Tag: Matt Sydal

Daily Update: Matt Travis, Raw, ‘Playing with Fire’

Posted on by Dave Meltzer

DAILY UPDATE

Latest News:

Latest Audio:

We’re looking for reports on yesterday’s WWE Smackdown show in Minehead, England as well as today’s shows in Aberdeen, Scotland and Dublin, Ireland to [email protected]  We’re also looking for reports on the MLW TV tapings yesterday in Orlando.

We’re also looking for your thoughts on AEW Full Gear, so you can leave a thumbs up, thumbs down or thumbs in the middle along with a best and worst match to [email protected]

 Since Raw was taped on Friday, there are WWE live shows Monday in Glasgow, Scotland for Raw and Vienna, Austria for Smackdown.  Walter will be defending the NXT UK title against Jordan Devlin in Austria.  Tuesday has shows in Amsterdam, Germany and Lille, France. The Smackdown crew is in Zurich, Switzerland on Wednesday.

F4W NEWSLETTER: Figure Four Weekly: Recapping WWE Crown Jewel

Joseph Currier gives his thoughts on Crown Jewel and the travel delays the WWE roster faced after the show.

When Crown Jewel ended last Thursday, it seemed like things weren’t quite as awful for WWE as their previous shows in Saudi Arabia.

In the ring, this year’s Crown Jewel was probably the best event that WWE has had in Saudi Arabia. There were low points, but the show was focused more on the current roster and special attractions than relying solely on nostalgia. Though Hulk Hogan and Ric Flair were part of the show, they coached teams of current wrestlers and weren’t actually competing themselves. A major title change even took place, with The Fiend becoming Universal Champion by defeating Seth Rollins in their falls count anywhere main event.

Most importantly for WWE, they got to put on the first-ever women’s match in Saudi Arabia. Natalya defeated Lacey Evans, and it went as well as could be expected. There were obviously restrictions, including what Natalya and Evans were allowed to wear. But the quality of the match was largely irrelevant to WWE. Natalya and Evans treated this like a milestone that they were honored to be part of. The audience also played their part, helping WWE’s narrative come off as more than just hollow messaging.

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WON NEWSLETTER: November 11, 2019 Observer Newsletter: Situation with WWE and Saudi Arabia, NXT invasion, more

One of the craziest stories in pro wrestling history, one that will be talked about in autobiographies to come, involves the WWE’s trip to Saudi Arabia. We’ve got a complete rundown on what happened as well as details of a story that involved hundreds of millions of dollars, the stock market, mainstream media, and much more. The new issue also covers: 

The decision to put NXT talent on main roster shows affected ratings for Raw, Smackdown and NXT.

A complicated story with a lot of issues, including a $60 million payment, let money, a new and better deal for WWE, lagging stock price, talent stuck in Saudi Arabia an extra day, a meeting called by Vince McMahon, what does and doesn’t add up among the different stories, the Smackdown show and how it went down, stock analyses look at WWE, and much more.

Coverage of UFC 244, with the story behind the fight, the stoppage of the main event, Nate Diaz’s 180 reaction on what he wants to do, Jorge Masvidal and the BMF championship, scary finishes, upsets and surprises along with match-by-match coverage and poll results from the show.

New Japan building two Tokyo Dome shows in January with key matches, angles being worked on, the retirement of Jushin Liger, the situation with Katsuyori Shibata, the return of Hiromu Takahashi, what Will Ospreay talked of, the upcoming tag team tournament, the junior tag team tournament, California shows as well as a full rundown of Power Struggle with match-by-match coverage with star ratings and poll results.

The Randy Orton contract, interest level of Crown Jewel, Lance Storm goes to WWE in a non-wrestling role and why now, Styles pushes for angle which changes storyline direction, another finish changed on Raw, NXT future plans, lots of WWE injury notes, WrestleMania kickoff party and plans for the next show in Mexico City.

Upcoming War Games matches, UK stars on main roster shows, WWE’s biggest house show week of the year, the most watched shows on the WWE Network, plus WWE’s first show in the U.K. and a rundown on all the NXT house shows.

Kenny Omega’s possibly going after yet another world title with coverage of DDT’s big show at Sumo Hall. 

Coverage of the MLW PPV show, Dragon Gate’s Gate of Destiny with storyline notes and coverage and Pro Wrestling NOAH’s biggest event of the year at Sumo Hall.

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

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

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

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

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SUNDAY NEWS UPDATE

Bryan and I have our weekend show up covering Full Gear, last night’s New Japan show and also cover the reasons behind some of the things on Raw that airs tomorrow night.

We are sorry to report the death of New York independent wrestler Matt Travis, who was on his bicycle at 2:30 a.m. Saturday when a dump truck driver made an illegal left turn and hit him. He was rushed to Harlem Hospital and pronounced dead on arrival.  The driver didn’t stop and police are looking for him. Wrestlers all day yesterday were writing tributes about him. I believe he was trained originally by Amazing Red.

In the Google trends over the weekend, the only thing combat sports related was the Logan Paul vs. KSI rematch which did 2 million searches, making it No. 1 for yesterday. UFC and AEW did not crack the top 20 yesterday. AEW was on the list at one point but other subjects overtook it.

A few notes regarding Raw which are spoilers.  These are the matches:

  • Asuka & Kairi Sane defend the women’s tag titles against Becky Lynch & Charlotte Flair
  • Sin Cara vs. Drew McIntyre
  • The Singh Brothers vs. R-Truth for the 24/7 title
  • Seth Rollins vs. Walter
  • Rollins & Kevin Owens & Street Profits vs. Imperium
  • Cedric Alexander vs. Andrade
  • Soner Durson vs. Erick Rowan
  • Viking Raiders vs. Flash Morgan Webster & Mark Andrews
  • Randy Orton & Ricochet & Humberto Carrillo vs. A.J,. Styles & Luke Gallows & Karl Anderson

In the Lana angle that we talked about on the show earlier today, with Rusev and Bobby Lashley, at the end of the angle it is revealed as a ruse and that Lana really isn’t pregnant.  This angle got a really bad reaction live. Will be interesting to see if they change the crowd reaction audio.

“Playing With Fire” starring John Cena opened at an estimated $12.8 million for the weekend, putting it in third place behind Midway ($17.5 million) and Doctor Sleep ($14.1 million). The movie didn’t do well in reviews, with only 24 percent positive according to Rotten Tomatoes.

WWE

  • Natalya missed the TV tapings on Friday due to a family obligation.
  • Kambi has put up some odds for Survivor Series for star ratings (thanks to David Taylor):
    Men’s tag team title Triple Threat ***3/4
    Brock Lesnar vs. Rey Mysterio ***
    Women’s title three way ***3/4
  • A November 6, 1983 event at the Omni is now on the WWE Network in the new Hidden Gems listing.  The card is:
    Brad Armstrong vs. Joe Lightfoot
    Ron Garvin vs. Jake Roberts for the National title
    Jimmy Valiant vs. Great Kabuki
    Buzz Sawyer vs. Abdullah the Butcher
    Road Warriors vs. Dusty Rhodes & Brett Sawyer for National tag titles
    Tommy Rich vs. Ted DiBiase
  • At today’s WWE show in Dublin, Daniel Bryan asked if for the first time in a year people wanted the “yes” chants and they did so he led them doing so.

AEW

  • Another note on the show when we talked about Kenny Omega and Jon Moxley coming from CZW, Omega actually got his hardcore wrestling start in JAPW, the first U.S. group he worked regularly with, while Moxley was in CZW.
  • There was a skirmish on Thursday night at Tony Schiavone’s birthday party in Baltimore involving Excalibur and Jimmy Havoc.  It definitely happened, Tony Khan said it was a draw while other reports differed on that saying Excalibur choked him out.

MISCELLANEOUS

  • For those interested in going to Japan in January with a group of people Wrestling Travel has tour for the two Tokyo Dome shows here. They also have packages for the Royal Rumble and WrestleMania.
  • The toy company Super 7, based in San Francisco, announced they are coming out with New Japan action figures including Kazuchika Okada, Hiroshi Tanahashi, Tomohiro Ishii and Will Ospreay. They also have a Lucha Libre line with Blue Demon Jr. Tinieblas Jr., and Solar (thanks to Ross Blair)
  • King Mo, who retired from MMA on Friday, debuted yesterday for MLW in Orlando.
  • Myron Reed beat Teddy Hart to win the middleweight title at the Orlando show.
  • Kambi also has star ratings odds for the 1/4 show at the Tokyo Dome:
    Jay White vs. Tetsuya Naito ****1/2
    Kazuchika Okada vs. Kota Ibushi *****
    Will Ospreay vs. Hiromu Takahashi ****3/4
    Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Chris Jericho ****1/4
  • Tickets go on sale on 11/14 for the MLW return to Cicero Stadium on 2/29 at www.MLWtickets.com
  • WAR has an all women’s event on 12/6 in Lima, OH at the Bradfield Community Center.
  • Defy has shows on 11/30 and 12/1 in Seattle at Washington Hall.  12/1 will have all ages allowed. Only over 21 for the 11/30 show.  Meiko Satomura, Jimmy Havoc, El Phantasmo, Jake Atlas, Alex Hammerstone, Jacob Fatu, Douglas James and others are no both shows.  They also announced a 1/3 show with Matt Sydal.
  • Charli Evans vs. Avary was announced for Melbourne City Wrestling’s next GIRL show on 11/17. 
  • Erika Reid vs. Saraya Knight, Lena Kross vs. Hiroyo Matsumoto and Meiko Satomura vs. Mercedes Martinez were  announced for NHPW on 12/6 in Western Australia. (thanks to Kevin Chiat)
  • Tajiri vs. Andruew Tang headlines the 11/23 Singapore Pro Wrestling show.
  • Joe E. Legend is doing a pro wrestling seminar on 11/17 for $40 at the House of Truth Pro Wrestling school in Center Line, MI.  He’s teaching European style chain wrestling match psychology, character development and different styles learned working all over the world.  For more info go to hotwrestlingschool.com
  • Pro Wrestling Eve from yesterday in London, UK:  Laura DiMatteo b Gisele Shaw, Rhia O’Reilly b Mei Suruga, Millie McKenzie b Nicole Savoy, Angel Hayze b Aleah James, , Jazz b Jetta, Mercedes Martinez b Kasey
  • The second show from yesterday:  Millie McKenzie b Gisele Shaw, Jetta b Mei Suruga, Kasey b Angel Hayze, Mercedes Martinez b Mercedes Blaze, Laura
  • DiMatteo b Nicole Savoy, Rhia O’Reilly b Jazz.  Promoter Dann Read thanks Jazz for coming in and talked about how great she was to work with and how back in the past she gave a lot of the women hope for the future of non-models in wrestling and said she deserves a run in WWE or AEW.  The entire roster came out to thank her. Jazz said she wasn’t expecting all this and thanked the fans, and aid she was in the T&A era but for her that stood for talent and ability.
  • Pro Wrestling Eve from today in London:  Promoter Dann Read announced Nicole Savoy was injured and off today’s show and Angel Hayze is out today and questionable for the next show.  Rhia O’Reilly announced i she wins the tournament she wants a shot at International champion Jamie Hayter. Jazz b Mei Suruga, Kasey b Mercedes Blaze, Jetta b Rhia O’Reilly, Mercedes Martinez b Amazon (Ayesha Raymond), Gisele Shaw b Rebel Kinney, Millie McKenzie b Laura DiMatteo.  The B block in the tournament comes down to a three-way with McKenzie, DiMatteo and Shaw. (thanks to Shannon Walsh and wrestlingwithdemons.net) 
  • EPW from last night in Melbourne:  Dan Moore b Gavin McGavin, Julian Ward b Kiel Steria, Jack Edwards & Tipene b Taylor King & Tyler Jacobs-DQ, Jay Taylor b Del Cano, Aaron Hawk & Dan Steel b Alex Kingston & Logan Grey in a street fight, Julian Ward b Dan Moore, Damian Slater & Marcius Pitt b Davis Storm & Richter, Mikey Nicholls b Michael Morleone to win the EPW title
  • MCW from last night in Melbourne:  Brat Pack won three-way over Ritchie Taylor & Mike Burr and Jett Rouka & Kaz Jordan, Gino Gambino & Bad Luck Fale b Atlas Whittaker & Emmanuel & Shaun Young, Avary b Lena Kross, Jake Andrewartha b Fun Time Phil, Steph DeLander b Kellyanne in a no DQ match to keep the women’s title, Danny Psycho b Hartley Jackson to keep the Intercommonwealth title, Robbie Eagles b Emman the Kid, Adam Brooks won elimination match over Alex and Dowie James to win the MCW title.  Gino Gambino & Fale attacked Eagles as part of the New Japan program where Eagles quit Bullet Club. This was the last show on longtime MCW booker Criss Fresh, who has retired from the position. (thanks to Kevin Chiat)
  • Xia Brookside and Sean Kustom will be in Australia taking bookings from 11/20 to 1/2.
  • Shine from yesterday in Woodside, NY:  Madi Maxx b Savannah Evans, Tina San Antonio b Vanity, Candy Cartwright b Notorious Nadi, Ashley Vox & Delmi Exo won three-way over Brittany Blake & Avery Taylor and Gabby Gilbert & Luscious Latasha, Natalia Markova b Double D’Rose, Alex Gracia b Brandi Lauren, Shotzi Blackheart & Big Swole & Aja Perera b Allysin Kay & Marti Belle & Jayme Jameson.  Kay vs. Blackheart takes place today. 
  • CWE tonight in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan with Juventud Guerrera.  They also run 11/15 in Grande Prairie Alberta at the Jackpot Grill Events Centre with Guerrera and Jimmy Jacobs. 
  • Billy Gunn, Sammy Guevara and Matt Sydal are headed to IPWA in Ciname City Glilot, Israel on 12/15.
  • A story on Austin Idol opening a wrestling school in Greenville, SC. (thanks to Mike Kumzuk)

Daily Pro Wrestling History: Eddie Guerrero wins WCW Cruiserweight title

CONTACT INFORMATION

Matt Sydal set for EVOLVE shows, wrestling as Evan Bourne

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Matt Sydal is returning to his former WWE name for EVOLVE Wrestling.

Sydal was announced for four EVOLVE shows today — and he’ll be wrestling as Evan Bourne at them. He’ll be in action at EVOLVE 139 in Queens, New York on Saturday, November 9, EVOLVE 140 in Brooklyn, New York on Sunday, November 10, EVOLVE 141 in Livonia, Michigan on Friday, December 6, and EVOLVE 142 in Chicago, Illinois on Saturday, December 7.

This will be the first time Sydal has wrestled as Bourne since 2013. He’ll also be available for meet-and-greets at all four shows.

“We have so many unique opportunities with the EVOLVE connection to WWE,” EVOLVE’s Gabe Sapolsky said in a statement. “We can put on matches with talent that no one else on the independent wrestling level can. One of these unique opportunities is being able to revive Evan Bourne. I know he is very hungry and looks at this as a comeback opportunity. I’ve [known] him since 2004 and I’m very excited to be working with him again.”

“There has never been a more ideal moment for Evan Bourne to return,” Bourne said. “I’m thankful for this rebirth. I’m thrilled for this opportunity, and I will open everyone’s eyes at EVOLVE. On November 9th and 10th, come see what I’m saying.”

EVOLVE noted that information on Bourne’s matches will be announced early next week.

Daily Update: Khabib, Pro Wrestling NOAH, Jose Aldo

Posted on by Bryan Rose

DAILY UPDATE

Latest News

Latest Audio

F4W NEWSLETTER: Figure Four Weekly: Seth Rollins, Becky Lynch win Royal Rumbles

For the second straight year, WWE went with two fan-pleasing choices as their Royal Rumble winners. WWE followed up on Shinsuke Nakamura and Asuka’s wins from last year by having Seth Rollins and Becky Lynch win their respective Rumble matches on Sunday night. The results were entirely predictable, but that doesn’t mean they weren’t the right choices. While there are other stories that WWE can tell, top babyfaces beginning their road to WrestleMania by winning the Royal Rumble will pretty much always work. 

WON NEWSLETTER: January 28, 2019 Observer Newsletter: Future of Ronda Rousey, Royal Rumble preview, more

Our lead story in the new issue of the Wrestling Observer talks about Ronda Rousey and her WWE schedule including how long a time frame of when she has talked of stepping away.

Also, look at the top of the WrestleMania card and what major star isn’t scheduled, and what other major star may be having his match changed.

Read the full preview of the Royal Rumble, with notes on ticket expectation, how the market is for all four WWE arena events in Phoenix this week, and the situation with John Cena.

Also, look at UFC’s first show on ESPN, the Dillashaw vs. Cejudo aftermath, the Greg Hardy debut, the business notes on the show and what record was set as well as how streaming sign-ups destroyed any combat sport event in history, and match-by-match coverage.

Break down the latest Jon Jones drug test failure and why failing the test actually gives more credence to his story than if he had passed all of his tests.

Examine a fourth generation wrestler training at the Performance Center, what happened with The Revival, lots of WWE contract news, XFL President announced, XFL TV talks, and injury updates.

Look at the major hearing next week in Nevada, California’s reaction and UFC’s reaction to Jones’ test failure.

This issue has a rundown of the final three nights of the Fantastica Mania tour, including why the third night was such an entertaining show, as well as an update on the talent in CMLL and the unique match that came from a movie.

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.

TUESDAY NEWS UPDATE

WWE

  • The last of four straight shows in Phoenix, Arizona concludes tonight as SmackDown will air live at the Talking Stick Arena. Shinsuke Nakamura will defend the United States title against R-Truth, while The Miz and Shane McMahon are set to throw “The Best Tag Team Celebration in The World”.
  • Total Bellas on Sunday did 454,000 viewers, a record viewership low for the series.
  • WWE Studios’ Blood Brother is now out on DVD, digital and Blu-ray. It stars Trey Songz and features R-Truth in a supporting role.
  • No Way Jose, Tyler Breeze, Bayley and Dana Warrior hosted a Kid Power event recently at Valencia Newcomer School in Phoenix.
  • Lacey Evans, Bianca Belair and Montez Ford served breakfast to veterans at MANA House during Royal Rumble weekend.

Pro Wrestling

  • Pro Wrestling NOAH’s parent company has been taken over by LIDET Entertainment, who now own 75 percent of NOAH Global Entertainment. All office members of the parent company will retire next month, which includes Masayuki Uchida, the company’s president. Yusuke Fuwa will continue to be president of the company.
  • Impact has moved a number of people on their roster to their alumni section, including Caleb Konley and Matt Sydal.
  • Sydal posted an update following knee surgery: “Surgery went well! I’m meeting with my doctor tomorrow for more information and to begin the recovery process. Thanks for the support.”
  • Chris Jericho posted on Instagram: “I’m coming back…I will return… @njpw1972”
  • PWInsider reported that MLW has parted ways with Sammy Guevara. They reported that Guevara double-booked himself for select MLW dates, including the show this weekend and felt there was no way to use him consistently.

UFC/MMA

  • Ariel Helwani is reporting that Khabib Nurmagomedov is “done” fighting in Nevada until his teammates’ suspensions were lifted. Abubakar Nurmagomedov and Zubaira Tukhugov received a one year suspension in Nevada due to their participation in the post-fight brawl at UFC 229.
  • José Aldo told Portal do Vale Tudo (via Bloody Elbow) he is planning to retire by the end of 2019, and he no longer wishes to go after UFC gold.
  • According to Aaron Bronsteter, USADA’s testing database was updated today and Brock Lesnar’s name was among those who have been tested since the start of 2019. Lesnar has been eligible to fight since 1/8.
  • Bellator was scored 697,000 viewers on Saturday, placing tenth for the night on cable.
  • Posting a picture of herself in a lucha libre outfit, Joanna Jedzejczyk wrote on Instragram: “@rondarousey can I join ya in @wwe?”
  • ONE Championship wrestling will run a promotional tour in the US next month with new signees Eddie Alvarez, Demetrious Johnson and Sage Northcutt.
  • The United States Fight League announced that UFC veteran Joe Stevenson and renowned trainer Duke Roufus will be the coaches for the U.S. youth MMA team.
  • This article is about how reformed gang leader Ruben Saldaña has changed his life and the lives of many through MMA coaching. 

Daily Pro Wrestling History: John Cena defeats AJ Styles to win WWE title

Ed in San Antonio presents the WRESTLEMANIAWeekend Events (more to be added):

  • Sunday, April 6th, at 12:00 pm: Lunch (all you can eat) at Churrascaria Plataforma ($90 per person), located at 316 W. 49th street in Manhattan. Purchase tickets here~!
  • Luxury Bus to MetLife Stadium for Wrestlemania: We will depart from the Hilton Midtown (site of Wrestlecon) located at 1335 Avenue of the Americas. Departure time is 4:00 pm and will return from MetLife approximately 30 mins after the event. Times are subject to change, and cost $67.00 per person for the round trip. Purchase tickets here~!

CONTACT INFORMATION

Matt Sydal to undergo surgery to repair torn cartilage in knee

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Matt Sydal is set to undergo surgery next Thursday to repair torn cartilage in his knee.

Sydal tweeted that he’ll be having the surgery and noted that he should be able to return to the ring by March or April: “I’m having surgery next Thursday to repair torn cartilage in my knee. I should be able to return to the ring by March or April. I’ll be teaching wrestling online, and at the @WWNLive training center throughout. Reach out to [email protected] with questions.”

Sydal has been teaming with Ethan Page in Impact Wrestling recently. They faced each other in an Ultimate X qualifying match at Impact’s television tapings in Las Vegas last November, with Page winning to advance to the Ultimate X match for the then-vacant X Division Championship at Homecoming.

Rich Swann ended up winning the X Division title at the pay-per-view. Swann, Willie Mack, Dezmond Xavier, Zachary Wentz & Trey Miguel also defeated Sydal, Page, Sami Callihan, Dave Crist & Jake Crist on the go-home show for Homecoming.

Impact Wrestling results: Fallout from Slammiversary XVI

Posted on by Josh Molina

The first show after Slammiversary XVI featured a heavy dose of self-praise for the company’s pay-per-view event and the setting up of several new feuds leading into the next big PPV, Bound For Glory, on October 14.

Impact World Champion Austin Aries opened the show. He called Slammiversary the “PPV of the year.” Without mentioning other companies by name he ripped on them, saying no one hands him a script and tells him what to say before he talks. 

“You want to call yourself the best, you have to step into the ring with the best,” Aries said.

Eddie Edwards, fresh off a feud with Tommy Dreamer, snuck up behind him and hit him with a kendo stick in the stomach and then landed the two-arm DDT, setting up the next title feud.

Commentators Don Callis and Josh Mathews were at ringside instead of in the studio for the show.

Taiji Ishimori defeated Petey Williams

The crowd was totally behind Williams, chanting “Petey, Petey,” throughout the match.

This was a display of high-flying moves. Ishimori went for a hurricanrana that Williams turned into a powerbomb. Ishimori got the win after he blocked Williams’ Canadian Destroyer attempt and hit a suplex into a DDT. In a show of respect, the two men hugged but were then attacked by the Desi Hit Squad, leaving them laid out in the ring. 

Backstage, they interviewed Anthony Carelli, formerly Santino Marella in the WWE. Carelli was there to promote some of his wrestling students, when Aries picked a fight with him. Carelli said he would love to fight Aries but that he isn’t medically cleared because of a neck injury.

“If you are too old and broken down to step into the ring with the champ, I understand,” Aries told him.

Instead his student, Dustin Cameron, challenged Aries to a fight. Aries accepted and walked away. 

“At least he paid for his membership in advance,” a surprised Carelli said to end the interview segment. 

Tessa Blanchard defeated Rebel

Blanchard won with a DDT. Rebel got most of the offense in during the match, allowing Blanchard to show her exceptional selling skills. Blanchard oozes charisma and ring presence, and she appears to be in a league of her own in the Knockouts division.

They showed a package hyping Bound for Glory.

Scarlett Bordeaux appeared in an interview segment looking like a “Price is Right” model in lingerie. 

She asked to be referred to as “The Smokeshow.” They set up a fan at her feet to blow her hair as she was being interviewed.

“I want to be an inspiration to little girls everywhere,” she said. “I want to be remembered as the greatest women’s activist of all time like Marilyn Monroe or Cardi B.”

She said she would not be “hot shamed” and that “The Smokeshow is here to make wrestling sexy again.”

Johnny Impact defeated Trevor Lee (w/ Caleb Konley)

The crowd was very much into Impact. Lee resembles a young Bruiser Brody. Impact hit a million corkscrew dives in and out of the ring on Lee.

Impact used the top rope to springboard off of, showing his remarkable athleticism. He also hit an amazing corkscrew splash from the top rope outside of the ring onto both Lee and Konley. Impact won the match with the Starship Pain off the top rope.

After the match, Impact grabbed the microphone. “I can’t even begin to tell you how good it feels to be back in Impact Wrestling,” said the 38-year-old veteran. 

He said he wants to become the Impact World Champion, but first he has some unfinished business to take care of against Kongo Kong.

Allie was interviewed and she confessed guilt for not being able to stop Madison Rayne from getting locked in the coffin by Su Yung at Slammiversary. She made a promise to stop Yung. Kiera Hogan showed up and said that Allie was not alone and that she would help her put an end to Yung’s reign as Knockouts Champion.

Flashback Moment of the Week: Motor City Machine Guns (Alex Shelley & Chris Sabin) defeated Generation Me (Max & Jeremy Buck) (No Surrender 2009)

Tazz referred to Generation Me, better known today as The Young Bucks, as “these two young bucks” who were “Christian athletes.” The Motor City Machine Guns won after they hit a “skull on bones” on Jeremy Buck. 

X Division Champion Brian Cage defeated Matt Sydal to retain his title

Cage looked big and bloated, but it’s hard not to be impressed by his physique and ability to move like a small guy, even though he’s not. Sydal continued his new age, third eye gimmick and put on a high-flying clinic against the bigger man. At one point, Cage caught Sydal in mid-air and slammed him into the turnbuckle outside the ring.

Later, Cage hit an impressive 619 on Sydal. Cage hit an F-5 that Sydal kicked out of. Cage eventually won with a suplex into a piledriver.

The show ended with Mathews saying Cage had never been submitted or pinned.

Impact Wrestling results: Sydal vs. Cage, Moose vs. Eli Drake

Posted on by Josh Molina

The show opened with the over-the-top entrance of Grado, accompanied by Katarina. Eddie Edwards quickly interrupted. He pulled Grado from the top rope and hit him with the Singapore cane.

Edwards called out Tommy Dreamer, calling him a fraud. Edwards was angry that Dreamer interrupted his fight in the woods with Sami Callihan last week. 

Dreamer tried to use reason with Edwards. He told him to put the cane down. Edwards called the hardcore legend a fraud for wanting to stop violence when Dreamer made his reputation as a hardcore fighter. Dreamer said we know more about concussions now and head injuries now than in the 1990s.

Dreamer tried praise, telling Edwards that he had all the talent in the world to be Impact Champion. Edwards smacked Dreamer over the head with the cane. Dreamer, once recovered, walked angrily backstage and said he was quitting the promotion. 

Taya Valkyrie defeated Rebel

Rebel put on a splits display throughout the match. As the heel, Valkyrie controlled the pace of much of the match. Rebel rallied to hit a Kinshasa that led two a two-count. She went for a moonsault and landed on her feet, but Valkyrie hit a spear, then a double chicken wing front face splash for the win.

An out-of-breath Valkyrie grabbed the mic and challenged Madison Rayne.

“Put your hands together and give Madison Rayne a round of applause because she is back in the Impact Zone,” she said, before telling the crowd to show up. Valkyrie called herself “Lucha royalty,” and said “This is my kingdom.”

Flashback Moment of the Week: AJ Styles defeated Christopher Daniels and Samoa Joe to win the X Division Championship (Unbreakable 2005)

This was a flashback match to when TNA was still the brand and they wrestled in a six-sided ring. 

The crowd was totally hot for the match, which was a reminder of the talent that was once in TNA.

In one of the many highlights, Styles hit a Pele kick on Joe, put him in a torture rack backbreaker, and then dropped him on his back. Daniels saved the pin. Styles hit a Styles Clash on Daniels, but Joe broke up the pinfall. Eventually, Styles reversed a double-arm back suplex to drop Daniels on his back for the pinfall to win the X Division Championship. 

Cult of Lee (Trevor Lee & Caleb Konley) defeated KM & Fallah Bahh

Bahh was over largely because of his physique, a short, round guy. Commentator Josh Mathews said KM and Bahh were being recruited by Hollywood for a film. During his entrance, Bahh picked up a sign that said “#fat kids rule the world.”

There were lots of double team spots with Bahh and KM working over either Konley or Lee. At one point both members of Cult of Lee were laid out inside the ring and the hefty Bahh rolled over them — twice.

Cult of Lee won after Bahh got his eyes raked, and then, unable to see, gave KM a Samoan drop, when KM was trying to help him. Konley pinned KM. 

Bahh and KM argued after the match. KM pushed Bahh to the ground and then said he was “done” before walking away from the ring. 

Moose defeated Eli Drake

The match took place from the old ECW Arena in Philadelphia. On the line was a title shot against Austin Aries at Slammiversary. 

This was a long, methodical match. There was a good spot where Moose swung Drake by the legs, Cesaro style, into the guard rails on the outside of the ring. 

Drake hit a cool superplex, but Moose kicked out.

Moose won after a spear for the pin on Drake, and will now challenge Aries at Slammiversary.

Tessa Blanchard defeated Kiera Hogan in a no DQ match

Hogan got the match started quickly with several elbows to Blanchard’s chest outside the ring. Hogan, wearing red and yellow, landed several stiff right hands.

This was a no disqualification match. Blanchard eventually turned the tide, hitting Hogan with two hard dropkicks into her back, as she was leaning up against the ropes.

The two exchanged several hardcore spots using a steel chair. 

Blanchard won after throwing Hogan face first onto a steel chair for the pin.

El Hijo Del Fantasma defeated Jake Crist

Fantasma is the AAA Latin American Champion. Not much of a match. Fantasma won with a flying body scissors that he transitioned into a roll-up for the win. 

After the match, brother Dave Crist and Sami Callihan triple teamed Fantasma, nearly removing his mask. The lights dimmed and out came Pentagon, chasing Callihan and the Crist brothers from the scene.

X-Division Champion Matt Sydal defeated Brian Cage by countout

Mathews noted that Brian Cage beat Bobby Lashley twice recently. Sydal, with his long hair, was looking a lot like Dolph Ziggler

The match consisted of Sydal trying to stick and move while Cage stalked him. Sydal used his quickness to hit a kick to the head and then a splash. Cage ,however, popped up, and then curled him several times like he was a barbell, before dumping him on his back. Cage then delivered 10 clotheslines to Sydal against the corner turnbuckle.

The match was then interrupted by Jimmy Jacobs and Kongo Kong, who stood on the ramp. Thanks to their presence, Sydal rallied

Cage hit a superplex from the bottom rope inside of the ring. Sydal tried a hurricanrana and Cage caught him and threw him into the turnbuckle.

Cage was exhausted during the match. It spilled to the outside and, when the referee wasn’t looking, Kong threw Cage into the steel steps, forcing Cage to lose by countout. It was Cage’s first loss.

Impact Wrestling results: Sydal defends against Fantasma

Posted on by Dave Bath

Previously: Z & E became Impact Tag Team Champions by defeating Scott Steiner & Eli Drake.

Tonight: Moose goes one-on-one with Kongo Kong. Plus, X Division Champion Matt Sydal defends against El Hijo Del Fantasma.

Show Recap —

OVE (w/ Sami Callihan) defeated Drago & Aerostar by DQ

The faces were in control early and hit dives to the floor, but OVE took over after Callihan interfered. They isolated Drago on their side of the ring.

During the match, Eddie and Alisha Edwards arrived at the Impact Zone. Edwards ran out with a kendo stick and attacked OVE for the disqualification. He choked out Callihan with the kendo stick. Alisha pleaded with Edwards to stop, but he instead attacked security with it stick as well.

– Edwards and Alisha argued in the back. Edwards isn’t finished with Callihan, and Alisha accused Edwards of being exactly like him.

Cult of Lee defeated LAX

The announcers pushed that LAX have been on a losing streak. LAX were briefly in control, but the heels gained the advantage. Santana got the hot tag and ran wild. LAX set up for an assisted cutter before Lee pulled Ortiz out of the ring. Konley rolled up Santana for the win.

– KM and Fallah Bahh ran into Grado and Katarina in the back. KM couldn’t understand how Grado is dating Katarina.

Flashback Moment of the Week: Mr. Anderson defeated James Storm

The winner of this won the advantage for the Team TNA vs. Aces & Eights War Games match. Storm set up for the Last Call when Aces & Eights came out. Storm was distracted and Anderson hit the Mic Check for the win.

– McKenzie Mitchell interviewed Madison Rayne. Tessa Blanchard interrupted and challenged Rayne to a match for next week.

– Scott Steiner and Eli Drake interrupted a Z & E interview but ended up arguing with each other.

X Division Champion Matt Sydal defeated El Hijo Del Fantasma to retain his title

Sydal gained the early advantage by working over Fantasma’s knee. Fantasma hit a baseball dropkick to gain control of the match. They brawled around ringside, then Fantasma locked on a modified Indian Deathlock in the ring. Fantasma was firmly in control when Sydal hit a double underhook pumphandle driver for the win.

– At the LAX Clubhouse, Santana and Ortiz went crazy and destroyed the room. Kingston showed up and told them that Konnan got jumped. He said Homicide is with Konnan. Kingston mentioned that he is the third in command and to listen to him.

Dezmond Xavier defeated Petey Williams

The winner of this faces Brian Cage next week in an X Division Championship number one contender’s match.

Williams gained the edge with a hurricanrana to the floor. Xavier fired up and hit a cutter for a near fall. Williams attempted the Canadian Destroyer, but Xavier countered out. Xavier executed a backflip into a kick for the win.

– Backstage, Allie stared in a mirror and recalled Su Yung burning Rosemary’s casket.  Allie had her face painted like Rosemary and was dressed like her. There was writing in lip stick on the mirror, which read: “B, don’t let the darkness consume you…R”

Moose defeated Kongo Kong

Kong came down to the ring without Jimmy Jacobs. Moose sent him to the floor, then followed up with a plancha. Kong took over after Moose missed a charge and hit the steps. Kong connected with the cannonball on the floor against the steps.

Kong hit a belly-to-belly suplex for a near fall. Moose attempted a slam but collapsed under Kong’s weight. Moose fought back, hitting a hesitation dropkick. Kong missed the diving splash and Moose slammed him. Moose won after hitting the spear.

Suddenly, a black and red X appeared on the screen with a recap of all the victims. They cut backstage and found Jimmy Jacobs unconscious and marked by the X.

Next Week: Impact presents Under Pressure, which features Impact World Champion Pentagon Jr. defending against Austin Aries. Plus, Knockouts Champion Allie defends against Su Yung.

Impact Wrestling results: Pentagon Jr. & Fantasma vs. Aries & Sydal

Posted on by Dave Bath

Previously: Impact World Champion Pentagon Jr. defeated Eli Drake.

Tonight: Austin Aries & Matt Sydal face Pentagon Jr. & El Hijo Del Fantasma. From House of Hardcore, Eddie Edwards battles Sami Callihan in a street fight. Plus, Su Yung holds a funeral for Rosemary.

Show Recap —

Z & E (DJ Z & Andrew Everett) defeated Eli Drake & Scott Steiner to win the Impact Tag Team titles

The heels isolated DJ Z in their corner, then Steiner gave him a Samoan drop from the second turnbuckle. Z & E made a comeback and hit a double dropkick on Steiner, sending him to the floor.

Everett hit Drake with a codebreaker and DJ Z rolled him up for a near fall. Steiner accidentally hit Drake with a chair, and Everett hit a standing Shooting Star Press to win the Impact Tag Team Championship.

Tessa Blanchard defeated Kiera Hogan

Madison Rayne joined Josh Mathews on commentary. Hogan was in control early on. Blanchard took over after dropping Hogan on the top rope, but Hogan fired up and unloaded on her. Blanchard won after hitting the hammerlock DDT.

After the match, Blanchard jumped Hogan from behind and beat her down. On commentary, Rayne was disgusted by Blanchard’s actions. She ran to the ring for the save.

– Earlier today, Grado accused Jimmy Jacobs and Kongo Kong of attacking Joseph Park last week. They denied it and insulted Grado. Katarina stepped in and challenged Kong on his behalf, though Grado didn’t seem too thrilled.

Kongo Kong (w/ Jimmy Jacobs) defeated Grado (w/ Katarina)

Grado was scared and tried to leave, but Katarina convinced him to stay. Kong was firmly in control and dominated the match. Grado made a brief comeback, but Kong won with the diving splash.

Kong continued the beatdown and Katarina subtly walked off, leaving Grado alone. Kong teased sending Grado into the steel steps until Moose ran out for the save.

– LAX had a confrontation with Trevor Lee and Caleb Konley in the back.

Eddie Edwards defeated Sami Callihan in a street fight (from House of Hardcore)

Edwards hit a suicide dive to start the match. Callihan hit Edwards with a lead pipe and tried to stick a spike in his eye, but Edwards fought it off. Callihan gave Edwards a Death Valley Driver on the entryway. Callihan attempted a piledriver on the apron, but Edwards hit him with a can of Coke.

Callihan hit a falcon arrow on two steel chairs for a near fall. Callihan brought in his baseball bat, but Edwards hit the Boston Knee Party for the win. After the match, Edwards continued to attack Callihan. He choked out Callihan with the bat until security ran out.

Brian Cage defeated Facade (from Destiny World Wrestling in Canada)

On the floor, Cage powerbombed Facade into the ring post and slammed him on the apron. Facade fought back and nailed Cage with a kick to the head. The finish came when Cage hit Weapon X for the win.

Flashback Moment of the Week: Austin Aries defeated Brian Kendrick to win the X Division Championship (from No Surrender 2011)

Kendrick attempted Sliced Bread before Aries tossed him to the floor. Aries missed a suicide dive and hit the guardrail hard. He missed the 450 and Kendrick scored a near fall. Aries used a low blow and hit a brainbuster to win the title.

– KM gave Fallah Bahh a makeover and Bahh hit on Kiera Hogan.

– Su Yung held a funeral for Rosemary, with the Undead Bridesmaids walking through a cemetery with Rosemary’s casket. Yung placed flowers on the casket and sprayed it with red mist before it burst into flames.

Pentagon Jr. & El Hijo Del Fantasma defeated Austin Aries & Matt Sydal

Sydal and Fantasma started the match off by going back and forth. Fantasma got the better of Sydal. Pentagon and Aries entered, but Aries quickly jumped to the floor. Fantasma hit a suicide dive on Sydal and all four guys brawled around ringside.

Aries and Sydal took over by isolating Fantasma on their side of the ring. Pentagon hit a slingblade and a backstabber for a two count. Sydal attempted the Shooting Star Press, but Pentagon nailed him with a superkick mid move. Fantasma hit the Thrill of the Kill on Sydal for the win.

Next Week: X Division Champion Matt Sydal defends against El Hijo Del Fantasma. In two weeks at Under Pressure, Pentagon Jr. defends against Austin Aries.

Impact Wrestling results: Austin Aries collects another belt

Posted on by Dave Bath

Previously: Ethan Carter III made his final appearance on Impact after picking the fired briefcase in the Feast or Fired reveal.

Tonight: Impact World Champion Austin Aries takes on X Division/Grand Champion Matt Sydal. Plus, Brian Cage meets Bobby Lashley.

Show Recap —

– Earlier in the week, Austin Aries ran into Matt Sydal and Josh Mathews. Aries challenged Sydal to a match. He promised to put the Impact World Championship on the line if Sydal agreed to put Mathews’ Grand Championship up for grabs as well.

Petey Williams defeated Rohit Raju, Suicide, and Taiji Ishimori

Raju hit a suicide dive to the floor on Williams and Suicide. Ishimori followed up with the Golden moonsault to the floor, then all four guys rolled each other up and traded near falls.

Ishimori scored a very close near fall after hitting the 450, but Williams hit the Canadian Destroyer on Raju for the win. After the match, Williams announced he’s cashing in his Feast or Fired X Division title shot at Redemption.

– Eddie Edwards got into his car and drove to Ohio in search of OVE.

Su Yung defeated Amber Nova

Braxton Sutter did the ring introduction for Yung. She jumped Nova, dominated the match, and picked up the easy win after hitting the Panic Switch.

– McKenzie Mitchell interviewed Johnny Impact before Jimmy Jacobs interrupted. Jacobs promised to have a surprise for Impact.

– Backstage, Taya Valkyrie bragged about defeating Rosemary. Rosemary was on top of the indoor offices following Valkyrie, with her and Valkyrie having a wild brawl in the back. A bunch of people tried to separate them but failed. Rosemary dove off the top of the offices onto Valkyrie and the other guys.

KM defeated Fallah Bahh (from WrestlePro in Brooklyn)

Bahh was firmly in control until KM took over. Bahh made a comeback after hitting the Samoan drop, but he missed the Banzai Drop and KM rolled him up with his feet on the ropes.

Brian Cage defeated Bobby Lashley

They traded moves early on, including both hitting step-up hurricanranas. Lashley gained the upper hand and took over. Cage fired back and hit a huge flip dive to the floor.

They exchanged stiff shots in the middle of the ring. Lashley regained control of the match and wore down Cage, but Cage made a comeback and hit a springboard tornado DDT. Lashley hit the spear, but Cage rolled to the floor. The finish came when Cage hit the discus lariat for the win.

– In the back, Allie approached Gail Kim and asked for advice on how to deal with Yung. Kim motivated Allie to stand up to her.

Flashback Moment of the Week: AJ Styles defeated Petey Williams and Chris Sabin in Ultimate X

Williams set up for the reverse DDT on Sabin, but Styles hit the moonsault into the reverse DDT on Williams — taking out both. Styles climbed across the cables, but Sabin nailed him with a dropkick that knocked him off.

Sabin and Williams fought over the belt in the middle when Styles springboarded across the ring and grabbed the belt out of their hands for the win.

– In the back, Eli Drake approached Moose and attempted to switch briefcases. Moose turned him down and challenged him to a briefcase vs. briefcase match.

– In Ohio, Edwards invaded a Rockstar Pro Wrestling show and attacked a bunch of guys with a kendo stick. Edwards brawled with Sami Callihan and OVE. They hit Edwards with a bat and a version of the Meltzer Driver.

Impact World Champion Austin Aries defeated Grand Champion Matt Sydal (w/ Josh Mathews) in a title vs. title match

Alberto El Patron watched this match in the back while eating a steak. Aries was firmly in control early on. He attempted a suicide dive, but Sydal cut him off with a spinning heel kick.

Sydal attempted a standing moonsault, but Aries got his knees up. They traded stiff shots in the middle of the ring. Sydal scored a two count with a sliding German suplex. Aries attempted a suicide dive again, but Mathews grabbed his legs.

Mathews tried interfering again until Petey Williams ran down and held him off. Sydal missed the Shooting Star Press and Aries connected with the discus forearm. Aries then hit the brainbuster to win the Grand Championship.

Next Week: Moose takes on Eli Drake in a World title shot briefcase vs. World Tag Team title shot briefcase match.

GFW Impact results: Eli Drake defends against Matt Sydal

Posted on by Dave Bath

Previously: Dan Lambert and American Top Team had another altercation with Jim Cornette and GFW officials.

Tonight: GFW Global Champion Eli Drake defends against Matt Sydal.

Show Recap —

Sonjay Dutt & Petey Williams defeated Trevor Lee & Caleb Konley

Lee avoided getting in the ring with Dutt and even walked out at one point until being brought back in. The heels isolated Williams before Dutt got the hot tag and ran wild. For the finish, Williams nailed Konley with the Canadian Destroyer and Dutt hit the splash for the win.

GFW Global Tag Team Champions LAX (w/ Konnan and Diamante) defeated Jon Bolen & Zachary Wentz in a non-title match

LAX dominated the match and won easily with the Street Sweeper. After the match, OVE came out and demanded a title shot. Konnan agreed, but the match will take place in Tijuana in The Crash promotion.

Sienna (w/ KM) & Taryn Terrell defeated Gail Kim & Allie (w/ Braxton Sutter)

Terrell only came in the match when Kim was down. The heels isolated Kim and kept her on their side of the ring, then Allie got the tag and climbed to the top. KM grabbed her leg, but Sutter ran him off. Allie hit a crossbody from the top, but Sienna rolled through to pick up the win.

The heels jumped the faces after until Rosemary ran out for the save. The heels overwhelmed her before Taya Valkyrie made her debut. Valkyrie teased going after Sienna but instead attacked Rosemary.

– Jim Cornette came down to the ring. He talked about all the changes in GFW and new talent. Johnny Impact came out and said he wants to challenge the winner of tonight’s championship match next.

LAX interrupted them. Konnan was irate that Johnny Impact wants a title shot and feels Low Ki deserves a shot first. Low Ki told Impact this isn’t WWE or Lucha Underground. A brawl broke out until security came out to break it up.

Backstage, Cornette announced Low Ki vs. Johnny Impact in a number one contender’s match for next week.

– In the back, Joseph Park convinced Grado to call off the wedding with Laurel Van Ness because she’s Canadian. Van Ness went crazy and appears to be returning to her old ways.

– Scenes of GFW talent at Triplemania aired next. This focused on DJ Z’s return and Moose eliminating Bobby Lashley from their match. Lashley said that Dan Lambert is right and that pro wrestling is not for him.

A second video package from Triplemania aired, this time focusing on Johnny Impact’s title defense against El Hijo del Fantasma and Texano Jr. in a ladder match.

GFW then dealt with the controversy involving Sexy Star and Rosemary from Triplemania. They aired the finish of the match of Sexy Star injuring her. Later, Jeff Jarrett had an altercation in the back with La Parka and the AAA roster.

– AAA’s Pagano will soon make his debut in GFW.

– GFW congratulated Eddie Edwards on winning the GHC Heavyweight Championship.

GFW Champion Eli Drake (w/ Chris Adonis) defeated Matt Sydal to retain his title

Adonis tried to interfere, but Sydal took him out with a drop kick. This gave Drake the opportunity to gain the advantage. Sydal made a comeback and connected with a series of kicks, then scored a near fall with a standing moonsault. Sydal got another near fall after hitting the double knees from the top, but Drake nailed him with the title belt and hit the Gravy Train to retain.

Next Week: Johnny Impact takes on Low Ki in a number one contender’s match, X Division Champion Sonjay Dutt faces Trevor Lee in a falls count anywhere match, and GFW Tag Team Champions LAX defend against OVE in Tijuana.

GFW Impact results: The final build to Destination X

Posted on by Dave Bath

Previously: Low Ki was revealed as the newest member of LAX.

Tonight: Alberto El Patron, Matt Sydal & Sonjay Dutt take on Bobby Lashley, Trevor Lee & Low Ki in a six-man tag team main event.

Show Recap —

– In the back, LAX and VOW were already brawling as Impact went on the air. The two teams will compete later tonight.

– In the Impact Zone, Sienna sat in the middle of the ring. She demanded to know who her opponent is for Destination X next week. Karen Jarrett came out and introduced Gail Kim, with Kim promising to leave Destination X with the belt. They ended up brawling and it took several referees to break them up.

– Backstage, Joseph Park tried to pump up Grado for their match later.

El Hijo De Fantasma & Naomichi Marufuji defeated Laredo Kid & Garza Jr.

Laredo Kid took out Marufuji with a crossbody to the floor, but Fantasma scored a close near fall with a frog splash. Fantasma and Laredo Kid knocked each other with a kick to the head. Marufuji hit the Slice Bread #2 on Garza Jr. to score the win.

– A new stable known as OVE (Ohio vs. Everything) debuts next week.

Kongo Kong defeated Joseph Park & Grado

Park and Grado were both terrified of Kong, but they worked together to gain the brief advantage. Kong chokeslammed Grado and hit a cannonball in the corner on Park for the win.

After the match, Kong attempted to splash Grado and Park from the top until Laurel Van Ness stopped him. Kong picked up Van Ness when Tyrus interrupted. Tyrus and Kong had a staredown until Van Ness dragged Kong away.

– McKenzie Mitchell interviewed Trevor Lee, Low Ki, and Bobby Lashley in the back. Lashley pointed out that they’re not friends and said to stay out of his way.

– A video of Jeff Jarrett at the American Top Team gym aired. Jarrett gave his opinion on Dan Lambert wanting Bobby Lashley to give up wrestling and focus on MMA.

Down and Dirty with Dutch Mantell

Earlier today, Mantell interviewed Matt Sydal and Bobby Lashley face to face. Lashley was upset about X Division guys trying to step up to heavyweight, which led to a brief altercation.

– Last week, cameras caught Karen Jarrett and Bruce Prichard arguing. Prichard will make an announcement that will change GFW next week.

GFW Unified Tag Team Champions LAX (w/ Konnan, Homicide, Low Ki, and Diamante) defeated VOW in a street fight to retain their titles

Before the match, Konnan thanked GFW for making the match a street fight and promised chaos.

LAX and VOW brawled around ringside to start it off before VOW took over and introduced two tables to the match. VOW put Ortiz through a table, but Homicide pulled out the referee to stop the count.

Mayweather gave Homicide a sloppy looking powerbomb into the steps. Low Ki handcuffed Mayweather to the corner, and LAX sent Wilcox head-first into a chair in the corner and put him through a table to win the match.

Taiji Ishimori defeated ACH in a Super X Cup semifinal match

Ishimori gained the advantage and took control. ACH made a brief comeback, but Ishimori took over again. ACH scored a close near fall with a clothesline. He attempted a tombstone, but Ishimori countered with a pair of knees. Ishimori then hit a 450 splash to score the win. It will be Ishimori vs. Dezmond Xavier in the Super X Cup finals next week. 

– In the back, Mantell discussed Prichard and Karen Jarrett arguing.

Bobby Lashley, Trevor Lee & Low Ki defeated Alberto El Patron, Matt Sydal & Sonjay Dutt

El Patron attacked Low Ki to start the match, which led to Dutt and Sydal both hitting standing moonsaults on the heels. The heels were able to take over and isolated Sydal in their corner until Dutt came in and ran wild on Lee. Dutt had Lee pinned, but Lashley broke up the count by picking up Dutt and giving him a dominator.

El Patron got the hot tag and took out the heels. In a crazy spot, Sydal gave Lee a hurricanrana off of Dutt’s shoulders as he was sitting on the top turnbuckle. Lashley caught Dutt and hit a powerslam, and Low Ki hit the Warrior’s Way on Dutt to win the match.

Next Week: It’s Destination X. The lineup features:

  • GFW Unified World Champion Alberto El Patron defending against Low Ki
  • Taiji Ishimori vs. Dezmond Xavier in the Super X Cup finals
  • GFW Knockout’s Champion Sienna defending against Gail Kim
  • X Division Champion Sonjay Dutt defending against Trevor Lee in a ladder match
  • Matt Sydal vs. Bobby Lashley
  • Plus, Bruce Prichard makes a major announcement that will shock GFW

My Favorite Wrestler (This Week): Hiromu, Strong, Suzuki, Sydal

Posted on by Zach Dominello

This week in wrestling, New Japan was on a busy road to Wrestling Dontaku, Jinder Mahal is still a thing, and Vince McMahon is involved in a movie about Vince McMahon because Vince McMahon. Here’s our favorite wrestlers this week. Who’s yours?

This week’s panel —

Hiromu Takahashi

By Zach Dominello

You know, I’ve always said wrestling needs more backstage interviews where wrestlers enact epic matches with artist’s dummies, pretend to be cats, and sing songs from The Lion King.

Well, it seems someone has finally listened, and that someone is New Japan’s IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion, Hiromu Takahashi.

New Japan’s Road to Wrestling Dontaku has been one of the more enjoyable Road To’s I’ve seen for a good while, with great title matches, fun clashes between LIJ and the New Japan All-Stars, and the latest breed of Young Lions getting some shine. But mostly, it’s been Hiromu Takahashi’s bizarre, yet captivating backstage interviews that seem to progressively become weirder each time.

The thing is, though, despite being in a foreign language on top of being completely absurd, he actually does a really great job of conveying his message and building up his title match with King Ricochet. If you haven’t seen them yet, click those links back at the top and prepare to be blessed.

Roderick Strong

By Joseph Currier

Following the excellent video on him that aired on Wednesday’s episode of NXT, Roderick Strong is undoubtedly my favorite wrestler this week.

Strong opened up in a way that he never really has on TV before, talking about growing up with a mom who had a drug problem and a dad who was an alcoholic. Sharing the story of his mother shooting his father during an argument (with his father thankfully surviving) must have been difficult, and I have a totally new perception of who Roderick Strong is after watching it.

Aside from just being inspiring (which is ultimately what’s most important), Strong being willing to open up and WWE showcasing his story will help him so much going forward. Strong’s history is unique to him, but everyone in WWE has real-life stories that could shape who they are as characters and make them more identifiable.

I’m looking forward to part two, and hopefully we see more segments like this in the future.

Minoru Suzuki

By Chris Aiken

The body of work created by Minoru Suzuki over the years is a blend of violence and art. His violent art differs from almost anyone like him, if there is actually anyone else like him on the planet.

Even out of his combat gear dressed in a suit and fedora trying to look cosmopolitan, he can flash a maniacal smile and reveal that violent artist that lives within. Almost akin to both a gift and a curse, an aura follows him wherever he goes.

That aura was in Hiroshima this week as Suzuki captured the NEVER Openweight title in a thrilling match against Hirooki Goto. Critics of the match seemed to have concerns about strikes to the head only mere weeks after Katsuyori Shibata suffered a debilitating injury likely from a blow to the head. That is probably a valid criticism. Take out the head strikes and the drama in the match would still remain intact.

Nevertheless, the greatness on display as Suzuki and Goto battled is evident to anyone that loves a good fight. Likewise, all the titles in the promotion are supposedly going to be on the line during the July weekend shows in Long Beach. That means I will likely get to see the violent art of Suzuki in display in person. I am thrilled.

Matt Sydal

By Jeremy Peeples

Matt Sydal returned to Impact and managed to shine brightly despite being booked as the third most important part of a one-on-one match thanks to Shane Helms being positioned as a bigger star than him despite being a manager.

He had a good match with Trevor Lee that allowed both men to shine and made me salivate at the thought of them having what would no doubt be a better, more well-booked match in either PWG or CWF Mid-Atlantic, where they could be given time to shine, a storyline that fits the match, and actually be presented as modern-day stars.

With Sydal in the picture, we should get some outstanding matches against Low Ki, and that could be enough to reignite a flame for the X Division. It’s incredibly unlikely that it can regain the traction it had in 2002 and 2003 due to the industry changing, but with WWE watering down cruiserweights, it has a better chance, and if they make Sydal a top guy and run with it, they could have something.

Impact Wrestling results: LAX vs. Decay in a street fight

Posted on by Dave Bath

Previously: Low Ki made his return to Impact and won the X Division Championship. Also, Josh Mathews returned to commentary after promising to leave the previous week.

Tonight: Grand Champion Moose defends against Davey Richards. NFL players Gary Barnidge and DeAngelo Williams will be in Moose’s corner. Plus, LAX battles Decay in a street fight. Also, Matt Sydal makes his Impact debut.

Show Recap —

– Jeremy Borash and The Pope kicked off Impact without Josh Mathews. Moments later, Mathews made his entrance along with Impact management. Mathews announced that because J.B. decked him last week, J.B. is now suspended and removed from announcing immediately. Mathews and Pope announced the rest of the show without J.B.

Matt Sydal defeated Trevor Lee (w/ Shane Helms)

Trevor Lee jumped Matt Sydal to start the match. Sydal made a brief comeback, but Shane Helms interfered and Lee took over. Sydal hit a standing moonsault, but Helms had the referee distracted. Lee and Helms collided, which allowed Sydal to hit a knee strike and a Shooting Star Press to win the match.

– In the back, Sienna approached Karen Jarrett. She asked about the GFW Women’s Champion and Jarrett promised that she’d be in action later.

– Ethan Carter III came out and had a message for Bruce Prichard. He took his advice and looked in the mirror and what he saw was a demigod. He promised to win the World Heavyweight title at Slammiversary. He discussed costing James Storm the Impact World Championship last week by hitting him in the head with a beer bottle.

Storm then came out and EC3 jumped out of the ring. Storm challenged him to come in the ring, though EC3 declined. Storm insulted EC3 until he ran back in and they brawled. EC3 hit a low blow and the One Percenter on Storm.

– At a restaurant, a waiter brought KM the bill for his meal. KM yelled at the waiter and intimidated him.

GFW Women’s Champion Christina Von Eerie defeated Ava Storie

Christina Von Eerie controlled the early part of the match until Ava Storie took over. Von Eerie made a comeback and hit a sick looking backstabber from the corner to win the match.

– Swoggle was in the crowd again and annoyed ring announcer Rockstar Spud.

– McKenzie Mitchell interviewed Alberto El Patron. El Patron thought he was the number one contender for the Impact World title but was interrupted by GFW World Champion Magnus, who believed he should get the shot. They argued until Karen Jarrett interrupted and announced that Magnus defends against Alberto El Patron in two weeks.

Grand Champion Moose (w/ DeAngelo Williams and Gary Barnidge) vs. Davey Richards (w/ Angelina Love) ended in a no contest

In round one, Davey Richards locked on the figure four to end the round. All three judges gave the round to Richards. In round two, Moose made a fiery comeback and hit a pop-up powerbomb. Moose won round two to tie it up. In round three, Richards hit the double foot stomp and locked on the ankle lock. Eddie Edwards ran out and attacked Richards.

After the match, Richards shoved DeAngelo Williams. Williams responded with his own shove. Richards charged at Williams but Gary Barnidge gave him a big slam.

– Swoggle stole Spud’s format sheet and Spud chased him in the ring. Spud pulled off Swoggle’s shorts and he ran off.

Kongo Kong (w/ Sienna, KM, and Laurel Van Ness) defeated Matt Sigmon

Laurel Van Ness was even more of a mess than she was last week. Kongo Kong hit a cannon ball splash in the corner and followed up with a huge splash off the top to win the match.

VOW (Veterans of War) defeated Fallah Bahh and Mario Bokara

VOW consists of Wilcox and Mayweather (formally Crimson). VOW was in control until Fallah Bahh came in and took over. VOW made a comeback and picked up the win. After the match, VOW promised to win the Impact Tag Team titles.

– During the commercial break, Swoggle viciously attacked Spud with a hammer.

– In the back, Eli Drake wondered why he wasn’t on the live show last week. Tyrus accused him of being jealous, which he denied. Drake promised to do something about this.

Impact Tag Team Champions LAX (w/ Konnan, Homicide, and Diamante) defeated Decay (w/ Rosemary) in a street fight

Ortiz and Crazzy Steve brawled in the ring while Abyss tossed Santana to the floor. Steve pulled out a table and Abyss pulled out a barbwire board from underneath the ring.

Decay set up two barbwire boards and a table in the ring. LAX used kendo sticks and trash cans on Decay. Decay made a comeback when Steve hit a double crossbody on LAX and Abyss hit a double chokeslam.

Rosemary tried to spit the mist into Ortiz’s eyes, but he ducked and she hit Abyss instead. Ortiz put Abyss through a barbwire board. Diamante gave Rosemary a sick looking German suplex. LAX then hit the senton in the corner on Abyss, who was under the second barbwire board.

Steve made a comeback and brought in the thumbtacks. LAX regained the advantage and hit the powerbomb/blockbuster combination on Steve through a table covered in thumbtacks to win the match.

Next Week: GFW Women’s Champion Christina Von Eerie defends against Sienna.

Daily Update: The situation with TNA continues to get worse

Posted on by Dave Meltzer

The Round-Up

News

Audio

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

*WWE Raw brand in Edmonton

*NXT in Fort Pierce, FL

*ROH in Chicago Ridge, IL (Adam Cole & Adam Page vs. Bobby Fish & Kyle O’Reilly, Jay Briscoe vs. Dalton Castle, Mark Briscoe vs. Colt Cabana, Jay Lethal vs. Matt Jackson, Kamaitachi vs. Angel de Oro vs. Nick Jackson, vs. ACH, Punisher Martinez vs. Donovan Dijak vs. Beer City Bruiser, Jay White & Chris Sabin & Alex Shelley vs. Rhett Titus & Kenny King & Caprice Coleman, Will Ferrara & Cheeseburger vs. Sho Tanaka & Yohei Komatsu and more).

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

  • Tomohiro Ishii vs. Katsuyori Shibata for the Never Openweight title
  • Bobby Fish & Kyle O’Reilly vs. Young Bucks vs. Matt Sydal & Ricochet vs. Rocky Romero & Baretta for IWGP jr. tag titles.

CMLL AT ARENA MEXICO LIVE AT 9:30 P.M. WITH THE FIRST ROUND OF THE TOURNAMENT OF CHAMPIONS AT http://www.clarosports.com//en-vivo02

  • Astral & Electrico vs. Nitrito & Pequeno Violencia
  • Marcela & Princesa Sugei & Vaquerita vs. Amapola & Dallys & Tiffany
  • Dragon Lee & Guerrero Maya Jr. & Mascara Dorada vs. Euforia & Gran Guerrero & Niebla Roja
  • Atlantis & Marco Corleone & Stuka Jr. vs. Cien Caras & Mascara Ano 2000 & Universo 2000
  • Universal title A block tournament with Maximo Sexy, Mistico, Rey Cometa, Valiente, Mephisto, Negro Casas, Shocker and Ultimo Guerrero

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

  • Takayuki Iijima (9-6, 145.75) vs. Rob Butler (0-0, 145.75)
  • Bilal Williams (7-2, 168.25) vs. Melvin Jordan (4-2, 169.5)
  • Rashad Coulter (6-1, 236.5) vs. Jeremy Hardy (4-2, 246.5)
  • Abdul Razak Alhassan (5-0, 179.75) vs. Joe Eichelberger (18-10, 179.25)
  • Mackenzie Dern (1-0, 118.75) vs. Montana Stewart (5-2, 115.5)
  • Damon Jackson (9-1-1, 1 NC, 145) vs. Levi Mowles (4-1, 1 NC, 145)
  • Steven Peterson (14-4, 135) vs. Mark DeLaRosa (7-0, 135)

NEW JAPAN FROM TAIWAN ON NEW JAPAN WORLD (this show will be put up on the site most likely on Saturday at some point, it is not airing live)

  • David Finlay & Henare vs. Rocky Romero & Baretta
  • Yoshitatsu vs. Bone Soldier
  • Hirooki Goto & Yoshi-Hashi & Jado vs. Kenny Omega & Bad Luck Fale & Yujiro Takahashi
  • Tomoaki Honma & Juice Robinson & Ryusuke Taguchi vs. Naomichi Marufuji & Toru Yano & Will Ospreay
  • Tama Tonga & Tanga Roa vs. Kazuchika Okada & Gedo in a non-title match
  • Hiroshi Tanahashi & Kushida & Satoshi Kojima & ? vs. Tetsuya Naito & Evil & Seiya Sanada & Bushi

Saturday we’re looking for reports on these shows:

*WWE Raw in Calgary

*WWE SmackDown in Phoenix

*NXT in Winter Haven, FL

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

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

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

Sunday we’re looking for reports on these shows:

*WWE Raw in Colorado Springs, CO

*WWE SmackDown in Nampa, ID

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

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

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

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

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

F4W YouTube Page: Tons of clips and full free audio shows that you can tell your friends about, and much more to come! Make sure you subscribe today!

Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Oct 17, 2016: Details on the return of Goldberg to WWE, the return of Ronda Rousey to action in UFC, more.

Order the print Wrestling Observer right now and get it delivered via mail, by sending your name, address, Visa or Master Card number and an expiration date to Dave Meltzer, or by using PayPal directing funds to [email protected]. 

Rates in the United States are $13 for 4 issues, $32 for 12, $61 for 24, $101 for 40 and $131 for 52. In Canada and Mexico, rates are $14.50 for 4, $35 for 12, $67 for 24, $111 for 40 and $144 or 52. In Europe, you can get the fastest delivery and best rates by sending to [email protected]. For the rest of the world, rates are $16.50 for 4, $44 for 12, $85 for 24, $141 for 40 issues and $183 for 52. If you order by mail with a check, cash or money order (P.O. Box 1228, Campbell, CA 95009-1228), you can get $1 off in every price range.)

If you are a new subscriber ordering 24 or more issues, you can choose one free classic issue, or two free classic issues with a 40-issue subscription.

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

Thursday News Update

The situation with TNA continues to get worse. We had an update last night covering the lawsuit filed by Billy Corgan as well as more on who the dots are connecting as far as who paid for the most recent Bound for Glory and TV tapings and what the status the company is in, some notes on what is believed to be in the sealed lawsuit and even how for a period of time yesterday it was possible that the TV show wouldn’t have even aired and why.

A correction from last night’s show is that MCC Acquisitions Corporation was listed as being owed money as of 9/30. Keep in mind that 9/29 was when the money came in to allow them to tape. MCC Acquisitions shares the same physical address as Anthem Sports and Entertainment, which is the parent company of The Fight Network. On last night’s show, we said it was Anthem Sports that was just owed more money based on filings on 9/30. Anthem Sports is owed money as well. David Bixenspan and Kris Zellner have the story.

The total debt owed by TNA to Aroluxe, Anthem and MCC Acquisitions is listed at $3.4 million. TNA has already sold some of its tape library to Anthem.

The latest is a story by David Bixenspan who found out that the Davidson County Register of Deeds and the State of Tennessee had issued a tax lien against TNA Entertainment, LLC on 9/8. The company owes back taxes in an amount unspecified and got so far behind in paying it that the state has the right to seize company property if the debt isn’t repaid.  While the company is no longer TNA Entertainment, LLC, now called Impact Ventures LLC, Tennessee law allows the government to go after successor companies. It’s a financial disaster, between this, getting evicted from their offices due to being unable to pay rent several months ago, and Corgan’s attempt to buy the company falling apart.

Want to make a comment regarding the situation with Matt Sydal, who was arrested for attempting to bring synthetic marijuana into Japan. While I believe marijuana laws as they are now in many places make no sense at all, everyone with any knowledge of Japan knows how strict they are there and have been forever.

Everyone knows the story there. Steve Williams nearly lost his entire career in Japan over it and Sydal isn’t close to the level of star Williams is, nor is there anyone in New Japan who has the kind of power that Giant Baba had in the 90s when it came to getting people out of trouble. This could easily end his career in Japan and it was unfortunate because he and Ricochet were an incredible tag team, maybe the best in the world and if not right with the best in the world.

There is a WWE/Bellator connection coming up as on 10/19, two days before the Bellator show in Memphis, Bellator will kick off their promotions locally with public workouts at King Jerry Lawler’s Hall of Fame Bar & Grille at Beale Street in Memphis. Those appearing will be Lawler, Bobby Lashley and Baby Slice, the son of Kimbo Slice. Lashley and Slice will be fighting on the show a week from tonight, which is headlined by Alexander Shlemenko vs. Kendall Grove and Lashley vs. Josh Appelt.

If you’ve been following Friday night CMLL, which on my Twitter feed this past Friday I got so many people thinking me for alerting them to the shows, well, this week is one to watch a movie instead. The third match should be good, but the Dinamitas in the semi could be quite bad and while he tournament of champions as an idea looks great, the matches are usually 3 to 6 minutes this week and next. The final match for the tile on 10/28 is usually great, however. Also, CMLL did figure out that Rey Cometa beat Cavernario for the Mexican national welterweight title.

When this week’s lineup was announced, they had Cavernario in the tournament and people quickly pointed out he wasn’t a champion. Instead of going with the lineup and saying his Reyes de Aire win was a title, they realized they forgot about their own title change in June and Cometa replaced Cavernario in the tournament. Nothing says you’ve got too many titles and nobody cares about them more than the entire office forgetting about a June title change. Luckily they’re on a run with a half-dozen super talented guys who are excellent every week, because the people on top making the matches clearly aren’t paying close attention.

WWE

  • Royal Rumble tickets went on sale at the Alamodome for the 1/29 show, and it’s kind of weird. Even though the lowest ticket price is listed at $25, all seats priced at $125 or less were held back to make sure the ardent fans who bought on day one and were going no matter what bought tickets of $125 or more. When I checked a few hours ago, all the $125 tickets were gone and the cheapest price to get in was $175.
  • For this coming weekend, at least based on the local advertising which isn’t always accurate, Chris Jericho is working Edmonton and Calgary on the Raw tour, but not the Sunday show in Colorado Springs, but obviously will be on Raw in Denver. John Cena is booked for Phoenix tomorrow night, but for no other shows this weekend including not being advertised for the Tuesday tapings in Denver.
  • The company announced shows on 5/5 in Dublin and 5/6 in Belfast which will be Raw brand shows. For whatever this is worth, Chris Jericho is not advertised.
  • Alexa Bliss did an interview to promote the WWE house show on Sunday in Nampa, Idaho.

UFC/MMA

  • Conor McGregor told Rolling Stone “I don’t see Nevada in my future. for the foreseeable future is how I see it. I’m free to d what I want…I’m good. I’m good. New York, New York.,,that’s what I think.” “Are they going to come and arrest me or what the f*** is that? I wanted to give them the respect and I felt they would have respected that but they didn’t. So, whatever. It is what it is. Good luck trying to get it.”
  • Dana White said again on UFC Tonight that Conor McGregor, if he beats Eddie Alvarez on 11/12 in New York, will then have to choose which championship he wants to keep and which one he will vacate. He can be the first two-division champion for a night, but he can’t remain one.
  • The Ultimate Fighter will not be airing on 10/19 or 10/26 due to FS 1 airing major league baseball. It will return on 11/2 with a quarterfinal fight with Alexandre Pantoja vs. Kai Kara-France. 
  • Li Jingliang vs. Chad Laprise has been added to the 12/10 UFC show in Toronto. Laprise is a former TUF winner.
  • Something to pay attention to is Mackenzie Dern on tonight’s AXS Legacy Fighting show. She’s only had one fight but because of her success in grappling, people are looking at her like she could be the next Ronda Rousey level submission expert. She’s called by some the best female grappler in the world and holds a win in grappling over Gabi Garcia, who is like three times her size. She missed weight by nearly three pounds for tonight’s fight, however. MMA Fighting has a great story on her. Joe Eichelberger on tonight’s show just fought last Friday night.

MISCELLANEOUS

  • Pro wrestlers Kevin Nash and Mike Bennett are lead cast members of a movie called “Anders Manor.” It’s a horror movie. Nash will play a Reverend of all things. Bennett will play an unruly redneck character named Drasaw.
  • Highspots.com has released a DVD called “I Never Quit: The Story of Magnum T.A.” to commemorate today as the 30th anniversary of the automobile accident that changed the life of Terry Allen, going from the heir apparent to the NWA world heavyweight title and really, perhaps the role, mantle and career that Sting ended up getting (perhaps, because so many things were in play you never know what would have happened, but he was only 27 years old and was one of the biggest stars in wrestling when this happened). But Terry went on to live a very productive life outside of wrestling, raised a family (including one current pro wrestler, Tessa Blanchard) and is really one of the most inspirational characters this business has produced.
  • Tommy Dreamer has a House of Hardcore show tonight in Cleveland at the Odeon with Rhino vs. Tommy Dreamer vs. Ethan Carter III as the main event, Bob Holly vs. Sami Callihan, Matt Cross vs. Tony Nese, Candice LeRae vs. Jessicak Havoc and more.
  • Battlarts on 11/6 at the Battlarts Academy in Mississauaga, ONT featuring Damien Sandow, plus Brian Cage vs. Moose.
  • Daniel Weichel vs. Paul Redmond was announced for the Ballator show on 12/16 in Dublin, Ireland. Remond is a fighter from Dublin while Weichel is one of the company’s best featherweights.
  • The Big Guy formerly known as Ryback will have his first matches since leaving WWE for WrestlePro tonight in Cresskill, NJ at the Community Center and tomorow night in Brooklyn at the St. Pat’s CYO. Santino Marella will be in as General Manager both nights. Ryback & manager Pat Buck take on The Heavenly Bodies for their tag team titles tonight. Also on the show include Sonjay Dutt, Robbie E, Jessie Godderz, DJZ, Deonna Purrazzo and Katarina Leigh (who was Winter and Katie Burchill). Tomorrow night Ryback faces Dan Maff. Also on that show is X-Pac, Robbie E, Jessie Godderz, Leigh and Purrazzo.
  • Val Venis vs. Travis Cole was announced for an 11/4 CWE show in Russell, Manitoba.
  • AR Fox will be the mystery opponent facing Matt Riddle on tomorrow night’s Evolve show in Orlando. Drew Galloway will be in Fox’s corner to build for an eventual Galloway vs. Riddle match.
  • Even though there were music edits on Pop TV of the Mike Bennett and DJZ entrances, they aired as they were taped in Canada on The Fight Network.
  • An old school, and actually completely lame looking angle done by Great Khali in India that got mainstream press like it was a real fight when foreigners tried to vandalize Khali’s school.

Today in Wrestling History (10/13): Sting wins the TNA World Championship

CONTACT INFORMATION

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Matt Sydal arrested in Japan for cannabis possession

Posted on by Joseph Currier

After missing shows for New Japan Pro Wrestling last month, it appears we have some clarity on what happened to Matt Sydal.

According to a report from Nikkan Sports on Friday, Sydal was arrested at the Kansai International Airport on September 23rd after a flight to Japan. Sydal was allegedly caught with slightly over two grams of liquid cannabis that was contained in a hidden pipe, as well as a pipe attached to an electronic cigarette.

The entirety of the punishment that Sydal could face isn’t immediately clear, but Japan is known to have strict drug laws. And he faces a potential, if not likely ban from the country.

Intrigue grew over what had happened to Sydal after he missed multiple shows on NJPW’s Destruction tour in September. It was then officially announced that the NEVER Openweight Six-Man tag titles that Sydal had held with Ricochet and Satoshi Kojima would be vacated and contested in a match pitting Ricochet, Kojima and David Finlay against Adam Cole and The Young Bucks.

Ricochet, Kojima and Finlay won the vacant titles. And after that match, Finlay replaced Sydal as Ricochet’s tag team partner as they challenged The Young Bucks for their IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship at King of Pro Wrestling earlier this week.

Attempting to address the speculation as to what happened, Sydal’s Twitter account had claimed last month that he was in Hawaii after having passport trouble at the border.