Wrestling Observer Radio with Bryan Alvarez and Dave Meltzer is back with tons to talk about including the death of Pepper Martin, new WrestleMania matches coming off RAW, a full recap of that show, ratings, Undertaker talks the old days, MMA SHOOT SHOOT FIGHTS, and tons more. A fun show as always so check it out~!
Timestamps:
Start: Death of Pepper Martin
6:42: Current WrestleMania 38 lineups
9:42: Ratings
14:51: Shot of Brandi being pitched to TV stations/streaming platforms
15:24: Undertaker on current generation of talent
27:07: Technical falls correction
28:00: MMA notes on Covington/Masvidal fight, Chael Sonnen charged
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Monday News Update
Bryan and I will be back tonight talking Raw, New Japan Cup, new WrestleMania matches including one doubtful will be announced tonight but is on the books, Pepper Martin and the rest of the pro wrestling news. You can send in questions for tonight’s show to [email protected]
Harold “Pepper” Martin, who wrestled from the late 50s through the mid-70s all over the world, and later was in movies and TV shows as an actor, passed away on Friday at the age of 85. Martin was one of the first wrestlers to do television announcing while still an active star in California and Oregon. He had been suffering from lung cancer and the 2/14 Observer had a long feature on him. Greg Oliver also has a story on him.
We’re looking for reports from Raw in Chicago tonight with Main Event matches, dark matches and anything else not on the live show to [email protected] Announced for the show is A.J. Styles returning, Becky Lynch will do an interview talking about the Bianca Belair “injury,” Randy Orton & Riddle vs. Chad Gable & Otis and Finn Balor vs. Austin Theory. It’s the next to last Raw before WrestleMania. Backstage at the show according to Mike Johnson are Rick Boogs, Shinsuke Nakamura and the Usos. That doesn’t mean they’ll be on Raw, only that they are there.
Brandi Rhodes and DIGA Studios are working to make her YouTube series “A Shot of Brandi” into a weekly 30 minute television show. The idea of the show would be Rhodes talking to different celebrities while also cooking. They are shopping the idea to both stations and streaming services.
WWE from last night in Moline, IL: Finn Balor b Damian Priest, Liv Morgan b Doudrop, Omos b R-Truth, Seth Rollins (Huge babyface in Moline) & Kevin Owens won three-way over Chad Gable & Otis and Street Profits, Miz b Dominik Mysterio, A.J. Styles b Austin Theory, Becky Lynch b Rhea Ripley (crowd booed Ripley early and cheered Lynch, but they did get the crowd to eventually cheer Ripley). Thanks to Javon Phillips.
WWE last night in Huntsville, AL: Viking Raiders b Los Lotharios, Sasha Banks b Natalya-DQ, Banks & Naomi b Shayna Baszler & Natalya, Xavier Woods & Shinsuke Nakamura & Rick Boogs b Happy Corbin & Madcap Moss & Sami Zayn, Aliyah b Sonya Deville, Usos b Sheamus & Ridge Holland, Roman Reigns b Drew McIntyre (thanks to Julian Threet).
AXS announced the next two Thursday night New Japan shows:
3/24 is Kazuchika Okada vs. Tetsuya Naito from 2/20 in Sapporo
3/31 is Hirooki Goto & Yoshi-Hashi vs. Ryusuke Taguchi & Master Wato in heavyweight tag champs vs. junior tag champs plus Okada & Hiroshi Tanahashi & Tatsumi Fujinami vs. Yoshiaki Fujiwara & Minoru Suzuki & Zack Sabre Jr. from the 3/1 Budokan Hall 50th anniversary show. Notable that Fujinami was in the first match of the first New Japan show 50 years ago.
Kento Miyahara retained the All Japan Triple Crown title against Shuji Ishikawa on the show at the Ota Ward Gym in Tokyo.
The PFL announced the start of its regular season will be 4/20 in Arlington, TX at Esports Stadium, They will be running show at that building in 4/20, 4/28 ad 5/6. They also announced dates on 6/17, 6/24 and 7/1, all in Atlanta. The 4/20 show will air live on ESPN and in 160 countries around the world.
WWE
The WWE Network has added six Madison Square Garden shows from 1985. They are 1/21 (Greg Valentine vs. Tito Santana, Roddy Piper & Bob Orton vs. Jimmy Snuka & JYD), 4/22 Hulk Hogan vs. Don Muraco), 5/20 (Hulk Hogan vs. Don Muraco), 6/21 Hulk Hogan vs, Don Muraco cage match), 7/13 (British Bulldogs vs. Hart Foundation) and 8/10 (Andre the Giant & Paul Orndorff vs. Roddy Piper & Bob Orton).
Bayley will be at tonight’s Brooklyn Nets game doing publicity for the Friday night Smackdown tapings at the Barclays Center. Advance ticket sales were not strong for the show.
AEW
Tonight’s Dark Elevation lineup:
Dante Martin & Darius Martin vs. Luther & Serpentico
Emi Sakura & The Bunny vs. Ruby Soho & Anna Jay
Julia Hart vs. Skye Blue
Evil Uno & Stu Grayson & John Silver vs. QT Marshall & Aaron Solo & Nick Comoroto
Austin & Colten Gunn vs. Aaron Mercer & Masada
Nyla Rose vs. Robyn Renegade.
Other Notes
Homicide was wearing a “Free Cain” T-shirt yesterday at the Crockett Cup show in Nashville when he won the NWA Jr. heavyweight title.
Former UFC fighter Jimmie Rivera has signed an exclusive contract with Bare Knuckle Fighting and will debut on 5/6 in Orlando against to fighter to be announced.
Konnan will be doing a Twitter Spaces Ask Me Anything tomorrow at 8:30 p.m. Eastern.
Northumberland Pro Wrestling on 4/16 in Cobourg, ONT at the Cobourg Community Centre.
Oshawa Wrestling presents Mooselodge Mania on 4/1 at the Oshawa, ONT Moose Lodge.
Glory Pro Wrestling from last night in St. Louis: Eli Rossi b Ethan Everheart, Camaro Jackson won four-way over Jah-C, Sean Logan and ATM, Jake Something b Ethan Price, Laynie Luck b Allie Katch-DQ, Arik Cannon & Davey Vega & Mat Fitchett b Colt Cabana & Warhorse & Da the Dad, Davey Richards b Myron Reed, Karam & Xavier Walker b Moses the Deliverer & Rahim de la Suede, Kody Lane b Effy, Tootie Lynn b Max the Impaler, Mike Outlaw b Rohit Raju. Next show is 4/24 at The Pageant in St. Louis with Outlaw vs. Richards for the Crown of Glory title and Minoru Suzuki vs. Jake Something. (thanks to Patrick Brandmeyer)
WAR on 4/23 in Lima, OH at the Empowered Sports Center.
The United Wrestling Network will be taping shows tomorrow at the Irvine, CA Impov. Booker T, Reno Scum, Danny Limelight, Karl Fredericks, Peter Avalon and Ruby Raze are scheduled.
GOUGE on Saturday in Durham,NC at 3 p.m. at the Barre Culture Brewery and Distillery.
NSPW from Friday night in Quebec City before a sellout 534 fans: Azaelle b Jeff Saunders-DQ, Beast King b The Chabots in a handicap match, Stephen Sullivan b Yann Pike, Loue O’Farrell & Benjamin Tull b Pee Wee & Dave La Justice, Zak Patterson b Giovanni, Kevin Blanchard b Channing Decker to keep jr. title, Matt Falco & TDT b Matt Angel & Marko Estrada and Toxic Dars. There will be a 6/18 show at Canac Stadium headlined by Jonathan Gresham. (thanks to Pat Laprade)
