Tag: Madison Square Garden

WWE Raw live results: Return to Madison Square Garden

Posted on by Steve Khan

Date: September 9, 2019
Location: Madison Square Garden in New York 

The Big Takeaway — 

Baron Corbin beat Samoa Joe and Ricochet to advance to the King of the Ring final this Sunday at Clash of Champions. Cedric Alexander pinned AJ Styles in a 10-man tag match. 

Steve Austin was entertaining in his appearance but there were no big surprises or angles on WWE’s return to MSG. Bray Wyatt did not appear in front of the live crowd.

Show Recap — 

Universal Championship contract signing moderated by “Stone Cold” Steve Austin 

Steve Austin came out to start the show. (They usually starts with the announcers welcoming us to the show, but they made sure to play Austin’s music first.) The crowd erupted for Austin. They’re shooting all sides of the arena and Michael Cole claimed the building is sold out. 

Austin immediately dranks some beers. He said he was told it’s been over 20 years since he’s been to the Garden. The crowd loudly yelled “What” during his promo. Austin recalled fighting here at Survivor Series against Bret Hart and got goosebumps when Hart’s music hit. 

He also talked about giving Vince McMahon his first stunner in this building, as well as his match against Undertaker (while also mentioning Earl Hebner). Austin asked the crowd if they were ready for the contract signing and they yelled “Hell yeah.” 

Austin introduced Braun Strowman. Strowman offered a handshake, which got the crowd buzzing. They chanted for Austin, who ignored the handshake and introduced Seth “freakin’” Rollins. Austin shook both their hands once Rollins entered. Rollins was excited to be in New York. Rollins said he normally doesn’t like the “What” chants but was down with them tonight. 

Rollins told Strowman he didn’t have any tricks, he was the best wrestler on the planet and would beat Strowman. The crowd booed when he called himself the best wrestler on the planet. There was a light and brief chant for CM Punk, then a light chant for AJ Styles. 

Strowman admired Austin but said he was still a rattlesnake. He told Rollins that he liked being tag champs, but it would be even better being Universal champion. Strowman said he would open a can of whoop-ass and Rollins would get these hands. 

The OC interrupted. Styles assured Austin that they don’t want none, then mocked Austin. He wondered if anyone would even want to see Austin stomp a mudhole in someone anymore, and the crowd chanted “Yes.” Styles got annoyed at the “What” chants, then the crowd started rapidly chanting it at him, which was funny. 

Austin told him to put some bass in his voice, so Styles told him to shut up. The crowd called Styles an asshole, then Austin called him an asshole. Styles said Austin has turned into an asshole in his old age (none of this was bleeped). Styles then called Austin an old fart, which is even better. The crowd chanted “soccer mom.” 

Austin cleared the table because he knew what was about to happen. Rollins and Strowman attacked the OC. Strowman took out Karl Anderson and Luke Gallows, but Styles avoided a stomp from Rollins and tossed him from the ring. The crowd buzzed because Austin was right behind him. Austin gave Styles the finger and then hit him with a stunner. The crowd popped. 

This was great. Austin was obviously the highlight but Styles was good too. 

They plugged Undertaker on Smackdown tomorrow. 

Cedric Alexander defeated U.S Champion AJ Styles via DQ in a non-title match (8:45) 

Styles was seated in the corner following the break, then Alexander ran down to start the match and take advantage of Styles just getting a stunner. Alexander was in control early on and hit a flip dive to the outside. However, Styles caught his arm, wrenched it over the rope and they went to break. (Alexander’s shoulder is hurt from last week’s attack.) 

After a break, Alexander came back with a Michinoku Driver for a nearfall. Alexander hit a back elbow and enziguri, then Anderson and Gallows attacked him for the DQ. The Viking Raiders ran out for the save. They helped Alexander clear the ring, and gave Anderson the Viking Experience. The crowd chanted “war” to their music. 

Backstage, Sasha Banks and Bayley cut a promo on Becky Lynch and Charlotte Flair. Bayley said there was no stronger connection than the two of them, and Banks said Lynch and Charlotte could take that to the bank. Lynch and Charlotte were shown getting ready elsewhere, and Lynch stared a hole through Charlotte the entire time. 

Bray Wyatt let us know there would be a new episode of the Firefly Fun House tonight. 

There was a Connor’s Cure video narrated by Roman Reigns. Reigns then came out on the stage in a Connor’s Cure t-shirt. Reigns said it was about a year ago that he made his leukemia announcement, and through the fans’ love and support, he managed to return. Reigns always said he wanted to use his platform to benefit others. Reigns brought out young cancer survivors from a New York hospital, who were introduced one by one to the applause of the crowd.

Raw Women’s Champion Becky Lynch & Charlotte Flair defeated SmackDown Women’s Champion Bayley & Sasha Banks (17:24) 

Lynch and Charlotte entered, then they aired a long video package. As Bayley and Banks entered, they were attacked by Lynch and Charlotte. Lynch gave Banks an Exploder on the outside but was overwhelmed by Bayley and Banks until Charlotte chased them off with a chair. 

[Second hour] 

The match began after a break. Corey Graves said Banks should be on SportsCenter because she was like the Antonio Brown of WWE. Cole then plugged an ESPN article about these four women. 

Lynch beat the crap out of Bayley and was in full control until the heels used nefarious means to cut her off and take over. Lynch quickly came back with an inverted DDT and tagged in Charlotte, who hit Banks with chops and fallaway slam. Charlotte booted Bayley off the apron, then gave Banks a neckbreaker for two. 

Banks caught Charlotte in the crossface for a moment, but Charlotte countered into a Figure Eight. Lynch then tried putting Bayley in a Disarmer, but Bayley shoved her into Charlotte which broke up the submission. The crowd chanted “this is awesome” with all four women down. Banks then took out Charlotte with a double knee strike on the outside. 

After a break, the heels worked over Charlotte who eventually caught Bayley with a knee strike before making the hot tag to Lynch. Lynch attacked Bayley with strikes and a running forearm, then gave Banks an Exploder. Lynch tried to put Bayley in a Disarmer but Banks gave her a backcracker. 

Bayley and Banks tried a double suplex on Charlotte but Lynch saved her with a double dropkick. Lynch gave Bayley a diving leg drop and Charlotte followed with a moonsault (which didn’t look good) but Banks broke up the cover. Lynch had Banks in a Disarmer on the outside, then Bayley gave Lynch a suplex into the barricade. Bayley also suplexed Charlotte. 

Bayley went for a flying elbow drop in the ring, but Charlotte got her knees up. Charlotte fought off Banks who tried to interfere, then hit Bayley with Natural Selection for the pinfall win. The bulk of this was good, except for a few clunky spots with Charlotte near the end. 

Backstage, Dolph Ziggler and Robert Roode approached the OC with a proposition. Ziggler said they could be running the place with their assistance. Ziggler said they could take care of business tonight, then Styles shook his hand. 

Rey Mysterio defeated Gran Metalik (6:24) 

They went back and forth early on and Metalik had an answer for everything Mysterio did. Mysterio tried a diving splash but Metalik dodged it and hit a superkick. Metalik then hit a flip dive, leaping off the second rope, but landed hard on Mysterio’s head and neck (which was shown in split-screen because they were about to show a replay of something else.) 

They paused for a brief moment to check on Mysterio. Mysterio used a headscissors takedown, seated senton, and springboard crossbody, but Metalik came back with a superkick and springboard dropkick. With Mysterio sitting on the top rope, Metalik leaped off the ropes and hit a hurricanrana for two. Mysterio followed with a Code Red for two. 

Mysterio then caught Metalik with a 619 and frog splash for the win. Mysterio helped Metalik to his feet and they shook hands. Metalik bowed to Mysterio. This was quite good, but short. 

They aired a replay of Strowman putting Sami Zayn in a dumpster last May for some reason. (It was a sponsored clip, which is usually when they show a classic replay.) 

Tonight’s main event is a 10-men tag: The Viking Raiders, Rollins, Strowman and Alexander against The OC, Ziggler and Roode. The Street Profits plugged the match and Clash of Champions as loudly as they could. They also had a Reigns/Rowan/Daniel Bryan video package played. (There was no direct reference to the fact that they are no longer NXT tag champs.) 

King of the Ring semifinal triple threat match: Baron Corbin defeated Samoa Joe and Ricochet (14:08) 

Joe’s entrance got a big reaction. Most of Corbin’s entrance happened during a break. Ricochet was all over both guys early on, hitting multiple dives. And then they went to break two minutes into the match. 

A small section of the crowd chanted for Corbin. The majority of the crowd responded with “Corbin sucks.” Corbin caught Ricochet on the outside and drove him into the post. Joe took out Corbin with a suicide dive, then also drove Ricochet into the post. Joe gave Corbin an inverted atomic drop, big boot and senton but Ricochet broke up the cover. Joe then gave Ricochet a power slam for two. 

[Third hour] 

Corbin turned Ricochet inside out with a clothesline, Joe took out Corbin, then Ricochet superkicked Joe. Ricochet attacked Corbin but Corbin cut him off with a big boot. Ricochet used a rollup for two. Corbin gave him a powerbomb, then flipped him up to his feet and caught him with Deep Six (which was cool) but Joe yanked Corbin out of the ring and put him the Coquina Clutch. Ricochet then wiped out both men with a shooting star press off the apron. 

Joe avoided Ricochet’s 630 and put him in the Coquina Clutch, but Ricochet quickly countered into a Codebreaker. Ricochet hit the 630 but Corbin pulled him from the ring and tossed him into the crowd. Corbin then pinned Joe for the win. Corbin advances to the KOTR finals against either Chad Gable or Elias. Good match. 

(They’ve developed a new pattern over the past few weeks. Instead of a match starting at the top of the hour, it’ll start maybe one segment before that, then continue through it.) 

Natalya defeated Lacey Evans (5:06) 

There was a CM Punk chant that was quickly drowned out by boos. Natalya hit a discus clothesline and went for the Sharpshooter but Evans stumbled out of it. Natalya went after Evans on the outside, then Evans caught her with a neckbreaker. 

Evans then used the ring apron to choke Natalya, which the referee allowed. Cole thought it was “interesting” that she used the apron. Renee Young called it assault. After a while, Natalya caught Evans in a sharpshooter for the submission win. This wasn’t good. Evans beat Natalya in 5 minutes last week. Natalya beat Evans in 5 minutes this week. 

They aired a clip from before the show of Boston Celtic player (and former New York Knick) Enes Kanter beating R-Truth for the 24/7 Title. Truth then rolled him up to win the title back. I’m surprised they didn’t put this on the main show. 

Firefly Fun House 

The rabbit puppet warned Bray that he saw a stranger with Rollins and Strowman. Bray knew it was talking about Austin. The pig mentioned some of the men Bray attacked, then Abby pointed out that their clock was stuck at 3:16. All the puppets yelled “stranger danger” until Bray shut them up, then smashed the clock to fix it. The clock now reads 11:19. Bray warned Rollins and Strowman that the Fiend never forgets. “See you in hell.” 

Lynch and Rollins are on the cover of Muscle & Fitness. 

10-man tag match: Universal Champion/Tag Team Champion Seth Rollins, Tag Team Champion Braun Strowman, Cedric Alexander & The Viking Raiders defeated U.S. Champion AJ Styles, Luke Gallows, Karl Anderson, Dolph Ziggler & Robert Roode (19:34)

All of the babyfaces except Rollins entered during a break. The heels all entered on the broadcast. A brawl broke out and they went to break two minutes into the match. 

Back from break, the heels were in control and the crowd was doing the wave. Roode worked over Alexander’s arm as the crowd chanted “yowie-wowie.” Rollins tried to get the crowd back in the match but it didn’t really work. 

Alexander hit a back elbow and made the hot tag to Rollins who hit Anderson with a slingblade, springboard knee strike and falcon arrow but Roode broke up the cover. Everyone came in and traded moves. Styles gave Ivar a Phenomenal forearm, then Rollins gave him a superkick. Rollins hit dives and Strowman hit running shoulder tackles. 

Strowman gave Anderson a powerslam but Roode and Ziggler pushed Rollins into Strowman which broke up the cover. Strowman, an idiot, thought maybe Rollins did this on purpose. They argued as they went to break with 10 minutes left in the show. 

Back from break, they aired an ad for Table for Three even though there’s a match still taking place. The heels worked over Rollins until he eventually gave Roode a blockbuster. Rollins gave Ziggler a buckle bomb and tagged in Strowman. 

Strowman ran over Styles, but Styles avoided a charge and Strowman went shoulder-first into the post. Erik tagged himself in and got some offense until Styles gave him a Pelé kick. Ivar tagged in and ran over Styles, then took out a pile of men with a dive to the outside. Alexander then gave Styles a lumbar check for the pinfall win. 

Instead of Alexander’s music playing, Austin’s music hit and he jogged out. He grabbed some beers and handed them out to the babyfaces. They all drank beer and celebrated as the show ended. 

Final Thoughts — 

This show was enjoyable until the KOTR match, but it really screeched to a halt after that. The crowd didn’t care about the main event and it felt like they were just waiting for it to end.

Steve Austin to moderate contract signing on WWE Raw at MSG

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Steve Austin will be moderating a contract signing when he appears on Raw at Madison Square Garden next week.

WWE has announced that Austin will be the moderator for Seth Rollins and Braun Strowman’s contract signing on next Monday’s Raw. Rollins is defending his Universal Championship against Strowman at Clash of Champions on September 15.

The contract signing was originally announced for tonight’s Raw, but the segment led to Rollins and Strowman being interrupted by AJ Styles, Luke Gallows, and Karl Anderson. Rollins & Strowman defeated Gallows & Anderson but were laid out by Styles, Gallows, Anderson, Dolph Ziggler, and Robert Roode in a post-match angle.

Rollins & Strowman are also defending their Raw Tag Team titles against Ziggler & Roode at Clash of Champions.

Austin sent out a tweet setting up next Monday’s contract signing: “I got an idea. Next week on #Raw, let’s complete this Championship Contract Signing, only this time it’ll be moderated by good ol’ #StoneCold @steveaustinBSR. And that’s the bottom line cause I said so. #WWEMSG”

After the contract signing was officially confirmed for next week, Strowman confronted Rollins backstage and was paranoid about how Austin praised Rollins after SummerSlam. Strowman said that Austin will get these hands if he tries to get in Strowman’s face.

Next week’s Raw and SmackDown are both taking place at Madison Square Garden. They’re the go-home shows for Clash of Champions.

Steve Austin to appear on WWE Raw at Madison Square Garden

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Steve Austin will be making an appearance when Raw returns to Madison Square Garden.

WWE announced today that Austin will be appearing on the September 9 episode of Raw at MSG. Austin was part of Raw Reunion last month, and he also made an appearance via Skype on the August 12 edition of the show.

During his Skype appearance, Austin reacted to Seth Rollins defeating Brock Lesnar to win the Universal Championship at SummerSlam. Austin also promoted the premiere of “Straight Up Steve Austin,” which airs on the USA Network after Raw.

There will be seven episodes in this season of “Straight Up Steve Austin.”

Austin tweeted about appearing at MSG: “I cannot believe it has been so long. Time flies by. The Garden is home to many of my favorite moments in my career. @BretHart in #survivorseries @undertaker in #summerslam #highwaytohell and stunning @VinceMcMahon for the very first time. Along with many others. Hell Yeah!”

SmackDown is also taking place at MSG on September 10. The Undertaker has been announced for that SmackDown episode.

The semifinals of King of the Ring will be held on Raw and SmackDown at MSG, with the finals then taking place at Clash of Champions on September 15.

This is the first time MSG has hosted WWE TV episodes since 2009. WWE’s last televised event at the arena was their Live from MSG WWE Network special in October 2015.

Undertaker set for WWE SmackDown at Madison Square Garden

Posted on by Joseph Currier

The Undertaker will be making an appearance when SmackDown comes to Madison Square Garden next month.

WWE has announced Undertaker for the September 10 episode of SmackDown at MSG. Raw is also taking place at MSG on September 9.

Undertaker was most recently on WWE television during the build to Extreme Rules. Undertaker & Roman Reigns defeated Shane McMahon & Drew McIntyre in a no holds barred match at the pay-per-view.

The last time Undertaker appeared at MSG, he teamed with Reigns & Braun Strowman and defeated Baron Corbin, Elias & Kevin Owens in a six-man tag match at a house show in July 2018.

MSG announced last week that the semifinals of King of the Ring will be held on Raw on September 9 and SmackDown on September 10. The finals of the tournament are taking place at Clash of Champions on September 15.

These are the first WWE TV episodes at MSG since 2009. WWE’s last televised event at the arena was their Live from MSG Network special in October 2015.

Daily Update: WWE/MSG, Sasha Banks, Dragon Gate

Posted on by Bryan Rose

DAILY UPDATE

Latest News:

Latest Audio:

F4W NEWSLETTER: Figure Four Weekly: Recapping WWE Stomping Grounds

After a lack of interest heading into the pay-per-view, Stomping Grounds was a show that exceeded expectations.

Given that there weren’t really any surprises at the PPV, that’s probably mostly due to expectations being set too low. Nothing on the show was dramatically better than it should have been. The PPV succeeded where most good WWE shows do. Even if the build was underwhelming, a talented roster was able to go out to the ring and have good matches throughout much of the card.

WON NEWSLETTER: July 8, 2019 Observer Newsletter: The life and death of Perro Aguayo

With a gigantic week of news, we’ve got a double issue of the Observer this week, leading off with a look at the career of Perro Aguayo, one of the biggest drawing cards in pro wrestling history.

We look at his career highlights, the feud that made him a superstar, the big rivalries and big business booms he was part of, his most famous matches, the formation of AAA and his biggest career wins.

We also have more on Eric Bischoff and Paul Heyman leading brands going forward.  We look at the angles on Raw and whose fingerprints were on what, the level of power they look to have, why this move was made, Wall Street’s reaction to the move, how AEW fits into the picture, the audience they are trying to get back the Raw ratings increase that didn’t hold for Smackdown, Heyman and Bischoff talk about their new positions, when Bischoff starts and an analysis of Heyman’s first moves.

We also look at AEW’s Fyter Fest, the chair shot, the preshow, the business numbers, comparisons with WWE and UFC programming, match by match coverage with star ratings and poll results.

We also look at why the U.K. November tour is being rapidly changed, the Evolve special on WWE Network, Stomping Grounds business update, the story behind David Starr stomping on WWE tile belt and WWE reaction, Performance Center news, most-watched shows on the WWE Network and a rundown with business notes on all the WWE arena events this past week.

We also look at the career of Jacques Rougeau Sr, one of the biggest stars in Montreal wrestling history.  We look at the history of the Rougeau family, how Jacques got into wrestling, why he quit at first, what brought him back, how role in making the career of Ivan Koloff, his sons getting into wrestling, his biggest matches, his Jarry Stadium main event, the first $100,000 gate in Canada, and the Rougeaus feud with the Garvins.

We also look at WWE’s tour of Japan this past week, with notes on both shows and business notes as well.

We run through New Japan’s tour of Australia, with business notes , Southern Showdown match-by-match coverage with star ratings and poll results and the Ospreay-Eagles match.

We also update Extreme Rules with matches announced and others that could be added.

We’ve also got full coverage of UFC in Minneapolis including detailed business notes.

We’ve got a rundown on ROH Bet in the World from Baltimore, with business notes, match-by-match coverage and star ratings.

We also look at the changing television situation in the U.K. with the WWE’s new deal with BT Sports and AEW’s new deal.

We look at the TripleMania card and the unique team of Cody & Psycho Clown & Cain Velasquez.  There’s also notes from Killer Kross, who is training Velasquez.

We also look at the wrestling career of Yoshiaki Yatsu, who had his leg amputated over the past week.  We look at his 1980s heyday when he was one of the best in the world, why he was important in history, his amateur background and his famous Pride match with Gary Goodridge.

We also look at the death of Jerry Seltzer, the famed Roller Derby promoter, how that game worked, how it exploded in popularity, why it died off, and Seltzer’s later role in the ticketing business.

We also run down the ratings of all the major TV shows, along with detailed demo info for the WWE shows.

We also have the 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.

MONDAY NEWS UPDATE

Additional notes by Joseph Currier

WWE

  • Nikki Cross vs. Carmella has been added to tonight’s SmackDown, which will take place at the SNHU Arena in Manchester, New Hampshire . It’s the go home show for Extreme Rules and will also feature Kevin Owens vs. Dolph Ziggler, Intercontinental Champion Finn Balor vs. Shinsuke Nakamura in a non-title match, A Tag Team Championship Summit with Daniel Bryan & Rowan, Big E & Xavier Woods, and Heavy Machinery, and the reveal of Aleister Black’s Extreme Rules opponent.
  • Oney Lorcan and Ariya Daivari will face off in an “anything goes” match on 205 Live tonight.
  • According to this unlisted video on WWE’s YouTube page, they will be taping Raw and SmackDown on September 9th and 10th, respectively at Madison Square Garden. This comes just days before AAA is scheduled to run the venue on September 15.
  • Kofi Kingston did not wrestle at last night’s house show in Glens Falls, New York due to what was announced as an injury. A Wrestling Inc correspondent noted that Kingston said he’d be ready for Extreme Rules.
  • The Authors of Pain teamed for the first time since January at last night’s house show, losing to the team of Matt Hardy and Ali. Akam had been out due to a knee injury, but the two most recently appeared at WWE Super Showdown, competing in the 50-man battle royal.
  • Sasha Banks trained at the Sendai Girls dojo while in Japan.
  • Booker T talked about his situation with Starrcast, saying that he was unaware that the Conrad Thompson booking was for Starrcast, with Thomspon only saying it was an autograph signing, and that WWE had nothing to do with him pulling out.
  • Gary “The GOAT” Garbutt on Raw last night was former Alliance of American Football player Kosha Irby.
  • Bianca Belair recently celebrated her college graduation.

Pro Wrestling

  • Dragon Gate’s Kobe Pro Wrestling Festival 2019 event on July 21 will have English commentary from Rich Bocchini and Larry Dallas.
  • Kota Ibushi injured his ankle during his G1 match against KENTA on Saturday. He said that he won’t give up regardless of injury.
  • Tokyo Joshi Pro Wrestling announced that Shoko Nakajima has been pulled from this weekend’s event as she is going to America for AEW’s Fight for the Fallen show on Saturday. Nakajmina later apologized on Twitter, confirming she will be in the US this weekend but didn’t mention AEW specifically.
  • New Jack is releasing a memoir titled New Jack: Memoir of a Pro Wrestling Extremist which will be released on November 28.
  • Kevin Nash turns 60 years old today.

UFC/MMA

  • Tony Ferguson has expressed interest in moving up from lightweight, but is ready to replace either Khabib Nurmagomedov or Dustin Porier in case either one pulls out ahead of UFC 242.
  • The UFC has promoted Jeff Novitzky from vice president of Athlete Health and Performance to senior vice president of Athlete Health and Performance.
  • John Lineker has signed with ONE Championships.
  • Mickey Gall vs. Salim Touhari has been added to the 8/3 UFC event in Newark, while Mike Perry vs. Vicente Luque has been added to the 8/10 event in Montevideo.
  • Edson Barboza vs. Paul Felder has been confirmed for UFC 242 on 9/7.

Daily Pro Wrestling History: Rey Mysterio wins WCW Cruiserweight title

CONTACT INFORMATION

AAA announces September 15th MSG debut, LA date coming soon

Posted on by Ethan Renner

Additional reporting provided by Dave Meltzer

AAA is officially heading to Madison Square Garden. 

At a Thursday press conference, Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide announced a show for NYC on Sunday, September 15: the first time they have been back since July 1994 when they ran the adjoining theater.

Tickets will go on sale May 4th on Ticketmaster with expected streaming options to be announced at a later date. No matches were announced, but it was said there will be a lot of surprises.

Both the event date and on-sale date have intended Mexican significance. The show is the day before Mexican Independence Day while the on-sale date is Cinco de Mayo, a nod to the Hispanic community in New York which they hope to draw from. 

MSG officials were talking about the event selling out thanks in part to fly-ins. 

After years as a WWE stronghold, the AAA show will be the second high profile, non-WWE pro wrestling event held at MSG this year, following this Saturday’s joint ROH/NJPW show. 

Peter Luuko of Oak View Group is responsible for bringing AAA to MSG which is the start of the promotion coming to major arenas around the country. A Los Angeles date at The Forum will be announced in a few weeks.

At this point, there is no AEW involvement.

At the press event, AAA managing director Dorian Roldan said, “This is one of the important moments in the history of the company since its founding in 1992” and that it’s the start of “their new strategy.” This Venues Now feature speaks to the Arena Alliance partnership and possible cities AAA could also try to go to.

Part of that strategy is to focus on the U.S., Latin America, and Colombia markets through 2020.

The press event featured Roldan, Hugo Savinovich, Konnan, Daga, Puma King, Aerostar, Fenix, Drago, Taya, Tessa Blanchard, Blue Demon Jr., and Pentagon Jr. with several of them speaking during the event. Ed Nordholm and Scott D’Amore of Anthem/Impact Wrestling were also in attendance.

Full lineup revealed for ROH-NJPW G1 Supercard at MSG

Posted on by Joseph Currier

The lineup has been revealed for Ring of Honor and New Japan Pro Wrestling’s G1 Supercard at Madison Square Garden.

NJPW announced the card for the show at their post-New Japan Cup press conference overnight. The most significant additions are Tetsuya Naito vs. Kota Ibushi for the IWGP Intercontinental Championship and Zack Sabre Jr. vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi for Revolution Pro Wrestling’s Undisputed British Heavyweight title.

Ibushi eliminated Naito from the New Japan Cup, while Tanahashi eliminated Sabre. Kazuchika Okada defeated SANADA in the New Japan Cup finals and will challenge for Jay White’s IWGP Heavyweight Championship at G1 Supercard.

Two teams have been added to G1 Supercard’s Tag Team title vs. Tag Team title match. It will now be IWGP Tag Team Champions Guerrillas of Destiny (Tama Tonga & Tanga Loa) vs. Villain Enterprises (PCO & Brody King) vs. The Briscoes vs. EVIL & SANADA, with the winning team getting the IWGP and ROH Tag Team titles.

Will Ospreay and Jeff Cobb’s title vs. title match has also been confirmed. The winner will get the NEVER Openweight Championship and ROH Television title.

Women of Honor World Champion Mayu Iwatani will again defend her title against Kelly Klein. Iwatani won the championship from Klein in February and then retained in a rematch at ROH’s 17th Anniversary pay-per-view.

The Kagetsu & Hazuki vs. Hana Kimura & Sumie Sakai tag match that Stardom and ROH teased for G1 Supercard has yet to be announced.

Jushin Thunder Liger, who revealed earlier this month that he’s retiring at the Tokyo Dome in January 2020, has been confirmed for the Honor Rumble match that’s taking place on the G1 Supercard pre-show. There will be 30 entrants in the Royal Rumble-style battle royal.

G1 Supercard is taking place on Saturday, April 6 and will air live on New Japan World and HonorClub. Here’s the lineup for the show:

  • IWGP Heavyweight Champion Jay White defending against Kazuchika Okada
  • ROH World Champion Jay Lethal defending against Marty Scurll and Matt Taven in a triple threat ladder match
  • IWGP Intercontinental Champion Tetsuya Naito defending against Kota Ibushi
  • RevPro British Heavyweight Champion Zack Sabre Jr. defending against Hiroshi Tanahashi
  • Title vs. title match: IWGP Tag Team Champions Tama Tonga & Tanga Loa vs. ROH Tag Team Champions PCO & Brody King vs. The Briscoes vs. EVIL & SANADA
  • IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion Taiji Ishimori defending against Dragon Lee and Bandido in a triple threat match
  • Bully Ray New York City street fight open challenge
  • Women of Honor World Champion Mayu Iwatani defending against Kelly Klein
  • Rush vs. Dalton Castle
  • Title vs. title match: NEVER Openweight Champion Will Ospreay vs. ROH TV Champion Jeff Cobb
  • 30-entrant Honor Rumble match (pre-show; Jushin Thunder Liger is the first announced participant)

IWGP Heavyweight title match set for G1 Supercard

Posted on by Bryan Rose

Kazuchika Okada is the winner of this year’s New Japan Cup.

The finals ended up being an evenly paced match, with both men putting everything out there. After multiple finisher attempts, including the TKO and the dead skull, SANADA still couldn’t find a way to victory once Kazuchika Okada hit the rainmaker. This is his second time winning the tournament, his first back in 2013.

After the match Okada called out Jay White, who he will face for the IWGP Heavyweight title. Gedo told him that he was going to hell, and this crowd was going to hell too. Jay White said he will enter Madison Square Garden the IWGP Heavyweight champion then leave the IWGP Heavyweight champion. Okada said he couldn’t understand what he was saying, because he is not at his level. Streamers then hit as he exited the ring, shaking Katsuyori Shibata’s hand to close out the show.

The next IWGP Heavyweight title match will take place on April 6 at the G1 Supercard event, which will be held inside Madison Square Garden.

G1 Supercard notes: Tag title match, Dalton Castle vs. Rush, Bully Ray

Posted on by Joseph Currier

A Tag Team title change with G1 Supercard implications took place at Friday’s ROH 17th Anniversary pay-per-view.

Villain Enterprises (PCO & Brody King) defeated The Briscoes in a no disqualification match to win the ROH Tag Team titles. With that, PCO & King are currently set to face IWGP Tag Team Champions Tama Tonga & Tanga Loa in a title vs. title match with both sets of championships on the line at G1 Supercard.

In other developments for G1 Supercard, ROH Television Champion Jeff Cobb challenged NEVER Openweight Champion Will Ospreay to a title vs. title match, Dalton Castle challenged Rush, and Bully Ray said he’ll be having a New York City street fight.

Castle was on commentary for Rush vs. Bandido and then got into the ring after Rush won. Castle challenged Rush to a match at G1 Supercard, with the storyline being that Castle wants to get back on track by facing someone who’s undefeated in singles matches in ROH.

Bully Ray interrupted rapper Mega Ran’s performance at the 17th Anniversary PPV, talked about wrestling at Madison Square Garden, and issued an open challenge to anyone in the professional wrestling business to face him in an NYC street fight at G1 Supercard. Bully Ray said the person he wants to face knows that he’s talking about them.

At one point, the crowd chanted for Flip Gordon. Bully Ray mentioned that he didn’t say “I Quit” in the I Quit match he lost to Gordon at Final Battle.

G1 Supercard is taking place at Madison Square Garden on Saturday, April 6.

WWE MSG live results: Cena returns, Rousey vs. Jax, NXT tag match

Posted on by F4W Staff

WWE held their annual post-Christmas house show at Madison Square Garden last night.

– Finn Balor defeated Dolph Ziggler and Drew McIntyre in a triple threat match

Balor hit a dropkick and the Coup de Grace before pinning Ziggler.

McIntyre started to lay out both after the match and cut a promo about how he’s not excited to be in Madison Square Garden like everyone else. He said Ziggler and Balor were in the way of hin getting a shot at the Universal Championship. Ziggler attacked McIntyre and Balor hit McIntyre with the Coup de Grace.

– Apollo Crews won a 10-man battle royal for a future Intercontinental title shot

Crews last eliminated Jinder Mahal to win.

– Elias defeated Bobby Lashley in a guitar-on-a-pole match

There was an Elias performance before the match. He hit an elbow drop off the top rope on Lashley and then got the guitar to win.

After the match, Lashley accidentally took out Lio Rush with a spear and Elias gave Lashley a guitar shot.

– Natalya & Ember Moon defeated Ruby Riott & Liv Morgan

Natalya submitted Morgan with the Sharpshooter.

– Aleister Black, Ricochet, Pete Dunne, Velveteen Dream & Matt Riddle defeated Tommaso Ciampa, Johnny Gargano, Adam Cole, Kyle O’Reilly & Roderick Strong

Gargano was originally on the face side when this match was announced, but he turned heel and was replaced by Riddle. Going into the show, it had been advertised as the faces vs. Ciampa & The Undisputed Era.

Ricochet pinned Cole after hitting the 630.

– Intercontinental Champion Dean Ambrose defeated Seth Rollins in a steel cage match to retain his title

At one point, Rollins gave Ambrose a superplex off the top of the cage and then hit a Falcon Arrow for a near fall. Rollins tried to escape through the door, but Baron Corbin got involved and slammed the door on his head. Ambrose then won by leaving through the door.

– Raw Tag Team Champions Bobby Roode & Chad Gable defeated The Revival and AOP in a triple threat match to retain their titles

Drake Maverick interfered a few times during the match. Roode and Gable retained with their double-team moonsault/neckbreaker finisher.

– Sasha Banks & Bayley defeated Mickie James & Alicia Fox

Banks hit a backstabber on Fox, with Bayley then hitting the Bayley-to-Belly for the win.

– John Cena defeated Baron Corbin

Corbin said he had a match with Braun Strowman. Strowman never came out and they did a 10 count and announced Corbin as the winner, but Vince McMahon then made an appearance at the show. He said this was Madison Square Garden and Corbin would have to wrestle — then revealed Cena as Corbin’s opponent.

Vince said Cena is someone who has had more Madison Square Garden moments than Hulk Hogan, Bruno Sammartino, and Steve Austin combined.

Cena won with the Attitude Adjustment and his new lightning fist finisher. He cut a promo after the match and thanked the fans for allowing him to be part of the show. 

– Raw Women’s Champion Ronda Rousey defeated Nia Jax to retain her title

Jax started by hitting power moves, but Rousey came back and used an armbar to retain.

There was a brawl after the match where the faces in the women’s division stood tall over the heels, with Rousey hitting a crossbody off the top to the floor.

Matt Riddle added to NXT tag match at WWE MSG house show

Posted on by Joseph Currier

It appears that Matt Riddle will be making his Madison Square Garden debut next week.

The updated lineup for WWE’s house show at Madison Square Garden on Wednesday, December 26 lists that Riddle will team with Aleister Black, Ricochet, Pete Dunne & Velveteen Dream in an NXT 10-man tag match against Tommaso Ciampa & The Undisputed Era (Adam Cole, Kyle O’Reilly, Roderick Strong & Bobby Fish). The match had originally been advertised as Black, Ricochet, Dunne, Velveteen Dream & Johnny Gargano teaming together before Gargano’s heel turn.

Riddle had tweeted this week: “It’s only Tuesday and I already have the itch to get back in the ring. Maybe my year isn’t over yet and I can get one more match before the end of the year”

Next Wednesday’s house show at Madison Square Garden will also feature John Cena’s return to WWE. Here’s the current advertised card:

  • Intercontinental Champion Dean Ambrose defending against Seth Rollins in a steel cage match
  • John Cena returns
  • Raw Women’s Champion Ronda Rousey defending against Nia Jax
  • Finn Balor vs. Dolph Ziggler vs. Drew McIntyre
  • Elias vs. Bobby Lashley
  • Aleister Black, Ricochet, Pete Dunne, Velveteen Dream & Matt Riddle vs. Tommaso Ciampa & The Undisputed Era
  • Raw Tag Team Champions Bobby Roode & Chad Gable defending against AOP
  • Natalya, Sasha Banks, Bayley & Ember Moon vs. The Riott Squad & Mickie James

UFC 230 live results: Daniel Cormier vs. Derrick Lewis

Posted on by Ryan Frederick

Welcome to F4WOnline.com’s live coverage of UFC 230: Cormier vs. Lewis, emanating from Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York.

The UFC heads back to the world’s most famous arena as the double champion makes his first defense of the title he won back in July.

UFC Heavyweight and Light Heavyweight Champion Daniel Cormier defends the heavyweight championship for the first time when he takes on Derrick Lewis in the main event. Cormier is coming off a knockout win over Stipe Miocic in July, and looks to cement his status as one of the best of all-time against Lewis, who has won nine of his last ten and is coming off a come-from-behind knockout win over Alexander Volkov four weeks ago at UFC 229.

In the co-main event, former UFC Middleweight Champion Chris Weidman returns from a near 16-month layoff looking to gain a title shot when he takes on Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza, who stepped in on short notice for Luke Rockhold.

The rest of the main card is filled out with middleweight bouts as David Branch takes on Jared Cannonier, Karl Roberson battles Jack Marshman, and Derek Brunson takes on the undefeated Israel Adesanya in the main card opener.

Follow along with our live coverage of the event beginning at 6:30 p.m. Eastern time with preliminary action all the way thru the main card.

We are looking for your thoughts on tonight’s event, so send a thumbs up, a thumbs down or a thumbs in the middle along with a best fight and a worst fight to Dave at [email protected].

UFC FIGHT PASS PRELIMS | 6:30 PM ET/3:30 PM PT

> Adam Wieczorek (10-1, 2-0 UFC) vs. Marcos Rogerio de Lima (15-5-1, 4-3 UFC)
Heavyweights

de Lima going right after the legs with kicks. Wieczorek with a takedown into the half-guard of de Lima. Wieczorek looking to open the guard but de Lima pops up and takes Wieczorek down and is in the half-guard now. de Lima with some short punches from the half-guard as he is trying to pass to side control. de Lima trying to set up an arm-triangle choke but Wieczorek is defending from the bottom. de Lima landing punches as they push up against the fence. de Lima with more punches at the end. 10-9 de Lima.

They trade leg kicks and Wieczorek lands a left hook but eats a right hand from de Lima. de Lima grabs the body lock and is looking for a takedown but pushes the fight against the fence. They break. de Lima with a leg kick. He lands another heavy one. They clinch but neither doing much. They break and de Lima with a couple of leg kicks. de Lima lands a right and they clinch. They break and de Lima with more leg kicks. Wieczorek tries a takedown but de Lima grabs the neck. This fight is very boring. 10-9 de Lima, 20-18 de Lima.

de Lima with a leg kick. They clinch and de Lima gets a takedown towards the center of the Octagon. de Lima in side control. Neither is doing much and are being warned to work. de Lima easily moves into mount. Wieczorek able to slip out and they get to their feet. Wieczorek slips to the mat and de Lima gets into his guard. They don’t do much and are stood up. Wieczorek with a short leg kick and lands a knee to the body. de Lima with a late takedown and he rides the fight out on top. 10-9 de Lima, 30-27 de Lima.

Official Result- Marcos Rogerio de Lima def. Adam Wieczorek by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

> Shane Burgos (10-1, 3-1 UFC) vs. Kurt Holobaugh (17-5 1 NC, 0-2 UFC)
Featherweights

Holobaugh with some leg kicks to start. They trade in close range inside the pocket. Burgos lands a right hand. Holobaugh with a leg kick. Burgos lands a combo. Holobaugh lands some punches. They trade punches. They trade again in close range. Burgos with a front kick to the body. Holobaugh drops Burgos with a punch. Burgos throws his legs up for an armbar and has one locked in deep and Holobaugh taps! He recovered quickly from getting dropped and locked that armbar in quick to get the finish.

Official Result- Shane Burgos def. Kurt Holobaugh by submission (armbar) at 2:11 of Round 1

> Matt Frevola (6-1, 0-1 UFC) vs. Lando Vannata (9-3-1, 1-3-1 UFC)
Lightweights

Frevola with a head kick and Vannata counters with a high kick. They trade kicks. Vannata just misses a spin kick. Frevola with a head kick. Frevola with more kicks. They trade punches. Vannata drops Frevola with a head kick but Frevola gets to his feet. Vannata lands more punches and Frevola goes for a takedown but it is defended. Frevola lands a flush right hand and then lands another followed by a head kick. Vannata with a head kick followed by a right hand. Frevola lands the jab. Frevola hurts Vannata with a right hand. Frevola with a body kick. Frevola with a short elbow. Frevola hurts Vannata with a left hook followed by a knee. They scramble and Frevola reverses a takedown and has a guillotine locked in but Vannata escapes and Frevola mounts Vannata to end the round. Fun round. 10-9 Frevola.

Frevola coming out for the second with some spin kicks. Vannata with a spin kick to the body of Frevola. Frevola with a leg kick. Vannata lands a right hand followed by a front kick right to the face and then some body kicks. Vannata drops Frevola with a right hand. Frevola recovers to his feet and is swinging but is still hurt. Vannata with a combo and he is teeing off on Frevola. Vannata with some left hooks to the body. Frevola goes for a takedown but it is defended. They break. Frevola lands a straight knee. Vannata lands some punches and then a spin kick. Vannata with a body kick. They are trading in close range. Frevola with a body kick. Vannata with a combo. Frevola goes for a takedown but it is stuffed. Frevola goes for a takedown and Vannata grabs the neck as the round ends. 10-9 Vannata, 19-19.

They trade kicks to start the third. They trade big punches. Frevola lands a kick and Vannata gets a takedown off of it. They get to their feet and trade kicks. They trade punches inside the pocket. Vannata with a body punch followed by a right hand. Vannata with a body kick and then lands an uppercut. He just misses a spin kick. Frevola gets a takedown but Vannata was able to scramble to his feet. Vannata with an inside leg kick. Frevola with a hard right late but Vannata fires away as the fight ends. Close final round. 10-9 Vannata, 29-28 Vannata.

Official Result- Matt Frevola vs. Lando Vannata ends in a majority draw (29-28 Frevola, 28-28, 28-28)

FOX SPORTS 1 PRELIMS | 8 PM ET/5 PM PT

> Lyman Good (19-4 1 NC, 1-1 UFC) vs. Ben Saunders (22-10-2, 9-7 UFC)
Welterweights

Good with a leg kick to start things off and then just misses a head kick. Saunders with a big body kick. Good with some more leg kicks. Saunders with another body kick. Saunders lands a straight left hand and then follows with a body kick. They clinch and Saunders with some knees. Good with some body punches and uppercuts while Saunders lands more knees. Good then drops Saunders with an uppercut and finishes him with punches on the ground. Brutal finish by Lyman Good.

Official Result- Lyman Good def. Ben Saunders by knockout (punches) at 1:32 of Round 1

> Julio Arce (15-2, 2-0 UFC) vs. Sheymon Moraes (10-2, 1-1 UFC)
Featherweights

Arce lands a solid combination. Moraes drops Arce with a heavy right hand and is teeing off looking for the finish. Arce grabs the leg to hand on but Moraes still landing heavy right hands from standing position. Moraes goes to the ground and Arce is able to get to his feet and has Moraes pinned against the fence. Arce has the body lock and is looking for a takedown against the fence but Moraes keeping the fight upright. Arce trying a trip takedown and jumps up on the back of Moraes. Arce looking for a standing rear-naked choke. Moraes trying to fight it off. Arce landing punches from the back as Moraes is having to fight off the hands and arms. Arce goes for a choke late but runs out of time. 10-9 Arce.

Moraes lands some punches but Arce comes back with combos and punches and they clinch. They break and Arce is bleeding heavily. Moraes with a high kick. They are throwing bombs in this round. Moraes with a big body kick. Moraes with an elbow. They are trading punches and kicks and there is blood everywhere. Both men are covered in it. Moraes drops Arce with a right hand. Moraes is on top and is landing punches as he looks to finish. Arce gets back to his feet and lands a left hand. Moraes with a high kick. 10-9 Moraes, 19-19.

They trade kicks. They trade punches. They both throw kicks. Arce is ranking very high on the Muta scale right now. Arce with the double jab. The center of the Octagon is covered in blood. Arce lands a left hand. Arce lands some punches. Arce has been landing more this round. Arce with a nice left hand. Arce with another left hand. Moraes has been backing up this round. Moraes with a body kick. Arce with a front kick. They clinch late but break. Close fight. 10-9 Arce, 29-28 Arce.

Official Result- Sheymon Moraes def. Julio Arce by split decision (29-28, 28-29, 30-26)

> Sijara Eubanks (#4, 3-2, 1-0 UFC) vs. Roxanne Modafferi (#7, 22-14, 1-2 UFC)
Women’s Flyweights* (Eubanks missed weight by 1.2 pounds)

Modafferi with a right hand. They trade punches. Eubanks with a leg kick. Modafferi with the jab. Eubanks with an overhand right. Eubanks with a combo. They trade right hands. Modafferi lands the jab. Eubanks gets the takedown and is in the guard of Modafferi. Modafferi with an elbow from the bottom. Modafferi with some upkicks as Eubanks goes back into the guard. They get up for a moment but Eubanks takes it back down. Eubanks with some right hands from the top. Eubanks with some hammerfists. Eubanks with some hammerfists as the round ends. 10-9 Eubanks.

Modafferi lands some to start the second round. Eubanks lands a right hand. Modafferi lands some right hands. Modafferi with a leg kick. They trade punches and Modafferi lands a series of punches. She’s landing with more volume but not a lot of power. Eubanks hurts Modafferi with a head kick and then drops her with a right hand. They get back to their feet and Eubanks is tired. Modafferi gets a takedown and is in side control and landing some punches. Modafferi looking to get to the mount. Modafferi ends the round on top as Eubanks has faded. 10-9 Modafferi, 19-19.

They trade punches to start the third round. Both throwing but neither really landing. Modafferi with some punches as she is getting the upper hand right now. Modafferi goes for a takedown but it is defended. Modafferi with an overhand right. They clinch and Eubanks lands a knee. Eubanks lands a right hand. Both landing right hands. They clinch and Eubanks gets a takedown. Eubanks in the half-guard. Eubanks working from the top but still tired and landing short punches. Modafferi gets to her feet and they fall to the mat. 10-9 Eubanks, 29-28 Eubanks.

Official Result- Sijara Eubanks def. Roxanne Modafferi by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

> Jason Knight (20-5, 4-4 UFC) vs. Jordan Rinaldi (13-6, 1-2 UFC)
Featherweights

Knight firing right away with punches and lands a leg kick. Rinaldi clinches but eats a right hand as they break. Rinaldi lands a left hook that stuns Knight. Rinaldi with a head kick and then scores a takedown. Rinaldi landing from the top as Knight trying to throw his legs up. They scramble to the feet and Rinaldi scores another takedown. Knight has mission control. Rinaldi slips out as he is landing from the top. Rinaldi staying on top and is landing but Knight is landing from the bottom as well. Rinaldi with some big ground-and-pound from the top. 10-9 Rinaldi.

They trade punches as Rinaldi is looking to set up a takedown. He gets it and goes into side control. Rinaldi looking to set up a kimura. He gets the back of Knight and now is working for a choke. Rinaldi has the body triangle. Rinaldi working more to set up a rear-naked choke. Knight is doing a good job of fighting it off. Rinaldi with some great back control. Knight is landing punches from having his back controlled. Rinaldi in complete control of this fight. Rinaldi almost had the choke locked in and Knight gives the finger wag letting everyone know he is not in trouble. 10-9 Rinaldi, 20-18 Rinaldi.

They trade early. Rinaldi shoots for a takedown but Knight sprawls and defends it as they get to their feet. Rinaldi with a leg kick and Knight grabs the back and they roll to the mat. Rinaldi sets up a kimura and uses it to sweep to the top and is working for the kimura. Rinaldi gets the back and has the rear-naked choke but Knight slips out. Rinaldi landing punches from the back. Rinaldi still has the back but Knight is working his way out. They stand up and Knight tries to spike Rinaldi but Rinaldi maintains the body lock as they go back to the ground. Rinaldi landing from the back. Excellent performance from Rinaldi in his featherweight debut. 10-9 Rinaldi, 30-27 Rinaldi.

Official Result- Jordan Rinaldi def. Jason Knight by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-25, 30-26)

PPV MAIN CARD | 10 PM ET/7 PM PT

> Derek Brunson (#6, 18-6, 9-4 UFC) vs. Israel Adesanya (#9, 14-0, 3-0 UFC)
Middleweights

Brunson goes right for a takedown and they clinch. Brunson is way bigger than Adesanya in the Octagon. Brunson has the clinch taken away from him after he grabbed the shorts of Adesanya twice. Adesanya lands a jab. Brunson goes for a takedown but Adesanya spins out. They clinch again against the fence. They break and Brunson clips him with a left hand and then goes back for a takedown but Adesanya breaks away. Adesanya lands a right hand. Brunson keeps telegraphing the takedown. Adesanya with a head kick. Brunson goes for another takedown but it is defended again. They clinch against the fence. Adesanya shrugs off the takedown. Adesanya hurts Brunson with a punch and then a knee and then knocks Brunson down with a head kick. Brunson to his feet but eating knees from Adesanya. Adesanya drops Brunson with two right hands and this fight is stopped. Wow. Adesanya made it look easy and he looks to be the real deal.

Official Result- Israel Adesanya def. Derek Brunson by TKO (strikes) at 4:51 of Round 1

> Karl Roberson (6-1, 1-1 UFC) vs. Jack Marshman (22-7, 2-2 UFC)
Middleweights

Roberson with a hard kick to the arms of Marshman. Roberson lands a left hand. They trade punches. Roberson lights Marshman up with a left hand. Roberson with a leg kick and just misses a left hand. Marshman lands a left as Roberson goes for a body kick. Roberson ducks under Marshman’s punches. They trade kicks. Roberson with a left hand. Roberson with the body kick. They trade punches. Marshman with a right hook to the body. Roberson with a body kick that hits Marshman’s elbow. Roberson with a late left hand. 10-9 Roberson.

Roberson with a straight left hand. Marshman with a body kick then a leg kick. Marshman with a big combination. Roberson is limping. Marshman with a leg kick. Roberson with a straight left hand that stumbles Marshman. Roberson with some left hands. Roberson with another straight left. Roberson with a high kick. Roberson lands the straight left. Marshman with an overhand right. Roberson with a big takedown into side control. Roberson looking to set up a choke but is landing body and head punches from side control. He isn’t working to advance but has dominant position as the round ends. 10-9 Roberson, 20-18 Roberson.

Roberson lands a big left hand. Roberson with an inside leg kick. Roberson with a high kick but it doesn’t land. Roberson with a left hand that Marshman eats. Roberson with another left hand. Marshman is spitting up blood. Roberson with a counter left hand. Marshman is keeping his hands low. Roberson with a big takedown near the fence and he is in side control. Roberson is keeping side control and moves to full mount. Roberson with short punches from the mount. Dominant win from Roberson as he hurt Marshman. Marshman showed a lot of toughness. 10-9 Roberson, 30-27 Roberson.

Official Result- Karl Roberson def. Jack Marshman by unanimous decision (30-26, 30-26, 30-27)

> David Branch (#7, 22-4, 4-3 UFC) vs. Jared Cannonier (10-4, 3-4 UFC)
Middleweights

Branch gets a quick takedown but Cannonier gets up only to get dumped again by Branch. They get back up. Branch goes right for another takedown against the fence but Cannonier is landing elbows. Branch gets the back for a moment but they reverse into clinch position. Cannonier with a knee to the body and they break. Branch gets another takedown and gets the back. Branch landing punches from the back. They get to their feet but Branch still has the body lock. They break. Branch landing the jab and then lands a leg kick. Branch gets a brief takedown. They break and Cannonier lands some big punches that Branch shakes off. Branch works for a late takedown but time runs out. 10-9 Branch.

Cannonier drops Branch with a huge right hand and has Branch in a lot of trouble. Cannonier has the back of Branch and is landing big punches and the referee stops the fight. Those were big shots by Cannonier as he gets the comeback win in his middleweight debut. He could be a force at 185 pounds.

Official Result- Jared Cannonier def. David Branch by TKO (punches) at :29 of Round 2

> Chris Weidman (#3, 14-3, 10-3 UFC) vs. Ronaldo Souza (#5, 25-6 1 NC, 8-3 UFC)
Middleweights

Weidman with a leg kick. Weidman with a right hand. Souza misses an overhand right. They clinch and Weidman lands a knee before they break. Weidman with a right hand. Souza misses on two right hand attempts. Weidman lands a combo and stuns Souza with a right hand. They trade right hands. Souza with a liver punch. Souza with a leg kick. Weidman misses a right hand. Weidman with a right hand. Weidman lands a combo. Souza with a heavy leg kick. Souza bleeding from the nose. They trade late, Souza to the body. 10-9 Weidman.

Souza with a right hand over the top. Weidman with a leg kick and follows it with a right hand. Souza with a leg kick that gets checked. Weidman with a combo. They trade in close range and are starting to brawl. Souza lands a right hand and then one to the body. Weidman with a leg kick. Souza then lands a right hand and lands more to the body and a front kick. Souza turning it on. Souza with a left to the body followed by an overhand right. They clinch and exchange knees. Weidman with a right hand and he hurts Souza. Weidman ducks under some Souza’s punch. Souza lands a combo. Souza breathing heavy from a broken nose. Souza with an uppercut to the body. They brawl in a clinch. Weidman has slowed down a bit. Souza with a body kick. Weidman lands an uppercut. Souza tries a head kick but Weidman dumps him to the mat. Souza gets up and they clinch against the fence. Weidman with some knees against the fence. Weidman with a brief takedown but Souza rolls to his feet. 10-9 Souza, 19-19.

Souza’s nose is bothering him. Weidman with a leg kick and then a body kick. Weidman then lands a right hand. Souza with a heavy leg kick. They trade in close range. Souza with a right hand. They are brawling. Weidman lands a combo and then a knee up the middle. Weidman with an uppercut and then an overhand elbow. Weidman lands some punches. Souza with a body kick. They trade punches. Souza lands some right hands. Souza then drops Weidman with a huge right hand and Weidman is out. The referee doesn’t stop it and then Weidman tries to grab a leg but is done and Souza lands some punches and Dan Miragliotta finally stops it. Big knockout win for Souza over Weidman in a great fight.

Official Result- Ronaldo Souza def. Chris Weidman by TKO (punches) at 2:46 of Round 3

> Daniel Cormier (C, 21-1 1 NC, 10-1 1 NC UFC) vs. Derrick Lewis (#2, 21-5 1 NC, 12-3 UFC)
UFC Heavyweight Championship

Lewis with a body kick. Lewis with a leg kick. Cormier with a leg kick. Lewis with a big body kick. Cormier goes for a takedown and gets it. Cormier in the half-guard and he made it look easy. Cormier looking to land from the top. Cormier with short punches and elbows. Lewis gives up his back as he tries to get up and he does. Cormier still has control of the body of Lewis. Cormier takes Lewis back down with an easy single-leg. Cormier with big punches and Lewis gives up the back. Cormier landing big punches and Cormier gets to the top. Cormier with more big punches. Lewis is doing nothing. 10-9 Cormier.

Cormier with a body kick. Lewis lands a right hand. Lewis just misses a big right hand. Lewis misses another. Cormier lands a left hand and then a front kick. Cormier with a single leg and just kicks Lewis’ leg out from under. Lewis gets up though. Cormier with an ankle pick and gets Lewis on his back. Cormier in side control and steps over and Lewis gives up his back. Cormier has the rear-naked choke locked in and Lewis taps! Cormier with the dominant win in making it look easy as he remains the UFC Heavyweight Champion.

Official Result- Daniel Cormier def. Derrick Lewis by submission (rear-naked choke) at 2:14 of Round 2, Cormier retains the UFC Heavyweight Championship

NXT tag match added to WWE Madison Square Garden house show

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Ten wrestlers from NXT will be featured on WWE’s house show at Madison Square Garden this December.

WWE posted a video today where William Regal announced a 10-man tag match for WWE’s holiday tour event at Madison Square Garden on Wednesday, December 26. Johnny Gargano, Pete Dunne, Ricochet, Aleister Black & Velveteen Dream will be teaming against all four members of The Undisputed Era (Adam Cole, Kyle O’Reilly, Roderick Strong, and Bobby Fish) & Tommaso Ciampa.

Roman Reigns vs. Braun Strowman in a steel cage match for the Universal Championship, Ronda Rousey vs. Mickie James for the Raw Women’s Championship, and Dolph Ziggler & Drew McIntyre vs. Seth Rollins & Dean Ambrose for the Raw Tag Team titles are the other matches currently being advertised for the December 26 house show at Madison Square Garden. It was recently changed to a Raw-brand event after being originally announced as a SmackDown show.

August 20, 2018 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Death of Jim Neidhart, ROH/NJPW sell out MSG

Posted on by Dave Meltzer

The Ring of Honor/New Japan Pro Wrestling show on 4/6 in Madison Square Garden sold out on 8/10 less than 19 minutes after the public on-sale began.

Of course, they had already sold 12,000 of the 15,000 seats put on sale, with the first 9,000 going to Honor Club subscribers on 8/8, and another 3,000 going to those with codes that weren’t hard to get, and in fact were tweeted out.

The significance of this could be monumental in ways that are obvious and other ways perhaps less obvious. While ROH officials would not release a gate number, it was confirmed to be well in excess of $1 million, making it the largest gate for a non-WWE pro wrestling gate not only in the United States, but likely anywhere in the world except for the Far East.

The previous largest gate for a non-WWE show in North America was $1 million, set on September 11, 2014, for the Atlantis vs.

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ROH & NJPW G1 Supercard sells out Madison Square Garden

Posted on by Dave Meltzer

The April 6, 2019 Ring of Honor/New Japan Pro Wrestling G1 Supercard event not only sold out Madison Square Garden, but was among the quickest sellouts for a pro wrestling event in the history of the building.

The official time of the sellout was between 13 and 16 minutes after tickets went on sale to the public this morning. Most of the tickets were sold in pre-sales on Wednesday and Thursday.

The capacity of 15,000 was less than the 20,000 that had been used before the days of staging for big wrestling events in the days of Bruno Sammartino and even Hulk Hogan, but even in those days, tickets rarely sold out more than a week in advance, and even then only for the biggest cards. No MSG wrestling show has ever sold out nearly eight months in advance and with no matches announced.

The last pro wrestling sellout in MSG was in 2015, and it has sold out seven times in the last decade for pro wrestling.