Tag: Bryan Alvarez

Memorial Day weekend: Dave Meltzer & Bryan Alvarez Q&A, AEW

Posted on by F4W Staff

It’s that time of year when we look ahead to our annual convention in Las Vegas, set for AEW Double or Nothing weekend in May.

As always, there is a lot happening starting on Friday, May 26th through Sunday, May 28th that includes:

  • We have F4W Group tickets still available in Section 15 Row R. Click the link below!
  • Meet & greet with Dave Meltzer & Bryan Alvarez followed by a live Q&A session
  • Annual brunch at the Wicked Spoon
  • Annual all you can eat dinner at Texas De Brazil
  • Live pro wrestling at the FSW Arena as Ed presents PODER CINCO~!
  • A suite party at the Cosmopolitan
  • And, of course, AEW Double or Nothing on Sunday*

Buy tickets for any of the above before they sell out.

*We have a luxury suite at the T-Mobile Arena for Double or Nothing with Dave in attendance in addition to a spread of food (drinks not included). There are limited seats left at $600 each, so please email us if you are interested.

For any questions, just email us.

VIDEO: Dave Meltzer & Bryan Alvarez discuss Mark Briscoe’s loss at ROH Supercard of Honor

Posted on by Bryan Rose

Bryan Alvarez and Dave Meltzer discussed one of the bigger surprises of the weekend so far on Wrestling Observer Radio.

Mark Briscoe failed to defeat Samoa Joe, with Joe putting Briscoe in the coquina clutch. Briscoe passed out of the hold, allowing Joe to retain the ROH Television Championship.

“If you’ve ever seen a Tony Khan show, and we’ve seen a lot of them, this was unusual,” Alvarez said on Friday’s show.

Alvarez also noted that after the match, the announcers pushed that this may not be the end to the story of Briscoe looking to capture the ROH Television title.

“They’re trying to tell a longer story,” Meltzer said.

“The announcers were telling the story that he wanted this title,” Alvarez said, referring to the Television title. “This is the belt that he wants and he didn’t get it here…he’s winning this title, and instead of just making it a thing that everyone expects, there’s going to be these roadblocks he has to get to so when he wins it, it’s going to be even bigger.” 

VIDEO: Dave Meltzer & Bryan Alvarez discuss Rey Mysterio/Dominik angle on WWE SmackDown

Posted on by Bryan Rose

Bryan Alvarez and Dave Meltzer discussed the angle that finally set up Rey Mysterio vs. Dominik Mysterio at WrestleMania 39.

On Friday’s SmackDown, Dominik Mysterio berated his mother at ringside after Rey walked away from another confrontation. After Dominik told his mother to shut up, Rey returned to ringside and slapped Dominik, finally accepting Dominik’s challenge for WrestleMania. Both Alvarez and Meltzer thought it was a well done angle.

“It worked out great,” Alvarez said. “I liked the idea of the Hall of Fame angle with Konnan because they’ve never done that at a Hall of Fame before. It would be a first time thing and a perfect scenario to do it.”

Meltzer said this was better because it is likely WWE doesn’t want Konnan to be in a high profile situation, given the complicated political situation between AAA and AEW, with Konnan recently being in a hype video for Vikingo ahead of his match against Kenny Omega on last week’s Dynamite.

“As far as Rey’s motivation for finally giving in, you know, when he’s really mouthing off to mom, that’s the one,” Meltzer said.

Rey Mysterio finally beat up Dominik: Wrestling Observer Radio

Posted on by Bryan Rose

Bryan Alvarez and Dave Meltzer discussed the angle that finally set up Rey Mysterio vs. Dominik Mysterio at WrestleMania 39.

On Friday’s SmackDown, Dominik Mysterio berated his mother at ringside after Rey walked away from another confrontation. After Dominik told his mother to shut up, Rey returned to ringside and slapped Dominik, finally accepting Dominik’s challenge for WrestleMania. Both Alvarez and Meltzer thought it was a well done angle.

“It worked out great,” Alvarez said. “I liked the idea of the Hall of Fame angle with Konnan because they’ve never done that at a Hall of Fame before. It would be a first time thing and a perfect scenario to do it.”

Meltzer said this was better because it is likely WWE doesn’t want Konnan to be in a high profile situation, given the complicated political situation between AAA and AEW, with Konnan recently being in a hype video for Vikingo ahead of his match against Kenny Omega on last week’s Dynamite.

“As far as Rey’s motivation for finally giving in, you know, when he’s really mouthing off to mom, that’s the one,” Meltzer said.

Bryan Alvarez & Tom Lawlor lose Tag Team title match at BLP Observe This, Brother

Posted on by Bryan Rose

Saturday did not end well for Bryan Alvarez & Tom Lawlor.

The two, collectively known as the Chop ‘n’ Roll Express, faced champions Bang Bros. (Davey Bang and August Matthews) at Black Label Pro’s Observe This, Brother event in Crown Point, Indiana. Alvarez initially scored the win for his team with a swanton bomb. However, he was informed the match was not for the Tag Team titles. Upset, Alvarez stormed to the back to find the commissioner, who he had failed to see was already in the ring.

The commissioner said that Alvarez and Lawlor had done a good job, and would get a title match right then and now. However the Bang Bros. manager, Trevor Outlaw, struck Lawlor with one of the Tag Team titles allowing the Bang Bros. to score the quick victory. Alvarez came back to the ring after the second match, upset. He said he quit before returning to the back.

Alvarez last wrestled at GCW/BLP’s 4 Cups Stuffed event back on September 9, where he and Billie Starks lost to Killer Kelly and Lawlor.

VIDEO: Dave Meltzer & Bryan Alvarez discuss main event segment of WWE Raw

Posted on by Bryan Rose

Bryan Alvarez and Dave Meltzer discussed the Cody Rhodes/Roman Reigns segment from Monday’s Raw.

On Tuesday’s Wrestling Observer Radio, Alvarez went over the back and forth between Reigns and Rhodes. At the end of his promo, Rhodes suggested that after WrestleMania is over and he walks away champion, members of The Bloodline will turn against Reigns. Alvarez thought based on what he saw on Friday’s SmackDown and Monday’s Raw, it seems that WWE has plans beyond WrestleMania next month.

“They have a plan,” Alvarez said. “And they are planting a lot of seeds into this plan over the last couple of days.” Alvarez brought up that there is usually a post-WrestleMania lull, but that may not be the case here. Meltzer recalled times where after WrestleMania, Vince McMahon would push people he didn’t believe in, only to focus on things that mattered to him later in the year.

“Vince, when he had it, would do things he thought the fans wanted but he didn’t really want, and then the period until building up SummerSlam was kinda like ‘okay, I did what the fans wanted, they were wrong, I gotta go with this until I squash the guy fans like, then we can do business,” Meltzer said.

WWE seems to have plans for after WrestleMania: Wrestling Observer Radio

Posted on by Bryan Rose

Bryan Alvarez and Dave Meltzer discussed the Cody Rhodes/Roman Reigns segment from Monday’s Raw.

On Tuesday’s Wrestling Observer Radio, Alvarez went over the back and forth between Reigns and Rhodes. At the end of his promo, Rhodes suggested that after WrestleMania is over and he walks away champion, members of The Bloodline will turn against Reigns. Alvarez thought based on what he saw on Friday’s SmackDown and Monday’s Raw, it seems that WWE has plans beyond WrestleMania next month.

“They have a plan,” Alvarez said. “And they are planting a lot of seeds into this plan over the last couple of days.” Alvarez brought up that there is usually a post-WrestleMania lull, but that may not be the case here. Meltzer recalled times where after WrestleMania, Vince McMahon would push people he didn’t believe in, only to focus on things that mattered to him later in the year.

“Vince, when he had it, would do things he thought the fans wanted but he didn’t really want, and then the period until building up SummerSlam was kinda like ‘okay, I did what the fans wanted, they were wrong, I gotta go with this until I squash the guy fans like, then we can do business,” Meltzer said.

VIDEO: Dave Meltzer & Bryan Alvarez discuss Omos-Lesnar segment from WWE Raw

Posted on by Bryan Rose

Brock Lesnar and Omos had one spot. It didn’t exactly work.

Bryan Alvarez and Dave Meltzer discussed the segment between Lesnar and Omos on Raw Tuesday morning on Wrestling Observer Radio. The spot was supposed to have Omos take Lesnar and throw him over the top rope to the floor. However, it did not go according to plan, causing the spot to look sloppy in execution.

“They did a replay of this later and managed to make it look like it worked, which was pretty impressive, but it did not work live,” Alvarez said.

Both noted that the crowd were interested in the segment at first, but it died as soon as they shook hands and the spot went down.

“It actually kind of made me more excited for the match,” Alvarez said, “because I just have to see this. Like, what in God’s name is going to happen in this match.”

Meltzer noted that it can’t be as bad as one of the worst matches of last year.

“Look, last year’s WrestleMania had Vince McMahon and Pat McAfee,” Meltzer said. “And I just don’t believe we’re going to see a match worse than that.”

VIDEO: Bryan Alvarez & Dave Meltzer discuss a possible third AEW television show

Posted on by Bryan Rose

Dave Meltzer and Bryan Alvarez discuss a potential third AEW television show on Wrestling Observer Radio.

Meltzer and Alvarez on Monday morning discussed Andrew Zarian’s report of a potential third television show. While Alvarez mentioned that while there are a lot of rumors regarding the show, no one is denying Zarian’s report either.

“There’s definitely been talk of it,” Meltzer added. “The idea that they are talking about a new show, if it actually takes place, has to be considered [a positive] for the relationship. I’m not sure if adding another show is the right thing, but you gotta wait and see what the show is, when it’s added.”

Meltzer mentioned that less people are watching AEW, noting that streaming numbers and Rampage numbers are down, while Dynamite’s ratings are also lower than usual.

“Right now it’s people who watch Wednesday, people who go to shows in their area, they’ll buy the pay-per-views, but if it’s just AEW for the sake of AEW like the Friday night show, people aren’t going out of their way to see that one.

Zarian reported that the show may take place on Saturdays, and news of the show may be coming in the next month. 

Are we ready for a third AEW television show?: Wrestling Observer Radio

Posted on by Bryan Rose

Dave Meltzer and Bryan Alvarez discuss a potential third AEW television show on Wrestling Observer Radio.

Meltzer and Alvarez on Monday morning discussed Andrew Zarian’s report of a potential third television show. While Alvarez mentioned that while there are a lot of rumors regarding the show, no one is denying Zarian’s report either.

“There’s definitely been talk of it,” Meltzer added. “The idea that they are talking about a new show, if it actually takes place, has to be considered [a positive] for the relationship. I’m not sure if adding another show is the right thing, but you gotta wait and see what the show is, when it’s added.”

Meltzer mentioned that less people are watching AEW, noting that streaming numbers and Rampage numbers are down, while Dynamite’s ratings are also lower than usual.

“Right now it’s people who watch Wednesday, people who go to shows in their area, they’ll buy the pay-per-views, but if it’s just AEW for the sake of AEW like the Friday night show, people aren’t going out of their way to see that one.

Zarian reported that the show may take place on Saturdays, and news of the show may be coming in the next month. 

VIDEO: Bryan Alvarez & Dave Meltzer discuss Vince McMahon being backstage at WWE Raw

Posted on by Bryan Rose

Bryan Alvarez and Dave Meltzer discussed Vince McMahon’s appearance backstage on Raw Monday.

Both Meltzer and Alvarez reported earlier on Monday that McMahon was backstage for the first time since last July, when he resigned from WWE due to hush money allegations. The story was that McMahon was there to visit people backstage, including John Cena who returned to WWE on Monday. However, both Meltzer and Alvarez thought there was probably more to the story.

“Well, he was in gorilla all night,” Meltzer said, referring to the gorilla position backstage. “So what does that tell you?” He wasn’t barking orders at people or anything like that, but he was in gorilla all night and I was told that they tell you that he’s only there to visit John Cena, that’s the story, but there’s more to it than that.”

Alvarez pointed out comments related to Chad Gable and Johnny Gargano during the show that sounded like something McMahon would script.

“He’s doing more than they’re letting on,” Meltzer said. “The person in control was [Paul] Levesque tonight. It’s not like he was there in charge and doing stuff but it’s not like he was there just visiting John Cena and saying hi to a few people and [leaving], that didn’t happen either. The truth is a little bit in the middle.”

After resigning in July, McMahon forced himself back on the WWE Board of Directors in January, replacing two of the board members with former WWE presidents Michelle Wilson and George Barrios. He was then voted back as Chairman of WWE, with the intention of facilitating a sale of WWE. 

Yeah, for sure Vince McMahon was backstage at Raw just to visit: Wrestling Observer Radio

Posted on by Bryan Rose

Bryan Alvarez and Dave Meltzer discussed Vince McMahon’s appearance backstage on Raw Monday.

Both Meltzer and Alvarez reported earlier on Monday that McMahon was backstage for the first time since last July, when he resigned from WWE due to hush money allegations. The story was that McMahon was there to visit people backstage, including John Cena who returned to WWE on Monday. However, both Meltzer and Alvarez thought there was probably more to the story.

“Well, he was in gorilla all night,” Meltzer said, referring to the gorilla position backstage. “So what does that tell you?” He wasn’t barking orders at people or anything like that, but he was in gorilla all night and I was told that they tell you that he’s only there to visit John Cena, that’s the story, but there’s more to it than that.”

Alvarez pointed out comments related to Chad Gable and Johnny Gargano during the night sounded like something McMahon would book.

“He’s doing more than they’re letting on,” Meltzer said. “The person in control was [Paul] Levesque tonight. It’s not like he was there in charge and doing stuff but it’s not like he was there just visiting John Cena and saying hi to a few people and left, that didn’t happen either. The truth is a little bit in the middle.”

After resigning in July, McMahon forced himself back on the WWE Board of Directors, replacing two of the board members with former WWE Presidents Michelle Wilson and George Barrios. He was then voted back as Chairman of WWE, with the intention of facilitating a sale of WWE. 

VIDEO: Bryan Alvarez & Dave Meltzer talk AEW Revolution’s main event

Posted on by Bryan Rose

Bryan Alvarez and Dave Meltzer discussed the iron man main event from Sunday’s AEW Revolutionn pay-per-view event.

In Monday morning’s clip, Bryan and Dave go over the finish of the match. After the time limit draw was reached, MJF was awarded the championship. However, Tony Schiavone let the referee know that Tony Khan had ordered the match to continue under sudden death rules. MJF was able to score the win after using an oxygen tank that was used on him after the time limit draw was reached. MJF submitted Danielson with the Lebell Lock to score the victory.

Both Meltzer and Alvarez had high praise for the match.

“That was one awesome, one hour and five minute iron man match,” Alvarez said.

“It was one of the best iron man matches there’s ever been,” Meltzer added.

AEW’s next pay-per-view, Double or Nothing, will take place at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada on May 28.

VIDEO: Dave Meltzer & Bryan Alvarez discuss the AEW Face of the Revolution ladder match

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Dave Meltzer and Bryan Alvarez discussed some of the big moments in the Face of the Revolution ladder match that took place on AEW Dynamite Wednesday.

Wednesday’s show had Powerhouse Hobbs winning the brass ring, earning himself a TNT Championship match next week against either Samoa Joe or Wardlow, depending on who leaves Revolution as champion. Meltzer noted that although people in Sacramento were into a Northern California guy like Hobbs, they were also into Konosuke Takeshita winning at one point.

“As much as they wanted [Hobbs] to win, when Takeshita had the chance to win, they were really behind him” Meltzer said.

Meltzer and Alvarez also had praise for Komander, who made his AEW debut in the match and stood out by running across the ring ropes unassisted at several points during the match. But they also pointed out some dangerous spots, including Action Andretti attempting to hit a falcon arrow on Sammy Guevara, but ended up botching the move.

“These guys are killing themselves, trying to impress the fans…they’re going so far,” Meltzer said.

Other participants in the match included Eddie Kingston and Ortiz, who brawled to the back early in the match, and AR Fox.

Becky Lynch & Lita win gold on Raw: Wrestling Observer Radio

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Dave Meltzer and Bryan Alvarez discussed the Women’s Tag Team title match that took place on Raw.

On Tuesday morning’s show, Meltzer and Alvarez talked about the match, which saw Lita and Becky Lynch win the titles from Damage CTRL (Dakota Kai and IYO SKY). The finish saw Trish Stratus make her WWE return, helping Stratus and Lita ward off Bayley at ringside long enough for Lita to hit the moonsault for the win.

Alvarez theorized that it could be that Stratus, Lita, and Lynch vs. Damage CTRL in a six-woman tag team match at WrestleMania 39. However, Ronda Rousey & Shanya Baszler have been teaming in recent weeks, leading to speculation.

“They’re definitely chasing the titles,” Meltzer said in regards to Rousey and Baszler. “I was of the impression that they were still challenging for the titles. So we’ll see.”

Baszler and Rousey have targeted Natalya since her return from injury at the Royal Rumble. During last Friday’s SmackDown, Tegan Nox warded them off after continuing to attack Natalya following a match. Nox & Natalya will now face Rousey & Baszler this Friday.