July 2020 – Page 20

Kevin Owens returned to RAW last night after seemingly quitting the company and walking out on The WWE last week. He attacked Bobby Lashley in a segment that Lashley had with Jinder Mahal and Sunil Singh, as seen in the video below. It looks like Owens will be feuding with Lashley until The WWE Super Show-Down Match, which will see Owens & Elias take on Lashley & John Cena.

It looks like Dana Brooke may be leaving Titus Worldwide soon. Dana Brooke teamed up with Ember Moon against the team of The Boss N Hug Connection (Sasha Banks & Bayley) on last night’s episode of RAW and lashed out at Titus O’Neil and Apollo Crews after coming up short. Below is what transpired after the match took place:

“I’VE HAD IT WITH BOTH OF YOU! I’M DONE!”
Did @DanaBrookeWWE just DITCH #TitusWorldwide?! #RAW pic.twitter.com/xUS6HyVbZF
— WWE (@WWE) September 4, 2018

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It was previously reported that “The Charismatic Enigma” Jeff Hardy recently took to Twitter and teased a possible match against WWE United States Champion Shinsuke Nakamura on this coming Tuesday’s episode of SmackDown Live, which is just about a week away from his Hell in a Cell Match against “The Viper” Randy Orton.
Since then, several other matches have been added to the lineup of this coming Tuesday’s episode of SmackDown Live. One match will see R-Truth taking on Andrade “Cien” Almas. Another match will see a singles match between Brie Bella & Maryse. A third match will see Rusev Day (Rusev & Aiden English) battle The Bar (Sheamus & Cesaro) to determine who will face The New Day for The SmackDown Tag Team Titles at this Sunday’s Hell in a Cell.
WWE also announced that SmackDown Live Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair will be facing Sonya Deville at this coming Tuesday night’s episode of SmackDown Live.

Following the announcement, both Charlotte and Sonya took to Twitter to comment on the match. You can check out WWE’s announcement on the match as well as Charlotte and Sonya’s back-and-forth exchange below:

#TheQueen @MsCharlotteWWE will go one-on-one with @SonyaDevilleWWE THIS TUESDAY on #SDLive! https://t.co/R6TNu17aCT
— WWE (@WWE) September 8, 2018

Every time I step through those ropes I embrace every challenge. See you Tuesday. ?? https://t.co/MbXOqPFT6i
— Charlotte Flair (@MsCharlotteWWE) September 8, 2018

A match against the champ on #SDLive? Great. Beat her on Tuesday. Watch her lose Sunday. Sounds like a fun week to me. Oh and I’ll have my actual friend by my side.. not hitting me in the back of the head ??.. @WWE_MandyRose #FakeFriends
— Daria Berenato (@SonyaDevilleWWE) September 8, 2018

Ever since SummerSlam, Becky Lynch has been having a new attitude that seems to win over The WWE Universe despite it being a heel. For the past couple of weeks, Becky Lynch & SmackDown Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair have been going at it back-and-forth and it will all culminate at the upcoming Hell in a Cell PPV Event when the two will face each other for The SmackDown Women’s Title. Ahead of her SmackDown Women’s Title Match against Charlotte Flair at this coming Sunday’s WWE Hell in a Cell PPV Event, Becky Lynch has taken her frustrations to social media to say “Screw You!” to her detractors. Becky Lynch wrote the following in a new post on her Instagram page:

“When they said I couldn’t be the face of the division, or be on PPVs or the front of a magazine. When they said I was destined to be good but not great – I now say…”

View this post on Instagram

When they said I couldn’t be the face of the division, or be on PPVs or the front of a magazine. When they said I was destined to be good but not great – I now say…
A post shared by Rebecca Quin (@beckylynchwwe) on Sep 7, 2018 at 4:18pm PDT

Brock Lesnar had not been seen or heard from ever since he dropped the Universal Championship to Roman Reigns at WWE’s SummerSlam pay-per-view last month. In the weeks leading up to his match against Reigns, rumors suggested that “The Beast Incarnate” would be taking a hiatus from wrestling in order to begin training for a UFC comeback next year. Once Raw General Manager Kurt Angle denied Paul Heyman’s request for Lesnar to receive a rematch for the Universal Championship, several fans truly believed that Lesnar had left the company at least temporarily. However, Brock Lesnar’s hiatus from pro wrestling appears to have been cut short as he has just made his official return to WWE.

THE BEAST @BrockLesnar is HERE at @WWE #HIAC?! pic.twitter.com/dpvvCbKm88
— WWE (@WWE) September 17, 2018

Prior to Hell in a Cell last night, it was reported online that Lesnar had been spotted backstage at the pay-per-view and that he would likely be making a surprise appearance. During the main event Hell in a Cell match between Braun Strowman and Roman Reigns for the Universal Championship with Mick Foley as the special guest referee, Lesnar appeared with Paul Heyman and ripped the door for the cell off of its hinges before attacking both Reigns and Strowman with pieces of a broken table from the match, which resulted in the match going to a no contest. It appears that Brock Lesnar is once again back in WWE for the time being, and he is still eager to recapture the Universal Championship as soon as possible.

#TheBeast @BrockLesnar just straight-up STOLE this show.
Neither @WWERomanReigns nor @BraunStrowman can continue! #HIAC pic.twitter.com/KEUvfIggnm
— WWE (@WWE) September 17, 2018

SmackDown’s Becky Lynch went from being a fan-favorite in WWE to becoming a relentless and brutal wrestler, but it all came at the expense of her friendship with Charlotte Flair. With Lynch fed up with Flair stealing her moments and chances to win top titles, she turned Charlotte at SummerSlam and has continued to feud with her over the past number of weeks. Flair and Lynch faced off against each other during last night’s Hell in a Cell pay-per-view on the WWE Network. After going back and fourth in a highly-competitive match, Lynch got the upper hand on Flair and pinned her to win the SmackDown Women’s Championship. Becky was the first-ever woman to hold that particular title, and she is now beginning her second reign as champion.

SHE’S DONE IT.@BeckyLynchWWE is back on top of the mountain as your NEWWWWW #SDLive #WomensChampion! #HIAC pic.twitter.com/pN9EMEQZCD
— WWE (@WWE) September 17, 2018

Happy Birthday Hulkster

Today is Hulk Hogan’s 63rd birthday. In a trivia note, the first recorded Hulk Hogan match took place August 9, 1977 in Fort Pierce, FL where Terry Bollea, under the mask as Super Destroyer, was a sub for Wolfman John Smith and lost to Don Serrano, who was like half his size. The main event on that show was Jack Brisco vs. Pat Patterson and Jerry Brisco wrestled Buddy Roberts. That was the B show that night, as the A show was at the Armory in Tampa with Dusty Rhodes & Rocky Johnson vs. Ivan Koloff & Ernie Ladd, Superstar Billy Graham vs. Steve Keirn for the WWWF title, Pedro Morales vs. Tank Patton, Don Muraco vs. Dutch Mantel and Mike Graham vs. Mike York.

We’re looking for reports on the NXT show tonight in Tampa, the TNA tapings tonight in Orlando (stuff that isn’t on Impact tonight), and the WWE show tomorrow in Adelaide, Australia to [email protected].

This weekend we’ll be doing polls for all three New Japan shows at Sumo Hall, with thumbs up, down or middle, best and worst match to [email protected].

TNA IMPACT TONIGHT AT 8 P.M. ON POP TV

Bobby Lashley vs. James Storm for TNA, X Division and King of the Mountain titles
Eddie Edwards & Ethan Carter III vs. Moose & Mike Bennett
Debut of Aaron Stevens (Damian Sandow)

FRIDAY MORNING AT 5:30 A.M. FROM SUMO HALL ON NEW JAPAN WORLD (THIS SHOW IS AVAILABLE IN ENGLISH)

Yoshitatsu & Captain New Japan vs. Mark & Jay Briscoe
Yuji Nagata & Manabu Nakanishi & Jushin Liger & Tiger Mask vs. Tomoaki Honma & Ryusuke Taguchi & Juice Robinson & David Finlay
Katsuyori Shibata & Michael Elgin & Satoshi Kojima & Kushida vs. Toru Yano & Yoshi-Hashi & Katsuhiko Nakajima & Atsushi Kotoge
Tetsuya Naito & Evil & Bushi & Jay Lethal vs. Kenny Omega & Tanga Roa & Yujiro Takahashi & Hangman Page
Seiya Sanada (3-5) vs. Hiroyoshi Tenzan (2-6)
Tomohiro Ishii (3-5) vs. Togi Makabe (4-4)
Tama Tonga (3-5) vs. Bad Luck Fale (5-3)
Hirooki Goto (5-3) vs. Naomichi Marufuji (5-3)
Hiroshi Tanahashi (5-3) vs. Kazuchika Okada (5-3)

The winner of the A block goes to the finals on Sunday. Essentially how this will be decided is whoever ends up with a 6-3 record by winning will be matched up based on win-loss record against those who also have that record.

If Fale wins, he probably goes to the finals based on wins over Marufuji, Tanahashi and Okada
If he doesn’t, if Goto wins, unless Tanahashi & Okada draw, he’s not advancing
If Marufuji wins, he goes to the finals if Tanahashi & Okada draw or if Okada wins
If Okada wins, Fale and Marufuji both have to lose for him to advance
If Tanahashi wins, as long as Fale doesn’t win, he will advance

THE ROUND-UP

PROGRESS joins loaded WWN WrestleMania weekend schedule
Damien Sandow: ‘TNA just seemed like the perfect spot for me’
ESPN.com expands WWE coverage with new dedicated section
NXT & CWC video highlights: ‘Please sign Cedric’
Georges St-Pierre: ‘I’m starting the USADA process to be tested’

Figure Four Weekly: Figure Four Weekly 8/10/2016: WWE attempts to get concussion lawsuit thrown out – Last week, WWE filed a motion for summary judgment to throw out the concussion lawsuit that Vito LoGrasso (Big Vito) and Evan Singleton (Adam Mercer) had brought against the company. In the process, they filed numerous exhibits as part of an appendix to the motion and its statement of facts, containing everything from the full transcripts… Subscribers click here to continue reading.

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

Wrestling Observer Newsletter: August 15, 2016 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Gigantic Summerslam weekend preview, McGregor vs. WWE, tons more –

WWE’s SummerSlam and UFC 202 anchor one of the biggest weekends for major shows of this or almost any other year. The four major events will be a Ring of Honor PPV featuring New Japan stars on 8/19, UFC 202 and NXT Takeover on 8/20, and SummerSlam and the finals of the Super J Cup on 8/21.

UFC 202 will be the biggest show as far as mainstream interest goes, since Conor McGregor is headlining against Nate Diaz. The show, from the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, is far from the deepest when it comes to name value, but has the rematch of the biggest grossing PPV event in company history on top. Besides Diaz vs. McGregor, and a match who will determine who gets the next shot at light heavyweight champion Daniel Cormier, with Anthony Rumble Johnson (21-5) facing Glover Teixeira (25-4), it’s very much an ordinary show… Subscribers click here to continue reading.

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

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

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Wrestling Observer Newsletter BACK ISSUE: July 5, 1999 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: WWF King of the Ring review, NJPW names new president, more – In its first PPV show since the ill-fated Over the Edge and the bevy of lawsuits filed since that time, there was some noticeable changes in the World Wrestling Federation for King of the Ring… Subscribers click here to continue reading.

THURSDAY NEWS UPDATE

We did a new show today talking with Larry Matysik about his upcoming book which will compare and contrast Sam Muchnick and Vince McMahon. The show should be up on the site today.

Not including last night, the Olympics are averaging 29,880,000 viewers between NBC, NBC Sports, Streaming and other television. At the same point in 2012, through NBC only, the average was 35,140,000 viewers just on NBC alone. Even though most of the coverage in prime time has been live as compared to taped in 2012, in the 18-49 demo, the drop is 27 percent. Streaming alone is way up, but not even close enough to make up the difference in lost television viewership. The London Olympics, where everything was on tape, was the highest rated for a non-U.S. Olympics. NBC’s ratings are about the same as they were in 2008. It’s more about how high London was on tape and that not mattering, than actual ratings being low. But going live hasn’t seemed to have made any kind of a positive difference.

Kayla Harrison, 26, a former training partner of Ronda Rousey, who has talked about getting into MMA, captured the gold medal earlier today in Rio de Janeiro in judo in the 171 pound weight class. Harrison beat France’s Audrey Tcheumeo to win her second gold medal, after she also won in 2012. She joins only Jimmy Pedro (her current coach and Rousey’s former coach) as the only American two-time judo gold medal winners. Pedro won on 1996 and 2004.

A very good story on Drew Galloway and his plight in WWE and his own thoughts on his career is here.

Damien Sandow talks signing with TNA.

WORLD WRESTLING ENTERTAINMENT

An interview with Big Cass is here and another here.
There will be a Raw on 10/3 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. Tickets go on sale on 8/19.
An interesting business note regarding WWE and ESPN is that ESPN just purchased 33 percent of BAMTech for $1 billion. BAMTech is MLBAM, the group that streams the WWE network. (thanks to Jarrod Rollins)
A Dwayne Johnson project called “Clash of the Corps,” a marching band reality show produced by Johnson’s Seven Bucks Entertainment, debuts on 10/15 on Fuse TV.
One person with WWE noted to us to please tell independent talent to either stay off social media or watch what they post. It was noted WWE is very actively scouting indies right now and looking for people who are good but not with the WWE look as the mentality is completely different from two years ago about what type of people they are interested in. It was noted that there have been people recently were shot down based on content of recent tweets.
The WWE says it has plans to introduce LGBTQ characters into their shows. More on that story here.
Alberto Del Rio and Paige are at the venue for the Combate Americas show today in Los Angeles at The Exchange. There is talk of Frank Shamrock doing something at the show as well.
Ultimate Fighting Championship / Mixed Martial Arts

Jon Jones accepted a plea deal for his drag racing charge from earlier this year. He was given a 90 day suspended sentence, ordered to complete an aggressive driving course and pay a $143 fine. The incident took place March 24th in Albuquerque, where he trains.
UFC and Talion Sports Entertainment Inc. and Stephane Patry have signed a deal where UFC has acquired the TKO MMA Fight Library and will also broadcast their upcoming shows on Fight Pass. The first show of the new deal will be 11/4 in Montreal at the Cite des Arts du Cirque. The tape library includes early career fights of Georges St-Pierre, Patrick Cote, Mark Hominick, Sam Stout, Steve Bosse, Urijah Faber, Rich Franklin and Sean Sherk.
The Combate Americas show tonight airing on UFC Fight Pass and the Fight Network, is previewed by Ace Fontaine of MMAdraws.blogspot.com.
If you’re just dying for some more MMA, there is also a BRACE show on UFC Fight Pass on Saturday as well as a ONE Championships iPPV.
Joe Warren (13-5) vs. Sirwan Kakai (12-4) at bantamweight and Derek Campos (16-6) vs. Djamil Chan (12-2) at lightweight have been added to the 9/16 Bellator show in Cedar Park, TX.

The complete “Bellator 160: Henderson vs. Pitbull” SPIKE TV Main Card which takes place on August 26 in Anaheim, CA at the Honda Center, and will air on SPIKE at 10 p.m. ET/9:

Lightweight No. 1 Contender Main Event: Benson Henderson (23-6) vs. Patricio “Pitbull” Freire (25-3)
Lightweight Co-Main Event: Saad Awad (19-7) vs. Derek Anderson (13-2)
Flyweight Feature Bout: Lena Ovchynnikova (11-4) vs. Jaimelene Nievera (4-1)
Featherweight Feature Bout: A.J. McKee (4-0) vs. Henry Corrales (12-3)
MISCELLANEOUS

An interview with Bob Holly discussing the class action concussion suit against WWE, a pretty revealing look at their Wellness Policy, the Holly Family Christmas skit that never happened, addressing the story that he “sandbagged” Brock Lesnar, getting passed over for the Battle of the Billionaires against Bobby Lashley, why he thinks Dolph Ziggler should be champion right now and more. The link is here.
Former ESPN producer Gus Ramsey joined the new Winter Palace Podcast to talk about helping create the Edge & Christian show for the WWE Network.
Former TNA X Division and Tag Team Champion Robbie E was the latest guest on the Pancakes and Powerslams Show. Robbie had much to say about his former manager, as well as his time as an extra for the WWE, and TNA career.
Stan Hansen talks about his experiences working with Hulk Hogan in Japan and on the No Holds Barred Movie as well as why he never joined WWE full time in the late 80’s in this clip.
Tully Blanchard gives his thoughts on Paul Roma and Sid’s WCW Horsemen memberships as well as his refusal to job to Terry Funk at the Slamboree PPV in the mid 90’s at this link.
Bruce Hart discusses a brutal Stampede Wrestling backstage fight involving Brian Pillman at this link.
Dave Meltzer talks about how legal situations effect certain wrestlers WWE Hall of Fame Status’s and not other as well as if he thinks Hulk Hogan will ever be back on good terms with the company here. (thanks to Anthony Ambros)
Jim Ross talks doing the show here.
Will Ospreay vs. Noam Dar vs. El Ligero on WCPW’s free Loaded TV show this past week.
A movie called “The Fight Within” debuts tomorrow night in 28 markets. The synopsis of the movie is Logan Chandler (John Major Davis) is a rising star in MMA, but when his father, a former MMA star, dies while training him, he quits and loses touch with himself. He finds a romance and tries to start a new life. But he is tested when a local star who he beat wants revenge on him in an MMA match.
There was a scary incident on the 7/27 What Culture show in the main event with Doug Williams vs. Aaron Stevens (Sandow). Williams climbed to the top rope and then fell off, landing head first on the ground. Williams on Twitter said that due to a pinched nerve, it caused a loss of strength in his left leg and it just gave out on him while he was on the top rope. The injury is at the15:50 mark (thanks to Ian Hamilton)
New England Championship Wrestling presents the 2016 Iron Maiden Championship tournament on Saturday night in Wakefield, MA at the Americal Civic Center. It starts with four singles matches with Nikki Valentine vs. Mistress Belmont, Alexxis Neveah vs. Solo Darling, Sonya Strong vs. MJ Jenkins and Vanity VikSin vs. Tequila Rose. The winners then square off in a 30 minute four-way match and whoever wins the most falls in 30 minutes will be declared the Iron Maiden champion.
With Sandow on Impact this week, he pulled out of his bookings in California on Friday and Saturday night. Tommy Dreamer takes his place on Friday night in Newark, CA at the Pavilion and Saturday in Modesto, CA at John Hudson Field. Bret Hart and Santino Marella are the headliners on both shows.
AAW on 8/19 in Merrionette Park, IL at 115 Bourbon Street has John Morrison vs. Sami Callihan, Eddie Kingston & Homicide vs. Mason & Devin Carter, Chris Hero vs. Shigehiro Irie, Team Tremendous vs. Andrew Everett & Trevor Lee plus AR Fox, Jack Evans, Moose, Kimber Lee, Kongo Kong and Ricochet. They also run 9/1 in Berwyn, IL with Pentagon Jr. vs. Tommaso Ciampa plus Tommy End, Drew Galloway, Zack Sabre Jr., Fenix, Cedric Alexander, Chris Hero, Sami Callihan, Michael Elgin, Silas Young and Colt Cabana.
PWA on 8/20 in Bradford, ONT
Ringside with Jim Ross and Friends on 4/1 and 4/2 in conjunction with WrestleMania in Orlando has shows at Plaza Live in Orlando at 2 p.m. both days. Tickets go on sale on 8/22 at Noon at www.ticketfly.com. Seats start at $25.
Absolute Intense Wrestling on 8/26 in Cleveland at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel with Josh Prohibition vs. Nate Webb, Tommy End vs. Ray Rowe, Chris Hero vs. Louis Lyndon, Facade vs. Teddy Hart, Shigehiro Irie vs. Eddie Kingston, Alex Daniels vs. Triton vs. Matt Cross vs. Laredo Kid, Britt Baker vs. Crazy Marty Dobson and more.
ONE returns to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on 9/2 at the Stadium Negara with Ev Ting vs. Rob Lisita in the main event. Ting is from Malaysia.
Conflicto Internacional on 9/10 at Teatro Teleton in Santiago, Chile is headlined by Sean Waltman.
Empire State Wrestling on 9/20 in North Tonawanda, NY at the St. Johnsberg fire Hall is headlined by Raven.
All Star Wrestling on 9/23 in Surrey, BC at the Cloverdale Fairgrounds Alice McKay Building featuring Short Sleeve Sampson in a TLC match.
Pro Wrestling Eclipse on 9/23 in Oshawa, ONT at the Mason Temple.
Amaro Promotions on 9/25 in Berwyn, IL ha a show with Pentagon Jr., Mosco X-Fly, El Hijo de Dos Caras, Extreme Tiger, Juventud Guerrera and Aero Boy.
WCPW announced a 10/6 iPPV show from Newcastle, England headlined by Kurt Angle vs. Cody Rhodes. Jim Ross, Jim Cornette and Alex Shane are being brought in as the announce team. They must have some money to get Cornette to fly to England.
MPW on 10/22 in Cornwall, ONT at the Nav Centre Nav.
RESULTS: CMLL from Sunday in Guadalajara: Destructor b Micro, Alteno & Capitan Cobra b Mr Brisa & Diplomatico, Cosmos & Maagico & Metatron b Demonio Rojo & Gitano & Gran Kenut, Flash II & Star Black & Vaquero Jr. b Cuatrero & Forastero & Sanson, Carlo Roggi lost an elimination match and his a hair against Johnny Dinamo, Mr. Apolo, Evola, Exterminador, Randy, Yacqui and El Hijo del Javier Cruz
RESULTS: CMLL from Monday in Puebla: Akuma & Espiritu Maligno & Inquisidor b Centella Roja & Millenium & Paris, Arkangel de la Muerte & Espanto Jr. & Policeman b Arkalis & Pegasso & Tigre Rojo Jr., Ares & Virus & Bobby Z b Black Tiger & Stigma & Titan, Atlantis & Mascara Dorada & Mistico b Cavernario & Felino & Mr. Niebla-DQ, Shocker & Sharly Rockstar b Marco Corleone & Ultimo Guerrero. Shocker pinned Guerrero set up a match for Guerrero’s NWA Historic middleweight title (thanks to Kris Zellner)
RESULTS: Canadian Wrestling Elite from last night in Roseau River, Manitoba: Kevy Chevy b Jeremy Joseph, Kevin Cannon & Rob Stardom b Wildman Firpo & Shadow Xtreme, Danny Duggan b Rick Matthews, Mentallo b Travis Cole, Tyler Colton b Carlito. Next show is 8/20 at the Arborg Summer Street Festival.

TODAY IN PROFESSIONAL WRESTLING HISTORY (8/11): Masahiro Chono wins first G1 Climax

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Ring Of Honor presents their Death Before Dishonor PPV Event which will be emanating from The Orleans Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, featuring ROH World Champion Jay Lethal defending his ROH World Title against “The Aerial Assassin” Will Ospreay and ROH World Tag Team Champions The Briscoes (Jay & Mark Briscoe) defending their ROH World Tag Team Titles against The Addiction (“Almighty” “The Fallen Angel” Christopher Daniels & “The Heavy Metal Rebel” Frankie Kazarian).
Advertised for tonight’s PPV: ROH World Champion Jay Lethal defends his ROH World Title against “The Aerial Assassin” Will Ospreay, ROH World Tag Team Champions The Briscoes (Jay & Mark Briscoe) defends their ROH World Tag Team Titles against The Addiction (“Almighty” “The Fallen Angel” Christopher Daniels & “The Heavy Metal Rebel” Frankie Kazarian), The Bullet Club (NWA Worlds Heavyweight Champion “The American Nightmare” Cody, The Young Bucks (Matt & Nick Jackson), “The Villain” Marty Scurll & Hangman Page battles CHAOS (“The Rainmaker” Kazuchika Okada, “The Stone Pitbull” Tomohiro Ishii, Rocky Romero & Best Friends (Trent Beretta & Chuckie T) in a 10-Man Tag Team Match, ROH World Television Champion Punishment Martinez defends his ROH World Television Title against Chris Sabin, ROH Women Of Honor World Champion Sumie Sakai defends her ROH Women Of Honor World Title against Tenille Dashwood, Bully Ray & Silas Young takes on Colt Cabana & Flip Gordon in a Tables Match and Jyushin “Thunder” Liger faces Kenny King. Below are the full results from the show:
– Kenny King def. Jyushin “Thunder” Liger via pinfall. Liger sustained an injury and it looked like King was going to let him get up and recover. But then after a brief handshake, King suddenly hit a spinebuster on Liger for the win. After the match, Kenny King got on the mic and thanked Austin Aries into the camera for showing him the way.

Before the next match, Scorpio Sky cuts a “This is the worst town I’ve ever been to” promo in the ring. Sky had the crowd finish the line and only a handful of people actually did it. The Briscoes then got on the big screen and cut a promo on SCU basically telling them that their time is up.
– The Briscoes (Jay & Mark Briscoe) (c) def. The Addiction (“Almighty” Christopher Daniels & “The Heavy Metal Rebel” Frankie Kazarian) to retain The ROH World Tag Team Titles when Jay Briscoe hit The Jay Driller on Christopher Daniels.
– Sumie Sakai (c) def. Tenille Dashwood via armbar submission (Tenille passed out) to retain The ROH Women Of Honor World Title.
– Punishment Martinez (c) def. Chris Sabin with a South Of Heaven Chokeslam to retain The ROH World Television Title. After the match, Martinez tries to stomp Sabin’s head through a chair but Jeff Cobb comes out to stop him. They stare each other down before Punishment retreats, but he soon returns to hit Cobb with a chair. But Cobb no sells it and delivers a power move to put the champ down. Cobb lays the title on Martinez and heads off.

Before the next match, Bully Ray cuts a promo about his upcoming opponents. Bully calls Colt Cabana a “nobody” who will be known for a podcast and not being able to hack it in WWE. Bully then talks about Gordon being a “never will be,” calling him spoiled and not having paid his dues. Bully then tells his partner, Silas Young, that he has gone from a “bully to a b—-” and he hopes Young gets back to being the bully he once was. Bully then says what’s better a “nobody” or a “never will be” and says that he doesn’t know because he has never been either and puts up his middle finger with his WWE Hall Of Fame ring on it.
– Bully Ray & Silas Young def. Flip Gordon & Colt Cabana in a Tables Match. First elimination was Bully putting Colt through a table with Ian Riccaboni watching. Second was Young sidestepping Bully and tossing him into a prepped table. The referee was knocked out when Flip put Young through a table with a 450. Bully Ray came back, knocked down Flip, and put him in the remains of the table and convinced Referee Todd Sinclair that it was Flip who went through the table. After the match, Bully smacks Gordon with a chain and then half a table. Bully continues to hammer away on Gordon with the chain, while Young just heads to the back.
We head backstage where we see that Tenille Dashwood is down on the ground, holding her shoulder and looking to be in a lot of pain.

– Bullet Club (NWA Worlds Heavyweight Champion “The American Nightmare” Cody Rhodes, The Young Bucks (Matt & Nick Jackson), Hangman Page & “The Villain” Marty Scurll) def. CHAOS (“The Rainmaker” Kazuchika Okada, “The Stone Pitbull” Tomohiro Ishii, Best Friends (Chuckie T & Beretta) & Rocky Romero) when “The Villain” Marty Scurll makes Rocky Romero tap out to the crossface chickenwing. After the match, NWA Worlds Heavyweight Champion “The American Nightmare” Cody Rhodes gets on commentary and says that he accepts The 2-Out-3 Falls Stipulation for his Title Match against Nick Aldis at NWA 70.
– Jay Lethal (c) def. Will Ospreay with The Lethal Injection to retain The ROH World Title. After the match, Ospreay does the “this close” hand signal to Lethal, then walks over to shake the champ’s hand. Balloons go up. TK O’Ryan & Vinny Marseglia hit the ring to take out Ospreay and Lethal. Jonathan Gresham runs out to help, but ends up getting planted in the ring. Lethal looks to fight off both guys, someone runs out to the ring and it’s Matt Taven with his new look. He got his head shaved at a recent CMLL Event. Taven knocks Lethal down with a mystery title. He picks up The ROH World Title and holds both titles up. He tosses down The ROH World Title and holds up his, which is the same except for a purple strap. He yells “I am the real ROH World Champion!” and we fade to black.

Last night’s Raw was the final appearance of Bubba (Mark LoMonaco) & D-Von (Devon Hughes) Dudley with WWE.

The team had signed a one-year contract, but had verbally agreed to a new contract several weeks ago. They had been working on an angle to split the two up for weeks on television but decisions were changed and the decision was made to not renew the contract and to drop the angle.

So instead they were given a farewell last night in Brooklyn where they got to turn babyface, set up signature spots with the Shining Stars, and then be used to get heel heat for Karl Anderson & Luke Gallows, the Raw brand’s top heel tag team.

The WWE was very gracious with them on television on the way out, with the announcers pushing that they may have been the greatest tag team in pro wrestling history.

Video of the Dudleys bidding farewell on Raw can be seen in last night’s video highlights.

These were some of the best matches of the year in the U.S. It’s really a shame this wasn’t streamed live and people will have to wait for the DVD release, because people would be raving about almost every match on the show. This was better than even day two of BOLA last year, which was the best PWG show I’d seen.

– Dalton Castle defeated Tommaso Ciampa, who subbed for Jack Gallagher who had a flight issue.

Ciampa did some WWE star big moves (Superman punch, Pedigree) but couldn’t finish Castle, who won with the Bang-a-Rang. Excellent bout. Super hard hitting and Castle did a great job building his delayed German suplex spot.

– Mark Andrews defeated Pete Dunne with a reverse hurricanrana off the top rope and shooting star press.

It’s amazing how good Andrews is in this environment. Dunne made a super impression. Tons of crazy counters. I thought Andrews kicking out of three tombstone piledrivers was a bit much but other than that this was up there with the best U.S. matches this year.

– Cody Rhodes defeated Sami Callihan after hitting Cross Rhodes.

Rhodes came out in specially made PWG BOLA trunks to endear himself to everyone. You could see this was a guy who had something to prove and he pretty much did. A hard hitting great match, nonstop action, Rhodes even did a double springboard plancha. His wife did the ring announcing calling him the star that left them in the dust.

– Fenix & Penatgon Jr. defeated Chris Hero & Tommy End when Fenix pinned End after a springboard 450.

I know several people who thought this was the best match of the weekend which speaks volumes when you consider how spectacular tonight’s main event was. Hero did this great Lucha Libre high spot early like he was a 170 pound acrobatic style guy. Fenix came out dressed up like Pentagon and he was super over with constant chants. In the move of the weekend, he stood up on Pentagon’s shoulders near the ropes and did a super high moonsault out of the ring onto both of them.

– Trevor Lee defeated Kamaitachi with a fisherman buster.

Lee got easy heel heat being announced as TNA Superstar Trevor Lee. The big move was Kamaitachi doing a senton off the top rope to the floor.

– Mark Haskins defeated Cedric Alexander with an armbar in an excellent match.

I was very impressed with how Haskins transitioned into a sharpshooter at one point and other cool reversals. Excellent match.

– Kyle O’Reilly defeated Matt Riddle when Riddle essentially pinned himself while having a submission on O’Reilly.

Excellent grappling style match. Riddle got the “please come back” chants. Everyone raves about Riddle for good reason. I know he’s got the issue with failing pot tests in UFC years ago which caused WWE not to sign him yet, but whether it’s New Japan or TNA, they should be on the phone with him yesterday because he has the potential to be one of the biggest stars in the business. He has incredible natural charisma.

– Will Ospreay, Ricochet & Matt Sydal defeated The Young Bucks & Adam Cole when the members of the winning team did simultaneous shooting star presses on all three members of the losing team.

You would expect a lot given who was in this match but it blew away any expectations. It had great spots, super heat, great timing with one exception and the last few minutes were mind blowing. Essentially you have the most physically talented wrestlers in the world on one side working with a team that knows this audience perfectly and all did everything under the sun.

Sydal & Ricochet topped the Meltzer Driver. The place was chanting five star match when it was over. It’s been a long time since I’ve seen a tag team match this good.

THE ROUND-UP

The Latest from the F4W Staff

Vince McMahon undergoes surgery after suffering an injury – Let this be a lesson. When you’re squatting at age 71, go ahead and do a few warm-up sets first.

WOR: Vince McMahon injury, Randy Orton update, RAW report, tons more! 9/13 – Bryan Alvarez and Dave Meltzer bring you all the latest in the world of professional wrestling and mixed martial arts on this edition of Wrestling Observer Radio.

WWE Raw live results: Will Roman Reigns join the Clash of Champions main event? – Everyone is clamoring for more Roman Reigns. The new era with Triple H handing Owens a title is off to great start. Read about all the action you missed while watching football.

WWE Raw video highlights: Roman Reigns vs. Kevin Owens – Watch RAW in 2 minute clips. This way you can make it last 8 hours instead of merely 3.

Luke Rockhold vs. Jacare Souza II headlines UFC Fight Night 101 – There’s been an additional 101 UFC fight nights to go with the 203 PPVs. It’s going to be difficult to continue to have stellar main events with so many shows. Luckily, we got one here.

Ryback: I’m legally changing my name to Ryback Allen Reeves – At least it’s not Ryback Allen Ryback.

Sami Zayn vs. Chris Jericho set for WWE Clash of Champions – Doesn’t everyone just want to see Jericho fight Lesnar for real? Book that match.

NJPW Road to Destruction results: Ingobernables vs. Tanahashi, Elgin & KUSHIDA – Sometimes Japanese wrestlers use all CAPITAL LETTERS to write our their names. I’m going to steal that. From now on, you can call me, RYBACK ALLEN RYBACK.

WWE Backlash preview & predictions: Dean Ambrose vs. AJ Styles; Randy Orton vs. Bray Wyatt – See how the F4W Staff did predicting Backlash.

#PunkWeek: Even in defeat, CM Punk is a role model – Kids, don’t abuse your bodies with foreign chemicals. Wait until you’re 37 and have someone punch you instead.

Figure Four Weekly, 9/12/2016: More on the Last Battle of Atlanta, wrestling Holy grails, and WWE’s video library – The release of the Last Battle of Atlanta on WWE Network, discussed here last week in advance of it dropping, was met with mixed reaction online. The namesake match itself, Tommy Rich vs. Buzz Sawyer in a cage (with a roof on top for the first time in wrestling history) had become legendary more due to magazine hype and the lack of available footage than anything else… Subscribers click here to continue reading.

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

Wrestling Observer Newsletter, September 12, 2016: CM Punk making UFC debut, PWG Battle of Los Angeles review, more – A 19-month journey will come to an end, or to a new beginning on 9/10 when Phil Brooks, better known as C.M. Punk, steps into the cage in one of the biggest matches on the UFC 203 PPV card. While many people have tried to make analogies, using names like Brock Lesnar or James Toney, there is really nothing in UFC history really comparable to this. It was a weird experiment that many had written off as a failure six months into the story… Subscribers click here to continue reading.

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

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

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

WON Back Issue, August 23, 1999: WCW Road Wild review, NJPW G1 Climax results, plus tons more – Steve Austin has become the subject of a lot of talk in the past week, with his various injuries, his probable, maybe almost assured dropping of the WWF title at SummerSlam and stories regarding him becoming harder to deal with… Subscribers click here to continue reading.

TUESDAY NEWS UPDATE
WWE

Potentially concluding the storyline of his journey to the WWE main roster, Heath Slater signing his SmackDown contract on air is being advertised for SmackDown tonight.
John Cena teased challenging for AJ Styles’ WWE World Championship, and breaking Ric Flair’s World title record in the process, on Twitter.
In reply to a fan asking if he would ever fight in UFC, Randy Orton tweeted, “I like making $. Over and over. Not once every 6 months… plus I’d prob fake punch the guy and get choked out. #lol”
Ryback was interviewed by Justin Barrasso of Sports Illustrated about his departure from WWE and life after leaving the company.
WWE uploaded video of Lana speaking without her Russian accent in the upcoming film “Interrogation,” but kept kayfabe with interviews of Lana claiming she was putting on an American accent.
AJ Styles and Becky Lynch receive the customized plates for their championships.
Highlights from Bin Wang’s WWE debut.
PRO WRESTLING

After Decay “kidnapped” Senor Benjamin at the end of last week’s “Delete or Decay” edition of Impact, Matt Hardy tweeted a photo saying that they found Benjamin and the footage of the rescue will air on Impact this Thursday.
In his last independent wrestling match before heading to WWE/NXT on a full-time basis, Johnny Gargano will face his wife-to-be Candice Lerae at AIW in Cleveland on Friday, September 23rd.
UFC
On Monday’s edition of The MMA Hour with Ariel Helwani, Mickey Gall said that he felt a strong obligation to make an example out of CM Punk in their fight. “I felt indebted to my sport, to the veterans of my sport — everyone in my sport — to go in there and dominate every second of this fight.” Gall said.
Yoel Romero vs. Chris Weidman appears to be set for UFC 205.
VARIETY

Huge wrestling fan Glenn Danzig was on Chris Jericho’s podcast recently and discussed wanting to become a professional wrestler, but always believed he was too small.
Former Stampede Wrestling wrestler and booker, head dungeon trainer and New Japan Prow Wrestling Competitor Bruce Hart did a full shoot interview with Great North Wrestling that can be seen at this link.
Second generation wrestler Carl Leduc talks about his father Paul Leduc and uncle Joe Leduc and why Joe’s WWE run in the late 80’s was short lived despite his friendship with Hulk Hogan at this link.
Original “La Resistance” members Rene Dupre and Sly Grenier do a promo for the Great North Wrestling “Star Stampede” event Nov. 5th in Hawkesbury ON at this link. They will be taking on Jeremy Prophet & Paul Rosenberg. Grenier was temporarily knocked out in what he described as a “stinger” in a match for CWA Quebec in Montreal this past Sunday due to a sloppy suplex type move performed by the local Quebec wrestler he was in the ring with on the show.
Antonio Inoki is in the news saying that North Korea’s nuclear test is aimed at the US, not Japan.
Friend of the site Missy Hyatt was the guest on the Stone Cold Steve Austin podcast.
Dr. Omalu, the doctor who is credited with discovering CTE, is claiming that Hillary Clinton may have been poisoned.
Kevin Nash is the subject of a new Guest Booker DVD from Kayfabe Commentaries, where he takes the book in WWE after he and Scott decide NOT to make the jump.
RESULTS: September 10 Back to School 3: The Barrie Wrestling Annual Back to School show! The D Man defeated Rip Impact, Lucha Freddie Mercurio beat The Professional Jaxon Jarvis, Gabriel Fuerza beat Anthony Fiasco in their I QUIT match, Carter Mason pinned Textbook Tyson Dux, Patient 705 beat Nick Wildley, Justin Sane retained the Three Pistols title beating Jim Nye and Rage, John Greed defeated Playboy John Atlas.
EVENTS CALENDAR: Friday 9/16 – Sunday 9/18

Friday 9/16 – Ring of Honor: Reloaded Tour; Pittsburgh, PA, Stage AE, 7:30 pm. Tickets.

Friday 9/16

All Star Wrestling; Squamish, BC, Totem Hall, Stawamus Rd, Garibaldi Highlands, BC V0N 1T0, Canada, tickets.
AAW: 115 Bourbon Street (3359 w 115th Street Merrionette Park, IL). Tickets.
Pure Wrestling Association: Lake Cowichan, British Columbia
Smash vs Progress: Uncensored; Oshawa Music Hall, Oshawa, Ontario. Must be 19+ to attend.
Pure Wrestling Association: Private Event in Ontario
SuperKickd’d Pro Wrestling at 7:30 PM – 10 PM, The Great Hall Toronto, 1087 Queen Street West, Toronto, Ontario M6J 1H3
All Pro Wrestling on 9/16 in Daly City, CA at the Bayshore Community Center features Sabu vs. The Almighty Sheik, Willie Mack & B-Boy vs Reno Scrum, plus Jody Kristofferson, JR Kratos, Marcus Lewis and Dylan Drake in a four way for the Universal title.

Saturday 9/17

UFC Fight Night, Poirier vs. Johnson: Hidalgo, Texas, State Farm Arena
ROH: Reloaded Tour; Lockport (Buffalo), NY, 7:00 pm. Tickets.
NWA Smoky Mountain Wrestling on in Kingsport, TN at the Civic Auditorium
Pure Wrestling Association: Alpine Club, Kitchener, Ontario
Pure Wrestling Association: Courtenay, British Columbia
SMASH VS PROGRESS: Smash Wrestling welcomes our friends from Progress Wrestling. Mark Haskins and Jack Gallagher (Cruiserweight Classic), Zack Sabre Jr. Mark Andrews and more will be part of the Progress Wrestling team in a Smash vs. Progress Canada vs. UK show in Toronto at the Franklin Horner Community Center.

Sunday 9/18

Pure Wrestling Association: Gold River, British Columbia
Alpha-1 Wrestling presents #‎Matrats2
NWX presents School’s Back In Session at the CWF Wrestling School on 20 Hartzel Rd in St Catharines, ON. Holden Albright vs. Joey Paradice (c) for the NWX Heavyweight Championship. Get your tickets by calling 289-687-5610.
Daily Pro Wrestling History (09/13): John Cena wins the WWE title by making Randy Orton quit

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Former WWE star Ryback has been in talks over the last week with Bellator MMA about fighting. He teased an announcement on Twitter and Bellator has confirmed there have been talks, but nothing serious.

“Spoke, but nothing close,” said Bellator CEO Scott Coker.

Sources close to the wrestler confirmed to us that he’s interested in fighting and in the end it will come down to money. He spoke about the situation today on Las Vegas radio.

Ryback is nearly 35, and while incredibly strong, has never competed in any fighting sport, but he has done some training in boxing and Jiu Jitsu.

This has little to do with, from his perspective, what happened with C.M. Punk, who he wished well in his UFC debut. Punk was unsuccessful in his first fight after transitioning from the squared circle to the Octagon, losing to Mickey Gall by submission in the first round at UFC 203 earlier this month.

TNA champion Bobby Lashley also fights in Bellator.

Iran is ready to hit back at Donald Trump’s reimposition of US sanctions with cyber strikes, according to security experts who pointed to an increase in chatter related to the threat.  

The risk of a cyber offensive has been growing ever since the US president withdrew in May from the 2015 deal, under which world powers relaxed economic sanctions in exchange for restrictions on Iran’s nuclear programme.  

Britain, along with other nations part of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, has been trying to keep the pact alive. However, cybersecurity experts have warned that does not make it immune to strikes from Iranian hackers.  

Iran is said to have a history of targeting America with cyber…

Kevin Owens Returns on RAW, Dana Brooke Leaving Titus Worldwide?

WWE Announces Another Match For SmackDown, Lynch Says “Screw you”

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