July 2020 – Page 6

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During last night’s episode of Impact Wrestling which was the Genesis Episode, Matt Sydal defeated EC3 to become the new Impact Grand Championship. Typically in these type of matches judges and rounds are used, but in last night’s match neither were used. This is Sydal’s first time winning the title. EC3 won it back in July against Moose.
You can see how Matt Sydal won the Impact Grand Title from the clips below:

#IMPACTonPOP kicks off with @therealec3 wanting to know one thing: what happened to the three-headed jury? pic.twitter.com/KUDibSeVz3
— TDE Wrestling (@totaldivaseps) January 26, 2018

CHOKE. #IMPACTonPOP pic.twitter.com/3Ujdvp7rxm
— TDE Wrestling (@totaldivaseps) January 26, 2018

Crash and burn! ?? #IMPACTonPOP pic.twitter.com/mSaeYkz1kM
— TDE Wrestling (@totaldivaseps) January 26, 2018

.@therealec3 spikes Sydal! #IMPACTonPOP pic.twitter.com/tVTBNtCCm8
— TDE Wrestling (@totaldivaseps) January 26, 2018

Shooting Star Press from @findevan is right on the money! #IMPACTonPOP pic.twitter.com/CM2WEVKhlQ
— TDE Wrestling (@totaldivaseps) January 26, 2018

AND NEW IMPACT Grand Champion – @findevan!
He proved EC3 wrong and got the job done when it really mattered! #IMPACTonPOP #Genesis pic.twitter.com/obpA7YD45b
— IMPACT (@IMPACTWRESTLING) January 26, 2018

It was previously reported that Rusev defeated Zack Ryder, Jinder Mahal and Kofi Kingston to earn a United States title shot on next week’s episode of SmackDown Live. Zack Ryder took to Twitter to comment on his latest loss, which came on last Tuesday night’s episode of SmackDown Live in the Fatal 4 Way Match to crown a new #1 contender for the United States Title. Zack Ryder wrote the following as he continues to express his frustrations over his WWE status:

Another night..another loss. Now what? #SDLive pic.twitter.com/GgQioycsrJ
— Zack Ryder (@ZackRyder) January 31, 2018

DAILY UPDATE

Latest News:

VIDEO: Being The Elite – Everybody hates Matt
EVIL vs. Hiromu Takahashi headlines NJPW Sengoku Lord card
NJPW announces New Japan Road lineup
Charlotte Flair gives details on WWE absence, reason for surgery

Latest Audio:

WOL: NEW JAPAN! 7/13
B&V&G: New Japan Dominion, plus Granny! 7/12
DragonKing Dark: Who were the Olmecs? 7/12
WOL: New Japan Cup and Dominion, tons more! 7/12

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CMS – Drupal and WordPress. vBulletin
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Cloud based hosting experience a plus
Javascript also a huge plus

While this is a diverse request this doesn’t have to be just one person! If you fit any part of this please feel free to inquire.

This is not just for projects related to F4WOnline.

Send all inquiries to tonyleder@f4wonline.com with title WEB DEVELOPER.

WON NEWSLETTER: July 13, 2020 Observer Newsletter: COVID-19 effects on wrestling/MMA, more

How COVID-19 has affected UFC and WWE this past week when it comes to show changes and decisions is the lead story in the new issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.

We talk about WWE recovering from its outbreak and UFC losing major fights, as well as the details of the Kamaru Usman vs. Jorge Masvidal fight coming together, the Gilbert Burns positive test and nature of who else tested positive, Burns explanation of his test failure, PPV numbers, more on UFC’s testing and its business deal in Saudi Arabia, WWE & AEW reactions this past week, who still hasn’t returned to television and Ric Flair’s situation being a regular television performer. We also talk about Renee Young and Jon Moxley and WWE rules on masks.

The new issue also covers:

We go through all the details of Fyter Fest and the Great American Bash, positives and the negatives of the ratings, every demo looked at, every quarter hour and match looked at and what it says, Paul Levesque talks the competition, plus match-by-match coverage with star ratings.

WWE schedule over the next two months, certain changes and key reason why and more.

The Rey Mysterio/WWE situation as far as contract, why he was still used while no longer on contract, the deal in place, lots more on the “eye for an eye” stip, plus updating Extreme Rules.

Update the start of wrestling with fans with New Japan, who isn’t there and why, the rules in place for fans plus coverage of the New Japan Cup.

A new documentary about a wrestling icon being worked on, wrestling TV shows listed to Emmy voters and what they say, more on the Saudi Arabia situation, Smackdown’s role on FOX and why it’s valuable, WWE announcement coming, Canadian, U.K. and Sports ratings for the past week, ex-WWE stars sign for major representation, current WWE market value and most-watched shows of the past week on the WWE Network.

Update on Matt Riddle’s situation with a time line.

New Japan’s Lion’s Break show, the concept and the talent.

Why COVID has slowed down a process that all sports leagues were hoping would change regarding ratings and the problem with the new system that goes into place sometime next year.

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

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

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MONDAY NEWS UPDATE

Bryan and I will be back tonight talking Raw, Dominion, Kevin Owens, and a number of other topics. You can send questions to the show to mailbag@wrestlingobserver.com

Raw tonight is the go-home show for Extreme Rules with Bayley & Sasha Banks vs. Asuka & Kairi Sane for the tag titles, Kevin Owens vs. Seth Rollins, Randy Orton vs. R-Truth and an elimination match with Viking Raiders vs. Andrade & Angel Garza.

UFC has from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. on Wednesday night on ESPN and ESPN+. The prelims go head-to-head with AEW and NXT. Dan Ige vs. Calvin Kattar is the main event and the full show is covered in the current issue. Tim Elliott vs. Ryan Benoit and Jimmie Rivera vs. Cody Stamann, Molly McCann vs. Talita Santos, Abdul Razak Alhassan vs. Mournir Lazzez and John Phillips vs. Khamzat Chimaev are the top bouts. The main card starts at 10 p.m. Eastern. It being on ESPN means it will hurt the wrestling shows even more, because last time they ran on a Wednesday it made a big difference, particularly to AEW. But since it’s only the prelims, it could be worse. Last time it went had-to-head it was an ESPN+ show only, which means really the hardcore UFC fans saw it but the casual fans didn’t. There’s also a big NASCAR race on FS1.

With all the COVID issues, there have been a ton of changes. Jared Gordon, who faces Chris Fishgold, and is from the same gym as Gilbert Burns, has had none of his planned cornermen able to join him because they all tested positive. Paul Felder, who at one point wasn’t coming to any of the shows because of being in contact with someone who tested positive, but then tested negative ad came, will be announcing the entire show except the Gordon vs. Fishgold match and was given permission by UFC to not announce the one bout and be in Gordon’s corner.

PWInsider reported Tammy Sytch was arrested again at 4:42 p.m. for operating a motor vehicle with a suspended license, eluding a police officer, and violation/contempt of a domestic violence restraining. She is being held at the Monmouth County Correctional Institution. Sytch was let out on parole in Carbon County, PA for DUI related arrests earlier this year and had been reportedly doing well with a high priced photo subscription service.

WWE
FS1 will air the 2018 Survivor Series PPV tomorrow night which includes Brock Lesnar vs. Bill Goldberg, The Miz vs. Sami Zayn for the IC title, Brian Kendrick vs. Kalisto for the cruiserweight title and a series of elimination matches including Kevin Owens & Chris Jericho & Braun Strowman & Roman Reigns & Seth Rollins vs. A.J. Styles & Dean Ambrose & Randy Orton & Bray Wyatt & Shane McMahon.
AEW
Scheduled for Dark tomorrow:
Brian Cage vs. Brian Pillman Jr. for FTW title
Luchasaurus & Jungle Boy vs. Brandon Cutler & Peter Avalon
Marko Stunt vs. Michael Nakazawa
Brandi Rhodes & Allie vs. Rachel Chanel & Diamante
Ricky Stars vs. Robert Anthony
Dr. Luther & Serpentico vs. Brady Pierce & Pineapple Pete

MISCELLANEOUS
Impact announced that Saturday’s PPV will be broadcasts in both English and Spanish. The Spanish feed is available on Fite TV worldwide with Jorge Milhe and Javier Sahagun, who are Spanish language sportscasters, handling the show. Josh Matthews and Don Callis will be doing the show in English.
Mateusz Gamrot (15-0) defeated Norman Parke via doctor stoppage in round three to win the KSW lightweight title on Saturday night’s show at a studio in Warsaw, Poland. It was the first major MMA show in Europe in months. The bout was stopped due to dangerous cuts near the eye. Parke had missed weight so he couldn’t have won the lightweight title had he won the bout, but Gamrot is their lightweight champion. The co-feature at lightweight saw Borys Mankowski (21-8-12) over Marcin Wrzosek (14-7) via unanimous decision.
ONE will be reopening in Asia for empty arena shows on 7/31, 8/14, 8/21 and 8/28 and regularly from there. The way their economics work, they are likely losing less money not doing live shows with fans.
The El Rey Network at 10 p.m. Saturday will be airing the Santo & Blue Demon vs. Dr. Frankenstein movie and will follow at midnight with Santo & Blue Demon vs Dracula & Wolf Man.
MLW is introducing a new line of face coverings at their shop, with MLW, Contra Unit, L.A. Park and Injustice face coverings.
PWInsider has reported that Luc C. Vu, the man arrested for reckless driving that led to the death of Matt Palacios (Matt Travis) this past December, had his trial moved to 10/19. It was scheduled to begin Monday but the New York court system has been closed down due to COVID.
Tito Santana new 2020 interview about his career.

Daily Pro Wrestling History: WCW Bash at the Beach 1997

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It was previously reported that Cody Rhodes was asked during a Q&A on Twitter over the weekend if Vince McMahon holds talents back that comes up from NXT. Cody Rhodes, who worked for WWE from 2006 until requesting his release in 2016, answered by saying that McMahon doesn’t hold talent back, and that some wrestlers become complacent after receiving their first live event check.
“He doesn’t hold anybody back,” Rhodes replied. “A lot of times it’s hard for fans to accept that some of their favorites have a ways to go or that they become lazy after they get that first LE check.”
Cody Rhodes even went as far as blaming himself for his Stardust character not evolving past mid-card status.

“Stardust for example didn’t go beyond tag gold cuz’ I wasn’t improving & I also got outta’ shape.” Rhodes replied.
Rhodes got some criticism from fans online who claimed that he was backtracking on his past comments, or that he was being political. When a Twitter user insinuated that he was backtracking on his previous comments for a possible WWE return, Rhodes replied:
“I’ve never said I was being held back. Never. The context of the question can change my answers. I’m sure sometimes I sound bitter or sometimes I sound humble. Fans who follow me get a more clear picture of who I am.
“You’re insane if you think I can do @ALL_IN_2018 and a return.”

Rhodes was more blunt when another user said that he was giving a political answer and that to say that Vince doesn’t hold people back is just flat out false.
“Don’t comment directly on my tweet as if I don’t see it,” Rhodes replied. “How’s my answer to a fan in a random Q/A remotely political? I have zero to gain. I worked there, you didn’t…you bought a ticket, not an education. Sit the f–k down.”
You can check out the exchange below:

I think it’s a great example of @CodyRhodes taking accountability for himself and his career trajectory which I commend him for. That said, it’s a political answer and not exactly grounded in reality. To say Vince doesn’t hold people back is just flat out false. https://t.co/YuwbGSjpkp
— OTRSCentral (@OTRSCentral) February 6, 2018

Don’t comment directly on my tweet as if I don’t see it. How’s my answer to a fan in a random Q/A remotely political? I have zero to gain. I worked there, you didn’t…you bought a ticket, not an education. Sit the fuck down. https://t.co/AVpor9CznG
— Cody Rhodes (@CodyRhodes) February 6, 2018

Three days after announcing that he was closing Chikara and resigning as head trainer of the Wrestle Factory school, Mike Quackenbush released a 14-minute video Saturday where he accepted responsbility for some of the allegations, admitted to others, and denied others.

The first half of the video was devoted to a single female trainee who came forward as part of #SpeakingOut and chose to remain anonymous while addressing other allegations in the second half.

Quackenbush (Mike Spillane) said he first heard a few days ago of the allegation from one trainee that another was “blackout drunk” at a coach’s residence and sexually assaulted. He said that coach was removed several months ago, but that safeguards must be put in place so that never happens again.

He said he had no first hand knowledge of a male wrestler exposing himself to a female trainee on a road trip, but since the trip was organized under his purview, he accepts full responsibility. He said he was alerted by a coach of “unprofessional behavior” during the trip and that discipline was handed out at the time, but the behavior was not reported to him in this level of detail.

He addressed a leg injury that was suffered by the trainee and jokes made at their expense by others. He said he was in the ring with the trainee when the injury happened and did go to the hospital with them, but did not hear any jokes about it. He said he believed the accuser and apologized, but denied any allegation an injury would be caused on purpose. He also stood by his call of not letting the woman continue training due to the injury and denied any “manipulation or gaslighting”, saying she didn’t have the proper upper body strength to safely keep doing so.

He denied another allegation where it was said he was openly talking about his sex life, saying he never had done so publicly. He admitted that at two points of his professional life, he was involved with active Chikara performers, but that they were consensual and are those two are free to talk about it if they choose. He denied ever being involved sexually with a trainee.

He didn’t recall making a comment about an “attractive female fan” at an event or a trainee later having sex with that fan, but apologized and accepted responsibility, giving the accuser the benefit of the doubt.

He got emotional when addressing allegations he made inappropriate comments against a wrestler with autism. He said he didn’t hear the comments, but believed the allegations and apologized to his friend. He also said he very well might have been a narcissist during that period and apologized.

He admitted that he did likely use homophobic language during 2010-11, but didn’t recall making other remarks. However, he he should own that he did and accept responsibility as he did say “ignorant things in my past”. He said he didn’t do enough to change the culture and reflected on an exit interview with a trainee where they said how hurtful it was to hear anti-gay slurs used aloud.

Last night’s episode of SmackDown Live saw Randy Orton answer the United States Open Challenge from United States Champion Bobby Roode but the match never happened as Jinder Mahal came out and interrupted, leading to chaos. After the segment, Randy Orton was interviewed by Dasha Fuentes and Randy Orton tells Dasha Fuentes that he doesn’t care about his spot on the first Top 10 List and that he is surprised that he even made the list because he has hit the RKO on damn near everyone in the locker room.
Orton also says that he doesn’t get why anyone would vote for him but he did go to the ring tonight to defeat Roode for the title to take it back to St. Louis and call it his. Orton then says that that did not happen this week but we should stay tuned as that does not mean it won’t happen. Below is the video from the backstage interview:

Last night’s Raw, with a post-Backlash bump and a show-long tease of the return to the ring of Christian, plus Ric Flair and Big Show returning and a more loaded third hour, averaged 1.94 million viewers, the best number since the day after WrestleMania, even beating the night Becky Lynch announced her pregnancy.

The 0.53 rating in 18-49 was identical to last week even though it was a strong 12 percent increase in viewers overall. The real gains from last week were with teenagers and those over the age of 50.

While the open was strong, the show kept its viewers through tons of talking and angles better than any Raw episode in a long time, with the second hour beating the first and the third hour only being down seven percent from the first.

The show was down 13 percent from the same week last year and 25 percent in 18-49, both numbers better than the show had been doing.

From hour one to three, the show dropped 14 percent with women 18-49, and 12 percent with men 18-49, 12 percent with teenage girls, and 26 percent with teenage boys but only five percent with the largest audience, which is those over 50.

The three hours were:

8 p.m. 1.98 million viewers
9 p.m. 2.00 million viewers
10 p.m. 1.84 million viewers

1930

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania:
– Jim Londos defeated Dick Shikat for the NWA (National Wrestling Association) World Heavyweight Wrestling Title

1932

Kansas City, Kansas:
– John Pesek beat Harry Ekizian 2 falls to 1
– Wladek Zbyszko defeated Dutch Hefner

1940

Kansas City, Kansas:
– Orville Brown beat Richard Shikat in 2 out of 3 falls
– Al Lovelock beat Steve Brody

1961

Minneapolis, Minnesota:
– AWA Tag Team Champions Leo Nomellini & Wilbur Snyder beat Hard Boiled Haggerty & Gene Kiniski
– Jim Hady beat Tom Burns
– Tony Baillargeon beat George Scott

1963

Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada:
– Verne Gagne won a 10-man battle royal
– Kenji Shibuya & Mitsu Arakawa beat Gene Kiniski & Ronnie Etchison
– Dan Miller beat Larry Hennig

Kansas City, Kansas:
– Masked Medic #1 and Masked Medic #2 beat Tiny Mills and Lee Henning 2 falls to 1 via DQ
– Bob Geigel drew Larry Hamilton 1 fall to 1 fall
– Joe Scarpello went to a time limit draw with Steve Bolus

1964

AWA Midway Stadium: St. Paul, Minnesota:
– The Crusher beat Art Thomas by DQ
– Mitsu Arakawa beat Doug Gilbert
– Larry Hennig beat Jack Kelly

1968

Kansas City, Kansas:
– Bob Brown defeated Bob Ellis
– North American Tag Team Champions Sonny Myers & Ronnie Etchison beat Roger Kirby & The Viking
– In a Texas Death Match: Bob Geigel defeated Steve Bolus

1973

Honolulu, Hawaii:
– Ed Francis beat Sam Steamboat in 2 out of 3 falls to win the Hawaiian Title
– Billy Robinson beat Dusty Rhodes win North American title
– Billy Graham & Ivan Koloff beat Ken Patera & Don Carson in 2 out of 3 falls

1974

Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada:
– Wahoo McDaniel beat Larry Heinemi in an Indian Strap Match
– Ivan Putski beat Superstar Billy Graham via DQ
– Ray Stevens beat Gene Kiniski by DQ
– Greg Gagne & Jim Brunzell beat Paul Pershmann (Buddy Rose) & Buddy Wolff in 2 out of 3 falls

Kansas City, Kansas:
– Roger Kirby beat Mike George
– Central States Heavyweight Champion Don Fargo beat Bob Brown by DQ
– The Interns (w/ Dr. Ken Ramey) defeated Rufus R. Jones & Bob Geigel

1975

St. Louis, Missouri:
– Dick the Bruiser won a Texas Death Match from Ox Baker
– Missouri Champion Harley Race double DQ Rocky Johnson
– Ray Stevens and Big Bill Miller defeated Terry Funk and Omar Atlas
– Pat O’Connor defeated Bobby Heenan
– Wilbur Snyder defeated Rene Goulet
– Ronnie Etchison and Ben Justice defeated Lanny and Angelo Poffo

1979

Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada:
– Verne Gagne & Mad Dog Vachon defeated Pat Patterson & Ray Stevens to win the AWA World Tag Team Title
– Greg Gagne beat AWA Champion Nick Bockwinkel via DQ
– Bobby Duncum beat Doug Gilbert
– No DQ Match: Super Destroyer Mark II beat the Crusher
– Paul Ellering beat Jesse Ventura
– Lord Alfred Hayes beat Dave Kochen

1981

New Orleans, Louisiana:
– Jake Roberts defeated the Grappler for the Mid-South North American Heavyweight Title

Milwaukee, Wisconsin:
– The Crusher & Wahoo McDaniel beat Nick Bockwinkel & Ray Stevens
– In a Steel Cage match, Baron Von Raschke beat Jerry Blackwell
– In a Non Title Steel Cage match, Greg Gagne & Jim Brunzell beat AWA Tag Team Champions Adrian Adonis & Jesse Ventura
– Laurent Soucie beat Billy Howard
– Brad Rheingans beat Bobby Heenan
– Sheik Adnan beat Ben DeLeon

1982

Milwaukee, Wisconsin:
– Hulk Hogan beat AWA Champion Nick Bockwinkel by DQ
– Jerry Blackwell & Sheik Adnan beat Ray Stevens & Baron Von Raschke
– Ken Patera beat Brad Rheingans
– Buck Zumhofe drew Sgt. Goulet
– Rick Martel beat Tom Stone

1988

Memphis, Tennessee:
– Don Bass & Gary Young beat Billy Joe Travis & Scott Steiner to win the CWA Tag Team Titles
– Shawn Baxter beat Tommy Gilbert
– Max Pain beat Brickhouse Brown
– The Great Senshi & Jeff Jarrett beat Jimmy Golden & Robert Fuller
– Robert Fuller pinned Jeff Jarrett
– Scott Steiner pinned Gary Young
– AWA Champion Jerry Lawler beat Curt Hennig by DQ
– Scott Steiner beat Robert Fuller to win finals of Renegade Rampage tournament

1991

Norfolk, Virginia:
– Black Blood pinned Tim Horner
– Ricky Morton & Dustin Rhodes defeated Dutch Mantell & Moondog Rex; Morton walked out on Rhodes during the match
– PN News pinned the Angel of Death
– Bobby Eaton defeated Terrance Taylor
– The Diamond Studd pinned Sam Houston
– WCW Tag Team Champions Rick & Scott Steiner defeated Arn Anderson & the One Man Gang
– WCW World Champion Ric Flair pinned Brian Pillman

1992

Greenwood, South Carolina:
– Johnny B. Badd & Marcus Alexander Bagwell defeated Richard Morton & Scotty Flamingo
– Super Invader pinned Tom Zenk
– Barry Windham pinned Greg Valentine
– Nikita Koloff pinned Larry Zbyszko
– WCW World Champion Sting & Ricky Steamboat defeated WCW US Champion Rick Rude & Steve Austin
– WCW Tag Team Champions Rick & Scott Steiner defeated Bobby Eaton & Arn Anderson

1993

Albany, New York:
– Shawn Michaels defeated Marty Jannetty for the WWF Intercontinental Title

Kings Mountain, North Carolina:
– Brad Armstrong & Robbie V defeated the Wrecking Crew
– The Barbarian defeated Johnny Gunn
– Johnny B. Badd defeated Michael Hayes
– The Junkyard Dog defeated Michael Hayes
– Keith & Kent Cole defeated Tex Slazenger & Shanghai Pierce
– The Junkyard Dog defeated Dick Slater

1994

Memphis, Tennessee:
– Reggie B. Fine beat Jerry Faith
– Anthony Michaels beat Leon Downs
– Mike Samples beat Brian Logan
– Anthony Michaels, Jerry Faith, & Brian Logan beat Mike Samples, Leon Downs, & Reggie B. Fine
– USWA Tag Champs The Eliminators beat Jeff Gaylord & Spellbinder
– Doug Gilbert beat Wolfie D
– Dream Machine pinned Brian Christopher to win the USWA Title
– USWA Unified World Champ Jerry Lawler beat Bam Bam Bigelow via DQ
– Wolfie D won a blindfold battle royal

2000

Knoxville, Tennessee:
– Lt. Loco (Chavo Guerrero Jr.) defeated Daffney (the defending champion) and Disco Inferno in a three way match to win the WCW Cruiserweight Title

2008

Hartford, Connecticut:
– Age of the Fall (Jimmy Jacobs & Tyler Black) won the ROH Tag Team championship by defeating Kevin Steen & El Generico in a one-night tournament

2010

AAA Triplemania:
– In a No Disqualification Match, Jack Evans defeated Nosawa, Christopher Daniels and Xtreme Tiger to become the new AAA Cruiserweight Champion
– Dr. Wagner Jr. defeated Electroshock to become the new AAA World Heavyweight Champion

DAILY UPDATE

Latest News:

WWE SmackDown ratings remain steady this week
Ripley & Shirai vs. Charlotte and a partner added to Wednesday’s NXT
Kurt Angle to referee Riddle vs. Thatcher ‘cage fight’ on NXT
‘Sting: The Lost Tape’ to premiere on WWE Network this month
WWE SmackDown video highlights: Two IC title tournament matches
Hana Kimura passes away at 22 years old

Latest Audio:

Free WOL: Remembering Hana Kimura 5/23
Left My Wallet: MLW’s Richard Holliday 5/23
WOR: Ross Hart’s memories of his brother Owen 5/22

WON NEWSLETTER: May 25, 2020 Observer Newsletter: Death of Shad Gaspard

A story on the life of Shad Gaspard is the lead in the new issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.

We cover the circumstances of his tragic death, notes from his family and friends, his acting career, his childhood, his thoughts about MMA, what world champion MMA fighter did he tell to pursue MMA before pro wrestling, and look at his wrestling career.

Whether Vince McMahon is doing an end-around to get out of paying people money owed and then restarting the league. We look at why the people he owes money to believe that is the case.

The new issue also covers:

A preview for Double or Nothing II.

Update SummerSlam, more on Ric Flair’s new deal, more on Drew Gulak leaving WWE, brand-to-brand changes, IC title tournament, key person in directing television shows leaving, Backlash update, In Your House update, Jim Cornette’s comments on Becky Lynch and Dana Brooke, Seth Rollins and Dana Brooke respond, Glenn Jacobs talks shutting down businesses, WWE star nominated for major sorts award, Lio Rush talks leaving WWE, Nikki Bella talks her back, sports ratings for the past week, Canadian ratings for recent weeks, top amateur star talks going to WWE, WWE market value right now and the most-watched shows of the past week on the WWE Network.

Complete coverage of this past week’s UFC show.

A feature on the career of Kevin Randleman, the newest UFC Hall of Fame inductee, nothing his amateur wrestling days, his fighting days and his pro wrestling days. We look at his most famous fights and biggest pro wrestling matches.

A lot more looking back 21 years ago to the tragic death of Owe Hart. We look at comments by Martha Hart and Jerry McDevitt and go back through the legal proceedings.

The highest television rating for any pro wrestling match in history and the legend of Kim Il, a forgotten South Korean sports legend.

The movie “My Dad is a Heel Wrestler,” starring Hiroshi Tanahashi.

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

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

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

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.

SATURDAY NEWS UPDATE

WWE
More than 500 people attended a memorial for Shad Gaspard on Venice Beach last night.
The GoFundMe campaign to help support Gaspard’s family has reached its $100,000 goal after a $40,000 donation was made by “CTC RIP.” That may be referencing Cryme Tyme and John Cena being called Cryme Tyme Cenation while teaming together. Tony Khan ($10,000) and Chris Jericho ($5,000) are also among the top donors.
Pro Wrestling Tees, Gaspard’s wife Siliana, and the Gaspard family have partnered together to release a T-shirt honoring Gaspard. All of the profits from it will go to Gaspard’s family.
Triple H shared his memories of Gaspard in an interview with TMZ.
The Undertaker and Michelle McCool spoke about Gaspard’s passing and his heroism.
In an interview with Wrestling Inc, Ric Flair discussed his new contract with WWE and his friendship with AEW’s Tony Khan: “Well it’s not for life but I hope they keep renewing me [laughs]. You never know but I’m obviously not gonna go anywhere else if they didn’t renew me. Tony [Khan] told me that he wouldn’t even ask me to come to work there because he knows how tight I am with [WWE]. Our friendship is one thing but he respects my loyalty to the company. That’s how much respect [Khan] has for me and my relationship with the company which speaks volumes to what kind of guy Tony is. The same would apply to my daughter and WWE.”
Today is Bray Wyatt’s 33rd birthday.
WWE released a “Greatest Wrestling Match Ever” promo video for Edge vs. Randy Orton at Backlash.
WWE’s YouTube channel uploaded Orton and Wyatt’s House of Horrors match from Payback 2017 and Cena and Miz’s I Quit match from Over the Limit 2011.
Other Wrestling
Bushiroad posted a statement on the death of Hana Kimura: “Hana Kimura from Stardom passed away today on May 23. We pray for Hana Kimura. Live distribution projects on the Stardom YouTube channel will be temporarily suspended. We will strive to mentally care for other athletes, and Stardom will announce future developments as soon as they are decided.”
NJPW, AEW, ROH, and the NWA were among the promotions who paid tribute to Kimura.
Ronda Rousey also wrote about Kimura’s passing: “To Hana Kimura and her family, I am so incredibly sorry for your loss. .. There are no words that could possibly heal this wound… Rest In Peace Hana Kimura… If anyone reading this is suffering, know there are resources available to help. If you need someone to talk to on the phone call this number 1-800-273-8255 if you would prefer texting, Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a Crisis Counselor. Cyber Bullying is a very real and growing threat to us all as a society. Succumbing isn’t weakness, it’s human. We have evolved to feel as if our lives depend on social acceptance because the majority of human history our survival has depended on our social groups and standing within them. I know the trolls that spend their days harassing others online are battling their own mental demons, but please find a way to release your venom in a way that won’t poison others. Even a straw’s weight can be the one to break a camel’s back. Just the tiniest push could be what sends someone over the edge. Be the kindness you wish you received instead of malice and neglect you’re trying to pay back. Don’t pass it on, protect the world from what you’ve had to endure instead of spreading it”
ROH uploaded Kimura’s match from G1 Supercard to their YouTube channel. She teamed with Sumie Sakai & Stella Grey against Kagetsu, Hazuki & Jenny Rose.
Chris Jericho hyped tonight’s Stadium Stampede match at Double or Nothing: “The #StadiumStampede is one of the best things I’ve ever been a part of in my 30 years in the wrestling business. No joke…don’t miss it LIVE on PPV TONIGHT! @AEWrestling”
Dave Meltzer notes that the Stadium Stampede match was taped last night and everyone is raving about it.
AEW uploaded segments from their Countdown to Double or Nothing special focusing on the Stadium Stampede match, Cody vs. Lance Archer, Jon Moxley vs. Brodie Lee, and Nyla Rose vs. Hikaru Shida.
TV Insider interviewed Lee about his match tonight.
AEW posted videos with celebrities Alison Brie, Stephen Amell, Dominique Wilkins, Dan Soder, Kelly AuCoin, Jack Whitehall, Brad Williams, Paul Walter Hauser, and Daniel Platzman making their predictions for Cody vs. Archer in the TNT Championship tournament finals.
Bodyslam.net reported that the team formerly known as The Revival were sent a cease and desist letter by WWE for selling a T-shirt that used a concept art image of the comedy gimmick WWE had planned for them.
Sarah Logan is training in hopes of doing an MMA fight.
Vice uploaded a Dark Side of the Ring bonus clip about Owen Hart’s pranks.
Lance Archer was the guest on the latest episode of Talk is Jericho.
Game Changer Wrestling has launched a Patreon that will feature exclusive content.
MMA
Dana White spoke about the UFC’s plans for Fight Island: “Right now, we’re looking at June and we’re literally going to knock out three or four fights there in a month. I’m going to stay on the island for a month. I’m going to go stay there. I’ll probably be there the whole month of July.”
The UFC revealed the full card for their May 30 Fight Night show.
Conor McGregor explained where he thinks he stands in the greatest MMA fighter of all time debate.
MMA Fighting has an interview with Stipe Miocic.

Daily Pro Wrestling History: Owen Hart passes away

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Following a brutal back-and-forth fight that will be among the finalists for the year’s best, Justin Gaethje won the interim lightweight title by fifth round TKO over Tony Ferguson at Saturday’s UFC 249.

The end came when Gaethje landed a powerful left jab that made Ferguson stumble, the culmination of nearly 25 minutes of absorbing damage. Referee Herb Dean stopped the fight seconds later after another Gaethje punch.

Both men gave as good as they got with Ferguson standing out for taking Gaethje’s near-legendary punches repeatedly and still walking him down.

Gaethje threw off the title afterward, saying he wanted the real one. That is owned by current divisional kingpin Khabib Nurmagomedov (28-0) who Gaethje is expected to fight by year’s end.

The 31-year-old Gaethje (22-2) came into the fight riding a three-fight win streak with consecutive first round knockout finishes over James Vick, Edson Barboza, and Donald Cerrone.

The 36-year-old Ferguson (25-4) was riding a 12-fight win streak dating back to October 2013 which included one interim lightweight title win in 2017 over Kevin Lee.

The event was held in front of an empty arena in Jacksonville, Florida, due to the pandemic. It was originally slated to take place in April in Brooklyn, NY, with Ferguson facing Nurmagomedov in a fight that was attempted to be put together five times.

Title Changes Hands At Last Night’s Episode of Impact Wrestling

SmackDown Superstar Frustrated Over Losing, Possibly Leaving