THE ROUND-UP
The Latest from the F4W Staff
NEWS
Gegard Mousasi departs UFC, signs with Bellator MMA
Alberto El Patron under investigation for domestic battery
WWE Great Balls of Fire live results: Brock Lesnar vs. Samoa Joe
WWE Hidalgo, TX, live results: Jinder Mahal vs. Sami Zayn
WWE Corpus Christi, TX, live results: Styles vs. Corbin vs. Owens
AUDIO
WOL: Great Balls of Fire fallout, Del Rio and Paige, Dr. Lucha, more! 7/10
DragonKingKarl Classic Wrestling Marathon: Part two with Eric Darsie 7/10
WOR: Great Balls of Fire, Lio Rush, ratings, Amanda Nunes, tons more! 7/10
B&V: WWE Great Balls of Fire PPV recap! 7/9
We’re looking for reports from Houston tonight for Raw with dark matches and Main Event matches as well as from the Smackdown brand house show in Laredo, TX, to [email protected]. Both Paul Heyman and Brock Lesnar are scheduled for Raw.
We’re also looking for reports on the Evolve weekend shows in Charlotte and Marietta, GA to [email protected].
We’re also doing polls on Great Balls of Fire and UFC 213, so you can leave a thumbs up, thumbs down or thumbs in the middle along with a best and worst match to [email protected].
SmackDown and 205 Live will be taped on Tuesday in San Antonio. John Cena returns for that show. No Randy Orton on the show this week.
NXT will be taped on Wednesday night at Full Sail University in Winter Park, FL.
FIGURE FOUR WEEKLY: Figure Four Weekly 7/3/2017: Looking at NJPW’s weekend in the US
When New Japan Pro Wrestling’s weekend in Long Beach was over, Kenny Omega had been crowned as the inaugural IWGP US Heavyweight Champion and the most pressing question was what’s next for the company in the United States. Omega was, as expected, the star of the two G1 Specials.
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WRESTLING OBSERVER NEWSLETTER: July 10, 2017 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: NJPW in Long Beach reviewed, TNA becomes GFW, tons of news
New Japan’s expansion into the U.S. with the shows over the weekend in Long Beach is the lead story in the new issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.
Look through the business of the show, the positives, the negatives, the complaints about using ex-WWE talent, the U.S. title tournament, views on the U.S. title, as well as the New Japan plans for early 2018 in the U.S.
Read about examples as to why the early success may not lead to long-term success, indications of how well the show did, where the show was the strongest, which wrestlers had the most mainstream interest on the show, the Omega vs. Rhodes dynamic, and all the controversy regarding the announcing is covered. Plus, there is match-by-match coverage with star ratings and poll results of both the shows.
Check out Impact’s rebranding to GFW, the good and the bad of the Slammiversary show, the interesting politics involved, the debut of DeAngelo Williams as well as match-by-match coverage with star ratings and poll results.
This issue talks the WWE security breach reported by Forbes, MSG notes, ideas for big events in 2018 in WWE, new TV show idea, Iron men of 2017 plus who never wins and who never loses, lots of updates on the Mae Young Classic, why Randy Orton will be out for a couple of weeks, experiences of a woman on the WWE writing team, plus the most-watched shows on the WWE Network this past week, WWE company market value, and notes on all the WWE and NXT arena events the past week with highlights and business notes.
Also inside, notes on the pending case against Jim Breaks, the death of his ex-girlfriend, and the details of the case, and notes on the career of Vic Faulkner of the Royal Brothers tag team, who passed away this past week.
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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 Dave Meltzer, or by using PayPal directing funds to [email protected].
Rates in the United States are $13 for 4 issues, $32 for 12, $61 for 24, $101 for 40 and $131 for 52. In Canada and Mexico, rates are $14.50 for 4, $35 for 12, $67 for 24, $111 for 40 and $144 or 52. In Europe, you can get the fastest delivery and best rates by sending to [email protected]. For the rest of the world, rates are $16.50 for 4, $44 for 12, $85 for 24, $141 for 40 issues and $183 for 52. If you order by mail with a check, cash or money order (P.O. Box 1228, Campbell, CA 95009-1228), you can get $1 off in every price range.)
If you are a new subscriber ordering 24 or more issues, you can choose one free classic issue, or two free classic issues with a 40-issue subscription.
WON BACK ISSUE: June 19, 2000 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Goldberg turns heel at Great American Bash, All Japan changes, more
In a week where the entire landscape of the pro wrestling industry is expected to change, the first tree to fall, All Japan Pro Wrestling, at least in the form it has been for the past 28 years, is no more.
Tokyo Sports confirmed on 6/12 that the long-rumored split talked about in this publication had started with Mitsuharu Misawa, the President and top star of the company, resigning on 5/28. The news was kept quiet by all parties until the end of the tour and they were hoping to keep it quiet for several more days in an attempt to present a smoother public transition. On 6/13 at an emergency meeting of the board of directors once the story had broken publicly, five more members, Kenta Kobashi, Akira Taue, Mitsuo Momota, Yoshihiro Momota (the oldest son of Rikidozan who is a retired pro wrestler who works in the front office) and Kenichi Oyagi (the Managing Director of All Japan) all formally resigned, confirming what was already known by insiders that virtually the entire company was leaving Motoko Baba.
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MONDAY NEWS UPDATE
Bryan and I will be back tonight covering Raw and the latest pro wrestling and MMA news. You can also send questions for the show to [email protected].
Raw is said to be loaded up tonight since it goes head-to-head with the Home Run Derby, which traditionally hurts the ratings. Roman Reigns vs. Samoa Joe in a match to determine who faces Brock Lesnar at SummerSlam was the planned main event. There is also a Seth Rollins vs. Bray Wyatt rematch. Remember that the finish of Rollins vs. Wyatt was changed on Saturday.
Sky TV in the U.K. made an expected announcement regarding sports channels. There had been five Sky sports channels with a mixture of sports on all channels, as well as a 24 hour sports news channel and a Formula 1 racing channel. WWE has been mostly on Sky 5, including the live Raw and live Smackdown, which have had greatly declining numbers. Instead, there will be sports theme channels. It is believed that Raw and Smackdown will be moving to Sky Sports Main Event, which is an upgrade. The other programming will air on Sky Sports Action and Sky Sports Arena, including the prime time replays of Raw and Smackdown.
WWE and Groupe AB have come to terms for the 18th year of Raw & Smackdown airing on the French Channel, that also goes into Belgium, Switzerland, Luxembourg, Monaco and Andorra. Raw airs on Thursday nights and Smackdown on Friday nights with French commentary, plus they air all the PPVs.
Matt Hardy needed nine stitches to close the cut from last night’s Iron Man match. Apparently when he leaped out of the ring, he landed on Sheamus’ knee.
WWE
The WWE 24 Kurt Angle return documentary airs tonight. This is the one which features Dixie Carter.
2K announced today that WWE 2K18 will be released on Nintendo Switch this fall, the first time in five years that a WWE video game will be on a Nintendo platform. The Seth Rollins announcement is here.
The June 30, 1973 show from Madison Square Garden was added to the WWE Network this past week. The show was headlined by Pedro Morales defending the WWWF title against George Stele, and also included Victor Rivera vs. Black Gordman in a special match from California, Haystacks Calhoun vs. Moondog Mayne, Chief Jay Strongbow vs. Mr. Fuji, Gorilla Monsoon vs. Lou Albano and more.
The WWE Network has also uploaded the first 143 episodes of their version of ECW from 2006 to 2009.
MISCELLANEOUS
The former Spirit Squad, Mikey & Kenny, now known as The Squad, are trying to work a regular indie schedule. They are booked full through the end of August and are looking for dates in September and past that. You can contact them through Bill Behrens at [email protected]. Sean Waltman is available for autograph appearances, photo appearances or tag team matches as well. D-Von Dudley is available for autograph and photo appearances. Shannon Moore is opening up a tattoo establishment in Raleigh and looking for independent bookings. Others available include DDP, Kevin Nash Scott Hall, Tommy Dreamer, Al Snow, Ricochet, Tessa Blanchard, James Storm, Matt Sydal and Shane Helms. Available for dates outside the U.S. and Ontario Behrens can book Christopher Daniels, Frankie Kazarian, Young Bucks and Jay Lethal.
UPW from Saturday night in Rochester, NY: Jeremy Jensen won four-corners match over Space Monkey, Eric Rosecroft and Coconut Jones, Jason Savior b Anarchy Ashe Aubrey, Nick Ando b Shane Sabre, Wrecking U b Defiance, Carter Mason b Dick Justice, Wrestling Liberation Front b Ryan Cassidy & Colin Delaney, Faculty b Pat White & Rico Figueroa & Charlie Locke & Tyliciuos, Bobby Fish b Mattick to keep the UPW title. (thanks to Todd Brantley)
Tyrus was on the Fox News Channel on Saturday night getting mad at people who call pro wrestling fake. He said he likes the term simulated combat sports. He then challenged anyone who wants to call it fake to meet him and he’ll prove it’s not. When Tyrus was asked to plug stuff, he pushed GLOW, Preacher and Impact Wrestling, mentioned GLOW on Netflix, Preacher on AMC and didn’t say what station Impact was on since he got cut off by the host. (thanks to Jake Koch)
NWL Kansas City from Saturday night: Howlettes b The End, Ken Dharma b Hans Ruger in a submission match, Niles Plonk b Blue Tornado, Jeremy Wyatt DCOR Jake foster, Anthony Gutierrez b Scott Slade-DQ, Maverick & Devlin b NWL Staff, Christian Rose b Flex Zerba, Jet Royal & Blaine Meeds & Thor Theriot b Besties & Mike Outlaw. (thanks to Brian Hoops)
An article on NWL business changes.
Legacy Fighting Alliance runs in Dallas at the Bomb Factory on Friday night on AXS TV with Johnny Bedford (23-12-1), a former UFC fighter, facing Jimmy Flick (9-3) in the main event, plus Miles Johns (4-0) vs. Levi Morales (6-2). Both fights are at bantamweight.
CZW on 7/21 in Chicago at the Logan Square Arena has Lio Rush vs. Isaias Velazquez, Sugar Dunkerton vs. Rickey Shane Page and Cragi Mitchell vs. Father Matt Tremont.
Dan Richards doing his Porgressive Liberal gimmick in Appalachian Mountain Wrestling, featured on HBO and in a lot of mainstream stories continues to get press. Jim Axelrod and Andy Wolff from CBS news will be traveling with Richards and promoter Beau James in Kentucky this week including a show tomorow night in London, KY at the Laurel County Fair. Ric Flair will also be appearing at the fair tomorrow night. They also run Wednesday night at the Boyd County Fair in Ashland, KY and Friday in Hazard, KY at the Sherman Neace Athletic Center.
ONE on 8/18 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia has featherweight champion Marat Gafurov defending against Martin Nguyen.
MCW has the Shane Shamrock Memorial Cup this weekend on Friday and Saturday night in Joppa, MD at the MCW Arena. Among the guests for the weekend are Mick Foley, Ricky Steamboat, Vickie Guerrero, Lio Rush, Godfather, Ricky Morton and Robert Gibson. In the tournament are Rush, Maxwell Jacob Feinstein, Leon St. Giovanni, Joey Janela, Shaheem Ali, Anthony Henry and Josh Woods.
AAW on Saturday night at 115 Bourbon Street in Merrionette Park, IL with Sami Callihan vs. Keith Lee, Rey Fenix & AR Fox vs. Dezmond Xavier & Zachary Wentz, Eddie Kingston vs. David Starr in an I Quit match, ACH vs. Myron Reed, Samantha Heights vs. Scarlett Bordeaux, Penta 0M & Shane Strickland vs. Trevor Lee & Garza Jr., War Machine vs. Dave & Jake Crist, Mat Fitchet vs. Matt Riddle and John Morrison vs. Chuck Taylor.
Pro Wrestling Phoenix from yesterday at the O Comic Con in Omaha:
Morning: Purple b Preston Maxwell, Pat Powers b Zac James, Joey Daniels b Carson Rockwell, Clay Cooper & Nathen Edwards b Robert Storm & Dalton Lee Roth
Afternoon: Pat Powers & Preston Maxwell b Clay Cooper & Nathen Edwards, Carson Rockwell b Dalton Lee Roth, Zac James b Robert Storm, Pinko b Senor, Joey Daniels b Purple
Evening: Pat Powers b Purple, Robert Storm won four-way over Pinko, Senior and Nathen Edwards, Zac James & Carson Rockwell b Joey Daniels & Dalton Lee Roth, Purple won Battle Royal.
Studio Wrestling from Saturday night in Dyresburg, TN: Americos b Convict, Damien Wayne DCOR John Saxon, Jazz b Rachael Ellering to keep the NWA women’s title, Tim Storm b Rodney Mack to keep the NWA world title, Matt Riviera b Pee Wee Pitts, Barrett Brown b Alex Taylor, Storm & Wayne b Saxon & Mack.
Today in Pro Wrestling History: Great American Bash 1988
F4W Online / Wrestling Observer Vegas Convention Event Info
August 17-21; All times are TBA; Full information on the group Facebook page; Activities subject to change
Thursday: Meet at the High Roller for Bowling at the Link; Party at Carnival Court at Hurrah’s
Friday: Kiss Mini Golf tournament at the Rio; Dinner at Texas de Brazil; Suite party (location TBA)
Saturday: Burgers with Granny for lunch; Future Stars of Wrestling show featuring Stephan Bonnar & Phil Baron, and co-main events: 3-way match with Leva Bates vs. Mia Yim vs. Hudson Envy, and “Filthy” Tom Lawlor vs. Thomas Santell (f.k.a. Antonio “The Promise” Thomas); NXT viewing party at the Sci-Fi Center
Sunday: SUPER CHINA BUFFET DAY at the Wicked Spoon Buffet at 1pm; SummerSlam viewing party at the Sci-Fi Center
Monday: Goodbye lunch at Chen Chen at NY NY
All website members will also receive a 15% discount on any purchases from the Las Vegas Fight Shop for the entirety of the convention
Texas de Brazil, Wicked Spoon, NXT and Summer Slam will all be sign up and pre-paid events, prices and collection begin in mid July~!
Pro Wrestling Tees is now carrying our latest line of F4W shirts. Support the Empire~! Grab yours today!
CONTACT INFORMATION
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