Jay White said in a backstage promo that he will leave New Japan Pro Wrestling after the New Year Dash event on January 6.
After losing to Kota Ibushi on the second night of Wrestle Kingdom 15, a dejected White cut a promo backstage, upset about his loss. He said that he was contractually obligated to appear at New Year Dash if New Japan booked him, but then would leave the promotion after. White said that no one had any respect for what he gave out there and for what he’s done. He said he hadn’t seen his parents in 3 1/2 years because he put everything into becoming a star in NJPW. He said that it was his destiny that he was about to be god, but ended up being wrong.
“Maybe my time would be better spent someplace else,” he said. “I don’t want to do this anymore. If this is all it’s for, I’m not going to do it anymore.”
Following the main event of night two, SANADA, who beat EVIL earlier in the show, came out and challenged Ibushi for both the IWGP Heavyweight and Intercontinental titles. Ibushi accepted the challenge.
Prior to the start of the second night of Wrestle Kingdom, two dark matches featuring Stardom talent took place. In the first bout, Utami Hayashishita, Saya Kamitani, and AZM defeated Natsupoi, Himeka, and Maika when Kamitani pinned Natsupoi with a phoenix splash. In the second bout, Giulia and Syuri defeated Tam Nakano and Mayu Iwatani when Giulia pinned Nakano with the Glorious driver. According to Dave Meltzer, these matches aren’t expected to air anywhere and were for the live crowd.
New Japan Pro Wrestling announced a crowd of 12,689 for night one of Wrestle Kingdom, and 7,801 for night two.
NJPW may be unifying the IWGP Heavyweight and IWGP Intercontinental titles.
After retaining both titles against Jay White in the main event of Wrestle Kingdom 15 night two, double champion Kota Ibushi announced during his post-match press conference that he wants to unify the IWGP Heavyweight Championship and IWGP Intercontinental Championship. Ibushi called the Heavyweight Championship the strongest belt there is and the Intercontinental Championship the greatest belt there is. Ibushi said he wants the unified title to be both the strongest and the greatest.
Ibushi said he’ll make his ultimate dreams come true by unifying the titles.
When asked about his next title defense, Ibushi said he’d be willing to defend the unified title, both titles together if they aren’t unified by then, or just one of them if that’s what he’s asked to do.
NJPW’s Japanese and English-language Twitter accounts both posted tweets about Ibushi’s request.
Ibushi defeated Tetsuya Naito at Wrestle Kingdom 15 night one to win both titles. This is the first time that Ibushi has held the IWGP Heavyweight Championship in his career.
Last year, the two nights of Wrestle Kingdom 14 were built around determining a double champion. Kazuchika Okada retained the IWGP Heavyweight Championship against Ibushi and Naito won the IWGP Intercontinental Championship from White at night one. Naito then defeated Okada in a double title match at night two.
Naito, EVIL, and Ibushi have since been double champions, including Naito holding the titles twice. No one has challenged for just the IWGP Heavyweight Championship or IWGP Intercontinental Championship since Wrestle Kingdom 14.
NJPW will follow up on Wrestle Kingdom 15 with New Year Dash beginning at 4:30 a.m. Eastern time on Wednesday (January 6).
Two new champions were crowned tonight on the second day of Wrestle Kingdom 15.
Toru Yano will once again be the provisional KOPW champion. He defeated Bad Luck Fale, Chase Owens, and BUSHI to win the trophy, which was vacated at the start of the year. The finish came when Fale and Owens argued over who should pin BUSHI, who was laid out. They moved to chokeslam the referee. Yano came in, low blowed both, then pinned BUSHI to win the trophy.
Meanwhile, Hiromu Takahashi regained the IWGP Jr. title, defeating Taiji Ishimori to win the title for the fourth time, securing the win with a Time Bomb II. Ishimori had held the title for 129 days, defeating Takahashi at Summer Struggle in Jingu on August 29.
Kota Ibushi retained the IWGP Heavyweight and Intercontinental titles on tonight’s show, defeating Jay White in a match that went 48 minutes. Ibushi won after a kamigoye to the back of the head, then another with his exposed knee to White’s face. SANADA, who defeated EVIL earlier in the show, came out to challenge Ibushi for the titles next. Ibushi accepted.
One night after defeating Tetsuya Naito for the IWGP Heavyweight and IWGP Intercontinental Championships, Kota Ibushi defends those titles against “‘Switchblade” Jay White in the main event of Wrestle Kingdom 15 night two.
These two last met in singles competition in November 2020 at Power Struggle, where White illegally used the ropes for leverage to pin Ibushi and win the right to challenge for the top IWGP titles on tonight’s show.
In tonight’s semi-main event, Taiji Ishimori will defend the IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Championship against Best of the Super Jrs. 27 winner Hiromu Takahashi. Hiromu earned his spot in this match by beating 2020 Super J-Cup winner El Phantasmo on last night’s show.
Former tag team partners SANADA and EVIL will face off in a special singles match, Shingo Takagi will defend the NEVER Openweight Championship against Jeff Cobb, while El Desperado and Yoshinobu Kanemaru will defend the IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Tag Team titles against Ryusuke Taguchi and Master Wato.
In the main card opener, The provisional KOPW 2021 Champion will be decided in a four-way. Toru Yano, BUSHI, Chase Owens and Bad Luck Fale will square off for the title after being the final four in last night’s New Japan Ranbo.
Two Stardom matches will be held on the pre-show, but not broadcast on NJPW World. Mayu Iwatani and Tam Nakano will take on Giulia and Syuri, plus Utami Hayashishita, Saya Kamitani & AZM will face Maika, Himeka & Natsupoi.
Our live coverage begins with the main card at 3 a.m. Eastern time.
Giulia & Syuri defeated Mayu Iwatani & Tam Nakano (12:49)
Giulia beat Nakano with a Glorious Driver.
**********
Provisional KOPW 2021 Championship match: Toru Yano defeated Bad Luck Fale, BUSHI & Chase Owens to win the title (7:24)
This featured a lot of comedy and a little bit of good wrestling. There were the usual Yano shenanigans, and those will continue in the new year with his victory here.
Yano and BUSHI teased not getting in the ring at the opening bell. Fale and Owens did a finger poke of doom. Fale covered Owens, but Yano and BUSHI jumped in to break up the pin.
Yano exposed a buckle and BUSHI missed a charge into the exposed steel. Owens used the turnbuckle pad as a weapon on Yano. BUSHI teased a tope to Owens, but Fale pulled him to the floor. Fale and Owens doubled up on Yano. BUSHI saved Yano from an Owens pin.
BUSHI hit a bulldog/dropkick combo on Owens and Fale, then hit a tope suicida on Owens. Fale took out BUSHI with a shoulder tackle. Yano tried to slam Fale. Fale collapsed on Yano and covered for a two count.
BUSHI and Owens had a nice exchange. BUSHI hit a rewind kick and a backstabber. Owens blocked an MX. BUSHI blocked a package piledriver attempt. Fale and Owens hit the Grenade Launcher on BUSHI. Owens covered, but Fale kicked him to break up the pin.
Fale and Owens argued over who should get to pin BUSHI. They decided to try a chokeslam on the referee. Yano used that opportunity to hit a double low blow on Fale and Owens.
Yano then covered BUSHI for the pin.
IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Tag Team Championship match: El Desperado & Yoshinobu Kanemaru defeated Ryusuke Taguchi & Master Wato (w/Hiroyoshi Tenzan) to retain the titles (13:20)
This was a solid undercard tag, but these guys weren’t out there to steal the show.
Wato fired off an immediate shotgun dropkick to Desperado. He then knocked Kanemaru off the apron with a running boot. Wato sent Desperado rolling to the floor after a series of strikes. Wato then hit a tornillo.
Taguchi tagged in and tried some comedy with Desperado. Taguchi got sent outside and whipped into the barricade. Desperado took the referee. Kanemaru brought a chair into the ring and drove Taguchi’s left leg into it.
Desperado and Kanemaru used quick tags and continued attacking the left leg of Taguchi. Taguchi missed one hip attack, but hit a second and tagged out. Wato hit a springboard uppercut to Kanemaru. Kanemaru used the ref as a human shield three times, then hit an enzuigiri. Desperado tagged in and ate a mid kick from Wato.
Desperado blocked a Taguchi hip attack. Taguchi hit a series of strikes with his butt, then hit a hip attack. Taguchi hit three amigos for a near fall. Desperado came back with a Numero Dos. Wato jumped in to break up the submission attempt.
Desperado went for Pinche Loco. Taguchi blocked and got an ankle lock applied. Taguchi threw Desperado into the ropes. Wato kind of hit a sloppy 619. Taguchi hit Dodon. Kanemaru broke up the ensuing pin attempt.
Taguchi tried another Dodon. Desperado rolled through for a cradle and a near fall. Wato was late on the save.
Kanemaru jumped in with a whiskey bottle. Taguchi threw Desperado into Kanemaru. The ref was distracted by the Kanemaru interference. Desperado then hit a closed fist strike.
Desperado then hit Pinche Loco and pinned Taguchi to retain.
NEVER Openweight Championship match: Shingo Takagi defeated Jeff Cobb to retain the title (21:11)
This was an awesome match. This was Cobb’s best NJPW match to date.
A striking battle kicked things off. After the strikes resulted in a stalemate, both tried a series of tackles. Shingo used a misdirection spot to send Cobb into the buckle, then hit a hip toss. Shingo then scored with a tackle for a one count.
Cobb came back with a dropkick, then hit a belly-to-belly on the floor. Back inside, Cobb tried working a side headlock. Shingo used the ropes to aid him in hitting a back suplex.
They fought on the apron. Shingo teased a DVD on the apron. Cobb blocked and teased a razor’s edge off the apron to the floor. Shingo escaped and hit a tope con giro. Back in the ring, Shingo hit a DDT and an elbow drop for a near fall.
Cobb fought out of a noshigami attempt and hit a spin cycle. Cobb hit a leaping uppercut forearm and two gutwrench suplexes. Shingo escaped a third suplex attempt with a headscissors takeover. Cobb hit a black tiger bomb for a great near fall.
Cobb set up for Tour of the Islands. Shingo blocked and hit a death valley driver. Shingo hit a corner lariat and a superplex. He followed with a wheelbarrow suplex. They traded strikes and suplexes. Shingo rolled to the floor for a countout tease, but made it back in at 19.
Cobb hit a gonzo bomb for a near fall. Shingo hit a dragon screw and Made in Japan for a two count.
They traded strikes. Cobb hit a German and a Tour of the Islands, but Cobb sold his knee giving out on the landing. Shingo got hit foot on the ropes as Cobb made a late cover. Cobb then hooked both legs but only got a two count.
Cobb teased a Tour of the Islands off the top rope. Shingo slid out and hit a powerbomb. Shingo tried a pumping bomber. Cobb blocked and hit a lariat. Cobb hit a moonsault powerslam. Shingo hit a pumping bomber but Cobb didn’t go down. Shingo hit two more lariats, a headbutt, a jab and another headbutt, but Cobb refused to go down. Shingo hit a belly-to-belly throw into a double down.
Shingo was first up and hit a pumping bomber. He followed with Last of the Dragon and scored the pin.
***** Intermission *****
SANADA defeated EVIL (w/Dick Togo) (23:40)
If you can set aside the usual Bullet Club hijinks and ref bumps, this was very good. They worked it like a true grudge match.
EVIL hit a kick to the knee and tried to bait SANADA into following him outside. SANADA refused. They did a quick series of finisher teases as EVIL went for Everything is EVIL, SANADA teased a Skull End, then SANADA teased Everything is EVIL. SANADA got a paradise lock applied and broke it with a dropkick.
SANADA teased a tope. EVIL side-stepped. SANADA tried a moonsault off the apron to the floor, but EVIL stepped away from that as well. EVIL whipped SANADA into the barricade, wiping out ring announcer Abe on the other side. EVIL and Togo set up a table to use later.
EVIL put a chair around SANADA’s neck and hit a baseball swing with a second chair. Back in, EVIL used a cocky cover for a one count. Togo exposed a turnbuckle and EVIL sent SANADA into it. They went back outside and EVIL again sent SANADA into the barricade. Abe took another bump.
Togo used a chair on SANADA while the ref was on the outside tending to Abe. EVIL covered for a couple of two counts. SANADA came back with a low dropkick and a TKO attempt. EVIL slid out. The camera missed a move while Togo was fiddling with a table on the floor and EVIL regained control of the match.
They fought on the apron. EVIL teased Darkness Falls off the apron through the table. SANADA blocked and teased a TKO through the table. EVIL escaped. They fought back into the ring. EVIL tried a ref-assisted Magic Killer. SANADA blocked and hit a magic screw.
SANADA hit a Tiger suplex for a near fall. SANADA used a spinning Skull End. EVIL tried Everything is EVIL. SANADA blocked and went back to Skull End. EVIL rammed SANADA into the exposed buckle to break the hold.
EVIL hit a superplex, then applied the Darkness Scorpion. SANADA reached the bottom rope to force a break. EVIL hit Darkness Falls for a near fall at the 15 minute call.
SANADA blocked Everything is EVIL. EVIL took a sternum-first shot into the exposed buckle. SANADA hit a back suplex and a TKO for a two count.
SANADA hit a backbreaker and went for a moonsault. EVIL rolled away and SANADA landed on his feet. EVIL threw SANADA into the ref, who took a bump.
Togo jumped in and hit SANADA with a series of strikes. EVIL and Togo hit corner clotheslines and a Magic Killer, EVIL and SANADA’s former tag team finisher. Togo teased a senton bomb. SANADA shoved EVIL into the ropes and crotched Togo, who fell to the floor.
SANADA used a cradle for a near fall, then hit the rounding body press to set up Skull End. SANADA grounded EVIL with Skull End and applied the body scissors with the hold.
SANADA gave up the hold and hit a moonsault to the back. SANADA tried a second moonsault. EVIL got his knees up to block at the 20 minute call.
Togo jumped up to the apron and choked SANADA with his cord. SANADA escpaed and shoved EVIL into Togo. Togo took a bump off the apron through the table.
SANADA used an O’Connor roll for a near fall. EVIL answered with a huge lariat for his own near fall.
SANADA blocked Everything is EVIL and blocked a low blow. SANADA hit Everything is EVIL.
SANADA then hit a pop-up TKO and a moonsault for the pin.
IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Championship match: Hiromu Takahashi defeated Taiji Ishimori to win the title (25:31)
This really would have benefitted from having a crowd that could make noise. They were out there killing themselves, working a crazy pace for 25-plus minutes to almost absolute silence. The match was great, but a victim of the pandemic era in that this won’t reach that iconic match status.
They came out going a million miles an hour. They teased some moves on the apron. Hiromu went for a sunset bomb. Ishimori landed on his feet on the sunset attempt, but Hiromu hit a pop-up apron bomb.
Hiromu teased a running shotgun dropkick on the long entrance ramp. Ishimori caught him with what was supposed to be a powerbomb on the ramp, but the timing got messed up and the move didn’t look good.
Ishimori exposed a buckle, then hit a golden triangle moonsault off the post. Ishimori sent Hiromu into the exposed buckle. Hiromu came back with some palm strikes to the chest, a flying headscissors, a shotgun dropkick and a falcon arrow for a near fall.
Ishimori hit a sliding German, then a springboard 450 onto Hiromu’s left arm. Ishimori used the Yes Lock. Hiromu reached the ropes for a break. Hiromu hit a release German into the corner pad, then hit a running DVD.
Ishimori escaped a Time Bomb attempt and hit a jumping knee strike. Hiromu hit a German. Ishimori hit a destroyer into a double down. They traded forearm strikes. Hiromu finally dropped Ishimori with a big forearm strike. Ishimori fired up and dropped Hiromu with a forearm.
Ishimori hit a series of hard forearm strikes, unanswered. Ishimori continued with the hard shots at the 15 minute call. They teased a ref stoppage as Ishimori continued hammering away with hard strikes for several minutes.
Ishimori sent Hiromu’s left shoulder into the post, then hit a shoulder breaker. Ishimori used La Mistica to set up the Yes Lock. Ishimori applied the hold in the center of the ring. Hiromu fought his way to the ropes for a break.
Ishimori hit a cipher utaki for a near fall. Hiromu blocked a Bloody Cross attempt and hit victory royal into a double down.
Hiromu hit a lariat, then followed with a DVD into the exposed turnbuckle. Hiromu hit Time Bomb, but Ishimori kicked out. Ishimori blocked Time Bomb II and used the Bone Lock. Ishimori rolled through and tried a Bloody Cross. Hiromu blocked and hit another victory royal at the 25 minute call.
Hiromu then connected with Time Bomb II and pinned Ishimori to win the title.
IWGP Heavyweight Championship & IWGP Intercontinental Championship match: Kota Ibushi defeated Jay White (w/Gedo) to retain the titles (48:05)
This was an epic and an all-time classic.
Ibushi is one of the very best ever. White should enter the conversation surrounding the best of his generation after this performance. This was the match of his life. This will sound blasphemous, but White is a modern Ric Flair. His moves won’t blow you away, but in-ring he is the perfect heel pro wrestler.
White started out with his customary stalling. He then agreed to lock up. He backed Ibushi into the ropes and feigned a clean break, but Gedo tripped Ibushi and White pounced. White hit a series of stomps.
Back in the center of the ring, White used a headlock to keep Ibushi grounded. Ibushi kipped up off a shoulder tackle, then missed with a wild kick. After some misdirection from White, Ibushi hit a flying mid kick.
They rolled to the floor. Gedo tried to get involved. Ibushi hit him with an elbow to the ribs. As they climbed back inside, White hit a DDT to regain the upper hand. White threw Ibushi outside, then hit a back suplex onto the apron.
White continued to target Ibushi’s core and continued to use the ring frame as a weapon. He drove Ibushi’s ribs into the apron. White continued methodically working over the abdomen and lower back. Ibushi tried to fire off a dropkick, but White avoided it.
White hit a DDT. White spent some time jawing with Red Shoes in the corner. Ibushi used that opening to hit an overhead kick. He followed with two mid kicks and a standing moonsault for a near fall, his first significant offensive sequence of the match.
Ibushi sent White outside. White rammed Ibushi into the edge of the ring and into the barricade. On the way back in, White hit a dragon screw in the ropes. Ibushi tried to fire off a springboard attack, but White shoved him off the ropes to the floor.
Ibushi climbed back inside and ate an underhook suplex into the turnbuckle pad. White covered for a near fall. Gedo called for the Kiwi Krusher. Ibushi blocked and hit a snap German. They exchanged forearm strikes.
Ibushi strung together a combination of strikes at the 20 minute call. They traded cradles for quick near falls. Ibushi rolled through on a cradle and hit a bastard driver for a two count.
Ibushi missed a Bomaye and went knee-first into the turnbuckle. White hit a half-and-half suplex and a uranage for a near fall. White hit the Kiwi Krusher for a two count.
White called for the Blade Runner. Ibushi countered into a back suplex. Ibushi hit the Bomaye for a two count. White tried a pin with his feet on the ropes in the way that won him the match at Power Struggle, but Red Shoes caught his feet on the ropes and stopped the count.
They fought to the top rope at the 25 minute call. White teased a sleeper suplex off the top. Ibushi elbowed out and White dropped to the mat. Gedo grabbed Ibushi and bought White some time. White hit a chop block and two dragon screws to the right leg.
White used the TTO submission. Ibushi grabbed the bottom rope and forced a break. White hit some short kicks to the face. Ibushi no-sold them and went into his no-selling trance. Ibushi no-sold a series of strikes, then dropped White with a palm strike.
White crawled to the corner. Ibushi hit more strikes with White in the ropes. Ibushi stood in the middle and demanded that White strike him. White obliged. Ibushi no-sold and dropped him with one strike. They repeated that again. They traded forearms. White rolled to the floor after one shot from Ibushi.
Back inside, Ibushi offered up his neck. White laid on his back and begged Ibushi to cover him. Ibushi refused and hit a series of strikes. Red Shoes tried to pull Ibushi off. Ibushi shoved Red Shoes down. White then hit a low blow.
They rolled to the floor. White sent Ibushi into the barricade and the ring again and again. White posted Ibushi. White dragged Ibushi to the ramp and hammered away with forearms. White went back to the ring and Ibushi followed, staggering.
White hit a complete shot at the 35 minute call. White hit a pair of deadlift German suplexes. They fought on the apron. White teased a German on the apron. Ibushi blocked and hit a high kick. Ibushi hit a German off the second rope back into the ring.
Ibushi hit a last ride for a super close near fall. Ibushi called for Kamigoye. White blocked and dumped Ibushi on his head with a sleeper suplex. White hit another sleeper suplex. White hit a Regal suplex for a near fall at the 40 minute call.
White called for the Blade Runner. Ibushi used a backslide to set up Kamigoye. Ibushi connected, but White kicked out at two.
Ibushi hit a phoenix splash. Red Shoes counted 1, 2 — but Gedo pulled Red Shoes out of the ring. Gedo jumped in with brass knuckles. Ibushi blocked the shot and hit a Kamigoye on Gedo.
Ibushi revived the ref. Ibushi slowly walked towards White. White popped up and hit a Blade Runner. Ibushi kicked out at the last possible instant.
White tried for another sleeper suplex. Ibushi elbowed out. Ibushi tried to set up a German. White rolled through and applied the TTO. Ibushi tried to fight his way to the ropes. White pulled him back to the middle of the ring. Ibushi teased tapping out, but finally crawled to the ropes at the 45 minute call.
White tried a Blade Buster. Ibushi escaped and hit a v-trigger. White hit another Regal suplex for a near fall. White hit a bloody sunday DDT. Ibushi popped up and hit another v-trigger.
Ibushi grabbed the wrists. They traded kicks. Ibushi hit another v-trigger. Ibushi tried a Kamigoye. White reversed into a Blade Runner attempt. Ibushi escaped and hit a high kick.
Ibushi hit a Kamigoye to the back of the head, then hit a standard Kamigoye. Ibushi covered for the 1-2-3.
**********
White was great in the post-match, clawing for the titles, clawing for Ibushi while Young Lions pulled him out of the ring.
SANADA came to the ring and challenged Ibushi for a future match. Ibushi accepted.
Ibushi cut a short promo as SANADA left. Ibushi said he has done it, he has become God.
Ibushi posed on the turnbuckles with his title belts. He walked around ringside and bowed to Jushin Liger.
Ibushi took his time as he walked up the ramp. He then posed on the stage, holding his belts aloft as fireworks shot off.
This felt like a huge deal. This is how it’s done.
A look at the death, unique lives and careers of Jon Huber and Danny Hodge is the focus of what is the best issue of the Observer in more than a decade.
Details surrounding the Huber health crisis and death, words from his wife, how he got started in wrestling, my own personal thoughts regarding my interaction with him, his leaving WWE for AEW, his WWE run with The Wyatt Family, what were the plans for the Bludgeon Brothers to imitate and how it fell through, the match that changes his WWE focus, the background of his big decision, what match was scheduled for him that fell through, how his AEW term played out with his biggest matches, why the death became such a huge news story, the story behind and coverage of the tribute show and more.
The iconic figure of Danny Hodge with what should be a movie script, covering growing up in a small town known for wrestling, his unique childhood, his developing his legendary grip strength, his unbelievable credentials as a wrestler, MMA, street fights, the auto accident that ended his career, his biggest pro wrestling matches, his boxing career and why people will talk about him as his records every year going forward.
Also in this issue:
Preview the Wrestle Kingdom shows this week, covering the matches and the stories behind the matches, as well as how the restrictions have changed things.
Update the Royal Rumble including a gimmick match being talked about, new WWE show, top 25 WWE matches of the year, U.K. and Canadian ratings as well as where pro wrestling ranks in sports ratings, market value of WWE as well as the most-watched shows on the WWE Network.
2020 Wrestling Observer Awards ballot.
Television stations that carried wrestling and MMA in 2020 and how they did, and how wrestling did in comparison with the station’s usual programming.
Detailed look at the television business, looking at stats not available elsewhere to get the deepest read into how shows are doing, what categories are doing well and how shows compare with previous weeks and one year ago.
Results of all the major pro wrestling events around the world over the past week.
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MONDAY NEWS UPDATE
Bryan and I will be back tonight talking Raw, Tokyo Dome, Marty Scurll and a number of other topics with Wrestling Observer Radio. You can send questions to the show to [email protected]
The last two matches on today’s Tokyo Dome show, the Kazuchika Okada win over Will Ospreay and Kota Ibushi’s IWGP & IC title win over Tetsuya Naito were fantastic. They were two of the best storytelling matches you’ll ever see, and kudos to Kevin Kelly, Rocky Romero and Chris Charlton for really bringing it out, especially with Ibushi vs. Naito.
Tonight is the Raw bounceback show with no football competition so numbers should be well up, particularly with Hulk Hogan and Ric Flair appearing. Drew McIntyre vs. Keith Lee for the WWE title headlines the show. Hogan and Flair are listed as hosts. Also for tonight’s Legends Night appearing are Kurt Angle, Torrie Wilson, Big Show, Boogeyman, Carlito, Alicia Fox, Michael Hayes, Mark Henry, Hillbilly Jim, IRS, Ivory, Jacqueline, Jeff Jarrett, Melina Perez, Sgt. Slaughter and Tatanka.
Amanda Huber on Instagram wrote this about Megha Parekh and Margaret Stavley and how much they helped her through these difficult times. Parekh is the Senior Vice President and Chief Legal Officer of the Jacksonville Jaguars as well as AEW. She’s also the Khan family’s general counsel. Stavley is the Legal Coordinator for AEW:
Tomorrow’s show starts on New Japan World at 3 a.m. Eastern and midnight Pacific time:
Bad Luck Fale vs. Chase Owens vs. Bushi vs. Toru Yano for the KOPW title
Desperado & Yoshinobu Kanemaru vs. Master Wato & Ryusuke Taguchi for the IWGP jr. tag titles
Shingo Takagi vs. Jeff Cobb for the Never Open weight title.
Evil vs. Sanada
Taiji Ishimori vs. Hiromu Takahashi for the IWGP jr title
Kota Ibushi vs. Jay White for the IWGP & IC titles
As far as notes, there is a lot of interest in Takagi vs. Cobb. It’s very rare that the Jr. title is this high on the Dome show and it was very clear Takahashi was saving most of his best moves for tonight. Ibushi vs. White is Ibushi’s revenge for White beating him for the briefcase. On paper this isn’t as good as last night and the first match is a real disappointment given they could have put Minoru Suzuki, Hirooki Goto, Sho, Tomohiro Ishii or Yuji Nagata in the final four and chosen not to do any of them. But Ibushi never fails to deliver when put in a top position.
The Guam Daily Post has a story on Jeff Cobb, who is from Guam, wrestling Shingo Takagi tomorrow. (thanks to Lee Wall)
WWE
The company announced the hiring of Christine Lubrano as Senior Vice President of Creative Writing. She previously worked for the IFC Channel as SVP or Original Programming & Development.
Sergey Spivak vs. Jared Vanderaa has been added to the 2/20 show. It was scheduled for 12/12 but Vanderaa tested positive for COVID.
AEW
FTR’s winning move, called the shatter machine in WWE and Goodnight Express (after the Midnight Express) in AEW, will now be called the Big Rig, as a dedication to Brodie Lee, whose independent nickname before WWE was Big Rig Brodie Lee.
OTHER NOTES
Naruki Doi will be undergoing surgery due to problems with the ulnar nerve in his elbow.
Impact tomorrow night has Kenny Omega appearing again plus:
Eddie Edwards vs. Sami Callihan
Jazz & Jordynne Grace vs. Havok & Neveah in the semifinals of the Knockouts tag team title tournament
Blake Christian vs. KC Navarro vs. Ace Austin vs. Crazzy Steve
Eric Young & Joe Doering vs. Rhino & Cousin Jake
Moose vs. Matthew Palmer
Jerry Sags of the Nasty Boys talks Pat Patterson, The Rock, Rocky Johnson and Road Warrior Animal.
Today’s Irish Examiner has a piece on Danno O’Mahoney because today is the 86th anniversary of his arrival in Boston where he for a one year plus period became a major celebrity wrestler and topped Jim Londos for the title of biggest drawing card. (thanks to Lee Wall)
Salina de la Renta announced a big surprise on Wednesday’s MLW show. The tease of it would be the return of the Mil Muertes character from Lucha Underground. Their King of Colosseum special airs at 7 p.m. with Myron Reed vs. Lio Rush for the middleweight title, Alex Hammerstone vs. Mads Krugger for the National title, Marshall & Ross Von Erich vs. Dirty Blonds for the tag team titles and Simon Gotch vs. Jordan Oliver.
Septimo Dragon of MLW underwent his third surgery and is still in intensive care after a hit-and-run accident last week.
Wrestling Observer Live with myself and Mike Sempervive is back with tons to talk about including New Japan Wrestle Kingdom 15 night 1 and 2, WWE Raw preview for tonight, AEW and NXT rating notes that you don’t have to comment on or fight over, your feedback and tons more.
A fun show as always so check it out at video.f4wonline.com~!
For the first time in his career, Kota Ibushi is IWGP Heavyweight Champion.
Ibushi defeated Tetsuya Naito in the main event of Wrestle Kingdom 15 night one to win both the IWGP Heavyweight and IWGP Intercontinental titles. With that, the main event of Wrestle Kingdom 15 night two is now official. Ibushi will defend both titles against Jay White.
After the night one main event, Naito took both title belts from the referee before presenting them to Ibushi. White then confronted Ibushi. White cut a promo telling Ibushi to enjoy this moment — because it’s only going to last for one night. White said that every time Ibushi is about to reach the heights he’s aiming for, White will be there to pull him back down.
Ibushi then cut a promo to close the show. Ibushi vowed that his title reign won’t end after one night. He thanked Naito for their match, the fans for being there in these difficult times, and said White is finished.
Ibushi won the IWGP Heavyweight Championship one year after coming up short at Wrestle Kingdom 14. Ibushi unsuccessfully challenged Kazuchika Okada for the IWGP Heavyweight title at Wrestle Kingdom 14 night one. Naito then defeated Okada at Wrestle Kingdom 14 night two to become a double champion.
Ibushi lost to White at Wrestle Kingdom 14 night two. Ibushi won the 2020 G1 Climax, but White later defeated him for the Wrestle Kingdom 15 double title shot contract.
Prior to losing to Ibushi, Naito had been double champion since regaining the IWGP Heavyweight and Intercontinental titles from EVIL at August’s Summer Struggle in Jingu.
Wrestle Kingdom 15 will begin at 3 a.m. Eastern time on Tuesday, January 5. Here’s the full card for the show:
IWGP Heavyweight and IWGP Intercontinental Champion Kota Ibushi defends both titles against Jay White
IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion Taiji Ishimori defends against Hiromu Takahashi
SANADA vs. EVIL
NEVER Openweight Champion Shingo Takagi defends against Jeff Cobb
IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champions El Desperado & Yoshinobu Kanemaru defend against Ryusuke Taguchi & Master Wato
KOPW 2021 four-way match: Chase Owens vs. Bad Luck Fale vs. BUSHI vs. Toru Yano
Stardom dark match: Mayu Iwatani & Tam Nakano vs. Giulia & Syuri
Stardom dark match: Utami Hayashishita, Saya Kamitani & AZM vs. Maika, Himeka & Natsupoi
NJPW’s biggest event of the year, Wrestle Kingdom, begins tonight in the Tokyo Dome.
In the main event, IWGP Heavyweight and IWGP Intercontinental Champion Tetsuya Naito will defend both titles against Kota Ibushi, the G1 Climax 30 winner. Ibushi lost the right to challenge for the titles when Jay White beat him for the G1 briefcase at Power Struggle in November 2020.
Naito later held a press conference where he threatened to boycott the event unless he was given a chance to defend against Ibushi and the match was later sanctioned.
The winner will go on to defend both titles against Jay White in tomorrow’s main event of night two.
In the semi-main, Kazuchika Okada will face Will Ospreay. This match was set up when Ospreay beat Okada on the final night of A Block action in the G1 in October 2020. Ospreay turned against his stablemate Okada, siding with Bea Priestley, Great-O-Khan and later Jeff Cobb to form the new Empire faction.
Speaking of O-Khan, he gets his toughest test since returning from excursion when he face Hiroshi Tanahashi tonight.
KENTA will defend his right to challenge certificate for the IWGP United States Championship against Satoshi Kojima, while Taichi and Zack Sabre Jr. will defend the IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team titles against 2020 World Tag League winners Tama Tonga and Tanga Loa.
In the first match on the main card, Best of the Super Jrs. 27 winner Hiromu Takahashi will face 2020 Super J-Cup winner El Phantasmo. The winner of that bout will go on to face Taiji Ishimori tomorrow for the IWGP Jr. Heavyweight title.
The pre-show match is the New Japan Ranbo, a 22-man elimination match with timed entrances. Eliminations can take place via pinfall, submission or being thrown over the top rope. The final four competitors will go on to face off in a four-way on tomorrow’s show for the provisional KOPW 2021 title.
Our live coverage begins with the pre-show at 2 a.m. Eastern time.
**********
New Japan Ranbo: Chase Owens, BUSHI, Bad Luck Fale & Toru Yano were the final four and advance to tomorrow’s KOPW 2021 match (34:40)
This was an enjoyable battle royal. It did go a little long for my taste.
The production team did well with getting shots of entrances and eliminations up until the very end when guys started getting thrown out left and right.
This was advertised as a 22-man match on NJPW’s site, yet there were only 21 entrants.
Nagata and Suzuki battler to the apron. Henare clotheslined them off for the first eliminations. Nagata and Suzuki continued fighting on their way to the back.
Ishii threw Henare out over the top rope. Makabe eliminated Goto and YH with a double clothesline over the top rope. Honma and Tenzan teamed up to eliminate Makabe.
DOUKI was disqualified for using his steel pipe as a weapon on Romero.
BUSHI low-bridged Yujiro out of the ring. Ishii and Owens fought on the apron. Fale knocked Ishii off the apron for an elimination. Fale then threw out Tenzan, Romero, SHO and Tiger Mask in short order.
The Young Lions teamed up to try to take out Fale. Instead, Fale threw out Kidd, Uemura and Tsuji.
Yano was the final entry and never made it into the ring, as only three competitors remained.
I would ask those who were critical of this, what is the ratio of good to bad battle royals you have seen in your life? There aren’t a lot of good ones.
Order of entry —
Chase Owens
Tomohiro Ishii
Minoru Suzuki
Yuji Nagata
Toa Henare
Hirooki Goto
Yujiro Takahashi
YOSHI-HASHI
Togi Makabe
Tomoaki Honma
Hiroyoshi Tenzan
Rocky Romero
DOUKI
SHO
BUSHI
Tiger Mask
Bad Luck Fale
Gabriel Kidd
Yuya Uemura
Yota Tsuji
Toru Yano
Order of elimination —
Yuji Nagata
Minoru Suzuki
Toa Henare
Hirooki Goto
YOSHI-HASHI
Togi Makabe
DOUKI
Yujiro Takahashi
Tomohiro Ishii
Tomoaki Honma
Hiroyoshi Tenzan
Rocky Romero
SHO
Tiger Mask
Gabriel Kidd
Yuya Uemura
Yota Tsuji
**********
Don Kinashi opened the main show as the special guest ring announcer. He introduced Riki Choshu, who walked to the ring with his grandson in his arms.
The show began with a Don King impersonator, Riki Choshu and a baby in a tuxedo, as is tradition.
They declared the show had started.
Next, we had a video package highlighting tonight’s matches and the safety precautions being taken.
**********
Hiromu Takahashi defeated El Phantasmo to remain number one contender for the IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Championship (17:46)
Every move you can imagine was on display in this good back-and-forth battle. We also had the customary Bullet Club ref bump here in the opener.
ELP rolled outside at the opening bell. He grabbed Hiromu’s BOSJ trophy and threw it. He then grabbed his own Super J-Cup jacket and demanded that Jushin Liger put it on him. While he was taunting, Hiromu landed a shotgun dropkick off the apron, sending ELP crashing through a gate and off the raised platform around ringside.
Hiromu hit a seated senton off the top rope to the floor. He went for a sunset bomb, but ELP escaped and hit his own sunset bomb. ELP followed up with a beautiful Asai moonsault off the ropes to the ramp.
ELP teased a terminator dive. Hiromu landed a shotgun dropkick in the ring. ELP answered by stomping away at various limbs. ELP walked the top rope. Hiromu responded by biting his hand and hitting a cradle driver off the top rope for a near fall.
ELP did a finger break spot. He teased a Styles Clash. Instead, Hiromu blocked and hit a Dynamite Plunger for a two count. They traded thrust kicks. Hiromu hit a victory royal for a two count, but still sold the damage from the finger break spot and ELP stomping on his hand.
ELP used a victory roll for a near fall. Hiromu hit a thrust kick. ELP teased an airplane spin neckbreaker. Hiromu blocked that, but fell victim to a bastard driver for a two count.
They fought on the top rope. ELP bumped the referee, then hit two low blows to Hiromu. ELP hit a super rana off the top, then hit a frog splash for a two count.
ELP tried CRII. Hiromu blocked and sat down for a two count. ELP then hit a Styles Clash for another near fall. He then hit a v-trigger and teased a One-Winged Angel. Hiromu escaped and hit a DVD into the buckle.
ELP countered out of Time Bomb and used a bridge with his feet on the ropes for a close near fall.
ELP went for CRII. Hiromu blocked and hit a hurricanrana, then trapped ELP’s legs for the pinfall.
IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Championship match: Tama Tonga & Tanga Loa (w/Jado) defeated Taichi & Zack Sabre Jr. (w/DOUKI) to win the titles (19:18)
This was very long, but very good. Dangerous Tekkers sort of played babyfaceto make the match work rather than doing a deal where two heel teams tried to out-cheat each other.
The teams and their respective seconds began brawling before the opening bell. Taichi and Sabre established the early upper hand, trading quick tags and using various chokeholds on Tama.
Jado provided a distraction from the outside and allowed Tama to tag out. Jado used a kendo stick on DOUKI on the floor. Tanga went to work on Taichi and GOD cut him off in their corner. Taichi as babyface in peril is something to see.
Taichi hit a jumping high kick in the corner and tagged Sabre. Sabre has a heck of a babyface hot tag. He used a European clutch on Tama for a near fall. Sabre used an octopus on Tama. Tanga saved with an attack from behind. Sabre was then cut off and worked over.
Sabre tried to use a guillotine on Tanga. Instead, Tanga broke the hold with a powerbomb. GOD hit Sabre with Guerrilla Warfare, but did not attempt a cover. Jado called for the super powerbomb. Tama set it up with a Stinger splash in the corner. Sabre used a guillotine on Tanga on the top rope. Taichi used a stretch plum on Tama.
Sabre and Taichi hit a stacked-up superplex on Tanga for a near fall. Taichi then got a hot tag. All four guys jumped in as the match broke down. Tama hit a Gun Stun on Sabre. Taichi blocked a Gun Stun and hit a backdrop suplex on Tanga for a two count. Taichi took his trousers off.
Tama jumped in with Taichi’s iron glove. He used it on Taichi. GOD then hit Apeshit and pinned Taichi to win the titles.
GOD did a big celebration on top the dugout in the stadium.
**********
A Jon Moxley video promo aired.
Moxley said everyone who’s fought for the right to challenge him probably thought they’d get off easy, but they’re wrong. Mox said he’s the boogeyman of NJPW and whoever wins the contract tonight, he’s coming for them.
**********
IWGP United States Championship right to challenge certificate match: KENTA defeated Satoshi Kojima (w/Hiroyoshi Tenzan) to retain the briefcase (14:12)
This was kept simple, with just a few big moves and lots of selling between the big spots. The match worked because of Kojima’s selling.
KENTA tried some of his customary stalling at the outset. He got distracted by Tenzan at ringside and Kojima was able to use the distraction to get some early offense.
KENTA used Kojima as a weapon on the outside, shoving him into Tenzan. KENTA then hit a DDT on the floor. Back in, KENTA hit a top rope clothesline for two.
Kojima came back with some Mongolian chops and machine gun chops. KENTA went for his draping DDT. Kojima blocked and they fought on the apron. KENTA teased a vertical suplex on the apron. Kojima blocked and hit a DDT on the apron.
Kojima hit a Koji Cutter for a near fall. Kojima teased a lariat. KENTA blocked and hit a powerslam. KENTA went outside and grabbed his briefcase. He bumped the ref and tried a briefcase shot. Kojima hit a lariat on the case and knocked it away. KENTA blocked one lariat. Kojima hit a left arm lariat for a near fall.
KENTA ducked another lariat attempt and hit a busaiku knee. They traded strikes. KENTA hit another busaiku knee for another near fall.
KENTA then followed with the Go 2 Sleep for the pin.
**********
There was a commercial for NJPW Strong Spirits, a mobile game coming in 2021. A promo also aired teasing the NJPW U.S. and U.K. television deal. The English announcers made reference to the color purple being significant to theTV deal.
*****Intermission*****
Hiroshi Tanahashi defeated Great-O-Khan (17:13)
This picked up when Tanahashi made his comeback. Tana is one of the best sellers of all time. But when he’s selling O-Khan’s goofy offense, it takes you out of the match. O-Khan has some building blocks that can be useful, but he needs to make his strikes look better.
They started with some mat work. They established that O-Khan can hold his own on the mat. O-Khan tried to throw Tana over the top rope. Tana tried to skin the cat back in and O-Khan chopped his hands.
O-Khan posted Tanahashi and hit a slam on the ramp. They did a countout tease, but Tana made it back in. O-Khan hit some of his wacky Mongolian chops. He used a kneebar, but Tana reached the ropes.
O-Khan tried a kick. Tana blocked and teased a dragon screw. O-Khan slid out and went for another kick. Tana then hit a dragon screw. Tana hit a series of flying forearms, but sold damage to his knees from landing on them on the forearms.
Tana hit a slam and a somersault senton for a near fall. O-Khan blocked a slingblade and drove Tana into the mat with a unique throw. O-Khan hit some more Mongolian chops. O-Khan used a kneebar. Tana forced a break.
O-Khan hit an overhead throw, teasing dumping Tana to the floor. Tana skinned the cat this time, then hit twist and shout and a slingblade for a near fall.
Tanahashi went up top, teasing a High Fly Flow. O-Khan cut him off and used the claw grip to pull Tana to the center of the ring. O-Khan used a cobra twist with the claw grip to the face still applied. O-Khan hit an inside-out back suplex for a near fall.
O-Khan hit an inverted suplex for a two count, then grabbed a chair. O-Khan called for a Dominator on the chair. Tana slid out and hit another twist and shout. Tana teased using the chair, but tossed it outside. Tana then hit a dragon suplex for a near fall.
Tana went up top and hit a High Fly Flow to the back. He flipped O-Khan over, then hit a second High Fly Flow. Tanahashi covered for the pin.
Kazuchika Okada defeated Will Ospreay (w/Bea Priestley) (35:41)
This was excellent, as you might expect from two of the best to ever do it. A very brutal match with a lot of hard strikes. I need to watch this again, but the time flew by on first viewing.
After locking up, Okada did his customary clean break on the ropes. Ospreay didn’t take kindly to being little brothered like that and fired off a strike. They traded a series of strikes. Okada hit a running back elbow and a DDT.
Okada hit a rope-assisted tope con giro. Priestley started jawing at Okada as he climbed back inside. Ospreay used the distraction to hit a dropkick, sending Okada crashing to the floor.
Ospreay and Priestley tore up some of the padding on the ring platform, exposing the wood. Ospreay teased a piledriver on the wood. Okada teased a DDT. Ospreay had to settle for a neckbreaker on a padded section of the platform.
Red Shoes refused to count the pin as Ospreay threw Okada back in after the tactics on the outside. Ospreay hit a back suplex for a near fall. Ospreay used a chinlock and remained in control.
Okada hit a backdrop at the ten minute call to turn the tide. Okada hit some bump-and-feed strikes, then a flapjack for a two count. Okada teased his air raid crash neckbreaker. Ospreay blocked. Okada hit a big boot, then hit the air raid crash for a two count.
Ospreay came back with a pip pip cheerio. Ospreay hit a strike on the belt line, then hit a German into a bridge for a near fall. Ospreay went for a Storm Breaker. Okada hit a backdrop out, then hit heavy rain.
The two traded strikes. Ospreay sat on the top rope. Okada hit a dropkick and Ospreay fell to the floor. Okada sent Ospreay into the barricade. Ospreay blocked a running boot. Okada avoided an Oscutter off the barricade and hit a Woo dropkick on the floor.
Back inside, Okada hit a picture-perfect shotgun dropkick off the top rope. Ospreay fought off a tombstone attempt and hit a cheeky nando’s kick. Ospreay hit a reverse bloody sunday DDT for a near fall.
Ospreay hit a hook kick. Okada hit a dropkick. A crazy sequence followed. Ospreay countered a dropkick attempt with a running powerbomb for a near fall at the 20 minute call. The fight spilled back to the exposed platform on the outside.
Ospreay teased a suplex on the timekeeper’s table. Okada teased a tombstone on the exposed platform. Ospreay suplexed Okada over the barricade and through two timekeeper’s tables. Both guys were down on the floor on the other side of the barricade.
Ospreay dragged Okada back to the ring. Ospreay hit a springboard forearm strike off the top rope to the back of the head for a near fall. Ospreay hit a running powerbomb for another two count. Ospreay teased a Storm Breaker off the apron to the exposed floor, but Okada blocked.
Ospreay teased an Oscutter off the post to the apron. Okada blocked and hit a tombstone on the apron at the 25 minute call.
Okada jumped back in the ring. Ospreay beat the count in at 18, but ran right into a short Rainmaker. Ospreay ducked another Rainmaker, but Okada hit a dropkick. Okada used a Money Clip. Ospreay slid out, but right into a spinning tombstone.
Okada went back to the Money Clip. Priestley jumped on the apron. Okada threw Ospreay in Priestley and she took a bump off the apron. Okada maintained the Money Clip. After a long struggle, Ospreay reached the bottom rope to force a break.
The story now was that Ospreay was out of gas, while Okada still had plenty in the tank.
Okada hit a series of heavy forearm strikes. Okada hit some short kicks at the 30 minute call. Ospreay tried to fire up with strikes. Okada no-sold the strikes and hit a slam. Okada went to the top rope. Ospreay cut him off and they traded strikes. Ospreay hit a running boot.
Ospreay hit a top rope Spanish Fly for a near fall. Okada blocked an Oscutter. Ospreay escaped a Money Clip, then connected with an Oscutter. Okada kicked out at two.
Ospreay hit a series of strikes from the mount. He followed with short kicks to the face. Red Shoes tried to intervene, so Ospreay threw him down. Ospreay hit a sick strike to the brain stem. Ospreay teased a Hidden Blade, but Okada caught him with a dropkick.
Ospreay ducked a spinning Rainmaker and went up top. Okada caught Ospreay coming off the top with another dropkick. Ospreay escaped a Money Clip and hit a tombstone and a Rainmaker for a near fall at the 35 minute call.
Okada blocked a Storm Breaker and hit a sit-out tombstone. He followed immediately with a Rainmaker for the pin.
IWGP Heavyweight & IWGP Intercontinental Championship double title match: Kota Ibushi defeated Tetsuya Naito to win the titles (31:18)
This was very good. They were in a tough spot having to follow the last match. They had a much safer match than any from their 2019 series.
They started with some mat work, bringing the crowd down a bit after the last match.
The pace picked up and they fought to the floor. They did a series of counters and teases on the apron and the floor, befofre Naito hit a belly-to-back suplex on the ramp. Ibushi made it back in at 15.
Naito used a headscissors on the mat, then hit a series of elbows in the corner. Ibushi fought out of a DDT and hit a jumping mid kick and a standing moonsault for a near fall at the 10 minute call.
Naito hit a wicked back elbow. He tried a follow-up combinacion cabron in the corner. Ibsuhi cut him off with a lariat on the apron. Naito fell to the floor. Ibsuhi went outside after him. Naito hit a neckbreaker on the floor. Naito hit another neckbreaker off the apron to the floor, which looked sick.
Back inside, Naito used a crucifix. Ibushi forced a rope break. Ibushi blocked a flying forearm and hit a German. Naito no-sold the German, but immediately fell victim to a double stomp from Ibushi. There was a double down at the 15 minute call.
Ibushi hit a powerslam, but missed a moonsault. Naito applied Pluma Blanca. Ibushi forced a rope break. Naito hit a series of forearms and elbows to the neck, setting up for a later Destino. Naito hit Gloria for a near fall.
Naito tried to set up a top rope frankensteiner. Ibushi slid out and hit a backflip kick, sending Naito crashing to the mat and rolling to the apron. Ibushi teased a package driver on the apron. Naito blocked and hit a backdrop on the apron. Ibushi answered with a hurricanrana off the apron to the floor. They teased a countout, but Naito made it back in at 19.
They fought on the ropes. Naito hit a reverse frankensteiner off the top rope. Naito teased a Destino. Ibushi blocked the attempt with two high kicks. Ibushi teased a Kamigoye. Naito avoided it and hit a Destino, but Ibushi kicked out. Naito went for a second Destino. Ibushi blocked and hit a bastard driver. They did another double down at the 25 minute call.
They traded a series of strikes. Naito used a rolling capo kick. Ibushi answered with a lariat, then hit a last ride. Ibushi maintained wrist control after hitting the Last Ride. Ibushi hit a Kamigoye, but Naito kicked out at two.
Ibushi missed a phoenix splash. Naito hit a second Destino, but Ibushi again kicked out. Ibushi slid out of a Destino attempt and hit a mid kick, then hit a second Kamigoye. Naito kicked out at two.
At the 30 mnute call, Ibushi pulled his right knee pad down. Naito hit an enzuigiri and valentia. Naito went for another Destino. Ibushi slid out and hit a jumping knee strike.
Ibushi then hit a third Kamigoye, covered and pinned Naito to win double IWGP gold.
**********
Ibushi sold his victory as though he was in a trance. It was really quite an artistic performance.
Things got weird for a second when Ibushi tried to pin Naito after he came out of his trance.
Red Shoes went to present Ibushi with the title belts. Naito took the belts from Red Shoes. After a tense moment, Naito handed the belts to Ibushi and raised the new champ’s arm.
Jay White entered with Gedo. White said that Ibushi’s reign will last for one night. He said he’s taking everything from Ibushi tomorrow. He said Ibushi won’t become God tomorrow, White will expose him as a fraud. White said every time Ibushi is about to reach the pinnacle, Jay will be there to pull him down.
White said Ibushi will help him fulfill his destino tomorrow when Jay becomes God. Jay said Ibushi will breathe with the Switchblade tomorrow.
Ibushi then took the mic as White and Gedo retreated to the aisle.
Ibushi thanked Naito. He said his reign will not end after one day. He thanked the crowd for being there in such trying times. Ibushi promised to keep the titles tomorrow and to become God tomorrow night.
The show ended with fireworks and Ibushi posing on the entrance stage with both titles.
Though he wasn’t able to make an in-person appearance at the show, video of a pre-recorded promo from IWGP United States Heavyweight Champion Jon Moxley aired during Wrestle Kingdom 15.
The promo aired prior to KENTA’s IWGP United States Heavyweight title shot contract defense against Satoshi Kojima at Wrestle Kingdom 15 night one.
“Many men have vied for that US title contract,” Moxley said. “But they all thought they were gonna get off easy. They all hoped and prayed that the United States Heavyweight Champion would never return. But I am the boogeyman in New Japan Pro Wrestling. I will get you eventually. So whoever walks out of the Tokyo Dome with that contract, make no mistake about it — I’m coming for you.”
The promo was from NJPW’s United States dojo.
KENTA defeated Kojima at Wrestle Kingdom 15 to retain the title shot contract. He’ll challenge Moxley for the IWGP United States Heavyweight Championship at some point in the future.
KENTA became the number one contender to Moxley’s title by winning the 2020 New Japan Cup USA tournament. He’s since successfully defended the contract against Jeff Cobb, Hiroshi Tanahashi, David Finlay, Brody King, and Kojima.
Juice Robinson was originally supposed to challenge for KENTA’s title shot contract at Wrestle Kingdom 15, but Robinson was pulled from the show due to a fractured orbital bone.
Moxley has been IWGP United States Heavyweight Champion since winning the title from Lance Archer in a Texas Death Match at Wrestle Kingdom 14 night one in 2020. Moxley hasn’t been able to wrestle for NJPW since February 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Hiromu Takahashi is getting an IWGP Junior Heavyweight title shot at Wrestle Kingdom 15.
IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion Taiji Ishimori will defend his title against Takahashi at Wrestle Kingdom 15 night two. That became official when Takahashi booked his spot in the match by defeating El Phantasmo at Wrestle Kingdom 15 night one.
Takahashi vs. Phantasmo was a matchup of the 2020 Best of the Super Juniors winner and Super J-Cup winner. Takahashi defeated El Desperado in the Best of the Super Juniors finals in December.
The Super J-Cup was a one-night tournament that was held in the United States and aired in December following the conclusion of the Best of the Super Juniors. Phantasmo defeated ACH in the finals. Phantasmo also won the 2019 Super J-Cup
After Takahashi vs. Phantasmo at Wrestle Kingdom night one, it was pushed that Takahashi is going into the title match against Ishimori with a broken hand.
Takahashi lost the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship to Ishimori at Summer Struggle in Jingu in August. This will be Ishimori’s first title defense.
Ishimori vs. Takahashi will be the semi-main event of Wrestle Kingdom 15 night two. The show will begin at 3 a.m. Eastern time on Tuesday, January 5.
Here’s the updated card for Wrestle Kingdom 15 night two:
Winner of Tetsuya Naito vs. Kota Ibushi from Wrestle Kingdom 15 night one defends the IWGP Heavyweight Championship and IWGP Intercontinental Championship against Jay White
IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion Taiji Ishimori defends against Hiromu Takahashi
SANADA vs. EVIL
NEVER Openweight Champion Shingo Takagi defends against Jeff Cobb
IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champions El Desperado & Yoshinobu Kanemaru defend against Ryusuke Taguchi & Master Wato
KOPW 2021 four-way match: Chase Owens vs. Bad Luck Fale vs. BUSHI vs. Toru Yano
Stardom dark match: Mayu Iwatani & Tam Nakano vs. Giulia & Syuri
Stardom dark match: Utami Hayashishita, Saya Kamitani & AZM vs. Maika, Himeka & Natsupoi
The four participants for tomorrow’s match for the provisional KOPW trophy have been set.
Toru Yano, Bad Luck Fale, Chase Owens, and BUSHI all qualified tonight to take part in the four-way match that will take place on the January 5 Wrestle Kingdom 15 card. The winner of that match will start the year as the provisional 2021 KOPW champion.
The finish of tonight’s match had Fale last eliminating young lions Gabriel Kidd, Yuya Uemura, and Yota Tsuji. Yano was the last person to enter the rumble. He never made it to the ring, however, as Fale’s eliminations marked the end of the match. Yano taunted his future opponents after the match ended as he made his exit.
Yano became the 2020 KOPW champion on the December 23 Road to Tokyo Dome card, defeating Bad Luck Fale. Per the championship’s stipulations, the person to hold the trophy at the end of the year officially becomes the KOPW champion for that year. The trophy is then reset, and a new match determines the provisional champion for 2021.
A look at the death, unique lives and careers of Jon Huber and Danny Hodge is the focus of what is the best issue of the Observer in more than a decade.
Details surrounding the Huber health crisis and death, words from his wife, how he got started in wrestling, my own personal thoughts regarding my interaction with him, his leaving WWE for AEW, his WWE run with The Wyatt Family, what were the plans for the Bludgeon Brothers to imitate and how it fell through, the match that changes his WWE focus, the background of his big decision, what match was scheduled for him that fell through, how his AEW term played out with his biggest matches, why the death became such a huge news story, the story behind and coverage of the tribute show and more.
The iconic figure of Danny Hodge with what should be a movie script, covering growing up in a small town known for wrestling, his unique childhood, his developing his legendary grip strength, his unbelievable credentials as a wrestler, MMA, street fights, the auto accident that ended his career, his biggest pro wrestling matches, his boxing career and why people will talk about him as his records every year going forward.
Also in this issue:
Preview the Wrestle Kingdom shows this week, covering the matches and the stories behind the matches, as well as how the restrictions have changed things.
Update the Royal Rumble including a gimmick match being talked about, new WWE show, top 25 WWE matches of the year, U.K. and Canadian ratings as well as where pro wrestling ranks in sports ratings, market value of WWE as well as the most-watched shows on the WWE Network.
2020 Wrestling Observer Awards ballot.
Television stations that carried wrestling and MMA in 2020 and how they did, and how wrestling did in comparison with the station’s usual programming.
Detailed look at the television business, looking at stats not available elsewhere to get the deepest read into how shows are doing, what categories are doing well and how shows compare with previous weeks and one year ago.
Results of all the major pro wrestling events around the world over the past week.
ORDERING INFO: Order the print Wrestling Observer right now and get it delivered via mail, by sending your name, address, Visa or Master Card number and an expiration date to [email protected] or by going to www.paypal.com directing funds to [email protected].
Rates in the United States are $14.50 for 4 issues, $35.50 for 12, $70 for 24, $116 for 40 and $149.50 for 52.
In Canada and Mexico, the rates are $16 for 4, $27 for 8, $38.50 for 12, $76 for 24, $126 for 40 and $162.50 for 52.
For the rest of the world, rates are $18 for 4, $48.50 for 12, $93 for 24, $155 for 40 and $201.50 for 52.
If you order by mail with a check, cash or money order to P.O. Box 1228, Campbell, CA 95009-1228, you can get $1 off in every price range.
SUNDAY NEWS UPDATE
Bryan and I will be back with Wrestling Observer Radio tonight. We’ll be covering the Tokyo Dome show as well as the weekend news. You can send questions to the show to [email protected]
Tonight is the first night of Wrestle Kingdom. It starts at 2 a.m. Eastern time with these matches:
22 man Rumble which will go down to four men, and those four meet in the opener tomorrow night for the KOPW title.
Hiromu Takahashi vs. El Phantasmo- winner faces Taiji Ishimori on Tuesday for the IWGP jr. title
KENTA vs. Satoshi Kojima for the U.S. title briefcase
Taichi & Zack Sabre Jr. defending the IWGP tag titles against Tama Tonga & Tanga Loa
Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Great O’Khan
Kazuchika Okada vs. Will Ospreay
Tetsuya Naito vs. Kota Ibushi for the IWGP & IC heavyweight titles
We have a preview up on the site with Kevin Kelly talking about both Dome shows as well as New Japan going forward.
Kevin Kelly will be in Japan through mid-February so all the major shows this week as well as on the New Beginning tour will have live from the building English language commentary.
Jack Curtis Jr., a wrestler and later promoter in the state of Mississippi and Louisiana, passed away yesterday at the age of 85. He wrestled in the 60s and 70s for Leroy McGuirk, and later promoted and then became the events coordinator for Bill Watts during the heyday of Mid South Wrestling. (thanks to Matt Riviera)
For those who think Ryan Garcia may have star power, there were 1 million searches for him which puts him second for the weekend behind Ohio State. The only other combat sports reference this past week was Brodie Lee on Wednesday night with 100,000, which also makes the first time since I think week one that anything on AEW Dynamite cracked the top 20 searches for the day in the United States.
WWE
Mick Foley wrote this update about testing positive for COVID: “I tested positive for the coronavirus following a December 12 virtual signing. As soon as I learned that I had been exposed and even before the test result, I began isolating in a hotel room – and have been here for 19 days. I am no longer contagious and will be checking out tomorrow. Fortunately, my symptoms were not too serious – body aches and headache for a few days, followed by loss of my sense of smell and just within the last few days, my hearing has been affected. Worse than the physical symptoms was missing the holidays with my family – Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s. I tried to do my best to be safe these past ten months, but looking back on it, there were a number of occasions where I did let my guard down. Since mid-March, I have only done four virtual signings, two personal appearances, two guest appearances on reality shows and my appearance on WWE Raw at The Undertaker’s farewell. In 2019, I flew 150,000 miles on Delta Airlines – in addition to tens of thousands more on other airlines. In 2020, I flew less than 10,000. Still, there were several occasions where I could have been more careful. Moving forward, I will do my best to do better. I hope all of us can do a little better for as long as it takes to put this terrible pandemic behind us. I appreciate all the well wishes and prayers that I have always received on social media. I’m lucky… things could have been worse.In a little bit of good news, enthusiasm on Cameo in December resulted in my being able to donate $5,000 to the Daniela Conte Foundation – a foundation created by the parents of a very special little girl who was lost way too soon. To learn more about Daniela and the foundation formed in her honor, you can check out my Facebook post from December 23rd“
UFC
Markus Perez will be replacing Isi Fitikefu against Dalcha Lungiambula on the 1/20 show. Fitkefu suffered an injured left elbow while training with Robert Whittaker.
AEW
The top three wrestlers in 2020 for four-star matches were Tomohiro Ishii, Kenny Omega and Shingo Takagi. The top for five-star matches was Will Ospreay.
During the Outback Bowl, Indiana players were holding chairs over their heads and the ESPN announcers said this was like an ECW match and they were looking for kendo sticks and barbed wire (thanks to Barry Werner)
Tokyo Joshi Pro Wrestling has a show that will stream from Korakuen Hall tonight at 9:30 p.m. Eastern and 6:30 p.m. Pacific time with Stewart Fulton, Mark Pickering and Chris Brookes doing the English language commentary.
LFA on 1/29 at the Hartman Arena in Park City, KS (near Wichita) on UFC Fight Pass is headlined by Josh Fremd (6-1) vs. Bruno Oliveira (8-2) in a middleweight fight.
In the new season of Cobra Kai on Netflix, there are references to WrestleMania 3, Chris Jericho and a feud between the Hart Foundation and British Bulldogs (thanks to Joe Puccio)
The first episode of the ROH television show will be based around a documentary of how the company handled the pandemic, starting with the weekend of 3/13 and 3/14 when the crew was in Las Vegas for a PPV and television tapings and then, while there, the decision was made not to run. Before being shut down there was a Flip Gordon vs. Bandido and Jay Lethal vs. Mark Haskins match, and those matches have never aired but will air on the show this week.
Impact has an Impact+ special on 1/9 headlined by Moose vs. Willie Mack in an I Quit match plus the Super X Cup one-night tournament.
Stardom results from today in Shinkiba: Saki Kashima won three-way over Maika and Lady C, Tam Nakano & Sayaka Unagi b Saya Iida & Ruaka, Utami Hayashishita & AZM & Saya Kamitani b Mayu Iwatani & Starlight Kid & Gokigen Death, Momo Watanabe d Syuri over 15:00, Giulia & Himeka & Natsupoi b Bea Priestley & Konami & Natsuoko Tora. Matches coming out of this show are AZM vs. Gokigen Death, Syuri defending her SWA title against Watanabe, Priestley & Konami defending the Goddesses of Stardom titles against Natsupoi & Himeka and Giulia vs. Tora for the Wonder of Stardom title, which will be a no DQ match headlining the 1/17 show at Korakuen Hall (thanks to Tomi Yamada and Shannon Walsh at Wrestlingwithdemons.com)
Suwama & Shuji Ishikawa lost their All Japan world tag team titles to Kento Miyahara & Yuma Aoyagi in the company’s first show of the season yesterday at Korakuen Hall. Today’s main event saw Suwama retain the Triple Crown over Aoyagi.
Yusuke Okada showed up at today’s DDT show at Korakuen Hall. He had left All Japan at the end of the year when his contract expired.
Yasufumi Nakanoue won the Big Japan Strong title from Yuji Okabayashi and Takumi Tskamoto won the Deathmatch title from Minoru Fujita on yesterday’s Korakuen Hall show.
Game Changer Wrestling from Thursday night in Atlantic City: Tre Lamar b Levi Everett, 1 Called Manders b Ellis Taylor, Holidead b Willow Nightingale, Matthew Justice & Joshua Bishop d KTB & Shane Mercer, Treehouse Lee b Saieve Al Sabah, Atticus Cogar b Elayna Black, Lee Moriarty b Calvin Tankman, Shlak b 1 Called Manders in a death match, Jordan Oliver b ACH, Chris Dickinson won a Scramble mach over Effy, Allie Kat, Cole Raddick, Blake Christian and Mance Warner, G-Raver b Jimmy Lloyd in an I Quit match.
From Friday night in Atlantic City: Jordan Oliver b Tre Lamar, Ken Broadway b ACH, Chris Dickinson b Cole Raddick, Matthew Justice & Joshua Bishop b Effy & Aliie Kat, KTB & Shane Mercer won a scramble over 1 Called Manders, Charlie Tiger, Elayne Black, Ellis Taylor, Steve Scott and Levi Everett, Mance Warren b Calvin Tankman, Blake Chrstian b Lee Moriarty, Alex Colon b Atticus Cogar in a death match (thanks to Nick Mahmood)
We’re back with Wrestling Observer Radio as Dave Meltzer and I interview Kevin Kelly, previewing this week’s Wrestle Kingdom 15.
Kevin talks about the situation with COVID-19 in Japan, broadcasting shows when everyone is in different parts of the world, matches he’s looking forward to calling, and more.
After the interview, Dave and I talk about some great news for our Jim Valley, the Brodie Lee and Danny Hodge bios in the latest issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Lastly, we talk about Bruce Mitchell’s controversial column about Lee and media, including wrestling media, as a whole.
Timestamps:
Start: Wrestle Kingdom 15 preview with Kevin Kelly
1:00:00: Jim Valley update
1:02:17: Brodie Lee, Danny Hodge bios
1:19:54: Bruce Mitchell and wrestling media
A look at the death, unique lives and careers of Jon Huber and Danny Hodge is the focus of what is the best issue of the Observer in more than a decade.
Details surrounding the Huber health crisis and death, words from his wife, how he got started in wrestling, my own personal thoughts regarding my interaction with him, his leaving WWE for AEW, his WWE run with The Wyatt Family, what were the plans for the Bludgeon Brothers to imitate and how it fell through, the match that changes his WWE focus, the background of his big decision, what match was scheduled for him that fell through, how his AEW term played out with his biggest matches, why the death became such a huge news story, the story behind and coverage of the tribute show and more.
The iconic figure of Danny Hodge with what should be a movie script, covering growing up in a small town known for wrestling, his unique childhood, his developing his legendary grip strength, his unbelievable credentials as a wrestler, MMA, street fights, the auto accident that ended his career, his biggest pro wrestling matches, his boxing career and why people will talk about him as his records every year going forward.
Preview the WrestleKingdom shows this week, covering the matches and the stories behind the matches, as well as how the restrictions have changed things.
Update the Royal Rumble including a gimmick match being talked about, new WWE show, top 25 WWE matches of the year, U.K. and Canadian ratings as well as where pro wrestling ranks in sports ratings, market value of WWE as well as the most-watched shows on the WWE Network.
2020 Wrestling Observer Awards ballot.
Television stations that carried wrestling and MMA in 2020 and how they did, and how wrestling did in comparison with the station’s usual programming.
Detailed look at the television business, looking at stats not available elsewhere to get the deepest read into how shows are doing, what categories are doing well and how shows compare with previous weeks and one year ago.
Results of all the major pro wrestling events around the world over the past week.
ORDERING INFO: Order the print Wrestling Observer right now and get it delivered via mail, by sending your name, address, Visa or Master Card number and an expiration date to [email protected] or by going to www.paypal.com directing funds to [email protected].
Rates in the United States are $14.50 for 4 issues, $35.50 for 12, $70 for 24, $116 for 40 and $149.50 for 52.
In Canada and Mexico, the rates are $16 for 4, $27 for 8, $38.50 for 12, $76 for 24, $126 for 40 and $162.50 for 52.
For the rest of the world, rates are $18 for 4, $48.50 for 12, $93 for 24, $155 for 40 and $201.50 for 52.
If you order by mail with a check, cash or money order to P.O. Box 1228, Campbell, CA 95009-1228, you can get $1 off in every price range.
FRIDAY NEWS UPDATE
Want to thank everyone for their comments on the new issue. It’s probably going to be the best issue in many years but I hope I never do another one like it again.
Mistico and girlfriend Carolina Rodriguez have tested positive for COVID-19. He first showed symptoms on 12/27, and then she got sick on 12/28. They went to a doctor who didn’t think he had it, but their symptoms got worse, especially his, so they got tested on 12/30 and tested positive. The entire family got together on Christmas day so Rush and his family were all tested and tested negative. Dragon Lee and his wife are also getting tested.
Smackdown tonight has Big E vs. King Corbin for the IC title, Sasha Banks & Bianca Belair vs. Bayley & Carmella and Roman Reigns has a request for WWE management. 205 Live tonight has Ever Rise & Curt Stallion vs. Ariya Daivari & The Singh Brothers plus Jake Atlas vs. Mansoor.
MLW made the decision to just air a ten bell salute for Brodie Lee on YouTube this week. Bein will get the salute and a rerun show and they will be back to regular programming Wednesday night with the Kings of Colosseum show.
I hadn’t seen this before today, it’s a clip of after Wednesday’s Dynamite show and it’s a must- see.
The WWE Network will be releasing a Best of Luke Harper show. There are also documentaries coming on Pat Paterson, Bianca Belair, A.J. Styles and Yokozuna.
UFC
Mike Jackson, who beat C.M. Punk in Punk’s second UFC fight, was scheduled to face Dan Barry on the 1/20 show. Barry said on social media that he found out last night that Jackson can’t make the fight on 1/20 and said he doesn’t know why but wishes him the best. The current plan is for the fight to be rescheduled for March or April.
MISC
Former NWA Tag Team champion Matt Riviera announced his retirement from wrestling today. He sent out a release saying, “I seriously appreciate the support that I have received for the duration of my time as an active talent and promoter in pro wrestling. It is time to open a new chapter in my life by closing this one. I wish everyone the best. Riviera started promoting at 17 and started wrestling at 21, and held the NWA world tag team titles three times with Rob Conway.
“Samson the Wrestling Musical” which streams at 6pm PT / 9pm ET today: https://www.levelground.nyc/ (thanks to Dave Teixeira)
Impact will have a virtual fanfest on 1/16 on Zoom called the Hard to Kill Cell-abration. The event will take place starting at 11 a.m. Eastern time with Rich Swann, Deonna Purrazzo, Karl Anderson, Doc Gallows, Eric Young, Don Callis, Kiera Hogan, Tasha Steelz, Chris Sabin &Alex Shelley.
Synergy Pro Wrestling airs a special tomorrow live on IWTV from the Monster Factory featuring Jordan Oliver vs. Brandon Kirk as the main event.
Melbourne City Wrestling on their podcast did an angle to set up a Slex vs. Adam Brooks main event for their return on 2/6.
EPW in Australia announced Mikey Nicholls vs.; Michael Morleone as their 1/23 main event.
Death Match Downunder announced a 1/16 show in Melbourne headlined by Ritchie Taylor vs. Tommy Knight.
The situation in Melbourne is that there have been new cases in the state of Victoria due to the outbreak in New South Wales, which borders on Victoria. Right now the borders of the states have been closed and there is a mask mandate for indoor gatherings. But if things get worse the above shows could be in jeopardy (thanks to Kevin Chiat)
We look back at the good and bad of last week’s major events as well as where this all leads in the current issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.
We’ve got TLC coverage, looking at the card, with match-by-match coverage with star ratings and poll results.
Also in this issue:
Our new feature of Performer of the Week and match of the week.
Tokyo Dome show as well as talk of the new restrictions and just how much money the restrictions are costing the company, the lineup of both nights and more stories regarding the show.
WWE Slammy Awards for the serious and not-so-serious.
WWE top star talking about wrestling becoming secondary to him and negotiate fewer dates, Notes on the most-watched Smackdown of the year, WWE’s next legends show, Flair & Hogan’s drawing power in the past, lots of new WWE TV show ideas, plans for 2021 Hall of Fame, WWE star wins major Jui Jitsu tournament, update on Pat McAfee and Ronda Rousey, U.K. TV ratings, how WWE & AEW compare to sports ratings, more on Bill Goldberg, Hulk Hogan new business, most-watched shows on the WWE Network and market value of WWE right now.
UFC’s final show of the year in detail with all the stories of the different matches.
Dragon Gate’s last big show of the year, with the match to lead to a faction being disbanded, rookies being pushed and thoughts on the handling of the Ben K concussion.
Kevin Greene, an NFL Hall of Famer who did several matches in WCW and picked up pro wrestling better than most athletes do.
Luis Carlos Borges, one of Argentina’s biggest-ever stars and the heyday of Los Titanes en el ring.
A feature on 1930s Bulgaria star Dan Koloff, who was inducted into the Hall of Fame this year. This was scheduled for this year’s Hall of Fame issue originally. This feature by Phil Lions goes through his career and explains why he is a cultural icon in Bulgaria, where multiple books and even a major movie were done on him.
Detailed look at the television business, looking at stats not available elsewhere to get the deepest read into how shows are doing, what categories are doing well and how shows compare with previous weeks and one year ago.
Results of all the major pro wrestling events around the world over the past week.
ORDERING INFO: Order the print Wrestling Observer right now and get it delivered via mail, by sending your name, address, Visa or Master Card number and an expiration date to [email protected] or by going to www.paypal.com directing funds to [email protected].
Rates in the United States are $14.50 for 4 issues, $35.50 for 12, $70 for 24, $116 for 40 and $149.50 for 52.
In Canada and Mexico, the rates are $16 for 4, $27 for 8, $38.50 for 12, $76 for 24, $126 for 40 and $162.50 for 52.
For the rest of the world, rates are $18 for 4, $48.50 for 12, $93 for 24, $155 for 40 and $201.50 for 52.
If you order by mail with a check, cash or money order to P.O. Box 1228, Campbell, CA 95009-1228, you can get $1 off in every price range.
SUNDAY NEWS UPDATE
Bryan and I will be back with Wrestling Observer Radio tonight taking Brodie Lee and other news as well as taking your email questions at [email protected].
I want to wish everyone a belated Merry Christmas during a very tough last few days for the industry. You’ve all read a lot of Brodie Lee in the last 24 hours and am sure will read more to come. Jon Huber was a great guy who loved wrestling and loved his family. He did get frustrated when injuries took him out but always took solace in the fact that when he was injured it would be more time to bond with his two sons. He was thankful that his time in WWE provided him a great living but was also frustrated and had a point to prove as he turned 40, that he could be a top star. I think the shock of it being early October the last time we saw him on television in that brutal chain match with Cody Rhodes and this is what makes this so difficult to process.
There were only two combat sports related mentions this week in Google searches. Luke Harper was the name used and it was the second most searched topic on the Internet yesterday with 500,000. Kevin Greene was No. 3 on Monday with 2.05 million searches.
New Japan I believe will be selling Tokyo Dome tickets for one more day before putting a cap on them due to the government wanting to limit capacity for all events going forward.
Riho from AEW finished up with Stardom yesterday. Stardom wanted its talent to be exclusive and she is still under contract with AEW.
WWE
Carsten Schaefer, the long-time WWE German television announcer announced his retirement and said it was not by choice. He had not been able to appear at WWE shows in recent months due to COVID and they have German language announcers who live in the U.S.
The WWE website announced its 10 best matches of the year:
1. Undertaker vs. A.J. Styles Boneyard Match at WrestleMania
2. Sasha Banks vs. Bayley Hell in a Cell match
3. Edge vs. Randy Orton Backlash
4. Drew McIntyre vs. Roman Reigns Survivor Series
5. A.J. Styles vs. Sami Zayn vs. Jeff Hardy ladder match Clash of Champions
6. Daniel Bryan vs. A.J. Styles Smackdown 6/12
7. Randy Orton vs. Drew McIntyre ambulance match Clash of Champions
8. Walter vs. Ilja Dragunov 10/29 NXT U.K.
9. Rhea Ripley vs. Charlotte Flair WrestleMania
10. Finn Balor vs. Kyle O’Reilly Takeover 31
UFC/MMA
The Fighters Only World MMA awards for the period of January 2019 to July 2020 were announced last night with the show airing on CBS Sports Network
Charles “Mask” Lewis Fighter of the Year – Israel Adesanya
Female Fighter of the Year – Amanda Nunes
Breakthrough Fighter of the Year – Jorge Masvidal
International Fighter of the Year – Israel Adesanya
Fight of the Year – Weili Zhang vs. Joanna Jedrzejczyk
Knockout of the Year – Jorge Masvidal over Ben Askren
Submission of the Year – Demian Maia over Ben Askren
Comeback of the Year – Stipe Miocic over Daniel Cormier II
Upset of the Year – Alexander Volkanovski over Max Holloway
Shawn Tompkins Coach of the Year – Trevor Wittman
Gym of the Year – American Top Team
Referee of the Year – Herb Dean
Ringcard Girl of the Year – Brittney Palmer
Leading Man – Dana White (12th straight year)
MMA Personality of the Year – Joe Rogan (sixth straight year)
Analyst of the Year – Daniel Cormier
Beat Promotion – UFC (12th straight year)
Media Source of the Year – ESPN
Best MMA Programming – Joe Rogan Experience
Journalist of the Year – Ariel Helwani (10th straight year)
The Manel Kape debut that was scheduled for 12/19 but pulled when opponent Alexandre Pantoja pulled out for undisclosed reasons, is now back scheduled for the 2/6 show. Kape was a star with Rizin in Japan before signing with UFC.
Manon Fiorot debuts in UFC on the 1/20 show against Victoria Leonard. Leonard was scheduled against Natalia Silva, but Silva withdrew due to a fractured ulna (elbow) in training.
Nassourdine Imavov vs. Phil Hawes is scheduled for the next UFC show, which is the 1/16 show that will air on ABC.
Joaquin Buckley, coming off two big finishes, is scheduled to face Allessio Di Chirico according to MMA Junkie also on the 1/16 show.
AEW
This has to do with Pac, who still lives in the U.K. Due to the new virus strain, all people traveling from the U.K. to the U.S. has to test negative for COVID within 72 hours of their departure. (thanks to Fred Morlan)
AEW is enforcing copyright violations with people looking to do videos of Dynamite, Dark, PPVs, BTE and Road Two going forward due to broadcast agreements. The company has told people that usage of any footage will be subject to demonetization and/or removal. Previously they had let this slide but in the last two days they have started cracking down.
OTHER NEWS
Jun Akiyama beat Konosuke Takeshita earlier today to win the DDT D-oh tournament and get a shot at Tetsuya Endo on 2/14 for the KO-D title.
Tito Ortiz in the Los Angeles Times for not wearing a mask as required in public meetings as well as public events.
Revolution Pro Wrestling from today in Portsmouth, Hampshire, UK: JJ Gale b Gideon Grey, Dan Molony b Rib Lias, RKJ b Brendan White, Gisele Shaw & Jamie Hayter b Skye Smithson & Zan Phoenix, Screwface Ahmed b Chuck Mambo, Charlie Sterling b Joel Redman. They announced Shaw vs. Hayter for the British women’s title would take place at the next show in a few weeks (thanks to Shannon Walsh and Wrestling with Demons)
KSW announced its first show of the year will be 1/30 in Lodz, Poland with former Olympic gold medalist in weightlifting Szymon Kolecki (8-1) against Martin Zawada (29-15-1) in the main event plus Salahdina Parnasse (14-0-1) defends the featherweight title against Daniel Torres (11-4). Kolecki won a gold medal in 2008 in Beijing as a super heavyweight lifter and has wins over former world’s strongest man Mariusz Pudzianowski and former Olympic wrestling bronze medalist Damian Janikowski.
Mybookie.ag lists Ben Askren at -150 against Jake Paul at +120, which is different from most places that have Paul as the favorite if such a boxing match happens. Askren said today that Paul’s people have gone silent ever since he accepted the fight. Sportsbetting.ag has Paul as a -200 favorite.
Leslie West, the lead singer of the group “Mountain,” who passed away on Wednesday, put out a 1985 song “Hard Times” and Jesse Ventura starred in their music video. (thanks to Ross Blair)
In the Wonder Woman sequel that came out this past week, Wonder Woman 184, Wonder Woman in her alter ego as Diana Prince visits a guy in D.C. who is a disorganized slob and in a shoot of his place there is a 1984 Pro Wrestling Illustrated issue with Jerry Lawler on the cover. (thanks to Eric Krol)
EPW in Australia will be running 1/22 and 1/23 in Western Australia. (thanks to Kevin Chiat)
Hurricane Pro Wrestling from last night in Beaumont, TX: Jordan Jensen & Tamu Ku b Jared Wayne & Johnny Lyons to win tag titles, Tyson Maddox b Chris Cnydel, Danny Limelight b Nathan Bradley, Miranda Alize b Low Rider, Renee Michelle b Myka Madrid, Ryan Davidson b Edge Stone (thanks to Shannon Walsh and Wrestling With Demons)
Roy Lucier at [email protected] is looking for a Spanish language version of the AAA When Worlds Collide PPV show.
