THE ROUND-UP

The latest from the F4W Staff

NEWS

• Edge to appear on next week’s episode of SmackDown
• WWE Raw video highlights: Glasgow wants some Bayley
• Dolph Ziggler vs. Sami Zayn set for WWE Survivor Series
• WWE Raw live results: The build to Survivor Series continues
• Jon Jones suspended for one year, signs on for grappling match vs. Dan Henderson
• NJPW reveals full World Tag League lineup, four Wrestle Kingdom matches
• Chris Jericho & Sin Cara get into altercation after WWE event

AUDIO

• WOR: Raw report, Chris Jericho vs. Sin Cara, Jon Jones suspension, more! 11/8
• WOL: Sweet Saraya Knight interview, Jericho vs. Sin Cara, Jon Jones, more! 11/7
• DR. KEITH PRESENTS: Tozawa-Juku graduation! 11/7

Figure Four Weekly 10/31/2016: California wrestling regulation in 1977  – In reaching out to various athletic commissions to get whatever old pro wrestling-related records I can find, I may have hit a relative jackpot with the California State Athletic Commission. Record retention at the different commissions varies wildly, and while the CSAC doesn’t retain event-specific records from the pre-computer era, they do have the minutes of their monthly meetings going back to 1977…click here to continue.

F4W YouTube Page: Tons of clips and full free audio shows that you can tell your friends about, and much more to come! Make sure you subscribe today!

The Death of WCWby Bryan Alvarez and RD Reynolds is now available as an audiobook through Amazon.com and Audible. Alvarez did the narration for the book which runs almost fifteen hours, so grab yours today!

Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Nov 7, 2016: Judge rules in favor of TNA, Hogan settles with Gawker – In what will likely be the biggest business issue of the year, this issue has extensive looks at the business behind TNA, WWE and UFC as part of a double issue of the Observer up on the site today.

The lead story looks at the presentations and evidence in Billy Corgan’s failed attempt to get an injunction against TNA and into power. The decision behind Anthem Sports’ funding the company, who will be in charge, the financial questions involving Corgan and what type of money is being fought over, Corgan’s reaction, the value of TNA’s television deals, the true background of TNA losing its TV deal in the U.K. with Challenge with ratings notes, as well as notes on meetings with another station and a laughable press release, examined in this issue.

This issue also looks at the reasons behind the Gawker settlement with Hulk Hogan.

Inside, there is a full WWE business rundown with all the figures from the last quarter, why the stock price went down so much after the numbers came in and why it was delayed, an in-depth look at the WWE network, the percentage of subscribers who let their subscriptions expire or canceled in the last three months, how the network did last year vs. this year in adding and losing subscribers, and what it says about SummerSlam and other PPVs, the value of doing two PPVs per month, company projections on numbers short-term and long-term, the value of the PPVs this year vs. last year to the network, and if WWE is for sale.

Plus, check out the breakdown of where WWE’s money comes in, as well as profits by division and details behind what is up and what is down for the quarter. 

UFC business, including the amount FOX is paying UFC from last year, this year and next year, how the TV money compares with that of WWE, PPV revenue for last year and projections for this year, updated numbers on the drawing power of McGregor and Rousey, why the front office was cut so harshly, and where UFC’s money comes from, all in this issue… click here to continue.

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: October 18, 1999 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Death of Gorilla Monsoon, Droz paralyzed, more – Bob “Gino” Marella, who under the classic ring name Gorilla Monsoon was a fixture in the pro wrestling world for four decades, passed away officially at about 6:15 a.m. on 10/6 at his home in Mooresville, NJ at the age of 62… click here to continue.

Tuesday News Update

ELECTION DAY USA~!

Robert “Bob” Backlund is not actually running for President today, but feel free to write him in…

WWE

Or just vote normally…

• Shane McMahon tweeted that Edge will appear on next week’s 900th edition of SmackDown and will host a segment of his “Cutting Edge” show.
• We have full spoilers from today’s SmackDown taping in Glasgow, Scotland.
• Seth Rollins was announced as the final member of Raw’s men’s division Survivor Series team on last night’s show. Sasha Banks and Alicia Fox were also announced as the final members of the women’s division team. The tag division team will be The New Day, Cesaro & Sheamus, Enzo Amore & Big Cass, Karl Anderson & Luke Gallows and The Shining Stars.
• Sami Zayn defeated Rusev on Raw last night to earn the right to answer Dolph Ziggler’s Intercontinental title open challenge at Survivor Series.
• NXT participated in the mannequin challenge.
• Tom Phillips has joined the SmackDown announce team, giving the show a four-man booth. He’ll remain on the NXT announce team as well.

PRO WRESTLING

Or maybe he’s just really lost his mind…

• Matt Hardy is continuing his amnesia gimmick on Twitter.
• ROH posted a video on YouTube of Hanson wiping out announcer Kevin Kelly on a dive outside the ring in San Antonio. The full VOD of the ROH shows in Texas are available later this week.
• ROH announced a “Decade of Excellence” tournament that will begin in December.

UFC / MMA

• Rashad Evans vs. Tim Kennedy is off of UFC 205 because of an issue with Evans’ medicals.
• The UFC released the first episode of Embedded for UFC 205.
• Cowboy Cerrone still wants a fight against Robbie Lawler.
• Embattled former NFL defensive lineman Greg Hardy is reportedly training at American Top Team.
• UFC 205 Press Conference: UFC President Dana White will host the final pre-UFC 205 press conference at The Theater at Madison Square Garden on Thursday, November 10th at 3pm. Don’t miss the drama as main eventers Eddie Alvarez and Conor McGregor face off in front of the media and their loyal fans. This event is open to the public and tickets will be available at the MSG Box Office beginning at 12pm that afternoon.
• On Wednesday, November 9th, UFC 205 fight week kicks into high gear as champions and challengers engage in their final preparations for the biggest night in UFC history. Alvarez, McGregor, Woodley, Thompson, Jedrzejczyk, and Kowalkiewicz will all be on hand, working out for fight fans on the MSG arena floor. This event is open to the public and tickets will be available at the MSG Box Office beginning at 9am that morning.

Scheduled to appear:

• 10am: Eddie Alvarez – UFC lightweight champion
• 10:20am: Joanna Jedrzejczyk – UFC women’s strawweight champion
• 10:40am: Tyron Woodley – UFC welterweight champion
• 11am: Karolina Kowalkiewicz – Number 2 UFC women’s strawweight
• 11:20am: Stephen Thompson – Number 2 UFC welterweight
• 11:40am: Conor McGregor – UFC featherweight champion

VARIETY

• Ric Flair tweeted that he voted for himself for president.
• WGN Radio looks into a new book titled “The Donald: How Trump Turned Presidential Politics into Pro Wrestling”
• PWEclipse returns to the Oshawa Legion on November 26th with another exciting card.
• On Oct 23rd, Jake O’Reilly  shocked the Oshawa faithful when he defeated both Cody Deaner and Shane Douglas albeit with some help.
• Cody Deaner wants to get his hands on Jake O’Reilly and wrest away the PWEclipse Heavy Weight title from him for the Eclipse Nation, Jake O’Reilly has stated that Deaner must get past his Violent Gentlemen cohorts first- if he can find anyone foolish enough to join him!
• 2K today announced that WWE 2K17’s “Goldberg Pack” is now available to fans everywhere as downloadable content, enabling access to playable characters and arenas focused on legendary WCW and WWE star Bill Goldberg. Arriving on the heels of Goldberg’s return to WWE after more than 12 years, as well as his upcoming match against WWE 2K17 Cover Superstar Brock Lesnar at Survivor Series, the WWE 2K17 “Goldberg Pack” offers content previously available to those who pre-ordered WWE 2K17 or purchased the WWE 2K17 Digital Deluxe Edition, including: Two playable Bill Goldberg characters (WCW and WWE); Playable WCW Monday Nitro and Halloween Havoc arenas; Availability on all platforms for $4.99.
• Mecca Pro Wrestling presents “Bittersweet” – Saturday, January 14, 2017 at 7 PM – 10 PM, NAV Centre NAV, 1950 rue Montreal Road, Cornwall, Ontario K6H 6L2. Doors open 6:15 pm – Bell time 7 pm.
• World famous PWG winter sale is now live! Any 5 DVDs for $40 or 4 Blu-rays for $55!
• The Two Man Power Trip of Wrestling welcomes the under-dog story of 2016 and now a former #1 contender for the WWE Championship, James Ellsworth. Fresh off last week’s edition of Smackdown where he again worked in the main title storyline with Dean Ambrose and Champion AJ Styles, Ellsworth and his two hands talk with TMPToW to discuss this roller-coaster ride he’s been on and what his future holds with the WWE. “I do hear stuff but I don’t count my chickens before they hatch, but I don’t know what the future holds. I hope it is bright and I’m having the time of my life and am thankful for every opportunity that World Wrestling Entertainment gives me and I am learning so much just being there and it has been such a blast and everything has been going so well that I hope to be there in the WWE as James Ellsworth until I’m about 75 years old.”

Today in Professional Wrestling History 11/8: Nick Bockwinkel wins 1st AWA World 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

If you ain’t cheatin’ you ain’t tryin…

NEWS

• Jon Jones suspended for one year, signs on for grappling match vs. Dan Henderson   11/7 10:52am PST
• NJPW reveals full World Tag League lineup, four Wrestle Kingdom matches  11/7 8:16am PST
• Chris Jericho & Sin Cara get into altercation after WWE event
• Lucha Underground San Diego, CA, live results: Angelico vs. Johnny Mundo street fight
• Daily Update: UFC Fight Night 98, Big Damo in NXT, Wrestle Kingdom 11
• UFC Fight Night 98 live results: Rafael dos Anjos vs. Tony Ferguson
• NJPW Power Struggle live results: Tetsuya Naito vs. Jay Lethal
• WWE Superstars results: Dana Brooke vs. Alicia Fox

AUDIO

• B&V: Go-home shows for Starrcade 1986, ROH TV, more! 11/6
• AD: Monsters and mysteries of Utah 11/6
• WOL: Pro-wrestling and MMA news, and Bryan talks sports with Mike 11/6

Raw is from Glasgow, Scotland. Nothing has been announced for the show. There will also be a Smackdown brand house show tomorrow night in Aberdeen, Scotland that we’ll be looking for repots from.

Smackdown will be taped on Tuesday from Glasgow, Scotland, with Becky Lynch vs. Alexa Bliss for the women’s title. There will also be a Raw house show on Tuesday in Oberhausen, German.

Wednesday has a Raw house show in Berlin, Germany and a Smackdown house show in Birmingham, England.

Figure Four Weekly 10/31/2016: California wrestling regulation in 1977  – In reaching out to various athletic commissions to get whatever old pro wrestling-related records I can find, I may have hit a relative jackpot with the California State Athletic Commission. Record retention at the different commissions varies wildly, and while the CSAC doesn’t retain event-specific records from the pre-computer era, they do have the minutes of their monthly meetings going back to 1977…click here to continue.

F4W YouTube Page: Tons of clips and full free audio shows that you can tell your friends about, and much more to come! Make sure you subscribe today!

The Death of WCWby Bryan Alvarez and RD Reynolds is now available as an audiobook through Amazon.com and Audible. Alvarez did the narration for the book which runs almost fifteen hours, so grab yours today!

Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Nov 7, 2016: Judge rules in favor of TNA, Hogan settles with Gawker – In what will likely be the biggest business issue of the year, this issue has extensive looks at the business behind TNA, WWE and UFC as part of a double issue of the Observer up on the site today.

The lead story looks at the presentations and evidence in Billy Corgan’s failed attempt to get an injunction against TNA and into power. The decision behind Anthem Sports’ funding the company, who will be in charge, the financial questions involving Corgan and what type of money is being fought over, Corgan’s reaction, the value of TNA’s television deals, the true background of TNA losing its TV deal in the U.K. with Challenge with ratings notes, as well as notes on meetings with another station and a laughable press release, examined in this issue.

This issue also looks at the reasons behind the Gawker settlement with Hulk Hogan.

Inside, there is a full WWE business rundown with all the figures from the last quarter, why the stock price went down so much after the numbers came in and why it was delayed, an in-depth look at the WWE network, the percentage of subscribers who let their subscriptions expire or canceled in the last three months, how the network did last year vs. this year in adding and losing subscribers, and what it says about SummerSlam and other PPVs, the value of doing two PPVs per month, company projections on numbers short-term and long-term, the value of the PPVs this year vs. last year to the network, and if WWE is for sale.

Plus, check out the breakdown of where WWE’s money comes in, as well as profits by division and details behind what is up and what is down for the quarter. 

UFC business, including the amount FOX is paying UFC from last year, this year and next year, how the TV money compares with that of WWE, PPV revenue for last year and projections for this year, updated numbers on the drawing power of McGregor and Rousey, why the front office was cut so harshly, and where UFC’s money comes from, all in this issue… click here to continue.

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 7, 2016 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Judge rules in favor of TNA, Hogan settles with Gawker – TNA’s short-term issues as far as who will be in charge of the beleaguered franchise were settled on 10/31 when Nashville Chancery Court Judge Ellen Hobbs Lyle ruled against Billy Corgan’s request to get an injunction against the company making any financial moves unless he was put in charge… click here to continue.

Monday News Update

Bryan and I will be back up tonight covering Jon Jones, Chris Jericho vs. Sin Cara, Raw and the latest news. If you’ve got questions for tonight’s show you can send them to [email protected].

Both Sin Cara and Chris Jericho worked on the Raw show today as part of the main program after their altercation last night.

Both Raw and Smackdown this week are taped shows. The results from Raw are up on the front page right now and we hope to have Smackdown results up on the front page tomorrow before it airs on television.

The WWE has canceled NXT shows on 12/5 in Auckland, New Zealand and 12/6 in Wellington, New Zealand. They are cutting short the overseas tour and moving the scheduled 12/5 show in Perth at HBF Stadium from 12/15 to 12/5 and the 12/4 show in Canberra, at the AIS Arena from 12/14 to 12/7. No public reason was given for the changes in plans.

The 11/20 ROH show in London, England has been moved from the Seymour Leisure Centre to York Hall at Bethanal Green. The show is almost sold out but there are some balcony seats available.  

Due to Drew Galloway being off the Evolve shows this coming weekend due to his neck injury, the cards have been changed around. The shows, which will be the first men’s shows on the FloSlam service, are now:

Saturday night at 6:30 p.m. Eastern in Queens, NY

• Timothy Thatcher vs. Drew Gulak for Evolve title
• Zack Sabre Jr. vs. Ethan Page
• Dustin vs. Matt Riddle
• Chris Hero vs. Tracy Williams
• Fred Yehi vs. Jason Kincaid
• Darby Allin vs. Chris Dickinson
• Tommy End vs Tony Nese (this match will not air on Flo Sports and will be a dark match)

Sunday night at 7 p.m. from Joppa, MD

• Thatcher-Gulak winner defends against Nese
• Hero vs. Riddle
• Thatcher-Gulak loser vs. Sabre Jr.
• Page vs. Dickinson
• End vs. Williams (dark match)

WWE

• The WWE has not made any comments about the altercation last night between Chris Jericho and Sin Cara.
• Daniel Bryan is scheduled to remain in Europe after tomorrow’s tapings and will be appearing as the General Manager on the Smackdown brand house shows later this week.
• The WWE is producing either a book or a magazine called “The Rock: 20 Years of Greatness,” which is now available.

UFC / MMA

• The beginning of the New York publicity for UFC 205 is here.
• The much delayed Bellator debut of Kevin Ferguson Jr., the son of Kimbo Slice, billed as Baby Slice, facing Aaron Hamilton, has been added to Bellator’s 11/19 show in San Jose.  That is going to be one of the craziest nights of the year with UFC having a morning show from Dublin on Fight Pass, UFC and Bellator head-to-head on FS 1 and Spike, plus NXT Takeover from Toronto.

MISCELLANEOUS

• Congralations to Kurt Angle on the birth if his fifth child, Nikoletta Sky Angle.
• Jim Ross is doing a show on Wednesday night at Zanie’s in Nashville.  More on his show is here.
• ROH has announced a 2/11 show in Pittsburgh at Stage AE. 
• Northeast Wrestling on 11/12 at the NEW Arena in Bethany, CT at 6:30 p.m. They are starting the show early so people can get home in time to watch the top matches at UFC 205.  The show will feature the King of Bethany tournament with first round matches of Vinny Marseglia vs. Keith Youngblood, Wrecking Ball Legursky vs. Ron Zombie, Jimmy Preston vs. Dijak, Travis Gordon vs. Mike Bennett, plus Matt Taven, TK O’Ryan, Hanson and more.. 
• AAW from Friday night in Merrionette Park, IL: Dezmond Xavier b Joey Janela, Kimber Lee won three-way over Jessicka Havok and Heidi Lovelace, Besties in the World b An Office and a Gentleman, AR Fox b Jack Evans to retain the AAW Heritage title, Kongo Kong b Jeff Cobb (Cobb did a vertical suplex on 400 pound Kong where he held him in the air for seconds), Matt Hardy & Brother Hero (Chris Hero) b Andrew Everett & Trevor Lee, Zack Sabre Jr. b Prince Ali, Eddie Kingston & Homicide & Low Ki b The Killer Kult. Next show is 11/26 at the Logan Square Auditorium with Pentagon Jr., Rey Fenix, Rey Hours, Brian Cage, Jeff Cobb, Eddie Kingston, Homicide, Low Ki, and Trent Baretta, plus a main event with Sami Callihan vs. Hero for the AAW title.
• One report we received was that the Great North Wrestling show we reported on yesterday with 500 fans actually had closer to 200.
• CPW International from yesterday in Windsor, Quebec before 200 fans: The Bruiser b Jacques Lamoureux, Funky & Devin Beru b John Dundee & Thrax, Chato & Sexy Eddy b American Mercenaries, Razor Revolution b Dave LeJusticier Jr., Mercedes b Eve, Hannibal b Wes Brisco to retain Canadian title.  Hannibal suffered a right eye injury from a chair shot. (thanks to Anthony Ambros)
• Beyond Wrestling and Womens’ Wrestling Revolution did a doubleheader in Providence at Aurora, a tiny club. 
• Afternoon results:  Karen Q b Angie Sky, Chris Hero b Brian Milonas, Taeler Hendrix b Lufisto, Donovan Dijak b John Silver, Deonna Purrazzo b Alexxis, Jonathan Gresham b Jaka, Kimber Lee b Sonya Strong, Matt Riddle b Chris Dickinson, Veda Scott b Jessicka Havoc, Zack Sabre Jr. b Keith Lee (really good), Donovan Dijak & Mikey Webb b Monsta Mack & Mafia.
• Evening results: Darius Carter & Tommy Trainwreck & Devin Blaze & Anthony Gangone b Sami Callihan & Dave Crist & Dezmond Xavier & Zachary Wentz, Veda Scott b Deonna Purrazzo, Matt Riddle b Jonathan Gresham, Belmont & Davienne & Sammi Lane b Solo Darling & Delmi Exo & Ashley Vox, Brian Fury b Warbeard Hanson, Kimber Lee b Taeler Hendrix, Donovan Dijak b Zack Sabre Jr., Anthony Stone & Davey Cash & Kris Pyro b Johnny Cockstrong & Dorian Graves & VSK, Joey Janela b Tracy Williams, Pinkie Sanchez & Angel Ortiz & Mike Draztik b Chuck Taylor & Drew Gulak & Orange Cassidy, Kimber Lee b Veda Scott to win the women’s tournament, Matt Riddle b Donovan Dijak to win the men’s tournament with help from JT Dunn. (thanks to Patrick Tobin)
• CWE on 11/25 in Winnipeg at Rookie’s Sports Bar for the Movember to Remember fundraising event.
• Premier Champoinship Wrestling from Saturday night in Winnipeg: Scott Justice NC Alix Vanna, Jay Walker b Shao Ming, Trent Nash & Shao Ming b Jay Walker & James Beaver, Antonio Scorpio b Zack Mercury, Bill Glaze & Dick Blood & Ace Riviera b London Dynasty & Bull Bodnar, Jackie Lee & Scott Justice b Alix Vanna & Big Bobby Shink, Scott Justice won Battle Royal. (thanks to Andrew Shallcross)
• Best in the World TV from last night in Fresno: Joey Ryan b Virgil Flynn, Wiseguy won three-way ladder match over Sheik Khan Abadi & Chupacabra.  Next taping is Sunday in Merced, CA at the American Legion Post at 6 p.m. with Wiseguy defending his title against JR Kratos, Eli Drake vs. Jeff Cobb and a tag title match. (thanks to Jon Southerland)
• Hoosier Pro Wrestling from Saturday night in Columbus, IN: Doink b Cody Daniels, Clint Poe b Kenny Cage, Paris Kelly b Haley Shadows, Cousin Cooter b Mad Dog Jessie in a dog collar match, Drax O’Brien b Lighting Bolt in a loser leaves town match for Tri State title, TVZ b Too Cool in a street fight, Scarecrow Eddie Felson b Bobby Black in a ladder match for the cruiserweight title, Dynamite Dillen b Timmy Danger in an HPW title match, Jerry Wilson b Diamond Dan in an arm wrestling match to retain 100 percent ownership of the promotion.  Next show is 12/3 in Columbus, IN.
• Masked Republic has announced a Lucha mask of the month club. Every month for $10 plus shipping fans will have a new mask sent to them from Mexico City. For more info go to LuchaLoot.com
• Former WWE ring announcer Justin Roberts has an autobiography that will be released in April called “Best Seat in the House: Your Backstage Pass through my WWE journey.”  Tommy Dreamer has written the foreword.
• ROH will be holding a tryout camp on 1/28 and 1/29 at their gym in Bristol, PA. Those instructing and giving advice will be booker Delirious, Kevin Kelly, Todd Sinclair, the Briscoes, Christopher Daniels, Bob Evans, Cheeseburger and Will Ferrara.  They are looking for wrestlers with at least one year experience. They have recruited nine wrestlers from seminars like this one. For more info go to [email protected].
• Jersey All Pro Wrestling has its 20th anniversary show on 11/12 in Rahway, NJ at the Rec Center with Alberto El Patron and Sami Callihan, as well as Drago appearing.
• MCW on Friday night in Waldorf, MD at the Unique Sports Academy and 11/12 in Frederick, MD at the Frederick Indoor Sports Arena features meet and greets both nights with Kevin Nash.

Today in Professional Wrestling History 11/7: WWF Wrestling Classic

CONTACT INFORMATION

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

​

When Worlds Collide

The Greatest PPV You Never Saw…

Today is the 22nd anniversary of the When World’s Collide PPV produced by AAA at the Los Angeles Sports Arena. The show is generally considered among the greatest pro wrestling PPV events in history, featuring a cage match with Konnan vs. Perro Aguayo and a match with Love Machine (Art Barr, who died only a few weeks later) & Eddy Guerrero vs. El Hijo del Santo & Octagon in a double hair vs. double mask match that was later considered one of the ten greatest pro wrestling matches in Lucha Libre history. When they did a special in Mexico years later, that match made the cut.

We’re looking for reports on today’s WWE shows in Leeds, England and Newcastle, England to [email protected].

We’re also looking for your thoughts on yesterday’s New Japan Power Struggle PPV show, so you can leave a thumbs up, thumbs down or thumbs in the middle along with a best and worst match to [email protected].

Raw will be tomorrow night from Glasgow, Scotland.  Nothing has been announced for the show. There will also be a Smackdown brand house show tomorrow night in Aberdeen, Scotland that we’ll be looking for repots from.

Smackdown will be taped on Tuesday from Glasgow, Scotland, with Becky Lynch vs. Alexa Bliss for the women’s title. There will also be a Raw house show on Tuesday in Oberhausen, German.

Wednesday has a Raw house show in Berlin, Germany and a Smackdown house show in Birmingham, England

THE ROUND-UP

The latest from the F4W Staff

NEWS

• NJPW Power Struggle live results: Tetsuya Naito vs. Jay Lethal
• UFC Fight Night 98 live results: Rafael dos Anjos vs. Tony Ferguson
• Figure Four Weekly 10/31/2016: California wrestling regulation in 1977
• Daily Update: NJPW Power Struggle, Bellator, World Tag League
• Bellator 163 live results: Liam McGeary vs. Phil Davis
• David Lagana parting ways with TNA Wrestling
• Beyond Wrestling and PWX to stream events on FloSlam
• Drew Galloway out of action longer than anticipated
• Billy Corgan: I’m formally requesting repayment of my loan to TNA

AUDIO

• Josh Nason’s Punch-Out: MMAJunkie.com’s Ben Fowlkes 11/5
• F4D: MAX SMASHMASTER on Chikara, indy wrestling, burials and more! 11/4
• FREE WOL! Filthy Tom, TNA vs. Billy Corgan, Jeremy Botter on FloSlam, Dr. Lucha, more! 11/4

Figure Four Weekly 10/24/2016: Deregulation of pro wrestling in Arizona – In Arizona, deregulation of professional wrestling wasn’t a pressing matter by any stretch when the topic was first broached in 1981. There was no major promotion running in the state and little to no full time work, with only one licensed promoter, who was running shows weekly in Phoenix…click here to continue.

F4W YouTube Page: Tons of clips and full free audio shows that you can tell your friends about, and much more to come! Make sure you subscribe today!

The Death of WCWby Bryan Alvarez and RD Reynolds is now available as an audiobook through Amazon.com and Audible. Alvarez did the narration for the book which runs almost fifteen hours, so grab yours today!

Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Nov 7, 2016: Judge rules in favor of TNA, Hogan settles with Gawker – In what will likely be the biggest business issue of the year, this issue has extensive looks at the business behind TNA, WWE and UFC as part of a double issue of the Observer up on the site today.

The lead story looks at the presentations and evidence in Billy Corgan’s failed attempt to get an injunction against TNA and into power. The decision behind Anthem Sports’ funding the company, who will be in charge, the financial questions involving Corgan and what type of money is being fought over, Corgan’s reaction, the value of TNA’s television deals, the true background of TNA losing its TV deal in the U.K. with Challenge with ratings notes, as well as notes on meetings with another station and a laughable press release, examined in this issue.

This issue also looks at the reasons behind the Gawker settlement with Hulk Hogan.

Inside, there is a full WWE business rundown with all the figures from the last quarter, why the stock price went down so much after the numbers came in and why it was delayed, an in-depth look at the WWE network, the percentage of subscribers who let their subscriptions expire or canceled in the last three months, how the network did last year vs. this year in adding and losing subscribers, and what it says about SummerSlam and other PPVs, the value of doing two PPVs per month, company projections on numbers short-term and long-term, the value of the PPVs this year vs. last year to the network, and if WWE is for sale.

Plus, check out the breakdown of where WWE’s money comes in, as well as profits by division and details behind what is up and what is down for the quarter. 

UFC business, including the amount FOX is paying UFC from last year, this year and next year, how the TV money compares with that of WWE, PPV revenue for last year and projections for this year, updated numbers on the drawing power of McGregor and Rousey, why the front office was cut so harshly, and where UFC’s money comes from, all in this issue… click here to continue.

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 7, 2016 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Judge rules in favor of TNA, Hogan settles with Gawker – TNA’s short-term issues as far as who will be in charge of the beleaguered franchise were settled on 10/31 when Nashville Chancery Court Judge Ellen Hobbs Lyle ruled against Billy Corgan’s request to get an injunction against the company making any financial moves unless he was put in charge… click here to continue.

Sunday News Update

Our weekend Wrestling Observer Radio show is up on the site right now covering all the news including TNA vs. Billy Corgan, David Lagana firing, Tom Lawlor’s situation, New Japan Tokyo Dome, Power Struggle, last night’s UFC and more.  

Brooke Hogan told TMZ today that Vince McMahon has been talking to her father about a WrestleMania return. It’s always been a matter of when not if, based on the time they felt it would not be a issue with sponsors for Hogan to be back.

Jushin Liger was announced for Final Battle on 12/2 at the Hammestein Ballroom in Manhattan, NY.

The UFC has announced a show on 2/4 in Houston. The show will be the night before the Super Bowl, in Houston, which is the site of this year’s Super Bowl.  

New Japan Pro Wrestling will be announcing the top matches at the Tokyo Dome at a press conference tonight at 3 a.m. Eastern time and midnight Pacific time. The press conference will air live and free on New Japan World.  

For Google searches this week, last night’s Manny Pacquiao win of the WBO welterweight title, beating Jessie Vargas, did 500,000 searches. That’s along the lines of a UFC show that would do 200,000 to 400,000 buys. It was the third most searched term yesterday in the U.S. UFC was No. 13 related to last night’s show, with 100,000 searches.

WWE

• Today’s Chicago Sun-Times has a front page of the sports section with a photo of Kris Bryant with a WWE title belt on his shoulder.
• The company is starting to promote its next major U.K. tour. Instead of coming right after WrestleMania, the next tour will be in May. Some dates announced are 5/7 in Liverpool, 5/8 in Bornemouth, 5/9 in London, 5/10 in Birmingham, 5/11 in Sheffield and 5/12 in Newcastle. It appears that the TV’s will be show at the O2 Arena in London on 5/8 and 5/9.
• Edge & Christian are working on the second season of their WWE Network show.

UFC

• In last night’s UFC main event between Tony Ferguson and Rafael dos Anjos, all three judges gave rounds two, four and five to Ferguson. I had the same score at 48-47 with the same rounds. It was a very close fight but far less controversy over the decision than most similarly close fights.

VARIETY

• The WWE travel schedule this week is tough, but the Young Bucks have quite the schedule as they spent two weeks in Japan, finishing up yesterday, flew home, have two days home before going to New Zealand for four days for the New Japan iPPV show on Saturday, then fly home for two days, then fly to the U.K. for ROH shows for five days.
• There is some very interesting information in the lawsuit regarding PBC. Al Haymon has lost far more than the hundreds of millions he anticipated losing when forming the promotion and will likely be forced to significantly reduce the number of boxing events televised going forward. Haymon was lauded as the promotional genius who would revive boxing as a mainstream sport by getting it all over television, but instead, they’ve lost money at a rate that would make the XFL and the worst of WCW and TNA look like thriving business entities.
• Mike Mooneyham has a story on Roddy Piper.
• One of those Jim Ross voiceovers of a big hit on a football game is here.
• The National Wrestling League has reached an agreement with Matt Jackson (a St. Louis promoter, not one of the Young Bucks) to acquire his St. Louis Anarchy Wrestling promotion which will be renamed NWL St. Louis. Jackson will remain as General Manager of the new promotion when it will run regular show starting in January at the Casa Loma Ballroom in St. Louis. The plan is to run shows every other week in St. Louis and Kansas City.
• In what would have been frowned on in another era, TNA champion Eddie Edwards lost via submission clean to Brian Fury at Friday night’s Chaotic Wrestling show.
• Retired pro wrestler Kid Kash, 47, was stopped in 39 seconds in an MMA fight in Nashville last night against Lindsay Jones in a welterweight bout for Valor Fights. The show aired live on FloSports.
• Alpha 1 Wrestling on 12/18 in Oshawa, ONT at the Polish Alliance Association.
• All Pro Wrestling on 11/11 in Pacifica, CA at the Ingrid B. Lacy PTO with Cody Rhodes vs. Joey Ryan, Jeff Cobb vs MVP plus Reno Scum, Colt Cabana, Jacob Fatu and others.
• Smash Wrestling on Friday night in St. Catharines, ONT at Isaac’s Bar and Grill has Jimmy Havoc vs. Joe Hendry, Kaitlin Diemond vs. Jennifer Blake, Tyson Dux vs. Matt Cross and Brent Banks vs. Kevin Bennett. Saturday has London, ONT at Cowboy’s Ranch features the winner of Cross vs. Dux and the winner of Banks vs. Bennett meeting for the Smash title, plus Joey Ryan vs. Joe Hendry and Jimmy Havoc in a singles match. A week from today in Toronto at the Franklin Horner Community Centre has Bennett vs. Dux, Cross vs. Mike Bailey, Havoc vs. Banks, Ryan vs. Evil Uno and more.
• On the pro wrestling history listing on Friday, the 2006 Cyber Sunday listed for Friday actually took place on November 5, 2006.
• There is a Lucha Libre show on 11/26 in Berwyn, IL featuring Rey Bucanero, Skayde and Triton at 5 p.m..
• Southern Illinois Championship Wrestling from last night in Swansea, IL before a sellout 475 fans:  Waco b Moondog Rover, Curt Gannon b Big Jim Hoffarth, Purple Passion b Flaming Freddy Fury, Ace Hawkins b Daniel Gunner, Sean Vincent b Dave Vaughn, Ken Kasa b Curtis Wylde in a lumberjack match, Ron Powers & Gary Jackson b Attilla Khan & Brandon Espinosa 2/3 fall tornado tag match in a cage. (thanks to Larry Matysik)
• Dynamo Pro Wrestling on 11/19 in Wood River, IL at the Douglas Club and 11/26 in St. Louis at the Ready Room.
• Lucha Xtreme TV from yesterday in Fresno, CA: Darwin Finch b Sean Black, Anthony Idol b Hunter Freeman, Donny Suarez b Chazz Herrera. (thanks to Jon Southerland)
• Great North Wrestling from last night in Hawkesbury, ONT before 500 fans: Green Phantom d Carl LeDuc, Maximum Testosterone b Amanuel Hassan & Idris Nawabi in a handicap match, Stefeny Sinclair b Lady Yasmine-DQ, Freak Nation b Catalyst & CJ Phelony, The Spoiler & Jacques Lamoureux won three-way elimination match over La Resistance (Sylvan Grenier & Rene Dupree) and Pretty Valuable Players, Nathan Banner b Wes Brisco-DQ, Hannibal b Rick Steiner to retain the Canadian heavyweight title. (thanks to Anthony Ambros)
• Appalachian Mountain Wrestling from Thursday night in Chavies, KY: Jordan Kage b Scott Hayes, John Noble b Austin Tyler Morris, Stan Sierra b Clinton Stacy, Eddie Browning b Beau James-DQ, Kyle Maggard b Larry D, Jordan Kage b John Noble. They have shows on Thursday night in Lots Creek, KY at Cordia High School and Saturday in Hindman, KY at the Knott County Middle School.   

Today in Professional Wrestling History 11/6: When Worlds Collide

CONTACT INFORMATION

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

​

UFC FROM MEXICO CITY’S ARENA CIUDAD ON SATURDAY AT 6:30 P.M.

Raphael Dos Anjos vs. Tony Ferguson

Click here for live play-by-play…

Fight Pass at 6:30 p.m.

• Chris Avila (5-3) vs. Enrique Barzola (11-3-1)
• Marco Polo Reyes (6-3) vs. Jason Novelli (11-2-1)
• Sam Alvey (28-8) vs. Alex Nicholson (7-2)

FS 1 at 8 p.m.

• Henry Briones (16-5-1) vs. Douglas Silva de Andrade (22-1)
• Max Griffin (12-3) vs. Erick Montano (7-4)
• Marco Beltran (8-3) vs. Joe Soto (16-5)
• Felipe Arantes (17-7-1) vs. Erik Perez (16-6)
• Martin Bravo (10-0) vs. Claudio Puelles (3-0) in finals of TUF Latin America lightweight tournament
• Alexa Grasso (8-0) vs. Heather Jo Clark (7-5)
• Beneil Dariush (13-2) vs. Rashid Magomedov (19-1)
• Ricardo Lamas (16-5) vs. Charles Oliveira (21-6)*
• Marcin Held (22-4) vs. Diego Sanchez (26-9)
• Rafael dos Anjos (25-8) vs. Tony Ferguson (21-3)

*Oliveira weighed in at 155 for a 145 pound weight class fight and was fined 30 percent of his purse

Sunday we’re looking for reports from WWE Raw in Leeds, England and Smackdown in Newcastle, England.

Raw will be Monday night from Glasgow, Scotland, while there will be a Smackdown house show Monday night in Aberdeen, Scotland.

Smackdown on Tuesday will be from Glasgow, Scotland, while Raw will have a house show in Oberhausen, Germany.

Wednesday has Raw in Berlin, Germany and Smackdown in Birmingham, England.

THE ROUND-UP

The latest from the F4W Staff

NEWS

• Bellator 163 live results: Liam McGeary vs. Phil Davis
• David Lagana parting ways with TNA Wrestling
• Beyond Wrestling and PWX to stream events on FloSlam
• Drew Galloway out of action longer than anticipated
• Billy Corgan: I’m formally requesting repayment of my loan to TNA
• Kevin Owens vs. Roman Reigns booked for WWE Roadblock
• Anthem announces funding of TNA, but Billy Corgan not done fighting yet

AUDIO

• F4D: MAX SMASHMASTER on Chikara, indy wrestling, burials and more! 11/4
• B&V: Granny’s 87th birthday, NXT, Lucha Underground, Raw, more! 11/4
• WOL: TNA new ownership, was Billy Corgan paid?, Dave Meltzer interview, more! 11/3

Figure Four Weekly 10/24/2016: Deregulation of pro wrestling in Arizona – In Arizona, deregulation of professional wrestling wasn’t a pressing matter by any stretch when the topic was first broached in 1981. There was no major promotion running in the state and little to no full time work, with only one licensed promoter, who was running shows weekly in Phoenix…click here to continue.

F4W YouTube Page: Tons of clips and full free audio shows that you can tell your friends about, and much more to come! Make sure you subscribe today!

The Death of WCWby Bryan Alvarez and RD Reynolds is now available as an audiobook through Amazon.com and Audible. Alvarez did the narration for the book which runs almost fifteen hours, so grab yours today!

Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Nov 7, 2016: Judge rules in favor of TNA, Hogan settles with Gawker – In what will likely be the biggest business issue of the year, this issue has extensive looks at the business behind TNA, WWE and UFC as part of a double issue of the Observer up on the site today.

The lead story looks at the presentations and evidence in Billy Corgan’s failed attempt to get an injunction against TNA and into power. The decision behind Anthem Sports’ funding the company, who will be in charge, the financial questions involving Corgan and what type of money is being fought over, Corgan’s reaction, the value of TNA’s television deals, the true background of TNA losing its TV deal in the U.K. with Challenge with ratings notes, as well as notes on meetings with another station and a laughable press release, examined in this issue.

This issue also looks at the reasons behind the Gawker settlement with Hulk Hogan.

Inside, there is a full WWE business rundown with all the figures from the last quarter, why the stock price went down so much after the numbers came in and why it was delayed, an in-depth look at the WWE network, the percentage of subscribers who let their subscriptions expire or canceled in the last three months, how the network did last year vs. this year in adding and losing subscribers, and what it says about SummerSlam and other PPVs, the value of doing two PPVs per month, company projections on numbers short-term and long-term, the value of the PPVs this year vs. last year to the network, and if WWE is for sale.

Plus, check out the breakdown of where WWE’s money comes in, as well as profits by division and details behind what is up and what is down for the quarter. 

UFC business, including the amount FOX is paying UFC from last year, this year and next year, how the TV money compares with that of WWE, PPV revenue for last year and projections for this year, updated numbers on the drawing power of McGregor and Rousey, why the front office was cut so harshly, and where UFC’s money comes from, all in this issue… click here to continue.

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 7, 2016 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Judge rules in favor of TNA, Hogan settles with Gawker – TNA’s short-term issues as far as who will be in charge of the beleaguered franchise were settled on 10/31 when Nashville Chancery Court Judge Ellen Hobbs Lyle ruled against Billy Corgan’s request to get an injunction against the company making any financial moves unless he was put in charge… click here to continue.

Saturday News Update

WWE

Big Damo

• Big Damo made his first appearance for NXT with a promo at last night’s live event in Venice, FL. Fellow recent Performance Center recruit Tommy End also made his live event debut on Thursday with a promo.
• The latest top 10 list on WWE’s YouTube channel looks at managers getting manhandled.
• Edge and Christian are brainstorming ideas for the next season of the E&C show.
• TJ Perkins commented on critics of video game references in his promos.

PRO WRESTLING

• New Japan Pro Wrestling furthered the build to WrestleKingdom 11 at the Tokyo Dome on January 4th with angles shot at their Power Struggle pay-per-view last night. The semi-main event of the show appears to be set after Hiroshi Tanahashi confronted Tetsuya Naito after Naito had retained his IWGP Intercontinental Championship against Jay Lethal in the main event.
• The junior heavyweight title match at the Dome also seems to be clear after NJPW’s time bomb was revealed to be Kamaitachi, going by his real name Hiromu Takahashi. He was brought out following KUSHIDA defeating BUSHI to win the title.
• And in the finals of the junior heavyweight tag tournament, Roppongi Vice picked up the win over ACH and Taiji Ishimori and will likely be facing The Young Bucks at the Dome unless other teams are added to the match. The main event of WrestleKingdom 11 will be Kazuchika Okada defending the IWGP Heavyweight Championship against Kenny Omega.
• Chris Hero appeared as “Brother Hero” teaming alongside Broken Matt Hardy at AAW last night. Hero did a swanton bomb during the match.
• Ratings for TNA Impact held steady this week with 359k viewers watching the show. Last week’s episode did 362k viewers.

MMA

• Tom Lawlor tweeted that the substance he potentially tested positive for is Ostarine, and said there isn’t much news other than that.
• Watch the GLORY 35 SuperFight Series on UFC Fight Pass, starting at 2pm ET / 11am PT (6pm GMT), followed immediately by GLORY 35 Nice on ESPN3 at 5pm ET / 2pm PT.

VARIETY

Mr. Athletic Jeff Cobb

• All Pro Wrestling on 11/11/16: Featuring Cody Rhodes vs Joey Ryan, MVP vs Jeff Cobb, plus Reno Scum, Colt Cabana, Jacob Fatu and many more APW Stars! Ingrid B. Lacy PTO 1427 Palmetto Ave, Pacifica,CA 94044.
• Check out Ron Pasceri’s latest episode of Mat Madness Unsanctioned, as Paul Carboni and Joe Lafferty argue the merits of Miz’s 2010-2011 run as World Champion, in addition to his WrestleMania headlining match.  Also, the greatest metaphor ever:  how is HHH wrestling’s Arnold Schwarzenegger? And why is he the greatest wrestler of all-time? The answers aren’t quite as obvious as you might guess. There’s also wrestling business analysis: The plight of the Cruiserweight division, the flawed NXT business model (thanks, Dave Meltzer, for the analogy) and…Roman Reigns at ROH’s Final Battle?? Search for Mat Madness on iTunes and YouTube for the best wrestling breakdown all week.
• Results: Saturday’s Lucha Xtreme TV results in Fresno. 1. Darwin Finch defeated Sean Black by pin. 2. Anthony Idol defeated Hunter Freeman by pin. 3. Donny Suarez defeated Chazz Herrera by pin.
• Alpha-1 Wrestling • One More Crazy Night • Sunday, December 18 at 2 PM – 5 PM, Polish Alliance Association of Canada, 219 Olive Ave, Oshawa, Ontario L1H 2P4 Tickets available at Jug City Oshawa locations. For anymore info check out or our official Twitter.
• IWA Mid-South Wrestling presents: “The 2016 Ted Petty Invitational” – SATURDAY November 5, 2016 The ArenA, 1416 Spring Street, Jeffersonville, IN. Doors Open: 7:15pm. Bell-Time: 8:00pm. Official hashtag for Twitter & Instagram is #TPI2k16! Trik Davis vs “Diamond Cut” Ace Perry, “Hybrid Monster” Zodiak vs “The Duke” John Wayne Murdoch, Rickey Shane Page vs Reed “By God” Bentley, “The Warhorse” Jake Parnell vs Corey Storm, “Knockout Artist” Chris Hero vs Johnathan Wolf, “Infinite” Cole Radrick vs Sami Callihan, “Blue Eyed Devil” Tripp Cassidy vs “Iron Demon” Shane Mercer, “Bad Boy” Joey Janela vs “Prince of Dayton” Jake Crist. These are not bracketed. The semis will be two total elimination 4 ways & the finals will be a 1 on 1 match! CARD SUBJECT TO CHANGE.
• Former TNA Star Garett Bischoff was the latest guest on the Pancakes and Powerslams Show. He had much to say about his stint at TNA, as well as their current state. Here are some highlights. What wrestling is lacking today: “What was special about wrestling back then that we lack today is the magic. With the internet and everybody has got a phone, Instagram, and Facebook, and social media, and Youtube, and everything else. It’s just the magic isn’t there like it used to be. It’s not as special as it used to be, from a viewer’s perspective.”

Today in Professional Wrestling History 11/4: The Rock wins the WCW World 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

• Anthem announces funding of TNA, but Billy Corgan not done fighting yet
• UFC 205 conference call: Conor McGregor & Eddie Alvarez at 5 PM EST
• The Undertaker scheduled for November 15th episode of SmackDown
• Bray Wyatt shouldn’t be WWE’s attempt at Undertaker 2.0
• Hulk Hogan reaches $31 million settlement with Gawker
• The build for Okada vs. Omega to begin on iPPV in New Zealand
• WWE Network debuting new cruiserweight series this month
• AJ Styles vs. Dean Ambrose set for WWE TLC
• WWE SmackDown video highlights: Dean Ambrose vs. AJ Styles

AUDIO

• WOL: Undertaker, Team Raw, new WWE Cruiserweight show, more! 11/2
• B&V&C: Final Raw before Survivor Series 1997, Nitro, CRAIG SONG CONTEST! 11/1
• WOL: Nate Rau talks Dixie vs. Corgan, TNA losing TV, Raw from Monday, more! 11/1

Figure Four Weekly 10/24/2016: Deregulation of pro wrestling in Arizona – In Arizona, deregulation of professional wrestling wasn’t a pressing matter by any stretch when the topic was first broached in 1981. There was no major promotion running in the state and little to no full time work, with only one licensed promoter, who was running shows weekly in Phoenix…click here to continue.

F4W YouTube Page: Tons of clips and full free audio shows that you can tell your friends about, and much more to come! Make sure you subscribe today!

The Death of WCWby Bryan Alvarez and RD Reynolds is now available as an audiobook through Amazon.com and Audible. Alvarez did the narration for the book which runs almost fifteen hours, so grab yours today!

Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Nov 7, 2016: Judge rules in favor of TNA, Hogan settles with Gawker – In what will likely be the biggest business issue of the year, this issue has extensive looks at the business behind TNA, WWE and UFC as part of a double issue of the Observer up on the site today.

The lead story looks at the presentations and evidence in Billy Corgan’s failed attempt to get an injunction against TNA and into power. The decision behind Anthem Sports’ funding the company, who will be in charge, the financial questions involving Corgan and what type of money is being fought over, Corgan’s reaction, the value of TNA’s television deals, the true background of TNA losing its TV deal in the U.K. with Challenge with ratings notes, as well as notes on meetings with another station and a laughable press release, examined in this issue.

This issue also looks at the reasons behind the Gawker settlement with Hulk Hogan.

Inside, there is a full WWE business rundown with all the figures from the last quarter, why the stock price went down so much after the numbers came in and why it was delayed, an in-depth look at the WWE network, the percentage of subscribers who let their subscriptions expire or canceled in the last three months, how the network did last year vs. this year in adding and losing subscribers, and what it says about SummerSlam and other PPVs, the value of doing two PPVs per month, company projections on numbers short-term and long-term, the value of the PPVs this year vs. last year to the network, and if WWE is for sale.

Plus, check out the breakdown of where WWE’s money comes in, as well as profits by division and details behind what is up and what is down for the quarter. 

UFC business, including the amount FOX is paying UFC from last year, this year and next year, how the TV money compares with that of WWE, PPV revenue for last year and projections for this year, updated numbers on the drawing power of McGregor and Rousey, why the front office was cut so harshly, and where UFC’s money comes from, all in this issue… click here to continue.

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 7, 2016 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Judge rules in favor of TNA, Hogan settles with Gawker – TNA’s short-term issues as far as who will be in charge of the beleaguered franchise were settled on 10/31 when Nashville Chancery Court Judge Ellen Hobbs Lyle ruled against Billy Corgan’s request to get an injunction against the company making any financial moves unless he was put in charge… click here to continue.

Thursday News Update

• Conor McGregor and Eddie Alvarez did a press conference today for UFC. It didn’t have any major fireworks, although Alvarez was laughing at McGregor and saying he was a good striker but had absolutely awful defense. McGregor said that Chad Mendes, who he beat in the second round, had better wrestling and better boxing than Alvarez and he’d knock him out in the first round. McGregor also claimed they were going to break the Ali vs. Frazier record for ticket sales in Madison Square Garden, which may not be accurate. McGregor did deny reports that he was going to take next year off. He said he’d reveal his plans in time but said, “I don’t know if you can take time off with this life, I’m going to stay creating history, stay changing the game.”
• Austin Aries had surgery earlier today in Birmingham for a broken left orbital bone.
• Billy Corgan and Anthem Entertainment are going back-and-forth on Twitter today. Corgan wrote, “Terrible way to start our future relationship. What with the lying through counsel and propensity for press releases claiming victory.” Corgan also wrote, “So when you sent out the press release today and one during lawsuit (which is still pending FYI) that’s not public discourse. Tsk.” “And the use of reject in your tweet. Such strong language from network of fights.”
• There were all kinds of issues at today’s Bellator weigh-ins. For reasons we’re not clear of, Paul Daley didn’t weigh in for his fight with Derek Anderson due to cramping issues, did weigh in at 171, making weight later, but is still having issues. The Marloes Coenen vs. Talita Nogueira fight is off because Nogueira was 151.6 pounds for a 146 pound weight class fight. Neiman Gracie vs. Rudy Bears, scheduled at 170, was changed to 175 and Ed Ruth vs. Dustin Collins-Miles, scheduled for 185, was changed to 192, due to Gracie and Miles being unable to make weight. At least the title match with Liam McGeary (204) vs. Phil Davis (204) had no problems.
• Over WrestleMania weekend, Wrestlecon has announced that its SuperShow, originally scheduled for Saturday night, is being moved to Friday night so it doesn’t go against NXT, but does go against the Hall of Fame. CZW will now be running on Saturday night of the weekend at 8:30 p.m. Pro Wrestling Revolver on Saturday at noon at the Wyndham Resort in Orlando has Ricochet vs. Shane Strickland, AR Fox vs Rey Fenix vs. Trevor Lee vs. Andrew Everett vs. four more guys.

WWE

• Scheduled for 12/26 in Madison Square Garden: A.J. Styles vs. John Cena (which may be his return) vs. Dean Ambrose for WWE title, Kane vs. Randy Orton vs. Bray Wyatt vs. Luke Harper Dolph Ziggler vs. The Miz cage match for IC title, Rhyno & Heath Slater vs. Usos vs. Breezango vs. American Alpha for tag titles, Becky Lynch vs. Nikki Bella vs. Naomi vs. Carmella vs. Natalya vs. Alexa Bliss for women’s title, Apollo Crews & Jack Swagger & Hype Bros vs. The Ascension & Vaudevillains, Kalisto vs. Baron Corbin
• The plan for right now is to do a Kevin Owens vs. Roman Reigns champion vs. champion program in December. Keep in mind that will change every week between now and then.
• BILD, the leading newspaper in Germany, claims that Tim Wiese’s contract with WWE is for $332,000 per year. Wiese made his debut on today’s show in Munich. I’m skeptical of that figure but it has not been denied to me either. (thanks to Patrick Gronemann and Jens M)
• We’re looking for reports on today’s WWE shows in Riyadh and Munich, Germany, as well as tomorrow’s shows in London and Riyadh to [email protected] and [email protected].

UFC

• Takeya Mizugaki vs. Eddie Wineland has been added to the 12/17 show in Sacramento on FOX.
• Newsday has a story on Chris Weidman leading to UFC 205.

MISCELLANEOUS

• Scheduled for Impact tonight on Pop TV: DJZ & Braxton Sutter & Mandrews vs. Marshe Rockett & Trevor Lee & Andrew Everett vs. Rockstar Spud & Abyss & Crazzy Steve, Hardys vs. DCC for the tag team titles, Eddie Edwards vs. Bobby Lashley for the TNA title.
• Tickets for WaleMania go on sale on 11/11 at www.mlw.com at 10 a.m.
• The first live event on the new FloSlam channel will be the Shine women’s show from Ybor City, FL at 9 p.m. tomorrow tonight headlined by Ivelisse vs. Vanessa Kraven.
• The Spirit Squad, who are not under contract to WWE, are taking indie bookings through Bill Behrens at [email protected]. Kenn Doane is out of Boston and Mike Brendli is out of New York.
• While not a pro wrestling story, a lot of media people are talking about the decline of NFL ratings.
• Northeast Wrestling on Saturday night in Waterbury, CT at the PAL Building with a meet and greet at 5 p.m. and show at 7 p.m. with Brian Anthony vs. Jeff Hardy, Cody Rhodes vs. Flip Gordon, TK O’Ryan vs. Dijak, Matt Hardy vs. Ron Zombie vs Team Zhazaam, Matt Taven, Hanson, Vinny Marselgia, Deonna Purrazzo and more
• Jim Ross has a talk show on Wednesday night in Nashville at Zanies at 7:30 p.m.
• SkySports has a story on Nathan Cruz, who was on NXT TV recently as well as the cruiserweight classic, and is hoping for a WWE deal.
• AAW runs tomorrow night in Merrionette Park, IL at 115 Bourbon Street with Trevor Lee & Andrew Everett vs. Matt Hardy & Chris Hero, Prince Ali vs. Zack Sabre Jr., and Kongo Kong vs. Jeff Cobb.
• Fernand Ste-Marie, who was the ring announcer for Grand Prix Wrestling in the 70s in Quebec, the promotion run by The Vachons and Edouard Carpentier, passed away on Saturday at the age of 76. His last appearance at a wrestling show was in 2009 when Pat Laprade brought the Vachons to a show in Montreal and it was the first time he’d seen Maurice and Paul since his days as an announcer.
• A story on the language of pro wrestling.
• EVOLVE has a new video on Ethan Page.
• A show called Relive the Rivalry scheduled for 12/17 at the Sands Bethlehem Events Center with Ric Flair and Ricky Steamboat has been canceled. Ticket sales weren’t strong for the event. 
• ROH has announced a training camp on 1/28 and 1/29 with Delirious, Kevin Kelly, Todd Sinclair, Mark & Jay Briscoe, Christopher Daniels, Bob Evans, Cheeseburger and Will Ferrara as coaches. It is open to anyone with at least one year independent experience and takes place at the ROH Dojo and costs $300. For more info go to [email protected].
• CMLL from Monday night in Puebla: Espiritu Maligno & Malayo & Policeman b Arkalis & Meyer & Zaeta Roja, Cancerbero & King Jaguar & Raziel b Black Tiger & Flyer & Lestat, Blue Panther Jr. & The Panther & Stigma b Misterioso Jr. & Okumura & Sagrado, Maximo Sexy & Pierroth & Rush b Marco Corleone & Shocker & Vangellys, Mistico & Valiente & Volador Jr. retained the CMLL trios titles over Euforia & Gran Guerrero & La Mascara (thanks to Kris Zellner).
• FMLL on 11/20 in El Monte, CA at Florentine Gardens features Negro Navarro vs Blue Demon Jr.
• Lucha Libre WAR on Sunday in El Paso at Houchen Community Center has Caristico and Negro Casas headlining.
• Martinez Entertainment on 11/12 in Kennedale, TX at Turf Zone features Rey Fenix vs. Super Crazy.
• The Crash on 11/26 in Tijuana has Rey Mysterio Jr. & Jeff Hardy & Rey Fenix vs. Jeff Cobb & Teddy Hart & Nicho, plus Flamita vs. Extreme Tiger, Willie Mack & Mascara Dorada & ? vs Bestia 666 & Black Tauro & Demus 3:16 an Keira vs Sexy Dulce (Sexy Star).
• Royce Gracie, Chael Sonnen and Tito Ortiz are appearing at a meet and greet at 6:30 p.m. tomorrow night before the Bellator show at the Mohegan Sun Casino in Uncasville, CT. 
• The first round matches in AIW’s Double Dare tag team tournament tomorrow night and Saturday night in Cleveland at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel has Cryme Tyme vs. Devastation Corporation, Head Hunters vs. Lucky Thurteen & Eric Ryan, Crazy Pain vs Sexual Panic, Candice LeRae & Marti Belle vs. Massage NV, Space Justice vs. Infinity and Beyond, Weird World vs. Jollyville Fuckits. Saturday night also has Shyna Baszler defending the women’s title against Britt Baker. 
• The Combate Americas weeekly television show debuts at 10 p.m. tonight on Azteca America in the U.S. and at 11 p.m. tomorrow night on TV Azteca in Mexico.
• Arda Ocal, who previously worked at The Fight Network and then WWE, will be one of the co-hosts of The MSG Hockey Show, a 30 minute weekly show on the MSG Network. Most of the pub is on another co-host Will Reeve, the son of Christopher Reeve. 
• Battlewar 39 on 11/13 in Montreal at Foufounes Electriques.
• CWE on 11/4 in Russell, Manitoba at the George Bulezuik Center featuring Val Venis as the headliner.
• Here are some interview trailers on Jimmy Garvin and Butch Reed. 

Today in Professional Wrestling History 11/3: Bobby Roode wins the TNA World Championship

CONTACT INFORMATION

• Poll opinions: [email protected]
• ​Feedback: [email protected]
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THE ROUND-UP

The latest from the F4W Staff

Give me back my son! err belt… err championship.

NEWS

• The Undertaker scheduled for November 15th episode of SmackDown
• Hulk Hogan reaches $31 million settlement with Gawker
• The build for Okada vs. Omega to begin on iPPV in New Zealand
• WWE Network debuting new cruiserweight series this month
• AJ Styles vs. Dean Ambrose set for WWE TLC
• WWE SmackDown video highlights: Dean Ambrose vs. AJ Styles
• WWE SmackDown live results: The build to Survivor Series continues

AUDIO

• B&V&C: Final Raw before Survivor Series 1997, Nitro, CRAIG SONG CONTEST! 11/1
• WOL: Nate Rau talks Dixie vs. Corgan, TNA losing TV, Raw from Monday, more! 11/1
• DragonKingKarl Classic Wrestling Show: A longform history of pro wrestling, pt. 5 11/1

Figure Four Weekly 10/24/2016: Deregulation of pro wrestling in Arizona – In Arizona, deregulation of professional wrestling wasn’t a pressing matter by any stretch when the topic was first broached in 1981. There was no major promotion running in the state and little to no full time work, with only one licensed promoter, who was running shows weekly in Phoenix…click here to continue.

F4W YouTube Page: Tons of clips and full free audio shows that you can tell your friends about, and much more to come! Make sure you subscribe today!

The Death of WCWby Bryan Alvarez and RD Reynolds is now available as an audiobook through Amazon.com and Audible. Alvarez did the narration for the book which runs almost fifteen hours, so grab yours today!

Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Oct 31, 2016: Billy Corgan vs. TNA, Urijah Faber retiring, more – The battle for control of TNA hit the courtroom this past week and we’ve got not only the blow-by-blow, but what it all means, in a detailed lead story in the new issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter. We also break that two of the world’s best wrestlers are seriously considering coming to WWE in 2017, the retirement of Urijah Faber and his legacy, the Flo Sports pro wrestling streaming service and why it could be a game changer but what it needs to become one, notes on Hell in a Cell and much more in a jam packed news issue.

Our lead story breaks down the entire TNA situation, what was said in public who was said in private, who is screwing who, why this went to the courts, what are the motives of Billy Corgan, WWE’s interest in purchasing the company and so much said publicly that ended up not being true.

We look at the career of Urijah Faber, the rise of the WEC on his back, the rise of Sacramento MMA and his becoming the first under 145 pound major star.

We’ve got a preview of Hell in a Cell as well as a story on who goes last. We also update a story on how WWE’s biggest star may be banned from appearing in several states, one of WWE’s biggest stars is right now off Survivor Series and why, Paige’s neck surgery, WWE asks fans about lots of indie groups, an overseas show that will be taped for the WWE Network, lots of notes on new people signed by WWE and their backgrounds.

We also look at a TV pilot based on backstage in WWE from 16 years ago, Ryback vs. WWE over trademarks, a Shawn Michaels movie, update on James Ellsworth, A.J. Styles vs. Shawn Michaels, the strange story of Curtis Axel in Minneapolis on Monday, Randy Orton’s turn, Shinsuke Nakamura update, WWE developmental star arrested and suspended, and more.

We look at the new Flo Sports pro wrestling streaming service, its potential as well as pitfalls hindering it from reaching its potential. We look at how this could greatly benefit the indie scene, as well as questions on whether it can work long-term… click here to continue.

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: Oct 11, 1999 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Vince Russo leaves WWF for WCW, WWF Rebellion – Vince Russo and Ed Ferrera, the men who were responsible for writing the WWF television shows that have been drawing huge ratings for the past year abruptly quit the company and signed on with WCW over the weekend… click here to continue.

Wednesday News Update

WWE

Someone is getting screwed…

• More announcements for the Raw vs. SmackDown traditional Survivor Series elimination tag matches were made on SmackDown last night. The SmackDown men’s team will consist of AJ Styles, Dean Ambrose, Bray Wyatt, Randy Orton, and Baron Corbin. The women’s team will be Nikki Bella, Becky Lynch, Alexa Bliss, Carmella, and Naomi and the team will be coached by Natalya. American Alpha and The Usos also won qualifying matches and will be part of the SmackDown tag division’s team.
• Also on last night’s SmackDown, Dolph Ziggler issued an open challenge to any member of the Raw roster to challenge him for the Intercontinental Championship at Survivor Series.
• Chris Jericho tweeted about SmackDown’s Survivor Series team.
• Brock Lesnar will face Rusev at WWE’s live event in Mexico City on December 3rd.
• Goldberg appeared on ESPN’s First Take.
• In the press release about the WWE Network’s new cruiserweight series, Akira Tozawa is billed only as Tozawa and Brian Kendrick is referred to as The Brian Kendrick.
• ESPN has an article on Edge’s life after WWE.
• Former Germany goalkeeper Tim Wiese is set to make his WWE debut at the company’s house show in Munich on Thursday.
• To buy WWE Raw tickets for Newark NJ Monday May 15th, use presale code: WWERAW
• AJ Styles accidentally locked his keys in his car after SmackDown.

PRO WRESTLING

• Stardom president Rossy Ogawa has confirmed Dave Meltzer’s report that Io Shirai and Kairi Hojo have gotten offers from WWE.
• Jake the Snake is on board with the Chicago Cubs and wants them to win it all. He made a hype video previewing game seven.
• World of Sport had to turn away hundreds from their recent tapings.
• Wrestling Revolver will join WrestleMania weekend activities on Saturday, April 1 at 12 pm for #PancakesAndPowerbombs at the Wyndham Resort, 8001 International DR in Orlando, FL. See #IowaGoesLucha results. Already announced, to take place for the first time ever: RICOCHET vs. SHANE STRICKLAND! Wrestling Revolver is taking applications for the AR FOX OPEN INVITE SCRAMBLE: AR Fox vs. Rey Fenix vs. Trevor Lee vs. Andrew Everett vs. FOUR MORE ENTRANTS! Tickets.

UFC / MMA

Finally Poland gets revenge for years of awful jokes…

• Joanna Jedrzejczyk, Karolina Kowalkiewicz, Tyron Woodley, and Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson participated in a conference call with the media ahead of their fights at UFC 205.
• Chris Weidman said that a fight against Michael Bisping would be the easiest of his career.
• TJ Dillashaw vs. John Lineker is reportedly scheduled for UFC 207.
• Miesha Tate predicted that Ronda Rousey will beat Amanda Nunes if she is at her best.
• A bantamweight rematch pitting Darrion Caldwell (9-1) against “Baby” Joe Taimanglo (23-6-1) of Guam, completes a stacked main card on the second night of a special Bellator MMA doubleheader inside WinStar World Casino & Resort in Thackerville, OK., on Saturday, December 3.
• A light heavyweight bout pitting Philipe Lins (10-1) against Pietro Cappelli (2-1) and a middleweight fight between John Salter (12-3) and Claudio Annicchiarico (1-4) have been added to “Bellator 168: Carvalho vs. Manhoef 2,” which will feature both Bellator MMA and Bellator Kickboxing brands emanating from the Mandela Forum in Florence on Dec. 10. The evening is highlighted by a main event middleweight world title rematch pitting Rafael Carvalho (13-1) against Melvin Manhoef (30-13-1, 2 NC). In addition, Italy’s own Alessio Sakara (18-11, 2 NC) and Joey “The Mexicutioner” Beltran (17-13, 1 NC) will duke it out in a light heavyweight feature fight. “Bellator 168: Carvalho vs. Manhoef 2” will air on SPIKE at 4pm ET/PT.
• Conor “The Notorious” McGregor, Tyron “The Chosen One” Woodley, Chris “The All American” Weidman and Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone will all fight on the main card UFC 205 at the highly anticipated debut at historic Madison Square Garden in New York City on Saturday, November 12. For the first time MMA is legal in New York after Governor Andrew Cuomo signed a bill to legalize and regulate professional mixed martial arts in New York, which is monumental in cementing MMA’s future in the state of New York, which is home to many top stars including UFC champions Weidman and Jon Jones, to name a few. Regarded as the fight of the year, McGregor and Eddie Alvarez will headline the UFC 205 pay-per-view extravaganza. McGregor, UFC’s reigning featherweight champion will fight Alvarez for the lightweight championship and has a lot at stake as he is vying to become the first fighter to ever hold two belts simultaneously – one in the lightweight division, and the other in the featherweight division.   
• Royce Gracie, Tito Ortiz, and Chael Sonnen will be doing a meet and greet fan autograph signing for bellator 163 ticket holders. This Friday November 4, from 6-8pm at the Mohegan Sun Arena Concourse, 1 Mohegan Sun Blvd. Uncasville, CT 06382.
• The weekly series, Combate Americas Azteca, hosted by Andrea Calle, will premiere on Thursday, Nov., 3 at 10 p.m. ET in the U.S. on Azteca America, and on Friday, Nov. 4 at 11 p.m. on TV Azteca’s Channel 7 in Mexico, following the popular La Liga Mexicana football. The monthly live events air live in the U.S. and the following night in Mexico.

VARIETY

STEINERIZED~!

• RIck Steiner did an audio interview about his time in WWE, WCW, AWA, TNA and his Great North Wrestling match in Hawkesbury vs Hannibal this Saturday Nov. 5th that can be heard here.
• Great North Wrestling’s hour long shoot interview with Quebec Wrestling GIlles “The Fish” Poisson is now up in it’s entirety at this link.
• Newly uncovered WrestleMania IV footage shows Donald Trump hanging out with a high stakes gambler who has ties to organized crime, allegedly. Trump had previously denied that he knew Robert LiButti.
• This article is about wrestling terminology becoming part of the dictionary.
• Last week on The Two Man Power Trip of Wrestling, the mind behind the hugely successful House of Hardcore promotion and ECW Original the one and only “Innovator of Violence, Tommy Dreamer joined John Poz and Chad for podcast episode #213. In this excerpt Dreamer discusses being a mentor to talent and ironically taking on a similar role now to what Terry Funk played in his career.
• MLW returns to the Harley Race Arena this Saturday, November 5.
• UPW returns to the Eagles Club in Rochester, New York for “November 2 Dismember” Saturday, November 12th. Doors open at 5:30 pm. Belltime is at 6:00 pm. Tickets are $15 presale, $17 at the door, and $10 for kids 9 and under. Tickets. Main Event: Tag Team Grudge Match (UPW Heavyweight Title is on the line) Defiance (Maximo Suave & Chris Cayden) vs. UPW Heavyweight Champion “The Young Lion of the West” Mattick & The Monster Abyss.
• 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 a independent professional wrestling company in the modern era. Episode 21: What Happens When You Prank Call R-Truth?

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

• Ronda Rousey: ‘This is definitely one of my last fights’
• UFC loses November clash of top middleweight contenders
• Halloween scares up spooky ratings for Monday’s Raw
• TNA loses its deal with Challenge TV in the United Kingdom
• WWE Raw live results: Goldberg returns on the road to Survivor Series
• NJPW Road to Power Struggle results: The junior tag tournament continues
• Judge rejects Billy Corgan’s efforts to take over TNA Wrestling
• WWE Hell In A Cell fan feedback: Chris Cruise gives his take on Sasha Banks
• WWE Allentown, PA, live results: AJ Styles vs. Dean Ambrose; Randy Orton vs. Kane
• NXT Los Angeles, CA, live results: Kota Ibushi vs. Bobby Roode; Dusty Classic semifinals

AUDIO

• WOR: Corgan vs. Dixie, Raw recap, return of Goldberg, more! 11/1
• WOL: Hell in a Cell fallout, Charlotte vs. Sasha, TNA day in court 10/31
• WOR: Billy vs. Dixie, WWE Hell in a Cell, Dave goes to NXT, more! 10/31
• B&V: Bryan and Vinny review WWE Hell in a Cell! 10/30

Figure Four Weekly 10/24/2016: Deregulation of pro wrestling in Arizona — In Arizona, deregulation of professional wrestling wasn’t a pressing matter by any stretch when the topic was first broached in 1981. There was no major promotion running in the state and little to no full time work, with only one licensed promoter, who was running shows weekly in Phoenix…subscribers click here to continue.

F4W YouTube Page: Tons of clips and full free audio shows that you can tell your friends about, and much more to come! Make sure you subscribe today!

The Death of WCWby Bryan Alvarez and RD Reynolds is now available as an audiobook through Amazon.com and Audible. Bryan did the narration for the book and it runs almost fifteen hours, so grab yours today!

Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Oct 31, 2016: Billy Corgan vs. TNA, Urijah Faber retiring, more – The battle for control of TNA hit the courtroom this past week and we’ve got not only the blow-by-blow, but what it all means, in a detailed lead story in the new issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter. We also break that two of the world’s best wrestlers are seriously considering coming to WWE in 2017, the retirement of Urijah Faber and his legacy, the Flo Sports pro wrestling streaming service and why it could be a game changer but what it needs to become one, notes on Hell in a Cell and much more in a jam packed news issue.

Our lead story breaks down the entire TNA situation, what was said in public who was said in private, who is screwing who, why this went to the courts, what are the motives of Billy Corgan, WWE’s interest in purchasing the company and so much said publicly that ended up not being true.

We look at the career of Urijah Faber, the rise of the WEC on his back, the rise of Sacramento MMA and his becoming the first under 145 pound major star.

We’ve got a preview of Hell in a Cell as well as a story on who goes last. We also update a story on how WWE’s biggest star may be banned from appearing in several states, one of WWE’s biggest stars is right now off Survivor Series and why, Paige’s neck surgery, WWE asks fans about lots of indie groups, an overseas show that will be taped for the WWE Network, lots of notes on new people signed by WWE and their backgrounds.

We also look at a TV pilot based on backstage in WWE from 16 years ago, Ryback vs. WWE over trademarks, a Shawn Michaels movie, update on James Ellsworth, A.J. Styles vs. Shawn Michaels, the strange story of Curtis Axel in Minneapolis on Monday, Randy Orton’s turn, Shinsuke Nakamura update, WWE developmental star arrested and suspended, and more.

We look at the new Flo Sports pro wrestling streaming service, its potential as well as pitfalls hindering it from reaching its potential. We look at how this could greatly benefit the indie scene, as well as questions on whether it can work long-term… click here to continue.

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: Oct 11, 1999 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Vince Russo leaves WWF for WCW, WWF Rebellion – Vince Russo and Ed Ferrera, the men who were responsible for writing the WWF television shows that have been drawing huge ratings for the past year abruptly quit the company and signed on with WCW over the weekend… click here to continue.

Tuesday News Update

WWE

• Goldberg tweeted about having ring rust during his appearance on Raw last night. WWE edited Goldberg slipping during his altercation with Rusev out of the YouTube clip they posted online.
• Raw’s Survivor Series teams began to take shape last night with Roman Reigns, Kevin Owens, Chris Jericho, and Braun Strowman being announced for the men’s division team. There is one spot left to be announced. Charlotte, Bayley, and Nia Jax were also announced for the women’s division team. As Raw Tag Team Champions, The New Day will captain the tag division team.
• SmackDown Live is tonight in Newark, NJ with Daniel Bryan appearing on MizTv to make an announcement regarding SmackDown’s Survivor Series teams.
• The Raw crew opens up the European tour in Frankfurt, Germany on Wednesday night. 
• Stephanie McMahon was on a cooking show called The Chew.
• Enzo Amore was interviewed by ESPN.

PRO WRESTLING

• Pro Wrestling NOAH has reportedly been sold to Japanese IT company Estbee.
• Kota Ibushi commented on his negotiations with WWE and turning down a full-time contract. Ibushi also said that he misses New Japan Pro Wrestling. (thanks to Chris Charlton for the translation)
• Silicon Valley billionaire Peter Thiel justified his decision to fund Hulk Hogan’s lawsuit against Gawker Media on Monday, insisting it’s hard for “a single-digit millionaire” to pursue justice.
• Ring of Honor is offering round-trip bus transportation for fans in the Orlando area to the spectacular Supercard of Honor show at the Lakeland Center in Lakeland, Fla. on Saturday, April 1st. Buses will leave from WrestleCon at the Orlando Hyatt Regency that afternoon at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. and return after the event. The roundtrip costs just $5, and passengers will receive $5 off at the ROH Pro Shop or Meet and Greet at the event. Bus tickets will be shipped to the address provided along with coupons for merchandise and autographs to be used at the event! Please make sure you have the correct shipping address when purchasing tickets. To purchase tickets for Supercard of Honor, click here.
• Tickets For WaleMania III Featuring MLW Radio LIVE Go On Sale Friday November 11th At MLW.com. 
• WLW is returning to Troy, MO at the Race Wrestling Arena! It will be a great night for all of the family that will feature some of the best wrestling talent around! 

UFC / MMA

• The Ellen Show uploaded video of Ronda Rousey’s appearance today where she said that her UFC 207 fight against Amanda Nunes will be one of her last.
• AXS TV FIGHTS today announced it has signed a new multi-year agreement with CES MMA, the premier East Coast mixed martial arts organization. Through this extension, which includes at least six scheduled events in 2017, AXS TV FIGHTS will remain the exclusive North American broadcast home for CES MMA. Based on the recently announced deals with CES MMA, Lion Fight Muay Thai and Legacy Fighting Alliance, AXS TV FIGHTS will broadcast 45 live events in 2017, which is more than any other TV network.
• Former UFC Welterweight Johny Hendricks joined Submission Radio to discuss why he’s definitely retiring if he loses at UFC 207, his plans to bring back the old Hendricks against Magny and why he may still retire if he wins this fight and his Wife tells him to hang up his gloves. Hendricks about moving to Middleweight for his fight at UFC 207 after missing weight at UFC 200: “They just put it at welterweight. Here’s the thing, a quarter of a pound, yeah it’s still missing weight, but it’s still a quarter of a pound. And if I had to move to middleweight to do a fight over a quarter of a pound to do a fight, then that’s what I gotta do, but they didn’t say anything. Because I think, really, a couple of the guys that are UFC guys thought that it broke (even) whenever I was on 171.”
• An intriguing title fight headlines this weekend’s XKO 33 fight card as the precocious Kevin “The Trailblazer” Holland takes on the hard-hitting slugger Alfredo Leija for the vacant title.
• UFC unveiled its first-ever event-specific product line to commemorate the landmark UFC® 205: ALVAREZ vs. McGREGOR, taking place on Saturday, November 12 at Madison Square Garden. Launched in collaboration with Reebok, UFC’s global outfitting partner, the limited-edition UFC City Pack: New York is comprised of custom, city-inspired apparel, including a unique UFC Fight Kit made specifically for athletes competing in the global brand’s first-ever event in New York.

VARIETY

• FIST Combat’s biggest show, this Sat 11/5 at Garfield Park Community Center on the west side of Santa Cruz only 3 min from UCSC campus. It’s all ages. $10 for kids under 16, and all UCSC students w/ID. Featuring: Hillary Clinton vs Donald Trump in a pro wrestling ring!! Jeff Cobb vs Karl Fredricks in our 1st quarter final match for the FIST Combat championship, Jheri Giggalo vs Desi De Rata, Seabass, Adam Thornstowe of the Reno Scum, The Classic Connection and so much more, including sexy ring card girls! Tickets.
• Rock Solid Wrestling: WAR in Walden – Saturday, November 26 at 3 PM – 7 PM, Lively District Secondary School 265 Fifth Avenue, Lively, Ontario P3Y 1M4, Tickets Available.
• Northeast Wrestling “Autumn Ambush” on 11/5 at the Waterbury PAL Building (64 Division Street) in Waterbury, CT. Meet and Greet at 5 p.m. Bell time 7 p.m. Northeast Wrestling Champion Brian Anthony vs. Jeff Hardy; Cody Rhodes vs. Travis “Flip” Gordon; T.K. O’Ryan vs. DIJAK; Final Deletion Match: Broken Matt Hardy & Ron Zombie vs. Team Shazaam; Matt Taven; 2nd Annual Roddy Piper Memorial Battle Royal; Vinny Marseglia vs. War King Hanson; Maria Manic vs. Deonna Purrazzo; and more! Tickets: call Chris at 203-228-7361; or available at the door Saturday night.
• Northeast Wrestling “King of Bethany” on 11/12 at the NEW Arena (40 Peck Road) in Bethany, CT. Special start time of 6:30 p.m. so you can make it home in time for UFC. The King of Bethany will be Crowned! First Round Matches in the Tournament: Vinny Marseglia vs. Keith Youngblood; Wrecking Ball Legursky vs. Ron Zombie; Jimmy Preston vs. DIJAK; Travis Gordon vs. Mike Bennett; PLUS: Matt Taven;T.K. O’Ryan vs. War King Hanson; The Battles Brothers vs. The NOW; Scotty Slade vs. Mark Shurman; Celebration for new Northeast Champion Brian Anthony; and more! Tickets.
• RESULTS: Mecca Pro Wrestling “New Breed”, October 22 / 2016 Cornwall, Ontario: Payne (acc. by Randy Berry) def. Big Daddy D Roy. Raz Mansour def. Kevin Brien. Fatal X def. Jake Hunter. “The Dominator” Dom Boulanger def. The Brooklyn Foot. The Night Train Express def. Idris & “Magic” Mario Bryant. MPW Pound For Pound Championship (title vacant): Tyson Dux def. El Chato and Ryan Donavon to become Champion. Flo Riley def. Eve “The Black Widow” #1 Contender for MPW Heavyweight Champioship: Dru Onyx def. Thunder. MPW Heavyweight Championship: Joey Valentyne (c) def. “The Rage” Randy Berry (acc. by Payne)

Today in Wrestling History (11/1): Jushin Liger wins junior heavyweight 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

• Sasha Banks vs. Charlotte to main event WWE Hell in a Cell
• WWE Q3 financial notes: Network sub average dips; revenue to date up 8%
• Attorneys for TNA & Billy Corgan make their case in court
• Goldberg vs. Brock Lesnar set for WWE Survivor Series
• FloSports announces deal with WWNLive, launches pro wrestling streaming service
• Urijah Faber to retire after UFC on FOX 22 fight
• NXT San Jose, CA, live results: Rich Swann, Roderick Strong, Nakamura, more

AUDIO

• F4D: ACTION ORTIZ on Overweight Classic, ROH, House of Hardcore, more! 10/28
• WOL: Hell in a Cell preview, Lucha update with Steve Sims, more! 10/28
• Wrestling Weekly: Sasha Banks vs. Charlotte, FloSlam, Booty-O’s 10/28

WWE HELL IN A CELL SUNDAY AT 7:30 P.M. FROM THE TD GARDEN IN BOSTON

Sasha Banks vs. Charlotte for the women’s title in a Hell in a Cell match — WWE makes history with the unadvertised first time women are in a PPV main event tonight. The pressure is on and that means they’ll be getting ample time to do what they need to do, because nobody wants it to flop. There has been no smart money coming in so these odds don’t mean much. The last show was the rare show without smart money coming in so they may have been able to convince their guys not to game the system and thus give away the finishes.

Banks is right now a -190 favorite. This could go either way. Charlotte has never lost on PPV, but going on last in Boston it would make sense for Banks to win, and if she’s going to lose, it should be in another city. The idea they want to create history, although making the decision to put them on last the night before the show is nuts, would mean you’d normally want to put the home town wrestler over. 

Kevin Owens vs. Seth Rollins for the Universal tile in a Hell in a Cell match —On paper these two should have a good match, although their interaction thus far has been good but not great. Owens was a -1350 favorite to retain here. One would expect some kind of interference involving Chris Jericho here. 

Roman Reigns vs. Rusev for the U.S. title in a Hell in a Cell match —We’ll see how much the Boston audience turns on Reigns. These two have consistently had good matches in their program. Reigns is a -1800 favorite to retain.

New Day vs. Sheamus & Cesaro for the tag team titles —Sheamus & Cesaro have been losing in the matches building up this program, up until Monday where they won the non-title match. New Day has been built up for months breaking Demolition’s record, and a loss of the title here doesn’t make sense with that kind of build. New Day is a -365 favorite.

T.J Perkins vs. Brian Kendrick for the cruiserweight title —The big story here is whether Perkins “will let” Kendrick win, which is a story that does this new title no favors. But this division should never have been kicked off by average matches. Kendrick is a -535 favorite. 

Enzo Amore & Big Cass vs. Luke Gallows & Karl Anderson — Anderson & Gallows are -460 favorites to win here, which makes sense since in the 50/50 booking world, it’s been Anderson & Gallows losing the matches in the television build.

Bayley vs. Dana Brooke —Brooke is unique in the sense she’s the one person Bayley has a hard time getting a good match out of, and has done a number on Bayley’s popularity ever since they started the program. Bayley is a -1050 favorite to win, which makes sense with Brooke having won their TV match.

Cedric Alexander & Lince Dorado & Sin Cara vs. Drew Gulak & Tony Nese & Ariya Daivari in the preshow match — You would think the faces go over, particularly since the faces are under contract and the three heels are not under contract. The Alexander team is the -350 favorites.

On paper the show looks good. The six man tag opener should be fast paced and acrobatic. They’ll probably have the Hell in a Cell matches spread throughout the show. All should be good and New Day’s matches are usually good and rarely great. But at the end of the day, this show is all about the women’s match and if they deliver and if the crowd treats it as a big deal.

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

Bryan and I will be back tonight talking the latest pro wrestling and MMA news, including Hell in a Cell tonight on Wrestling Observer radio. If you’ve got questions for the show you can send them to [email protected]

We’re also looking for reports from these shows:

ROH TV tapings last night in Baltimore

NXT tonight in Los Angeles (I believe they will be taping television tonight)

Smackdown house show tonight in Allentown, PA

WWE HELL IN A CELL SUNDAY AT 7:30 P.M. FROM THE TD GARDEN IN BOSTON

• Kevin Owens vs. Seth Rollins for the Universal tile in a Hell in a Cell match
• Sasha Banks vs. Charlotte for the women’s title in a Hell in a Cell match
• Roman Reigns vs. Rusev for the U.S. title in a Hell in a Cell match
• New Day vs. Sheamus & Cesaro for the tag team titles
• T.J Perkins vs. Brian Kendrick for the cruiserweight title
• Enzo Amore & Big Cass vs. Luke Gallows & Karl Anderson
• Bayley vs. Dana Brooke
• Cedric Alexander & Lince Dorado & Sin Cara vs. Drew Gulak & Tony Nese & Ariya Daivari in the preshow match

Raw will be Monday night in Hartford, CT. It will be the Halloween themed show, and Bill Goldberg is scheduled to appear. Ratings usually are down significantly so if they’re not, that would be attributed to Goldberg. There is also a Smackdown brand house show on Monday night in Trenton, NJ.

Tuesday will be the Smackdown tapings in Newark, NJ.

The Raw crew opens up the European tour in Frankfurt, Germany on Wednesday night. 

Figure Four Weekly 10/24/2016: Deregulation of pro wrestling in Arizona — In Arizona, deregulation of professional wrestling wasn’t a pressing matter by any stretch when the topic was first broached in 1981. There was no major promotion running in the state and little to no full time work, with only one licensed promoter, who was running shows weekly in Phoenix…Current subscribers click here to continue reading.

F4W YouTube Page: Tons of clips and full free audio shows that you can tell your friends about, and much more to come! Make sure you subscribe today!

The Death of WCWby Bryan Alvarez and RD Reynolds is now available as an audiobook through Amazon.com and Audible. Bryan did the narration for the book and it runs almost fifteen hours, so grab yours today!

Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Oct 31, 2016: Billy Corgan vs. TNA, Urijah Faber retiring, more — The battle for control of TNA hit the courtroom this past week and we’ve got not only the blow-by-blow, but what it all means, in a detailed lead story in the new issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter. We also break that two of the world’s best wrestlers are seriously considering coming to WWE in 2017, the retirement of Urijah Faber and his legacy, the Flo Sports pro wrestling streaming service and why it could be a game changer but what it needs to become one, notes on Hell in a Cell and much more in a jam packed news issue.

Our lead story breaks down the entire TNA situation, what was said in public who was said in private, who is screwing who, why this went to the courts, what are the motives of Billy Corgan, WWE’s interest in purchasing the company and so much said publicly that ended up not being true.

We look at the career of Urijah Faber, the rise of the WEC on his back, the rise of Sacramento MMA and his becoming the first under 145 pound major star.

We’ve got a preview of Hell in a Cell as well as a story on who goes last. We also update a story on how WWE’s biggest star may be banned from appearing in several states, one of WWE’s biggest stars is right now off Survivor Series and why, Paige’s neck surgery, WWE asks fans about lots of indie groups, an overseas show that will be taped for the WWE Network, lots of notes on new people signed by WWE and their backgrounds.

We also look at a TV pilot based on backstage in WWE from 16 years ago, Ryback vs. WWE over trademarks, a Shawn Michaels movie, update on James Ellsworth, A.J. Styles vs. Shawn Michaels, the strange story of Curtis Axel in Minneapolis on Monday, Randy Orton’s turn, Shinsuke Nakamura update, WWE developmental star arrested and suspended, and more.

We look at the new Flo Sports pro wrestling streaming service, its potential as well as pitfalls hindering it from reaching its potential. We look at how this could greatly benefit the indie scene, as well as questions on whether it can work long-term.

All that and more in this week’s new Wrestling Observer, 40,000 words of news and information you can’t read anywhere else in the world.

Current subscribers click here to continue reading.

Order the print Wrestling Observer right now and get it delivered via mail, by sending your name, address, Visa or Master Card number and an expiration date to Dave Meltzer, or by using PayPal directing funds to [email protected]. 

Rates 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: October 4, 1999 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: WWF Unforgiven and UFC 22 reviews, tons more – The workload stemming from increasing the television demands of the WWF started to show through on 9/26 with a disappointing Unforgiven PPV show… Subscribers click here to continue reading.

Sunday News Update

The semifinals of the New Japan tag team tournament took place earlier today at Korakuen Hall in Tokyo. Rocky Romero & Baretta defeated Ryusuke Taguchi & Fuego in one and Taiji Ishimori & ACH beat Ricochet & David Finlay in the other. The two winners meet in the finals on the Power Struggle show on 11/5 in Osaka’s Edion Arena, which is the next PPV show.

An interesting note if NXT is taping at the Palladium in Los Angeles, which I understand to be the case, and there’s also the PPV. This may be the first time WWE has taped in two separate parts of the country at the same time.

Rush vs. Ultimo Guerrero headlines today’s CMLL Dia de Muertos show at Arena Mexico, which also has Caristico & Marco Corleone & Diamante Azul vs. Shocker & Rey Bucanero & El Terrible The show starts at 7 p.m.Eastern time. WATCH HERE

Friday’s Arena Mexico(WATCH HERE) A very good main event with Valiente vs. Volador Jr. for the Universal title. The match third from the top is also worth watching, particularly the third fall build to the finish.

UFC

Guido Cannetti, who was scheduled to face Marco Beltran on this coming Saturday’s UFC show in Mexico City, had an issue with an out of competition test taken on 10/5 and thus has been pulled from the show. 

Jonathan Coachman was at it again. This week on Ric Flair’s podcast, he said that UFC should have allowed Jon Jones to fight at UFC 200 even though they had gotten word a few days before the show of his failed drug test. 

MISCELLANEOUS

NWL, LLC has purchased the Kansas City based Metro Pro Wrestling promotion run by Chris Gough, who is the head writer for NWL. The group, now called NWL KC, will be running 26 live shows in 2017 at the Scottish Rite Temple in Kansas City, with a debut show on 1/7. More than 50 performers have been signed with the idea of running shows in Kansas City and St. Louis on alternate weeks. It’ll be really interesting in this era of nobody running markets frequently what running every other week in the same building will do.

Preston Championship Wrestling from Friday night in Preston, England: El Ligero b Kenny Williams, T-Bone & Rampage Brown b Blue Zone, Dave Birch b Philip Michael Eddie Edwards b Ashton Smith to retain the TNA title, Bubblegum b Chris Ridgeway to retain the PCW cruiserweight title, Zak Knight b Roy Knight, Joey Hayes & Martin Kirby b Danny Hope & C.J. Banks, Iestyn Rees b Chris Masters to retain PCW title in an I Quit match as Masters quit to save Rees from hurting Joanne Rose. The Ligero, Edwards and Bubblegum matches were the best. Adam Rose was scheduled but not there due to transportation issues (thanks to Jan Buxton)

Marty Scurll won the two-night eight man tournament to be crowned the first Melbourne (Australia) City Wrestling champion. The weekend shows featured Evie from Shimmer and former Olympic judoka Jake Andrewartha on the show. (thanks to Paul Jones)

RCW from last night in Calgary: Scotltey Crue.b Dick Richards, Barricade b Zack Mercury, Moses Luke & Billy Blaze & Dick Blood b Cameron Stevenson & Eli Surge & Jeremy Joseph, Strike b Britton Balyis, Mutato b Leo London, Slammer & Ugg b Abyss & Jess Youngblood, Tiger Ali b Scorpio Sky to retain the British Commonwealth title, Scott Justice b Joey Vendetta i the finals for the vacant Canadian title (thanks to Steven Ashe)

Lucha Xtreme from Fresno television yesterday: Jake Atlas b Suzaku, Homicide b Tommy Wilson, Darwin Finch & Chazz DDQ Donny Suarez & Sean Black. (thanks to Jon Southerland).

Lucha Xtreme announcer Phil Medina is doing a benefit comedy show at the Gilroy, CA District Theater on 11/17 and 11/18 with an 8 p.m. start time to raise money for the Christopher High School Choir in Gilroy.

Pro Wrestling Championship Series from last night in Granite City, IL: Matt Kenway b Richard Faith, Austin Blackburn b Adrian Sruge, Outtkast b Paco Gonzalez, Jason Roberts b Angelus Layne, Stevie Fierce & Rob Matter b Evan Gelistico & Pierre Abernathy, Mat Fitchett b Makaze, Gary Jay NC Danny Adams, Everett Connors b Sean Orleans, Mike Outlaw b Davey Vega (thanks to Patrick Brandmeyer) 

Hogtown Pro Wrestling on 11/11 at the Super Wonder Gallery in Toronto featuring Mike Bailey.

Acclaim Pro Wrestling from last night in Ottawa,ONT: Scot Parker b Michael Von Payton-DQ, Stu Grayson b KL Shock, KC Spinelli & Courtney Rush b Logan Reid & Spunk, Big Magic b Freddie Mercurio, Dash Bison b Xandra Bale, Deeno Benjamin & HC Ryder & Decker Lockhart b Jonathan Rukin & Bret MacLeod & Pauly Platinum, Prince Ali b Cecil Nyx, Vanessa Kraven b Franky the Mobster-DQ

There will be a Northern California Hall of Fame show at 4 p.m. on 11/6 at The Gold Mine at 930 Oddstad Blvd., in Pacifica, CA. Inducted will be Pepper Gomez, Michael Modest, Tony Jones and Jim Davis. There will also be a multi-promotional free wrestling show to follow.

Ted DiBiase officiating a wedding

Today in Wrestling History (10/30): Vader wins the Triple Crown

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 San Jose, CA, live results: Rich Swann, Roderick Strong, Nakamura, more
• NXT Sacramento, CA, live results: Roderick Strong hits the road
• The Week In British Wrestling: It’s Foley out, Balor in for ICW’s big night
• Are New Japan’s split shows leading to self-‘Destruction’?
• Urijah Faber to retire after UFC on FOX 22 fight
• Sasha Banks vs. Charlotte part of a ‘triple main event’ at WWE Hell in a Cell

AUDIO

• F4D: ACTION ORTIZ on Overweight Classic, ROH, House of Hardcore, more! 10/28
• WOL: Hell in a Cell preview, Lucha update with Steve Sims, more! 10/28
• Wrestling Weekly: Sasha Banks vs. Charlotte, FloSlam, Booty-O’s 10/28

NEW JAPAN AT KORAKUEN HALL AT 5:30 A.M. EASTERN TIME EARLY SUNDAY MORNING ON NEW JAPAN WORLD

• Teruaki Kanemitsu vs. Hirai Kawato
• Yoshitatsu & Juice Robinson vs. Yujiro Takahashi & Bone Soldier
• Hiroyoshi Tenzan & Satoshi Kojima & Jushin Liger & Tiger Mask vs. Yuji Nagata & Manabu Nakanishi & Angel de Oro & Titan
• Tomohiro Ishii & Yoshi-Hashi & Hirooki Goto vs. Tama Tonga & Tanga Roa & Chase Owens
• Kazuchika Okada & Will Ospreay & Gedo vs. Kenny Omega & Young Bucks
• Hiroshi Tanahashi & Katsuyori Shibata & Togi Makabe & Tomoaki Honma vs Tetsuya Naito & Seiya Sanada & Evil & Bushi
• Fuego & Ryusuke Taguchi vs. Rocky Romero & Baretta in the semifinals of the junior heavyweight tag team tournament
• Ricochet & David Finlay vs. ACH & Taiji Ishimori in the semifinals of the junior heavyweight tag team tournament

WWE HELL IN A CELL SUNDAY AT 7:30 P.M. FROM THE TD GARDEN IN BOSTON

• Kevin Owens vs. Seth Rollins for the Universal tile in a Hell in a Cell match
• Sasha Banks vs. Charlotte for the women’s title in a Hell in a Cell match
• Roman Reigns vs. Rusev for the U.S. title in a Hell in a Cell match
• New Day vs. Sheamus & Cesaro for the tag team titles
• T.J Perkins vs. Brian Kendrick for the cruiserweight title
• Enzo Amore & Big Cass vs. Luke Gallows & Karl Anderson
• Bayley vs. Dana Brooke
• Cedric Alexander & Lince Dorado & Sin Cara vs. Drew Gulak & Tony Nese & Ariya Daivari in the preshow match

Raw will be Monday night in Hartford, CT. It will be the Halloween themed show, and Bill Goldberg is scheduled to appear. Ratings usually are down significantly so if they’re not, that would be attributed to Goldberg. There is also a Smackdown brand house show on Monday night in Trenton, NJ.

Tuesday will be the Smackdown tapings in Newark, NJ.

The Raw crew opens up the European tour in Frankfurt, Germany on Wednesday night. 

Figure Four Weekly 10/24/2016: Deregulation of pro wrestling in Arizona – In Arizona, deregulation of professional wrestling wasn’t a pressing matter by any stretch when the topic was first broached in 1981. There was no major promotion running in the state and little to no full time work, with only one licensed promoter, who was running shows weekly in Phoenix…Current subscribers click here to continue reading.

F4W YouTube Page: Tons of clips and full free audio shows that you can tell your friends about, and much more to come! Make sure you subscribe today!

The Death of WCWby Bryan Alvarez and RD Reynolds is now available as an audiobook through Amazon.com and Audible. Bryan did the narration for the book and it runs almost fifteen hours, so grab yours today!

Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Oct 31, 2016: Billy Corgan vs. TNA, Urijah Faber retiring, more – The battle for control of TNA hit the courtroom this past week and we’ve got not only the blow-by-blow, but what it all means, in a detailed lead story in the new issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter. We also break that two of the world’s best wrestlers are seriously considering coming to WWE in 2017, the retirement of Urijah Faber and his legacy, the Flo Sports pro wrestling streaming service and why it could be a game changer but what it needs to become one, notes on Hell in a Cell and much more in a jam packed news issue.

Our lead story breaks down the entire TNA situation, what was said in public who was said in private, who is screwing who, why this went to the courts, what are the motives of Billy Corgan, WWE’s interest in purchasing the company and so much said publicly that ended up not being true.

We look at the career of Urijah Faber, the rise of the WEC on his back, the rise of Sacramento MMA and his becoming the first under 145 pound major star.  

We’ve got a preview of Hell in a Cell as well as a story on who goes last. We also update a story on how WWE’s biggest star may be banned from appearing in several states, one of WWE’s biggest stars is right now off Survivor Series and why, Paige’s neck surgery, WWE asks fans about lots of indie groups, an overseas show that will be taped for the WWE Network, lots of notes on new people signed by WWE and their backgrounds.

We also look at a TV pilot based on backstage in WWE from 16 years ago, Ryback vs. WWE over trademarks, a Shawn Michaels movie, update on James Ellsworth, A.J. Styles vs. Shawn Michaels, the strange story of Curtis Axel in Minneapolis on Monday, Randy Orton’s turn, Shinsuke Nakamura update, WWE developmental star arrested and suspended, and more.

We look at the new Flo Sports pro wrestling streaming service, its potential as well as pitfalls hindering it from reaching its potential. We look at how this could greatly benefit the indie scene, as well as questions on whether it can work long-term.

All that and more in this week’s new Wrestling Observer, 40,000 words of news and information you can’t read anywhere else in the world.

Current subscribers click here to continue reading.

Order the print Wrestling Observer right now and get it delivered via mail, by sending your name, address, Visa or Master Card number and an expiration date to Dave Meltzer, or by using PayPal directing funds to [email protected]. 

Rates 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: October 4, 1999 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: WWF Unforgiven and UFC 22 reviews, tons more – The workload stemming from increasing the television demands of the WWF started to show through on 9/26 with a disappointing Unforgiven PPV show… Subscribers click here to continue reading.

Saturday News Update

WWE

• Survivor Series will be a four-hour broadcast on PPV.
• Two matches in the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic took place at NXT’s live event in San Jose, CA last night.
• A special taping of NXT will take place at the November 22nd episode of SmackDown in Ottawa.
• Brock Lesnar will appear at WWE’s live event in Mexico City on December 3rd.
• James Ellsworth met Gillberg at an independent show last night.
• WWE’s YouTube channel looks at the top 10 wildest powerbombs in history.
• WWE has a short ad for Goldberg vs. Brock Lesnar at Survivor Series based around the WWE 2K17 video game.
• This is an article about Charlotte Flair and her passion for WWE history.

UFC / MMA

• Fabricio Werdum talked to MMAFighting about losing his UFC broadcasting gig because of his Reebok protest.
• Michael Bisping appeared in a segment on Fox Sports Live.
• Dana White (wearing Nike apparel) appeared on the pregame show for game three of the World Series to discuss UFC 205.
• Duane Finley of FloCombat reports that Fedor vs. Matt Mitrione is being targeted for Bellator in early 2017.

VARIETY

• Mark Haskins will officially defend his PROGRESS Wrestling Championship against Marty Scurll and the returning Jimmy Havoc at The Electric Ballroom in Camden this Sunday.
• Former NWA, IWGP, and GHC Heavyweight Champion Lance Hoyt was the latest guest on the Pancakes and Powerslams Show. He spoke on his time in TNA and WWE, and now dominating the tag team division in Japan, currently wrestling for Pro Wrestling Noah. He also shared a hilarious Dusty Rhodes story. Full interview here.
• Former Penn State wrestler has found himself in hot water over rape charges from 1999 which were discovered when school prosecutors were looking for dirt on pedophile Jerry Sandusky.
• GNW’s full career shoot interview with TNA “Gut Check” winner Alex Silva is now posted at this link. According to Silva he is going to face a sentence of up to 3 years in prison this January due to a drug related criminal situation he was involved with.
• Former WWWF wrestler and Quebec Wrestling star Gilles “The Fish” Poisson talks about the in-ring shoot incident where Ray Rougeau beat up Poisson’s former tag partner Zaurinuff Labeouf so bad that he never wrestled again at this link.
• Poisson talks about his 2 stints with WWE at this link.  He was managed by Freddy Blassie during his first run there where he feuded with Dominic Denucci.
• Former WWE and WCW star Sam Houston opens up about all his life challenges and career highlights in an over 50 minute conversation with Chris Yandek of CYInterview.com. Sam reveals that he recently lost everything in the Louisiana floods and has moved temporarily to Las Vegas to live with his half brother Jake Roberts. “I reached the point to where I could’ve either broke and thrown it all way or but I chose to keep moving forward and not let it push me down. I mean I ain’t got nothing. I got my pickup truck and I got a few things, that’s what I got and I keep moving forward.” You can listen to the almost hour conversation at this link. A GoFundMe Page has been setup to assist Sam during his challenging time. You can find it here.
• This Is Smash! – Toronto, Sunday, November 13 at 5 PM – 8 PM, Franklin Horner Community Centre, 432 Horner Ave, Toronto, Ontario M8W 2B2. Tickets Available.
• Live Pro Wrestling: Help Caleb Wrestle His Battle – Friday, December 9 at 7 PM – 10 PM, Knights of Columbus, 222 Queenston Road, Hamilton, Ontario L8K 1G6 Check out the article for more information on the cause of the event.
• Great North Wrestling ”Star Stampede” Saturday Nov. 5th 2016 @ 7:30 pm, Robert Hartley Arena, Hawkesbury ON (Halfway between Ottawa and Montreal). Online tickets on sale now starting at $10 in advance through Ticketweb.ca or at The Robert Hartley Arena Reception desk!
• RESULTS: NSPW Total Control 2016 10/22 Ste-Anne-de-Beaupré, Quebec, Travis Toxic def Kevin Dunn, Clean Up Society (Joe Kovick & Michel Plante) def The Strangebulls (Justin Turnbull & Oliver Strange), Ivan Sullivan def Matt Falco, Marko Estrada (c) def Benjamin Tull, Pee Wee def Tom LeBlond by DQ, Hank Chabot def Judas and Domino Jonathan and Nick Cage, Chris Andrews def Mike Bedrich.
• RESULTS: RCW Night Of Legends IV 10/22 Calgary, Alberta: Scotley Crue def Dick Richards, Barricade def Zack Mercury, Moses Luke & The Blazin’ Dicks (Billy Blaze & Dick Blood ) def Cameron Stevenson, Eli Surge & Jeremy Joseph, Strife def Britton Baylis, Mutato def Leo London, C-Block (Slammer & Ugg) def Abyss & Jess Youngblood, Tiger Ali (c) def Scorpio Sky, RCW Canadian Heavyweight Title Tournament Final Match (vacant) Scott Justice def Joey Vendetta.

Today in Wrestling History (10/29): Hulk Hogan vs. The Giant at WCW Halloween Havoc

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

• TNA Impact Wrestling results: Cody & Brandi Rhodes vs. The Miracle & Maria
• SmackDown does lowest ratings since the brand split
• The Week In British Wrestling: It’s Foley out, Balor in for ICW’s big night
• WWE Q3 financial notes: Network sub average dips; revenue to date up 8%
• FloSports announces deal with WWNLive, launches pro wrestling streaming service
• Urijah Faber to retire after UFC on FOX 22 fight
• Lucha Underground results: Johnny Mundo vs. Sexy Star
• WWE NXT results: Kota Ibushi & TJ Perkins vs. Mustafa Ali & Lince Dorado

AUDIO

• B&V: HALLOWEEN SONG CONTEST, real or con, NXT, Lucha U, RAW, more! 10/28
• WOL: WWE Network number, company profits, social media, more! 10/27
• DragonKingKarl Classic Wrestling Show: A longform history of pro wrestling, pt. 4 10/27

No regular WWE house show tonight because there is only one house show this weekend and the Raw PPV show, since right after Raw and Smackdown, both crews leave for a two-week European tour. There are NXT shows tonight in San Jose with the touring crew and in Jacksonville with the less experienced crew.

For this weekend, we’ll be doing a poll for the WWE Hell in a Cell show on Sunday. Send poll opinions to [email protected].

NEW JAPAN WORLD PRO WRESTLING RETURNS ON AXS TV AT 9 P.M. EASTERN TIME

• Hiroshi Tanahashi & Michael Elgin & Mascara Dorada vs. Tetsuya Naito & Evil & Bushi
• Shinsuke Nakamura & Yoshi-Hashi vs. A.J. Styles & Kenny Omega .

This is Nakamura and Styles’ last match with New Japan. The post-match angle with Omega & The Young Bucks turning on Styles is great stuff, which took place after the match.

CMLL TONIGHT AT 9:30 P.M. EASTERN WITH THE HALLOWEEN SPECIAL SHOW AND UNIVERSAL TOURNAMENT FINAL FROM ARENA MEXICO

• Bengala & Flyer vs. Metalico & Apocalipsis
• Oro Jr. & Soberano & Pegasso vs. Disturbio & Okumura & Virus
• Marcela & Estrellita & Sanely vs. Metalica & Amapola & Dallys
• Dragon Lee & Mistico & Caristico vs. Mephisto & Ephesto & Luciferno
• Rush & La Mascara & Pierroth vs. Ultimo Guerrero & Euforia & Niebla Roja
• Volador Jr. vs. Valiente for the Universal tournament final

We’re looking for reports Saturday on the ROH show in Baltimore at the William J. Myers Pavilion (Bobby Fish vs. Hangman Page for TV title, Ultimo Guerrero & Okumura & Hechicero vs. Christopher Daniels & Frankie Kazarian & Kamaitachi in the ROH trios tournament, Colt Cabana & Dalton Castle vs. Keith Lee & Shane Taylor, Silas Young vs. Kyle O’Reilly) and the NXT show in Bakersfield and Crystal River, FL to [email protected].  

RESURRECTION FIGHTING ALLIANCE TONIGHT FROM PRIOR LAKE, MN ON AXS TV AT 10 P.M. EASTERN TIME

• Antonio Sanchez (3-0, 137) vs. Mitch White (1-1, 134.6)
• Damion Shehan (3-0, 155.6) vs. Bobby Lee (4-0, 155.6)
• Ben Neumann (10-4, 170.8) vs. Jordan Larson (7-2, 171)
• Frank Schuman (7-2, 170.6) vs. Chad Curry (7-1, 170.4)
• Dan Moret (11-2, 144.8) vs. Raoni Barcelos (10-1, 144.6) for the featherweight title
• Gerald Meerschaet (23-8, 183.8) vs. Chase Waldon (10-1, 185) for the middleweight title
• Sunday, besides the WWE Hell in a Cell PPV show, there is a Smackdown brand house show in Allentown, PA.

NEW JAPAN AT KORAKUEN HALL AT 5:30 A.M. EASTERN TIME EARLY SUNDAY MORNING ON NEW JAPAN WORLD

• Teruaki Kanemitsu vs. Hirai Kawato
• Yoshitatsu & Juice Robinson vs. Yujiro Takahashi & Bone Soldier
• Hiroyoshi Tenzan & Satoshi Kojima & Jushin Liger & Tiger Mask vs. Yuji Nagata & Manabu Nakanishi & Angel de Oro & Titan
• Tomohiro Ishii & Yoshi-Hashi & Hirooki Goto vs. Tama Tonga & Tanga Roa & Chase Owens
• Kazuchika Okada & Will Ospreay & Gedo vs. Kenny Omega & Young Bucks
• Hiroshi Tanahashi & Katsuyori Shibata & Togi Makabe & Tomoaki Honma vs Tetsuya Naito & Seiya Sanada & Evil & Bushi
• Fuego & Ryusuke Taguchi vs. Rocky Romero & Baretta in the semifinals of the junior heavyweight tag team tournament
• Ricochet & David Finlay vs. ACH & Taiji Ishimori in the semifinals of the junior heavyweight tag team tournament

WWE HELL IN A CELL SUNDAY AT 7:30 P.M. FROM THE TD GARDEN IN BOSTON

• Kevin Owens vs. Seth Rollins for the Universal tile in a Hell in a Cell match
• Sasha Banks vs. Charlotte for the women’s title in a Hell in a Cell match
• Roman Reigns vs. Rusev for the U.S. title in a Hell in a Cell match
• New Day vs. Sheamus & Cesaro for the tag team titles
• T.J Perkins vs. Brian Kendrick for the cruiserweight title
• Enzo Amore & Big Cass vs. Luke Gallows & Karl Anderson
• Bayley vs. Dana Brooke
• Cedric Alexander & Lince Dorado & Sin Cara vs. Drew Gulak & Tony Nese & Ariya Daivari in the preshow match

Raw will be Monday night in Hartford, CT. It will be the Halloween themed show, and Bill Goldberg is scheduled to appear. Ratings usually are down significantly so if they’re not, that would be attributed to Goldberg. There is also a Smackdown brand house show on Monday night in Trenton, NJ.

Tuesday will be the Smackdown tapings in Newark, NJ.

The Raw crew opens up the European tour in Frankfurt, Germany on Wednesday night. 

Figure Four Weekly 10/24/2016: Deregulation of pro wrestling in Arizona – In Arizona, deregulation of professional wrestling wasn’t a pressing matter by any stretch when the topic was first broached in 1981. There was no major promotion running in the state and little to no full time work, with only one licensed promoter, who was running shows weekly in Phoenix…Current subscribers click here to continue reading.

F4W YouTube Page: Tons of clips and full free audio shows that you can tell your friends about, and much more to come! Make sure you subscribe today!

The Death of WCWby Bryan Alvarez and RD Reynolds is now available as an audiobook through Amazon.com and Audible. Bryan did the narration for the book and it runs almost fifteen hours, so grab yours today!

Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Oct 31, 2016: Billy Corgan vs. TNA, Urijah Faber retiring, more – The battle for control of TNA hit the courtroom this past week and we’ve got not only the blow-by-blow, but what it all means, in a detailed lead story in the new issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter. We also break that two of the world’s best wrestlers are seriously considering coming to WWE in 2017, the retirement of Urijah Faber and his legacy, the Flo Sports pro wrestling streaming service and why it could be a game changer but what it needs to become one, notes on Hell in a Cell and much more in a jam packed news issue.

Our lead story breaks down the entire TNA situation, what was said in public who was said in private, who is screwing who, why this went to the courts, what are the motives of Billy Corgan, WWE’s interest in purchasing the company and so much said publicly that ended up not being true.

We look at the career of Urijah Faber, the rise of the WEC on his back, the rise of Sacramento MMA and his becoming the first under 145 pound major star.  

We’ve got a preview of Hell in a Cell as well as a story on who goes last. We also update a story on how WWE’s biggest star may be banned from appearing in several states, one of WWE’s biggest stars is right now off Survivor Series and why, Paige’s neck surgery, WWE asks fans about lots of indie groups, an overseas show that will be taped for the WWE Network, lots of notes on new people signed by WWE and their backgrounds.

We also look at a TV pilot based on backstage in WWE from 16 years ago, Ryback vs. WWE over trademarks, a Shawn Michaels movie, update on James Ellsworth, A.J. Styles vs. Shawn Michaels, the strange story of Curtis Axel in Minneapolis on Monday, Randy Orton’s turn, Shinsuke Nakamura update, WWE developmental star arrested and suspended, and more.

We look at the new Flo Sports pro wrestling streaming service, its potential as well as pitfalls hindering it from reaching its potential. We look at how this could greatly benefit the indie scene, as well as questions on whether it can work long-term.

All that and more in this week’s new Wrestling Observer, 40,000 words of news and information you can’t read anywhere else in the world.

Current subscribers click here to continue reading.

Order the print Wrestling Observer right now and get it delivered via mail, by sending your name, address, Visa or Master Card number and an expiration date to Dave Meltzer, or by using PayPal directing funds to [email protected]. 

Rates 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: October 4, 1999 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: WWF Unforgiven and UFC 22 reviews, tons more – The workload stemming from increasing the television demands of the WWF started to show through on 9/26 with a disappointing Unforgiven PPV show… Subscribers click here to continue reading.

Friday News Update

Just want to thank everyone for all their nice thoughts and messages the past few days. There’s not really a lot too say. My mother had a significant stroke on Monday night. It’s very tough because she was so active and this is a life-changing situation for her. 

WWE Hall of Fame has been moved to Friday night with NXT Takeover on Saturday night. Also, both Raw and Smackdown will take place at the Amway Center in Orlando, which will be booked for events on Friday, Saturday, Monday and Tuesday along with Mania at the Citrus Bowl on Sunday. There are a ton of events all over Orlando on both Friday and Saturday night.   

The official word from WWE is that Austin Aries has not been medically cheered to perform as a precautionary measure regarding the rest of this weekend’s NXT shows. Aries, whose left eye was stitched up and swollen badly, looking like someone who has an orbital bone fracture, although there is no diagnosis of the injury, took to a kick to the eye on Wednesday night from Shinsuke Nakamura in Fresno, the opening night of the NXT tour.

They are expecting a big crowd tonight at Arena Mexico and there will be a lot of Day of the Dead festivities at the show between matches so it will be a more entertainment oriented show with a different type of crowd than usual. They are also going with a face vs. face main event with Volador Jr. vs. Valiente in a 2/3 fall match for the Universal tournament of champions belt on top.

WWE stock fell $1.10 to $18.07 per share today, a major drop coming off the investment call yesterday. Usually the drop comes the day of the call, and there was a big drop at first, but the stock came back as the network subscription number being disappointing and earnings being blow most analysts projections was warded off by the meme that they would have $100 million in OIBDA in 2017.  But today, Wells Fargo, KeyBanc Deutsche Bank and Pacific Crest all downgraded the stock, leading to the drop.

The UFC has removed Fabricio Werdum as its regular Spanish language analyst, after publicly complaining about the Reebok deal.

WWE

• Roderick Strong was brought in to replace Aries last night in Sacramento and he and Oney Lorcan tore down the house. Nobody really knew either of them at first, but they tore the house down. It was said that it was like they thought they were in PWG and everyone else thought they were in WWE.
• Allegheny Community College in Pittsburgh will be holding a two-session class next semester on 4/19 and 4/26 from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. called “The Extraordinary Life and Career of Professional Wrestling’s Living Legend Bruno Sammartino.”  Chris Cruise, Sammartino’s close friend, will be teaching the class.
• The company’s 10-Q filing released yesterday included several notes, including that the WWE’s financial stake in Flo Sports is $1 million, so they are a very small percentage owner and as part of the deal are silent partners meaning they have no input. There are a lot of people who have speculated that the Flo Sports channel is a WWE experiment to see if there is value in adding indies to the WWE Network, but the two are very much competition that the WWE initially was not happy about.
• The 10-Q also listed that Stephanie McMahon has gotten a wrestling talent contract extension through October 7, 2019, or a new three-year deal.
• Bob Backlund will be signing autographs and talking about his autobiography on Wednesday at the Westfield Mal in Meriden, CT at 2 p.m. as part of the 102.9 The Wahel Heath, Wellness and Safety Show at the mall.  
• Stephan Gorges, a stat freak who has now seen 23,000 WWE matches that he’s tallied, and listed the wrestlers with the most WWE matches that he’s seen: 1. Kane 887; 2. Big Show 770; 3. Chris Jericho 708; 4. Randy Orton 675; 5. John  Cena 648; 6. HHH 591; 7. Kofi Kingston 584; 8 Dolph Ziggler 569; 9. Edge and The Miz 550.
• Alexa Bliss talks her sports background, being a WWE fan and moving up from NXT.

UFC

• Michael Bisping is pushing to get a fight with Nick Diaz on the 12/10 show in Toronto. Bisping had been talked with about doing a fight with Georges St-Pierre on that show, but negotiations fell through. 
• The New York Times had a major story on the decline in ratings for the NFL in the U.S. and the EPL in the U.K. 
• Somebody in a speeding car set fire to three vehicles in the neighborhood of Anthony Pettis. A witness, Carson Blaszak, said it took place at 1 a.m. early Thursday morning when there was a large bang and three cars were on fire, one of which was owned by Pettis. Milwaukee police believe the suspect used an accelerant to ignite two of the vehicles, and the fire spread to the car in Pettis’ driveway. 
• Fredy Serano vs. Hector Sandoval has been added to the UFC show in Sacramento on 12/17.
• The TUF Latin America lightweight tournament finals will be Martin Bravo (10-0) vs. Claudio Puelles (7-1). They will be facing off for a UFC contract on the 11/5 show in Arena Ciudad in Mexico City.  
• Congratulations to Ariel Helwani of MMA Fighting on the birth of his daughter.
• Ronda Rousey on Comedy Central’s Drunk History here.

VARIETY

• An article on the TNA legal proceedings here.
• Absolute Internse Wrestling has a two-night tournament on 11/4 and 11/5 at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel in Cleveland to crown new tag team champions including teams like Cryme Tyme and The Head Hunters, plus Tracy Williams & Matt Riddle, Little Guido & Tracy Smothers and others. 
• Bellator has a press conference scheduled this coming Thursday in Uncasville, CT at the Mohegan Sun Arena to build up the Tito Ortiz vs. Chael Sonnen fight, with Ortiz, Sonnen and Scot Coker appearing.
• Freelance Wrestling from last night in Chicago at The Chop Shop before 200 fans: Alex Ohlsen (called Ohlberg, dressed as Goldberg) won a Halloween dress as a famous wrestler Battle Royal, Matt Cage over Shawn Phoenix, Suede Thompson, Anthony Henry, Stephen Wolf and Ethan Case, Suge D b Ethan Page-DQ, Ethan Page & Rose b Suge D & GPA, Stevie Fierce b Rob Matter, Isaias Velasquez & Ohlson & Mr. 450 Hammet b Matt Knicks & Kenny Sutra & Craig Mitchell in a great match, Brubaker & Kobe Durst & Colby Corino b Colt Cabana & Dick Justice & Space Monkey in a comedy match, Mustafa Ali b Lio Rush to keep the Freelance title in a great match (thanks to Lance LeVine)
• Mountain Championship Wrestling from Saturday night in Pikeville, KY:  Tony Anthony (not the 90s star of the same name) & Shannon Hayes b Russian Yetti & Beau James, Sgt. Claymore b Knuckles in a street fight, Grand Moki b Damien Black, Regulators & Crimson b New Age Demons, Rebel b Misty James, Big Rig b Tim Jernigan, Crazzy Steve b Thomas Cage.  Next show is Saturday night in Pikeville featuring Gunner.
• Smash Wrestling from Saturday night in Toronto:  Xandra Bale b Leva Bates, Danyah b Ingrid Isley, Veda Scott b Vanessa Kraven, Heidi Lovelace b Jewels Malone, Cat Power b Jade, Mercedes Martinez b KC Spinelli, Rosemary b Allie in a cage match.   This was pushed as U.S. vs. Canada with it being tied 3-3 before Rosemary won it for Canada. (thanks to Steven Ashe)
• AMW on 11/3 in Chavies KY at the Elementary School.
• The new IWA announced that Dale Gagne has joined Rob Russen and Sal Corrente in the management team.
• The Tennessee Historic Trust has released its annual list of endangered properties in the state and on the list was the Mid South Coliseum in Memphis. (thanks to Kev Castle)
• Former Bakersfield Jam owner Stan Ellis (who sold his NBA D League team to the Phoenix Suns in January) announced the formation of a new promotion, the Bakersfield Fight Club, and will partner with Roy Englebrecht Promotions for regular events at the Dignity Hath Event Center.  They are planning six events in 2017, starting on 1/26, with the plan to hold shows on the last Thursday of every other month at 7 p.m.  The shows will feature six pro bouts and one bout on every show between two of Bakers filed’s best amateur fighters. 
• Great North Wrestling on 11/5 in Hawkesbury, ONT at the Robert Harley Arena with Hannibal defending the GNW title against Rick Steiner, plus Sylvain Grenier & Rene Dupree as La Resistance and Wes Brisco appear. 
• Hoosier Pro Wrestling on 11/5 in Columbus, OH at the 4-H Fairgounds has its 18th anniversary show and its 12th annual Columbus Fireman’s Cheer Fundraiser and Toy Drive.  Dynamite Dillen vs. Timmy Danger for their title is the main event.
• Only 100 tickets remain for the National Fighting Championships show on 11/11 at Center Stage in Atlanta with the main event Bolo vs. Robert Neal. 
• Smash Wrestling on 11/11 in St. Catharines, ONT at Isaac’s Bar and Grill featuring Mark Haskins vs. Kevin Bennett and Matt Cross vs. Mark Andrews. They also run 11/12 in London, ONT at Cowboys Ranch with Mark Haskins vs. Tyson Dux, plus Joe Hendry vs. Kevin Bennett.
• Pro Wrestling Phoenix from last night in Omaha: Pat Powers b Zac James, Paul Daniels & Joey Daniels NC Darren Russell & Hype Gotti, Darren Russell & Hype Gotti & Tony Cortez b Paul Daniels & Joey Daniels L-Ray, Robert Storm b Austin St. John, Dalton Lee Roth b Purple, Branden Juarez b Devin Carter, Pat Powers b Branden Juarez.  Next show is 11/17 at the Waiting Room Lounge in Omaha. (thanks to Chris Havius)

Today in Wrestling History (10/28): Samoa Joe vs. Bryan Danielson at Glory By Honor

CONTACT INFORMATION

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

​

THE ROUND-UP

The latest from the F4W Staff

Your move, Imperator.

NEWS

• The Anywhere Fighter: Kenny Omega’s road to the Tokyo Dome, pt. 1
• Max Holloway vs. Anthony Pettis added to UFC 206
• Attorneys for TNA & Billy Corgan make their case in court
• Georges St. Pierre responds to Michael Bisping’s UFC 206 challenge
• Six-man cruiserweight tag match set for WWE Hell in a Cell
• Bayley vs. Dana Brooke booked for WWE Hell in a Cell

AUDIO

• F4D: SmackDown LIVE, Impact, OVERWEIGHT CLASSIC, tons more! 10/26
• WOL: Dixie Carter vs. Billy Corgan hearing 10/26
• B&V: Retro Raw and Nitro from this week in 1997 10/25

Figure Four Weekly 10/24/2016: Deregulation of pro wrestling in Arizona – In Arizona, deregulation of professional wrestling wasn’t a pressing matter by any stretch when the topic was first broached in 1981. There was no major promotion running in the state and little to no full time work, with only one licensed promoter, who was running shows weekly in Phoenix…Current subscribers click here to continue reading.

F4W YouTube Page: Tons of clips and full free audio shows that you can tell your friends about, and much more to come! Make sure you subscribe today!

The Death of WCWby Bryan Alvarez and RD Reynolds is now available as an audiobook through Amazon.com and Audible. Bryan did the narration for the book and it runs almost fifteen hours, so grab yours today!

Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Oct 31, 2016: Billy Corgan vs. TNA, Urijah Faber retiring, more – The battle for power, and to survive, by TNA, continued this past week after Anthem Sports and Entertainment, the parent company of the Toronto-based Fight Network, agreed to fund the promotion. The questions regarding the funding and why Anthem was loaning TNA money instead of buying into the company, as they did with earlier funding, was because another partial owner, Billy Corgan, had gotten a temporary restraining order, which banned TNA from selling any stock in the company or selling any company assets, the key being both company stock and the tape library… Current subscribers click here to continue reading.

Order the print Wrestling Observer right now and get it delivered via mail, by sending your name, address, Visa or Master Card number and an expiration date to Dave Meltzer, or by using PayPal directing funds to [email protected]. 

Rates 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: October 4, 1999 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: WWF Unforgiven and UFC 22 reviews, tons more – The workload stemming from increasing the television demands of the WWF started to show through on 9/26 with a disappointing Unforgiven PPV show… Subscribers click here to continue reading.

Thursday News Update

The latest WWN alerts provided context on the company following their deal with FloSports:

“WWNLive.com will remain active. If you purchased past VODs on WWNLive.com, they will still be available for you to watch. In addition, WWNLive.com will continue to stream 3rd party content.

The relationship between WWE and WWN, particularly EVOLVE, remains strong and has potential to develop. WWE was aware of the FloSports deal. WWE is also an investor in FloSports.

The partnership between WWN and FloSports has created several exciting and game changing possibilities for the entire WWN Family. We will have some announcements around the time of Black Friday that will continue the mind blowing 2016.”

WWE

• Headbanger Mosh tweeted that The Headbangers are returning to SmackDown next week for a Survivor Series qualifying match.
• Austin Aries tweeted a picture of his swollen eye after suffering an injury from a kick from Shinsuke Nakamura at NXT’s live event in Fresno, CA, last night.
• Between the World Series and the NBA’s first few games of the season, SmackDown’s ratings Tuesday never really had a chance, hitting the lowest marks since the brand split.
• WWE held their Q3 financial call Wednesday. Among the highlights: Network subs were down from Q2 but are still considered strong; social media numbers are still on the rise, and things are optimistic for the future. Visit our Twitter account for more in-depth insight as our friend and financial expert Chris Harrington did a Twitter takeover during the call.
• Harrington and Dave Meltzer were guests on Wrestling Observer Live today, available now for subscribers.
• In this article, Dolph Ziggler discusses wanting to finish his career in WWE.
• WWE announced today that tickets to WrestleMania 33 will go on sale Friday, November 18 at 10 AM ET.  WrestleMania 33 will take place on Sunday, April 2, 2017 at the Orlando Citrus Bowl and will be broadcast live around the world on WWE Network. Ticket prices range from $38-$1,065 (taxes included). There will also be a limited number of “Gold Circle” VIP Packages available for $2,130 (taxes included). The Gold Circle packages include seating in the first 10 rows ringside, access to a Gold Circle VIP Stadium Entrance and a commemorative WrestleMania 33 take-home folding chair. Tickets.

PROFESSIONAL WRESTLING

• Dave Meltzer goes over the latest in TNA in the lead story for this week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter, available now for subscribers.
• David Bixenspan discusses the deregulation of pro wrestling in Arizona in this week’s Figure Four Weekly, available now for subscribers.
• EVOLVE Champion Timothy Thatcher will defend the EVOLVE Title vs. Tony Nese at EVOLVE 73 on November 13th in Joppa, MD. Nese is being awarded this title match due to his past success in EVOLVE and recent success on WWE Monday Night Raw. Can Nese go on Monday Night Raw as the EVOLVE Champion? Go to the DGUSA.tv Events section for more info and DGUSA.tv Store for tickets. There’s still a few second row seats remaining.
• Joey Styles will join Lenny Leonard in the commentary booth for EVOLVE 72 on November 12th in Queens, NY at La Boom. We couldn’t ask for a better commentary team for the first EVOLVE event on FloSlam! Styles will also be available for pictures and autographs before EVOLVE 72. Get tickets now and show the world what EVOLVE is all about! There’s only a handful of reserved seats left!
• Karl Stern continues his longform audio series on the history of pro wrestling, available now for subscribers.
• Alan Boon’s latest look at the British wrestling scene is up, talking about Finn Balor’s upcoming appearance for Insane Championship Wrestling.
• TNA Wrestling may appear to be broken at the moment, but sources close to the production of Total Nonstop Deletion tell Pro Wrestling Sheet that won’t stop them from filming the Hardy special next month, despite things being postponed a few weeks.
• The National Wrasslin League (NWL, LLC) has reached a definitive agreement to acquire the assets of Metro Pro Wrestling, a local promotion based in Kansas City, which will become part of NWL KC. While exact terms of the deal were not disclosed, League president Major Baisden announced that Metro Pros founder, former WWE SmackDown writer Chris Gough, has joined NWL KC as the promotions general manager, helping oversee creative and talent relations.

UFC/MMA

• Chris Weidman took a shot at Michael Bisping, saying the middleweight division is one of the toughest except for its champion.
• Shane Carwin has ended his retirement and signed with RIZIN.
• Olympic standout Kayla Harrison signed with World Series of Fighting.
• On January 21, 2017, both Tito Ortiz (18-12-1) and Chael Sonnen (28-14-1) will return to action inside the beautifully renovated Forum in Inglewood, Calif., to headline “Bellator 170: Ortiz vs. Sonnen.” In college, the two met on the wrestling mat, in a matchup that Sonnen won by pinning Ortiz on his birthday. Now, Ortiz will have the opportunity to avenge that loss when the compete in the Bellator MMA cage on SPIKE. Tickets go on sale to the general public TOMORROW, Friday, Oct. 28 at Bellator.com, as well as Ticketmaster.com, but if you are a member of Bellator Nation, you’ll have exclusive access to seats TODAY if you use the code “Bellator” when checking out. The event will be broadcast live and free on SPIKE at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT, while preliminary action will stream on Bellator.com and the Bellator Mobile App. Additional main and preliminary card bouts will be announcing in the coming weeks.
• Pro Mixed Martial Arts Series has just announced the Bakersfield Fight Club will Launch in January 2017.  

VARIETY

• NWX presents Live Pro Wrestling II : A Haunting On Hartzel on October 23, 2016 at CWF Studios on 20 Hartzel Rd in St Catharines, ON. Friday, October 28 at 6:30 PM – 9 PM
• Chinlock Wrestling – Saturday, December 17 at 7 PM – 10 PM, Kingston Gospel Temple, 2295 Princess Street, Kingston, Ontario K7M 3G1.
• This article is about DDP Yoga.
• Stan Lee’s Los Angeles Comic Con has added a panel called “Ring Psychology: Pacing, Promos, and Piledrivers” for this Saturday at 4:30pm at the Los Angeles Convention Center. Dr. Billy San Juan announced through Twitter that he will be the moderator and the panel will include Rob Van Dam, Lisa Marie Varon (Victoria in WWE), Shad Gaspard, and Jervis Cottenbelly. Additionally, Women of Wrestling will have a booth with talent appearing throughout the weekend. Original WOW Girl Lana Star is the first to reveal through Twitter that she will be present.
• Empire State Wrestling (ESW) returns to Frontier Fire Hall, 2176 Liberty Drive, Niagara Falls, N.Y. on Saturday, November 25, featuring former World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) superstars Hardcore Holly and Santino Marella, as well as current Total Nonstop Action (TNA) Wrestling superstar Braxton Sutter and Cruiserweight Classic participant Tyson Dux. Doors open at 5:00 p.m. with a bell time set for 6:00 p.m. Tickets are $30 for front row, $20 for second row and $13 for general admission. All tickets increase $5 at the door. Email for tickets.
• The Tennessee Historic Trust has just released its annual list of endangered historic properties in the state. This year’s edition includes the Mid South Coliseum in Memphis. The report says the building is on the block for possible demolition. (thanks to Kev Castle)
• The “Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous” host recently sat down with an ensemble cast to jointly record a feature length commentary track for the Nine Legends film starring Mike Tyson, Goldberg, Bret Hart, and Chris Jericho. Branded the Nine Legends “Expansion Pack”, each “Legend” is tackled by a different personality in which Robin Leach is tasked with covering the 80’s WWE legend, the “Million Dollar Man” Ted DiBiase. The two had worked together for a memorable episode of “Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous” in 1988. In addition to this, Leach made an appearance at Wrestlemania IV in the now defunct Trump Plaza in Atlantic City – the wrestling extravaganza was hosted by Donald Trump. On that day Leach can be seen greeting Trump in the front row of the stadium before presenting the World Heavyweight Championship in the main event featuring DiBiase. In this exclusive preview of the Nine Legends Expansion Pack, Leach is asked about his relationship with Donald Trump and in the course of the discussion, Leach notices a comparison between Donald Trump and the villainous “Million Dollar Man” character. Over the past 24 hour, the stars involved in the Nine Legends project have taken to Twitter to promote the new Expansion Pack. A trailer for the new Expansion Pack can be seen here.

Today in Wrestling History (10/27):

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

One of you is lying about being 6′ 4″

NEWS

• Roderick Strong, eight others officially join new WWE recruiting class
• Goldberg vs. Brock Lesnar set for WWE Survivor Series
• WWE Raw video highlights: Brock Lesnar & Paul Heyman respond to Goldberg
• WWE Raw live results: Brock Lesnar responds to Goldberg
• ROH TV results: Keith Lee & Shane Taylor vs. War Machine
• WWE Des Moines, IA, Sunday live results: AJ Styles vs. Dean Ambrose
• Lucha Underground Phoenix, AZ, live results: Pentagon vs. Mil Muertes

AUDIO

• WOR: FloSports pro-wrestling, RAW report, Hell in a Cell, TNA lawsuit, more 10/25
• WOL: Total Nonstop Attorneys, Raw, HIAC, Frenchy & much more 10/24
• WOR: Huge weekends news update, WWE, New Japan, UFC, Bellator, more! 10/23

Figure Four Weekly 10/17/2016: More on the deregulation of pro wrestling in California – To pick up where we left off last week, in 1989 deregulation of pro wrestling was put before the State Assembly and passed. Here’s how it was discussed in the minutes for the October 20, 1989 meeting of the California State Athletic Commission (emphasis ours): “Assembly Bill 1040 was signed by Governor Deukmejian and, except for the 5% tax on the amount paid for admission, will completely deregulate professional wrestling January 1, 1990… Current subscribers click here to continue reading.

F4W YouTube Page: Tons of clips and full free audio shows that you can tell your friends about, and much more to come! Make sure you subscribe today!

Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Oct 24, 2016: Pinpointing the day that lead to TNA’s current predicament, UFC layoffs, more – What has been the long-time inevitable but several times delayed financial implosion of TNA can really be traced back to one afternoon. Largely based on a contract with Spike TV, TNA was taking in more revenue than any pro wrestling company in the world aside from WWE through 2014. If a company like ECW would have gotten that type of a deal, they would probably still be flourishing today… Current subscribers click here to continue reading.

Order the print Wrestling Observer right now and get it delivered via mail, by sending your name, address, Visa or Master Card number and an expiration date to Dave Meltzer, or by using PayPal directing funds to [email protected]. 

Rates 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: October 4, 1999 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: WWF Unforgiven and UFC 22 reviews, tons more – The workload stemming from increasing the television demands of the WWF started to show through on 9/26 with a disappointing Unforgiven PPV show… Subscribers click here to continue reading.

Tuesday News Update

The Death of WCWby Bryan Alvarez and RD Reynolds is now available as an audiobook through Amazon.com and Audible. Bryan did the narration for the book and it runs almost fifteen hours, so grab yours today!

WWE

• The Undertaker appeared in full gimmick attire at the Cleveland Cavaliers opening night championship celebration ahead of their first game of the season and ring ceremony tonight against the New York Knicks.
• SmackDown is in Green Bay, WI, tonight. A.J. Styles vs. Dean Ambrose in a non-title match and Kane vs. Bray Wyatt in a no DQ match are announced for the show. Becky Lynch also returns to television on the show.
• Chris Jericho announced his next book, titled “No is a four-letter word,” for May 2017.
• Kevin Nash commented on the Goldberg vs. Brock Lesnar feud.
• Triple H and Stephanie McMahon are celebrating their 13th anniversary today.
• Former NFL player Demetrius Bronson has recently signed with the WWE.

PROFESSIONAL WRESTLING

• David Bixenspan has a story on Billy Corgan’s complaint against TNA, Dixie Carter, and others becoming unsealed. The complaint reveals that Corgan potentially saved TNA from being foreclosed on by Aroluxe.
• FloSports managing editor Jeremy Botter took part in a Twitter Q&A and noted that WWE are investors in the company and were aware of yesterday’s news. Botter also said that FloSlam is looking to get the WWNLive library up quickly starting with the most recent shows. EVOLVE 71 is currently up for subscribers of the service.
• Yuji Nagata is replacing the injured Michael Elgin on the co-branded NJPW/Revolution Pro Wrestling Global Wars shows in November. Will Ospreay will also be facing BUSHI at Global Wars night one.
• In this article, Dynamite Kid talks about wanting to return home.

UFC / MMA

• UFC Fight Night: VanZant vs Waterson – Saturday, December 17 – Sacramento UFC Fight Club pre-sale starts Wed Oct 26 at 10am PT. Ultimate & elite members get first access. Buy tickets. Newsletter pre-sale starts Thu Oct 27 at 10am PT; Password: ULTIMATE Buy tickets. Public on-sale starts Fri Oct 28 at 10 am PT.
• Brad Pickett said he’s honored to be Urijah Faber’s opponent in his final fight before retiring.

VARIETY

• A new re-imaging of this years Nine Legends film (starring Mike Tyson, Bill Goldberg, Chris Jericho and Bret Hart) has been officially released. Nine additional interviews have been recorded to further explore the themes and personalities within the film to offer an all new and expanded viewing experience. Titled the Nine Legends Expansion Pack, new interviews recorded with Diamond Dallas Page, Barry Blaustein (Beyond the Mat), Paul Jay (Wrestling with Shadows), Robin Leach, Mark Rocco and Ken Shamrock amongst others will offer unique perspectives into the Nine Legends.
• The next episode of the new CW show No Tomorrow which airs today (also on Netflix) features an episode called No Holds Barred where the girls go to a wrestling match. The wrestlers are played by actor Brady Roberts (Brady Malibu from World of Hurt) and Billy Suede, both students of Lance Storm’s.
• Big Time Wrestling celebrates its 20th Anniversary, Friday Oct. 28th at 7:30 pm at the Newark Pavilion, Newark, CA. Featuring  past and present Wrestling  Greats. Honky Tonk Man & Shane Kody vs. The Ballad Bros., DH Smith vs. Synn vs. Devin Danger, Betrice Domino vs. Sage Sin, Tony Vargas vs. Victor Sterling,  plus one other match. Induction of “Wildstorm” into BTW Jall of Fame.
• Big Time Pro Wrestling Nov 12th Greely, Ontario.
• RESULTS: Smash Wrestling Canusa Classic 2016 Canada vs USA, Oct. 22 – Suicide Blonde,  Xandra Bale (Can) defeated Leva Bates (USA), Danyah (Can) defeated Ingrid Isley (USA), Veda Scott (USA) defeated Vanessa Kraven (Can), Heidi Loveless (USA) defeated The Hardcore Princess, Jewels Malone (Can), Cat Power (Can) defeated Jade (USA), Mercedes Martinez (USA) defeated K.C. Spinelli (Can), Rosemary (Courtney Rush) (Can) defeated Allie (Cherry Bomb) (USA) in a steel cage match. Canada wins 4 wins to 3.
• RESULTS: SMASH – The Legend of Smash, Oct 23 ft. Cody Rhodes. Tarik def. Facade via pinfall. Well Oiled Machines (Braxton Sutter & Mike Rollins) def Halal Beefcake (Idris Abraham & Joe Coleman) via pinfall. John Greed Open Invitational: John Greed def Holden Albright via pinfall, John Greed def Mark Wheeler, John Greed def Kevin Blanchard, John Greed def Shane Sabre, Frankie TM Def Kevin Bennett, “Speedball” Mike Bailey def Evil Uno and Stu Grayson via pinfall, Tyson Dux def Cody Rhodes via pinfall, Main Event Cage Match Brent Banks def “Hacker” Scotty O’Shea via pinfall.

Today in Wrestling History (10/25): Hogan vs. Warrior at WCW Halloween Havoc

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