Tag: Matt Striker

Daily Update: Mercedes Mone update, Mayu Iwatani, Matt Striker

Posted on by Dave Meltzer

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This Week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter

  • What people thought of Worlds End and Stardom Queendom
  • Roman Reigns vs. The Rock
  • All the AEW news and controversies from the past week
  • Worlds End rundown
  • MJF future
  • AEW departures
  • Business numbers
  • Full coverage of New Japan at the Tokyo Dome
  • Kevin Dunn’s WWE departure
  • Breakdown of WWE and AEW attendance in 2023 and how it compares to other companies historically
  • 2023 WWE Iron Man award winner
  • Pro Wrestling NOAH’s big show
  • Stardom show at Sumo Hall rundown
  • Giulia future
  • Nakajima vs. Miyahara II
  • The most detailed look at the TV ratings of all the shows, rankings, demos, competition and comparisons with one year ago
  • What AEW may have done this past week for the first time in its history
  • What Japanese wrestler drew more major crowds in the U.S. than anyone in history
  • Andrade’s last match at Arena Mexico draws a sellout
  • The unique show this week at Arena Mexico
  • Lots of international groups coming to Philadelphia for WrestleMania
  • Story behind the departures and changes in All Japan
  • Annual New Year’s Eve trio tournament coverage
  • Takeshita comes to All Japan
  • Surprise as far as popularity of Iron Claw in week two
  • The story of World Class in Israel
  • Mil Mascaras and Hulk Hogan speak
  • Thoughts on Mad Kurt
  • Grandfather of NJPW star will be honored by the King Charles
  • Danielson talks his future
  • International TV deals for WWE and AEW
  • International TV ratings
  • Streaming numbers for the past week
  • UFC PPV experiment
  • Lots of newcomers to WWE
  • Advanced tickets for upcoming WWE & AEW & NJPW shows

This Week’s Retro Observer Newsletter

Sunday Update

Bryan and I will be up tonight covering the weekend wrestling news and taking questions that you can send to [email protected]. We’re looking for reports on these shows:

  • NXT from Friday night in Melbourne, FL
  • NXT from last night in Sebring, FL
  • WWE tonight in Wenatchee, WA

We’re looking for results, finishes and highlights to [email protected]

Because Collision wasn’t taped last week due to the PPV, in the U.K. airing this week and in international markets they aired a Best of 2023 show hosted by Renee Paquette and RJ City airing Bryan Danielson vs. Ricky Starks in a bullrope match from 9/23, FTR vs. Jay White & Juice Robinson in a 2/3 fall match from 7/15 (best match in show history), and Kris Statlander & Willow Nightingale vs. Mercedes Martinez & Diamante street fight from 12/16. The FTR match went almost an hour and thus they only needed three matches to fill the show (thanks to Stephen Lyon)

On last night’s show there were no teases for Mercedes Mone or for her appearing Wednesday in Jacksonville. What I know is that AEW does expect her to start on TV soon, but as noted, until it happens and the contract itself is signed, I wouldn’t consider anything 100 percent. One would think there would be some sort of a tease of a surprise if she was to appear, since that’s been the case with most major signings. But Sting’s original debut in Jacksonville came out of nowhere.

The Sting & Darby Allin vs. Konosuke Takeshita & Powerhouse Hobbs match for Wednesday is a tornado match and Ric Flair on his promo talked about being there in Sting’s corner.

The Tennessee Titans upset the Jacksonville Jaguars 28-20 today which knocked the Jaguars out of the playoffs that they seemed destined for a few weeks ago.

WWE from last night in Spokane, WA:

  • LA Knight b Jimmy Uso with the BFT. Solo Sikoa got involved. Knight said he was winning the title at the Royal Rumble
  • Julius Creed b JD McDonagh
  • Omos b Akira Tozawa. Same match they’ve been doing.
  • Becky Lynch & Shotzi & Bianca Belair b Asuka & Iyo Sky & Kairi Sane when Lynch pinned Asuka with the man handle slam. Lots of action.
  • Cody Rhodes b Shinsuke Nakamura in a street fight. A fan held up a sign and asked Rhodes if he would be his best man for his wedding. Rhodes asked if the fan had any felonies on his record and he said no. He asked how long you’ve been dating and the fan said two years. Rhodes said this would be a logistical nightmare but said he would do it.
  • Nia Jax b Ivy Nile with the annihilator
  • Randy Orton b Dominik Mysterio with the RKO
  • Seth Rollins b Drew McIntyre to keep the world title. The crowd was 50/50 at the start but McIntyre worked heel and got the people to cheer for Rollins to where it ended up closer to 80/20. He cut a promo playing a whiny heel saying everything he’s done is justified. Rollins won over two curb stomps (thanks to Stephen Heath and Dylan K)

Oregon State on Friday night set a state attendance record for amateur wrestling with 8,000 fans at Reser Stadium for a dual meet with Penn State. (thanks to Ashkon Nowtash)

The long-awaited movie on the life of Mayu Iwatani will be released in Japanese theaters on 5/17. The movie is the key reason she is the current IWGP women’s champion per Bushiroad decision making. Iwatani went from being a teenager who wouldn’t even leave her home to being one of the biggest women’s pro wrestling stars of the modern era in Japan.

Matt Striker apologized for comments he made last night during the Jacob Fatu vs. Matt Riddle match at the MLW show in Philadelphia. Striker said on the air, “Let’s talk about the elephant in the room. The court of public opinion would love to see Jacob Fatu slap the taste out of Matt Riddle’s mouth. But the court of public opinion does not convict, I’m sorry. I know it’s the world in which we live but, it’s not the case.” Striker then wrote this morning, “I’ve given this a lot of thought. Could not sleep. My critics are right. I was wrong. Tone deaf. Trying to use the guise of art or character portrayal is self preservation. Thank you to those that shone light on this. It is now on me to stand in that light. I will be better.”

For Riddle’s debut, we were told there were some boos for him but it was mostly dueling “Uce” and “Bro” chants. One person said it was a small amount at the start but never returned during the match and the crowd was hot with “bro” chants once the match started. Riddle’s debut with New Japan is this coming Saturday night in San Jose. Right now he’ll be doing indies, NJPW and MLW for the time being and will be on several NJPW tours in Japan this year including the next tour.

At last night’s show in Philadelphia, they announced Mistico vs. Averno on the 2/3 return at the 2300 Arena.

Oskar Leube and Yuto Nakashima of New Japan, who were announced as leaving on Friday, were announced for the 2/4 RevPro show in London. Leube will also be in the 16 Carat gold tournament in Oberhausen, Germany.

Raul Rosas Jr., the youngest UFC fighter, faces Ricky Turcios on the 2/24 show in Mexico City.

TNA announced dates on 3/22 and 3/23 in Philadelphia at the 2300 Arena. It’s notable that date and not Mania week. NJPW, which also usually runs Mania week, hasn’t yet announced anything for Philadelphia.

Besides New Japan, Nick Nemeth was announced for the 1/20 show for the WWC in Bayamon, PR, against island legend Ray Gonzalez. Also on the show Universal champion Intelecto Cinco Estrellas defends against Chris Masters and Caribbean champion Xavant defends against Matt Cardona, while Puerto Rican champion Gilbert faces Ryan Nemeth. The show will air on PPV from FITE (thanks to Michael Morales)

Raw tomorrow has Kofi Kingston vs. Ludvig Kaiser, JD McDonagh vs. The Miz, Cody Rhodes vs Shinsuke Nakamura, Finn Balor vs. Tommaso Ciampa and Katana Chance & Kayden Carter vs. Chelsea Green & Piper Niven for the women’s tag title. The game goes against the national championship college football game and CM Punk will be on the show.

Kurt Angle, who is under contract to WWE, did a video on the AEW angle with Stokely Hatahway trying to recruit Kris Statlander.

U.K. wrestler Sam Betts died on Saturday at the age of 91. He wrestled mostly under the name Dwight J. Ingleburgh, with the gimmick of being an American. He worked for many of the top promotions of the time. (thanks to Bradley Craig)

Tomoko Watanabe and Ai Houzan from Japan will be wrestling for West Coast Pro on 3/23 in San Francisco at the Irish Cultural Center. The special guest at the show will be Bull Nakano.

Mascara Dorada vs. Templario, which headlined Arena Mexico on Friday, will headline a 3/1 IWC Legacy show in Denver.

House of Glory from last night at the NYC Arena in New York: Encore Moore b JJ Boujji, Joey Silver won over Darren Richardson, Jay Armani and KC Navarro, Idris Jackson b Raheem Royal, Nolo Kitano b Gringo Loco, Carlos Ramirez b Krule, Midas Black & Jay Lyon d Chris Bey & Ace Austin over 20:00 (said to be really good), Mike Santana b Josh Alexander to keep the HOG title in another match reported as really good. Next show is 3/2 with the debut of Mustafa Ali.

Matt Striker returning to MLW broadcast booth

Posted on by Josh Nason

Matt Striker will return to pro wrestling broadcasting in a familiar place: MLW.

PWInsider reported Friday that Striker will return as an announcer starting at October 30th’s Fightland in Philadelphia, PA. The show will be taped for future episodes of MLW Fusion.

Striker was on several episodes of Fusion from 2018-2019 including 2019’s SuperFight event. Striker, as Matt Martel, even wrestled for MLW in its early days of 2003-2004.

He has an extensive history in broadcasting starting in WWE in 2008. After doing some work in ECW, NXT and SmackDown, Striker’s contract wasn’t renewed in 2013.

Striker has been the lead English announcer for several promotions including Lucha Underground, a few AAA events, and NJPW for 2016’s Wrestle Kingdom. He had a one-year run in Impact Wrestling before he was eventually replaced by Tom Hannifan.

He also has co-hosted several fantasy sports and betting shows with MLB Network and SiriusXM through the years.

The 48-year-old has been out of the ring since early-2020. 

Matt Striker done with Impact Wrestling

Posted on by Bryan Rose

Matt Striker is done with Impact Wrestling.

PWInsider confirmed this afternoon that Striker is done with the company. Striker posted, then deleted, a tweet confirming that he was no longer with Impact.

“I am disappointed that my time with #ImpactonAXSTV is done,” he wrote. “I REALLY enjoyed that locker room. Thanks for allowing me to tell your story. Thanks, everyone. Stay safe.”

Striker started announcing for Impact last January, where he and D’Lo Brown replaced Josh Mathews and Madison Rayne as the lead announce team starting with the 2021 edition of Hard to Kill. PWInsider reported that Brown is still expected to be part of the announce team going forward.

Striker has focused on commentary since 2008, joining the broadcast team of various WWE shows including ECW and SmackDown. After WWE opted not to renew his contract in 2013, he has called matches for various promotions including Lucha Underground, New Japan Pro Wrestling, and Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide.

Impact reveals new commentary team, Josh Mathews promoted

Posted on by Joseph Currier

A new Impact Wrestling commentary team will debut at this weekend’s Hard to Kill pay-per-view.

Starting at Hard to Kill this Saturday, Matt Striker will be Impact’s new play-by-play announcer and D’Lo Brown will be on color commentary. Striker and Brown will also call episodes of Impact weekly going forward.

Josh Mathews and Madison Rayne had been Impact’s commentary team. Impact Wrestling announced that Mathews has been promoted to senior producer for their programming. Mathews has also signed a new multi-year contract with Impact Wrestling.

Rayne will discuss her wrestling future at Hard to Kill. It was reported last month that Rayne is leaving Impact Wrestling for a career outside of wrestling.

“My play-by-play career has spanned nearly 20 years — from WrestleMania to Bound For Glory to incredible moments from IMPACT Wrestling on AXS TV,” Mathews said in a press release. “Producing will allow me to have a bigger role in the overall production of our weekly show, PPVs and IMPACT+ Specials.

“This transition has been a great process, Matt and D’Lo are bringing a fresh energy and are ready to go.  It was a special year in 2020, and both Madison Rayne and I will always be grateful for the opportunity and look forward to these exciting changes.”

“I’ve always loved professional wrestling. It is a love that unites so many people,” Striker said. “Pro wrestling is a sport and I want to be mindful to call it as such. I’ve learned and grown so much since I began, and I thank the fans — and the critics — for that. It is not lost on me the opportunity that is before me — I can once again lend my voice to the sport that I love. In doing so, I’m poised to describe, analyze, and witness the most advanced athletes the sport has ever seen. I am excited, nervous, thankful, and humbled. I cannot wait to get out there. You will always be able [to] hear the fan in me.”

“I’m very excited to join the IMPACT Wrestling broadcast booth and I know working alongside Matt Striker will be a lot of fun,” Brown said. “I believe in IMPACT Wrestling, with its amazing roster of skilled Superstars and Knockouts — and can’t wait to have the best seat in the house to call all the action. I’m humbled to follow the IMPACT broadcasting path of Don West and Mike Tenay, and most recently Don Callis, Madison Rayne and certainly Josh Mathews.  I’m beyond grateful for this opportunity.  I know there are big shoes to fill, but Striker and I will do our best.”

Hard to Kill will be headlined by AEW World Champion Kenny Omega & Impact Tag Team Champions The Good Brothers (Karl Anderson & Doc Gallows) facing Impact World Champion Rich Swann & The Motor City Machine Guns (Alex Shelley & Chris Sabin) in a six-man tag match.

Left My Wallet: Matt Striker does the MLB/wrestling name game

Posted on by Antonio Garza

Left My Wallet is back again talking baseball with former WWE superstar, baseball fanatic and fantasy sports radio host, Matt Striker.

We start with fantasy baseball. Matt discusses the value of starting pitching in a short season, how you can make a top level starter out of streaming the waiver wire, some of his favorite players to target in a shortened season, and more analysis for what looks to be a shortened season if at all.

Matt and I then play the wrestler/baseball player name game, the same exercise Vince Verhei and I did last week with NFL players. Who does Matt liken to the Undertaker? What wrestler would Mike Trout be? What player does Matt compare a resurgent Thomas Santell to?

Find out about that and more on this baseball-laden edition of Left My Wallet!

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Left My Wallet: Matt Striker and remembering Matt Cappotelli

Posted on by Antonio Garza

The MLB All Star Game is coming soon and on a new “Left My Wallet”, I am back talking baseball with Matt Striker, and remembering my friend, Matt Cappotelli.

I’ve known Striker since our time on the indies in 2002, and whether it was then, during our time in WWE, the numerous fantasy leagues were in, or when we see each other at shows now, the one common thing we always talk about is baseball. Matt and I sit down and talk some fantasy, trades and trade etiquette, who has been a surprise and who’s been a disappointment this season, the wild card race, the dominant Yankees and Red Sox, players to watch in the second half, and even some pro wrestling.

Whether you’re a fan of his or not, hes a knowledgable and passsionate sports fan and I think you’re really going to enjoy this different side and perspective from him.

First off, I share my fond memories of Matt Cappotelli who was a good friend during my time in OVW and WWE. Matt was one of the first people to warmly welcome me into the OVW family and was a pleasure to be around both in and out of the ring. He was a wonderful person who left us way too soon.

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Lucha Underground results: Rey Mysterio, Prince Puma in star-laden Trios match

Posted on by F4W Editors

Two titles are on the line tonight as Cage battles Chavo for the Gift of the Gods Title, and Rey Mysterio Jr, Prince Puma, and Dragon Azteca Jr. defend against the team of Fenix, PJ Black, and Jack Evans. It’s an unlikely team of opponents though, as Fenix is a babyface and thus an odd man out. Joey Ryan also faces Mascarita Sagrada, who is looking for his first win with Famous B by his side. 

The show begins with a recap of the cop drama and the Trios Titles being won by Rey, Prince Puma, and Dragon Azteca Jr. Chavo stealing Cage’s medallion is shown, and we see him letting Chavo win so he can get a shot tonight. In Vampiro’s lair, he tells Pentagon Jr. that he’s not ready to face Matanza – while Pentagon says he has zero fear. Vamp welcomes the Voodoo Greyskulls to the show, and he runs down tonight’s card as Cage battles Chavo for the Gift of the Gods Title.

Striker talks about the main event which will see PJ Black, Jack Evans, and Fenix facing Rey, Azteca, and Puma. Joey Ryan is mid-ring while Striker calls him a hit and quit it kinda guy. Famous B comes out and gets a nice Famous B chant. He transitions it into a Mascarita chant and introduces him wonderfully, outside of getting jumped and calling him ‘MASCARITA GODDAMN!”

Joey Ryan vs. Mascarita Sagrada

Joey jumps him, but Sagrada recovers, sends him to the floor and dives onto him. Sagrada gets crotched, and then Joey offers up his lollipop to Brenda. Joey can’t lift him over his head, but is overjoyed when he lands a basic slam. Wasteland by Sagrada and a diving headbutt gets 2. Joey gets kicked low, which hurts Sagrada. A small package gets 2 for Sagrada and then Joey gets a very awkward tornado DDT for the win. B and Brenda console Sagrada while the commentators talk about how Sagrada has yet to win with Famous B by his side.

We get a Taya personality profile about how she sees confidence when she looks in the mirror. She also kicks the asses of a bunch of wacky suited ninjas, as you do. Taya says she sees the perfect woman in the mirror, and Mundo agrees. Her red dress and ass-kicking made it seem like they were going for a Ronda Rousey in Expendables 3 vibe – only with more lucha ninjas. King Cuerno talks to Mil Muertes’s body in a coffin in his office. Mil acted like he was king – but he was still in Cuerno’s jungle. Well, that was different and great. Chavo comes down and then Striker adds a billion nicknames for Cage, including the Sentinel.

Chavo Guerrero vs. Cage – Gift of the Gods Title

Chavo gets a “Cage is gonna kill you” chant right away. Cage’s new black and gold singlet looks fantastic. He starts with tons of lariats in the corners while Vamp buries Striker for saying Chavo was once one of the best in the world. Chavo tries to gain an edge with sneaky tactics, but gets caught in an apron tree slam. He rakes the eyes and gets Cage to the floor – but a dive is caught and he eats several slams against the railing. Chavo sends him to the floor with a tilt a whirl headscissors and a dive.

Chavo lands a draping DDT and gets 2. Chavo goes for the legs, but Cage tosses him into the buckle and monkey flips him. Cage catches a dive and lands a Finlay roll before a moonsault misses. Chavo gets 2, and works on the knee. Cage hits an apron kick and lands his power superplex into the ring. European uppercut sends Chavo into the corner, where Chavo tries to kick him – but eats a sitout Alabama slam that gets 2. Cage’s F5 is countered and Chavo hits a running tornado DDT for 2.

Rolling kick hits for Chavo, but a discus lariat only gets 2 for Cage thanks to Chavo getting his feet on the rope. Chavo avoids a superplex and gets a sunset bomb and a frog splash for 2.5! Chavo doe the Eddie shuffle and lands Three Amigos – but only gets two of them and Cage turns into a suplex, then a powerbomb, and then Weapon X for the win and the Gift of the Gods Title. Cage trades in his title for a shot at Matanza next week – where it will be Monster vs. Machine.

Taya takes Jack and PJ to the locker room where Fenix is laid out. Mundo replaces him and then punts Fenix for good measure. Officers Neehan and Reyes search Dario’s office since Dario and “his hot ninja” are gone. They find tons of money before Castro busts them for trying to rob Dario without him – so Reyes arrests Cisco while Neehan points a gun at him. Well, this was different and furthers the cop drama while also ending The Crew. Taya comes out and tells everyone that Fenix won’t be here, but PJ and Jack have a better partner – Mundo!

Johnny Mundo, PJ Black, and Jack Evans vs. Trios Champions Rey Mysterio, Prince Puma, and Dragon Azteca Jr.

Jack starts with Azteca and lets everyone know he still hates dragons.  Jack flips around a bit, but eats a dropkick and some nasty chops in the corner. Azteca hits a double-jump armdrag sending Jack to the corner. A triangle dropkick sends Jack to the floor. PJ comes in to face Puma, and Puma gets tied to a tree of woe before Jack attacks in the corner. Mundo lands a tornado kick while Puma tries to rise up. PJ comes in and gets 2 off of that match. Mundo and PJ land a double backbody drop for 2.

Puma uses Jack and PJ against each other and forces PJ to DDT Jack with a flying lariat. Rey comes in to face Mundo and sends him down with a deja vu headscissors. Puma and Azteca kick away at Mundo. They get 2 off a legdrop while Jack jumps in for a save. Johnny turns Puma and Azteca’s bodies against each other by catching Azteca and sending Azteca into Puma in the corner. PJ gets 2 off a pop-up cutter. Evans comes in and lands a tornado kick before Rey sends Mundo to the floor. Azteca lands a springboard rana to the floor and sends Mundo into the apron.

Evans goes up, but gets crotched. Puma sends him down and that results in Evans hitting a wacky kick before hitting a pop-up rana that sends Puma into PJ where PJ eats a rana. Rey kicks PJ into the ropes for a 619, which hits. Puma’s 630 hits and only gets 2 because Mundo pulls the ref out. Mundo kicks Rey low before Mundo and Taya land a double superkick. PJ kicks Puma in the crotch and Evans kicks Puma low too! PJ goes for a brainbuster, but Jack kicks him low first and then the Wellness Policy hits. Johnny goes for the End of the World, but it only gets 2! Mundo goes for a German superplex, but Puma flips back and tags Azteca. Azteca gets a code red, but Jack chairshots him and Mundo cradles him for the win! PJ Black, Jack Evans, and Johnny Mundo win it – giving us two new champions tonight.

To see every screenshot for the show, just click here.