
• Two more title matches set for the final SmackDown of 2016
• WWE SmackDown live results: Two title matches scheduled

AUDIO

• WOL: Smackdown Live, 205 Live, John Cena’s return, tons more! 12/21
• B&V&C: Raw plus go-home Nitro for the biggest WCW PPV of all time! 12/20
• DR. KEITH PRESENTS: DKP Duos II — The Lowe Flying Falcon!!! 12/20
• WOL: Potential WrestleMania card, Royal Rumble, BRAUN STROWMAN, more! 12/20

FIGURE FOUR WEEKLY: 12/12/2016 The Paige/Alberto Del Rio relationship isn’t funny anymore

International Wrestling Revolution Group, or IWRG, has been one of Mexico’s top independent promotions for over two decades. Yet aside from the period where it was the Mexican home of Ultimo Dragon’s students when Toryumon was getting off the ground, the promotion rarely got much international attention… Subscribers click here to continue.

WRESTLING OBSERVER NEWSLETTER: December 19, 2016 Vice article on WWE behind the scenes, Wrestlekingdom 11 card, more

A look at the inner workings of WWE and the latest change in creative is the lead story of a double-issue this week of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Also, a look at the greatest tag teams of all-time, New Japan’s Tokyo Dome show, WWE house show rules, Japanese awards, American awards and what exactly happened in incidents with Alberto Del Rio and Shad Gaspard over the past week.

The lead story covers the major Vice story on the WWE, including Shane McMahon’s attempt to get control of creative, the situation with Kevin Dunn, Paul Levesque and Stephanie McMahon, when Stephanie McMahon was in creative, insiders talk Vince McMahon’s philosophy, the firing of the No. 3 guy in creative and how it went down, and updated notes about the WWE Network, the current audience and the company’s future.

This issue has a look at the ratings John Cena drew for Saturday Night Live, an update on A.J. Styles’ ankle injury, Zack Ryder injury, Jerry Lawler talks being let go, Finn Balor’s return, WWE looking to get outside funding and why stockholders are concerned, more on the WWE Network, projections for WWE business in 20-16 and network numbers, Chris Hero and WWE update, legend to do a coaching gig with WWE, and notes on a lot of new talent signing and new talent trying out.  

Finally, this issue has coverage of UFC 206, including what’s next for the various stars of the show, business notes on the show, early PPV estimates, ratings news, plus match-by-match coverage and poll results from the show… Subscribers click here to continue.

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:November 29, 1999 Steve Austin’s career in doubt, WCW Mayhem review, more – Steve Austin gets bad news from doctors regarding his neck, a full review of WCW Mayhem, plus tons of news. As mentioned last week, the future of Steve Austin as an in-ring performer is in serious doubt after getting results of tests on his neck, originally injured in the August 3, 1997 Meadowlands match against Owen Hart… Subscribers click here to continue.

WEDNESDAY NEWS UPDATE

WWE

• WWE is loading up next week’s year-end edition of SmackDown in Chicago, Illinois with three title matches in addition to the return of John Cena to TV. AJ Styles will defend the WWE Championship against Dolph Ziggler and Baron Corbin in a triple threat match, The Wyatt Family will put their titles on the line against American Alpha, The Usos, and Heath Slater & Rhyno in a four corners elimination match, and Becky Lynch will challenge Alexa Bliss for the SmackDown Women’s title.
• With this week’s SmackDown doing a strong ratings number, it will be interesting to see how next week’s show does compared to Raw with Cena returning and so much announced.
• Tonight’s episode of NXT features a fatal four-way match between Roderick Strong, Bobby Roode, Andrade “Cien” Almas, and Tye Dillinger with the winner getting a shot at Shinsuke Nakamura’s NXT Championship at NXT TakeOver: San Antonio next month.
• Michael Cole discussed Nigel McGuinness joining WWE, Corey Graves’ performance, and why he likes working in a three-man booth in an interview with ESPN.
• ESPN posted a short first look at their upcoming 30 for 30 documentary on Ric Flair.

PROFESSIONAL WRESTLING

• TNA posted a sneak peek of next week’s Hardy Family New Year episode of Impact.
• Matt Riddle will debut for wXw in a match against Walter on March 4th.
• ROH announced Jay Lethal vs. Bobby Fish vs. Dalton Castle and Cody Rhodes vs. Donovan Dijak for their February 3rd show in San Antonio, Texas. The Young Bucks will also defend their tag titles against The Briscoes in a two-out-of-three falls match in Dallas on February 4th.
• Vader responds to comments made about him by former UFC fighter Chael Sonnen in relation to a misunderstanding regarding a podcast appearance.
• The Card Is Going To Change Podcast, episode 28: Matt Riddle. Chandler Biggins, Steve Guy, and John Thorne discuss the recent falling out between Matt Riddle and Absolute Intense Wrestling.

MMA

• Jose Aldo participated in a Q&A with Ariel Helwani and commented on his UFC 208 fight against Max Holloway falling through, Conor McGregor, and a potential fight for the interim lightweight title.
• Khabib Nurmagomedov and Max Holloway responded to Aldo’s comments.
• The UFC announced Mark Hunt vs. Alistair Overeem for UFC 209 on March 4th, but Hunt said that he’ll only fight if a clause that protects him if Overeem fails a drug test is added. Hunt last fought against Brock Lesnar at UFC 200.
• Louis Smolka vs. Ray Borg will now open the UFC 207 pay-per-view broadcast after Jessica Andrade was pulled from the show with the UFC unable to find a replacement opponent for her.
• New England Fight’s next event, “NEF 27: RESURGENCE” takes place on Saturday, February 11, 2017 at 7 p.m. Tickets start at $25 and are on sale now at www.TheColisee.com or by calling the Colisee box office at 207.783.2009, extension 525. For more information on the event and fight card updates, please visit the promotion’s website at www.NewEnglandFights.com. In addition, you can watch NEF videos, follow them on Twitter @nefights and join the official Facebook group “New England Fights.”
• Invicta Fighting Championships today announced three new bouts for Invicta FC 21: Anderson vs. Tweet, completing the eight-fight card which takes place from the historic Scottish Rite Temple in Kansas City, Mo. on Saturday, Jan. 14. Prior to today, five match-ups have been announced by the leader in women’s mixed martial arts for its first event of 2017.

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

• Raw ratings up for post-Roadblock episode
• AJ Styles vs. James Ellsworth once again booked for SmackDown
• PVZ, Sage & Urijah lead UFC on FOX to best ratings in nearly three years
• WWE Raw video highlights: The Chris & Kevin Show
• November 29, 1999 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Steve Austin’s career in doubt, WCW Mayhem review, more
• WWE Raw live results: Roadblock fallout
• Weekend indies & overseas wrestling notes: House of Hardcore, OTT, WrestleCircus
• NJPW announces change in Wrestle Kingdom 11 tag title match
• WWE Roadblock live results: Kevin Owens vs. Roman Reigns

AUDIO

• WOR: Raw recap show, Brauny the Strowman runs wild, New Japan watchlist, more! 12/20
• WOL: ROADBLOCK END OF THE LINE fallout and more news! 12/19
• WOR: ROADBLOCK End of the Line, UFC on FOX ratings, more! 12/18
• B&V: WWE Roadblock End of the LINE~! post-show! 12/18

FIGURE FOUR WEEKLY: 12/12/2016 The Paige/Alberto Del Rio relationship isn’t funny anymore

International Wrestling Revolution Group, or IWRG, has been one of Mexico’s top independent promotions for over two decades. Yet aside from the period where it was the Mexican home of Ultimo Dragon’s students when Toryumon was getting off the ground, the promotion rarely got much international attention… Subscribers click here to continue.

WRESTLING OBSERVER NEWSLETTER: December 19, 2016 Vice article on WWE behind the scenes, Wrestlekingdom 11 card, more

A look at the inner workings of WWE and the latest change in creative is the lead story of a double-issue this week of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Also, a look at the greatest tag teams of all-time, New Japan’s Tokyo Dome show, WWE house show rules, Japanese awards, American awards and what exactly happened in incidents with Alberto Del Rio and Shad Gaspard over the past week.

The lead story covers the major Vice story on the WWE, including Shane McMahon’s attempt to get control of creative, the situation with Kevin Dunn, Paul Levesque and Stephanie McMahon, when Stephanie McMahon was in creative, insiders talk Vince McMahon’s philosophy, the firing of the No. 3 guy in creative and how it went down, and updated notes about the WWE Network, the current audience and the company’s future.

This issue has a look at the ratings John Cena drew for Saturday Night Live, an update on A.J. Styles’ ankle injury, Zack Ryder injury, Jerry Lawler talks being let go, Finn Balor’s return, WWE looking to get outside funding and why stockholders are concerned, more on the WWE Network, projections for WWE business in 20-16 and network numbers, Chris Hero and WWE update, legend to do a coaching gig with WWE, and notes on a lot of new talent signing and new talent trying out.  

Finally, this issue has coverage of UFC 206, including what’s next for the various stars of the show, business notes on the show, early PPV estimates, ratings news, plus match-by-match coverage and poll results from the show… Subscribers click here to continue.

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:November 22, 1999 WWF Survivor Series review, Austin neck trouble, more – In an industry with no rules, regulations or morals, there is nothing that happened this week that was out of the ordinary. And that’s sad. The big story this week should have been that the biggest star in wrestling today, has his career in jeopardy due to finding out just how badly thrashed his neck is… Subscribers click here to continue.

TUESDAY NEWS UPDATE

WWE

• SmackDown & 205 Live will air tonight from Detroit.
• It was announced on last night’s episode of Raw that Roman Reigns would once again challenge Kevin Owens for the WWE Universal Championship at the Royal Rumble in January. As a stipulation for the match, Chris Jericho will be suspended above the ring in a shark cage to stop him from interfering.
• With Reigns scheduled for the Universal title match, it’s possible that he won’t be a participant in this year’s Rumble match.
• Last night also saw new directions for the women’s division with programs pitting Charlotte Flair against Bayley and Sasha Banks against Nia Jax starting.
• Rich Swann & TJ Perkins will face Neville & Brian Kendrick on tonight’s edition of 205 Live.
• Finn Balor reflected on his injury and said that the target is still to be back in time for WrestleMania in an interview with ESPN.
• New Raw tag titles were introduced on Raw last night as Mick Foley awarded new champions Cesaro & Sheamus the new belts with red straps.
• Triple H discussed WWE’s plans for the UK market and had some praise for Will Ospreay in an interview with ESPN.
• The Miami Herald has an article on Chad Gable.
• Zack Ryder tweeted that he may be out anywhere from 4-9 months after undergoing knee surgery.

PROFESSIONAL WRESTLING

• ESPN looks at Lio Rush and his rise to stardom in ROH.
• Chris Charlton translated an interview that Kenny Omega did with Tokyo Sports.
• Matt Hardy tweeted that a DVD of his “broken brilliance” is coming soon.
• This match spilled on to the street.

UFC / MMA

• Dan Hardy responded to Mickey Gall’s challenge and declined the fight.
• Rolling Stone named Michael Bisping their UFC Fighter of the Year.
• Gegard Mousasi claimed on Twitter that the UFC offered Chris Weidman a fight against him and he challenged Weidman to accept it. Weidman responded by saying that he’s still healing up and Mousasi was one of a few names given to him by the UFC.

VARIETY

• Sting was featured in a parody video released by the Dallas Cowboys today with him assuming the role of the team’s “intimidation coach.”
• 2K today announced availability of the first update to WWE SuperCard – Season 3, the latest iteration of 2K’s popular WWE collectible card-battling game. Today’s update, which begins releasing today for iOS and Android devices, features the Throwback Plus Pack.
• EPISODE 19 – Bow Down to the Queen (Of Rings), Current Global Force Wrestling wrestler Lei’D Tapa! During WrestleCade weekend in Winston-Salem, NC, the Queen (Of Rings) sit down backstage to have an elegant & wildly entertaining interview. Also with her is her longtime husband & manager Royal Red.
• HPW Wrestling begins their 19th Straight year of bring Pro Wrestling to Columbus, IN Saturday January 7th at the Bartholomew County 4-H Fairgrounds. This is a packed show with 7 Big Matches and the Return of FLASH FLANAGAN!!! 4 HPW Title Matches All your favorite HPW Stars in action.
• Former TNA Knockouts Tag Team Champion Thea Trinidad was the latest guest on the Pancakes and Powerslams Show. She credits Tommy Dreamer for giving her a break in the business, as well as Rey Mysterio and Lita as inspirations. Trinidad also explained how her relationship with Aries started out, and her experience in NXT wrestling Asuka.

CONTACT INFORMATION

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

​

WWE ROADBLOCK: END OF THE LINE

FROM PITTSBURGH AT 7:30 P.M. EASTERN

There were major odds shifts right at press time, so smart money looks to have come in at about 5:45 p.m.

• Big Cass vs Rusev (pre-show match) — The two worked in Europe and didn’t get great reviews. Cass went over in those matches. It just depends if Rusev is being slated for a big match soon or not. If he is, he should win, if not, Cass should win. Rusev is -2300.
• Sami Zayn vs. Braun Strowman (10:00 time limit) — This is up to Zayn to sell and survive. Zayn is a -350 favorite.
• Rich Swann vs. Brian Kendrick vs. TJ Perkins for cruiserweight title. Swann is a -1790 favorite — Technically I expect this to be good, but given the push and all, they’ve had trouble getting crowd heat and Pittsburgh has a rep for being a tough audience.
• New Day vs. Cesaro & Sheamus for tag team titles — To me, it’s time for the titles to change hands since the title was kept on New Day to break the record and Sheamus & Cesaro are really due for the belts very soon or their act will start getting stale. Sheamus & Cesaro are -5500 favorites.
• Seth Rollins vs. Chris Jericho — Jericho usually doesn’t win matches like this. That’s backed up by Rollins being a -6000 favorite. 
• Sasha Banks vs. Charlotte in an Iron Man match for women’s title. I sense more people are interested in this match than anything else on the show. The Raw match was great, which was their last meeting. Banks has done an Iron Man match with Bayley at Full Sail that was great and that may be the pattern of sorts. Charlotte is a — 1125 favorite.
• Kevin Owens vs. Roman Reigns for Universal title — Owens is a -1050 favorite. To me, this seems like the wrong show to change the title, which doesn’t mean it won’t happen, just I’d have saved it for a higher profile show if they are going to pull the trigger on Reigns. Then again, Jericho could cost Owens the title, or cost him a title saving DQ loss to further build their program.

For the most part, the show looks good on paper. The keys are the crowd and the women’s match. Reigns vs. Owens we’ve seen many times and it’s almost always god. Ric Flair being involved in the women’s match in some form wouldn’t be a surprise since he was put in the storyline.

Up until the smart money came in, Reigns, Rollins, Banks, Swann, Strowman and Sheamus & Cesaro were favored and Rusev-Cass was even odds. 

We’re looking for your thoughts on WWE Roadblock tonight, so you can leave a thumbs up, thumbs down or thumbs in the middle along with a best and worst match to [email protected].

Sunday also has as WWE Smackdown house show in Barrie, ONT.

Raw will be Monday night in Columbus, OH. There is a Smackdown Monday night house show in Hamilton, ONT.

Smackdown & 205 Live will air on Tuesday night from Detroit.

FIGURE FOUR WEEKLY: 12/12/2016 The Paige/Alberto Del Rio relationship isn’t funny anymore

International Wrestling Revolution Group, or IWRG, has been one of Mexico’s top independent promotions for over two decades. Yet aside from the period where it was the Mexican home of Ultimo Dragon’s students when Toryumon was getting off the ground, the promotion rarely got much international attention… Subscribers click here to continue.

WRESTLING OBSERVER NEWSLETTER: December 19, 2016 Vice article on WWE behind the scenes, Wrestlekingdom 11 card, more

A look at the inner workings of WWE and the latest change in creative is the lead story of a double-issue this week of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Also, a look at the greatest tag teams of all-time, New Japan’s Tokyo Dome show, WWE house show rules, Japanese awards, American awards and what exactly happened in incidents with Alberto Del Rio and Shad Gaspard over the past week.

The lead story covers the major Vice story on the WWE, including Shane McMahon’s attempt to get control of creative, the situation with Kevin Dunn, Paul Levesque and Stephanie McMahon, when Stephanie McMahon was in creative, insiders talk Vince McMahon’s philosophy, the firing of the No. 3 guy in creative and how it went down, and updated notes about the WWE Network, the current audience and the company’s future.

This issue has a look at the ratings John Cena drew for Saturday Night Live, an update on A.J. Styles’ ankle injury, Zack Ryder injury, Jerry Lawler talks being let go, Finn Balor’s return, WWE looking to get outside funding and why stockholders are concerned, more on the WWE Network, projections for WWE business in 20-16 and network numbers, Chris Hero and WWE update, legend to do a coaching gig with WWE, and notes on a lot of new talent signing and new talent trying out.  

Finally, this issue has coverage of UFC 206, including what’s next for the various stars of the show, business notes on the show, early PPV estimates, ratings news, plus match-by-match coverage and poll results from the show.

Subscribers click here to continue.

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:November 22, 1999 WWF Survivor Series review, Austin neck trouble, more – In an industry with no rules, regulations or morals, there is nothing that happened this week that was out of the ordinary. And that’s sad. The big story this week should have been that the biggest star in wrestling today, has his career in jeopardy due to finding out just how badly thrashed his neck is… Subscribers click here to continue.

SUNDAY NEWS UPDATE

Bryan and I will be talking WWE Roadblock tonight after the show on Wrestling Observer Radio. We have a show up right now covering UFC, PWG, TNA, previewing WWE and other notes from the last few days.

People on Twitter yesterday were raving about the Ricochet vs. Will Ospreay match in Dublin. It’s not available for viewing until 12/28, but there were people live who I know and who I trust who were talking about it as if it was something special.

As far as the UFC rating last night being much higher than expected, by close to 20 percent, as noted on the front page, it told a lesson. Google searches may indicate the keys as Paige VanZant was the sixth most searched for term in the U.S. yesterday with more than 200,000, while Urijah Faber (50,000) and Sage Northcutt (20,000) were also in the top 20 for yesterday.   

Besides Matt Sydal returning on Friday, Michael Elgin returned on Saturday night in Austin TX for WrestleCircus wrestling.

We got so many great correspondent reports the past few days and want to thank: Shin Blade, Matt Prentice, Josh Weed, Daniel Kelly,Carter Cole, Mike Trask, John Tovar, Jamie Adams, David Anderson, Guillermo Monti, Shannon Delong, Steven Conway, Leslie Lewis and DJ Marshall.

WWE

• Mick Foley won’t be on the show today. He’s been given time off until Jan. 2 per his request.
• WWE debuts a new Table for 3 on Wednesday night with Jim Duggan, Sgt Slaughter and Nikolai Volkoff.

UFC

• The Dominick Cruz vs. Cody Garbrandt thing from last night is here.

Picks from last night’s show:

• 5-0 –  David Bixenspan
• 4-1 – John Pollock
• 3-2 – Dave Meltzer, Mike Sawyer, Frontrow Brian, Paul Fontaine
• 2-3 – Mike Sempervive, Josh Nason, Steve Juon and Ryan Frederick

MISCELLANEOUS

• A piece about Sinclair Broadcasting, the ROH parent company, and Donald Trump is here. (thanks to Alex Marvez)
• House of Hardcore from Friday night in Philadelphia at the 2300 Arena: Steve Lombardi b Alex Reynolds, Taya b Jessicka Havok, Tony Nese b Lio Rush in his final indie match, Dan Barry & Conor Braxton & Kikutaro b Vik Dalishus & Eddie Kingston & TJ Marconi, Sami Callihan b Brian Cage, Moose b Colt Cabana, John Hennigan b Rey Fenix, Matt Hardy b Tommy Dreamer in a cage match. The show started 45 minutes late due to technical issues with the broadcast. The crowd was pretty brutal. Steve Lombardi took off his Yankees jersey and had on a Flyers shirt and said that for one night he would be the Broad Street Brawler. Crowd was hot for Taya, who used Lance Storm’s rolling half crab finisher. Storm trained her. Nese was given the farewell celebration which ended in an angle as Alex Reynolds superkicked him and told the crowd that WWE settled for Marty when they could have had Shawn. Dalishus has lost 100 pounds since January. The six-man tag stip is Barry would have to leave if he lost, but Bill Carr returned and helped Barry win. Crowd was hot for Fenix & Hennigan in a great match but somewhat short. Dreamer vs. Matt was a short match where Brother Nero came out and hit Sandman (who came out earlier) with a cane. Matt won with a side effect into thumbtacks. The Hardys worked as heels here. (thanks to Daniel Kelly and Shin Blade)
• House of Hardcore from last night in Joppa, MD: Jessicka Havok b Taya, Eddie Kingston b Lance Anoa’i, Matt Striker & Conor Braxton & Kikutaro b Vik Dalishus & Benjamin Boone & Hale Collins, Moose b Brian Cage, Alex Reynolds won four-way over Dan Barry, Sonjay Dutt and Brandon Scott, Tommy Dreamer & Sandman (replacing James Ellsworth who was on tour with WWE) b Spirit Squad, Fenix b John Hennigan. (thanks to Shin Blade)
• WrestleCircus from Saturday night in Austin, TX before a sellout 500 fans: Lance Hoyt b Hangman Page, Carson b Jax Dane, Rachel Ellering b Christi Jayne, Sammy Guevara b Colt Cabana, Jade b Joey Ryan, Scorpio Sky & Laredo Kid & Serpentico b Ricky Starks & Jordan Len X & Aaron Solow, Jervis Cottonbelly & Dick Justice b Gregory James & Kody Lane, Keith Lee & Shane Taylor b The Boys, ACH b Chris Hero, War Machine b Chuck Taylor & Trent Baretta, Dijak b Tessa Blanchard, Michael Elgin b Jeff Cobb, Ethan Carter III b Pentagon Jr.  The next show on 1/14 has EC 3 vs. Elgin for their championship (thanks to John Tovar and Steven Conway). Leva Bates cosplayed Shinsuke Nakamura and interfered in the Jade vs. Ryan match. Guevara vs. Cabana was said to be the best match. Lee & Taylor vs Boyz said to be very good and crowd was into it. Crowd loved ACH vs. Hero. Crowd got tired and weren’t into some of the latter bouts. EC 3 beat Pentagon Jr. with help from Trashman, who came across like a James Ellsworth knock off and the crowd was annoyed by that.
• A match last night with Team 3-D vs. Hardys vs. EYFBO (who won the HOG tag titles) vs. Private Party sold out Club Amazura in Jamaica, NY with 1500 fans. The Tribunal was also on the show, as was Eddie Edwards and Lio Rush. EYFBO attcked the Dudleys and Hardys, who came back with the Bubba bomb off the ropes putting two guys through a table. Jeff Hardy sang Obsolete. Matt Hardy thanked the promotion for what may be their last-ever match with the Dudleys.
• The Team Vision Dojo in Orlando will be open for seminars, live events, lodging and more during WrestleMania week. They are opening their doors to any indie group who wants to run a small building show. The building holds 60 seated and more than 100 for standing room. They can be contacted at 407-334-2200 or [email protected].
• A trailer for the NWA Detonation TV show is here.
• Inside Edition covered the Shad Gaspard story.

Today in Professional Wrestling History (12/18): WWE TLC 2011

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

Faber’s final fight on Fox…

NEWS

• UFC On FOX 22 Betting & Fantasy Playboo
• The Week In British Wrestling: Dunne shines for PROGRESS in Sheffield
• What you need to know about WWE’s UK tournament
• NXT Riverside, CA, live results: Injured Samoa Joe scrapped from main event
• NJPW Road to Wrestle Kingdom 11 results: LIJ vs. Tanahashi & KUSHIDA
• TNA Impact Wrestling results: Total Nonstop Deletion 

AUDIO

• WOL: Total Nonstop Deletion, Dr. Lucha, WWE UK tournament, more! 12/16
• Wrestling Weekly: WWE UK Title, McGuinness to WWE, Mailbag 12/16
• B&V&G: TOTAL NONSTOP DELETION, Granny, Raw, Lucha Underground, more! 12/16
• WOL: WWE UK tournament and new belt, new FLOSports promotions, more! 12/15

For this weekend, our only poll will be the WWE Roadblock End of the Line show on Sunday.

We’re looking for reports on the following shows to [email protected]:

• Raw in Youngstown (Roman Reigns vs. Kevin Owens U.S. title)
• Smackdown in Peterborough ONT (Dean Ambrose vs. Bray Wyatt street fight), NXT in Las Vegas at the Mandalay Bay Events Center and NXT in Tampa. 

UFC SATURDAY FROM THE GOLDEN ONE CENTER IN SACRAMENTO ON FOX / FS1 AND FIGHT PASS

UFC on FOX 22 live results: Paige VanZant vs. Michelle Waterson

FIGHT PASS AT 3:30 P.M. EASTERN TIME (WITH SPOILERS)

• Sultan Aliev vs. Bojan Velickovic: Velickovic wins by split decision.
• Hector Sandoval vs. Fredy Serrano: Sandoval wins by unanimous decision.
• Takeya Mizugaki vs. Eddie Wineland: Wineland wins by TKO.

FS 1 AT 5 P.M. EASTERN TIME

• Irene Aladana vs. Leslie Smith: Smith wins by unanimous decision.
• Josh Emmett vs. Scott Holtzman: Emmett wins by unanimous decision.
• James Moontasri vs. Alex Morono: Morono wins by unanimous decision. 
• Bryan Barbarena vs. Colby Covington
• Mizuto Hirota vs. Cole Miller
• Luis Henrique da Silva vs. Paul Craig

FOX AT 8 P.M. EASTERN TIME

• Mike Perry vs. Alan Jouban
• Urijah Faber vs. Brad Pickett (Faber’s retirement fight)
• Sage Northcutt vs. Mickey Gall
• Paige VanZant vs. Michelle Waterson

HOUSE OF HARDCORE SATURDAY NIGHT FROM JOPPA, MD ON FLO SLAM

• Tommy Dreamer & ? vs Spirit Squad
• John Hennigan vs. Rey Fenix
• Brian Cage vs. Moose
• Taya vs. Jessicka Havoc

WWE ROADBLOCK END OF THE LINE SUNDAY FROM PITTSBURGH AT 7:30 P.M. EASTERN

• Big Cass vs Rusev (pre-show match)
• Sami Zayn vs. Braun Strowman (10:00 time limit)
• Rich Swann vs. Brian Kendrick vs. TJ Perkins for cruiserweight title
• New Day vs. Cesaro & Sheamus for tag team titles
• Seth Rollins vs. Chris Jericho
• Sasha Banks vs. Charlotte for women’s title
• Kevin Owens vs. Roman Reigns for Universal title

Sunday also has as WWE Smackdown house show in Barrie, ONT.

Raw will be Monday night in Columbus, OH. There is a Smackdown Monday night house show in Hamilton, ONT.

Smackdown & 205 Live will air on Tuesday night from Detroit.

FIGURE FOUR WEEKLY: 12/12/2016 The Paige/Alberto Del Rio relationship isn’t funny anymore

International Wrestling Revolution Group, or IWRG, has been one of Mexico’s top independent promotions for over two decades. Yet aside from the period where it was the Mexican home of Ultimo Dragon’s students when Toryumon was getting off the ground, the promotion rarely got much international attention… Subscribers click here to continue.

WRESTLING OBSERVER NEWSLETTER: December 19, 2016 Vice article on WWE behind the scenes, Wrestlekingdom 11 card, more

A look at the inner workings of WWE and the latest change in creative is the lead story of a double-issue this week of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Also, a look at the greatest tag teams of all-time, New Japan’s Tokyo Dome show, WWE house show rules, Japanese awards, American awards and what exactly happened in incidents with Alberto Del Rio and Shad Gaspard over the past week.

The lead story covers the major Vice story on the WWE, including Shane McMahon’s attempt to get control of creative, the situation with Kevin Dunn, Paul Levesque and Stephanie McMahon, when Stephanie McMahon was in creative, insiders talk Vince McMahon’s philosophy, the firing of the No. 3 guy in creative and how it went down, and updated notes about the WWE Network, the current audience and the company’s future.

This issue has a look at the ratings John Cena drew for Saturday Night Live, an update on A.J. Styles’ ankle injury, Zack Ryder injury, Jerry Lawler talks being let go, Finn Balor’s return, WWE looking to get outside funding and why stockholders are concerned, more on the WWE Network, projections for WWE business in 20-16 and network numbers, Chris Hero and WWE update, legend to do a coaching gig with WWE, and notes on a lot of new talent signing and new talent trying out.  

Finally, this issue has coverage of UFC 206, including what’s next for the various stars of the show, business notes on the show, early PPV estimates, ratings news, plus match-by-match coverage and poll results from the show.

Subscribers click here to continue.

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:November 22, 1999 WWF Survivor Series review, Austin neck trouble, more – In an industry with no rules, regulations or morals, there is nothing that happened this week that was out of the ordinary. And that’s sad. The big story this week should have been that the biggest star in wrestling today, has his career in jeopardy due to finding out just how badly thrashed his neck is… Subscribers click here to continue.

SATURDAY NEWS UPDATE

WWE

• Finn Balor made an appearance for OTT Wrestling in his home country of Ireland today. The show was headlined by Ricochet vs. Will Ospreay.
• Dave Meltzer tweeted that Roadblock has the weakest advance for a Raw PPV since the brand split.
• Mojo Rawley posted a message to Zack Ryder on Instagram after Ryder had to undergo knee surgery.
• USA Today looked at The New Day’s success and interviewed Kofi Kingston.
• Baron Corbin won the Most Metal Athlete of 2016 award.
• WWE’s YouTube channel looked at five potential Undertaker matches that they’re dying to see.
• Ahead of the Sasha Banks vs. Charlotte Flair 30-minute Iron Man match at Roadblock tomorrow, WWE uploaded the full video of Banks’ previous Iron Man match in NXT against Bayley.

PROFESSIONAL WRESTLING

• Matt Sydal returned to the ring last night for the first time since September following his arrest in Japan for liquid cannabis possession earlier this year. Sydal faced Pete Dunne at PWG’s Mystery Vortex show.
• Chris Hero also addressed his situation with WWE at PWG last night by saying that he really doesn’t know what’s going to happen and it may or may not have been his last time wrestling in PWG.
• Pop TV posted the full Total Nonstop Deletion episode of TNA Impact.
• Kota Ibushi will make his way to the UK to wrestle Goto Ihashi for XWA on March 11th.
• Chris Charlton translated a series of tweets from New Japan Pro Wrestling president Takaaki Kidani commenting on WWE’s UK tournament and what it could mean for their global expansion. Of note, Kidani said that WWE was trying to create a global network of territories to tie up talent and that we’re entering an era where you’re either with WWE or against them.

VARIETY

• Dominick Cruz praised retiring rival Urijah Faber ahead of Faber’s final fight of his career tonight against Brad Pickett.
• Here is a review of the movie “American Wrestler: The Wizard.” And here is the IMDB page for the movie “The Wizard.”

Today in Professional Wrestling History (12/17): Frank Gotch wins American 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

• NXT Riverside, CA, live results: Injured Samoa Joe scrapped from main event
• NJPW Road to Wrestle Kingdom 11 results: LIJ vs. Tanahashi & KUSHIDA
• TNA Impact Wrestling results: Total Nonstop Deletion 
• Zack Ryder undergoing surgery for knee injury
• Harley Saito passes away at 48 years old
• Brock Lesnar suspended & fined by NAC, possible implication on WWE appearances
• WWE to crown first United Kingdom Champion in January

AUDIO

• WOL: Total Nonstop Deletion, Dr. Lucha, WWE UK tournament, more! 12/16
• Wrestling Weekly: WWE UK Title, McGuinness to WWE, Mailbag 12/16
• B&V&G: TOTAL NONSTOP DELETION, Granny, Raw, Lucha Underground, more! 12/16
• WOL: WWE UK tournament and new belt, new FLOSports promotions, more! 12/15

For this weekend, our only poll will be the WWE Roadblock End of the Line show on Sunday.

We’re looking for reports on tonight’s WWE house show in Rochester, NY (Raw crew minus Chris Jericho, Roman Reigns vs. Kevin Owens for U.S. title main event) to [email protected].

NEW JAPAN WORLD PRO WRESTLING AT 8 P.M. TONIGHT – A THREE HOUR WRESTLING DONTAKU SPECIAL

• Kushida vs. Jushin Liger for IWGP jr. title
• Kazuchika Okada vs. Seiya Sanada
• Hirooki Goto vs. Evil
• Katsuyori Shibata vs. Yuji Nagata for Never Open weight title
• Hiroshi Tanahashi & Michael Elgin & Yoshitatsu vs. Young Bucks & Kenny Omega for trios titles
• Tetsuya Naito vs. Tomohiro Ishii for IWGP heavyweight title

        The Kushida, Okada and main event matches on this show were all great.

HOUSE OF HARDCORE AT 8 P.M. TONIGHT AT THE 2300 ARENA IN PHILADELPHIA ON FLO SLAM

• Tommy Dreamer vs. Matt Hardy cage match
• John Hennigan (Mundo) vs. Rey Fenix
• Sami Callihan vs. Brian Cage
• Tony Nese vs. Lio Rush (Nese’s last indie match)
• Vik Dalishus & Eddie Kingston & TJ Marconi vs. Dan Barry & mystery partners

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

• Cameron Else (145.2) vs. Dylan Tuke (144.6)
• Elina Kallionidou (135.8) vs. Sinead Kavanagh (135.2)
• Brian Moore (146) vs. Daniel Weichel (145.6)
• Anthony Taylor (145.8) vs. James Gallagher (145.6)
• Satoshi Ishii (236.6) vs. King Mo Lawal (213)

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

• Loser of the fall leaves town: Ivelisse vs Mercedes Martinez vs. Thea Trinidad vs. ACR vs, LuFisto vs. Amber O’Neal vs  Andrew vs. Kennadi Brink
• Vanessa Kraven vs. Su Yung Monster’s Brawl no DQ falls count anywhere
• Jayme Jameson & Marti Belle defend tag team title against Santana Garrett & Raquel
• Allisyn Kay (Sienna in TNA) vs. Tessa Blanchard
• Malia Hosaka vs. Priscilla Kelly
• Keira Hogan vs Lindsay Snow

CMLL FROM ARENA MEXICO AT 9:30 P.M. 

• Shockercito & Stukita vs. Mercurio & Nitrito
• Soberano & Star Jr. & Flyer vs. Okumura & Sagrado  Misterioso Jr.
• Zeuxis & Amapola & Metalica vs. Vaquerita & Jarochita & Estrellita
• Marco Corleone & Atlantis & Stuka Jr. vs. Rush & Pierroth & La Mascara
• Maximo vs. Mascara Ano 2000
• Volador Jr. & Valiente & Caristico vs. Euforia & Gran Guerrero & Ultimo Guerrero

        The women’s match and Maximo match are building to stip matches (Maximo vs. Mascara 2000 in hair vs. hair) on upcoming holiday shows.

PWG MYSTERY VORTEKZ IN RESEDA, CALIFORNIA (no way to see this unless in the building)

• Zack Sabre Jr. vs. Marty Scurll for PWG title
• The rest of the show is a mystery. 

NEW JAPAN AT 4:30 A.M. EASTERN / 1:30 A.M. PACIFIC LATE TONIGHT ON NEW JAPAN WORLD FROM KORAKUEN HALL

• Ryusuke Taguchi & Yoshitatsu vs. Jushin Liger & Henare
• Tomohiro Ishii & Gedo vs. Yujiro Takahashi & Bone Soldier
• Togi Makabe & Tomoaki Honma & Juice Robinson vs. Tama Tonga & Tanga Roa & Chase Owens
• Yuji Nagata vs. Manabu Nakanishi
• Katsuyori Shibata & Tiger Mask vs. Hirooki Goto & Jado
• Tetsuya Naito & Seiya Sanada & Evil & Bushi & Hiromu Takahashi vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi & Hiroyoshi Tenzan & Satoshi Kojima & Kushida & David Finlay
• Kazuchika Okada & Yoshi-Hashi vs. Kenny Omega & Bad Luck Fale

Saturday night has Raw in Youngstown (Roman Reigns vs. Kevin Owens U.S. title), Smackdown in Peterborough ONT (Dean Ambrose vs. Bray Wyatt street fight), NXT in Las Vegas at the Mandalay Bay Events Center and NXT in Tampa. We’re looking for reports on those shows to [email protected].

UFC SATURDAY FROM THE GOLDEN ONE CENTER IN SACRAMENTO ON FOX / FS1 AND FIGHT PASS

FIGHT PASS AT 3:30 P.M. EASTERN TIME

• Sultan Aliev vs. Bojan Velickovic
• Hector Sandoval vs. Fredy Serrano
• Takeya Mizugaki vs. Eddie Wineland

FS 1 AT 5 P.M. EASTERN TIME

• Irene Aladana vs. Leslie Smith
• Josh Emmett vs. Scott Holtzman
• James Moontasri vs. Alex Morono
• Bryan Barbarena vs. Colby Covington
• Mizuto Hirota vs. Cole Miller
• Luis Henrique da Silva vs. Paul Craig

FOX AT 8 P.M. EASTERN TIME

• Mike Perry vs. Alan Jouban
• Urijah Faber vs. Brad Pickett (Faber’s retirement fight)
• Sage Northcutt vs. Mickey Gall
• Paige VanZant vs. Michelle Waterson

HOUSE OF HARDCORE SATURDAY NIGHT FROM JOPPA, MD ON FLO SLAM

• Tommy Dreamer & ? vs Spirit Squad
• John Hennigan vs. Rey Fenix
• Brian Cage vs. Moose
• Taya vs. Jessicka Havoc

WWE ROADBLOCK END OF THE LINE SUNDAY FROM PITTSBURGH AT 7:30 P.M. EASTERN

• Big Cass vs Rusev (pre-show match)
• Sami Zayn vs. Braun Strowman (10:00 time limit)
• Rich Swann vs. Brian Kendrick vs. TJ Perkins for cruiserweight title
• New Day vs. Cesaro & Sheamus for tag team titles
• Seth Rollins vs. Chris Jericho
• Sasha Banks vs. Charlotte for women’s title
• Kevin Owens vs. Roman Reigns for Universal title

Sunday also has as WWE Smackdown house show in Barrie, ONT.

Raw will be Monday night in Columbus, OH. There is a Smackdown Monday night house show in Hamilton, ONT.

Smackdown & 205 Live will air on Tuesday night from Detroit.

FIGURE FOUR WEEKLY: 12/05/2016: More history of pro wrestling in California

As 1979 went on, additional problems started to develop for promoters in California, but especially for Roy Shire in Northern California. Both wrestlers and promoters alike were revolting in different ways, and while the former was nothing new, the latter was a bit out of the ordinary. Shire had slowly been pulling out.. Subscribers click here to continue.

WRESTLING OBSERVER NEWSLETTER: December 19, 2016 Vice article on WWE behind the scenes, Wrestlekingdom 11 card, more

A look at the inner workings of WWE and the latest change in creative is the lead story of a double-issue this week of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Also, a look at the greatest tag teams of all-time, New Japan’s Tokyo Dome show, WWE house show rules, Japanese awards, American awards and what exactly happened in incidents with Alberto Del Rio and Shad Gaspard over the past week.

The lead story covers the major Vice story on the WWE, including Shane McMahon’s attempt to get control of creative, the situation with Kevin Dunn, Paul Levesque and Stephanie McMahon, when Stephanie McMahon was in creative, insiders talk Vince McMahon’s philosophy, the firing of the No. 3 guy in creative and how it went down, and updated notes about the WWE Network, the current audience and the company’s future.

This issue has a look at the ratings John Cena drew for Saturday Night Live, an update on A.J. Styles’ ankle injury, Zack Ryder injury, Jerry Lawler talks being let go, Finn Balor’s return, WWE looking to get outside funding and why stockholders are concerned, more on the WWE Network, projections for WWE business in 20-16 and network numbers, Chris Hero and WWE update, legend to do a coaching gig with WWE, and notes on a lot of new talent signing and new talent trying out.  

Finally, this issue has coverage of UFC 206, including what’s next for the various stars of the show, business notes on the show, early PPV estimates, ratings news, plus match-by-match coverage and poll results from the show.

Subscribers click here to continue.

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:November 22, 1999 WWF Survivor Series review, Austin neck trouble, more – In an industry with no rules, regulations or morals, there is nothing that happened this week that was out of the ordinary. And that’s sad. The big story this week should have been that the biggest star in wrestling today, has his career in jeopardy due to finding out just how badly thrashed his neck is… Subscribers click here to continue.

FRIDAY NEWS UPDATE

You’ll probably understand more about my thoughts on extreme weight cutting and Cris Cyborg Justino on Sunday at 9 a.m. ET when ESPN 2 Outside the Lines has a story on her cutting weight.

Conor McGregor was named Ireland’s Most Admired Sportsman for 2016.

For this coming weekend, Chris Jericho isn’t scheduled for the live events until Monday’s TV. Similarly both A.J. Styles and Randy Orton have the Smackdown house shows off.  Both are scheduled to appear at the tapings in Detroit on Tuesday, which would be the final WWE show until the day after Christmas.

There will be more material taped from Cameron, NC on the next two week’s of Impact, which will be mostly year-in-review shows.    

After a generation, Hiroshi Tanahashi will be retiring his entrance music tonight at Korakuen Hall. He will debut a new song at the Tokyo Dome.

WWE

• Zack Ryder’s had reconstructive knee surgery yesterday in Birmingham, AL.
• Ryan Phillipe will be on Smackdown this Tuesday to promote the show “Shooter” which airs after Smackdown.
• Former WWE creative team member Kevin Eck talks why he’s stopped watching the shows. 
• Another Linda McMahon story on why the narrative they claim about her isn’t exactly true is here.
• Tyler Breeze promoting the weekend house show in Barrie, ONT is here.
• Tickets for the NXT show in San Antonio over WrestleMania week are at www.nxttickets.com.

UFC

• A documentary on Michelle Waterson called “Fight Mom,” building up tomorow’s main event against Paige VanZant.
• Sage Northcutt was asked about Mickey Gall’s hair vs. hair challenge for tomorrow.  He very nicely declined.
• Ken Hayashi, the man who kept MMA out of Ontario for decades, is retiring. (thanks to Sven Mascarenhas)

MISCELLANEOUS

• The decision was made to air Nonstop Deletion on Sunday at 9 p.m. even though Challenge TV had originally finished airing TNA in that market.
• A very interesting story on streaming services and how the pro wrestling business may change in 2017 is here.
• The Fite APP announced Keith Evans has been hired as Senior Vice President of Events and Roy Langboard has been added as Executive Advisor of Boxing. Mike Weber, whose background includes managements stints in WCW, WWE and TNA, has been named COO and will spearhead the expansion into MMA, Boxing and pro wrestling.
• After being out with a serious concussion, Timothy Thatcher is no longer sowing any concussion symptoms and has been cleared to start training.  He will return with matches on 1/27 and 1/28 in San Antonio, and there is a tease he’ll defend the Evolve title against Jeff Cobb on one of those shows.
• Evolve announced that Chris Dickinson, Jaka and Jason Kincaid have all signed deals with the company.
• Pro Wrestling Phoenix from Wednesday night in Omaha:  Darren Russell & Duke Cornell b Nathan Edwards & Clay Cooper, Robert Storm b Purple, Paul Daniels & Joey Daniels b Mad Dog McDowell & Jon West, Con Artieset b Cuco Santiago, Dalton Lee Roth b Ajax Adams, Hype Gotti b Rory Fox, Zac James & Branden Juarez b Pat Powers & Devin ?Carter
• AAW on 12/30 in Merrionette Park, IL has Sami Callihan vs. Rey Fenix for the AAW title, AR Fox vs. ACH for the AAW Heritage title, Heidi Lovelace vs. Kimber Lee, Davey Vega & Silas Young vs. Chuck Taylor & Colt Cabana plus Pentagon Jr., Chris Hero, Drew Galloway, Matt Riddle, Michael Elgin, Jeff Cobb, Homicide, Mat Fichett, Dave Crist, Jake Crist, Dezmond Xavier and Kongo Kong.
• AAW on 1/7 in LaSalle, IL at the Knights of Columbus with Jessicka Havok vs Taya, Davey Vega & Mat Fitchett vs. Hooligans, plus Sami Callihan, John Morrison, Michael Elgin, Rey Fenix, Colt Cabana, Arik Cannon, Silas Young, ACH and more.
• On article on wrestlers involved in a punch out in the UK is here.
• Tommy Dreamer talks House of Hardcore 22, his deal with FloSlam, Tony Nese’s last indy match and why the Joey Styles situation should have been handled differently. 

Today in Professional Wrestling History (12/16): Sting vs. The Black Scorpion at Starrcade

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

• OTT Wrestling to premiere on FloSlam with Ricochet vs. Ospreay
• WWE SmackDown video highlights: Dolph Ziggler earns a title shot
• WWE 205 Live results: Rich Swann vs. TJ Perkins
• WWE Tribute to the Troops live results: On-screen Shield reunion; Roadblock tag title match set
• WWE SmackDown live results: AJ Styles vs. James Ellsworth
• UFC to crown women’s featherweight champion at February’s UFC 208
• UFC 206 prelims & Bellator afternoon event fall below ratings averages

AUDIO

• WOL: Smackdown, Raw ratings, New Day, Vader good news, more! 12/14
• B&V&C: Rock vs. Austin, DX, Sting vs. Hogan, fans hit the ring, more! 12/13
• WOL: Jim Ross talks Tokyo Dome on AXS TV, plus Raw and tons more! 12/13
• WOR: Raw report, Alberto Del Rio, Tokyo Dome line-up, tons more! 12/13

FIGURE FOUR WEEKLY: 12/05/2016: More history of pro wrestling in California

As 1979 went on, additional problems started to develop for promoters in California, but especially for Roy Shire in Northern California. Both wrestlers and promoters alike were revolting in different ways, and while the former was nothing new, the latter was a bit out of the ordinary. Shire had slowly been pulling out.. Subscribers click here to continue.

WRESTLING OBSERVER NEWSLETTER: December 12, 2016 Linda McMahon given Trump cabinet position, WWE TLC review, more

A look at Linda McMahon being named to Donald Trump’s cabinet is the lead story in the new issue of the Wrestling Observer newsletter. Find out what has been said that is totally misleading about her background, the background of Vince McMahon buying the WWF, her previous comments on Trump and others from wrestling who have been in similar positions.

This issue contains TLC show run down, with poll results, match-by-match coverage with star ratings, notes on the next set of Smackdown angles, where Raw is going for the next PPV and business notes on the show.

News on the Jerry Lawler and Lita situation, an update on the Jimmy Snuka manslaughter case, lots of WWE Network news and new surveys, John Cena and Dwayne Johnson updates on work outside of wrestling, new bookings for Brock Lesnar and Bill Goldberg, notes on two athletes WWE is looking at signing, Olympic gold medalist getting a tryout, WWE star gets engaged, former WWE stars returning, WWE product commercial awarded, update on several injuries, and a look at the most watched shows on the WWE Network this past week, all in this big issue of the Observer.

Also, check out the business notes regarding all the WWE and NXT live arena events held around the world over the past week, including highlights of every show.

Have a look at ROH’s biggest event of the year, Final Battle, with a look at the show, contract updates, the story behind the Young Bucks vs. Hardys match, why Cody Rhodes turned, business notes and star ratings.

Coverage of the UFC TUF finale and the Demetrious Johnson vs. Tim Elliott title match, how close the Joseph Benavidez vs. Henry Cejudo fight really was, business notes on the show, and how much everyone on the show earned, all inside this issue.

Lastly, there are details on the ratings for all the national shows over the past week, including breakdown of who was watching all of the WWE shows, plus results of the major league arena events held all over the world this past week, as well as notes on the various TV shows… Subscribers click here to continue.

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:November 22, 1999 WWF Survivor Series review, Austin neck trouble, more – In an industry with no rules, regulations or morals, there is nothing that happened this week that was out of the ordinary. And that’s sad. The big story this week should have been that the biggest star in wrestling today, has his career in jeopardy due to finding out just how badly thrashed his neck is… Subscribers click here to continue.

WEDNESDAY NEWS UPDATE

WWE

• John Cena returns to WWE television in two weeks at SmackDown in Chicago, Illinois.
• Despite the match being advertised for a second straight week, AJ Styles didn’t face James Ellsworth on last night’s SmackDown. Instead, there was a fatal four-way main event to determine a new number one contender for Styles’ title. Dolph Ziggler defeated Dean Ambrose, Luke Harper, and The Miz to earn the title shot. Styles vs. Ellsworth will still happen at some point.
• Zack Ryder & Mojo Rawley became the number one contenders for the Wyatt Family’s SmackDown tag titles after winning a battle royal last night, but Ryder suffered a knee injury during the match.
• After receiving criticism for a tweet Big E made with a picture of WWE’s five black champions and the #BlackExcellence hashtag, Kofi Kingston wrote a response explaining why the achievement is important.
• Tribute to the Troops will air on the USA Network at 8 p.m. ET tonight.
• Tonight’s episode of NXT is headlined by the Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Samoa Joe steel cage match for the NXT Championship that was taped in Melbourne, Australia.
• SiriusXM’s Sam Roberts will be a guest on this Sunday’s Roadblock pre-show panel.
• WWE SmackDown LIVE will broadcast from Honda Center on Tuesday, February 14. PRESALE PASSWORD: WWEFAN
• WWE stars talk to middle schoolers about cyber bullying.
• New Zealand independent wrestlers compete for a chance in WWE.
• The WWE superstars show up at Fort Meade to talk to troops.

PRO WRESTLING

• VICE Sports posted an excellent profile of The Young Bucks. Dave Meltzer is quoted in the piece, and the Bucks talk about making money outside of WWE and how close they came to joining wrestling’s biggest promotion. An excerpt from the piece: “When A.J. was about to leave, he pulled us aside before anybody knew anything and he asked us about our contracts,” Matt recalls. “At that point, it was December and we had just signed — we signed in November. He’s like, ‘You did? Ughhh.’ The idea was he was going to try and get us to walk out with him and be the guys with him… If we never signed, there’s a great chance we could have been walking out on Raw with those guys, I feel.”
• Tommy Dreamer tweeted that James Ellsworth won’t be appearing at House of Hardcore this weekend despite previously being advertised.
• This weekend’s PWX Season’s DELETE-ings show will be broadcast as an iPPV on the Highspots Wrestling Network. The promotion previously streamed their X16 tournament on FloSlam last month.

UFC / MMA

• Junior dos Santos vs. Stefan Struve with headline UFC Fight Night on February 19th in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.
• Ariel Helwani reports that Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone will face Jorge Masvidal at UFC on FOX 23 in Denver, Colorado on January 28th.
• Vitor Belfort will take on Kelvin Gastelum in the main event of UFC Fight Night on March 11th in Fortaleza, Brazil.
• Cris Cyborg reacted to the UFC making Holly Holm vs. Germaine de Randamie for the new women’s featherweight title.
• Mickey Gall thinks that CM Punk will have a tough time against any UFC caliber fighter.
• Submission Radio’s European correspondent spent time with Wanderlei Silva ahead of Bellator 169. With having to recently pull out of his fight with Cro Cop at Rizin, Silva doesn’t appreciate Mirko calling him scared “He, in front of me, tell me I’m the best in the world, I’m a legend, and now (he’s) coming to talk behind the cameras. But understand, now I’m going back to Brazil, and on New Year’s Eve you’re gonna have a chance to talk all the things face to face. And I wanna see (you say them).”
• King Mo opened up to Submission Radio about his real thoughts on the MMAAA and Bjorn Rebney. On the MMAAA and King Mo calling it the “UFC Athletes Association” – “Because that’s what it is. It is the UFC Athletes Association. It ain’t MMAAA, because all I see is UFC fighters and an old dick-rider on that picture – meaning Bjorn. He’s the dick-rider. I don’t see it representing other organizations. But the thing is, I’m not gonna knock them, I just think it’s weird they got Bjorn on the forefront. If they were smart they would put him in the background, like making sure things are okay in the background and making sure their agenda gets pushed. Because what it comes down to, is it’s about the fighters. So put the fighters in the forefront, and whoever else in the back. I hope they get their job done and I hope they can accomplish what they want to accomplish, but it just don’t look right when you have someone who has done some shady things in the past towards fighters trying to all of a sudden be like, hey, I wanna fight for fighters rights, just for this organization…
• Anthony Taylor talks about a scuffle he had with James Gallagher at SBG!
• UFC 208 – Saturday, February 11 – Brooklyn, NY. UFC Fight Club pre-sale starts Wed Dec 14 at Noon ET.

VARIETY

• BCW ‘Twas the fight before Xmas: Sunday, December 18 at 3 PM – 6 PM, Royal Canadian Legion Col. Paul Poisson Branch 261, 12326 Lanoue Street, Tecumseh, Ontario N8N 1N3.
• Ring Rust Radio had TNA Star BROKEN MATT HARDY on the show this week.
• Satoshi Ishii takes on King Mo at Bellator 169, Submission Radio sat down to talk to him about the fight, wanting Fedor and lots more.
• Former ECW Legend/WWE Superstar Tommy Dreamer sat down with Under the Mat Radio discussing such topics as: House of Hardcore 23 coming up in Joppa, MD, what he said about Brock Lesnar that got cut off the ECW Unauthorized special on WWE Network, and how him drinking Taker’s Tobacco spit skit came about and how much he got paid.
• The Card Is Going To Change Podcast With John Thorne and Chandler Biggins takes an unprecedented honest look inside the world of Independent professional wrestling as the promoters of Absolute Intense Wrestling John Thorne and Chris “Chandler Biggins” Bryan discuss the trials and tribulations of operating an independent professional wrestling company in the modern era. Episode 27: The Headhunters Only Shop At 7-11.
• Eddie Edwards stopped by Wrestledelphia to promote Total Nonstop Deletion and discuss what it’s like to be champion of a company in turmoil.

Today in Professional Wrestling History (12/14): Jeff Hardy 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

• Raw ratings drop for Roadblock go-home show
• AJ Styles vs. James Ellsworth title match, tag team battle royal announced for SmackDown
• NJPW’s Wrestle Kingdom 11 airing on AXS TV starting January 13th
• November 22, 1999 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: WWF Survivor Series review, Austin neck trouble, more
• WWE Raw video highlights: The New Day make history
• WWE Raw live results: The build to Roadblock reaches the end of the line

AUDIO

• WOL: Jim Ross talks Tokyo Dome on AXS TV, plus Raw and tons more! 12/13
• WOR: Raw report, Alberto Del Rio, Tokyo Dome line-up, tons more! 12/13
• FREE WOL! RAW, Roadblock, Alberto Del Rio fight, tons more! 12/12
• B&V: NWA World Championship Wrestling from 30 years ago this week! 12/11

We’re looking for reports from Philadelphia with the non-Raw matches, Main Event stuff, dark matches and anything else not evident from the live show, as well as reports from the Smackdown show in Roanoke, VA and NXT show in Sydney, Australia to [email protected].

We’re also looking for reports on the WWE Saturday night show in Norfolk, and yesterday’s show in Greenevile, NC to [email protected].

Smackdown, Tribute to the Toops and 205 Live are all being taped in Washington, DC. today, as Randy Orton returns to the tour.

FIGURE FOUR WEEKLY: 12/05/2016: More history of pro wrestling in California

As 1979 went on, additional problems started to develop for promoters in California, but especially for Roy Shire in Northern California. Both wrestlers and promoters alike were revolting in different ways, and while the former was nothing new, the latter was a bit out of the ordinary. Shire had slowly been pulling out.. Subscribers click here to continue.

WRESTLING OBSERVER NEWSLETTER: December 12, 2016 Linda McMahon given Trump cabinet position, WWE TLC review, more

A look at Linda McMahon being named to Donald Trump’s cabinet is the lead story in the new issue of the Wrestling Observer newsletter. Find out what has been said that is totally misleading about her background, the background of Vince McMahon buying the WWF, her previous comments on Trump and others from wrestling who have been in similar positions.

This issue contains TLC show run down, with poll results, match-by-match coverage with star ratings, notes on the next set of Smackdown angles, where Raw is going for the next PPV and business notes on the show.

News on the Jerry Lawler and Lita situation, an update on the Jimmy Snuka manslaughter case, lots of WWE Network news and new surveys, John Cena and Dwayne Johnson updates on work outside of wrestling, new bookings for Brock Lesnar and Bill Goldberg, notes on two athletes WWE is looking at signing, Olympic gold medalist getting a tryout, WWE star gets engaged, former WWE stars returning, WWE product commercial awarded, update on several injuries, and a look at the most watched shows on the WWE Network this past week, all in this big issue of the Observer.

Also, check out the business notes regarding all the WWE and NXT live arena events held around the world over the past week, including highlights of every show.

Have a look at ROH’s biggest event of the year, Final Battle, with a look at the show, contract updates, the story behind the Young Bucks vs. Hardys match, why Cody Rhodes turned, business notes and star ratings.

Coverage of the UFC TUF finale and the Demetrious Johnson vs. Tim Elliott title match, how close the Joseph Benavidez vs. Henry Cejudo fight really was, business notes on the show, and how much everyone on the show earned, all inside this issue.

Lastly, there are details on the ratings for all the national shows over the past week, including breakdown of who was watching all of the WWE shows, plus results of the major league arena events held all over the world this past week, as well as notes on the various TV shows… Subscribers click here to continue.

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:November 22, 1999 WWF Survivor Series review, Austin neck trouble, more – In an industry with no rules, regulations or morals, there is nothing that happened this week that was out of the ordinary. And that’s sad. The big story this week should have been that the biggest star in wrestling today, has his career in jeopardy due to finding out just how badly thrashed his neck is… Subscribers click here to continue.

TUESDAY NEWS UPDATE

WWE

• The New Day successfully defended their titles twice on Raw last night to ensure that they would break Demolition’s record and become the longest reigning tag champs in WWE history.
• Last night’s show also saw the addition of two more matches to this Sunday’s Roadblock card. Sami Zayn will be getting his match against Braun Strowman after being granted it by Mick Foley, and Big Cass will face Rusev as part of their ongoing feud.
• Emmalina failed to appear on last night’s Raw as was advertised. Another video advertising that her makeover would premiere soon was on the show instead.
• 205 Live was taped before Raw last night.
• There will be a battle royal to determine number one contenders for the Wyatt Family’s tag titles on SmackDown tonight. AJ Styles will also defend his WWE Championship against James Ellsworth.
• Bray Wyatt tweeted to Matt Hardy about the invitation he sent to the Wyatt Family to appear on Total Nonstop Deletion. Of course, no one from WWE was involved in the show.
• Randy Orton talks to SI’s Extra Mustard about his match with Brock Lesnar, and his role in the upcoming movie “Shooter.”
• Good news, all you fans of Ric Flair and chicken wings — Flair is headed to the wing bowl in Philadelphia.
• The Feb. 13 edition of RAW will be held at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, tickets on sale Friday December 16th.
• The Valentine’s day edition of SmackDown LIVE will be in Anaheim at the Honda Center. Tickets on sale this Friday.

VARIETY

• Tokyo Sports released their year-end awards list.
• Vader tweeted that he recently got potentially good news regarding his health.
• Cris Cyborg is now a US citizen.
• Former UFC and Pride Fighting Championship fighter “Big Daddy” Gary Goodridge talks his friendship with Goldberg and how he thinks Bill would have done in MMA at this link. Goodridge then breaks down why he feels CM Punk did so poorly in his recent UFC fight at this link.
• A clip of an interview that Triple H did in 2008 where he claimed that President-elect Donald Trump called Vince McMahon to make sure he was alright after the 2007 limo explosion angle is circulating around the internet today.
• Here is an interview with DDT wrestling star Shigehiro Irie about his trip to America including facing Chris Hero, the differences between American and Japanese crowds, his favorite American food and much more!
• 2K today announced that WWE 2K17’s New Moves Pack is now available as downloadable content, enabling access to a wide variety of in-game moves.  
• Pro Wrestling Sheet has obtained surveillance footage that shows ex-WWE star Shad Gaspard dominating a man who threatened him with an air-soft gun this weekend.
• ROH: Holiday shopping has never been so affordable for members of Honor Nation: ALL merchandise, including hats, t-shirts, DVDs, and more will be 10% off for all customers and 25% for RINGSIDE MEMBERS! The sale ends Friday December 16 at 11:59 PM and all orders come with FREE US SHIPPING!
• King Mo speaks to Submission Radio about how Chael Sonnen reached out and helped him in the hospital, his issues with MMA judges, fighting in Dublin, why Fedor isn’t past his prime and who he’d fight between Sonnen and Fedor.
• Frank Shamrock returned to Submission Radio this week to reveal some untold stories about almost fighting Mike Tyson, when he got disillusioned with MMA,his thoughts on the MMAAA and Conor McGregor. When it comes to getting a stake in the company, Shamrock believes it’s something that McGregor deserves: “Oh, a hundred percent and I think he should exercise it until he gets it. I mean, that’s what I did. That’s how I’m chilling and hanging out and enjoying my life. I was able to break my contract and took equity in Strikeforce, launched that and sold it back to ‘em. So there’s many ways to get paid, but when you have as much power as him, this is when you do a power move like I did and walk away. Like, see ya, good luck with your promotion, let me know how it works out for you.”
• The New Yorker has an interesting look at what the Hulk Hogan / Gawker lawsuit could mean for the first amendment, especially as it pertains to president-elect Trump.

Today in Professional Wrestling History (12/13): Jerry Lawler unifies the AWA & World Class titles

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

• Alberto del Rio gets into backstage brawl Sunday night in Mexico
• WWE’s True Story Of The Royal Rumble DVD set is worth the look
• ROH TV tapings results: The Decade of Excellence tournament kicks off
• UFC’s Conor McGregor gets California boxing license, more states to come?
• EVOLVE 74 recap: Catch Point put their tag team titles on the line
• NJPW World Tag League finals live results: The winners are crowned

AUDIO

• WOL: UFC 206, Chris Jericho, Chris Hero, Booker T running for office, more! 12/11
• AD: Monsters and mysteries of New Mexico 12/11
• DragonKing Dark 44: The White Thang 12/11
• WOR: UFC double-feature, Jones, GSP, VICE article, AJ Styles, tons more! 12/11

We’re looking for your thoughts on UFC 206 and New Japan’s tag team tournament finals so you can leave a thumbs up, thumbs down or thumbs in the middle along with a best and worst match to [email protected].

Raw is tonight in Philadelphia with the only match announced being New Day going for the tag team title record which they’ll have if they retain against Sheamus & Cesaro and Luke Gallows & Karl Anderson. Emmalina after all the build finally debuts. And it’s the go-home show for Roadblock End of the Line.

We’re looking for reports from Philadelphia with the non-Raw matches, Main Event stuff, dark matches and anything else not evident from the live show, as well as reports from the Smackdown show in Roanoke, VA and NXT show in Sydney, Australia to [email protected].

We’re also looking for reports on the WWE Saturday night show in Norfolk, and yesterday’s show in Greenevile, NC to [email protected].

Tuesday has Smackdown, Tribute to the Toops and 205 Liver all being taped in Washington, DC. Randy Orton returns to the tour on that show. 

FIGURE FOUR WEEKLY: 12/05/2016: More history of pro wrestling in California

As 1979 went on, additional problems started to develop for promoters in California, but especially for Roy Shire in Northern California. Both wrestlers and promoters alike were revolting in different ways, and while the former was nothing new, the latter was a bit out of the ordinary. Shire had slowly been pulling out.. Subscribers click here to continue.

WRESTLING OBSERVER NEWSLETTER: December 12, 2016 Linda McMahon given Trump cabinet position, WWE TLC review, more

A look at Linda McMahon being named to Donald Trump’s cabinet is the lead story in the new issue of the Wrestling Observer newsletter. Find out what has been said that is totally misleading about her background, the background of Vince McMahon buying the WWF, her previous comments on Trump and others from wrestling who have been in similar positions.

This issue contains TLC show run down, with poll results, match-by-match coverage with star ratings, notes on the next set of Smackdown angles, where Raw is going for the next PPV and business notes on the show.

News on the Jerry Lawler and Lita situation, an update on the Jimmy Snuka manslaughter case, lots of WWE Network news and new surveys, John Cena and Dwayne Johnson updates on work outside of wrestling, new bookings for Brock Lesnar and Bill Goldberg, notes on two athletes WWE is looking at signing, Olympic gold medalist getting a tryout, WWE star gets engaged, former WWE stars returning, WWE product commercial awarded, update on several injuries, and a look at the most watched shows on the WWE Network this past week, all in this big issue of the Observer.

Also, check out the business notes regarding all the WWE and NXT live arena events held around the world over the past week, including highlights of every show.

Have a look at ROH’s biggest event of the year, Final Battle, with a look at the show, contract updates, the story behind the Young Bucks vs. Hardys match, why Cody Rhodes turned, business notes and star ratings.

Coverage of the UFC TUF finale and the Demetrious Johnson vs. Tim Elliott title match, how close the Joseph Benavidez vs. Henry Cejudo fight really was, business notes on the show, and how much everyone on the show earned, all inside this issue.

Lastly, there are details on the ratings for all the national shows over the past week, including breakdown of who was watching all of the WWE shows, plus results of the major league arena events held all over the world this past week, as well as notes on the various TV shows… Subscribers click here to continue.

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:November 15, 1999: ECW November to Remember review, Dynamite Kid book, more – The most publicized story ever in North American pro wrestling, the tragic death of Owen Hart on 5/23, is brought vividly back to life with the documentary “The life and death of Owen Hart.” The one-hour piece, debuted in Ontario on TVO on 11/3, in the rest of Canada on 11/6 on the A Channel and will be part of A&E’s bio week on pro wrestling, with an 11/16 showing… Subscribers click here to continue.

MONDAY NEWS UPDATE

Bryan and I will be back tonight covering Raw, Alberto El Patron, New Japan Wrestle Kingdom and the rest of the news with Wrestling Observer Radio. You can send questions to tonight’s show to [email protected].

Matt Sydal has returned to the U.S. and will start his career going forward after being held in Osaka, Japan since his 9/23 arrest.  

ROH announced that Nigel McGuinness was no longer the figurehead authority person with the promotion as he’s another one expected to be WWE bound for a coaching position. 

The Nevada Athletic Commission will have a hearing on Brock Lesnar’s drug test failure on Thursday, as well as Nate Diaz’s hearing for the bottle throwing incident back in August. Jon Jones’ drug test failure is on the agenda but it’s already been reported they’ve come to an agreement on that case where Jones will get the same suspension he already got from USADA, a one year suspension, and no fine.

Jim Ross will be on Wrestling Observer Live tomorrow making an announcement regarding New Japan Pro Wrestling. It will not be on PPV or a live broadcast of Tokyo Dome as the exclusive English language live show will be on New Japan World with Kevin Kelly and Steve Corino as announcers.

WWE

• The expected Rich Swann vs. Brian Kendrick vs. TJ Perkins three-way match for the cruiserweight title is official for Sunday’s PPV show in Pittsburgh. 
• WWE will be filming a WWE Ride Along show with Seth Rollins and Cesaro after Raw tonight. They will follow them driving from Philadelphia to Washington, DC. A lot of the Raw talent will be working tomorrow night’s show because they will be taping Wednesday night’s Tribute to the Troops show on USA on Tuesday night.
• WWE is looking for a Vice President of Photography. 
• In a note from yesterday’s update, even though Booker T announced he would be running for Mayor of Houston in 2020, that would be impossible and if he’s doing so, it’ll have to be 2019 because that’s when the next election is. (thanks to Bob Nowak) 
• Alex Marvez has a piece on Ric Flair.
• Mick Foley announced today that he’s down to 236.7 pounds, which is the lightest he’s been in probably decades. Congratulations to him. The number is key because when he decided to start losing weight, he was 337 pounds, so this makes 100 pounds plus lost.
• There are still front row seats available for the NXT show in Riverside, CA on Thursday night which is a stop for the crew on the way back from Australia, where the final show is tomorrow.

UFC

• Jose Aldo did an interview speaking with the Brazilian media today and Guilherme Cruz of MMAFighting.com was there and he said that he would be facing Max Holloway on the 2/11 show in Brooklyn. Brooklyn tickets go on sale this week so UFC needs to have some top fights to announce.  
• Tony Ferguson was on Submission Radio toady and said he can make 145 pounds and is looking for titles at 145, 155 and 170 and said that Conor McGregor was a paper champion and picking his opponents. 

MISCELLANEOUS

• Combat Zone Wrestling Cage of Death 18 before a sellout crowd in Voorhees, NJ on Saturday night. Dave Crist won over Alexander James, AR Fox, Jimmy Lloyd, Tim Donst, Tony Deppen and Zachary Wentz, Greg Excellent b Homicide, Dave McCall & Nate Carter b Johnny Yuma & Kevin Martenson, Shane Strickland (Killshot in LU) b Dezmond Xavier, Angel Ortiz & Mike Draztic b Dan Maff & Monsta Mack to win the CZW tag titles, Dezmond Xavier & Zachary Wentz b Angel Ortiz & Mike Draztic to win the tag titles, Lio Rush b Sami Callihan, Joe Gacy b Jonathan Gresham, Rickey Shane Page b Danny Havoc, Dale Patricks & Devon Moore & Drew Blood won cage of death match over Conor Claxton & Jeff Cannonball & Joey Janela. The match featured weaponis, glass, barbed wire, chairs, tables and a scaffold. They return on 1/17 in Flyers Skate Zone. It should be noted that they also collected 450 toys for the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, and other locations including the Ronald McDonald House in Camden, NJ.
• World Series of Fighting is offering four tickets for the price of three for its 12/31 afternoon show at The Theater in Madison Square Garden. You can get them by using the code TMWSOF. The show starts at 1 p.m. local time and will air live on NBC, with Justin Gaethje vs. Joao Zeferino for the lightweight title, Jon Fitch vs. Jake Shields for the welterweight title and David Branch vs. Louis Taylor for the light heavyweight title.   
• Tier 1 Wrestling from Saturday in Queens, NY: Sonny Kiss won four-way for a title shot over Caleb Konley, Dezmond Xavier and Zachary Wentz, Breakfast Club won tag team turmoil, Mike Law b Chase Brown, Tim Hughes & Marc Haus b Ian Maxwell & Movie Mike, Breakfast Club b Cutthroat Kids, Sonny Kiss b Rude Boy Riley to win title, Darius Carter b Sonny Kiss to win title.
• International Big Time Wrestling in Chesterfield, MI on Saturday night in a benefit show to raise money for Rudy “Rude Boy” Hill who recently had open heart surgery.  Rod Street b Maltese Tiger, Heidi Katrina b Black Acumen, Lance Poindexter & Louis Lambda & Little Fred b Creep & CJ Anderson & Mike White, Chuck Wagon b Mr. Fitness, Frank Isaac Anderson b Movado, Bobo Brazil Jr. & Malcom Monroe III b Mad Man Pondo & Mosh Pit Mike, Alcatraz b Kef Sweat. (thanks to Leonard Brand)
• Elite Canadian Championship Wrestling with Hunger on Saturday night in Port Coquitlam, BC.
• Pro Wrestling Phoenix on 12/14 in Omaha, NE at the Waiting Room Lounge.
• Chaotic Wrestling on Wednesday night in Nashua, NH at Chunky’s Cinema Pub for a show that will air on FITE TV with the retiring Brian Fury vs. Chase Del Monte, Travis Gordon vs. Hanson and more.
• TCW from Sunday in I’alberto, Milan, Italy: La Pasta & Claudio Campari b Rocco Gioiello & Kevin Dopa, Sami Grayson & Backlash b Marieddu & Break Bones, Darkness II b Fenice Rossa, Marchese b Scnadalo, Marchese b Apollo, Carlo Birra b Pain e  Antonono Bellavita. (thanks to Alessio Garbini)

Today in Professional Wrestling History (12/12): Hiroyoshi Tenzan wins the IWGP 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

• Chris Hero heading back to WWE
• EVOLVE 74 recap: Catch Point put their tag team titles on the line
• Bellator 168 recap: Alessio Sakara vs. Joey Beltran ends quickly and violently
• UFC 206 live results: Max Holloway vs. Anthony Pettis
• NJPW World Tag League finals live results: The winners are crowned
• Figure Four Weekly 12/05/2016: More history of pro wrestling in California

AUDIO

• F4D: Karl Stern talks Wrestling Observer Hall of Fame 2016 and more! 12/10
• Wrestling Weekly: Young Bucks sign new deals, driving stories, mailbag 12/9
• WOL: VICE article, Steph vs. Shane, Dr. Lucha appearance, more! 12/9
• B&V&G: Lucha Underground, NXT, Raw, Granny celebrates Joe’s loss, more! 12/9

We’ll be doing a poll for UFC 206, thumbs up, down or middle, best and worst match to [email protected].

We’re looking for reports on the following shows to [email protected]. 

• WWE Raw in Lowell, MA (Roman Reigns vs. Kevin Owens)
• WWE Smackdown in Norfolk 
• NXT in Newcastle
• NXT in Australia
• NXT in Venice, FL
• Raw in White Plains, NY (Roman Reigns vs. Kevin Owens)
• Smackdown in Greeneville, NC
• NXT in Gold Coast, Australia

FLO SPORTS SUBMISSION UNDERGROUND FROM PORTLAND, OREGON AT 5:30 P.M.

• Jon Jones vs. Dan Henderson
• Miesha Tate vs. Jessica Eye
• Ronnie Markes vs. Jeff Monson

EVOLVE ON FLO SLAM ON SUNDAY AT 7 P.M. EASTERN FROM MELROSE MA

• Darby Allin & Peter Kaasa vs. Chris Dickinson & Jake
• Jeff Cobb vs. Fred Yehi
• Chris Hero vs. Dustin
• Dick Togo vs. Ethan Page
• Ricochet vs. Matt Riddle
• Tracy Williams vs. Drew Gulak

Monday has Raw in Philadelphia with New Day vs. Cesaro & Sheamus vs. Luke Gallows & Karl Anderson in a three-way for the tag title as the main event. Jericho and Charlotte are both booked for TV. There is a Smackdown brand house show in Roanoke.

Tuesday has Smackdown in Washington, DC. Orton returns to the tour on that show. There is also an NXT show in Sydney, Australia.

FIGURE FOUR WEEKLY: 12/05/2016: More history of pro wrestling in California

As 1979 went on, additional problems started to develop for promoters in California, but especially for Roy Shire in Northern California. Both wrestlers and promoters alike were revolting in different ways, and while the former was nothing new, the latter was a bit out of the ordinary. Shire had slowly been pulling out.. Subscribers click here to continue.

WRESTLING OBSERVER NEWSLETTER: December 12, 2016 Linda McMahon given Trump cabinet position, WWE TLC review, more

A look at Linda McMahon being named to Donald Trump’s cabinet is the lead story in the new issue of the Wrestling Observer newsletter. Find out what has been said that is totally misleading about her background, the background of Vince McMahon buying the WWF, her previous comments on Trump and others from wrestling who have been in similar positions.

This issue contains TLC show run down, with poll results, match-by-match coverage with star ratings, notes on the next set of Smackdown angles, where Raw is going for the next PPV and business notes on the show.

News on the Jerry Lawler and Lita situation, an update on the Jimmy Snuka manslaughter case, lots of WWE Network news and new surveys, John Cena and Dwayne Johnson updates on work outside of wrestling, new bookings for Brock Lesnar and Bill Goldberg, notes on two athletes WWE is looking at signing, Olympic gold medalist getting a tryout, WWE star gets engaged, former WWE stars returning, WWE product commercial awarded, update on several injuries, and a look at the most watched shows on the WWE Network this past week, all in this big issue of the Observer.

Also, check out the business notes regarding all the WWE and NXT live arena events held around the world over the past week, including highlights of every show.

Have a look at ROH’s biggest event of the year, Final Battle, with a look at the show, contract updates, the story behind the Young Bucks vs. Hardys match, why Cody Rhodes turned, business notes and star ratings.

Coverage of the UFC TUF finale and the Demetrious Johnson vs. Tim Elliott title match, how close the Joseph Benavidez vs. Henry Cejudo fight really was, business notes on the show, and how much everyone on the show earned, all inside this issue.

Lastly, there are details on the ratings for all the national shows over the past week, including breakdown of who was watching all of the WWE shows, plus results of the major league arena events held all over the world this past week, as well as notes on the various TV shows… Subscribers click here to continue.

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:November 15, 1999: ECW November to Remember review, Dynamite Kid book, more – The most publicized story ever in North American pro wrestling, the tragic death of Owen Hart on 5/23, is brought vividly back to life with the documentary “The life and death of Owen Hart.” The one-hour piece, debuted in Ontario on TVO on 11/3, in the rest of Canada on 11/6 on the A Channel and will be part of A&E’s bio week on pro wrestling, with an 11/16 showing… Subscribers click here to continue.

SUNDAY NEWS UPDATE

Booker T will be running for Mayor of Houston in 2020, as was announced last night on his radio show. 

John Cena got 50,000 searches for his Saturday Night Live appearance while the UFC show got 200,000, which is very low for a PPV show. Last night’s show was one of the best of the year but it’s pretty clear the interest in it way way lower than usual.

Tickets for Sunday’s Roadblock End of the Line show in Pittsburgh are being offered 2-for-1. That doesn’t sound like a good sign.

New Japan has a live press conference at 1 a.m. Eastern and 10 p.m. Pacific on New Japan World to announce the Tokyo Dome show. The press conference is in Japanese and often the New Japan press conferences aren’t the most exciting things in the world. From a ticket selling standpoint, I don’t know how this show will do. It doesn’t strike me as a big seller like shows in the recent past, but it is a tradition and the product has been very strong with Sumo Hall doing better than in it has years. As far as the show quality, it looks excellent up and down. This appears to be the main matches:

• Kazuchika Okada vs. Kenny Omega for the IWGP heavyweight title
• Tetsuya Naito vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi for the IC title
• Katsuyori Shibata vs. Hirooki Goto for the Never Open weight title
• Tama Tonga & Tanga Roa vs. Togi Makabe & Tomoaki Honma for the IWGP tag team titles
• Kyle O’Reilly vs. Adam Cole for the ROH title
• Kushida vs. Hiromu Takahashi (Kamaitachi) for the IWGP jr. title
• Satoshi Kojima & Ricochet & David Finlay vs. Seiya Sanada & Evil & Bushi for the Never trios titles
• Young Bucks vs. Rocky Romero & Baretta for the IWGP jr. tag titles

        Aside from the trios match, the rest of the matches look to be locks. There are a few more bouts that will be added. To me it lacks the outside New Japan stars in the key matches thus far. It’s too bad because Shibata against Katsuhiko Nakajima would have been a killer match.

WWE

• Jerry Lawler was on Sports56 in Memphis yesterday and said Kevin Dunn called him and said that his salary was too large for the pre-game show and they were also getting rid of the pre-game show. Lawler said he’s under contract until January and said they will talk about a new deal, and talked that he may sign a talent contract and that Vince McMahon called him and told him he’s not done and told him the pre-game show was dropped as a cost-cutting measure and that he would remain the MC at the Hall of Fame ceremony. We’d been told Lawler would get a legends deal and would continue to MC the Hall of Fame and work some events for the company.
• A.J. Styles is off the Smackdown weekend shows as already reported on Friday. The main event is Dean Ambrose vs. Bray Wyatt in a street fight.
• The trailer for the 30 for 30 feature on the XFL that will air on ESPN is here.
• In a funny note, they were giving away tickets for Monday’s Raw on WIP in Philadelphia and host Angelo Cataldi read the commercial for the show and listed the three top stars as “Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins and Keith Owens.” Nobody corrected him and it was clear nobody in the studio knew any different. (thanks to Joe McMenamin)

UFC

• In predictions for last night’s UFC show: Mike Sawyer and John Pollock both went 4-1. Mike Sempervive, Steve Juon, Frontrow Brian and Paul Fontaine went 3-2. Josh Nason, me and David Bixenspan went 2-3. Ryan Frederick went 1-4  
• Some media on Toronto Blue Jays star Josh Donaldson at last night’s UFC show is here.

MISCELLANEOUS

• Kamaitachi joined Los Ingobernables en Japon on yesterday’s show.
• Regarding stories about Harley Race in a nursing home, he has been there because Leland Race, who takes care of him at home, was in Japan for the New Japan tag team tournament. Race is wheelchair bound.
• An Amarillo TV station did a feature this weekend on Terry Funk, whose NWA title win over Jack Brisco took place 41 years ago yesterday.
• A feature on Mario Milano, the Australian legend who passed way this weekend from when he was featured on their version of The Today show. 
• Pro Wrestling Sheet reported that last night Shad Gaspard and former tag team partner JTG stopped at a gas station after doing a show in Florida. Gaspard went inside to get a drink while JTG stayed in the car. A man approached him in what was called a disrespectful manner and told him to buy him a beer. The guy pulled what looked to be a gun out of his pants. The man told Gaspard to leave because he was going to rob the place and Gaspard grabbed him and pulled the gun out of his hands, slammed the guys head into the door and pulled him outside and choked him. JTG then called the police. It turned out the man had an air-soft gun although Gaspard said he didn’t know any better. The man was taken into custody for attempted robbery.
• Preston City Wrestling from Friday in Blackpool, England: Chris Ridgeway b Joey Hayes, Jimmy J b Ricky Knight, Iestyn Rees b Danny Hope to keep the PCW title, James Storm b Zak Knight, Ryback b Lionheart, Ashton Smith b Bubblegum to win the cruiserweight title. Ricky Knight, 62, the father of Paige, worked the show as a late replacement due to short notice withdrawals. Smith’s title win was a really good match with an expected win for him. (thanks to Jan Buxton)
• Freelance Wrestling from Friday night in Chicago before about 400 fans, which was totally packed and the biggest crowd they’ve done: Stevie Fierce won six-way over Space Monkey, Kenny Sutra, Darren Corbin, Matt Cage and Alex Ohlson, Ethan Page won three-way over Arik Cannon and Heidi Lovelace (her last show before going to WWE and fans were chanting “Thank You Heidi” at her when it was over), NWords b Brubaker & Kobe Durst & Team Beta, Suge D b Christian Rose, Swoggle b Kikutaro, GPA b Mustafa Ali and Isaias Velazquez for the Freelance title. They announced this as Ali’s last match before going full-time to WWE, and announced that if he retained the title, they would have a Battle Royal for the vacant title on the January show. Said to be a fantastic 25:00 match with GPA pinning him. Ali said he had been told by WWE to finish up his indies on 11/30, but said he wanted to do this one last show and he thanked WWE for letting him finish up here. (thanks to Lance LeVine)
• NWA Mid South from Friday night in Ripley, TN: Matt Taylor b EMT #1-COR, Johnny Morton b Step Daddy-DQ, Matt Taylor & Johnny Morton b Step Daddy & EMT #1, Greg Anthony b Jakob Edwinn, Sigmon & Elliott Russell (Heat Seekers) retained NWA tag titles b Rob Conway & Matt Riviera to win the NWA world tag team titles. They run every Friday night at the Power Pro Arena in Ripley.
• Rey Fenix & Misterioso vs. Pentagon Jr. & Rayden headline 1/21 in San Diego for Baja Stars USA
• There will be an iPPV on Thursday night from the DTU promotion. We don’t have more details other than Negro Casas vs Flamita vs. Ronnie Mendoza (who was in the cruiserweight classic) headline.
• Carlito works a show on 12/16 in Texcoco, Mexico in a three-way with Alberto El Patron and L.A. Park.
• Also on 12/16 at the Audiorio in Tijuana is El Hijo del Santo & Santo Jr. vs. Silver King & Silver King Jr. as the main event for Promociones Cholo.
• The wXw title changed hands twice at yesterday’s 16th anniversary year-end show in Oberhausen, Germany. Marty Scurll won the title in a three-way from champion Jurn Simmons and the third guy was Adam Cole. Christian Jakobi, the CEO of wXw then came out and said that Scurll had to defend it next against Axel Dieter Jr., who then beat him for the title.  Jakobi plays a heel authority figure. David Starr won the Shotgun title in a four-way over former champion Chris Brookes, Da Mack and Pete Dunne. (thanks to Markus Gronemann)
• Former TNA wrestler Chris Melendez won his first title for Conquer Pro Wrestling in Orlando over Jack Hurley, tapping him out to a submission involving both hands and his one leg.  Terrence & Terrell  Dudley (Devon’s sons, with Devon with them) also won their first titles over That Klassic Tag Team using the 3-D. (thanks to Matthew Carter)
• Southern Illinois Championship Wresting from last night in East Carondelet, IL before a sellout 300 fans: Big Country Poe & Jimmy D b Gator & Curt Gannon, Bobby D b Big Texan-DQ, Sean Vincent & Gary Jackson b Curtis Wylde & Dave Vaughn, Johnny Blade b Moondog Rover, Marc Houston b Chris Harges, Kongo Kong b Sean McFarland, Superstar Steve Fender b Ken Kasa-DQ, Ron Powers b Vic the Bruiser. Jimmy Hart was the special guest and was involved in the main event finish. (thanks to Larry Matysik)
• KDW from last night in Rochester, NY:  Victor Lord b Cloudy, Jordan Falco b Icon Ace, Wet Bandits b Interstate Educational System, Mattick b Bobby Dipinto, Jason Savior b Thomas Torrens & Bam Bam, Cheech won seven-way over Black Lightning, Box, Kris Worthless, Coleman Jackson, Charlie Locke and Fireheart, Jeremy Jensen b Chris Cayden to win the KDW title. (thanks to Todd Brantley) 
• CWE has announced that ACH is off their 1/20 and 1/21 shows in Winnipeg and Thunder Bay, ONT. He will still be working for the group from 1/10 to 1/19. The promotion announced that Teddy Hart would take his place on the Winnipeg and Thunder Bay shows.
• Santino Marella talks the WWE developmental incident where he was slapped three times by Jim Cornette which led to Cornette getting fired and Marella getting a try out.  
• Santino Marella gives his opinion on CM Punks recent UFC fight.

Today in Professional Wrestling History (12/11): TNA Final Resolution 2011

CONTACT INFORMATION

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

​

UFC 206

FROM THE AIR CANADA CENTRE IN TORONTO

UFC 206 live results: Max Holloway vs. Anthony Pettis

Fight Pass at 6:30 p.m.

• Zach Makovsky vs. Dustin Ortiz
• Rustam Khabilov vs. Jason Saggo
• John Makdessi vs. Lando Vanatta

FS 1 at 8 p.m.

• Mitch Gagnon vs. Matthew Lopez
• Valerie Letourneau vs. Viviane Pereira
• Olivier Aubin-Mericier vs. Drew  Dober
• Misha Cirkunov vs. Nikita Krylov

PPV at 10 p.m.

• Emil Meek vs. Jordan Mein
• Tim Kennedy vs. Kelvin Gastelum
• Doo Ho Choi vs. Cub Swanson
• Matt Brown vs. Donald Cerrone
• Max Holloway vs. Anthony Pettis

        Pettis missed weight by two pounds so if Holloway wins, he will be the interim featherweight champion. If Pettis wins, he will not be the interim featherweight champion.

RELATED

• UFC 206 Observer panel picks: Max Holloway vs. Anthony Pettis
• UFC 206 Betting & Fantasy Playbook

We’ll be doing a poll for UFC 206, thumbs up, down or middle, best and worst match to [email protected].

We’re looking for reports on the following shows to [email protected]. 

• WWE Raw in Lowell, MA (Roman Reigns vs. Kevin Owens)
• WWE Smackdown in Norfolk 
• NXT in Newcastle
• NXT in Australia
• NXT in Venice, FL

GLORY SATURDAY FROM OBERHAUSEN, GERMANY

This is a three-pronged show which starts on ESPN 3 at 11:30 a.m., moves to Fight Pass (airing for free even if you are not a Fight Pass subscriber) at 1:30 p.m. and then moves to PPV both regular and iPPV through the UFC at 4 p.m. featuring Rico Verhoeven vs. Badr Hari for their world heavyweight title, which is the biggest heavyweight kickboxing match in years. Also on PPV will be welterweight champion Nieky Holzken vs. Cedric Coumbe, plus the finals of the tournament to crown a women’s super bantamweight champion with the semifinals airing on the free show prior to the PPV starting. 

BELLATOR ON SATURDAY AT 4 P.M. EASTERN FROM FLORENCE, ITALY

• Ed Ruth (1-0, 189.2) vs. Emanuele Palombi (5-2, 187.2)
• Goiti Yamauchi (31-9, 156) vs. Valeriu Mircea (12-3, 154.5)
• John Salter (12-3, 185.2) vs. Claudio Annicchiarico (1-4, 185.2)
• Philipe Lins (10-1, 205.8) vs. Kleber Raimundo Silva (12-7, 205.9)
• Alessio Sakara (18-11, 2 no contests, 203.6) vs. Joey Beltran (17-13, 1 no contest, 205.2)

KICKBOXING MATCHES TO AIR ON THE 16TH

• Kevin Ross (31-9) vs. Alessio Adruini (26-14-2)
• Luca Novello (22-4-2) vs. Karim Ghajji (96-13-1)
• Joe Schilling (19-9) vs. Victorio Lermano (30-7)
• Denise Kielhotz (45-3) vs. Gloria Peritore (11-1-1)
• Giorgio Petrosyan (82-2-2, 1 no contest) vs. Jordan Watson (48-11-2)

EVOLVE ON FLO SLAM ON SATURDAY AT 6 P.M. EASTERN FROM QUEENS, NY

• Brian Cage vs. Darby Allin
• Drew Gulak vs. Jaka
• Matt Riddle vs. Jeff Cobb
• Chris Hero vs. Dick Togo
• Cody Rhodes vs. Ethan Page
• Tracy Williams & Fred Yehi vs. Ricochet & Peter Kaasa for tag titles

They are also taping these kickboxing matches that will air on 12/16 at about 11:15 p.m., right after the Bellator MMA show from Dublin, Ireland airs. This show is an experiment because usually Bellator tapes its overseas shows for prime time and this will air live. Comparing the rating for this show with taped shows in Tel Aviv and Dublin will be very telling of whether going live is more important than airing it at a convenient time for the majority of viewers.

Sunday has the Raw crew in White Plains, NY (Roman Reigns vs. Kevin Owens), the Smackdown crew in Greeneville, NC and NXT in Gold Coast, Australia. We’re looking for reports on all of those shows.

FLO SPORTS SUBMISSION UNDERGROUND FROM PORTLAND, OREGON AT 5:30 P.M.

• Jon Jones vs. Dan Henderson
• Miesha Tate vs. Jessica Eye
• Ronnie Markes vs. Jeff Monson

EVOLVE ON FLO SLAM ON SUNDAY AT 7 P.M. EASTERN FROM MELROSE MA

• Darby Allin & Peter Kaasa vs. Chris Dickinson & Jaka
• Jeff Cobb vs. Fred Yehi
• Chris Hero vs. Dustin
• Dick Togo vs. Ethan Page
• Ricochet vs. Matt Riddle
• Tracy Williams vs. Drew Gulak

Monday has Raw in Philadelphia with New Day vs. Cesaro & Sheamus vs. Luke Gallows & Karl Anderson in a three-way for the tag title as the main event. Jericho and Charlotte are both booked for TV. There is a Smackdown brand house show in Roanoke.

Tuesday has Smackdown in Washington, DC. Orton returns to the tour on that show. There is also an NXT show in Sydney, Australia.

FIGURE FOUR WEEKLY: 12/05/2016: More history of pro wrestling in California

As 1979 went on, additional problems started to develop for promoters in California, but especially for Roy Shire in Northern California. Both wrestlers and promoters alike were revolting in different ways, and while the former was nothing new, the latter was a bit out of the ordinary. Shire had slowly been pulling out.. Subscribers click here to continue.

WRESTLING OBSERVER NEWSLETTER: December 12, 2016 Linda McMahon given Trump cabinet position, WWE TLC review, more

A look at Linda McMahon being named to Donald Trump’s cabinet is the lead story in the new issue of the Wrestling Observer newsletter. Find out what has been said that is totally misleading about her background, the background of Vince McMahon buying the WWF, her previous comments on Trump and others from wrestling who have been in similar positions.

This issue contains TLC show run down, with poll results, match-by-match coverage with star ratings, notes on the next set of Smackdown angles, where Raw is going for the next PPV and business notes on the show.

News on the Jerry Lawler and Lita situation, an update on the Jimmy Snuka manslaughter case, lots of WWE Network news and new surveys, John Cena and Dwayne Johnson updates on work outside of wrestling, new bookings for Brock Lesnar and Bill Goldberg, notes on two athletes WWE is looking at signing, Olympic gold medalist getting a tryout, WWE star gets engaged, former WWE stars returning, WWE product commercial awarded, update on several injuries, and a look at the most watched shows on the WWE Network this past week, all in this big issue of the Observer.

Also, check out the business notes regarding all the WWE and NXT live arena events held around the world over the past week, including highlights of every show.

Have a look at ROH’s biggest event of the year, Final Battle, with a look at the show, contract updates, the story behind the Young Bucks vs. Hardys match, why Cody Rhodes turned, business notes and star ratings.

Coverage of the UFC TUF finale and the Demetrious Johnson vs. Tim Elliott title match, how close the Joseph Benavidez vs. Henry Cejudo fight really was, business notes on the show, and how much everyone on the show earned, all inside this issue.

Lastly, there are details on the ratings for all the national shows over the past week, including breakdown of who was watching all of the WWE shows, plus results of the major league arena events held all over the world this past week, as well as notes on the various TV shows… Subscribers click here to continue.

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:November 15, 1999: ECW November to Remember review, Dynamite Kid book, more – The most publicized story ever in North American pro wrestling, the tragic death of Owen Hart on 5/23, is brought vividly back to life with the documentary “The life and death of Owen Hart.” The one-hour piece, debuted in Ontario on TVO on 11/3, in the rest of Canada on 11/6 on the A Channel and will be part of A&E’s bio week on pro wrestling, with an 11/16 showing… Subscribers click here to continue.

SATURDAY NEWS UPDATE

WWE

• John Cena will be hosting Saturday Night Live on NBC tonight. Cena discussed the hosting appearance in an interview.
• The missing Raw Bowl episode of Raw has been uploaded to the WWE Network.
• Former WWE writer Tom Casiello commented on being fired by the company after Dave Meltzer broke the news in yesterday’s daily update.
• WWE held a tryout during NXT’s tour of Australia. Check out the prospects from down under.
• WWE’s YouTube channel looks at the top 10 announce table crash landings.

PRO WRESTLING

• As was expected, Cody Rhodes was unveiled as the newest member of the Bullet Club in a video that aired on the NJPW World Tag League finals. He referred to himself as “The American Nightmare” in the video and will be debuting at the Tokyo Dome on January 4th.
• Another NJPW faction also added a new member as Hiromu Takahashi (the former Kamaitachi) accepted a Los Ingobernables de Japon baseball cap from Tetsuya Naito after interfering in LIJ’s match against Hiroshi Tanahashi & KUSHIDA. Takahashi will challenge KUSHIDA for his junior heavyweight title at the Dome.
• Togi Makabe and Tomoaki Honma were the winners of the World Tag League tournament after beating IWGP Tag Team Champions Guerrillas of Destiny in the show’s main event, and they will likely challenge them for the titles at the Dome.
• It was also made apparent that Hirooki Goto would challenge Katusyori Shibata for the NEVER Openweight Championship at WrestleKingdom.
• Mustafa Ali had his final indie match for Freelance Wrestling in Chicago last night before he heads to WWE.
• Colby Corino put out a video saying that he’s going to get the treatment he needs after his recent arrest.
• Jeff Hardy was on CBS promoting his new album Spawn Of Me. It’s an eclectic twist of rock, country and some hip-hop all rolled in one. He also had TNA’s music man, Dale Oliver, produce the songs. They recorded them at Oliver’s house over a two-day span. He said fears of developing CTE from repeated concussions weigh heavily on him and are the inspiration for one of the tracks on the album, “Irreversible.” Plus he talked about his contract status in TNA, the management shakeup and his future.
• Dave Bautista tweeted to Chad Dukes to comment on a video from last night’s Impact Wrestling of the Broken Hardy’s, about the gimmick “jumping the shark.”
• EVOLVE 74 Saturday, Dec. 10th, 2016. Belltime: 6:00 PM EST. La Boom 56-15 Northern Blvd. Woodside, Queens, NY. Watch live at www.FloSlam.tv.
• Here is an article on journeyman wrestler Tom Drake.

UFC / MMA

• Max Holloway responded to Anthony Pettis missing weight for their UFC 206 main event.
• Dana White said the UFC is introducing a women’s featherweight division whether Cris Cyborg is involved or not.

VARIETY

• Former WWE, WCW, and GWF talent Scott Putski was the latest guest on the Pancakes and Powerslams Show. Putski had much to say about his time in WWE and WCW. He also shared his thoughts on Vince McMahon’s bodybuilding, why he was placed in the Light Heavyweight division and Eric Bischoff’s lack of management skills. He also said that Brock Lesnar “was a joke” in UFC.
• NWA Mid South in Ripley, TN at the Power Pro Arena from last night: Matt Taylor b EMT #1-COR, Johnny Morton b Step Daddy-DQ, Morton & Taylor b Daddy & EMT, Greg Anthony b Jakob Edwinn, NWA World Tag Team Titles: Heat Seekers (Sigmon & Elliott Russell) b Iron Empire (Rob Conway & Matt Riviera) to win titles. NWA Mid South runs the Power Pro Arena every Friday night at 8 PM.
• Saturday morning TV results of Lucha Xtreme in Fresno: 1. Jake Atlas defeated Suzuki by pin 2. Hoss Hogg defeated Ely EverFly by pin 3. Robby Phoenix defeated Anthony Idol by pin

Today in Professional Wrestling History (12/10): Edge & Christian capture WWF tag team gold

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 102 Betting & Fantasy Playbook
• Lucha Underground results: The Battle of the Bulls begins
• WWE NXT results: Shinsuke Nakamura recaptures the title in Japan
• Donald Trump picks Linda McMahon for a cabinet-level position
• WWE SmackDown video highlights: The Miz vs. Dean Ambrose

AUDIO

• WOL: Linda McMahon, Dave Meltzer interview, Otunga vs. Saxton, more! 12/8
• WOR: Linda and Trump, Lita and Lawler, NXT, Smackdown, 205 Live, UFC, more! 12/8
• F4D: Smackdown, 205 Live, Impact, MMAAA, tons more! 12/7
• WOL: 205 Live, Smackdown, NXT, Lawler and Lita gone, more! 12/7
• DragonKingKarl Classic Wrestling Show: WON Hall of Fame review 12/7

There is an NXT house show tonight in St. Petersburg, FL.

TNA IMPACT TONIGHT ON POP TV

• Mahabali Shera & Al Snow vs. Basille Baraka & Baron Dax in a double strap match
• Hardys vs. Bram & Eddie Kingston for TNA tag titles
• Allie vs. Laurel Van Ness
• Moose vs. Aron Rex for the Grand Championship
• Eddie Edwards vs. Ethan Carter III for TNA title

FIGURE FOUR WEEKLY: 11/28/2016 Buddy Rose investigated by CSAC for getting too much heat

When we last left you, “Playboy” Buddy Rose, real name Paul Perschmann, was in the middle of a mess with the California State Athletic Commission (CSAC). While he had already been able to get out from under a case where he got in trouble over a match that had a referee bump, the latest issue in that went on from late 1978 through 1979 was a bit more complicated…

Subscribers click here to continue.

WRESTLING OBSERVER NEWSLETTER: December 12, 2016 Linda McMahon given Trump cabinet position, WWE TLC review, more

Former WWE CEO Linda McMahon was named by president-elect Donald Trump to his cabinet as the administrator of the Small Business Administration on 12/7.

“Linda has a tremendous background and is widely recognized as one of the country’s top female executives advising businesses around the globe,” Trump said. “She helped grow the WWE from a modest 13-person operation to a publicly traded global enterprise with more than 800 employees in offices worldwide. Linda is going to be a phenomenal leader and champion for small businesses and unleash America’s entrepreneurial spirit across the country.”

The WWE’s next-to-last PPV show of the year, the TLC show from Dallas, featured two great matches and the rest kind of filler, built around yet another sensational performance by A.J. Styles. Styles suffered an ankle injury in his TLC match WWE title defense, where he beat Dean Ambrose due to a heel turn by James Ellsworth. It’s unclear how long he’ll be out of action, but on television he portrayed it like it would be a week or so.

Ring of Honor’s traditional biggest event of the year, Final Battle, took place on 12/2 in its return to the Hammerstein Ballroom in New York. The show, held before an advanced sellout of 1,800 fans, showcased both good and bad with the promotion… Subscribers click here to continue.

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:November 15, 1999: ECW November to Remember review, Dynamite Kid book, more – The most publicized story ever in North American pro wrestling, the tragic death of Owen Hart on 5/23, is brought vividly back to life with the documentary “The life and death of Owen Hart.” The one-hour piece, debuted in Ontario on TVO on 11/3, in the rest of Canada on 11/6 on the A Channel and will be part of A&E’s bio week on pro wrestling, with an 11/16 showing… click here to continue.

THURSDAY NEWS UPDATE

Jon Jones received a one year suspension by the Nevada Athletic Commission, identical to his UFC USADA suspension. There was some concern that Nevada could hand out a longer suspension. That means he’ll be eligible to fight after 7/6. According to MMA Fighting, Jones will not be fined by the commission.

UFC has started the promotion for Ronda Rousey’s return on 12/30. She was on Conan O’Brien last night. There wasn’t much to it but she said that it would not be her last fight. She didn’t say this, but we’ve heard she has two fights left on her contract and is planning on doing that minimum. They also released a new promotional video building up the fight.

Georges St-Pierre was on TSN and said that UFC wanted to start up negotiations with him once again.

There will be a lot of New Japan news coming early next week. The announcement of the complete Tokyo Dome card as well as more info on the show should be announced shortly after the tag team tournament on Saturday. Saturday’s show, which airs live on New Japan World, should have several angles building new matches. The main event of Saturday’s show will be the finals of the tag team tournament with Tama Tonga & Tanga Roa facing Togi Makabe & Tomoaki Honma. On today’s show in Hachinohe, Makabe & Honma beat Tomohiro Ishii & Hirooki Goto to win the B block. They tied with Seiya Sanada & Evil with 5-2 records, but Makabe & Honma advanced to the finals because they beat Sanada & Evil head-to-head. Sanada & Evil eliminated Kazuchika Okada & Yoshi-Hashi, while Kenny Omega & Chase Owens also eliminated Katsuyori Shibata & Yuji Nagata.   

Conor McGregor will play a crew member on Euron Greyjoy’s ship The Silence on “Game of Thrones.”  The idea is that everyone on the ship had their tongues cut of and can’t talk. So they are bringing McGregor in for a non-speaking role.  That’s one of the wackier ideas in history.

WWE

• Randy Orton did an interview with Tom Clark on Bleacher Report putting over working with Jason Jordan & Chad Gable, hints at new ring gear now that he’s in the Wyatt Family, and discusses his style of wrestling and what style of wrestling he doesn’t like.
• Mickie James has signed a three-year deal with WWE.
• Some more Linda McMahon press is here and here. (thanks to Chris Cruise)
• We don’t have details, but Todd Garzon, who worked security at NXT, passed away. Adam Pearce, who works at NXT, was among several who tweeted about it.  
• There will be a press conference on Thursday at the O2 Arena in London with HHH, William Regal and Finn Balor. 
• A story about Tian Bing and WWE’s attempt to penetrate the Chinese market is here.
• Evidently they are preparing Lana once again to wrestle. She will start working in NXT on tonight’s show in St. Petersburg, FL. Not Russia. She will also be wrestling in Winter Haven tomorrow night.
• Tickets for the 1/12 NXT show in Indianapolis, 1/13 in Louisville and 1/14 in Nashville are available at NXTTickets.com with the code NXTLIVE
• “Moana” opens in Australia on 12/26. (thanks to James Stanios) 
• Randy Orton will appear on “Shooter” on the USA Network this coming Tuesday night after Smackdown. (thanks to Rishi Malhotra)

UFC

• There’s already less than a united front as Tim Kennedy is now publicly questioning the public moves made by Bjorn Rebney in the MMAAA. 
• Tomorrow’s UFC show in Albany, NY will air live on The Fight Network in Canada starting at 9 p.m. The show is headlined by Derrick Lewis vs. Shamil Abdurakhimov.
• MMA Junkie reported that Roy Nelson, due to apologizing over the incident where he kicked ref John McCarthy, will have his nine month suspension reduced to six months. He was told that they would reduce his suspension if he issued a public apology. Nelson will be able to fight again on 3/29.  

MISCELLANEOUS

• Dynamite Kansai will be retiring with a show on Sunday at Korakuen Hall, wrestling her longtime tag team partner Mayumi Ozaki in the main event.
• Now that Jerry Lawler is no longer under a full-time WWE deal, he’s made a deal to do talk shows in the U.K. on 3/16 in London at the Leicester Square Theater, 3/17 in Manchester and the Dancehouse Theater, 31/18 in Glasgow at The Classic Grand and 3/19 in Belfast at The Empire Music Hall.
• Matt Riddle talks why he won’t be working for Absolute Intense Wrestling anymore.
• DDP and Fite TV reached an agreement that DDP Yoga will air on Fite TV starting on 12/8. The price for DDP Yoga on Spike is $64.99. The first 100 sign-ups will get a Fite TV T-shirt.
• ACH vs. Beer City Bruiser will take place for CWE on 1/16 in Regina, Saskatchewan.
• Three-time NCAA champion Ed Ruth has been added to the Saturday afternoon Bellator show from Florence, Italy. Bellator is doing a combination MMA and kickboxing card, but they will air separately. Ruth faces Emmanuele Palombi (5-2) in the scheduled opener on television which airs at 4 p.m., so the show will mostly go against the UFC’s FS 1 prelims.
• Bellator also announced Georgi Karakhanyan vs. Emmanuel Sanchez for the 1/21 show in Los Angeles, which is the show headlined by Tito Ortiz vs. Chael Sonnen.  
• CZW Cage of Death on Saturday night at Flyers Skate Zone in Voorhees, NJ with a Cage of Death match with Devon Moore & Drew Blood & Dale Patricks & Josh Crane vs. Matt Tremont & Joey Janela & Jeff Cannonball & Conor Claxton, plus Jonathan Gresham vs. Joe Gacy for the CZW world title.
• Northeast Wrestling on Saturday night in Bethany, CT at the NEW Arena headlined by Brian Anthony defending the NEW title against TK O’Ryan, plus Wrecking Ball Legursky vs. Mike Bennett, plus Matt Taven, Dijak, Keith Lee, Vinny Marseglia and more.
• Micah Miller vs. Jared Gooden headlines NFC 89 tomorrow night at Center Stage in Atlanta in an MMA event. For the final tickets, you can get two for the price of one at www.NFCFighting.com.  
• Amy “Lita” Dumas, who was just cut by WWE, will be appearing this weekend at the Steel  City Comic Con in Pittsburgh this weekend. 
• Pure Wrestling Association on 1/21 in Cambridge, ONT at the Hespeler Memeorial Arena.
• Alpha One Wrestling on 1/22 in Hamilton, ONT at the Knights of Columbus. and 12/18 in Oshaw, ONT at the Polish Alliance Association of Canada.
• NWA Smoky Mountain Wrestling has its final show of the year on Saturday night in Kingsport, TN at the Civic Auditorium.
• Anthony Henry, Dave Crist and Dezmond Xavier have been announced for the first Style Battle promotion show on 1/7. on FloSlam from Ybor City, FL.
• Glory has moved its television home in Holland from Spike TV to Ziggo Sport because the owner of Ziggo Sport now owns 40 percent of the Glory promotion. (thanks to Henk Mulder)
• The former Moonshine Mantell will be working the NWL St. Louis under the name Maverick.

This is the update on Wrestlecon events over WrestleMania weekend:

• Wrestle Pro on Thursday at 8:30 p.m.
• Revolution Pro on Friday at 4 p.m. 
• WrestleCon Super Show on Friday at 8:30 p.m.
• Wrestling Revolver on Saturday at Noon
• Women’s Super Show on Saturday at 4 p.m.
• CZW on Saturday at 8:30 p.m.

        All show will be at the Hyatt Regency in Orlando

Today in Professional Wrestling History (12/8): Harlem Heat win the WCW tag titles

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

• Donald Trump picks Linda McMahon for a cabinet-level position
• WWE SmackDown video highlights: The Miz vs. Dean Ambrose
• WWE 205 Live results: Brian Kendrick gets a rematch for the title
• WWE SmackDown live results: AJ Styles vs. James Ellsworth
• Raw ratings drop a bit for this week’s episode
• UFC TUF finale cracks 1 million viewers; Bellator MMA holds its own despite competition
• WWE removes Jerry Lawler & Lita from regular TV duties
• Sasha Banks to face Charlotte in an Iron Man match at WWE Roadblock

AUDIO

• B&V&C: DX plays strip poker, Vince vs. Austin, Starrcade build 12/6
• WOL: RAW Monday, Roadblock END OF THE LINE, WWE Network, more! 12/6
• Big Audio Nightmare: Amazing AJPW; NOAH’s new look, DDT, more 12/6
• WOR: RAW report, AJ Styles injury update, New Japan and NOAH notes, more! 12/6

FIGURE FOUR WEEKLY: 11/28/2016 Buddy Rose investigated by CSAC for getting too much heat

When we last left you, “Playboy” Buddy Rose, real name Paul Perschmann, was in the middle of a mess with the California State Athletic Commission (CSAC). While he had already been able to get out from under a case where he got in trouble over a match that had a referee bump, the latest issue in that went on from late 1978 through 1979 was a bit more complicated…

Subscribers click here to continue.

WRESTLING OBSERVER NEWSLETTER: December 5, 2016 Wrestling Observer Hall of Fame with 4 inductees

What is traditionally the most talked about issue of the year, the 2016 Hall of Fame Observer issue is now out with the full balloting, stories on both the people now in as well as notes on many not in, plus how candidates did when broken down by reports, historians, active wrestler and former wrestlers. Also, look at who is on next year’s ballot who is being dropped from next year’s ballot and others in danger of being dropped.

Take a look at what UFC is expecting with its next television deal, notes on the timing of the deal, why the deal is so important, the landscape of television in general, how cutting the cord affects revenues and what stations can afford, and who has expressed interest in UFC.

There are some very interesting things going on behind the scenes in wrestling regarding contract offers, moves being made by television and streaming services. Find out how this will affect the pro wrestling business over the next year and for time to come.

Read about the announcement of the new Mixed Martial Arts Athletes Association, what they are looking for, what is and isn’t accurate, and how they are looking to get the concessions from UFC.

Finally, get an update on the situation with Daniel Cormier and how his injury led to Conor McGregor being stripped of the featherweight title, updates on UFC 206 and predictions on it, plus the injuries at AKA…

Subscribers click here to continue.

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:November 15, 1999: ECW November to Remember review, Dynamite Kid book, more – The most publicized story ever in North American pro wrestling, the tragic death of Owen Hart on 5/23, is brought vividly back to life with the documentary “The life and death of Owen Hart.” The one-hour piece, debuted in Ontario on TVO on 11/3, in the rest of Canada on 11/6 on the A Channel and will be part of A&E’s bio week on pro wrestling, with an 11/16 showing… click here to continue.

WEDNESDAY NEWS UPDATE

WWE

You can’t see… LIVE from New York it’s Saturday night!

• Saturday Night Live released a promo video featuring John Cena for his upcoming hosting appearance this Saturday. Cena did an interview talking about hosting the show and why he isn’t afraid to make fun of himself.
• Linda McMahon tweeted about being appointed as head of the Small Business Administration by President-elect Donald Trump: “Honored to be appointed by President-Elect @realDonaldTrump to serve as head of @SBAgov advocating for our small businesses & entrepreneurs!”
• Vince McMahon, Stephanie McMahon, Shane McMahon, and Triple H also posted about the news.
• Last night’s scheduled SmackDown main event didn’t happen with AJ Styles unable to defend his title against James Ellsworth because of the ankle injury he suffered at TLC. The Miz defending the Intercontinental Championship against Dean Ambrose was the new main event, with the storyline between Ambrose and Ellsworth continuing as Ellsworth inadvertently cost Ambrose the match.
• There was an angle with Heath Slater and Rhyno on last night’s Talking Smack with Rhyno walking out on Slater after blaming him for their recent losses.
• Shinsuke Nakamura’s title win against Samoa Joe from last Saturday in Osaka airs on tonight’s episode of NXT.
• USA Network is advertising next week as “WWE Week” with Raw, SmackDown, and Tribute to the Troops airing on successive nights.
• Today is Dean Ambrose’s 31st birthday.
• A video on WWE’s YouTube account looks at the history of the List of Jericho.
• WWE is eyeing an expansion into China.
• WWE is scouting Canadian Freestyle wrestling Olympic gold medalist Erica Wiebe.

PRO WRESTLING

• Matt Riddle will no longer wrestle for AIW. The promotion posted the news on Twitter today: “We regret to inform you Matt Riddle will no longer be appearing on 12/30 or any dates going forward as he did not like how he was booked.” Riddle then tweeted: “Just wanna apologize to all of my @aiwrestling fans after texting with @JohnThorneAIW we decided my future with #aiw is over #kingofbros”
• Colt Cabana reacted to Linda McMahon’s appointment as head of the Small Business Administration.
• On Saturday, March 4th, Ring of Honor’s MANHATTAN MAYHEM returns to the Manhattan Center’s Hammerstein Ballroom. ROH also returns to Milwaukee on Friday April 28th at the Turner Hall Ballroom.
• Hardcore legend The Sandman is still living the dream.
• Here is an article looking at what TNA can do in 2017 to get back on the right track and why 2016 was such a whirlwind.

UFC

• Dana White commented on the UFC firing Chuck Liddell and Matt Hughes: “The Chuck Liddell, Matt Hughes thing, during the ZUFFA era, those were my guys. I wanted them to retire, I respected these guys. They helped build this company when I was growing it and I told them both, I said, ‘Unless I drop dead or it comes to a position sometime where I’m not controlling how much money is being spent and all that stuff, you guys will get a paycheck until that day.’ And that day came. The thing with Matt and Chuck, it was a loyalty thing for me. It was my gift to them or being the guys that they were when me, Frank and Lorenzo, when it was our money.”
• Donald Cerrone spoke about his involvement in the Mixed Martial Arts Athletes Association: “As far as the Association goes man, Georges and Tim called me and asked me to be part of it. I didn’t know I was sitting on a board. That kind of took me by surprise, sitting there like, oh wow. I spoke to Dana today on the phone. He’s coming to town, and we’re going to go out to dinner and talk. There’s a lot of things I think this sport needs, you know, retirement pension, health care, things I think we need.”
• TJ Dillashaw said he has mixed emotions about Urijah Faber retiring.
• Valentina Shevchenko vs. Julianna Pena will headline UFC’s January 28th show in Denver.
• Ariel Helwani reports that Nick Diaz has reached an agreement with the Nevada Athletic Commission to participate in all fight-related activities again.

VARIETY

• Combat Zone Wrestling’s largest event of the year, “Cage of Death”, takes place Saturday, December 10 at Flyers Skate Zone, 601 Laurel Oak RD in Voorhees, NJ! Help us in our annual collection for #ToysForTots! Make this the best year EVER!
• FIST Combat on Friday night, 12/9 in Watsonville at Appleton Grill 730p doors.
• FIST Combat on Saturday night, 12/10 in Santa Cruz at Garfield Park CC 8p doors.
• You can still purchase tickets for this weekend’s EVOLVE 74 in Queens, NY and EVOLVE 75 in Melrose, MA at TicketFly.com. You have the option to print the tickets at home with TicketFly.
• Barrie Wrestling: SuperBowl Bash Saturday, January 28, 2017 at 5 PM – 7:30 PM, 49 Ferris Ln, Barrie, ON L4M 2Y1, Canada.
• We would like to wish a happy belated B-day week to the F4W Empire’s co-executive vice-president partial-coordinator of events sometimes, Eddie “from San Antonio” Loredo. It’s a very prestigious role.

Today in Professional Wrestling History (12/7): WWF In Your House: D-Generation X

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 video highlights: Roman Reigns vs. Chris Jericho
• Sasha Banks to face Charlotte in an Iron Man match at WWE Roadblock
• Daily Update: AJ Styles’ ankle, Mickie James & Tajiri, McGregor on HBO
• Seth Rollins vs. Chris Jericho set for WWE Roadblock
• WWE Raw live results: The build to Roadblock continues

AUDIO

• WOR: RAW report, AJ Styles injury update, New Japan and NOAH notes, more! 12/6
• WOL: WWE TLC fallout, AJ Styles injured, James Ellsworth, more! 12/5
• WOR: WWE TLC, ROH TV tapings, Don Frye health update, more! 12/5
• B&V: Bryan and Filthy Tom review WWE TLC 2016! 12/4

Smackdown and 205 Live take place on Tuesday night in Houston at the Toyota Center.

NEW JAPAN WORLD TAG LEAGUE WEDNESDAY IN MITO ON NEW JAPAN WORLD

• Hiroshi Tanahashi & Juice Robinson vs. Manabu Nakanishi & Henare
• Hiroyoshi Tenzan & Satoshi Kojima vs. Brian Breaker & Leland Race
• War Machine vs. Yujiro Takahashi & Hangman Page
• Tetsuya Naito & Rush vs. Tama Tonga & Tanga Roa

FIGURE FOUR WEEKLY: 11/28/2016: Buddy Rose investigated by CSAC for getting too much heat

What is traditionally the most talked about issue of the year, the 2016 Hall of Fame Observer issue is now out with the full balloting, stories on both the people now in as well as notes on many not in, plus how candidates did when broken down by reports, historians, active wrestler and former wrestlers. Also, look at who is on next year’s ballot who is being dropped from next year’s ballot and others in danger of being dropped.

Take a look at what UFC is expecting with its next television deal, notes on the timing of the deal, why the deal is so important, the landscape of television in general, how cutting the cord affects revenues and what stations can afford, and who has expressed interest in UFC.

There are some very interesting things going on behind the scenes in wrestling regarding contract offers, moves being made by television and streaming services. Find out how this will affect the pro wrestling business over the next year and for time to come.

Read about the announcement of the new Mixed Martial Arts Athletes Association, what they are looking for, what is and isn’t accurate, and how they are looking to get the concessions from UFC.

This issue has updates on the WWE women’s division, upcoming PPV plans, notes on PPVs in 2017, Tyson Kidd’s status, a TV show that was dropped and why, John Cena about to take another hiatus, new WWF signings, Hogan/WWE update, Big Show talks current situation, Dwayne Johnson movie box office, twitter hilarity, Jericho talks his current run, most-watched shows on the network, WWE gets new tape library as well as notes from all the WWE arena events from the past week with business notes and show highlights.

Finally, get an update on the situation with Daniel Cormier and how his injury led to Conor McGregor being stripped of the featherweight title, updates on UFC 206 and predictions on it, plus the injuries at AKA.

All of this and more in the giant new issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter! 

Subscribers click here to continue.

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:November 15, 1999: ECW November to Remember review, Dynamite Kid book, more – The most publicized story ever in North American pro wrestling, the tragic death of Owen Hart on 5/23, is brought vividly back to life with the documentary “The life and death of Owen Hart.” The one-hour piece, debuted in Ontario on TVO on 11/3, in the rest of Canada on 11/6 on the A Channel and will be part of A&E’s bio week on pro wrestling, with an 11/16 showing… click here to continue.

TUESDAY NEWS UPDATE

• The New Day will defend their Raw Tag Team Championship against Cesaro & Sheamus and Luke Gallows & Karl Anderson in a triple threat match on Raw next week.
• The second episode of 205 Live will air on the WWE Network tonight after SmackDown. Rich Swann defending his WWE Cruiserweight Championship in a rematch from last week will main event the show.
• The most hyped thing for tonight’s episode of SmackDown is AJ Styles defending the WWE World Championship against James Ellsworth. Ellsworth helped Styles retain the title at TLC on Sunday, then the explanation given on Talking Smack after was that Ellsworth thinks he has Styles’ number after beating him three times recently with the help of Dean Ambrose.
• Heath Slater and Rhyno will also get their Tag Team Championship rematch on tonight’s SmackDown.
• Darren Young vs. Jinder Mahal and Sin Cara vs. Bo Dallas were the matches taped for Main Event before Raw last night. Big Cass brawled with Rusev after the show went off the air.
• It was announced on last night’s Raw that Emmalina will premiere next week.
• AJ Styles addressed his wardrobe malfunction from last Sunday.
• McDonalds sent Big E a championship fanny pack after Survivor Series.

UFC / MMA

• Dana White said on UFC Unfiltered that Cris Cyborg turned down fights against Holly Holm and Germaine De Randamie that would’ve kicked off the women’s featherweight division. Holm also turned down the fight on the advice of her coach. Cyborg explained the decision to MMAFighting, saying that she was still recovering but will fight in the division soon.
• White also commented on the Mixed Martial Arts Athletes Association and Bjorn Rebney’s involvement in the group: “Listen, I don’t know enough about it to really speak on it. The only thing I need to know is the biggest scumbag in the history of combat sports — Bjork — is involved in this thing.”
• Rebney tweeted about White: “You pay fighters 8 cents on the $. No pension, No benefits, No safety net & your Co.’s worth $4 Billion! U should be ashamed.”
• ESPN’s Brett Okamoto tweeted that he’s hearing a fight between Julianna Pena and Valentina Shevchenko is potentially in the works.
• Ryan Bader opened up on dealing with free agency, his frustrations with the UFC, if a title is still his goal, the MMAAA and when we can expect to see a decision on where he’ll end up.

VARIETY

• FIST Combat crowns its first champion with two huge shows this weekend. Fri 12/9 SEMI-finals at Appleton Grill in Watsonville, will be the semi-finals. The next night will be the final. Sat 12/10 ULTIMATE COMBAT w/FINALS at Garfield Park CC in Santa Cruz.
• Global BC in Canada did a 2 minute feature about the Bollywood Boyz, who are from the Burnaby Area.
• Northeast Wrestling “The Best Around is Coming to Town” on 12/10 at the NEW Arena (40 Peck Road) in Bethany, CT for our annual Christmas spectacular. This is a special Toys for Tots event. Anyone who brings an unwrapped toy with a value of at least $10 will receive a free NEW DVD. Bell time is 7 p.m. Order tickets online at www.northeastwrestling.com or purchase at the door Saturday night.
• World of Sport Wrestling makes a historic and triumphant return to ITV for a one-off special, with an exciting mix of fast paced action and family fun for all.
• New England Fights 27: “NEF 27: RESURGENCE” takes place on Saturday, February 11, 2017 at 7 p.m. Tickets start at $25 and are on sale now at www.TheColisee.com or by calling the Colisee box office at 207.783.2009, extension 525.

Today in Professional Wrestling History (12/6): WWF Capital Carnage 1998

CONTACT INFORMATION

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WWE TLC 

FROM DALLAS AT 7:30 P.M. EASTERN TIME ON WWE NETWORK.

• A.J. Styles vs. Dean Ambrose in a TLC match for WWE title – Styles always delivers on big shows and it wouldn’t be surprising for a rising from the dead spot at the end, whether that’s Undertaker or James Ellsworth. But it appears the smart money is already in given the long odds right now. Styles is a -2450 favorite (more than 24-to-one odds) to retain the title.
• The Miz vs Dolph Ziggler in ladder match for IC title – In what is being pushed as their blow-off match, Miz is a -1425 favorite to retain his title as well. This should also be a great match. Miz and Ziggler had one of WWE’s best matches of the year, and Ziggler had a killer ladder match with John Cena many years ago. Being put in a significant match that will be given time usually means he’ll shine.
• Becky Lynch vs. Alexa Bliss in a tables match for the women’s title – Bliss is a -1350 favorite to win the championship. A tables match is usually a good out for a heel win over a babyface because it can be a fluke and leave openings for the face losing unfairly, not being pinned, and setting up rematches.
• Heath Slater & Rhyno vs. Randy Orton & Bray Wyatt for tag titles – Orton & Wyatt are -2150 favorites to win the match. For reasons we’ve talked about several times, it makes sense for them to take the titles because it would elevate the belts. The “cute” Heath Slater push has pretty much run its course and the titles are pretty much lower card comedy as long as they are champions.
• Baron Corbin vs. Kalisto in a chairs match – Corbin is a -2450 favorite. Obviously the company has high hopes for Corbin as a future champion and Kalisto is in that position where Vince McMahon likes to have him bullied by the big guys. 
• Nikki Bella vs Carmella in a no DQ match – Bella is a -1500 favorite to win this one.

TLC shows because of the latitude of weapons usage, brawling outside the ring and no DQs in so many of the matches is usually among the wilder shows of the year. Smackdown right now is really short on the marquee value side so interest isn’t necessary high for the show, but it should deliver.  

THE ROUND-UP

The Latest from the F4W Staff

NEWS

• The Ultimate Fighter 24 Finale live results: Demetrious Johnson vs. Tim Elliott
• Updated betting odds for tomorrow’s WWE TLC show
• The Young Bucks sign new two-year contracts with ROH & NJPW
• Shinsuke Nakamura recaptures the NXT Championship in Japan
• Chuck Liddell & Matt Hughes among latest laid off by UFC
• Matt Hardy appears at ROH’s Final Battle to challenge The Young Bucks
• ROH Final Battle live results: Adam Cole vs. Kyle O’Reilly

AUDIO

• WOR: ROH, Young Bucks, Matt Hardy, TUF Finale, Lesnar, Nakamura, more! 12/4
• Josh Nason’s Punch-Out: ESPN’s Brett Okamoto on DJ, Conor & Bjorn 12/3
• WOR: ROH Final Battle, news on John Cena, UFC releases, more! 12/3

We’re looking for reports on the following shows to: [email protected]

• ROH Final Battle PPV
• WWE Raw in Albuquerque, NM (Kevin Owens vs. Roman Reigns)
• NXT in Crystal River, FL
• NXT in Osaka, Japan with Samoa Joe vs. Shinsuke Nakamura for the NXT title and Asuka vs. Nia Jax for the women’s title
• WWE Raw in Mexico City, Mexico (Brock Lesnar vs. Rusev; Kevin Owens vs. Roman Reigns) at Arena Ciudad
• WWE Smackdown in Oklahoma City, OK
• NXT in Largo, FL.  
• WWE Raw in Monterrey, Mexico 
• ROH TV tapings in Philadelphia at the 2300 Arena (First round of Decade of Excellence tournament for an ROH title shot in March with Christopher Daniels vs. Mark Briscoe, Alex Shelley vs. Colt Cabana, Jushin Liger vs. Jay Lethal and B.J. Whitmer vs. Jay Briscoe)

NEW JAPAN WORLD TAG LEAGUE MONDAY IN KYOTO ON NEW JAPAN WORLD

• Togi Makabe & Tomoaki Honma vs. Bad Luck Fale & Bone Soldier
• Seiya Sanada & Evil vs. Kenny Omega & Chase Owens
• Kazuchika Okada & Yoshi-Hashi vs. Yoshitatsu & Billy Gunn
• Yuji Nagata & Katsuyori Shibata vs. Hirooki Goto & Tomohiro Ishii

Raw will be Monday in Austin, TX. Nothing has been announced for the show. There will also be a Smackdown house show on Monday night in Tyler, TX.

Smackdown and 205 Live take place on Tuesday night in Houston at the Toyota Center.

NEW JAPAN WORLD TAG LEAGUE WEDNESDAY IN MITO ON NEW JAPAN WORLD

• Hiroshi Tanahashi & Juice Robinson vs. Manabu Nakanishi & Henare
• Hiroyoshi Tenzan & Satoshi Kojima vs. Brian Breaker & Leland Race
• War Machine vs. Yujiro Takahashi & Hangman Page
• Tetsuya Naito & Rush vs. Tama Tonga & Tanga Roa

FIGURE FOUR WEEKLY: 11/28/2016: Buddy Rose investigated by CSAC for getting too much heat

What is traditionally the most talked about issue of the year, the 2016 Hall of Fame Observer issue is now out with the full balloting, stories on both the people now in as well as notes on many not in, plus how candidates did when broken down by reports, historians, active wrestler and former wrestlers. Also, look at who is on next year’s ballot who is being dropped from next year’s ballot and others in danger of being dropped.

Take a look at what UFC is expecting with its next television deal, notes on the timing of the deal, why the deal is so important, the landscape of television in general, how cutting the cord affects revenues and what stations can afford, and who has expressed interest in UFC.

There are some very interesting things going on behind the scenes in wrestling regarding contract offers, moves being made by television and streaming services. Find out how this will affect the pro wrestling business over the next year and for time to come.

Read about the announcement of the new Mixed Martial Arts Athletes Association, what they are looking for, what is and isn’t accurate, and how they are looking to get the concessions from UFC.

This issue has updates on the WWE women’s division, upcoming PPV plans, notes on PPVs in 2017, Tyson Kidd’s status, a TV show that was dropped and why, John Cena about to take another hiatus, new WWF signings, Hogan/WWE update, Big Show talks current situation, Dwayne Johnson movie box office, twitter hilarity, Jericho talks his current run, most-watched shows on the network, WWE gets new tape library as well as notes from all the WWE arena events from the past week with business notes and show highlights.

Finally, get an update on the situation with Daniel Cormier and how his injury led to Conor McGregor being stripped of the featherweight title, updates on UFC 206 and predictions on it, plus the injuries at AKA.

All of this and more in the giant new issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter! 

Subscribers click here to continue.

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]. 

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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:November 8, 1999: Life and Death of Owen Hart documentary, RINGS tournament, plus more – The most publicized story ever in North American pro wrestling, the tragic death of Owen Hart on 5/23, is brought vividly back to life with the documentary “The life and death of Owen Hart.” The one-hour piece, debuted in Ontario on TVO on 11/3, in the rest of Canada on 11/6 on the A Channel and will be part of A&E’s bio week on pro wrestling, with an 11/16 showing… click here to continue.

SUNDAY NEWS UPDATE

Bryan and I will be up again tonight for Wrestling Observer Radio as we’ll be covering the WWE TLC show and then tomorrow another WOR covering Raw, plus updating news each night. If you’ve got questions for the show you can send them to [email protected].

Bill Goldberg is scheduled for the 1/2 Raw show in Tampa.

Tonight’s show in Dallas at the American Airlines Center is expected to draw 12,500 fans.

Colby Corino was arrested on Saturday night in Tennessee and taken into custody for possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia and other counts, as reported by Pro Wrestling Sheet. He’s being held on $40,000 bond. Corino was to start as a full-timer in the New Japan dojo in January.  

Today’s New Japan tag team tournament results form Kobe:

• Tetsuya Naito & Rush (4-2) b Manabu Nakanishi & Henare (0-6)
• War Machine (4-2) b Brian Breaker & Leland Race (2-4)
• Yujiro Takahashi & Hangman Page (3-3) b Satoshi Kojima & Hiroyoshi Tenzan (4-2)
• Tama Tonga & Tanga Roa (5-1) b Hiroshi Tanahashi & Juice Robinson (2-4)

WWE

• The company has already sent out travel package information for Survivor Series weekend in Houston in November 2017, with VIP packages that will include first five rows for Survivor Series, Raw, Smackdown and NXT shows plus a breakfast with wrestlers and hotel accommodations. Those staying for three days range from $1,350 per person for a party of four to $1,950 for one, and for four days it’s $1,575 per person for a party of four or $2,375 per person. There are also lower priced packages for non-ringside tickets and hotel stays ranging from $875 per person for three days for a party of four or $1,050 per person for four days for a party of four.
• WWE will be airing another episode of Story Time after Raw on the WWE Network tomorrow night.
• Tamina Snuka has been cleared to return after being out since May with knee surgery.
• Pete Rosenberg will be on the pre-game show tonight. WWE is looking at using Rosenberg in different capacities on the network as their reporter. There are different talk show ideas where he’d be one of the guys involved.
• A story on Mauro Ranallo and talks about his battles with depression.

MISCELLANEOUS

• Mid Missouri Wrestling Alliance from last night in St. Louis: J-Mal Swagg b Damion Cortese, Ace Hawkins b Big Texan, Garrett Shanks b Jimmy D, Moondog Rover b BT Daramola, Barackus b Gary Jackson, Varik Morgan b Deacon Cash-DQ, Brandon Espinosa b Da’Marius Jones-DQ. (thanks to Patrick Brandmeyer)
• WWN President Sal Hamaoui and Matt Riddle were in China this week doing publicity for WWN expanding into MMA. Kenny Johnson is also there working on a documentary regarding the trip.
• There was a snafu with PWG tickets on Thursday. Evidently they oversold front row. PWG sent letters to the people who got front row last and told them that they can either guarantee those people front row at the first show in 2017, or they can refund the tickets. That also means getting front row at the first show of 2017 will be harder than ever.
• Heidi Katrina, the CMLL Reina International champion is in the U.S. through 1/20 and looking for bookings through Bill Behrens at [email protected]. She’s based in Detroit.
• There is a benefit show for Gringo Loco, an independent wrestler who works Lucha Libre style, on 12/9 in Berwyn, IL, who suffered what we last heard was believed to have been a heart attack and has heavy medical bills. They are doing a show with a $10 donation that night at the Eagles Club.   
• New South Wrestling from Friday night in Franklin, KY: Shiner Sutton b John Irons, Shawn Shultz b Shawn Hurley, Christian James & Justin Grandberry b Vic the Bruiser & Arrick Andrews, Damien Wayne d Chris Michaels, Chase Stevens b Derek Neal-DQ. (thanks to Lekisha Oliver)
• Kenta Kobashi was a guest at Saturday’s Tokyo Grand Slam judo tournament. Woman wrestler Michihiro Omigawa was the guest on Friday. Here is a photo.
• Lucha Xtreme TV results from yesterday in Fresno: Hunter Freeman & Mike Camdin b Dirty Doug & Chris Myra, Kaos b Robby Phoenix, El Spirito b Dark Usagi and SoCal Crazy. (thanks to Jon Southerland)
• MCW from last night in Joppa, MD: Nick Comoroto & Cody Vance b Maxwell Jacob Feinstein & Malcom Mosses, Brittany Blake b Tessa Valentine, Leo St Giovanni & Shaheem Ali b Punk Rock All-Stars, Brandon Scott won over Jeremiah, Ryo and Greg Excellent, Damian Martinez b Chuck Lennox, Dante Caballeero b Lio Rush, Sean Studd b  Bruiser, Davey Richards & Eddie Edwards b Appalachian Outlaws, Jim Duggan & Lance Anoa’i & Johnny Crabcakes b Rock & Bowl Express, Paul Jordane b The Ecktourage-DQ, Drolix b Ken Dixon,. Hell Cats b FU in a cage match. (thanks to Shin-Blade)
• Red Rock Wrestling on 1/7 in Charlottetown, PE Canada at the Eastlink Center. Its’ a full-day of activities as one ticket gets you in to three hockey games and one pro wrestling event.
• I Believe in Wrestling from last night in Orlando: Aaron Epic b JD Amazing, Seth Petruzelli (former MMA fighter) b Faris Akeem, Kaci Lennox b Slade Porter, Leo O’Farrell b Axx Clover, Michael Patrick & Leo  Brien b Rey Xion & Dinamita Solar, Mila Naniki b Raegan Fire, Seth Petruzelli b C.J. O’Doyle, Rhett Giddins b Josh Hess to keep Florida title. Next show is 1/13. (thanks to Al Haft)
• House of Hardcore from last night in Waukesha, WI on Flo Slam: Bull James b Kevin Thorn, Matt Striker b Conor Braxton, Colt Cabana b Hot Shot, Ken Anderson b ?, Matt Cross b Tony Nese (great match), Tommy Dreamer & Mickie James b Aiden O’Shea & Angelina Love, Sami Callihan b Bob Holly, Al Snow & promoter Dave Herro b Abyss & Dameon Nelson in a cage match. Sandman helped Snow & Herro win the main event. Ryback also did a run-in during the Dreamer match.
• Given that it’s Observer Hall of Fame season, an interesting Hall of Fame note. Baseball has changed its Hall of Fame rules to where instead of 15 years on the ballot, the window has been closed to ten years before you are removed if you don’t make it. 

Today in Professional Wrestling History (12/4): Jerry Lawler wins the AWA Southern Title

CONTACT INFORMATION

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

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