Tag: bobby fulton

Daily Update: UFC, Bobby Fulton, Billy Corgan

Posted on by Dave Meltzer

Daily Update

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Job Listing: Onlamp php/mysql developer. Experience with vbulletin and drupal/WordPress a plus. Email [email protected] with subject PHP DEVELOPER with resume.

This Week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter:

July 18, 2022 Observer Newsletter: More details on Vince McMahon hush money payments, WrestleMania 38 business

  • Among the highlights:
  • Match and performer of the week
  • Vince McMahon, the non-disclosures, the economic effect, reaction from talent, the investigation, keys as to whether he stays or goes, keys to the current investigation, the settlements, details of the most recent settlement story and key points in it, comments from women over the years, the 2006 tanning bed story, Rita Chatterton talks, and follow-ups of other investigations.
  • WrestleMania, SummerSlam and ROH Death Before Dishonor
  • Stardom Midsummer Champions and the next major Stardom events
  • UFC notes from this past week
  • Ratings from all wrestling shows
  • 2022 World Grand Prix tournament
  • AAA major summer show
  • What will be Triplemania’s major title match
  • Dragon Gate’s biggest show of the year
  • Triple Crown title change
  • Pro Wrestling NOAH co-promoting this year’s tournament that led to the formation of ROH in 2001
  • Keiji Muto has one of his final matches this week
  • Update on Kota Ibushi
  • First week of G1
  • Two legendary tag teams have singles matches against each other
  • Three AEW stars on Japanese women’s show
  • Bill Goldberg talks Bret Hart
  • Ric Flair documentary series
  • Japanese stars coming to base in North America
  • Legendary promoter cutting back after 52 years
  • Full breakdown on ticket sales to All Out
  • Lots of injury updates involving the biggest stars
  • Goal of the three-way tag title match on Dynamite and original plans
  • Upcoming ticket sales for WWE and AEW
  • Chris Jericho talks his illness from last year
  • AEW star in Bare Knuckle fight in England
  • Streaming numbers for WWE & AEW
  • UFC lobbying for a bill that could have great effect on pro wrestlers
  • US group opening regular promotion in Europe
  • Next MSG show from WWE
  • International TV numbers

This Week’s Retro Observer Newsletter:

June 6, 2005 Observer Newsletter: The future of ECW, Simon Inoki named NJPW president

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If you order by mail with a check, cash or money order to P.O. Box 1228, Campbell, CA 95009-1228, you can get $1 off in every price range.

Sunday News Update

  • Bryan and I will be back tonight talking the latest pro wrestling news including Raw tomorrow, Smackdown, AEW tapings and take your questions to [email protected]
  • Bryan I will be doing a Q&A in Chicago on 9/3, the morning before All Out. We also have a bus to and from the NOW Arena for readers to avoid people being stranded there waiting for Uber. There are also meet & greet tickets for our show and you can also sit with other readers in a special section at the show. Details are here.
  • We’re looking for your thoughts on the first two nights of the G1 Climax tournament so you can leave a thumbs up, thumbs down or thumbs in the middle along with a best and worst match for each show to [email protected] We’re also looking for your thoughts on the NOAH Budokan Hall show.
  • We’re also looking for reports on tonight’s WWE house shows in Daytona Beach and Fort Lauderdale, FL to [email protected]
  • Yesterday’s UFC show on ABC got 200,000 Google searches, putting it at No. 3 for the day. That’s the best non-PPV number in a while, but this was a better than usual Fight Night given it was in New York and on ABC. Nothing related to boxing or pro wrestling cracked the top 20 all week.
  • During the main event with Brian Ortega vs. Yair Rodriguez, Ortega’s shoulder popped out of its socket in the first round so the bout had to be stopped.
  • Bobby Fulton noted that he’s battling shingles that has spread to his eyes. That is very painful. He told everyone to make sure and get your shingles shot if you are older.
  • NWA President Billy Corgan will be doing a benefit concert on 7/27 for the surviving victims of the Highland Park, IL parade shooting. Corgan lived in Highland Park for 20 years. the show will be at Madame Zuzu’s a tea house that Corgan co-owns, on the same strip where the shooting took place.
  • AEW debuted a new heel group called the Trust Fund. Ariya Daivari is now Ari Daivari with the idea his trust fund kicked in and he’s got access to money, and he purchased the contract of Slim J and Parker Boudreaux (Harland in WWE) and they are the Trustbusters. Right now no decision has been made regarding if this will be primarily for AEW or ROH, but Tony Khan was high on the idea.
  • Ric Flair’s last match opponent (s) are to be announced at 6:05 p.m. Eastern time tomorrow night.
  • PWInsider has reported Bayley will be in Nashville for SummerSlam weekend. We’ve heard she is expected to return soon.
  • Logan Paul will be on Miz TV tomorrow night. Raw will be in Tampa and goes head-to-head with Home Run Derby. That usually huts the rating a little and Raw will be behind baseball tomorrow which may be the last time until football season that Raw doesn’t win the night.
  • Tony Khan noted that Andrade has not been wrestling due to an injury. We’ve noted that the idea is Rush & Andrade vs. Penta & Fenix for weeks but it’s been delayed due to the injury. Andrade said it was not serious, saying he has inflammation in his ankle.
  • WWE from last night in Tallahassee, FL
  • Ezekiel & Street Profits b Chad Gable & Otis & Theory – Ford pinned Gable after a frog splash
  • Dana Brooke won three-way over Tamina and Nikki ASH to keep the 24/7 title. Reggie tried to pin Brooke after but she escaped
  • Veer Mahaan b Cedric Alexander
  • A.J. Styles b Ciampa – Very good match
  • Bianca Belair b Carmella to keep the women’s title
  • Omos b R-Truth in a squash
  • Alexa Bliss b Doudrop
  • Rey & Dominik Mysterio b Finn Balor & Damian Priest-DQ when Dominik fakes being hit with a chair and the ref DQ’d Judgment Day
  • Riddle b Seth Rollins
  • Missy Hyatt was at ringside. Correspondent Jared Marlowe said he was sitting behind her and noted how nice she was to everyone.
  • WWE did a surprise finish at last night’s show in Estero, FL, as Drew Gulak pinned Happy Corbin. Usos over New Day was the main event.
  • Today is the 34th anniversary of the stabbing death of Bruiser Brody inside the dressing room bathroom at Juan Loubriel Stadium at the hands of Jose Gonzalez.
  • This weekend was also listed as the 80th birthday of Mil Mascaras, although many believe he’s a few years older than that. He wrestled until just a few years ago.
  • Unless they have signed a new deal in the past few days, Karl Anderson & Doc Gallows’ contracts with Impact ended yesterday.

Other Notes

  • AAW from Friday night in Merrionette Park, IL before 455 fans: Davey Vega b Shane Hollister, Manders NC Fred Yehi, Russ Jones b AJ Alexander, Brayden Lee & Gnaris Garvin b Silas Young & Karam, Billie Starkz won four-way over Lady Frost, Sierra and Vert Vixen to become top contender for the women’s title, ACH & Jah-C b Ace Perry & Hammerstone to win the tag titles, Christi Jaynes b Heather Reckless to keep the women’s title,Ren Jones b Spyder Nate Webb, Jake Something won over Calvin Tankman, Levi Everett (Tucker of Otis & Tucker fame),Hartenbower, Connan Lycan and Schaff, Mat Fitchett won three-way over Manders and Fred Yehi to keep the AAW title. Said to be a great main event.
  • A story on the documentary on the life of former wrestler Mike Pappas, a 70s star who became a jeweler that came out recently.
  • Thema Klarides, a former WWE ring card girl (yes they had one in the early days of Raw) is looking at battling Richard Blumenthal in a race for the U.S. senate in Connecticut. Blumenthal a few terms back beat Linda McMahon in an election where McMahon spent record amounts of money. (thanks to Mike Kuzmuk)
  • Former WWE writer Phil Blechman is putting together a musical called “The Last Match: A Pro Wrestling Rock Musical.” He said that Tito Santana,Tommy Fiero, Brutus Beefcake and Demolition are part of the production team. PW Mania had a story on this. (thanks to Phil Johnson)
  • EPW from Saturday night in Western Australia: Cannon Connors b Tyler Jacobs, Jordan Bishop & Ryan Allen b Zenith & Del Cano, Marcius Pitt & Damian Slater b Faizai Keris & CJ Langkay, Bruno Nitro b Taylor King, Jarrad Slate & Felix Young & Chris Target NC David Storm & Edith Night & Tyler Jacobs, Julian Ward b Adam Brooks to keep the EPW title. Told the main event was excellent. This was Storm’s 300th match in EPW, the most in the history of the company. Ward vs. Brooks vs. Caveman Ugg wrestle for the Southern territory title on 7/23 in Perth. 
  • The first-ever match with Robbie Eagles vs. KrackerJak headlines a 7/30 show in Melbourne Australia (thanks to Kevin Chiat)
  • Ch. 62 in Los Angeles aired three hours from the most recent Triplemania. AAA has made a television deal with a Spanish syndicated network.
  • The MCW Shane Shamrock Cup is 7/23 at the RJ Meyer Arena in Joppa, MD with Ken Dixon vs. Kekoa for the MCW title on top. Samuel Shaw, Moses, Mandy Leon, Vita VonStarr, Rich Swann, Blake Christian and Jack Evans are on the show.
  • Pro Wrestling Revolver on 8/21 in Dayton, OH at the Calumet Center with Trey Miguel & Zachary Wentz vs. Alex Shelley & Chris Sabin, Joe Doering vs. Manders plus Jon Moxley, Chris Bey, JT Dunn, Rich Swann, Ace Austin, Alisha Edwards and Allie Katch on the show.

Daily Update: Raw, Bleacher Report, Bobby Fulton

Posted on by Dave Meltzer

DAILY UPDATE

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  • Cloud based hosting experience a plus
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  • Send all inquiries to [email protected] with title WEB DEVELOPER. 
  • If you have inquired before, please send your information again. 

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WON NEWSLETTER: November 15, 2021 Observer Newsletter: Death of Angelo Mosca, Full Gear & Survivor Series previews

In this week’s issue: 

  • The amazing story on the life of Angelo Mosca, CFL legend, pro wrestling main eventer. His famous hit on Willie Fleming, feud with Joe Kapp, the 2001 old man fight all detailed. How Mosca got into pro wrestling, whatever happened to Angelo Jr., why he didn’t play in the NFL, and his biggest career matches. Mosca’s run in Toronto as the perennial Canadian champion
  • Previews of AEW Full Gear and WWE Survivor Series, business notes, ticket sales, secondary market, lineups and movie theater business
  • Lots more regarding who was let go by WWE
  • Ticket sales for major upcoming WWE & AEW shows, including notes on the head-to-head markets
  • More on Bryan Danielson’s decision to come to AEW
  • UFC in MSG, two title bouts, $10 million gate
  • NJPW Power Struggle coverage, as well as Best of Super Juniors and Tag League, plus match of the year candidate
  • Myths and facts regarding alcohol abuse treatments
  • Ratings with segment-by-segment notes, international TV ratings
  • Another major star leaves CMLL
  • AAA TripleMania Regia, Omega, Velasquez, Munoz Brothers, LA Park and Marvel comic superstars
  • Stardom’s next PPV show
  • Mach Hayato, Japanese prelim wrestler who inspired pro wrestling and MMA superstars

Current subscribers click here to read.

ORDERING INFO: Order the print Wrestling Observer right now and get it delivered via mail, by sending your name, address, Visa or Master Card number and an expiration date to [email protected] or by going to www.paypal.com directing funds to [email protected].

Rates in the United States are $14.50 for 4 issues, $35.50 for 12, $70 for 24, $116 for 40 and $149.50 for 52.

In Canada and Mexico, the rates are $16 for 4, $27 for 8, $38.50 for 12, $76 for 24, $126 for 40 and $162.50 for 52.

For the rest of the world, rates are $18 for 4, $48.50 for 12, $93 for 24, $155 for 40 and $201.50 for 52.

If you order by mail with a check, cash or money order to P.O. Box 1228, Campbell, CA 95009-1228, you can get $1 off in every price range.

MONDAY NEWS UPDATE

Bryan and I will be back tonight with Wrestling Observer Radio talking among other things, Raw, the fallout of Full Gear and other news.

We’ve heard about a myriad of issues with the Bleacher Report site, which included a delay in getting the replay up, and others having issues pausing and rewinding s well as other issues with playing based on different apps.  

Raw tonight is from Indianapolis. There will be more people in the building than Wednesday’s AEW show in the same city but in the secondary building in the market.  Paid will probably be close to the same, maybe even lower unless they have a good walk up.  Nothing has been announced at this time except for Seth Rollins vs. Finn Balor.  WE are looking for reports from the Main Event, dark matches,i or anything not on the live television show, as well as looking for reports from tonight’s New Japan show in Riverside, CA to [email protected]

George Hines aka Bobby Fulton of The Fantastics, underwent surgery on his throat earlier today which went well. Best wishes to Fulton who has put up a courageous battle with cancer over the past several years.

Eddie Kingston noted that his shoulders were checked out and fine and that he will be back wrestling on Saturday’s Northeast Wrestling show.

New Japan is running tonight in Riverside, CA. This is a taping for New Japan Strong so the matches won’t be available until the next few Saturday nights.

  • Brogan Finlay & Jordan Clearwater vs. Kevin Knight & The DKC
  • Clark Connors & Karl Fredericks &  Ren Narita vs. Will Ospreay & Jeff Cobb & TJP
  • Jonathan Gresham vs. Gabriel Kidd (this match should be great)
  • Alex Zayne & Yuya Uemura vs. Jay  White & Hikuleo
  • Adrian Quest & Lio Rush vs.  Bateman & Misterioso
  • Josh Barnett vs. Alex Coughlin
  • Tomohiro Ishii vs. Brody King non-title
  • Tom Lawlor vs. Fred Rosser for the New Japan Strong title

This will be Barnett’s first match in New Japan in 17 years. He started his pro wrestling career in New Japan right after being stripped of the UFC heavyweight title due to a drug test failure.

New Japan’s next show is Wednesday morning, the tag team tournament show at 4:30 a.m. Eastern from Toyama:

  • Yuto Nakashima vs. Ryohei Oiwa
  • Yuji Nagata & Tiger Mask vs. Tama Tonga & Tanga Loa
  • Hiroyoshi Tenzan & Satoshi Kojima vs. Hirooki Goto & Yoshi-Hashi
  • Hiroshi Tanahashi & Toru Yano vs. Togi Makabe & Tomoaki Honma
  • Great O’Khan & Aaron Henare vs. Evil & Yujiro Takahashi
  • Tetsuya Naito & Sanada vs. Minoru Suzuki & Taka Michinoku
  • Taichi & Zack Sabre Jr. vs. Bad Luck Fale & Chase Owens

The Best of the Super Juniors tournament is back on Thursday in Nagano for a show headlined by Desperado vs.Mater Wato and Hiromu Takahashi vs. Yoshinobu Kanemaru.

We’re doing weekend polls on Full Gear and the New Japan Battle in the Valley 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]

Jordan Burroughs, one of the greatest wrestlers ever in the U.S., tweeted out a few weeks ago, “I want one MMA fight before I retire. Just one.”  Burroughs told Ariel Helwani today ont he MMA Hour that he said he didn’t want to have any regrets wen he retires.  But Burroughs said he was going to stay in wrestling at least through 2024 to try and win another Olympic medal.  Burroughs 34 now which is old to start and also talked about not wanting to compromise his wrestling training,which MMA training would do.

Estrella Blanca, a star in the 60s, 70s and 80s, passed away today at the age of 83. He never lost his mask and had as many as 700 mask matches during his career that he won, which may be the all-time record.

WWE

  • New episodes of WWE Superstars from the mid-90s will be going up on Peacock today.
  • NXT tomorrow has Raquel Gonzalez vs. Dakota Kai, Odyssey Jones & Kushida & Ikkemen Jiro vs. Roderick Strong & Brutus & Julius Creed, Dexter Lumis vs. Tony DeAngelo and Duke Hudson vs. Cameron Grimes in a poker match in the ring.
  • The UBS Arena, which opens Sunday as the home of the New York Islanders, sent out a press release pushing the 11/29 Raw show in the building.  They are only pushing November events so didn’t mention the AEW show.show in December.

UFC

  • Magomed Ankalaev vs. Thiago Santos is planned for the main event of a 3/12 show according to MMA Fighting’s Damon Martin.
  • Glover Teixeira, the UFC light heavyweight champion has been given the keys to the city of Danbury, CT today.

OTHER NOTES

  • Jonathan Gresham is debuting a new promotion he’s calling Terminus:  Modern Age Grappling, with the first show on 1/16 in Atlanta.
  • World Pro Wrestling, a promotion running 2/19 in Cheltenham, UK at Town Hall, announced Tajiri vs.  Jody Fleisch
  • Taylor Wilde vs.Taylor Rising will be on the Superkicked show on 11/26 in Toronto at The Great Hall.
  • The Dynamic Wrestling Federation runs on 11/19 in Overland Park, KS at the Camelot Ballroom with Jeremy Wyatt vs. Devin Thomas as the main event.
  • WAR on 12/5 in Lima a,OH at the Empowered Sports Center for a 3 p.m. show.

Daily Pro Wrestling History: Ric Flair vs. Terry Funk I Quit match

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Daily Update: Extreme Rules, Lance Storm, Bobby Fulton

Posted on by Dave Meltzer

DAILY UPDATE

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JOB LISTING: Web/UI Developer(s)

  • Experience with OnLamp(Linux, Apache, MySQL and PHP)
  • GITHUB and Linux command line experience while be helpful as well.
  • CMS – Drupal and WordPress. vBulletin
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  • Cloud based hosting experience a plus
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While this is a diverse request this doesn’t have to be just one person! If you fit any part of this please feel free to inquire.

This is not just for projects related to F4WOnline.

WON NEWSLETTER: July 20, 2020 Observer Newsletter: NJPW Dominion and the return of fans, more

The first pro wrestling shows in four months with major crowds took place this past week as New Japan Pro Wrestling ran two major events at Osaka Jo Hall. Our lead story talks about the rules in place for the show, the Weekend of Evil, how the crowd was told to behave and how different it was than a U.S. or Mexico crowd, as well as a look at New Japan booking, the next major shows along with match-by-match coverage, star ratings and poll results for both shows.

The new issue also covers:

UFC 251, the story behind all the changes to the show, match-by-match coverage, where the main event winners go next and all the business notes on the show, including what you were told and what wasn’t the case.

Reopening of Bellator and questions regarding its leading revenue stream.

Details on the WWE mask policy, the fines, the role of Kevin Owens in this and more.

Wednesday night ratings, looking at AEW, NXT, UFC and even how NASCAR figured in, where the viewers were gained and lost, as well as what every segment on the show did and some of the most staggering news imaginable when it comes to this past week’s NXT show.

WWE Extreme Rules and Impact’s Slammiversary shows coming up.

WWE and Peacock Network dealings, notes on SummerSlam this year, what numbers to look for at WWE Investors call, what factors play into the WWE Network numbers, Paul Levesque talks WWE handling of COVID, Edge talks his triceps injury, Why an angle on Raw nearly didn’t happen when one of the participants turned it down, update on Charlotte Flair, Canadian & U.K. ratings, how WWE relates to sports ratings, Matt Hardy talks Jeff Hardy angle, as well as the most watched shows of the past week on the WWE Network, WWE market value and next week’s top TV bouts.

A feature on the Wednesday night UFC show.

FITE TV bringing a Japanese wrestling doubleheader to the U.S. this coming week with Tokyo Joshi Pro and DDT.  

Ratings of all the major shows, the key demos and quarters for AEW and WWE, what happened head-to-head and what can be learned from them.

Results of all the major pro wrestling events around the world over the past week. 

ORDERING INFO: Order the print Wrestling Observer right now and get it delivered via mail, by sending your name, address, Visa or Master Card number and an expiration date to [email protected] or by going to www.paypal.com directing funds to [email protected].

Rates in the United States are $14.50 for 4 issues, $35.50 for 12, $70 for 24, $116 for 40 and $149.50 for 52.

In Canada and Mexico, the rates are $16 for 4, $27 for 8, $38.50 for 12, $76 for 24, $126 for 40 and $162.50 for 52.

For the rest of the world, rates are $18 for 4, $48.50 for 12, $93 for 24, $155 for 40 and $201.50 for 52.

If you order by mail with a check, cash or money order to P.O. Box 1228, Campbell, CA 95009-1228, you can get $1 off in every price range.

SUNDAY NEWS UPDATE

Bryan and I have one show up from last night covering Impact Slammiversary, Karl Anderson & Luke Gallows, UFC from last night and other subjects, and we’ll be talking Extreme Rules on our show tonight. You can send questions to the show to [email protected]

Bobby Fulton is back hospitalized. His son, Dillon Hines, wrote, “I’m sadly informing you today that my father has been admitted to the hospital. He’s in poor condition. Please send positive thoughts and prayers for him. Thanks!” Les Thatcher posted that Fulton’s cancer has returned.  I hope that’s not the case. Fulton had been told by his doctors he had beaten cancer just a few weeks ago.

Lance Storm posted that he is no longer with WWE. He had been furloughed from his job as a producer since the company had cut back on producers with no live events and he lived in Canada. “For what it’s worth, I’m now officially unemployed. First time since I left SMW in Nov. 1994.”

Extreme Rules is tonight starting at 6 p.m. Eastern with the pregame show at 7 p.m. for the main show:

  • Braun Strowman vs. Bray Wyatt non-title – This is a taped swamp match.  There is no reason a taped match shouldn’t be good, but the Wyatt vs, Randy Orton match that was similar to this was pretty bad a few years ago.  It seems like this is a set up for Strowman vs. The Fiend at SummerSlam based on Strowman’s interview Friday night.  At last word on 5Dimes Strowman was a -160 favorite.
  • Drew McIntyre vs. Dolph Ziggler for the WWE title. I don’t sense a great deal of interest in this, but it should be a great match. The main issue is that nobody believes Ziggler can win. McIntyre at last word was a -1750 favorite.
  • Seth Rollins vs. Rey Mysterio in an eye for an eye match. Basically, if Mysterio signs his contract, he should win.  If he doesn’t, he probably should lose. These two can have an incredible match and maybe they will, but the stipulation, it ends when somebody pulls the others’ eye out is plain stupd.  Rollins is a -360 favorite, I don’t have any word Mysterio has or hasn’t signed past he hadn’t as of a week ago, and if he had, given this match, they would likely try and keep a secret until the match is over.
  • Asuka vs. Sasha Banks for the Raw women’s title.  It feels like this match has the most actual interest as on paper it should be great and the two haven’t wrestled each other very often.  Asuka is a -420 favorite.
  • Bayley vs. Nikki Cross for the Smackdown women’s title.  Bayley has pinned Cross in tag two weeks in a row and is a -600 favorite to retain. Unless Cross is turning heel or winning the title, the television results make no sense. Match should be decent or better.  
  • New Day vs Shinsuke Nakamura & Cesaro for the Smackdown tag titles in a tables match – Again, on paper this should be a really good match and may be that. But the tables stipulation weakens the match. New Day is -325 to retain.
  • Apollo Crews vs. MVP for the U.S. title – The likely possibilities are Crews retaining or MVP winning with Cedric Alexander turning and joining his table. Crews is a -280 favorite to retain.

It’s been pretty much a dead week for combat sports as far as mainstream goes after UFC 251 last Saturday. The only two things that trended for real on Google this past week were the Wednesday night UFC show, being No. 3 for the day with 200,000 searches, even though it actually was the lowest rated UFC primetime show ever, and last night’s show was also No. 3 day for the day, but at 100,000. One would expect Extreme Rules to do about 200,000 today.

One of the few mainstream stories regarding sexual allegations against pro wrestling is a Philadelphia Inquirer piece on CHIKARA being shut down that talked to several involved. (thanks to Bill King, Mike Kuzmuk, Tom Wersderfer and many others)

Joey Ryan took to Twitter to attempt to defend himself over nearly 20 different allegations.

WWE

MISCELLANEOUS

Daily Pro Wrestling History: Daily Pro Wrestling History (07/19):

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Daily Update: The Athletic, Jorge Masvidal, Bobby Fulton

Posted on by Dave Meltzer

DAILY UPDATE

Latest News:

Latest Audio:

JOB LISTING: Web/UI Developer(s)

  • Experience with OnLamp(Linux, Apache, MySQL and PHP)
  • GITHUB and Linux command line experience while be helpful as well.
  • CMS – Drupal and WordPress. vBulletin
  • Possible experience with AWS(s3 specifically), Dreamhost, UI development
  • Cloud based hosting experience a plus
  • Javascript also a huge plus

While this is a diverse request this doesn’t have to be just one person! If you fit any part of this please feel free to inquire.

This is not just for projects related to F4WOnline.

WON NEWSLETTER: June 8, 2020 Observer Newsletter: Black Lives Matter

We have a feature on systemic prejudice in the U.S. as the lead story in this week’s issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.

Also in this issue:

The Dana White/Jon Jones story, explaning the economic realities, the economic fallacies and where things stand with both men’s arguments. We look at what does and doesn’t make sense economically, why Jones and Conor McGregor and all the top draws have lost value to UFC, plus exactly what both men have said about each other and where things stand.

The economics of what Jones has drawn in the past, and the numbers of recent UFC show.

The unwritten WWE rule about not criticizing other talent in a public forum outside of storyline-related reasons, why it was broken this past week, what was said, as well as looking at the ties beween the ownerships of the different wrestling companies with Donald Trump, statements released, and the key things no talent can say.

New WWE Network updates.

Upcoming guidelines for WWE shows, Paul Levesque talks COVID testing, notes on more WWE cuts, Vince McMahon sends out memo, original Gronkowski plans and why they changed and why now.

Upcoming Backlash and Takeover shows, an update on the XFL bankruptcy, how WWE is involved and more.

Update the Kairi Sane injury, Vince McMahon bio, Drake Maverick angle, people talked about for main roster, WWE hires new man t head the Middle East business, Kurt Angle talks why he’s not returning at this point to WWE, plus we look at the current market value of WWE and poll results, as well as WWE’s own track record.

Coverage of Saturday’s UFC show with the storylines and the business news, plus match-by-match coverage.

A large feature on the retirement of Stu Saks and the westling magazine era, the life and times and the glory years of Pro Wrestling Illustrated, the death of the magazine business, how VinceMcMahon tried to kill it early, and the different stages of the magazine era.

A feature on the wrestling career, and life of Danny Havoc from many of the people who knew him best in the industry.

In-depth looks at the ratings of all the major shows, the key demos and quarters for AEW and WWE, what happened head-to-head and what can be learned from them.

Results of all the major pro wrestling events around the world over the past week. 

ORDERING INFO: Order the print Wrestling Observer right now and get it delivered via mail, by sending your name, address, Visa or Master Card number and an expiration date to [email protected] or by going to www.paypal.com directing funds to [email protected].

Rates in the United States are $14.50 for 4 issues, $35.50 for 12, $70 for 24, $116 for 40 and $149.50 for 52.

In Canada and Mexico, the rates are $16 for 4, $27 for 8, $38.50 for 12, $76 for 24, $126 for 40 and $162.50 for 52.

For the rest of the world, rates are $18 for 4, $48.50 for 12, $93 for 24, $155 for 40 and $201.50 for 52.

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FRIDAY NEWS UPDATE

The Athletic website announced today it had cut 46 staff members,which was eight percent of its working force. The cuts were across all sports and among the MMA names cut were Chuck Mindenhall, Dan Stupp, Josh Gross and Chad Dundas. They cited that subscription growth was not at the rate it had been, which is hardly surprising with less live sports.

Dana White said that Gilbert Burns was the front runner for the next welterweight title shot at Kamaru Usman. This came at the same time that Jorge Masvidal, who figured to get the next shot, claimed he was disrespected when UFC made him an offer of half of what he had made for his recent fight with Nate Diaz.  He asked for a release. Masvidal said, “If I’m not worth it, let me go.”

White just said Burns wanted to fight and nobody else wanted to. From a UFC standpoint, Usman vs. Masvidal doesn’t figure to do the business of Diaz vs. Masvidal, and you don’t have a live gate. But since the PPV revenue is guaranteed by ESPN, the idea of cutting pay due to a lesser drawing match doesn’t make as much sense. You can’t argue one way for Jon Jones and another for Jorge Masvidal, which is what is happening here.

Bobby Fulton of The Fantastics tag team announced this morning that he was declared cancer free.

UFC weigh-in results for tomorrow’s show:

  • Prelims on ESPN+ and Fight Pass at 6:30 p.m. Eastern:
    Evan Dunham (149.5) vs. Herbert Burns (149.5) – 150 pound fight
    Alonzo Menifield (205) vs. Devin Clark (205.5)
    Jussier Formiga (126) vs. Alex Perez (126)
  • Prelims on ESPN at 8 p.m.:
    Charles Byrd (184.5) vs. Maki Pitolo (185.5)
    Cody Stamann (145.5) vs. Brian Kelleher (146)
    Gerald Meerschaeart (185.5) vs. Ian Heinisch (185.5)
    Chase Hooper (145.5) vs. Alex Caceres (146)
  • Main card on ESPN+ PPV at 10 p.m.:
    Sean O’Malley (136) vs. Eddie Wineland (136)
    Neil Magny (171) vs. Anthony Rocco Martin (170.5)
    Aljamain Sterling (136) vs. Cory Sandhagen (135.5)
    Raphael Assuncao (136) vs. Cody Garbrandt (136)
    Amanda Nunes (145) vs. Felicia Spencer (145) for women’s featherweight title

Impact looks to be making an announcement about its world title given Tessa Blanchard is still in Tijuana. The problem now is that COVID-19 is bad in Mexico so even though a lot of talent can get in from Canada and the U.K., those in Mexico, which also include AEW’s Pentagon Jr. and Jack Evans, and all the AAA talent, still are uncertain. 

WWE

  • Smackdown tonight has Alexa Bliss & Nikki Cross vs. Bayley & Sasha Banks, a face-to-face with Daniel Bryan and A.J. Styles to build up next week’s IC title match and Jeff Hardy explains last week’s arrest angle. Or at least tries to. 205 Live has Tehuti Miles vs. Oney Lorcan and Isaiah Scott vs. Jack Gallagher.
  • Titus O’Neil speaking in Tampa on Wednesday at the 32:40 mark of this video. (thanks to Mark Schreiner)
  • Odds for Takeover from www.BetOnline.agAdam Cole -300 vs. Velveteen Dream +200
    Io Shirai -150 vs. Charlotte Flair +120 vs. Rhea Ripley +200
    Johnny Gargano -160 vs. Keith Lee +120
    Karrion Kross -250 vs. Tommaso Ciampa +170
    Damien Priest -160 vs. Finn Balor +120
    Yim & Blackheart & Nox -200 vs. LeRae & Kai & Gonzalez +150
  • And for next week:
    Drew McIntyre -900 vs. Bobby Lashley +500
    Asuka -500 vs. Nia Jax +300
    Randy Orton -160 vs. Edge +120
    Braun Strowman -1000 vs. Miz & Morrison +550

UFC

  • Alexander Gustafsson is coming out of retirement to face Fabricio Werdum on a 7/25 UFC show on Fight Island.
  • Here is the Countdown to UFC 250 video.
  • UFC has announced a new issue of UFC Chronicles on the life of Josh Samman, which is up on the site now and a betting show on tomorrow’s card which is also up on the site. There will be a Max Holloway show debuting tomorrow.     
  • Austin Hubbard vs. Joe Solecki at lightweight has been added to the 6/20 show.
  • The main card for the 6/13 UFC show on ESPN+ will be Jordan Espinosa vs. Mark De La Rosa, Andre Fili vs. Charles Jourdain, Ray Borg vs. Merab Dvalishvili, Karl Roberson vs. Marvin Vettori and Jessica Eye vs. Cynthia Calvillo.

MISCELLANEOUS

  • CWE has announced a show open to the public on 6/12 in Winnipeg at Rookie’s Sports Bar. Itwill be restricted to only 100 spectators. Wearing a mask is recommended but not mandated and people are allowed to sit close with people they arrive wit but asked to stay away from others. They’ve also announced a tour throughout Canada form 10/17 to 11/9 with shows in Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, British Columbia and Ontario. 
  • Gino Gambino is donating proceeds for all his Pro Wrestling Tees sales for the rest of the year to Aboriginal Legal Services. Charli Evans, Jessica Troy, Kingsley and Shazza McKenzie are also donating their proceeds for this month through WrestlerMerch as well.
  • Kevin Eck’s weekly ROH rundown.
  • MLW Anthology this week will focus on Satoshi Kojima and his run as MLW champion with matches against Jerry Lynn, Vampiro and Johnny Smith. 
  • This week’s ROH TV show will be featured around Brody King, including a match with Jeff Cobb.
  • VFW Magazine has an article on pro wrestler Ryan Oshun in the active duty U.S. Air Force.
  • There is a Go Fund Me for longtime subscriber and correspondent Jon Southerland, who is being treated at Clovis Community Hospital. He was diagnosed with stage four colon cancer that has spread to his liver and lungs.  He was diagnosed in the first week of May. He’s currently in the ICU awaiting his first round of chemo.Chris Gonzalez is attempting to raise funds to assist in paying for his treatment and recovery. There are more details on the GoFundMe page. 
  • Nick Aldis says he would like to defend his title against Joe Hennig in an interview with TSN 1200 in Ottawa: “The one that may surprise people but I really have faith and could really make magic with is Joe Hennig. Curtis Axel in WWE… I’m getting excited just talking about it but Joe and I attended Harley Race’s camp together in 2007 I think it was… We were all like that’s Curt Hennig’s kid. Wow. He’s just started wrestling and he was such a natural. I couldn’t believe it. I was just so envious. This perfect footwork and takes these perfect crisp flatback bumps. Perfect dropkick. I was like “I’ve been doing this for like 4 years and I can’t do it like that!”. You know for me I just don’t understand why and how that was never taken advantage of but in our world you can bet your ass that that’s how we do it. We would take you on that ride and tell you every part of that story and get you emotionally invested. Not to say that we would exploit any of those things but if anyone saw the build towards me and Cody and the emotion attached to that because of Dusty and because of what it meant to Cody. It’s genuine. It’s real. What it genuinely meant to Cody to get a shot at the title and what it meant to his family. I think that a lot of the same elements exist with Joe Hennig except with Joe Hennig it’s a real point to prove with him. I think two guys around the same age with very different paths but sort of converging at the same point in time with this ultimate prize on the line but both with real significant points to prove. I think it’s pretty hard to go wrong with that. “

Daily Pro Wrestling History: Ospreay defeats Shingo to win 2019 Best of the Super Juniors

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Daily Update: Ryu Lee, WWE releases, Bobby Fulton

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DAILY UPDATE

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IMPACT ON TWITCH SUNDAY FROM BELLEVILLE, MI

  • Sami Callihan vs. Rhino for Impact title
  • Taya & Rosemary vs. Jessicka Havok & Madison Rayne
  • Brian Cage vs. Michael Elgin
  • Willie Mack & Rich Swann vs. Dave & Jake Crist
  • Eddie Edwards vs. Mad Man Fulton
  • Ace Austin vs. Dezmond Xavier

Raw TV will be from Greenville, SC on Monday.  The Rusev-Lana divorce and A.J. Styles vs. Rey Mysterio in a U.S. title match have been announced.

F4W NEWSLETTER:  Rey Mysterio’s US title win Joseph Currier looks at how WWE has started to use the legendary Mysterio to his full potential.

After periods of not being used as well as he should have been, it seems like Rey Mysterio’s legendary career may get the dream final stretch that it deserves.

Mysterio was at the center of a great moment on last week’s post-Survivor Series edition of Raw. With Humberto Carrillo being attacked by The O.C. before his scheduled title shot, Mysterio won two straight matches to become United States Champion. He defeated Ricochet, Randy Orton, and Drew McIntyre in a number one contender’s fatal four-way match and then beat AJ Styles to win the US title.

Mysterio pinned Ricochet to get the immediate title shot against Styles. Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson had interfered when Orton had the fatal four-way won, and Orton then helped Mysterio even the odds a bit when The O.C. got involved in the title match. Orton took out Gallows and Anderson, gave Styles an RKO after Mysterio hit the 619, and Mysterio followed up with a frog splash to win the title. Mysterio then celebrated in the ring with his son Dominik.

Current subscribers click here to continue reading.

WON NEWSLETTER: December 16, 2019 Observer Newsletter: TLC card mystery, Kelly Klein/ROH issues, more

A look at plans as they are for the WWE’s TLC PPV is the lead story in the new issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.  We look at what was on the boards this week for the card, ways it may change, why zero matches had been announced nine days before the show and Vince McMahon’s philosophy regarding PPV shows these days. The new issue also covers: 

Issues with ROH, from its concussion policy, to its relationship with New Japan, with comments from both Joe Koff and Harold Meij. We look at the claims regarding a concussion policy, why ROH cut off negotiations with women’s champion Kelly Klein after first offering her more than double of her prior contract and more.

The economics of WWE, PPV vs Network and which would have been better, Orlando wants big shows, Ciampa says he’d rather retire than move to the main roster, why he said it, changes with WWE Network, TV ratings in Canada and Germany, new WWE fire, WWE in sports survey, NXT the next two weeks, Raw announcing, Carmella tarts new business, stock value, most-watched shows on WWE Network, as well as a rundown of all the weekend arena dates.

New Japan tag team tournament matches of the past week.

AAA’s TripleMania Regia, the big angle shot, the usage of rival CMLL’s old heel stable, plus the return of Kenny Omega, as well as hopes to use more AEW talent on major shows coming up.  We also have match-by-match coverage.

History of Starrcade, how it started, the roles of key people like Dusty Rhodes, Ric Flair, Harley Race and Dory Funk Jr.  We look at every main event in Starrcade history, and how Vince McMahon tried and failed to sabotage the first show, but succeeded in sabotaging the fifth show. We look at how Starrcade came to be, the match in 1983 that created the first Starrcade, the Flair vs. Race program and how it was built, the Roddy Piper vs. Greg Valentine angle, what killed wrestling on Thanksgiving, plus a rundown of Sunday’s show in Atlanta.

Preview of Tito Ortiz vs. Alberto El Patron, how Combate Americas came into this world, Campbell McLaren’s role in the birth of MMA, how Alberto got into pro wrestling, his MMA career before WWE, why he was not allowed to fight on the Los Angeles Coliseum show and the realities of this fight as a PPV from a business standpoint.

Full coverage of all the WWE and AEW television shows from the past week.

In-depth looks at the ratings of all the major shows, the key demos and quarters for AEW and WWE, what happened head-to-head and what can be learned from them.

Results of all the major pro wrestling events around the world over the past week. 

ORDERING INFO: Order the print Wrestling Observer right now and get it delivered via mail, by sending your name, address, Visa or Master Card number and an expiration date to [email protected] or by going to www.paypal.com directing funds to [email protected].

Rates in the United States are $14.50 for 4 issues, $35.50 for 12, $70 for 24, $116 for 40 and $149.50 for 52.

In Canada and Mexico, the rates are $16 for 4, $27 for 8, $38.50 for 12, $76 for 24, $126 for 40 and $162.50 for 52.

For the rest of the world, rates are $18 for 4, $48.50 for 12, $93 for 24, $155 for 40 and $201.50 for 52.

If you order by mail with a check, cash or money order to P.O. Box 1228, Campbell, CA 95009-1228, you can get $1 off in every price range.

SUNDAY NEWS UPDATE

We have two weekend shows up right now. We went into detail on ratings of AEW vs. NXT as well as a look at both brands the next few weeks, the politics and business of Joshua vs. Ruiz, and Hall of Fame with Garrett Gonzalez and our regular show with Bryan Alvarez is also up talking UFC and WWE.

We went to send our best wishes to Bobby Fulton, best known for being part of the tag team, The Fantastics, both with Tommy Rogers and later Jackie Fulton, who was diagnosed on Friday with throat cancer. 

New Japan will be holding a press conference at 1 a.m. Eastern tonight at 10 p.m. Pacific talking the Tokyo Dome show. The Jushin Liger vs. Hiromu Takahashi vs. Ryu Lee (Dragon Lee) match will be on the 5th.  Not sure regarding the Texas death match with Lance Archer vs. Jon Moxley for the U.S. title or the tag title match with Tama Tonga & Tanga Loa vs. Juice Robinson & David Finlay whether they will be on the 4th or 5th, as well as the other title matches.

Ryu Lee signed a one-year contract with New Japan. He met with Naoki Sugabayashi and Tiger Hattori a few weeks ago when they were all in Mexico in a secret meeting. As we noted at the time, New Japan wanted to keep Lee but there was the politics of him being fired by CMLL, their Mexican partner.

WWE has released The Ascension, Sin Cara and Luke Harper today. Sin Cara and Luke Harper had been requesting a release for some time. WWE has confirmed that all four will have 90-day non-compete clauses. Those non-compete clauses will expire on March 8th.

Regarding the weekend stuff, last night’s UFC show had 500,000 searches which is much higher than usual and the level of all but the bigger PPV shows. The Anthony Joshua vs. Andy Ruiz fight had two million searches, which would be the level of a Jon Jones or bigger UFC fight For a comparison, Survivor Series did 200,000 and only one AEW show thus far has done 200,000.  Tito Ortiz vs. Alberto did not crack the top 20 and Ortiz vs. Chuck Liddell did very big numbers in searches, so this didn’t have the general public interest.

WWE

  • Braun Strowman missed last night’s house show in Jacksonville where he was scheduled for the main event against The Fiend for the Universal title. We were told back spasms, but the official word is a sore hip and that he is expected to be back in action in a few days.
  • The car that Walter and Timothy Thatcher were driving to get to Chicago for yesterday’s Evolve show was broken into. Walter’s ring gear, passport and the WWE U.K. title were all stolen.  Thatcher had things stolen a well. Walter worked his match with Josh Briggs barefooted. 
  • Regarding Tribute to the Troops, which was taped Friday morning at Camp Lejeune in Jacksonville, NC, the bouts were Kevin Owens & Humberto Carrillo vs. Drew McIntyre & Andrade, Asuka & Kairi Sane vs. Natalya & Sarah Logan for the tag titles and Seth Rollins vs. Erick Rowan.
  • Regarding any confusion since Roman Reigns vs. King Corbin was announced as a TLC match, as of earlier today, Kabuki Warriors vs. Becky Lynch & Charlotte Flair match on Sunday’s TLC PPV in Minneapolis, which has not been officially announced, but should be very soon, is also a TLC match, so there are two of them on the card.
  • Steve Austin will interview Bill Goldberg on the WWE Network for a show that airs on 12/15, directly after the conclusion of the TLC PPV.
  • A WWE Chronicle episode featuring Rey Mysterio drops on Saturday. 
  • Shane Thorne will be a guest trainers at the EPW Super Camp from 1/6 to 1/10 in Perth, Western Australia. Wrestlers who wish to attend can contact [email protected]
  • Lars Sullivan posted a workout video on his Instagram.  We’re told his return is not imminent and that he’s about midway or so through his recuperation from knee surgery.

UFC

  • There are issues that may lead to the 1/25 UFC show in Raleigh having to be moved. The local news story is here. (thanks to Mike Gunter)
  • Marlon Vera vs. Jimmy Rivera has been added to the 2/8 show in Houston.

AEW

  • I’m not sure why there has been confusion given we’ve talked about it all week, but the Chris Jericho vs. Jungle Boy match on 12/18 in Corpus Christi is not a championship match. Chris Jericho sent out a tweet noting it will be a non-title 10 minute time limit match. Jungle Boy was one of the guys for months now that they earmarked for a no rush focus, dating back to his doing well in the first Battle Royal.  
  • AEW has filed for trademarks for the term “Join the Revolution.”  PWInsider first reported this.

MISCELLANEOUS

  • Dwayne Johnson will appear on Jimmy Kimmel Tuesday night to promote Jumanji. He’ll be doing major media to promote the movie all week. The movie’s official release date is Friday, but it will be out in a number of places on Thursday. 
  • Dave Bautista will be on NAT GEO’s Running Wild with Bear Grylls on Tuesday night.
  • NHPW from Western Australia last night: Cannon Connors b Salem Sixx, Azalea b Kinicki Wheeler-DQ, Gorgeous Gary b King Shahil, Hiroyo Matsumoto b Erika Reid, Jebediah & Rogan Karguis b Aaron O’Malley & Johnny Hardway, Mercedes Martinez b Avary, Meiko Satomura b Lena Kross=COR.  People hated the title saving count out finish. Martinez beat Satomura the night before and Kross beat Matsumoto in a good match.
  • The Misfit beat T-Hawk to win the AWF Australasian title on Friday night in Sydney, Australia (thanks to Kevin Chiat)
  • At a show in Dayton last night, Scott D’Amore announced that Larry D had been signed to an Impact contract. (thanks to Shannon Walsh at wrestlingwithdemons.net)
  • Stardom from today in Tokyo:  Death Yama-San & Ruaka b Rina & Hina, Saya Iida b Leo Onozaki, Saya Kamitani b Itsuki Hoshino, Natsuko Tora & Natsu Sumire & Jamie Hayter & Session Moth Martina b Hana Kimura & Jungle Kyona & Konami & Zoe Lucas, Arisa Hoshiki & Riho & Saki Kashima & Starlight Kid b Bea Priestley & Momo Watanabe & Utami Hayashishita & AZM, Saya Kamitani b Saya Iida to win the women’s tournament and be named 2019 Stardom Rookie of the Year, Kagetsu b Andras Miyagi, Giulia b Hazuki in her debut match with the promotion  Giulia and Hana Kimura got into a brawl after the match.
  • Stardom had a match yesterday at the Chara Expo USA convention in Anaheim, CA.  Mayu Iwatani & Tam Nakano beat Sumie Sakai & Nicole Savoy when Iwatani pinned Savoy. (thanks to Shannon Walsh)
  • Impact/Rock Star Pro Wrestling from last night in Dayton.  This was supposed to be for Impact Plus, but there were technical issues.  It did air on FITE TV but there were sound and stream glitches: Trey Miguel won three-way over Tyler Manix and Logan James, Rosemary b Madison Rayne, Rhino b Jeremiah Rhino b Clayton Gainz, Michael Elgin b Larry D, Jake & Dave Crist won three-way over Dezmond Xavier & Zachary Wentz and Desi it Squad, Mad Man Fulton won over Brian Cage, Willie Mack, Ace Romero and Crash Jaxon, Jessicka Havok b Taya Valkyrie-DQ, Eddie Edwards b Ace Austin in a non-title match, Sami Callihan b Rich Swann to keep the Impact title.
  • James C. Dudgeon was sentenced to one year probation for throwing a concrete block at the statue of The Crusher in South Milwaukee. Dudgeon was also ordered to pay $1,200 in statue damages and $650 to Da Crusher Foundation as well as apologize to Da Crusher Foundation.  He was also sentenced to 40 hours of community service work.

Daily Pro Wrestling History: Harlem Heat win WCW Tag Team Titles

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