THE ROUND-UP

The latest from the F4W Staff

NEWS

• Sasha Banks vs. Charlotte part of a ‘triple main event’ at WWE Hell in a Cell
• Daily Update: UFC cuts, Brie & Bryan’s baby, TNA ratings improve
• UFC cost-cutting measures continue with 13 fighters released
• WWE News: Becky Lynch back in action; Styles vs. Ambrose; Hammond, IN, results
• Several documents unsealed in Billy Corgan’s lawsuit against TNA
• Bellator 162 live results: Bobby Lashley returns; Shlemenko vs. Grove
• Are New Japan’s split shows leading to self-‘Destruction’?

AUDIO

• DragonKing Dark: Stephen King 10/23
• AD: Mass hysterias throughout history, clown update 10/23
• WOL: Dr. Lucha Steve Sims talks CMLL, AAA, Lucha Underground, more! 10/21

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

• WWE Raw in Hammond, IN, NXT in Tampa
• ROH in Fort Lauderdale (Jay Lethal & Alex Shelley & Silas Young vs. Jay Briscoe & Christopher Daniels & Colt Cabana, Adam Cole vs. Bull James non-title, Hangman Page vs. Dalton Castle, Mark Briscoe vs. Frankie Kazarian)
• WWE Raw in Milwaukee, SmackDown in Sioux City, IA, NXT in Ocala, FL
• ROH in Lakeland, FL (Adam Cole vs. Silas Young for ROH title, Christopher Daniels & Frankie Kazarian vs. Dalton Castle & Colt Cabana, Kamaitachi vs. Jay Lethal, Mark Briscoe vs. Hangman Page, Punisher Martinez vs. Bull James) 
• WWE Raw in Rochester, MN and SmackDown in Des Moines, IA

Raw will be Monday night from Minneapolis featuring the return of Brock Lesnar, plus Kevin Owens vs. Chris Jericho vs. Seth Rollins in a three-way non-title and New Day vs. Sheamus & Cesaro in a non-title match. It’s the go-home show for Hell in a Cell. There is also a Smackdown brand house show in Dubuque, IA.

Smackdown will be Tuesday in Green Bay. 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 returns to television on Tuesday. 

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:,WON September 20, 1999: Eric Bischoff fired from WCW, Beyond the Mat review, more – Although wrestlers were singing “Ding, Dong, the Witch is dead,” Friday night in Baltimore, when the word of Eric Bischoff’s re-assignment within Turner (read that as a nice way of saying firing) reached the wrestlers, once the initial happiness wore off and reality set in, the reality is little has changed… Subscribers click here to continue reading.

Sunday 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!

Bryan and I will be up later today with Wrestling Observer Radio tonight covering the latest news from wrestling and MMA. With no major shows this weekend, there will be plenty of time for questions that you can send to [email protected].

Becky Lynch and Kalisto both returned at last night’s Smackdown brand house show in Sioux City, IA. Kalisto had been out with an injury and Lynch with a medical condition.

Katsuhiko Nakajima beat Takashi Sugiura today at the big Pro Wrestling NOAH show in Yokohama to win the GHC title. I could really see Nakajima defending the title against somebody like Yuji Nagata either in NOAH or New Japan. If I’m booking the Tokyo Dome, I think that may be the direction to go.

Yet another lawsuit filed against TNA was by Bankdirect Capital Finance, LLC which filed a lawsuit asking for $207,612.29 plus late charges, interest and attorney feels against TNA Entertainment LLC on 9/29 in Circuit Court in Cook County, Illinois. On November 30, 2015, BankDirect entertained in an agreement where it would pay TNA $400,146.00 so TNA could pay certain insurance premiums and TNA agreed to make ten monthly payments of $41,032.45 with the first payment on November 13, 2015. As of the time of the suit, TNA had paid nearly half but still was $207,612.29 behind.

The latest promotion toannounce a streaming serviceis DDT from Japan, a comedy group with mostly women fans that also put on some incredible main events.

WWE last night at the house show in Milwaukee announced that the Fast Lane PPV will be on 3/5 in Milwaukee at the Bradley Center, which should be the last show before WrestleMania (hopefully it is, the last thing they need is a PPV two weeks before Mania). There is a pre-sale right now with the code: WWEPRE

WWE

• The Los Angeles Times had a story that Randy Orton sold his home in St. Charles, MO for $775,000. It was a home he had built three years ago. 
• Pollstar did a last of the 100 most successful touring acts and listed WWE at No. 12. The problem with this is they listed WWE with 707,387 tickets sold in the first nine months of the year, and that’s probably around half the actual tickets sold. I guess it has to do with what is and isn’t reported and that may also be the case for other acts.  So they could be No. 5, unless other acts are similarly unreported. The touring acts above WWE for sure would be Bruce Springsteen, Beyonce, Coldplay and Disney on Ice. This doesn’t include every top tier major sport which would be ahead of WWE. In fact, two UFC PPV’s this year sold more orders than WWE has in total arena ticket sales so far this year, but UFC would be behind WWE in arena attendance for the year because of running so many more events.
• A fun WWE article explaining the masterful job of storytelling the company does that makes them a brand powerhouse here.
• WWE put out another fan survey asking fans which of these promotions they watch: PWG, CHIKARA, Dragon Gate USA (dear God, how far behind are they, how many years has it been since there was a such thing?), OVW, AAW, CZW, Evolve, Shimmer Squared Circle Wrestling, ROH and FIP. Very notable who they didn’t ask about as well. 
• A story on Bruno Sammartino is here.
• WWE pulled Mick Foley from the 11/20 ICW Fear and Loathing 9 show in Glasgow at the SSE Hydro. Foley is needed for television. The ICW show is one of the biggest indie events of the year and will draw the largest crowd for a U.K. based pro wrestling promotion in something like 35 years. WWE did a make good, as Finn Balor will take Foley’s spot as a guest enforcer on the show. Really interesting them sending someone to a show that would be competition given they are running Glasgow for both Raw and Smackdown a week before and if you think them booking Glasgow for the first time for TV ever and another promotion trying to draw a huge house in Scotland is coincidence, well, it’s quite the coincidence.
• Carmella (Leah Van Dale) turns 29 today.
• Goldust noted yesterday celebrating 21 yeas since his WWE debut. 

VARIETY

• Kenny Omega and Young Bucks talk about having fun this week in Japan and Omega talks about why he left WWE. Omega is really compelling in this interview.
• With no major events, nothing from pro wrestling, boxing or MMA made Google trends the past few days.
• New Japan promotional video on the Time Bomb coming to Osaka at Power Struggle is here.
• Dennis Brent talks getting into pro wrestling. (thanks to Chris Cruise) 
• Tim Storm defeated Jax Dane to win the NWA world heavyweight title on Friday night in Sherman, TX. 
• Bellator has announced Ilima-Lei MacFarlane (4-0) vs. Emily Ducote (4-1) and Chidi Njokuani (15-4, 1 no contest) vs. Andre Fialho (7-0) to the 12/3 in Thackerville, OK on Spike. Both will be on the television part of the show along with the John Teixeira vs. Pat Curran main event.
• Today’s Blue Justice show from New Japan will be up on New Japan World at some point today.
• CZW and WSU have a doubleheader on 11/19 in Voorhees, NJ at Flyers Skate Zone. CZW is headlined by Matt Tremont & Jeff Cannonball vs. Josh Crane & Dale Patricks, Sami Callihan vs. Joe Gacy and Homicide vs. Yuma.
• Jersey All Pro Wrestling on 11/12 in Rahway, NJ at the Rahway Rec Center has its 20th anniversary show with Alberto el Patron, Homicide, Low Ki, Da Hit Squad and more.  They will also have a JAPW Hall of Fame ceremony inducting Homicide, Low Ki and Da Hit Squad at 7 p.m. that night. (thanks to Bob Magee)
• There is a big legends show coming to Nuevo Laredo on 11/5 with Los Hermanos Dinamita vs. Rayo de Jalisco Jr. & Juventud Guerrera & Garza Jr., plus Solar & El Hijo del Solitario & Angel Blanco Jr. vs. Negro Navarro & Rey Bucanero & El Satanico.
• Mathieu St. Jacques vs. Josh Alexander headlined for Capital City Championship Combat on 11/26 at the Vanier Columbus Club in Ottawa.
• Negro Casas vs. Arandu headlines Gimnasio Independencia in Tijuana today.  Promociones EMW has the big Friday show at Audiotrio Municipal with El Texano Jr. vs. Pentagon Jr. vs. Dr. Wagner Jr. on top in a three-way plus Garza Jr. & La Parka & Rey Hours (Dragon Azteca Jr. in Lucha Underground) vs. Hernandez & Paul London & Mesias.
• Dynamo Pro Wrestling from last night in St. Louis: Brandon Aarons b Matt Kenway, Mike Outlaw b Ricky Cruz, Keon Option & Justin D-Air b Danny Adams & Paco Gonzalez, Brandon Espinosa b Makaze, Jackal b Jake Dirden, C.J. Shine b Jackal, La Apuesta (who unmasked as Jack Gamble) b Rocket Mapache, Keon Option b Makaze, Brandon Espinosa b Brandon Aarons. (thanks to Patrick Brandmeyer)
• GOUGE on 10/22 in Fuquay Varina, NC: HeadRush b Kool Jay, Otto Schwanz & Numbers Guy b Bad Daddy & Snooty Fox, Alas de Angel & Antonio the Great b Gato Savalje & Toro Bravo, Waylon Maze & Juan Jeremi b Team Syxxy, Jimmy Jack Funk Jr. b Mickey Gambino, Seymour Snott b Jakob Hammermier in a four-corners trick or treat match.  Next show is 11/5 in Charlotte at Unknown Brewing Company.
• Pro Wrestling Empire from last night in Harrisburg, PA: Kevin Murphy b Mercenary in a Chamber of Hell (Hell in a Cell style) match where owner Colin Bright dove off the top of the cell through a table), Amasis b Ophidian, Tessa Blanchard b Renee Michelle, Facade won Gladiator Games Royal, Star Lords won over Heroes for Hire and Regulators, Vanity b LuFisto & Tess Valentine in a women’s title match, Tony Deppen b John Silver, Facade over Eddie Smooth, Sean Carr, Jason Gory, Kai Katana and Laszlo  Arpad for the PWE title. (thanks to Dan Reagan)
• An interview with Frenchy Martin, who just passed away, is here.

Today in Wrestling History (10/23): WCW Halloween Havoc 1994

CONTACT INFORMATION

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

​

THE ROUND-UP

The latest from the F4W Staff

NEWS

• WWE NXT results: Roderick Strong makes his debut
• WWE suspends developmental talent following domestic violence related charges
• SmackDown ratings down slightly on Tuesday night
• WWE NXT results: Roderick Strong makes his debut
• Lucha Underground results: Mil Muertes vs. Prince Puma

AUDIO

• WOL: Scary Raw year-to-year ratings decline, news, Dave Meltzer interview, more! 10/20
• WOR: TNA disaster, bailouts, Smackdown, Lucha U, GSP, UFC cuts, more! 10/20
• F4D: OVERWEIGHT CLASSIC, plus GSP, Combates America, Smackdown, Impact, more! 10/19
• WOL: Goldberg, Smackdown, Paul O’Brien interview, more! 10/19
• B&V&C: Retro Raw and Nitro leading to Survivor Series 97 and Halloween Havoc! 10/18

NXT opens its weekend tour tonight in Lakeland, FL.

IMPACT TONIGHT AT 8 P.M. ON SPIKE

• Moose vs. Bobby Lashley
• Mahabali Shera vs. Mike Bennett
• Eddie Edwards vs. Cody for TNA title

NEW JAPAN LATE TONIGHT/TOMORROW MORNING AT TOKYO KORAKUEN HALL AT 5:30 A.M. EASTERN TIME ON NEW JAPAN WORLD

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

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:,WON September 20, 1999: Eric Bischoff fired from WCW, Beyond the Mat review, more – Although wrestlers were singing “Ding, Dong, the Witch is dead,” Friday night in Baltimore, when the word of Eric Bischoff’s re-assignment within Turner (read that as a nice way of saying firing) reached the wrestlers, once the initial happiness wore off and reality set in, the reality is little has changed… Subscribers click here to continue reading.

Thursday News Update

We have a long discussion on last night’s audio show regarding TNA and a lot more in the current newsletter regarding all the different things regarding the promotion that have gone down this past week, including the real blow-by-blow of when the real problems started.

Paige underwent neck surgery, having three screws put in her neck yesterday in Florida.  The surgeon was the same one who did Nikki Bella’s recent neck surgery.

This is the last somewhat quiet weekend probably until Christmas. UFC has shows every weekend starting on 11/5 and 11/12 is the biggest UFC show in history, and 11/19 and 11/20 is one of the biggest weekends of the year for major shows. This weekend’s biggest events are Bellator tomorrow night which includes Bobby Lashley fighting Josh Appelt, Arena Mexico with block B of the Universal title tournament, and New Japan opens its junior heavyweight tag team tournament tomorrow (early morning U.S. time).

Lucha Underground finally announced some matches for Sunday’s show in Phoenix at the Arizona State Fair. Johnny Mundo faces Brian Cage in a falls count anywhere match to headline the Noon show.  A 3 p.m. show will be headlined by Pentagon Dark vs. Mil Muertes with Vampiro at ringside.  Others announced for the shows are Drago, Jack Evans, Ivelisse, Taya, Mariposa, Son of Havoc and Aerostar.

ROH announced today that The Panther (son of Blue Panther) and Misterioso Jr. (son of Misterioso) will be appearing on shows on 11/3 in Arlington, TX and 11/4 in San Antonio as part of the Survival of the Fittest tournament. 

Another CMLL star, Dragon Lee, will face Bobby Fish for the ROH TV title on the 12/2 Final Battle show in New York at the Hammerstein Ballroom.

WWE

• Ringside Collectibles on 10/29 at Caroline’s on Broadway in Times Square, NY will have appearances of Daniel Bryan and Bayley from 9 a.m. to Noon, and Finn Balor and Sasha Banks from 1-4 p.m.
• Bill Goldberg training with Jimmy Pedro, the Olympic judo bronze medalist here.
• A documentary on Eric Bischoff will air after Raw on Monday night on the WWE Network.

UFC

• New fights added to December UFC shows: Cain Velasquez vs. Fabricio Werdum on 12/30 in Las Vegas (this has been known for some time and already reported but UFC made it official today), Paul Craig (8-0) vs. Luis Henrique de Silva (12-0) has been added to the 12/17 show in Sacramento, Andrew Sanchez vs. Trevor Smith has been added to the 12/9 show in Albany, NY, and Jared Cannonier vs. Ian Cutelaba has been added to the 12/3 show in Las Vegas.

VARIETY

• Newly announced Evolve matches: Zack Sabre Jr. vs. Ethan Page on 11/12 in Queens, NY, Chris Hero vs Tracy Williams on 11/12 in Queens, NY, Drew Gulak vs. Dustin on 11/12 in Queens, NY, Drew Galloway & Dustin vs. Tracy Williams & Fred Yehi for the tag titles on 11/13 in Joppa, MD, Hero vs. Matt Riddle eon 11/13 in Joppa, MD, Gulak vs. Sabre Jr. on 11/13 in Joppa, MD, Galloway & Dustin vs. Dick Togo & Ricochet for tag titles on 12/11 in Melrose, MA.
• Why this is a story on the declining football ratings, a lot of this applies to WWE. Check out this article from USA TODAY. 
• The scheduled debut of Baby Slice, the son of Kimbo Slice, on tomorrow night’s Bellator show in Memphis, is off as opponent Rick Bing went for the all-time record as he showed up 25 pounds above weight.
• Pacific Coast Wrestling on 11/12 in Torrance, CA at the Oak Street Gym features Rob Van Dam vs. Pentagon Jr., plus Mr. 450 Hammet, Scorpio Sky, Jeff Cobb, Fatu, Willie Mack and The Sheik.
• Ryback, Bully Ray, Boogeyman, Velvet Sky and Melina have been added to the 11/5 MCW show in Joppa, MD. Ryback will face 6-foot-8 Sean Studd, the son of John Studd. They also have an 11/11 show in Waldorf, MD at the Unique Sports Academy with Kevin Nash, and 11/12 in Frederick, MD at the Indoor Sports Center with Kevin Nash.
• Tito Ortiz did a TMZ Sports interview to promote his 1/21 fight with Chael Sonnen at the Forum in Los Angeles saying it’s revenge because Sonnen pinned him when both were college wrestlers about 20 years ago.
• Brandon Vera will defend his One heavyweight championship on 12/2 in Pasay, Philippines at the Mall of Asia Arena. Sekine has a 7-0 record and is making his debut in One after competing in Deep in Japan. 
• Resurrection Fighting Alliance on 12/9 on AXS TV from Branson, MO at the Convention Center features former Iowa Hawkeye wrestler Jordan Johnson (5-0) vs. LeMarcus Tucker (5-1) in a light heavyweight fight as the main event. This is the final RFA show before the merger with Legacy goes through and the two groups form the new LFA.  
• Bobby Lashley, Cryme Tyme and Boogeyman headline Rumble II on 11/12 at Alameda High School in Alameda, CA.
• CWE Adrenaline was gotten a TV clearance on Shaw TV Ch. 11 in Thompson, Manitoba. 
• All Pro Wrestling on 11/11 in Pacifica, CA at Ingrid B. Lacy PTO is headlined by Cody Rhodes vs. Joey Ryan, MVP vs. Jeff Cobb, plus Reno Scum, Colt Cabana, Brian Cage and Jacob Fatu.
• CCW on 10/29 in Chatham, ONT at the Wish Centre featuring a Battle Royal.
• Georgi Kharakanyan vs. Kirill Medvedovsky an Lena Ovchynnikova vs. Karla Benitez have been added to the 11/10 Bellator show in Tel Aviv, Israel. Karakhanyan replaces James Gallagher, who was moved to the 12/16 show in Dublin. The Israel show is headlined by Andrey Koreshkov defending the welterweight title against Douglas Lima.
• 559 Fights tomorrow night in Fresno at the Tower Theater headlined by Bryce Gonzales defending his bantamweight title against Daniel Campagna.
• Tom Prichard and Bushwhacker Luke appear for IWF on 10/22 at the IWF Centre in Nutley, NJ.
• CMLL Sunday in Guadalajara: Avispon Negro Jr. & Micro b Destello & Guerrero de la Muerte, Black Sugar & Capitan Cobra b Mr. Apolo & Gitano, Freezer d Magico, Evola & Exterminador b El Hijo del Javier Cruz & Acqui, Flash & Kempo Dragon & Star Black b Jocker & Principe Kisho & Terremento King Jr.
• CMLL Monday in Puebla: Fuerza Chicana & Guerrero Especial & Inquisidor b Astro & Paris & Vega, Astral & Asturiano & Electrico b Mini Jocker & Pequeno Violencia & Sauron, Guerrero Maya Jr. & Stigma & Stuka Jr. b Kraneo & Olimpico & Ripper, Atlantis & Johnny Idol & Maximo Sexy b Sam Adonis & Negro Casas & Shocker-DQ, Euforia & Gran Guerrero & La Mascara b Mascara Dorada & Mistico & Valiente. (thanks to Kris Zellner)   
• Wise Pro Wrestling on Saturday night at the Rickshaw Theater in East Vancouver, BC with Joey Ryan and Jeff Cobb appearing.
• All Star Wrestling on 11/4 in Cloverdale, BC at the Alice McKay building on the Fairground with Sinn Bodhi. 
• Stan Lee’s Los Angeles Comic Con on 10/29 at 10:30 a.m. at the Los Angeles Convention Center will have a panel on the old GLOW promotion.  Among those appearing are MTV, Lightning (Cheryl Rusa) and Roxy Astor. Lisa Marie Varon (Victoria/Tara) will be at the convention and Rob Van Dam appears on Geek Speak TV live in a panel on 10/29 at 1 p.m.   
• Jersey All Pro Wrestling on 11/19 in Rahway, NJ at the Rec Center has an afternoon convention and a live show headlined by Low Ki & Homicide vs. Da Hit Squad in a cage match. It’s the company’s 20th anniversary show.  Alberto El Patron, Drago, Aerostar, Deonna Purrazzo, Sumie Sakai and JT Dunn are also on the show. They will also be raising money for the family of Frank Iadeviam, the former promoter who passed away. 
• AAW on 11/4 in Merrionette Park, IL at 115 Bourbon Street with Prince Ali vs. Zack Sabre Jr., plus Sami Callihan, AR Fox, Matt Hardy, Davey Vega, Matt Fitchett, Chris Hero, Dave & Jake Crist, Andrew Everett, Trevor Lee, Chuck Taylor, Rey Fenix, Eddie Kingston, Homicide, Kongo Kong, Jessicka Havok, Jeff Cobb, Heidi Lovelace, Kimber Lee and Dezmond Xavier. 
• An interview with Muhammad Hassan about his WWE career is here.
• Kevin Eck on his Wrestling Observer Hall of Fame ballot here.
• A story on the JBL interview with Bruno Sammartino is here.
• A great story on a conflict of interest in promoting and managing here.

Today in Wrestling History (10/20): Mad Dog Vachon wins the AWA 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

This is the END… My only friend… Tommy End

NEWS

• Tommy End, Big Damo & Mary Dobson report to the WWE Performance Center
• SmackDown ratings down slightly on Tuesday night
• WWE SmackDown video highlights: AJ Styles vs. James Ellsworth II
• Chael Sonnen to debut against Tito Ortiz at Bellator 170
• Being The Booker: A path to Goldberg vs. Undertaker at WrestleMania

AUDIO

• B&V&C: Retro Raw and Nitro leading to Survivor Series 97 and Halloween Havoc! 10/18
• DR. KEITH PRESENTS: DKP Duos! When Lanza met Sempervive 10/18
• WOL: Goldberg return, Rusev is great, sparkle crotch is not, more! 10/18
• FREE WOR! Return of Goldberg to WWE, GSP and UFC, more! 10/18

Figure Four Weekly 10/10/2016: New details emerge in WWE concussion lawsuit filing – On Friday (October 7th), WWE filed a reply in support of their motion to dismiss Vito LoGrasso and Evan Singleton’s concussion-focused lawsuit. In terms of new information, the most newsworthy passages concern the deposition of Vince McMahon, which has otherwise been sealed from public view… 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 17, 2016: Details on the return of Goldberg to WWE, the return of Ronda Rousey to action in UFC, more.

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:,WON September 20, 1999: Eric Bischoff fired from WCW, Beyond the Mat review, more – Although wrestlers were singing “Ding, Dong, the Witch is dead,” Friday night in Baltimore, when the word of Eric Bischoff’s re-assignment within Turner (read that as a nice way of saying firing) reached the wrestlers, once the initial happiness wore off and reality set in, the reality is little has changed… Subscribers click here to continue reading.

Wednesday News Update

Roderick Strong debuts tonight on NXT

Roderick Strong’s debut will air on tonight’s episode of NXT. Strong will team with Austin Aries in a first round Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic match against Otis Dozovic & Tucker Knight. No Way Jose & Rich Swann vs. Drew Gulak & Tony Nese in a tournament match will also be on the show.

Johny Hendricks will face Neil Magny at UFC 207 on December 30th in Las Vegas. The show will be headlined by Ronda Rousey’s return fight against women’s bantamweight champion Amanda Nunes.

Robbie Lawler said he’s ready to fight Georges St-Pierre now after GSP claimed that Lawler wasn’t ready to face him.

The injunction in the lawsuit Billy Corgan filed against TNA, Dixie Carter, and others has been pushed back to October 26th. It was originally scheduled for tomorrow.

AJ Styles will face Dean Ambrose in a non-title match on next week’s SmackDown. If Ambrose wins, he becomes the number one contender for Styles’ WWE World Championship.

WWE

• Daniel Bryan defended the Bella twins on last night’s Talking Smack after Carmella’s scathing promo on SmackDown where she said the only reason Nikki Bella is successful is that she is dating John Cena.
• Referee Charles Robinson has seemingly suffered a foot injury.
• Stephanie McMahon tweeted a picture from her visit to the WWE Performance Center today.
• Paige tweeted updates after undergoing surgery today.
• Paul Heyman will be Jonathan Coachman’s guest on WWE’s weekly SportsCenter segment tonight.
• WWE developmental talent Terrance Jean-Jacques was arrested on Sunday on charges of assault and battery, kidnapping, witness intimidation, destruction of property and threatening to commit a crime. He is alleged to have hit his pregnant girlfriend.

PROFESSIONAL WRESTLING

• ITV officially announced that they will produce a one-off World of Sport special later in the year. Jim Ross will be doing commentary for the special.
• Ricochet will miss shows for New Japan Pro Wrestling on October 21st and 23rd due to visa trouble.
• ROH announced in today’s video update that Dragon Lee will get a TV title shot at Final Battle. Two wrestlers from CMLL will also compete at this year’s Survival of the Fittest on November 3rd and 4th.
• Chris Hero vs. Tracy Williams and Zack Sabre Jr. vs. Ethan Page have been announced for EVOLVE 72 on November 12th in Queens, NY. Hero will also face Matt Riddle at EVOLVE 73 on November 13th in Joppa, MD.
• “Bad Bones” John Klinger had two matches at the 10/4 and 10/5 Impact tapings. He won their online Gut Check Challenge a few years ago by a landslide and had some matches for them in 2014. Recently he lost to Mandrews and Grado, respectively. He also had a dark match beating Billy Barbossa at EVOLVE 71. He posted pictures of meeting, among others, William Regal at the EVOLVE show. He currently serves as the head trainer of Al Snow’s Wrestling Academy in the UK and goes there during the week, then usually returns to Germany to wrestle for wXw on the weekends. He’s one of the most talented guys in Germany.
• ProWrestling Sheet is reporting that the love saga between Alberto Del Rio and Paige will be on full display in the upcoming season of Total Divas, as much of their relationship has been recorded by E.

UFC / MMA

• Urijah Faber vs. Brad Pickett has been announced for UFC Fight Night on December 17th in Sacramento, CA.
• Layoffs continued for the UFC today, this time affecting their Toronto office.
• With Bellator MMA’s groundbreaking fight in Israel just over a month away, the Viacom-owned promotion today announced a couple of updates to the highly anticipated fight card. Georgi Karakhanyan (25-6-1), pitting him against Israel’s own Kirill Medvedovsky (6-1) in a bout to take place on the main card of the promotion’s first ever event at Menora Mivtachim Arena in Tel Aviv on November 10. Karakhanyan replaces Irish prodigy James Gallagher, who now fights at ‘Bellator 169: King Mo vs. Ishii’ in Dublin on Dec. 16.
• In addition, a female flyweight bout between Ukrainian superstar Lena Ovchynnikova (10-4) and Karla Benitez (13-9-1) has also been added to event, completing the lineup for main card action that will air on SPIKE in America on Friday Nov. 11 at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT.
• Tickets on sale now for The Ultimate Fighter Finale: A Tournament of Champions on Saturday, December 3 in Las Vegas! Click here to buy tickets. Watch the first three episodes on demand with UFC FIGHT PASS! The Ultimate Fighter returns to FS1 on Wednesday, October 26th.

VARIETY

Lance Storm proudly displays the Saskatchewan Hardcore International Title

• Lance Storm’s new podcast, disappointingly NOT called “A Serious Minute,” with Lance Storm and Cyrus the Virus, discuss the return of Goldberg in their first episode. It is also available on iTunes.
• A sneak peek for Guardians of the Galaxy 2 featuring Dave Bautista was released on Monday.
• Ric Flair appeared in a spoof political ad with rapper Waka Flocka Flame.
• Wrestling in Santa Cruz, California is catching on. This article takes a look at a promotion called F.I.S.T. Combat which features mostly lucha libre, and one white meat baby-face, they call Seabass.
• In episode 5 of Mat Madness’ Unsanctioned, moderator Ron Pasceri stirs the pot as Paul Carboni and Joe Lafferty discuss the overwhelming hypocrisy of fans who boo John Cena. Also, Paul and Joe talk about their wrestling Mt. Rushmores, their top three favorite matches of all-time, the futility of the Cruiserweight Division and the striking similarity between John Cena and Bret Hart. An interesting show for informed wrestling fans! Also available on iTunes–subscribe to Mat Madness.
• Beyond Wrestling announced the brackets for their “Tournament for Today” show on 11/6, in Providence RI: Zack Sabre Jr. vs. Keith Lee, Donovan Dijak vs. John Silver, Matthew Riddle vs. Chris Dickinson, Jonathan Gresham vs. Jaka, Sami Callihan, Chris Hero, Chuck Taylor, and Da Hit Squad will also be on the show, amongst others. Their women’s league, Women’s Wrestling Revolution, will also be running a tournament as part of the same event: Kimber Lee vs. Sonya Strong, Deonna Purrazzo vs. Alexxis, Jessicka Havok vs. Veda Scott, Taeler Hendrix vs. LuFisto. Tickets are on sale.
• FIST Combat professional wrestling from Santa Cruz will host its final outdoor show of the year, this Friday, October 21. Doors at 730pm, VFW Post 7263, 2259 7th Ave Santa Cruz. $10 kids, $15 adults, $25 front row. Tickets only available at the door.
• The Two Man Power Trip of Wrestling Podcast had on Magnum TA who shared how his NEW Highspots documentary came about and what fans can expect from him in this emotional look at his life and career. Magnum also talks extensively about some of his greatest matches and moments and comments on some of the possible matches that we never had a chance to see because of his unfortunate car accident.
• Buck Gunderson has been on quite a roll of late and he is looking to keep it going. On Oct 23rd the Buck stops here to challenge for the PWEclipse TV title as he faces Johnny Devine.
• FIST Combat professional wrestling from Santa Cruz on Saturday 11/5 will be their biggest show ever, as they present Donald J. Trump vs. Hillary Clinton, just days before the election. MAIN EVENT: “Mr Athletic: Jeff Cobb vs “Real Deal” Karl Fredricks. Also: Seabass & Desi De Rata vs Jheri Giggalo & Samara, The Classic Connection, Chocolate Papi, El Guerrero, Nicky Savage, and more. This is their first event at the new venue. 8pm  ALL AGES, Garfield Park Community Center, 111 Erret Circle Santa Cruz CA, $10 kinds under 16/UCSC Students w/ID, $15 gen admission, $25 front row. Tickets on sale now!
• The Death of WCW by 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!

Today in Wrestling History (10/19): Brock Lesnar vs. Undertaker at No Mercy

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

NEWS

• EVOLVE 70 recap: Thatcher puts his title on the line against Page
• WWE Superstars results: Darren Young vs. Jinder Mahal
• Warriors of Wrestling owner Joe Bellini on nine years in business
• WWE Phoenix, AZ, live results: Emma returns to the ring
• NXT Winter Haven, FL, live results: Shinsuke Nakamura teams with TM61

AUDIO

• WOL: TNA lawsuit, Undertaker on crutches, Dave Meltzer interview, more! 10/13
• B&V: NXT, Lucha Underground, Raw, Granny’s Wrestling Report, more! 10/13
• WOR: Breaking audio on TNA lawsuit and NXT TV tapings 10/14
• WOL: Brock Lesnar vs. Goldberg, Matt Sydal update, Chuck Taylor interview, more! 10/14
• DragonKing Dark: Texas Chainsaw Massacre 10/16

EVOLVE 71 IN YBOR CITY, FL

• Timothy Thatcher vs. Drew Gulak
• Chris Hero vs. Matt Riddle
• Zack Sabre Jr. vs. Fred Yehi
• Ethan Page vs. Sami Callihan
• Dustin vs. Darby Allin
• Tracy Williams vs. Jason Kincaid

Raw will be Monday night in Denver featuring the return of Bill Goldberg after 12 years. There will also be a SmackDown house show in Laramie, WY on Monday night.

SmackDown be Tuesday, also in Denver, featuring A.J. Styles vs. James Ellsworth for the WWE title and Alexa Bliss vs. Naomi.

Please send reports to [email protected] and [email protected] for these shows:

• WWE Raw in Calgary
• WWE SmackDown in Phoenix
• NXT in Winter Haven, FL
• ROH in Dearborn, MI
• WWE Raw in Colorado Springs, CO
• WWE SmackDown in Nampa, ID

Figure Four Weekly 10/10/2016: New details emerge in WWE concussion lawsuit filing – On Friday (October 7th), WWE filed a reply in support of their motion to dismiss Vito LoGrasso and Evan Singleton’s concussion-focused lawsuit. In terms of new information, the most newsworthy passages concern the deposition of Vince McMahon, which has otherwise been sealed from public view… 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 17, 2016: Details on the return of Goldberg to WWE, the return of Ronda Rousey to action in UFC, more.

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:,WON September 20, 1999: Eric Bischoff fired from WCW, Beyond the Mat review, more – Although wrestlers were singing “Ding, Dong, the Witch is dead,” Friday night in Baltimore, when the word of Eric Bischoff’s re-assignment within Turner (read that as a nice way of saying firing) reached the wrestlers, once the initial happiness wore off and reality set in, the reality is little has changed… Subscribers click here to continue reading.

Sunday News Update

Bryan and I will be back tonight with Observer radio. We’ll be covering the weekend news as well as taking your e-mail questions. This will be a very mailbag heavy show hopefully so you can send stuff to [email protected].

Regarding the Observer Hall of Fame, please get ballots in as soon as possible, if you have one (reporters, historians, executives or active and former competitors). Technically the deadline was last night but if you get it in within the next few days it’ll be counted. But don’t delay because once I finish this week’s issue, the first thing I’m doing is the ballots.

The October 10 Observer lists the full ballot. Everyone on the ballot has a case to be in, but only a few can get in this year, which is going to make this a very interesting year to say the least. 

There’s been some mainstream press this weekend regarding Linda McMahon having donated $6 million to a super PAC that supported Donald Trump, with donations in August and September. The donations were noted because when Trump was going through primaries, she was critical of his remarks about women, and this goes back months before all the latest news stories came in. “He’s not helping, certainly to put women in the best light,” said McMahon a few months ago. “Maybe he regrets them, maybe he doesn’t. I realize he punches hard when he punches back, but that’s just over the top.” But she since publicly stated she was a strong Trump supporter. For those thinking Trump’s comments should kick him out of the WWE Hall of Fame, it would appear that isn’t about to happen.

Conor McGregor was fined $75,000, not $150,000, as had been reported all over the place over the past week. In quite the weird story, Nevada Athletic commission Executive Director Bob Bennett told MMA Fighting yesterday that McGregor and Dana White both implied that McGregor wouldn’t fight again in Nevada due to the size of the fine and McGregor said he wasn’t paying it. Bennett claimed the fine was $75,000 and the reason they said $150,000 is they valued his community service work at $75,000.

A number of WWE stars missed the Friday night house show in Edmonton due to a snowstorm in the city that made getting in difficult. They had more than enough guys to run a full show and the main events, Kevin Owens, Seth Rollins, Sami Zayn, Chris Jericho and Cesaro were all there, but New Day, Titus O’Neil, Darren Young, Bo Dallas and Curtis Axel missed the show. The full crew was in Calgary last night.

The return of Bill Goldberg to Raw tomorrow night after some 12 years is the big story. To answer questions, Goldberg’s appearances on Raw at this point are not scheduled for a match, although him doing the old time Goldberg 30 second spear and jackhammer match shouldn’t be impossible and would probably get over at least once as nostalgia. Paul Heyman is not booked on Raw on Monday, nor is Brock Lesnar. Everything is subject to change but Lesnar in particular has all of his stuff laid out well in advance. Even a few years ago a Goldberg return would have been good for a 3.6 rating. Now, if they do a 2.4, people will be doing cartwheels, or at least they’ll want to being doing them. 

WWE

• For those of you who have enjoyed Bruno Sammartino interviews on our show, the JBL legends show that airs after Raw tomorrow night will feature Sammartino as a guest. That’s one I’ll be going out of my way to see.
• Emma, even though listed on Raw, is working for the Smackdown brand this weekend as a replacement for Becky Lynch.
• An interview with A.J.Styles is here.

VARIETY

• ROH signed a deal with Sport TV in Portugal, the biggest sports channel in the country, and starts this coming week. (thanks to Renato Simoes.
• Two matches from Pro Wrestling NOAH from last week have been put up on New Japan World the GHC tag title match with Naomichi Marufuji & Toru Yano vs. Kazuchika Okada & Yoshi-Hashi and the Gedo & Jado jr tag title win over Atsushi Kotoge & Daisuke Harada.
• We have an unheard of two straight weekends without a major U.S PPV type show with the UFC three weeks break and WWE’s next big show on 11/30. It gets crazy from there as November is loaded, particularly Survivor Series weekend which will be one of the biggest weekends of the year. Thus, with no major events, there was nothing pro wrestling or MMA related on the Google search list the past several days. However, if you want to watch a great match, this is the best match from Arena Mexico on Friday night and it features both Mascara Dorada & Dragon Lee.
• The other big thing on Friday night was the submission work by Mackenzie Dern, who has the potential to be a major MMA star. Her ground game as far as pure Jiu Jitsu is already as good as any woman in the sport.      
• I Believe in Wrestling did an iPPV last night with the debut of former UFC fighter Seth Petruzelli in Orlando, before the Evolve show: CT Brown b JD Amazing, Thea Trinidad b Amber Nova, Michael Patrick & Leo Brien b Rex Bacchus & Li Bryan, Leo O’Farrell b Chico Adams, Courtney Stewart & Kaci Lennox b Raegan Fire & Mila Naniki, Seth Petruzeleli b Braydon Knight, Jonny Vandal & Tyranus b Mike Reed & Josh Hess. Next show is 11/5. The show is available for replay. (thanks to Al Haft)
• Wrestlecircus presents its debut show toady at 5 p.m. in Austin, TX at the Ironwood Hall with Davey Boy Smith Jr. & Raymond Rowe vs. Colt Cabana & Ethan Carter III, Willie Mack vs. Hangman Page, Tony Nese vs. Sammy Guevara, DJZ vs. Scorpio Sky, Keith Lee vs Donovan Dijak, plus Dick Justice Lance Hoyt and Lince Dorado appearing. So you’ve got NOAH, ROH, WWE, Lucha Underground, New Japan and TNA all represented on the same show. 
• Appalachian Mountain Wrestling from Saturday night in Happy, KY: Kyle Maggard b Brandon Taggart, Super Destroyer b Matty B, Justin Tyler Morris b Stevie Phillips, Jordan Krage b Jalen Russell, Eddie Browning DDQ Beau James.
• Southern Illinois Championship Wrestling from last night in East Carondelet, IL before 275 fans: Moondog Rover b Purple Passion, Superstar Steve Fender NC Curt Gannon, Gary Jackson & Big Jim Hoffarth b Waco & Daniel Gunner, Marc Houston b Johnny Blade, Curtis Wylde & Dave Vaughn b Jimmy & Bobby D, Mike Sydal b Keita Yano, Vic the Bruiser b Sean Vincent, Ron Powers b Ken Kasa. Upcoming shows are 11/5 in Swansea, IL with Ron Powers & Gary Jackson vs. Brandon Espinosa & Attila Khan 2/3 falls in a cage, 11/19 with a Flash Flanagan meet and greet in East Carondelet and 12/10 with Jimmy Hart as the special guest. Larry Matysik also noted that their 10/1 gross was $9,700 in a benefit show for the Swansea Volunteer Fire Department two weeks ago.
• There is alive MA show on 10/21 in Fresno, CA at the Tower Theater called 559 Fights. That’s the promotion that regularly runs the Tachi Palace Casino in Lemoore, CA.
• Yesterday morning’s Lucha Xtreme TV show in Fresno: Skitzo b Shadow James, Big Dogg b Brandon Groom-DQ, Homicide b Donny Suarez. Next show is today at 7 p.m. in Fresno at the Fair on the Pavilion Stage which is a free with a fair admission with Homicide vs. Groom for the vacant Lucha Xtreme title.
• James Storm and Joey Ryan appear tonight at a show in Corinth, MS which also features Cody Rhodes vs. Matt Cross
• An article on Villano III, who is on the Hall of Fame ballot, is here.
• Here is a story on Vincent Sammartino, Bruno’s grandson, a high school football player in Pittsburgh.

Today in Wrestling History (10/16): TNA Bound for Glory 2011

CONTACT INFORMATION

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

​

The Round-Up

News

• Alberto Del Rio seemingly tweets details of Paige’s injury
• ROH TV results: Katsuyori Shibata vs. Kyle O’Reilly from Field of Honor
• From the classroom to the ring: Logan Black’s dual life
• Making a Wrestling Observer HOF case for Bearcat Wright

We’re looking for reports to [email protected] and [email protected]m for these shows tonight:

*WWE Raw in Calgary

*WWE SmackDown in Phoenix

*NXT in Winter Haven, FL

*ROH in Dearborn, MI (Champions vs. All-Stars show with Adam Cole & Bobby Fish & Young Bucks vs. Dalton Castle & Colt Cabana & Mark & Jay Briscoe, Jay Lethal vs Frankie Kazarian, Adam Page vs. ACH, Kamaitachi vs. Angel de Oro, Chris Sabin & Alex Shelley vs. Silas Young & Beer City Bruiser, Jay White vs. Donovan Dijak, Sho Tanaka & Yohei Komatsu vs. Rhett Titus & Kenny King).

EVOLVE 70 ON SATURDAY NIGHT AT 8 P.M. EASTERN IN ORLANDO AT www.WWNlive.com

• Timothy Thatcher vs. Ethan Page for the Evolve title
• Chris Hero vs. Drew Gulak
• Matt Riddle vs. AR Fox
• Dustin vs. Fred Yehi
• Zack Sabre Jr. vs. Tracy Williams
• Victor Cruz vs. Jason Kincaid

Sunday we’re looking for reports on these shows:

*WWE Raw in Colorado Springs, CO

*WWE SmackDown in Nampa, ID

EVOLVE 71 ON SUNDAY NIGHT AT 8 P.M. EASTERN TIME IN YBOR CITY, FL AT www.WWNlive.com

• Timothy Thatcher vs. Drew Gulak
• Chris Hero vs. Matt Riddle
• Zack Sabre Jr. vs. Fred Yehi
• Ethan Page vs. Sami Callihan
• Dustin vs. Darby Allin
• Tracy Williams vs. Jason Kincaid

Raw will be Monday night in Denver featuring the return of Bill Goldberg after 12 year. There will also be a SmackDown house show in Laramie, WY on Monday night.

SmackDown be Tuesday, also in Denver, featuring A.J. Styles vs. James Ellsworth for the WWE title and Alexa Bliss vs. Naomi.

Figure Four Weekly 10/10/2016: New details emerge in WWE concussion lawsuit filing – On Friday (October 7th), WWE filed a reply in support of their motion to dismiss Vito LoGrasso and Evan Singleton’s concussion-focused lawsuit. In terms of new information, the most newsworthy passages concern the deposition of Vince McMahon, which has otherwise been sealed from public view… 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 17, 2016: Details on the return of Goldberg to WWE, the return of Ronda Rousey to action in UFC, more.

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:,WON September 20, 1999: Eric Bischoff fired from WCW, Beyond the Mat review, more – Although wrestlers were singing “Ding, Dong, the Witch is dead,” Friday night in Baltimore, when the word of Eric Bischoff’s re-assignment within Turner (read that as a nice way of saying firing) reached the wrestlers, once the initial happiness wore off and reality set in, the reality is little has changed… Subscribers click here to continue reading.

Thursday News Update

WWE

• Goldberg is officially being advertised for the October 31st episode of Raw at the XL Center in Hartford, CT. Dave Meltzer had noted yesterday that Goldberg and Lesnar would be making alternating appearances on Raw over the next few weeks until they both appear on the Survivor Series go-home show. Neither Goldberg nor Lesnar will be appearing at the November 7th Raw in Glasgow, Scotland.
• Roderick Strong did a brief interview for WWE.com after making his NXT debut.
• Seth Rollins said that he won’t have a new finisher until he’s done with Triple H.
• In an interview promoting WWE’s upcoming trip to Dubai, Mark Henry said that he’s happy in his role doing more behind the scenes work and claimed that Big Show told him he cried while watching his fake retirement speech in 2013.
• An article from India speculates on Olympic medallist Raman Raheja possibly signing with WWE.
• WWE looks at the top 10 controversial match conclusions in company history.

PROFESSIONAL WRESTLING

• This week’s episode of TNA Impact was watched by 284k viewers, which was down from the 305k that watched last week’s show and continues a trend of declining ratings in recent weeks.
• The Tennessean has an article on the tax lien filed against TNA by the Tennessee Department of Revenue.
• Music magazine SPIN has a short story on the saga of Billy Corgan and TNA.
• In his first post-WWE match, Ryback won the WrestlePro tag titles with partner Pat Buck against the Heavenly Bodies. WrestlePro streamed the match on Facebook. Ryback will face Dan Maff for WrestlePro tonight.
• Ryback will also face Broken Matt Hardy for WrestleCade in a match for the promotion’s championship on November 26th in Winston Salem, NC.
• Chris Hero vs. Katsuyori Shibata was announced for Global Wars UK night two on November 11th.
• KFVS plugs a wrestling show tonight in Harrisburg, IL with Honky Tonk Man, Disco Inferno and Jimmy Hart.
• A Catholic school is having a pro wrestling exhibition as a fundraiser in Dearborn Heights, MI.

UFC/MMA

• UFC 205 at Madison Square Garden will have a four-hour main card on PPV.
• Conor McGregor predicted that UFC 205 will break the company record for PPV buys, and said he’s almost certain the show will hit the two-million buy mark.
• Jon Jones’ USADA arbitration hearing is set for Halloween in Los Angeles.
• Combate Americas presented its first show with Alberto Del Rio as company president on UFC Fight Pass last night. Ricardo Rodriguez also did the ring announcing for the show. Frank Shamrock did play by play, with UFC women’s bantamweight contender Julianna Pena providing color commentary.
• Women’s strawweight prospect Mackenzie Dern won her second straight pro fight on last night’s Legacy show on AXS TV, submitting Montana Stewart in the first round. Former UFC featherweight Damon Jackson won a decision over Levi Mowles in the main event.
• Derrick Lewis will headline his first UFC show when he takes on Shamil Abdurahimov in a heavyweight fight in the main event of the Albany FS1 show on December 9th.

MISCELLANEOUS

• Ric Flair appeared on ESPN’s College GameDay this morning as this week’s celebrity guest game predictor.
• Maria Kanellis-Bennett was interviewed on CNN about her experiences with Donald Trump on Celebrity Apprentice.
• Fuse TV has a look inside the wrestling school run by Amazing Red.
• Anime character Tiger Mask W coming to life recently in a New Japan ring was the focus of an article from Comics Alliance.
• The new Tiger Mask W television series is available with English subtitles from anime streaming site Crunchyroll. They offer a two week free trial period (with a don’t forget to cancel gimmick) if you want to browse. NJPW World also has episodes without subtitles and strictly in Japanese.

Today in Wrestling History (10/15): Jerry Lawler captures championship 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

News

• Hideo Itami officially out of the 2016 Dusty Classic
• Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Samoa Joe set for NXT TakeOver: Toronto
• Michael Elgin out of NJPW Power Struggle main event due to injury
• WWE SmackDown live results: Orton & Kane vs. Wyatt & Harper
• WWE NXT results: Shinsuke Nakamura returns; SAnitY debuts
• Lucha Underground results: Pentagon vs. Rey Mysterio Jr. vs. Chavo Guerrero
• Cody Rhodes & Kota Ibushi: The independence of wrestling
• What to watch for in the 2016 Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic

Audio

• WOR: Smackdown, Del Rio and Paige, TNA update, tons of UFC notes, more! 10/13
• F4D: Lance Storm talks Podcast One show, Raw, No Mercy, tons more! 10/12
• WOL: Ronda Rousey returns, Del Rio and Paige, Shawn Daivari interview! 10/12

Figure Four Weekly 10/4/2016: New details emerge in WWE concussion lawsuit filing – On Friday (October 7th), WWE filed a reply in support of their motion to dismiss Vito LoGrasso and Evan Singleton’s concussion-focused lawsuit. In terms of new information, the most newsworthy passages concern the deposition of Vince McMahon, which has otherwise been sealed from public view… 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 10, 2016: The saga of TNA continues, Goldberg rumors, more – Exactly who funded the Bound for Glory PPV and tapings this week? TNA President Billy Corgan did media interviews during the week and couldn’t give a direct answer as to whether the tapings would take place… Bill Goldberg will be appearing on 10/5 on ESPN SportsCenter and clips were shown during Raw of Goldberg battling Brock Lesnar in ads for the WWE 2K 17 game. This is not coincidental because as things stand right now, Goldberg will face Brock Lesnar in a singles match as the big match at the 2016 Survivor Series on 11/20 in Toronto… Sasha Banks’ WWE Raw women’s title win over Charlotte, positioned as the main event and focal point of the 10/3 Raw in Los Angeles, was done to set the two up in the WWE’s first-ever women’s Hell in a Cell match. The show will take place on 10/30 at the TD Garden in Boston, on a show that will have two Cell matches… Subscribers click hereto 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:,WON September 20, 1999: Eric Bischoff fired from WCW, Beyond the Mat review, more – Although wrestlers were singing “Ding, Dong, the Witch is dead,” Friday night in Baltimore, when the word of Eric Bischoff’s re-assignment within Turner (read that as a nice way of saying firing) reached the wrestlers, once the initial happiness wore off and reality set in, the reality is little has changed… Subscribers click here to continue reading.

Thursday News Update

Billy Corgan has filed suit against Impact Ventures (TNA), Dixie Carter, Serg Salinas (Carter’s husband) and COO Dean Broadhead in court today.  The documents are sealed but the gist is that things between Corgan and Carter fell apart over the past week or so, where Corgan was expecting to buy the company and for whatever reason, that was not going to happen.  Corgan then wanted them to pay him back the money he had put into the company in funding the recent tapings and obviously they couldn’t do it.  Corgan was asking for an injunction and will have a hearing on it this coming Thursday at 11:30 a.m.  Corgan is requesting a jury trial.  There are also issues with music rights for the show that airs tonight to the point at one point there was a question if Pop would air the show but the show is airing.  The lawsuit being filed was not a surprise but everyone involved has gone silent since the suit was filed.  There are also claims that in negotiations that key financial information was withheld.

There is a second lawsuit that was filed two weeks ago by Audience of One Productions, LLC against Impact Ventures (TNA), Aroluxe LLC, Ron Harris of Aroluxe and Dean Broadhead as well.  This suit, filed in Richmond, VA, was for Audience of One doing production for TNA TV tapings in June and July 2015, as well as for last year’s Bound for Glory show.  On October 23, 2015, Audience of One sent an invoice for $288,039.04 for the production of those events.  On November 9, Broadhead of TNA sent them a letter saying TNA was working hard at closing a new television deal and to please hung in there with us.  They sent another invoice of November 17, 2015.  Broadhead continued to stall them from collecting.  Broadhead on January 29, 2016, paid some of the workers a total of $29,001.57.  Broadhead then proposed a payment plan for six payments from March through August.  TNA made the first payment but haven’t paid anything since, according to the complaint.  They are asking for the remaining owed $222,123.43 plus interest.    

One of the most expensive pro wrestling shows of 2017 will be an April show in Qatar for Qatar Pro Wrestling.  Among the names listed as coming are Booker T, Eddie Edwards Kurt Angle, Road Warrior Animal, Johnny Mundo, Rey Mysterio, Sting, Bob Holly, Bobby Lashley, Alberto El Patron, Ryback, Great Khali, Sonjay Dutt, Chris Masters, Hiroshi Tanahashi and Carlito.

WWE

• Roderick Strong debuts at tonight’s NXT tapings as the tag team partner of Austin Aries in the Dusty Rhodes tournament.
• Paige has said that she will be undergoing surgery this coming Wednesday.  As reported in the new Observer, that has been a contentious situation.
• While everyone already knew this, WWE did make it official that the main event of the next Takeover show on 11/19 in Toronto is Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Samoa Joe for the NXT title.  The angles building that up and the rest of the card should be promoted at tonight’s tapings. 
• Bret Hart on Facebook wrote an apology to Michael Hayes, HHH and Seth Rollins regarding things he’s said about all three in the past.  He said it was unfair what he wrote about The Freebirds because they did great business in Texas with the Von Erichs and that Michael Hayes, Terry Gordy, Buddy Roberts and Ronnie (he meant Jimmy) Garvin always treated him with respect.  But he did say that he believes Owen Hart, Brian Pillman, Davey Boy Smith, Dynamite Kid, Jimmy Hart, The Rougeau Brothers,The Killer Bees, Demolition, Rick Rude, King Kong Bundy and One Man Gang should all be in the WWE Hall of Fame.
• Not sure if Hayes cut a promo on Hart on Ric Flair’s podcast because I don’t know if it has been taped yet.  But Hayes was planning to do so as he wasn’t happy with what Hart said about The Freebirds not belonging in the WWE Hall of Fame.         
• Bret Hart appeared at a Jim Ross and Jim Cornette talk show event
• WWE did a Happy birthday to Bruno Sammartino video
• Kevin Eck talks removing Donald Trump from the WWE Hall of Fame
• A story on Erick Rowan’s training program

UFC

• Paige VanZant vs. Michelle Waterson will headline the 12/17 FOX show from the new Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, the site WWE ran No Mercy in this past week. We talked heavily last night on why this is a very interesting experiment.   
• Want to make a note regarding the departure of Dave Sholler, the longtime VP of Communications of UFC, who is leaving for an executive role with the Philadelphia 76ers.  I had worked with Sholler dating back to the WEC days where he was the head, and he was a great guy to work with in what wasn’t always the easiest of jobs and with him the best in his new role.  Sholler will be leaving the company after the Madison Square Garden show.   
• Bovada has opened odds for the Ronda Rousey vs. Amanda Nunes fight with Rousey as a -200 favorite.
• Doo Ho Choi vs. Cub Swanson was announced today for the 12/30 UFC 206 show in Las Vegas.  That is a very interesting fight as both guys have real firepower.  This is the biggest test of Choi’s career.     
• Frank Mir, Chuck Liddell, Randy Couture and Paige VanZant were on a segment of the new Chris Angel show “Trick’d Up” last night.  It was a tribute to Harry Houdini, with all of them punching Liddell in the stomach as hard as they could and for him to absorb the blow

MISCELLANEOUS

• NWA Mid South from Saturday night in Dyresburg, TN:  Johnny Morton b EMT #1, Jakob Edwinn b Garrett Shanks, Matt Taylor b Brandon Aarons, Greg Anthony b Josh Lewis, Matt Riviera & Rob Conway b Love Connection 
• Primal Conflict Wrestling on 11/19 in Harpers Ferry, WV at the Harpers Ferry KOA featuring Tommy Dreamer & Doug Delicious vs. Logan Laroux & The Bruiser.
• Zombie Wrestling on 10/21 in Toronto at the Great Hall with Zombies vs. Human vs. Luchadoers
• CMLL from Monday night in Puebla:  Fuerza Chicana & Malayo b Arkalis & Paris, King Jaguar & Policeman b Millennium & Tigre Rojo Jr., Estrellita & Princesa Sugei b Amapola & Tiffany, Stigma & Stuka Jr. & Titan b Escandalo & Misterioso Jr. & Sagrado, Sam Adonis & Kraneo & Ripper b Johnny Idol & Maximo Sexy & Valiente, Mascara Dorada & Mistico & Volador Jr. b Ephesto & Felino & Mephisto (thanks to Kris Zellner)
• NWA Smoky Mountain Wrestling on 10/22 in Rogersville, TN at the National Guard Armory.
• NWL KC signed former NXT wrestler Sammy Six Guns Jr. from NXT, who will use the name Dak Draper.  A former college wreslre, he’s a student of watching heels like Gino Hernandez, Rick Rude and Austin Idol.
• CWE is bringing in Demolition, Bill Eadie & Barry Darsow, for Demolition Day on 10/28 at Rookie’s Sports Bar in Winnipeg.
• Texas All-Star Wrestling on Saturday night in Humble, TX for Rage in a Cage.  
• AIW on 10/15 at Tequila Jaxx in Mentor-on-the-Lake, OH features Jeff Cobb vs. Ray Rowe in the main event  plus Gringo Loko vs. Triton (CMLL) vs. Laredo Kid.
• New England Championship Wrestling on Saturday night in Wakefield, MA at the Americal Civic Center.
• MCW tomorrow night in Boonsboro, MD at the Boonsboro Event Center is headlined by Billy Gunn vs. Dante Cabaellero.  They also run 10/15 in Galena, MD at the Volunteer Fire Department headlined by Billy Gunn.
• Jeff Cobb will be starting soon with Evolve.
• Dan Severn talks his book and career
• A look at the career of Villano III
• Darby Allin made a video of him moving from Seattle to Florida

Today in Wrestling History (10/13): ROH Glory By Honor 2012

CONTACT INFORMATION

• Poll opinions: [email protected]
• ​Feedback: [email protected]
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The Round-Up

News

• SmackDown ratings increase slightly with a post-PPV bump
• Ronda Rousey returning to the UFC in December
• Alberto Del Rio on allegedly being stabbed, working for TNA & ROH
• WWE SmackDown video highlights: AJ Styles vs. James Ellsworth
• James Ellsworth to challenge AJ Styles for his title on SmackDown next week
• Alberto Del Rio appointed as president of Combate Americas
• WWE: ‘Paige tested positive for an illegal substance’

Audio

• WOL: Ronda Rousey returns, Del Rio and Paige, Shawn Daivari interview! 10/12
• B&V&C: Retro Raw and Nitro with DX debut, road to Montreal 1997, more! 10/11

Figure Four Weekly 10/4/2016: Comparing ECW to TNA – With its constant scrambling for money, TNA is starting to resemble a much more beloved promotion: ECW. While ECW was not entirely solvent going back to at least 1999, when stories of bounced checks were hitting the wrestling newsletters, the situation got especially dire in the last year or so of the company’s existence. After shutting down in January 2001, the company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on April 4th… 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 10, 2016: The saga of TNA continues, Goldberg rumors, more – Exactly who funded the Bound for Glory PPV and tapings this week? TNA President Billy Corgan did media interviews during the week and couldn’t give a direct answer as to whether the tapings would take place… Bill Goldberg will be appearing on 10/5 on ESPN SportsCenter and clips were shown during Raw of Goldberg battling Brock Lesnar in ads for the WWE 2K 17 game. This is not coincidental because as things stand right now, Goldberg will face Brock Lesnar in a singles match as the big match at the 2016 Survivor Series on 11/20 in Toronto… Sasha Banks’ WWE Raw women’s title win over Charlotte, positioned as the main event and focal point of the 10/3 Raw in Los Angeles, was done to set the two up in the WWE’s first-ever women’s Hell in a Cell match. The show will take place on 10/30 at the TD Garden in Boston, on a show that will have two Cell matches… Subscribers click hereto 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:,WON September 20, 1999: Eric Bischoff fired from WCW, Beyond the Mat review, more – Although wrestlers were singing “Ding, Dong, the Witch is dead,” Friday night in Baltimore, when the word of Eric Bischoff’s re-assignment within Turner (read that as a nice way of saying firing) reached the wrestlers, once the initial happiness wore off and reality set in, the reality is little has changed… Subscribers click here to continue reading.

Wednesday News Update

• Brock Lesnar will make his return to WWE television on the October 24th edition of Raw from the Target Center in Minneapolis, MN.
• On last night’s SmackDown, Shane McMahon and Daniel Bryan proposed three traditional Survivor Series elimination tag team matches pitting SmackDown against Raw at the upcoming November pay-per-view. The matches would feature the best of the brand’s men’s, women’s and tag team divisions against each other.
• Shinsuke Nakamura will defend his NXT Championship against Samoa Joe in a cage match at NXT’s live event in Melbourne, Australia on December 8th.

WWE

• Mick Foley tweeted to Paige about her suspension: “Thinking of you @RealPaigeWWE and a song I’ve loved since I was 7 – ‘Tomorrow’s Gonna Be a Brighter Day.'” Alicia Fox also tweeted a message of support.
• Rusev is lobbying for his WWE 2K17 rating to be increased.
• Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa have moved in together.
• Tonight’s episode of NXT will feature the debut of SAnitY on TV. The team will take on Bobby Roode and Tye Dillinger in a first round Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic tournament match.
• SmackDown tag champs Heath Slater and Rhyno were Michael Cole’s guests on this week’s edition of the WWE.com sit-down interview series.
• AJ Styles was interviewed by ESPN about the success he’s had in WWE.

Professional Wrestling

• Michael Elgin posted a video update on his injury status after suffering a fractured orbital bone at NJPW’s King of Pro Wrestling earlier this week. He confirmed that he will need surgery, but vowed to get his IWGP Intercontinental Championship back. Elgin is scheduled to challenge Tetsuya Naito in the main event of Power Struggle on November 5th.

MMA

• The UFC released the poster for UFC 207: Nunes vs. Rousey.
• In addition to breaking the news of Ronda Rousey’s return, Dana White indicated on the Colin Cowherd show today that CM Punk probably wouldn’t continue to fight in the UFC.
• White also appeared on FS1’s Speak for Yourself and said he didn’t know if Cris Cyborg would be Ronda Rousey’s next opponent if she is victorious against Amanda Nunes, but said that the fight would eventually happen if Rousey wins her return fight. On the show, White was asked about former NFL defensive lineman Greg Hardy’s transition to MMA.
• Jose Aldo will meet with UFC management in Las Vegas to discuss terminating his contract and his status with the company.
• Alberto Del Rio discussed his new role as president of Combate Americas.

Variety

• In an interview with Entertainment Tonight, Maria Kanellis-Bennett responded to unearthed footage of Donald Trump firing her from Celebrity Apprentice for “locker room” comments. She was also interviewed by the Providence Journal and Newsweek.
• Bret Hart made a surprise appearance at an Inside the Ropes event with Jim Ross and Jim Cornette.

Today in Wrestling History (10/10): Bret Hart defeats Ric Flair to win his first WWF World Title

CONTACT INFORMATION

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

​

WWE NO MERCY FROM SACRAMENTO

*A.J. Styles vs Dean Ambrose vs. John Cena for WWE title – For the first time, because of the Clinton/Trump debate, they are putting the main event of a show that is the clear cut main event in the opening segment at 8 p.m. This in many ways is a one match show. Styles has never failed to deliver in big matches for a long time, and Cena always works hard.  In a lot of ways you can watch the first match and there isn’t much else of major importance past the Miz vs. Ziggler match due to the angle. Right now Styles is a 17-to-1 favorite but it should be noted that no smart money has come in on tonight’s show as of this writing, so the odds mean little.

*The Miz vs. Dolph Ziggler IC title vs. career – Cable companies have been given a preview of Tuesday’s show which we’ll have later in the update that would seem to indicate Ziggler losing. We do also know that if he does, it’d be an angle in some form since he’s being advertised on shows next month, although I suppose the right hand and left hand in that company aren’t always in synch. Miz is listed as a -160 favorite but that number only indicates people don’t know.

*Randy Orton vs. Bray Wyatt – Match should be fine. The angle was kind of silly. Orton is listed as a -185 favorite right now.

*Heath Slater & Rhyno vs. Usos for tag titles – The Usos are -300. Slater & Rhyno are pretty much a gimmick team that they have no long-term plans for, and the big feud was always to be Usos vs. American Alpha.

*Becky Lynch vs. Alexa Bliss for women’s title – This match is not expected to be taking place even though still advertised.

*Nikki Bella vs. Carmella – It is also possible this won’t take place. If Lynch isn’t on the show and they need a title match, Nikki Bella is the most likely new opponent for Bliss. The only other options are Eva Marie and Naomi in the title match.

*Jack Swagger vs. Baron Corbin – Since Swagger won the TV match as a surprise, that would favor Corbin and he is listed at -975. Corbin is winning at all the house shows, and the company’s usual directive is not to put heels over at the house shows unless they see the heel as a much bigger star, or the heel has a title.  

        Honestly, this looks like the weakest on paper WWE PPV in a long time. The main event will almost surely be good to great. Miz vs. Ziggler was a good match last month and with the stakes higher, should be a bigger match this month. With Styles in the opener, Miz and Ziggler are most likely to close the show.

NEW JAPAN KING OF PRO WRESTLING FROM SUMO HALL IN TOKYO AT 2:45 A.M. EASTERN TIME LATE SUNDAY NIGHT AND11:45 P.M. LATE SUNDAY NIGHT PACIFIC TIME ON NEW JAPAN WORLD

• Tiger Mask vs. Red Mask
• Tomohiro Ishii & Yoshi-Hashi & Will Ospreay vs. Adam Cole & Bad Luck Fale & Yujiro Takahashi
• Togi Makabe & Tomoaki Honma & Ryusuke Taguchi & Bobby Fish vs. Toru Yano & Jado & Rocky Romero & Baretta
• Hiroyoshi Tenzan & Satoshi Kojima & Yuji Nagata & Manabu Nakanishi vs. Go Shiozaki & Maybach Taniguchi & Katsuhiko Nakajima & Masa Kitamiya
• Young Bucks vs. Ricochet & David Finlay for IWGP jr. tag titles
• Mark & Jay Briscoe vs. Tama Tonga & Tanga Roa for IWGP tag titles
• Hiroshi Tanahashi & Michael Elgin & Kushida & Jay Lethal vs. Tetsuya Naito & Seiya Sanada & Evil & Bushi
• Katsuyori Shibata vs. Kyle O’Reilly for Never open weight title
• Kenny Omega vs. Hirooki Goto for 1/4 IWGP title match
• Kazuchika Okada vs. Naomichi Marufuji for IWGP heavyweight title

        On paper from the Bucks match on, with the exception of the Briscoes match, this looks great. Okada vs. Marufuji was one of the best matches of G-1. Omega vs. Goto is a G-1 final rematch and that was tremendous. O’Reilly vs. Shibata is a rematch of a great ROH match. The eight-man is likely to set up a few matches on the November PPV in Osaka.  New Japan Sumo Hall shows are almost always good and this is a deep lineup.

Raw will be Monday night from the Oracle Arena in Oakland. There will also be a Smackdown brand house show on Monday night in Reno, NV.

Smackdown will be Tuesday night in San Jose at the SAP Center. 

We’re looking for your thoughts on tonight’s No Mercy, tonight’s King of Pro Wrestling and last night’s UFC 204, with thumbs up, thumbs down or thumbs in the middle along with a best and worst match to [email protected].

We’re also looking for reports on yesterday’s WWE show in Quito, Ecuador.

Figure Four Weekly 10/4/2016: Comparing ECW to TNA – With its constant scrambling for money, TNA is starting to resemble a much more beloved promotion: ECW. While ECW was not entirely solvent going back to at least 1999, when stories of bounced checks were hitting the wrestling newsletters, the situation got especially dire in the last year or so of the company’s existence. After shutting down in January 2001, the company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on April 4th… 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 10, 2016: The saga of TNA continues, Goldberg rumors, more – Exactly who funded the Bound for Glory PPV and tapings this week? TNA President Billy Corgan did media interviews during the week and couldn’t give a direct answer as to whether the tapings would take place… Bill Goldberg will be appearing on 10/5 on ESPN SportsCenter and clips were shown during Raw of Goldberg battling Brock Lesnar in ads for the WWE 2K 17 game. This is not coincidental because as things stand right now, Goldberg will face Brock Lesnar in a singles match as the big match at the 2016 Survivor Series on 11/20 in Toronto… Sasha Banks’ WWE Raw women’s title win over Charlotte, positioned as the main event and focal point of the 10/3 Raw in Los Angeles, was done to set the two up in the WWE’s first-ever women’s Hell in a Cell match. The show will take place on 10/30 at the TD Garden in Boston, on a show that will have two Cell matches… Subscribers click hereto 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, September 13, 1999: Best wrestlers of each decade, plus tons of news – The television season of wrestling overexposure began this past week with both good and bad news. But when the numbers came in, virtually all the good news was limited to the World Wrestling Federation. Subscribers click here to continue reading.

SUNDAY NEWS UPDATE

Bryan and I will be back tonight covering No Mercy and taking your quesetions for the show at [email protected]. We have a show up right not that previews tonight’s PPVs, both WWE & NJPW and looks at last night’s UFC show.

Dan Henderson reiterated after his loss to Michael Bisping that he’s retiring. As far as the media scores went, this tells you that the fight could have been fairly judged either way with the key rounds being two and five. Of media scores, 56 percent had it for Bisping, 24 percent had it even and 20 percent had it for Henderson. It wasn’t a robbery in the slightest. It was a close fight.

Becky Lynch missed last night’s show and is expected off the road for a short period of time due to a perosnal health issue that is not serious. The stories going around of a neck injury have been denied to us. She may be hurt in the sense everyone is hurt, but that’s not the issue. Like last month with Randy Orton, WWE has not responded to questions and is still advertising her match. They seem to be the only company left that still operates like that as even AAA when finding out about Alberto at the last minute sent word out immediately of exactly how the card would be changed. Admittedly, New Japan wasn’t exactly forthcoming on Matt Sydal right away but did announce before the show about him not being there and announced the card changes as well. With WWE, we don’t know the new card for certain, although the options are pretty limited, or if they are keeping the title on Lynch or putting the title up in a new match. For what it’s worth, the only women on last night’s show in Portland, OR that aren’t in matches announced for tonight are Natalya and Naomi. 

The new Golden 1 Center is expecting 12,000 fans for tonight’s WWE NO Mercy show, which just opened this past week. The opening of the new arena really helped draw the card tonight. The building was also told the show would end at 7:30 p.m. local time, which is much earlier than Raw shows have been ending. 

UFC 204 had 500,000 searches which is the normal number. We had less feedback than usual and it felt like less of a buzz to me than any show so far this year, but that number indicates there was a lot of interest. For the weekend, it was behind only Trump, ESPN, Hurricane Matthew and The Girl on the Train as the most searched for items in the U.S.

WWE

• Regarding Miz vs. Ziggler, the preview for Tuesday’s Smackdown that was sent to cable companies is, “From San Jose, including the three-way battle for world championship; and a look at Dolph Ziggler’s exit from WWE.”
• Another company cable guide’s listing for Tuesday is, just “A look at Dolph’s career as he exits WWE.” (thanks to Jon Southerland)
• Noam Dar starts full-time this week with WWE and is at least scheduled to be backstage at Raw. 
• An interview with Big Show is here.

UFC

This is how the predictions went from last night:

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

MISCELLANEOUS

• Eric Van Wagenen, the executive producer of Lucha Underground, is at the New York Comic Con and talked about touring and merchandise coming up for the product. Talent was given some October touring dates a month ago, but not as definite, and we’re here in October and obviously they aren’t happening. 
• Lucha Ilimitado takes place on Wednesday night in Yakima, WA at the Sun Dome with Rey Mysterio Jr. vs. Jeff Hardy, plus the American debut of Santo Jr., the son of El Hijo del Santo, teaming with his father against Juventud Guerrera & Psicosis, and MVP vs. Sami Callihan as the top matches. For a preview you can go here.
• AAA from last night in Berwyn, IL in the finals of the Jim Lynam Memorial tournaemtn: Chris Hero b Mat Fitchett, Prince Ali b Rey Fenix, Zack Sabre Jr. b Jeff Cobb, ACH b Chuck taylor, AR Fox won three-way over Brian Caeg and Drew gulak to keep the Heritage title, Chris Hero b Prince Ali, Zack Sabre Jr. b ACH, Silas Young & Davey Vega b Kongo Kong & Marcus Crane, Jake Crist & Sami Callihan b Pentagon Jr. & Rey Fenix (Callihan pinned Pentagon and the AAW singles title was at stake in this match), Chris Hero b Zack Sabre Jr. to win the tournament. (thanks to Michael Blanton)
• If you remember the movie “Warrior” from 2011 where, among other things, Kurt Angle played the role of Fedor Emelianenko, director Gavin O’Connor is talking about doing a sequel. Even though the movie was a box office flop to the tune of only doing $14 million, and was a big money loser, O’Connor said he thought the movie came too early beause MMA is more popular now than five years ago, and that he felt there were rabid fans of the first movie more than anything he’s ever done.  
• I Believe in Wrestling on 10/15 at 5 p.m. Eastern at the Dr. Smith Neighborhood Center at www.WWNLive.com will feature Raquel of TNA, appearances by Mister Saint Laurent and Larry Zbyszko, wrestling by Thea Trinidad and the pro wrestling debut of Seth Petruzelli, a former UFC fighter who once headlined CBS against Kimbo.
• C.M. Punk was at the New York Comic Con as a moderator in the Marvel Comics panel. He said he had put on 30 pounds since his UFC fight. Sting was also there unadvertised promoting the new WWE Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles line. Also there were Ric Flair, Mick Foley, Road Warrior Animal, Jim Duggan, Jimmy Hart, Ted DiBiase and Jerry Lawler among many others. DiBiase has lost some weight according to reports. (thanks to Paul Paster and others)
• The debut of the Sabotage promotion on Friday night in Covina, CA featuring two stars from Stardom in Japan: Raze & Shotzi Blackheat b Christi Jaynes & Safari Reign, Delilah Doom b Desi De Rata, Sage Sin over Ray Lyn and Keneisha Moon, Holidead & Thunder Rosa b Mariachi Loco & Lil Cholo to keep the Western States tag titles, Andy Brown & Maritza Janett b Tommy Wilson & Ashley Grace, Diosa Athena b Heather Monroe, Yoko Bito & Kairi Hojo b Kat Von Heez & Kaitlin Diemond, Taya b Thunder Rosa to keep the AAA Reina de Reinas title. (thanks to Scott Bryant)
• Alpha 1 Wrestling on 10/23 in Oshawa, ONT at 219 Olive Road.
• Braxton Sutter of TNA headlines for Empire State Wrestling on 10/22 in Olean, NY at Good Times of Olean.      
• Hogtown Pro Wrestling on 11/11 in Toronto at 876 Bloor St. West headlined by Mike Bailey.
• Lucha Xtreme TV from yesterday in Fresno: The show now airs at 11 a.m. instead of late Saturday night:  Anthony Idol b Chris Nail, Donny Suarez b Shadow James, Homicide b Brandon Groom. Next live show is 10/16 at the Big Fresno Fair at 7 PM. at the Pavilion Stage headlined by Homicide vs. Groom for the championship. (thanks to Jon Southerland)
• Mid Missouri Wrestling Alliance from last night in St. Louis: Barackus b Big Jim Hoffarth, Matt Kenway & Jason Roberts b Brandon Espinosa & Ace Hawkins to win tag titles, Everett Connors b J-Ma Swagg, Danny Adams b Brian James to win TV title, Da’Marius Jones b Kevin Lee Davidson, Moondog Rover & Damion Cortese b Jimmy D & BT Daramola, A.J. Williams b Gary Jackson. Lacey & Hollie Von Erich, the daughters of Kerry Von Erich, were there to accept his St. Louis Hall of Fame induction. (thanks to Patrick Brandmeyer)
• Wrestlemerica from last night in Barnesville, GA before 225 fans: Clang & Bang b Damian Bennett & Stunt Marshall, Jay Romero b Logan Stevens, Iceberg NC Scotty Beach, Iceberg & X-Pac b C.J. Awesome & Scotty Beach, Fry Daddy b David Tita, Tyson Dean b Zane Stevens. They announced Adam Rose on the 11/12 show. (thanks to Kris Zellner)
• Kenta Kobashi made a surprise appearance at today’s All Japan show at Korakuen Hall. (thanks to John Carey)
• CZW from last night before a larger than expected crowd in Voorhees, NJ. A few guys driving in from Kentucky missed the show because their car broke down. Alexander James b Nathan Cruz, Frankie Pickard b Jimmy Lloyd and Dan O’Hare, Da Hit Squad b Rick Cataldo & Eddy McQueen (they do a drag parody of the Bella Twins as The Fella Twins), Joe Gacy b BLK Jeez, Josh Crane & Dale Patricks b Devon Moore & Conor Claxton, Chris Dickinson & Mike Draztik & Angel Ortiz b Dave Crist & Dezmond  Xavier & Zachary Wentz, Joey Janela b Lucky 13, Jonathan Gresham b Homicide to retain CZW title in a great match. Homicide won and was declared new champion but Gresham’s leg was on the ropes and it was restarted and Gresham won after a low blow. Danny Havoc won four-way high stake tangled web match over Ricky Shane Page, Tim Donst and Alex Colon after a superplex through carpet strips a bed of nails and a bared wire spider web. Next show is 11/19 for Night of Infamy with Matt Tremont & Jeff Cannonball vs. Young Dragons, and 12/10 for the annual Cage of Death show. (thanks to Bob Magee)
• Mecca Pro Wrestling on 10/22 in Cornwall, ONT at 1950 rue Montreal Rd.
• Hoosier Pro Wrestling’s 18th anniversary show on 11/5 in Columbus, IN at the 4-H Fairgrounds.
• Here is a story on Short Sleeve Sampson of Syracuse, NY working an indie show in Wichita Falls, TX in front of some of his cousins that he only last month found out about.  
• A trailer for a Matt Hardy interview is here.

Today in Wrestling History (10/9): Nick Bockwinkel recaptures AWA gold

CONTACT INFORMATION

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

​

UFC 205 FROM THE MANCHESTER ARENA IN MANCHESTER, UK

Whatever happens, Hendo’s legacy will last forever; one of the greatest calls it a career tonight…

One of the greatest MMA fighters of all time calls it a career tonight. The veteran warrior Dan “Hendo” Henderson is battle worn, beloved by many, and without a doubt, a first ballot Hall of Famer in the sport of MMA. Younger generations may not recall his accomplishments, from United States Olympian to Pride double champion, but all fans will remember his heart. Hendo never backed down, and he never quit, even though he may have submitted. He won or lost every battle with heart, even if it wasn’t what was best for his head. Dan Henderson is an inspirational character the likes of which are rarely seen in real life, but Hendo is just that. He’s real life. Tonight, the legend steps into the octagon, one final time, before he falls on his sword, a hero for everyone. 

[PeachMachine]

Fight Pass at 7 p.m. Eastern

• Adriano Martins vs. Leonardo Santos
• Mike Perry vs. Danny Roberts

FS 1 at 8 p.m. Eastern

• Marc Diakiese vs. Lukasz Sajewski
• Leon Edwards vs. Albert Tumenov
• Davey Grant vs. Damien Stasiak
• Iuri Alcantara vs. Brad Pickett

PPV at 10 p.m. Eastern

• Mirsad Bektic vs. Russell Doane
• Daniel Omielanczuk vs. Stefan Struve
• Ovince Saint Preux vs. Jimi Manuwa
• Gegard Mousasi vs. Vitor Belfort
• Michael Bisping vs. Dan Henderson for the middleweight title

THE ROUND-UP

The Latest From the F4W Staff

NEWS / REPORTS

• ROH TV results: First set of matches from Field of Honor
• NJPW on AXS results: Hirooki Goto vs. Tetsuya Naito; IWGP tag title match
• UFC 204 DFS Playbook: Who to target & who to avoid
• UFC 204 Observer panel picks: Michael Bisping vs. Dan Henderson 2
• WhatCulture Pro Wrestling’s Adam Clery on their first iPPV & star-studded weekend
• The Week In British Wrestling: Southside crown a new king & queen

AUDIO 

• WOL: Two stabbings in one week, Dave Meltzer interview, AAW this weekend, more! 10/6
• B&V: NXT, Raw, Lucha Underground, Granny, Filthy Tom, more! 10/7
• WOL: Big show weekend, Alberto Del Rio update, Impact, more! 10/7
• WOR: Potential WWE Network pricing tiers, UFC debt, more! 10/8

Please send reports to [email protected] and [email protected].

• WWE show in Santiago, Chile
• NXT show in Norfolk, VA
• WWE show in Lima, Peru
• NXT in Richmond, VA
• WWE show in Quito, Ecuador (Raw brand) 
• Portland, OR (Smackdown brand) 
• NXT in Baltimore

Please send opinion polls with a thumbs up, thumbs down or thumbs in the middle, along with a best and worst match to [email protected]. 

• UFC 204 
• WWE No Mercy
• New Japan King of Pro Wrestling

WWE NO MERCY PPV ON SUNDAY FROM SACRAMENTO ON THE WWE NETWORK

• A.J. Styles vs Dean Ambrose vs. John Cena for WWE title
• The Miz vs. Dolph Ziggler IC title vs. career
• Randy Orton vs. Bray Wyatt
• Heath Slater & Rhyno vs. Usos for tag titles
• Becky Lynch vs. Alexa Bliss for women’s title
• Nikki Bella vs. Carmella
• Jack Swagger vs. Baron Corbin

NEW JAPAN KING OF PRO WRESTLING FROM SUMO HALL IN TOKYO AT 2:45 A.M. EASTERN TIME LATE SUNDAY NIGHT AND 11:45 P.M. LATE SUNDAY NIGHT PACIFIC TIME ON NEW JAPAN WORLD

• Tiger Mask vs. Red Mask
• Tomohiro Ishii & Yoshi-Hashi & Will Ospreay vs. Adam Cole & Bad Luck Fale & Yujiro Takahashi
• Togi Makabe & Tomoaki Honma & Ryusuke Taguchi & Bobby Fish vs. Toru Yano & Jado & Rocky Romero & Baretta
• Hiroyoshi Tenzan & Satoshi Kojima & Yuji Nagata & Manabu Nakanishi vs. Go Shiozaki & Maybach Taniguchi & Katsuhiko Nakajima & Masa Kitamiya
• Young Bucks vs. Ricochet & David Finlay for IWGP jr. tag titles
• Mark & Jay Briscoe vs. Tama Tonga & Tanga Roa for IWGP tag titles
• Hiroshi Tanahashi & Michael Elgin & Kushida & Jay Lethal vs. Tetsuya Naito & Seiya Sanada & Evil & Bushi
• Katsuyori Shibata vs. Kyle O’Reilly for Never open weight title
• Kenny Omega vs. Hirooki Goto for 1/4 IWGP title match
• Kazuchika Okada vs. Naomichi Marufuji for IWGP heavyweight title

Raw will be Monday night from the Oracle Arena in Oakland. There will also be a Smackdown brand house show on Monday night in Reno, NV.

Smackdown will be Tuesday night in San Jose at the SAP Center. 

Figure Four Weekly 10/4/2016: Comparing ECW to TNA – With its constant scrambling for money, TNA is starting to resemble a much more beloved promotion: ECW. While ECW was not entirely solvent going back to at least 1999, when stories of bounced checks were hitting the wrestling newsletters, the situation got especially dire in the last year or so of the company’s existence. After shutting down in January 2001, the company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on April 4th… 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 10, 2016: The saga of TNA continues, Goldberg rumors, more – Exactly who funded the Bound for Glory PPV and tapings this week? TNA President Billy Corgan did media interviews during the week and couldn’t give a direct answer as to whether the tapings would take place… Bill Goldberg will be appearing on 10/5 on ESPN SportsCenter and clips were shown during Raw of Goldberg battling Brock Lesnar in ads for the WWE 2K 17 game. This is not coincidental because as things stand right now, Goldberg will face Brock Lesnar in a singles match as the big match at the 2016 Survivor Series on 11/20 in Toronto… Sasha Banks’ WWE Raw women’s title win over Charlotte, positioned as the main event and focal point of the 10/3 Raw in Los Angeles, was done to set the two up in the WWE’s first-ever women’s Hell in a Cell match. The show will take place on 10/30 at the TD Garden in Boston, on a show that will have two Cell matches… Subscribers click hereto 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, September 13, 1999: Best wrestlers of each decade, plus tons of news – The television season of wrestling overexposure began this past week with both good and bad news. But when the numbers came in, virtually all the good news was limited to the World Wrestling Federation. Subscribers click here to continue reading.

SATURDAY NEWS UPDATE

The Death of WCW by 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

• WWE’s travel packages for next year’s Royal Rumble include an NXT show the night before the Rumble at the Freeman Coliseum in San Antonio, TX. The travel packages don’t specify whether the show is a TakeOver special or not. Keep an eye out for our site’s group get-together information, which should be finalized shortly. 
• Big Show was interviewed by GamesRadar and said that he isn’t on TV because WWE doesn’t need him right now.
• WWE will be releasing a DVD on Diamond Dallas Page in 2017.
• Everything you’d want to know about Alexa Bliss is in this article.
• Bobby Roode talks NXT and the improvements he’s made since leaving TNA.

PRO WRESTLING

This xylophone is extraordinary…

• Broken Matt Hardy will be debuting for AAW Wrestling on November 4th.
• Gabe Sapolsky teased EVOLVE running shows in San Antonio over Royal Rumble weekend.
• In response to critical comments Bret Hart made about The Freedbirds being included in the WWE Hall of Fame, Michael Hayes tweeted: “Just read something where BRET put the Birds down, say what U want about me, when U talk about Terry and Buddy, who aren’t here, PROBLEM! Just to clarify, drunk yes, drew more money in MANY places YES, popped Mid South, Atl, Texas to record crowds!! U leave Terry/Buddy alone!! It is really sad when a legend was so blessed with a great career, resorts to crapping on others, U’d NEVER say that to Terry or Bud’s face!”
• Here is a quick observation of wrestlers at New York Comic Con: Animal, Jerry Lawler, Jim Duggan, Ted DiBiase and Jimmy Hart all had tables for autographs, memorabilia, etc. Hart and DiBiase were together and had the Million Dollar belt. Animal was selling shirts and had his makeup on but not his shoulder pads. Duggan was taking pics with fans with the 2×4. Everyone looked rather healthy. Dibiase appears to have lost weight and Duggan’s hair is a bit shorter (still had a small ponytail)

VARIETY

• UFC released the final episode of Embedded prior to UFC 204 tonight, headlined by Michael Bisping vs. Dan Henderson.
• What If Vince McMahon Could Script Michael Bisping vs. Dan Henderson?
• There could be a sequel to the Tom Hardy movie Warrior.
• The fifth annual Grapple at The Garden dual meet event will take place at Madison Square Garden on Sunday, November 27. A total of 20 colleges and universities will compete, including 8 Division I programs led by a highly-anticipated MSG rematch battle between two top 15 NCAA 2016 national tournament finishers – Cornell vs. Rutgers! Other Division I programs represented will be Princeton, Hofstra, Maryland, George Mason, and making their MSG Grapple debut, Buffalo and Columbia.

Today in Wrestling History (10/8): Steve Austin defeats Kurt Angle for WWF title

CONTACT INFORMATION

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

​

THE ROUND-UP

The Latest From the F4W Staff

NEWS / REPORTS

• WON Preview: Who funded TNA’s Bound for Glory anyway?
• TNA Impact Wrestling results: Lashley vs. Edwards; Hardys vs. Decay
• Lucha Underground results: Prince Puma vs. Matanza title match
• WWE Palm Springs, CA, live results: John Cena vs. Dean Ambrose vs. AJ Styles

AUDIO 

• WOR: Lesnar vs. Goldberg update, Del Rio stabbing, Impact future, more! 10/6
• WOL: Two stabbings in one week, Dave Meltzer interview, AAW this weekend, more! 10/6
• B&V: NXT, Raw, Lucha Underground, Granny, Filthy Tom, more! 10/7
• DR. KEITH PRESENTS: Catch & kebabs in Germany! 10/5

Please send reports on the following shows to [email protected]

 and [email protected].

• WWE show in Santiago, Chile
• NXT show in Norfolk, VA
• WWE show in Lima, Peru
• NXT in Richmond, VA

We’ll be doing three polls this weekend, for Saturday’s UFC 204, Sunday’s WWE No Mercy and Monday’s New Japan King of Pro Wrestling 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].

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

• Mark & Jay Briscoe & Toru Yano vs. Bad Luck Fale & Tama Tonga & Yujiro Takahashi for the Never trios titles
• Karl Anderson & Doc Gallows vs. Togi Makabe & Tomoaki Honma for the IWGP tag titles

        Both of these matches were part of Wrestle Kingdom 10 from the Tokyo Dome on 1/4.

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

• Soberano & Hombre Bala Jr. & Star Jr. vs. Okumura & Puma & Tiger
• Estrellita & Marcela & Princesa Sugei vs. Amapola & Dallys & Tiffany
• Atlantis & Mascara Dorada & Valiente vs. Dragon Rojo & Polvora & Super Crazy
• Volador Jr. vs. Cavernario for the NWA historic welterweight title
• Rush & Mistico & Dragon Lee vs. Mephisto & Euforia & Ultimo Guerrero

LEGACY FIGHTING CHAMPIONSHIPS AT 10 P.M. EASTERN TONIGHT ON AXS TV

• Zach Thumb (4-2, 252.5) vs. Maurice Green (2-1, 246)
• Billy Christianson (12-5, 152.5) vs. Marcus Edwards (11-4, 150)
• Kevin Clark (4-2, 140) vs. Junior Hernandez (19-9, 140)
• Tat Romero (26-6, 168) vs. Isaiah Pitts (6-1, 165)
• Nate Richardson (4-1, 143.5) vs. Nick Compton (12-5, 144.5)
• Joe Eichelberger (18-9, 170) vs. Dakota Cochrane (25-10, 170)
• Brian Heden (29-15, 262) vs. Tyler East (15-5, 1 NC, 232)

WORLD SERIES OF FIGHTING TONIGHT FROM KANSAS CITY MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM AT 11 P.M. EASTERN ON NBC SPORTS

• Ashley Gooch vs. Shawn Jordan
• John Howard vs. Abubakar Nurmagomedov
• Luis Firmino vs. Brian Foster
• Jason High vs. Joao Zeferino
• David Branch vs. Vinny Magalhaes for the light heavyweight title

NEW JAPAN ROAD UONUMA FROM NIIGATA ON NEW JAPAN WORLD (this won’t be airing live)

• Teruaki Kanemitsu vs. Hirai Kawato
• Togi Makabe & Tomoaki Honma & Henare vs. Jushin Liger & Manabu Nakanishi & Hiroyoshi Tenzan
• Yoshitatsu & Juice Robinson & Ryusuke Taguchi vs. Adam Cole & Yujiro Takahashi & Bone Soldier
• Yuji Nagata & Tiger Mask vs. Bobby Fish & Kyle O’Reilly
• Mark & Jay Briscoe & Tomohiro Ishii & Hirooki Goto vs. Kenny Omega & Bad Luck Fale & Tama Tonga & Tanga Roa
• Satoshi Kojima & Ricochet & David Finlay vs. Will Ospreay & Rocky Romero & Baretta for the Never trios championships
• Hiroshi Tanahashi & Michael Elgin & Kushida & Jay Lethal vs. Tetsuya Naito & Seiya Sanada & Evil & Bushi

UFC 205 FROM THE MANCHESTER ARENA IN MANCHESTER, UK

Fight Pass at 7 p.m. Eastern

• Adriano Martins vs. Leonardo Santos
• Mike Perry vs. Danny Roberts

FS 1 at 8 p.m. Eastern

• Marc Diakiese vs. Lukasz Sajewski
• Leon Edwards vs. Albert Tumenov
• Davey Grant vs. Damien Stasiak
• Iuri Alcantara vs. Brad Pickett

PPV at 10 p.m. Eastern

• Mirsad Bektic vs. Russell Doane
• Daniel Omielanczuk vs. Stefan Struve
• Ovince Saint Preux vs. Jimi Manuwa
• Gegard Mousasi vs. Vitor Belfort
• Michael Bisping vs. Dan Henderson for the middleweight title

We’re looking for reports on Saturday’s WWE shows in Quito, Ecuador (Raw brand), Portland, OR (Smackdown brand) and NXT in Baltimore. John Cena is on the show.

WWE NO MERCY PPV ON SUNDAY FROM SACRAMENTO ON THE WWE NETWORK

• A.J. Styles vs Dean Ambrose vs. John Cena for WWE title
• The Miz vs. Dolph Ziggler IC title vs. career
• Randy Orton vs. Bray Wyatt
• Heath Slater & Rhyno vs. Usos for tag titles
• Becky Lynch vs. Alexa Bliss for women’s title
• Nikki Bella vs. Carmella
• Jack Swagger vs. Baron Corbin

NEW JAPAN KING OF PRO WRESTLING FROM SUMO HALL IN TOKYO AT 2:45 A.M. EASTERN TIME LATE SUNDAY NIGHT AND11:45 P.M. LATE SUNDAY NIGHT PACIFIC TIME ON NEW JAPAN WORLD

• Tiger Mask vs. Red Mask
• Tomohiro Ishii & Yoshi-Hashi & Will Ospreay vs. Adam Cole & Bad Luck Fale & Yujiro Takahashi
• Togi Makabe & Tomoaki Honma & Ryusuke Taguchi & Bobby Fish vs. Toru Yano & Jado & Rocky Romero & Baretta
• Hiroyoshi Tenzan & Satoshi Kojima & Yuji Nagata & Manabu Nakanishi vs. Go Shiozaki & Maybach Taniguchi & Katsuhiko Nakajima & Masa Kitamiya
• Young Bucks vs. Ricochet & David Finlay for IWGP jr. tag titles
• Mark & Jay Briscoe vs. Tama Tonga & Tanga Roa for IWGP tag titles
• Hiroshi Tanahashi & Michael Elgin & Kushida & Jay Lethal vs. Tetsuya Naito & Seiya Sanada & Evil & Bushi
• Katsuyori Shibata vs. Kyle O’Reilly for Never open weight title
• Kenny Omega vs. Hirooki Goto for 1/4 IWGP title match
• Kazuchika Okada vs. Naomichi Marufuji for IWGP heavyweight title

Raw will be Monday night from the Oracle Arena in Oakland. There will also be a Smackdown brand house show on Monday night in Reno, NV.

Smackdown will be Tuesday night in San Jose at the SAP Center. 

Figure Four Weekly 10/4/2016: Comparing ECW to TNA – With its constant scrambling for money, TNA is starting to resemble a much more beloved promotion: ECW. While ECW was not entirely solvent going back to at least 1999, when stories of bounced checks were hitting the wrestling newsletters, the situation got especially dire in the last year or so of the company’s existence. After shutting down in January 2001, the company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on April 4th… 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 10, 2016: The saga of TNA continues, Goldberg rumors, more – Exactly who funded the Bound for Glory PPV and tapings this week? TNA President Billy Corgan did media interviews during the week and couldn’t give a direct answer as to whether the tapings would take place… Bill Goldberg will be appearing on 10/5 on ESPN SportsCenter and clips were shown during Raw of Goldberg battling Brock Lesnar in ads for the WWE 2K 17 game. This is not coincidental because as things stand right now, Goldberg will face Brock Lesnar in a singles match as the big match at the 2016 Survivor Series on 11/20 in Toronto… Sasha Banks’ WWE Raw women’s title win over Charlotte, positioned as the main event and focal point of the 10/3 Raw in Los Angeles, was done to set the two up in the WWE’s first-ever women’s Hell in a Cell match. The show will take place on 10/30 at the TD Garden in Boston, on a show that will have two Cell matches… Subscribers click hereto 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, September 13, 1999: Best wrestlers of each decade, plus tons of news – The television season of wrestling overexposure began this past week with both good and bad news. But when the numbers came in, virtually all the good news was limited to the World Wrestling Federation. Subscribers click here to continue reading.

FRIDAY NEWS UPDATE

Tonight’s Arena Mexico show features Volador Jr. vs. Cavernario for the NWA welterweight title. It’s a rematch from the great match the two had on Friday. This is why Friday nights at Arena Mexico right now have the best wrestling atmosphere anywhere in the world, with last week’s main event between the two here.

For this weekend, Kevin Kelly and Steve Corino will be covering the King of Pro Wrestling event in English for New Japan World. The press conference will be on late Saturday night at 1 a.m. Eastern (right after UFC) with the show itself live at 3 a.m. Eastern on late Sunday night.

The PWG Battle of Los Angeles DVDs are out and ready to be shipped. For more info, go to www.highspots.com  All three days are very good, but day two, which featured Young Bucks & Adam Cole vs. Ricochet & Matt Sydal & Will Ospreay, was easily the best U.S. show of the year as far as just bell to bell action.

Tonight’s Justin Gaethje vs. Ozzy Dugulubgov main event on the World Series of Fighting show in Kansas City has been pulled from the show as Dugulubgov was suffering from bad headaches and also had low blood pressure and has been hospitalized. Gaethje will be paid. David Branch vs. Vinny Magalhaes for the light heavyweight title is the new main event.  The show airs at 11 p.m. tonight on NBC Sports Network.

The Ian Entwistle vs. Rob Font fight scheduled for tomorrow’s UFC show is off. Entwistle fell ill and never came to weigh-ins, and thus was disqualified from being on the show. 

WWE

• Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and WWE have joined forces for a Ninja Superstars action figure line. They will be marketed by Playmates Toys and available exclusively at Walmart starting in early November. Leonardo will be John Cena, Raphael will be Sting, Donatello will be Undertaker and Michelangelo will be Randy Savage.
• Tim Wiese, the former German star goalkeeper, makes his pro wrestling debut on the 11/3 show in Munich, teaming with Cesaro & Sheamus vs. Carlito & Primo & Bo Dallas. 
• Natalya talks WWE’s Susan G. Komen work and Total Divas.
• An interview with Bobby Roode where he said his career highlight was the recent show in Brooklyn is here.
• Bret Hart talks WWE Hall of Fame and more.

Bret Hart on being embarrassed about WWE Hall of Fame

“I’m never going to take anything away from any of the inductees that they’ve had. But to me, the HOF this year I have a voice of protest as sort of a legendary figure of the industry. I am embarrassed that there’s so many great wrestlers out there that have never been given their credit. Never got their due.” 

Hart went on to identify Ric Rude, the Fabulous Rougeaus, the Demolition and the Hart Foundation as deserving potential inductees. He was also critical of recent inductees the Freebirds:  

“Why have they been overlooked when you can induct the Freebirds who never did squat in WWE? Ever. Never drew any money, never did anything. When I remember the Freebirds, they were all drunk and passed out at the gate at one of the airports in my first day in WWF. None of them even made the show that day, they were too drunk to make their plane.” 

Bret Hart on Andre the Giant “firing” The Freebirds, Owen Hart in the Hall of Fame:

“A few weeks later—when I was wrestling, I was just starting in WWF—they showed up at the building at about 9:30 in Providence, Rhode Island. And I remember Andre the Giant said ‘you guys are fired,’ and I remember Michael Hayes cutting a promo on Andre telling him ‘you can’t fire me,’ and ‘who do you think you are?’ and ‘we’ll see who’s fired tomorrow!’ And I remember Andre saying ‘we’ll see who’s fired tomorrow.’ They were fired, they were gone the next day.” 

“I’ve always gotten along with [Michael Hayes], but as far as their contribution to wrestling, gimme a break. They were all pill heads and, for lack of a better word, they were all screw-ups. 

“They’re not picking the cream of the crop, they’re picking whoever the first person they see on the list and they go ‘he would be easy to fly in.'” 

“If you’re going to have a Hall of Fame, you’ve got to have Owen Hart in the Hall of Fame.” 

Hart has a petition online to get Owen Hart into the Hall of Fame which you can visit at OwenHartForHallofFame.com. 

UFC

• Nikita Krylov vs. Misha Cirkunov was addled to the 12/10 show in Toronto.

MISCELLANEOUS

• This made news all over the world regarding the young sons of the leader of Chechnya doing MMA fights including kicks to the head of downed opponents on national television. (thanks to Dennis Gorman and many others)
• Some new concussion research is here. (thanks to Peter Morgan)
• Today is the 15th anniversary of the death of Chris Adams. 
• Today is Malia Hosaka’s 47th birthday. (thanks to Matt Schreiner)
• Sterling Brewer, a former wrestling announcer from the territorial era out of Birmingham, passed away on 9/30 at the age of 90. We was a local TV and radio news reporter and sports director who was best known as the local announcer for live Saturday night matches.

AAW’s Jim Lyman Memorial tournament starts tonight at 8 p.m. at 115 Bourbon Street in Merrionette Park, IL with a loaded lineup:

• Pentagon Jr. vs. Sami Callihan for AAW title in a death match
• Drew Gulak vs. Jeff Cobb
• Chris Hero vs. Kongo Kong
• Prince Ali vs. Kamaitachi
• Josh Alexander vs. Brian Cage
• Silas Young vs. Mat Fichett
• Chuck Taylor vs. Davey Vega
• AR Fox vs. ?
• Colt Cabana vs. Zack Sabre Jr.
• Jessicka Havok vs. Heidi Lovelace (not in tournament)

The winners advance to tomorrow night’s show in Berwyn, IL at the Eagles Club for the final eight.

• Bellator announced a 12/10 show in Florence, Italy with both kickboxing and MMA. Rafael Carvalho will defend his middleweight title in a rematch with Melvin Manhoef. Carvalho won their first match via split decision. The kickboxing show is headlined by Giorgrio Petrosyan (82-2-1, 1 no contest) vs. British champion Jordan Watson (48-11-2). Another rematch has Gloria Peritore (11-1-1) defending her women’s flyweight kickboxing title against Denise Keilhotz (45-3).
• Combate Americas announced its first show in New York on 10/14 in Verona. NY at the Turning Stone Resort Casino headlined by Victor Reyna (8-2) vs. Marc Stevens (20-10) and John Castaneda (11-2) vs. Gustavo Lopez (6-1) for the bantamweight championship. The show will air live on UFC Fight Pass.
• Alberto El Patron is scheduled as the top star at the Jersey All Pro Wrestling 20th anniversary show on 11/12 in Rahway, NJ.
• Acclaim Pro Wrestling on 10/29 in Ottawa at the Dom Polski Hall.
• ECCW Halloween Hell on 10/15 in New Westminster, BC at the Sapperton Pensioners Hall featuring Dr. Luther and Shayna Baszler.
• IWA 20th anniversary show from last night in Clarksville, IN: Jonathan Wolf b Jake Parnell, Jake Crist b Nathan Cruz, Bull Pain NC Frank Isaac Anderson, Randi West won Battle Royal, 2 Tuff Tony b Mance Warner, Brotherwood won over Bomb Shelter, NVD & Sage Phillips and Corey Storm, Ram Jam b Zach Gowen, Reed Bentley & John Wayne Murdoch & Nick Depp & Mark Wolf b Mitch Ryder & Derek Neal & The Hangman, Tracy Smothers b J.J. Garrett to win IWA Mid South title, Sami Callihan b Cole Radrick, Chris Hero won three-way over Shigehiro Irie and Kongo Kong. (thanks to Leonard Brand)
• Smash Wrestling on 10/22 in Toronto at the Franklin Horner Community Centre headlined by Rosemary vs. Allie in a cage match for an all-womens’ show that includes Jennifer Blake, Jade, Leva Bates, Veda Scott, Vanessa Kraven, Mercedes Martinez, KC Spinelli, Heidi Lovelace and Leah Vaughan.
• Smash Wrestling has a men’s show on 10/23 in Toronto at the Franklin Horner Community Center with Scotty O’Shea vs. Brent Banks in a cage mach plus Cody Rhodes vs. Tyson Dux.

Today in Wrestling History (10/7): WWE No Mercy 2007

CONTACT INFORMATION

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

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HAPPY BIRTHDAY BRUNO!

Bruno Sammartino, one of the biggest stars in pro wrestling history, turned 81 today.

THE ROUND-UP

The Latest From the F4W Staff

Rumble vs. D.C. 2 is set for UFC 206

NEWS / REPORTS

• Daniel Cormier vs. Anthony Johnson II set for December’s UFC 206
• Hurricane Matthew forces TNA to cancel & reschedule TV taping dates
• With BJ Penn out, UFC cancels Manila show
• WWE NXT results: The Dusty Classic begins
• Lucha Underground results: Prince Puma vs. Matanza title match
• WWE Sanitago, Chile, live results: The return of Luke Harper

AUDIO 

• DR. KEITH PRESENTS: Catch & kebabs in Germany! 10/5
• F4D: WWE Smackdown, TNA Bound for Glory, OVERWEIGHT CLASSIC ROUND ONE! 10/6
• WOR: Lesnar vs. Goldberg update, Del Rio stabbing, Impact future, more! 10/6
• WOL: Two stabbings in one week, Dave Meltzer interview, AAW this weekend, more! 10/6

We’re looking for reports on tonight’s WWE show in Santiago, Chile and NXT show in Norfolk, VA to [email protected]”>[email protected] and [email protected].

TNA IMPACT AT 8 P.M. TONIGHT ON POP TV

• DJZ & Mandrews & Braxton Sutter vs. Marshe Rockett & Trevor Lee & Andrew Everett
• Gail Kim vs. Sienna for TNA title
• Aron Rex vs. Baron Dax for the Grand Championship
• Bobby Lashley vs. Eddie Edwards for the TNA championship

Figure Four Weekly 10/4/2016:Comparing ECW to TNA – With its constant scrambling for money, TNA is starting to resemble a much more beloved promotion: ECW. While ECW was not entirely solvent going back to at least 1999, when stories of bounced checks were hitting the wrestling newsletters, the situation got especially dire in the last year or so of the company’s existence. After shutting down in January 2001, the company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on April 4th… 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 10, 2016:The saga of TNA continues, Goldberg rumors, more – Exactly who funded the Bound for Glory PPV and tapings this week? TNA President Billy Corgan did media interviews during the week and couldn’t give a direct answer as to whether the tapings would take place… Bill Goldberg will be appearing on 10/5 on ESPN SportsCenter and clips were shown during Raw of Goldberg battling Brock Lesnar in ads for the WWE 2K 17 game. This is not coincidental because as things stand right now, Goldberg will face Brock Lesnar in a singles match as the big match at the 2016 Survivor Series on 11/20 in Toronto… Sasha Banks’ WWE Raw women’s title win over Charlotte, positioned as the main event and focal point of the 10/3 Raw in Los Angeles, was done to set the two up in the WWE’s first-ever women’s Hell in a Cell match. The show will take place on 10/30 at the TD Garden in Boston, on a show that will have two Cell matches… Subscribers click hereto 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, September 13, 1999: Best wrestlers of each decade, plus tons of news – The television season of wrestling overexposure began this past week with both good and bad news. But when the numbers came in, virtually all the good news was limited to the World Wrestling Federation. Subscribers click here to continue reading.

THURSDAY NEWS UPDATE

Bryan and I will be doing weekend shows on Saturday night after the UFC show and Sunday after the WWE PPV, as well as Monday night after Raw this week.

Nate Diaz vapes CBD after his match with Conor McGregor.

USADA announced today that Nate Diaz will not face any disciplinary action regarding his usage of a vape pen at the press conference after his match with Conor McGregor on 8/20. USADA sent out a release saying that since Diaz’s test was negative for Cannabinoids, they are not taking action against him, but they have given him a public warning not to do it again. Diaz may still be disciplined by the Nevada commission since it was within their jurisdiction as well.

There was a bad scene at a Seth Rollins autograph signing today in Santiago, Chile, at the Costanero Center.  A huge crowd showed up and fans started skipping in line and it led to shoving and fights.  One fan tried to steal Rollins’ hat.  It got so bad the entire session was canceled, which led to more fights and fans looting at the center.

Alberto Del Rio worked his scheduled What Culture Pro Wrestling show in Newcastle today. He flew in last night. He wrestled in a T-shirt and the arm that was stabbed was all taped up, but he was out there taking bumps. I watched some of it but not enough to tell what kind of a match it was. Jim Ross & Jim Cornette, at least early on, were fun to listen to and had their old chemistry back immediately even if neither knew who Desperado was when he kept interfering in the Minoru Suzuki vs. Joe Coffey match. They very much knew Suzuki. Suzuki blew off a Jim Ross handshake in playing heel after his match after Ross had been putting him over like crazy on the commentary. Bret Hart made a surprise appearance and really put over Ross as an announcer, as well as put over Cody Rhodes and Kurt Angle. 

The San Antonio police have yet to confirm any records of a Del Rio stabbing. They have asked for an address and those close to Del Rio have not been able to provide an address. Plus, there are some different stories that are out there. Paige was there when the incident took place but has not said anything publicly about it.

The MMAFA has called for adding weight classs in MMA due to too large a gap meaning athletes are cutting too much weight. They are advocating men’s weight divisions at 105, 115, 125, 135, 145, 155, 165, 175, 185, 195, 205, 225 and heavyweight. They are advocating women’s divisions at 95, 105, 115, 125, 135, 145, 155, 165, 185 and heavyweight.

WWE

Total Bellas on E! debuted to a dissapointingly low number of viewers.

• Total Bellas last night debuted with 632,000 viewers, which given the level of the promotion of the show, has to be considered a major disappointment.
• WWE has a pre-sale through 10 p.m. tonight for the 12/27 house show in St. Louis at the Scottrade Center with the Raw brand, with the password WWELIVE 
• Pre-sale code for the NXT show at the Theater in Madison Square Garden on 11/16 is NXTLIVE. You can also use the code TICKETS for that show. The pre-sale for both New York and Boston ends tomorrow at 11 a.m. 
• You can also use the NXTLIVE code for presale tickets today for the show on 11/17 at Boston’s Agannis Arena.
• WWE sent out an e-mail today to some former WWE Network subscribers offering them a free month and pushing you can get No Mercy free.
• The Australian promoters of the NXT tour are offering tickets in different price ranges being upgraded to the next session called the Glorious Offer. (thanks to James Stanios)
• Marina Shafir, the fiance of Roderick Strong, talks her pregnancy.
• Colt & Ariel Toombs promoting the Roddy Piper book that they wrote about their father is here.

UFC / MMA

• A three-hour special called “Michael Bisping: Road to Redemption” airs atnoon on Saturday as a lead in for the Saturday night PPV on The Fight Network.
• Mickey Gall vs. Sage Northcutt is official for 12/17 in Sacramento. Gall has challenged Northcutt to a hair vs. hair match, which would be quite the attraction, but Northcutt has not responded to that challenge.
• Kyle Noke vs. Dominique Steele has been added to the 11/27 UFC show in Melbourne, Australia at the Rod Laver Arena.
• Tatiana Suarez (a name to watch) vs. Julianna Lima and Tiago Trator vs. Zubaira Tukhugov has been added to the 12/9 UFC show in Albany, NY.
• Three-time NCAA champion Ed Ruth will make his MMA debut on the 11/4 Bellator show in Uncasville, CT, facing Mark Mangiaridi. Mangiardi is also making his pro debut after four amateur fights. Also debuting on that show is Tyrell Fortune, another amateur star, who debuts against Cody Miskell, also making his pro debut after seven amateur fights.  Both fights will be on the streaming prelims and not on Spike.

Six fights have been announced for the 12/10 UFC 206 show at the Air Canada Centre:

*Daniel Cormier vs. Anthony  Rumble Johnson for the light heavyweight title

*Lando Vannata vs. John Makdessi

*Valerie Letourneau vs. Poliana Botelho

*Olivier Aubin-Mercier vs. Drew Dober

*Rustam Khabilov vs. Jason Saggo

*Zach Makovsky vs. John Moraga

MISCELLANEOUS

ROH Trios Tournament 2016 set to begin.

• ROH announced a trios tournament match for the 10/29 TV tapings in Baltimore will have Christopher Daniels & Frankie Kazarian & Kamaitachi vs. Ultimo Guerrero & Okumura & Hechicero.

ROH also announced this card for 11/20 in Leicester, England:

*Young Bucks vs. Will Ospreay & Marty Scurll

*Adam Cole vs. Chris Sabin

*Jay Lethal vs. Alex Shelley

*Mark & Jay Briscoe vs. Kyle O’Reilly & Bobby Fish

ACH vs. Joe Hendry

*Daniels & Kazarian vs. Dalton Castle & Delirious

*Donovan Dijak vs. Lio Rush

• ESPN has a story on the Young Bucks.
• A preview for Evolve is here.
• One of those stories on the greatest tag teams of all-time which doesn’t include Stevens & Patterson, Bockwinkel & Stevens, Misawa & Kobashi, Brody & Hansen, The Kangaroos, Von Brauners but does include Earthquake & Typhoon here.
• Irv Muchnick has a story on his experience getting an unidentified source envelope regarding a settled income tax dispute regarding the McMahons, and how that relates to the current Donald Trump story here.
• Journeyman pro wrestler Tom Hankins has written an autobiography called “The Mat, The Mob & Music” with Scott Teal.  For info you can go here.
• New Jack returns to pro wrestling and an interview with him is here.
• New England Championship Wrestling on 10/15 in Wakefield, MA at the Americal Civic Center
• I’ve been asked a question about the identity of the late 60s Texas wrestler Spoiler #3.  Spoiler #1 was Don Jardine and #2 was Smasher Sloan. 
• Cross Bones Pro Wrestling on 11/12 at the Cross Bones Wrestling Academy in Kitchener, ONT headlined by Alessando Del Bruno vs. Jake O’Reilly.
• CWF on 10/30 at 2:30 p.m. at the CWF Studios in St Catharines, ONT featuring Rene Dupree.
• NWX on 10/23 in St Catharines, ONT at the CWF Studios.
• Rockstar Pro Wrestling tomorrow night has an iPPV on Facebook from Dayton, OH at the Rockstar Pro Arena headlined by Dave Crist vs. Eric Rayn, plus a ladder match, a eight room brawl, a Zombie lumberjack match, a guitar match, a women’s Halloween costume match and a dog collar match.
• MCW on 10/14 in Boonsboro, MD and 10/15 in Galena, MD headlined by Billy Gunn.  The 101/4 show will be at the Boonsboro Events Center and the 10/15 show will be at the Galena Volunteer Fire Department.
• Big Time Wrestling’s 20th anniversary show is 10/28 in Newark, CA at the Newark Pavilion featuring Honky Tonk Man, Davey Boy Smith Jr., Paul London and Shane Kody.
• The IWF is offering two wrestling training scholarships to Veterans at its school in Nutley, NJ. The winners will also get a meet and greet with Darren Young.
• Premier Championship Wrestling from Saturday night in Winnipeg: Trent Nash & Shao Ming b James Beaver & Jay Walker and Jeremy Joseph & Dragneel, Zack Mercury b Antonio Scorpio, Jay Walker b A.J. Sanchez, Chad Tatum b Jay  Walker, Michael Clark & Gisele Shaw b Brett Morgan & Ace Riviera, Moses Luke b Bull Bodnar, London Dynasty NC Billy Blayze & Dick Blood, Jackie Lee won three-way over Scott Justice and Alix Vanna. Jimmy Hart was the special guest commissioner. The next show is 11/5 at Doubles Bar in Winnipeg.
• NWL STL announced the signing of Kevin Lee Davidson to a multi-year deal. Davidson, who is from South St. Louis County, will use the name Todd Letterman as a former high school sports star (which he was).
• The Fight Network airs ONE Championship: State of Warriors live tomorrowmorning at 9:30 a.m. Eastern time from Yangon, Myanmar. After that they will air the UFC 204 weigh-ins at 1 p.m. Eastern from Manchester and then air WSOF live at 11 p.m. from Kansas City. 
• IWA East Coast on Saturday night in Nitro, WV at the Kingsway Outreach Center with all proceeds going to the Elkview Middle School Athletic Department.
• CZW on 10/8 in Voorhees, NJ at Flyers Skate Zone with a free TV taping at 2 p.m. and then the main show at 8 p.m. The main show has Tim Donst vs. Alex Colon vs Danny Havoc vs. Rickey Shane Page plus Jonathan Gresham vs. Homicide for the CZW world title.  .
• Smoky Mountain Wrestling on 10/8 in Kingsport, TN at the Civic Auditorium is headlined by Jason Kincaid vs. Chase Owens.
• Evolve announced Drew Galloway vs. Matt Riddle for 11/12 in Queens, NY. 
• Evolve on 10/15 in Orlando, FL at the Dr. Smith Neighborhood Center has Timothy Thatcher vs. Ethan Page for the Evolve title, Chris Hero vs. Drew Gulak, Matt Riddle vs. ?, Dustin vs. Fred Yehi and Zack Sabre Jr. vs. Tracy Williams.  Drew Galloway will be at the show but he won’t be able to wrestle.
• Evolve on 10/16 in Ybor City, FL at The Orpheum has Thatcher vs. Gulak for the Evolve title, Hero vs. Riddle, Sabre vs. Yehi, Page vs. Sami Callihan, Dustin vs. Darby Allin and Williams vs. Jason Kincaid.  William Regal and Galloway will both be on that show.
• Glory on 10/21 in Broomfield, CO at the 1st Bank Center has Nieky Holzken vs. Murthel Groenhart and Robin van Roosmalen vs. Gabriel Varga.

Today in Wrestling History (10/6): WWE Battleground 2013

CONTACT INFORMATION

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

​

RAW RATINGS IMPROVE

The last 10 weeks of Raw ratings compared to previous years…

Tuesday brought some good news for WWE ratings. Last night’s Raw was did the best rating since the NFL season began a few weeks ago. Dave Meltzer has a complete breakdown of the ratings here.

THE ROUND-UP

The Latest From the F4W Staff

NEWS / REPORTS

• Alberto Del Rio allegedly stabbed prior to AAA Heroes Inmortales
• Major title change at TNA Impact tapings
• WWE Raw video highlights: Sasha Banks reclaims the Women’s title
• TNA Bound for Glory live results: Bobby Lashley vs. Ethan Carter III; Cody Rhodes debuts
• WWE Superstars results: Zayn vs. Axel; Neville vs. Mahal

AUDIO 

• B&V: ROH PPV, NWA WCW from 30 years ago, Bound for Glory notes, more! 10/2
• WOR: Bound for Glory, Alberto Del Rio, UFC in Madison Square Garden, more! 10/3
• DragonKing Dark: Dracula 10/3
• FREE WOL! TNA Bound for Glory, TNA future, RAW preview, more! 10/3
• WOR: Raw report, title changes in WWE and TNA, Alberto Del Rio, more! 10/4

Figure Four Weekly, 9/26/2016: The unlikely story of TJ Perkins (Part II) – When T.J. Perkins went to Florida Championship Wrestling without a WWE contract in 2009, it was a very different picture from how Ohio Valley Wrestling treated non contract talent before FCW took over for it as the primary developmental promotion. 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 3, 2016:TNA at a crossroads, WWE Clash of Champions review, more – Details on the tumultuous situation TNA is in, a review of WWE Clash of Champions, more… With Bound for Glory and television tapings scheduled this week, the expectation was that TNA would be sold by now, although that’s been the feeling for weeks and at press time it still hasn’t happened… WWE’s first Raw-exclusive PPV, the Clash of Champions, was a mostly good show, but because they are running so many PPVs, it had the feeling of ordinary and not at all special… The first fight between UFC champions in different weight classes in nearly eight years will headline the company’s 11/12 debut in Madison Square Garden, which, unless a rash of injuries crop up, is the deepest card in terms of talent in company history… 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, September 13, 1999: Best wrestlers of each decade, plus tons of news – The television season of wrestling overexposure began this past week with both good and bad news. But when the numbers came in, virtually all the good news was limited to the World Wrestling Federation. Subscribers click here to continue reading.

TUESDAY NEWS UPDATE

WWE

• Tony Nese & Drew Gulak and SAnitY were the final teams announced for the second annual Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic.
• Kota Ibushi was asked if he would ever sign with WWE full time.
• If you’re interested in the SEC filings of the WWE, click here. It has nothing to do with UT’s amazing comeback win over UGA.
• WWE announced that the Alamodome in San Antonio will host the 2017 WWE Royal Rumble on Sunday, January 29, 2017. This marks the return of Royal Rumble to the Alamodome for the first time since 1997. The Alamodome previously hosted the 1997 Royal Rumble, where more than 60,000 fans witnessed WWE Hall of Famer Stone Cold Steve Austin win the Royal Rumble match and WWE Hall of Famer Shawn Michaels win the WWE Championship.
• The Rock makes 400k per episode of Ballers, according to Variety.
• In this ESPN article on Jason Jordan, he talks about being influenced by Kurt Angle… in the ring. In a good way.
• Bobby Roode talks entrance music and joining NXT after his illustrious TNA career in this interview.
• The Bella twins are interviewed here.
• In this article, John Cena sends words of encouragement to fan who lost an arm to cancer.
• On the Apr. 27, 2008 Raw episode that was recently added to WWE Network, Trevor Murdoch singing Garth Brooks’s “Friends in Low Places” to Lance Cade after they lost a match has been cut from the show. The editing makes the segment look really awkward because Murdoch gets up on the announcer’s desk with a mic, nothing happens for a couple seconds, and then Cade leaves.

PRO WRESTLING

• Ex WWE big man Ryback will be making his first UK appearance since leaving the WWE for Revolution Pro Wrestling (RPW) at the end of the month. He’ll be taking on a well known UK tag team called The Legion of Lords made up of UK indy workers Prince of Mumbai Rishi Ghosh and Lord Gideon Grey. The Legion of Lords have cut a very funny promo video for this event.
• Today marks the release date for the series finale of Timeline: The History of ECW, with guest Tod Gordon. This edition covers the company’s inception in 1992/93 and is available on DVD and OnDemand from Kayfabe Commentaries.

UFC/MMA

• BJ Penn is out of UFC Fight Night 97 due to an injury.

VARIETY

• Some cities are considering a tax on Netflix and other subscription services.
• Former WWE and WCW superstar Marc Mero talks about his recent heart surgery and how he is feeling today: “I had heart surgery just three months ago and they, about a four and a half hour surgery they replaced my heart valve and they fixed in it my aorta and about a four and a half hour surgery they stopped my heart for 40 minutes to complete the surgery and I feel like a kid again. It’s amazing. I’m back in the gym. I’m back to most of the same weights I was doing before working out.” Marc also talks about speaking out after Chris Benoit’s death, his professional boxing career that never was, a message to the wrestling fans and much more.
• Jason Parillo, Michael Bisping’s and Cris Cyborg’s striking coach returned to Submission Radio ahead of UFC 204. Making the correct prediction in his win over Rockhold, Parillo shared his thoughts on what single shot will beat Henderson at UFC 204: “So we’re just going to go one shot. Every time I get asked these questions, I go with the one shot. If it ends from one shot, I’ll tell you what shot it’s gonna be. It’s gonna be a head kick. He’s gonna knock out Dan Henderson with a head kick.” “Left head kick. He’s gonna knock him out with a left head kick.”
• Before taking on Rafael Dos Anjos at TUF Latin America 3 Finale, Tony Ferguson joined Submission Radio to catch up on what’s been going on. With UFC 205 now headlined by McGregor/Alvarez, Ferguson shared his thoughts: “Honestly, all those whiney bitches can fight over the belt. When I get to that spot, they better seriously recycle that belt because so many damn filthy hands have been on it. Seriously, I’m the only one that’s been earning the shit in this division”
• In Chris Featherstone’s new article, he breaks down how the sightings of Alberto El Patron in Orlando and no-showing his scheduled match for AAA may not be a coincidence, as TNA may be picking up plans again for him to become World Heavyweight Champion at the next set of tapings.
• Conor McGregor’s striking coach Owen Roddy made his Submission Radio debut this week and joined the show to share his thoughts on how he believes McGregor will beat Alvarez at UFC 205. Owen explained: “I honestly think Alvarez has been dropped a few times and stuff like that. So I mean, that’s not good knowing when you’re going in to fight Conor McGregor. If you’ve been dropped before and you’re going in fighting Conor McGregor, there’s a very, very high chance that you’re going to be dropped again.”
• Now officially fighting Tyron Woodley at UFC 205 for the Welterweight title, Stephen Thompson returned to Submission Radio to discuss his big upcoming fight. Fresh off the eventful UFC 205 press conference, Thompson explained how he may have seen some disappointment in Woodley’s eyes when he got a negative reaction from the New York crowd “Looking in his eyes, I don’t know if there was a little disappointment there that I saw. I figured that he might’ve thought that the fans maybe would’ve had his back. He was a little surprised that they were booing him and I could tell that, and I think that’s in his head a little bit. But you know what, he’s going to be the best Tyron Woodley when he steps in there November 12th and that’s the guy that I want to be prepared for.”
• On this episode, The Two Man Power Trip of Wrestling are joined by the “Living Legend”, Bruno Sammartino. In this interview Bruno relives some of his greatest career highlights and shares stories of what it was like to be the man that defined a territory (WWWF) and how he became an International phenomenon that sent audiences into a frenzy whenever he came to town. In this excerpt Bruno discusses his return to the WWE family. How is his current relationship with WWE and Vince McMahon: It’s very good. I congratulate Vince for the changes that he made. I really think that is great but more than that I think my goodness in my day we had those boxing rings, that were like concrete and when I look at my peers and the guys that are still around they are all crippled up. Now, Vince made these changes to these rings and they don’t have the steel posts underneath they have springs and it has a lot of give and more padding on the ring which is great.

Today in Wrestling History (10/4): CM Punk vs. Undertaker at Hell in a Cell

CONTACT INFORMATION

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

​

One thing is for certain… It will be historic.

TNA BOUND FOR GLORY PPV ON SUNDAY FROM ORLANDO

• Bobby Lashley vs. Ethan Carter III in a no rules match for the TNA title
• Aron Rex vs. Eddie Edwards in the finals for the Grand championship
• Matt & Jeff Hardy vs. Abyss & Crazzy Steve in the Giant War for the tag team titles
• Maria Kanellis vs. Gail Kim for Knockouts title
• Mike Bennett vs. Moose
• Zema Ion vs. Trevor Lee for the X Division title match
• Rumble Gauntlet for a TNA title  shot
• Gail Kim Hall of Fame ceremony

AAA HEROES INMORATLES TONIGHT AT ARENA MONTERRY (this show is unavailable in the U.S.)

• Aerostar & Drago vs. Laredo Kid & Super Fly vs. Monsther Clown & Murder Clown vs. Damian 666 & Nicho in a ladder match for the AAA tag titles
• Antonio Pena Cup elimination match
• Gran Apache & Mary Apache & Faby Apache vs. Averno & Chessman & Ricky Marvin
• El Hijo del Fantasma & El Texano Jr. & La Parka vs. Mesias & ? & ?
• Johnny Mundo vs. Garza Jr. for the Latin American title
• Australian Suicide vs. Daga in a mask vs. hair match
• Alberto El Patron & Psycho Clown vs. Dr. Wagner Jr. & Pagano  

We’re looking for your thoughts on Friday’s ROH PPV as well as today’s TNA PPV with thumbs up, thumbs down or thumbs in the middle along with a best and worst match to [email protected].

We’re also looking for reports on today’s WWE show in Ontario, CA and yesterday’s WWE show in Las Vegas to [email protected].

Raw will be Monday night from the Staples Center in Los Angeles. Charlotte vs. Sasha Banks for the women’s title and T.J. Perkins vs. Brian Kendrick for the cruiserweight title have been announced for the show. Ashton Kutcher and Danny Masterson are celebrity guests for Monday’s show. There is also a Smackdown house show in Palm Springs, CA on Monday.

Tuesday has Smackdown tapings in San Diego.

The Raw crew heads to Santiago, Chile for a Wednesday show.    

THE ROUND-UP

The Latest From the F4W Staff

NEWS

• WWE reportedly releases Tough Enough winner Sara Lee
• No serious injuries suffered in ROH Ladder War 6 match
• ROH Lowell, MA, TV tapings results: Trios tournament, Naito, Dragon Lee

AUDIO

• B&V&P: Antonio Thomas joins Bryan & Vinny and Granny to recap, LU, NXT and RAW! 9/30
• Wrestling Weekly: HWA & OVW veteran Trever Varney 9/30
• WOL: D-Day for TNA, Jamie Noble update, John Lineker misses weight, more! 9/30
• JNPO: SiriusXM’s Danny Acosta talks UFC 205 & MMA news of the week 9/30
• WOR: TNA update, ROH PPV report, Jamie Noble stabbed, more! 10/1

REPORTS

• WWE Superstars results: Zayn vs. Axel; Neville vs. Mahal
• ROH All Star Extravaganza live results: Adam Cole vs. Michael Elgin
• WWE Main Event results: Breeze vs. Crews; Kane vs. Corbin
• NXT Orlando, FL, live results: No Way Shinsuke team with the Perfect 10
• TNA Impact Wrestling live results: Team EC3 vs. Team Lashley on the Road To Glory

Figure Four Weekly, 9/26/2016: The unlikely story of TJ Perkins (Part II) – When T.J. Perkins went to Florida Championship Wrestling without a WWE contract in 2009, it was a very different picture from how Ohio Valley Wrestling treated non contract talent before FCW took over for it as the primary developmental promotion. 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 3, 2016:TNA at a crossroads, WWE Clash of Champions review, more – Details on the tumultuous situation TNA is in, a review of WWE Clash of Champions, more… With Bound for Glory and television tapings scheduled this week, the expectation was that TNA would be sold by now, although that’s been the feeling for weeks and at press time it still hasn’t happened… WWE’s first Raw-exclusive PPV, the Clash of Champions, was a mostly good show, but because they are running so many PPVs, it had the feeling of ordinary and not at all special… The first fight between UFC champions in different weight classes in nearly eight years will headline the company’s 11/12 debut in Madison Square Garden, which, unless a rash of injuries crop up, is the deepest card in terms of talent in company history… 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, September 6, 1999:Week of both high and low ratings, doctor under investigation for prescribing drugs to wrestlers, more – The television season of wrestling overexposure began this past week with both good and bad news. But when the numbers came in, virtually all the good news was limited to the World Wrestling Federation. Subscribers click here to continue reading.

SUNDAY NEWS UPDATE

Bryan and I will be back tonight talking TNA Bound for Glory, UFC in Portland and all the latest news. You can send e-mail questions to the show at [email protected].

An update to UFC fighter Josh Samman battling for his life and being in critical condition. His roommate and best friend, Troy Kirkingburg, 28, was pronounced dead when police arrived at their place. Nothing has been stated officially regarding the background of what happened other than it was not foul play. Charlene Cristobol, the TV anchor for the local CBS station in Tallahassee, FL was the fiance of Kirkingburg and said, “I am extremely heartbroken over the loss of the man who will always be the love of my life. I thank everyone for their support, but ask for privacy for his family and me as we mourn our loss.” Here is the story.

There’s nothing new to report on the TNA front. What we do know is that the money that allowed them to pay for the downlink, so the PPV could be broadcast, came in on Thursday, but who is funding this is still unknown. As of a few hours ago, nobody still knew anything. The X Division title match on the show tonight will be DJZ vs. Trevor Lee. Cody Rhodes is also scheduled to be at the show.

The UFC 205 tickets at Madison Square Garden were a mess in the sense that fans couldn’t get tickets except at $1,000 or more as scalpers got almost everything.  Right now, out of all the tickets available on stubhub, only 26 are priced at less than $1,000. The new thing seems to be is to get ticket brokers to pay big prices for a high-demand event, and then they can unload them, usually at more than face value.       

The New Kingdom team in ROH is Matt Taven with Vinny Marseglia & TK O’Ryan of Northeast Wrestling, who are getting a push since they beat the Young Bucks & Adam Cole as part of the trios tournament.

WWE

• Sara Lee was cut by WWE because she’s pregnant with the baby of Cory Weston, who is wrestling in developmental as Beautiful Blonde Blake, the former Blake of Blake & Murphy fame.
• Added to the Dusty Rhodes tag team tournament are HoHo Lun & Bin Wang and Rich Swann & No Way Jose.
• This is a gem, Vince McMahon hosting an interview for a Don Owen house show in Seattle in the early 80s with a Ric Flair vs. Buddy Rose main event.
• A Jerry Lawler documentary will air on the WWE Network tomorrow night after Raw. 
• In promoting the show Total Bellas, here is a Bellas modeling event in the New York Daily News. (thanks to Joe Puccio)

VARIETY

• Football pretty much dominated Google searches over the weekend. Last night’s UFC show, as good as it was, with no big-name star power, had less than 20,000 searches and didn’t even crack the top 20. Nothing from ROH or TNA, although one wouldn’t expect either of them to crack the numbers.
• Lucha Underground’s PJ Black suffered two broken ankles in a base jumping accident. He was in South Africa, where he is from, working for the World Wrestling Professionals promotion.
• Danny Demanto broke his leg really bad at last night’s Jersey All Pro Wrestling show in Bayonne, NJ. He missed a moonsault, totally overshooting his mark and crashed into the guard rail. The show had to be stopped for more than 30 minutes. (thanks to Paul Sosnowski and Victor Cirilo)
• Kamaitachi’s injury last night was a sprained ankle in his match against the debuting Sho Tanaka, which was a dark match at the ROH TV tapings in Lowell, MA. It doesn’t appear to be too bad we’re told.
• Hanson needed five stitches from a head cut from the tapings yesterday.
• Freelance Wrestling from the Chop Shot in Chicago on Friday night before a sellout 300 fans: Space Monkey & Rey Furia won four-way over Roscoe East Lisa, Superiority Complex and Arik Cannon & Ariya Daivari, Joey Ryan b Shigehiro Irie, Christian Rose won eight-way over Suge D, Mr. 450 Hammet, Steven Wolfe, Kenny Sutra, Triton (CMLL), Don Cruz and Gringo Loco in an excellent match, NWords b Zero Gravity, Craig Mitchell b Isaias Velasquez, Jeff Cobb b Jake Something, Mustafa Ali b DJZ to keep the Freelance title with a Spanish fly in a great match (during the match, DJZ said “F*** the cruiserweight classic” and Ali said “F*** the X Division”), Ethan Page b Robert Anthony over the Ego nickname when Page walked out of the cage to win. Frank the Clown managed Page. Next show is 10/27. (thanks to Lance LeVine)
• WXW has its World Tag Team League show from Friday night in Oberhausen, Germany before 370 fans: Tengkwa b Vinnie the Beast, Walter & Timothy Thatcher b Tyler Bate & Trent Seven, Zack Sabre Jr. & Marty Scurll b Absolute Andy & Marius Al-Ani, Leah Vaughn b Alexis Rose, Pete Dunn b The Mac to win the Shotgun title, Chris Hero & JT Dunn b Ilja Dragunov & Julian Nero, Speedball Mike Bailey b Bad Bones John Klinger, Jack Evans & Angelico b David Starr & Shane Strickland. (thanks to Timo Knopf)
• WXW World Tag Team League from yesterday in Oberhausen, Germany before 500 fans: Ilja Dragunov & Julian Negro b Absolute Andy & Marius Al-Ani, Pete Dunne b Francis Kaplan to retain the Shotgun title, Tyler Bate & Trent Seven b Jack Evans & Angelico, Zack Sabre Jr. & Marty Scurll d Chris Hero & JT Dunn over 30:00, Bad Bones John Klinger b Dirty Dragan, David Starr & Shane Strickland b Walter & Timothy Thatcher. The Sabre match was apparently incredible. (thanks to Timo Knopf)  
• Dick Togo will be working the 5/11 Evolve show in Melrose, MA.
• Zack Sabre Jr. will wrestle Fred Yehi on the 10/15 Evolve show in Orlando and face Tracy Williams on the 10/16 Evolve show in Ybor City, FL.
• Southern Illinois Championship Wrestling from last night in Swansea, IL before 500 fans: Moondog Rover b Freddy Fury, Bobby D b Daniel Gunner, Ace Hawkins b Jimmy D, Ace Hawkins b Gary Jackson-DQ, Ron Powers NC Attila Khan, Curtis Wyld & Dave Vaughn b Sean Vincent & Big Jim Hoffarth, Ken Kasa b Waco. (thanks to Larry Matysik)
• Dreamwave Wrestling from last night in LaSalle, IL: Spears & Beers b The Dynasty to keep the tag titles, Little Guido b Joey Ryan, Stephen Wolfe won a four-way, Hammerstone b Jeff Cobb, Ariya Daivari b Arik Cannon, Ruffbecks b Brubaker & Rockett, Cody Rhodes b AR Fox (great reaction to both, back and forth good match), Suge D b Zicky Dice, Mustafa Ali b Mr. 450 Hammet in a great match to keep the Dreamwave title. Daivari attacked Ali after for the match. Rhodes said that AR Fox will be a massive star some day and deserves to be on Raw, Summerslam and WrestleMania. (thanks to Jared Walsh)
• The I Believe in Wrestling promotion has an iPPV on 10/15 at www.WWNLive.com for $4.99 with Larry Zbyszko and Mister Saint Laurent calling the action. Seth Petruzell, a WWE coach best known for knocking out Kimbo Slice on CBS, will make his pro wrestling debut on the show, plus Raquel (TNA) and Thea Trinidad (formerly in TNA) will be on the show.
• I Believe in Wrestling from last night in Orlando: CT Brown b Chico Adams, Thea Trinidad b Raquel, Teddy Stigma b Li Bryan, Tyranus & Leo O’Farrell & Ricky Anderson b JD Amazing & Rey Xion & Faris Sibai, Kaci Lennox b Raegen Fire, Aaron Epic b Jon Cruz, Rhett Giddins won three-way over Mike Reed and Jon Hess to keep the Florida title. Next show is 10/15 for a joint show with Evolve at the Dr. Smith Neighborhood Center. (thanks to Al Haft)
• Best in the West on 10/16 at 6 p.m. has a students show at their school at 5494 E Laoma Ave. in Fresno with tickets at $5. Best in the West now has local TV on KAIL-TV53 in Fresno at 10 p.m. on Sunday. They will be taping TV on 11/13 in Merced, CA at the American Legion Post. (thanks to Jon Southerland)
• Lucha Xtreme TV from last night i Fresno: Big Dogg & Skitzo b Chris Mira & Dark Usagi, Brandon Groom b Homicide. (thanks to Jon Southerland)
• The Big Guy (fka Ryback) will headlined on 10/30 for Revolution Pro Wrestling at the Portsmouth Guild Hall.
• The former Ryback is also booked on 10/14 in Cresskill, NJ and 10/15 in Brooklyn.
• Global Force Wrestling and Maximum Pro Wrestling last night in Timmmins, ONT before 550 fans: Phil Atlas b Idris Abraham, Joe Coleman b Tornado, Brent Banks b Tarek, Jeff Jarrett & Cody Deaner b The Fraternity, Sonjay Dutt retained his NextGen title Tyson Dux and Black Bushido, Cat Power & KC Spinelli b Lisa Marie Varon & Alexis Nicole, Chris Mordetzky (Chris Masters) b Kongo Kong in a falls count anywhere match.
• The complete Gold Rush Pro Wrestling show from last night here.

Today in Wrestling History (10/2): WWE Hell in a Cell 2011

CONTACT INFORMATION

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

​

THE ROUND-UP

The Latest From the F4W Staff

AUDIO

• B&V&P: Antonio Thomas joins Bryan & Vinny and Granny to recap, LU, NXT and RAW! 9/30
• Wrestling Weekly: HWA & OVW veteran Trever Varney 9/30
• WOL: D-Day for TNA, Jamie Noble update, John Lineker misses weight, more! 9/30
• JNPO: SiriusXM’s Danny Acosta talks UFC 205 & MMA news of the week 9/30
• WOR: TNA update, ROH PPV report, Jamie Noble stabbed, more! 10/1

REPORTS

• ROH All Star Extravaganza live results: Adam Cole vs. Michael Elgin
• WWE Main Event results: Breeze vs. Crews; Kane vs. Corbin
• NXT Orlando, FL, live results: No Way Shinsuke team with the Perfect 10
• TNA Impact Wrestling live results: Team EC3 vs. Team Lashley on the Road To Glory
• ROH TV results: All Star Extravaganza go-home show

WEEKEND SCHEDULE

We’re looking for your thoughts on last nights ROH PPV as well as Sunday’s TNA PPV with thumbs up, thumbs down or thumbs in the middle along with a best and worst match to [email protected].

We’re looking for reports on the WWE Smackdown brand show in Las Vegas (John Cena will headline), NXT in Largo, FL and ROH TV tapings in Lowell, MA (Mark & Jay Briscoe vs. Christopher Daniels & Frankie Kazarian, Tetsuya Naito & Evil vs. Chris Sabin & Alex Shelley, Shane Taylor & Keith Lee vs. War Machine, Toru Yano vs. Michael Elgin, Kyle O’Reilly vs. Jonathan Gresham and a three-way with a Bullet Club Team, a Kingdom Team and The Cabinet (Rhett Titus & Kenny King & Caprice Coleman) as part of the trios tournament to [email protected].

UFC FROM THE MODA CENTER IN PORTLAND, OR SATURDAY

LIVE RESULTS: UFC Fight Night 96 Portland: John Lineker vs. John Dodson

Fight Pass at 7:15 p.m. Eastern

• Kelly Faszholz vs. Ketlen Vieira
• Curtis Blaydes vs. Cody East
• Ion Cutelaba vs. Jonathan Wilson
• Nate Marquardt vs. Tamdan McCrory

FS 2 a 9 p.m.

• Keita Nakamura vs. Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos
• Shamil Abdyurakhimoid vs. Walt Harris
• Hacran Dias vs. Andre Fili
• Joachim Christensen vs. Luis Henrique da Silva

FS 1 at 11 p.m.

• Louis Smolka vs. Brandon Moreno
• Josh Burkman vs. Zak Ottow
• Will Brooks vs. Alex Oliveira
• John Lineker vs. John Dodson

Sunday has WWE in Ontario, CA with a Smackdown brand show.

TNA BOUND FOR GLORY PPV ON SUNDAY FROM ORLANDO

• Bobby Lashley vs. Ethan Carter III in a no rules match for the TNA title
• Aron Rex vs. ? in the finals for the Grand championship
• Matt & Jeff Hardy vs. Abyss & Crazzy Steve in the Giant War for the tag team titles
• Maria Kanellis vs. Gail Kim for Knockouts title
• Mike Bennett vs. Moose
• X Division title match
• Rumble Gauntlet for a TNA title  shot
• Gail Kim Hall of Fame ceremony

Raw will be Monday night from the Staples Center in Los Angeles. Charlotte vs. Sasha Banks for the women’s title and T.J. Perkins vs. Brian Kendrick for the cruiserweight title have been announced for the show. There is also a Smackdown house show in Palm Springs, CA on Monday.

Tuesday has Smackdown tapings in San Diego.

The Raw crew heads to Santiago, Chile for a Wednesday show.    

Figure Four Weekly, 9/26/2016: The unlikely story of TJ Perkins (Part II) – When T.J. Perkins went to Florida Championship Wrestling without a WWE contract in 2009, it was a very different picture from how Ohio Valley Wrestling treated non contract talent before FCW took over for it as the primary developmental promotion. 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 3, 2016:TNA at a crossroads, WWE Clash of Champions review, more – Details on the tumultuous situation TNA is in, a review of WWE Clash of Champions, more… With Bound for Glory and television tapings scheduled this week, the expectation was that TNA would be sold by now, although that’s been the feeling for weeks and at press time it still hasn’t happened… WWE’s first Raw-exclusive PPV, the Clash of Champions, was a mostly good show, but because they are running so many PPVs, it had the feeling of ordinary and not at all special… The first fight between UFC champions in different weight classes in nearly eight years will headline the company’s 11/12 debut in Madison Square Garden, which, unless a rash of injuries crop up, is the deepest card in terms of talent in company history… 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, September 6, 1999:Week of both high and low ratings, doctor under investigation for prescribing drugs to wrestlers, more – The television season of wrestling overexposure began this past week with both good and bad news. But when the numbers came in, virtually all the good news was limited to the World Wrestling Federation. Subscribers click here to continue reading.

SATURDAY NEWS UPDATE

WWE

• WWE released all three parts of the Daniel Bryan vs. The Bear mockumentary that Bryan had been hyping on social media.
• WWE.com’s preview for Monday’s episode of Raw now advertises that Brian Kendrick will face TJ Perkins in a non-title match, with Kendrick possibly getting a shot at the title if he wins. It was previously announced as a title match on last Monday’s Raw.
• Nikkan Lee, the female referee who received a tryout at the WWE Performance Center this week, refereed two matches during last night’s NXT live event in Orlando, FL. Lee has been a referee for Big Japan Pro Wrestling. Former NFL lineman Brennan Williams and Chinese signee Bin Wang also appeared in a battle royal on last night’s live event.
• TM61, The Bollywood Boyz, The Authors of Pain, and Niko Bogojevic & Tucker Knight were confirmed for the second annual Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic.
• TJ Perkins responded to the reaction he got from the Raw crowd last Monday night.
• WWE Network is now removing any footage of wrestlers singing copyrighted songs on old episodes of Raw and Smackdown. WWE has been replacing entrance music or music used in video packages for years, but this is the first time they have started cutting out footage of wrestlers singing the words to popular songs. In particular, the March 12, 2012 Raw episode isn’t on the Network (all other 2012 Raws are) solely because for the entire show, they hyped a concert from The Rock at the end of the night. WWE now can’t / won’t air that segment on the Network because of all the singing, so they’ve just skipped the entire episode.
• Tickets for the 2017 WWE Royal Rumble will go on sale Friday, October 14 at 10 AM Central through all Ticketmaster outlets.

PRO WRESTLING

• After Drew Galloway was forced out of his scheduled Bound for Glory match with Aron Rex due to an injury, Eddie Edwards will take his spot in the Grand Championship finals.
• Kamaitachi suffered an apparent dislocated ankle on the ROH TV tapings in Lowell today.
• Cody Rhodes has been announced for wXw’s 2017 16 Carat Gold tournament.
• PROGRESS Wrestling uploaded video of Tommaso Ciampa, Jack Gallagher, and Tommy End bidding farewell before heading to WWE/NXT.
• There will be an internal meeting tomorrow in Orlando regarding the future of TNA.
• The gauntlet Rumble match where the winner gets an ROH title shot will have Eli Drake, Braxton Sutter, Basille Baraka, Mahabali Sera, Grado, Tyrus, Jessie Godderz, Robbie E, Baron Dax and Rockstar Spud.
• TNA BOUND FOR GLORY will air LIVE tomorrow night in France on channel SFR SPORTS 2 at 2am local time, with commentary by Celian Varini & Gregory Deas, assuming it airs at all. 

VARIETY

• Professional wrestler and singer-songwriter Jeff Hardy recently launched his new internet webstore, JeffHardyBrand.com. Upcoming products to be introduced to the store include artwork, t-shirts, jackets, music and more.
• Full results and review of Resurrection Fighting Alliance 44 last night from St. Charles, MO.
• A quick update on today’s Lucha Xtreme TV in Fresno. The show timeslot going forward has been moved to Saturdays at 11am, having been moved from the 10pm timeslot on Saturday night which is probably better for the company.  Today’s show results were: “The Texas Hitmen” Big Dogg & Skitzo defeated Chris Mira & Dark Usagi by pin when Skitzo pinned Usagi. Brandon Groom defeated “187” Homicide by pin.
• The new “Best In The West” promotion in Fresno has a student showcase live show on Sunday October 16th at 6pm. The training center is located at 5494 E Lamona Ave (Clovis & Ashlan). Bell time is at 6pm and will primarily showcase the students in training and the trainers. Tickets are only 5 dollars and seating is limited. The company starts airing their TV program that same night (Sun Oct 16th) at 10pm on KAIL TV53 (Comcast Ch 13, HD Ch 713) and is also carried on Direct TV and ATT. TheirSunday night TV program will air weekly at 10pm and is called “Ignition”. Featuring matches taped from last week at their initial TV taping at Fresno City College where they taped 4 hrs of TV. Next live TV taping is scheduled for Sunday Nov 13th at the American Legion Post in Merced. Belltime is at 7pm.
• Jeff Jarrett speaks to students in this article.
• Billy Corgan is getting desperate…
• RESULTS: Tengkwa b Vinnie the Beast. Block A: Ringkampf (WALTER & Timothy Thatcher) b Moustache Mountain (Tyler Bate & Trent Seven). Block B: LDRS (Zack Sabre Jr. & Marty Scurll) b A4 (Absolute Andy & Marius Al-Ani) Leah Vaughan b Alexis Rose, wXw Shotgun Championship: “Bruiserweight” Pete Dunne b Da Mack (c) Block B: Death by Elbow (Chris Hero & JT Dunn) b Cerberus (Ilja Dragunov & Julian Nero) #1 Contendership Match: Speedball Mike Bailey b Bad Bones John Klinger Block A: Los Gueros del Cielo (Angelico & Jack Evans) b JML (David Starr & Shane Strickland)

EVENTS CALENDAR

(THIS IS THE LAST WEEKEND FOR THE EVENTS CALENDAR)

Saturday 10/1 – Sunday 10/2

Saturday 10/1

• ROH: All-Star Extravaganza Weekend Day 2; Lowell (Boston), MA, Lowell Memorial Auditorium, 6:00 pm (TV Taping). Tickets.
• Cross Body Pro Wrestling Academy “The Beginning“! 69 Agnes St in Kitchener! Tickets are $10 and will be available at the gym.
• VCW SOCKTOBERFEST: Super Wonder Gallery, 876 Bloor St W, 7pm Doors 8pm Bell, $15 in advance at Sonic Boom Records & CD”s and Eventbrite.com
• HPW Wrestling in Columbus, IN, featuring Jimmy Valiant’s final appearance with the promotion.
• MCW Presents “Autumn Armageddon 2016” Hollywood Volunteer Fire Department, 7:30PM Bell Time, Doors open at 6:00, 24801 Three Notch Road, Hollywood, MD 20636 – A Special Meet & Greet with WWE Hall Of Famer Scott Hall and all of the stars of MCW Pro Wrestling. Pre Show Meet & Greet stars at 6:30PM. You MUST have an event ticket in order to enter the pre show meet & greet.

Sunday 10/2

• Destiny wrestling teams up with Global Force to present
• Northland Wrestling presents the Miller Memorial Cup: 3 PM – 6 PM École publique Odyssée 7e-12e année, 480, av. Norman, North Bay, Ontario P1B 0A8 – A portion of proceeds from this event will be donated to the athletes of the Special Olympics in North Bay.
• GWN Championship Wrestling: 1:30 PM – 4:30 PM, Ukrainian Cultural Centre, 241 Kenilworth Avenue North, Hamilton, Ontario.
• NWX presents Live Pro Wrestling CWF Training Facility 2:30 PM – 5 PM, 20 Hartzel Rd, St Catharines, Ontario, call 289-687-5610 for tickets. Holden Albright vs. Joey Paradice (c) – Hardcore Match for the NWX Northern Lights Heavyweight Championship.
• GLOBAL SHOWDOWN. bell time 7pm. Tickets.

Today in Wrestling History: ECW Anarchy Rulz 2000

In honour of Hispanic Heritage month, David Garcia has created a special video tribute to our divine Hispanic emperor Bryan Alvarez. It is an amazing video that pays homage to “one of the most forgettable performers to set foot in any ring…” If you haven’t had your fill of Bryan “Super Chico” Alvarez after that three minute clip, check out The Death of WCW by Bryan Alvarez and RD Reynolds! It 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!

CONTACT INFORMATION

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

​