FRI. UPDATE: Weekend preview, Austin talks being at next year's Mania, Pacquiao-Mayweather PPV numbers, Corgan at TNA tapings, Faber hosts animated series, Sammartino movie on TV Sunday, Joe vs Hero
By Dave Meltzer
[email protected]”>[email protected]
We’re looking for reports on tonight’s WWE show in Broomfield, CO (Dean Ambrose, Ryback, Rusev, Bad News King Barrett, New Day, Tyson Kidd, Cesaro and Luke Harper) and NXT in Largo, FL to [email protected]”>[email protected]
TNA starts four days of television tapings tonight in Orlando with a show on a two-hour tape delay tonight on Destination America, and tapings for the next two months over the next several nights.
Tonight’s show has announced Kurt Angle vs. Eric Young for the TNA title with a special referee, A fans pick the stipulation match with Ken Anderson vs. Ethan Carter III which will either be falls count anywhere or an arm wrestling match) and Gail Kim & Awesome Kong vs. Taryn Terrell & Jade & Marti Bell.
They announced the special referee would be the return of a former TNA champion. If that is accurate, the list of those possible is short consisting of:
Sting (highly unlikely with his WWE deal)
Samoa Joe (which would be a surprise)
Mick Foley (also seems affiliated with WWE right now having just done a show for the network, so a long shot)
A.J. Styles (would seem unlikely with his different commitments including ROH starting Tuesday)
Rob Van Dam (a possibility)
Bully Ray (would be the least surprising)
Chris Sabin (also a possibility)
RFA vs. Legacy showdown tonight in Robinsonville, MS at the Horseshoe Tunica Resort & Casino on AXS at 10 p.m. Eastern time
Damacio Page vs. Alexandre Pantoja in a champion vs. champion flyweight title match
Luke Sanders vs. Terrion Ware for the RFA bantamweight title
Mike Bronzoulis vs. Dave Burrow for the vacant Legacy lightweight title
Adam Townsend vs. Yuri Villefort
Kevin Gray vs. Brian Hall
Charles Byrd vs. Bojan Velickovic
UFC has an All fight Pass show starting at 7:45 p.m. Eastern time Saturday night from Adelaide, Australia at the Adelaide Entertainment Center
Ben Nguyen vs. Alptekin Ozkilic
Vik Grujic vs. Brendan O’Reilly
Alex Chambers vs. Kailin Curran
Dylan Andrews vs. Brad Scott
Lisa Ellis vs. Bec Rawlings
Sam Alvey vs. Daniel Kelly
Kyle Noke vs. Jonavin Webb
Hatsu Hioki vs. Daniel Hooker
James Matthews vs. James Vick
Sean O’Connell vs. Anthony Perosh
Brad Tavares vs. Robert Whittaker
Mark Hunt vs. Stipe Miocic
There is a Metamoris (grappling) iPPV on Saturday at 6 p.m. Eastern time at www.metamoris.com from a secret location (I’m not making this up) with no fans attending somewhere in Southern California.
Josh Barnett vs. Ryron Gracie
Chael Sonnen vs. Renato Babalu Sobral
Joe Lauzon vs. Dustin Danis
Xande Ribiero vs. Keenan Cornelius
Roberto Satoshi vs. Clark Gracie
Jeff Monson vs. mystery opponent
We’ll be looking for reports Saturday on TNA from Orlando, WWE in Louisville, KY (John Cena, Dean Ambrose, Ryback, Rusev, Bad News Barrett, New Day, Tyson Kidd, Cesaro and Luke Harper) and Charleston, WV (Randy Orton, Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins, Dolph Ziggler, Kane, Bray Wyatt) and NXT in Orlando.
The U.S. Open finals in freestyle wrestling will air at 10 p.m. Eastern on Saturday night on Universal Sports live, and then will air tape delayed on Wednesday night at 10:30 p.m. on NBC Sports Network. Universal Sports is Ch. 625 on DirecTV, but a lot of people won’t get that channel.
We’ll be looking for reports on Sunday from TNA in Orlando, WWE in Lexington, KY (John Cena, Dean Ambrose, Ryback, Rusev, Bad News Barrett, New Day, Tyson Kidd, Cesaro and Luke Harper) and Wheeling, WV (Randy Orton, Roman Reigns,Seth Rollins, Dolph Ziggler, Kane and Bray Wyatt.
Monday is the live Raw from Cincinnati which is the go-home Raw for Payback, so they are going to have to put a card together, plus TNA finishes its tapings in Orlando.
Tuesday has the first night of the ROH/New Japan tour in Philadelphia. There is no live broadcast of his event.
Delirious vs. Gedo
Jay Lethal vs. Takaaki Watanabe
Roderick Strong vs. Kushida
Christopher Daniels & Frankie Kazarian vs. Michael Bennett & Matt Taven vs. Young Bucks (ROH tag champ vs. IWGP heavyweight tag champs vs. IWGP jr. tag champs)
Tetsuya Naito vs. Michael Elgin
Kyle O’Reilly & Bobby Fish vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi & Jushin Liger
A.J. Styles vs. ? (Adam Cole at last word was doubtful for the show due to his shoulder not recovering as fast as hoped for)
Mark & Jay Briscoe vs Shinsuke Nakamura & Kazuchika Okada
Smackdown and Main Event will be taped on Tuesday in Evansville, IN. No John Cena or Randy Orton announced for that show.
Wednesday is the second night for ROH/New Japan in Philadelphia. There is no live broadcast of this event.
Michael Elgin vs. Kushida
Adam Page vs. Takaaki Watanabe
Roderick Strong vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi
Tetsuya Naito vs. Kyle O’Reilly
Christopher Daniels & Frankie Kazarian vs. Kazuchika Okada & Gedo
Jay Lethal vs. Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Mark Briscoe vs. Jushin Liger
A.J. Styles & Young Bucks vs. Matt Taven & Michael Bennett & ? (also scheduled as Adam Cole)
The lessons learned and the aftermath of Mayweather-Pacquiao is the lead story of a double issue of the Observer, which also includes the history of the UWA promotion, one of the strongest promotions in history but one that few American fans know anything about, , as well as a detailed look at the WWE business as it stands, was WrestleMania really a money loser (it wasn’t but the books say it was and why), how the WWE network is doing, Sami Zayn on Raw and his injury, New Japan’s last PPV, NOAH’s tag tourney final, the UFC Reebok deal, Hall of Fame, WWE Payback and so much more.
The new issue is up on the site at http://www.f4wonline.com/component/content/article/110-wrestling-observer-newsletter/42417-may-11-2015-wrestling-observer-newsletter-mayweather-vs-pacquiao-shatters-records-wwe-q1-financials-carlos-maynez-bio-and-more
Web site subscriptions, which include access to both current and older newsletters as well as every audio show on the history of the site are at http://www.f4wonline.com/member/signup.php
You can also order the print Observer right now and get it delivered to your door via mail, by sending your name, address, Visa or Master Card number and an expiration date to [email protected]”>[email protected]
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The Wrestling Observer ranges weekly from 35,000 to 50,000 words covering pro wrestling and MMA internationally. Each issue has coverage and analysis of all the major news, plus every issue breaks major news stories before the Internet sties and has the most complete look at the pro wrestling and MMA business anywhere, plus history pieces available nowhere else.
We look at the Mayweather-Pacquiao fight and what can be learned from it regarding business, why it worked, the questions regarding the shoulder injury and how it was handled, the lawsuit filed against Pacquiao, and why the ceiling of interest was busted so badly.
We have our quarterly look at WWE financials, including the strange dichotomy of good results and a stock market price drop, WWE network subscribers, how many were new subscribers, how many old subscribers came back for WrestleMania and how many came from the free offer. We look at the expense of the network,the money lost on it, how much more money the company is making from TV, and how much was spent and generated by WrestleMania this year.
We also look at the end of the PPV business, paid attendance at WrestleMania, merchandise sales, how much the average fan spent who attended the show, and why the WrestleMania revenue total is misleading and how the bookkeeping is done.
We also look at what show was a ratings success, a look at WWE’s current estimates for profitability next quarter and subscription numbers, we look at where WWE profits the most by category and a history dating back to 2011, we look at every aspect of company business as well as revenue by geographical area. We look at the money WWE looks to make from television this year, the last remnants of PPV, a breakdown of how all the recent WWE movies did, the house show business, the merchandise business, the video game business, best selling DVDs, web site and more.
We also have a feature on Sami Zayn and his injury and how things had to be changed. We look at what the debut was patterned after.
We also look at Payback, Hulk Hogan talking one more match and claiming he was approached by UFC, pro wrestlers who actually were approached by UFC, the real story behind the WWE/Tapout connection and it’s not what people think, Stephanie McMahon being gone form Raw, Stephanie talks Ronda Rousey, thoughts on women in WWE going forward, return of Chris Jericho and dates, Rock box office, curb stomp update, More WWE injuries, NXT ticket sales, ESPN piece, NXT as a facility, Bischoff and Prichard talk Monday Night Wars and 1997 Survivor Series, Michelle Beadle and HHH, Linda McMahon rumors, Former star writes a book, WWE in China, Next WWE movie, plus notes from all the house shows over the past week and business notes.
We also look at New Japan’s Dontaku show with match-by-match coverage, ratings and poll results.
We also have a huge historical feature on the UWA promotion, which from the mid-70s through the early 90s was one of the biggest and most successful companies in the world. We look at the life and career of Carlos Maynez, who passed away last week. We look at how he and his uncle got started in wrestling and how the UWA got off the ground. The UWA story, both its rise and fall, is interesting, because of how similar it is to many U.S. groups and the lessons very clear about the ups and the downs.
We also look at the legends of both Lucha Libre, but also Japanese and American pro wrestling who headlined the company’s biggest shows, including Canek’s matches with the likes of Andre, Thesz and Hogan.
We look at how the UWA got started, how big its first show was and the key move made in beating the opposition’s champion on the first show. We also look at the gimmick, still used today, that they used on two of their biggest early shows.
We look at the two Thesz vs. Mascaras matches, and how UWA wooed so much top talent. We look at the big stars of the company, and them pushing smaller talent and women. We look at the building of Canek to be one of the most important figures in Mexican wrestling history, as well as their big 1978 run of 20,000 attendance shows week after week and the hotshot booking involved.
We look at the El Toreo heyday, and the legends involved in those shows, as well as the small town wrestling, the breakup of the company, its legendary matches and attempts to run opposition.
We also look at the final run of sellouts including what American star was in the main event of the last two.
We look at the factors in the fall of the promotion. We also look at the kidnaping of Carlos Maynez in 1997 and what happened.
We’ve got a story on the Reebok deal with UFC and he reaction to it.
We also look at one of Dragon Gate’s biggest shows of the year and the cage match of death on top.
We also look at the finals of the Pro Wrestling NOAH tag team tournament.
We also have a feature on the revamped UFC Hall of Fame, and what part WWE played in its long-term goals. We also look at many of the leading candidates.
The Observer is the world’s most detailed weekly pro wrestling publication, in its 32nd year of publication, and is read by the biggest names in the pro wrestling, industry, MMA industry, sports world and on Wall Street.
We also have our regular features such as the most complete look at ratings, plus results of the major house show events each week in pro wrestling and MMA, and complete inside rundowns of all the TV shows.
Also in this week’s issue:
–Mexican national welterweight title change
–Legend says going to the promotion that made him a legend is something he’s now sorry about
–Dream match of two of 80s top babyfaces
–Arena Mexico anniversary show coverage
–Just how many shows there were in Mexico City on one day
–A look at the AAA World Cup tournament
–AAA’s version of SummerSlam announced including the main events
–A look at two major AAA TV tapings
–Two huge AAA events looked at
–President of one wrestling company becomes CEO of another
–Road to Keiji Muto tournament
–Champion Carnival coverage
–New Japan’s return to U.S. TV
–Terry Funk has one more match booked
–The strangest elimination for a shot in a world title tournament
–Notes on Global Force Wrestling
–A look at the announcing situation
–A look at the talent
–Lots of surprises when it comes to talent
–Clarification on different talent
–Notes on funeral of Verne Gagne
–Why a wrestler shot up his office
–Gene Okerlund at the funeral
–Gagne vs. Dick Hutton as pro wrestlers at the funeral
–Preston City Wrestling notes
–Unique match the company is booking
–Who is coming to the group over the next few months
–Different versions of the Ron Wright plane blowing up story
–Update on Ventura lawsuit
–DragonMania
–Phil Baroni’s pro wrestling debut
–What other MMA names as well as actor involved with Baroni’s first match
–The biggest angle i Roller Games history
–Tasteless angle
–More on Lucha Underground and what comes next
–Update on Adam Cole in ROH
–TNA’s next PPV show
–TNA China tour cancellation and fallout
–Morale issues
–Update on Jeff Hardy
–Update on Billy Corgan and TNA
–What international act TNA is pursuing
–Update on TNA and Destination America
–TNA announcing situation
–More on Samoa Joe leaving
–Kurt Angle in Vin Diesel movie
–Dana White talks Jon Jones
–More on Khabib Nurmagomedov injury
–Rashad Evans targets return
–A look at the UFC light heavyweight title situation with Jon Jones gone
–Jon Jones threatened legal action against the Nevada commission
–A look at the legal letter
–UFC injuries and fight changes
–Stipulations for this week’s UFC main event
–Update on UFC ticket sales
–Why judo officials aren’t happy with UFC’s rise
–Fighter retires due to concussion concern
–Fighters in a match next week get very heated over steroid charge
–Bellator signs K-1 Grand Prix winner
If you are a new subscriber ordering 24 or more issues, you can get one free classic issue of your choice sent to you today. With a 40 issue subscription, you can get two free classic issues sent to you today.
New subscribers ordering 24 or 40 issues have to let us know what major stories of the past 11 years you are most interested in and we’ll send the issue with the best coverage of that story. We’ve got coverage of every major PPV event and world wide spectacular, every major star switching promotions, histories of companies like FMW, Rings and New Japan, retirement and obit issues of every major star who fits into those descriptions over the past 11 years, as well as our biggest issue every year, the annual awards issue, and our most controversial issue of every year, the Hall of Fame issue.
Our most requested issues in our history are:
*November 17, 1997 (full details of everything leading to the most famous wrestling match finish of modern times at the Survivor Series plus a history of in-ring double-crosses)
*December 21, 1998 (the complete Vince McMahon-Bret Hart conversation right before the Survivor Series match so you’ll know exactly what was said–the conversation played in edited form both on the inaugural broadcast of Confidential as well as in Wrestling with Shadows, but everything that was said between the two about the match that was going to take place that same night)
*August 1, 1994 (the most detailed coverage anywhere of the Vince McMahon steroid trial, an issue praised in numerous newspaper article and Sex, Lies and Headlocks)
*March 26, 2001 (death of WCW and history of pro wrestling on the Turner networks)a
*October 22, 2001 (why the adult audience has left pro wrestling in such great numbers and what needed to have been done to save them)
*July 8, 1991 (Ric Flair leaves WCW as world champion/Zahorian steroid trial)
*February 8, 1993 (the life and times of Andre the Giant)
*May 13, 2002 (the life story of the most incredible pro wrestling career ever, a look at Lou Thesz, in one of the largest issues of our history)
*January 27, 2003 (part one of the two-part series covering the career and life of The Sheik)
*February 3, 2003 (Part two on The Sheik including thoughts from people who worked with him and where he stands historically)
*March 24, 2003 (history of the WWWF title, inside behind the Sammartino, Backlund and Backlund era)
*April 21, 2003 (history of WWF continues with the expansion nationally, the death of the regional territories and the rise of Hulk Hogan)
*May 12, 2003 (The life and death of Elizabeth and the rise of fall of Lex Luger)
*June 9, 2003 (Part 1 of history of WWF vs. WCW wars and what many say was the greatest year in U.S. wrestling; plus a look at Fred Blassie)
*June 16, 2003 (Freddie Blassie through the eyes of his biggest rivals and friends)
*July 28, 2003 (Part 2 of the history of the WWF vs. WCW war and the plans to make new superstars in the early 90s, what happened, and the night where the three biggest wrestling companies in the world combined for a joint show and what happened)
*August 25, 2003 (2003 Hall of Fame issue with huge profiles on the controversial career of Shawn Michaels, Chris Benoit as well as historical features on Earl Caddock and Francisco Flores)
*September 22, 2003 (Part 3 of the history of the WWF vs WCW war with the seeds that caused the collapse of the industry in the 90s, Zahorian trial, Gulf War controversy, Flair leaves WCW while holding world title and much more)
*October 27, 2003 (The fascinating life of Stu Hart plus the story of Road Warrior Hawk)
*January 19, 2004 (2003 Awards issue)
*February 2, 2004 (History of Toronto wrestling, Jack Tunney life story, Royal Rumble and Battle Royal history)
*February 23, 2004 (History of Guerrero family with Eddy’s win over Brock Lesnar)
*March 1, 2004 (History of WWF continues with the period that brought the company down in early 1992, the mistakes, the real stories and how the business changed)
*March 8, 2004 (History of Wrestlemania, its greatest matches and best and worst shows as voted both by wrestlers and non-wrestlers and Wrestlemania history books)
*July 5, 2004 (A look behind the scenes and Ric Flair’s book and his background with Eric Bischoff and Hulk Hogan)
*July 12, 2004 (A look at more on Ric Flair’s book and his comments on Bruno Sammartino, Bret Hart and Mick Foley)
*August 16, 2004 (History of the Olympians in pro wrestling)
*August 23, 2004 (2004 Hall of Fame issue and biggest issue of the year with huge profiles on Kazushi Sakuraba, Undertaker, Bob Backlund, Masahiro Chono, Ultimo Dragon, Kurt Angle and Tarzan Lopez–this counts as one issue if you are asking for a free issue, but ordered separately, due to size, is $6 in North America and $7 overseas)
*October 4, 2004 (the life and times of Big Bossman; as well as details of the life and times of one of the most influential men world wide in pro wrestling history, Jim Barnett)
*November 15, 2004 (the full story of what happened between Kurt Angle and Daniel Puder, plus coverage of the most important week in the history of TNA)
*January 24, 2005 (2004 Awards issue, Rock and WWE part company)
*March 14, 2005 (the 50 biggest money players in the history of WWF and a look at their Hall of Fame)
*May 9, 2005 (the life and times of Chris Candido)
*June 20, 2005 (The full story behind Paul Heyman and the death of ECW, as well as coverage of One Night Stand, Hardcore Homecoming and behind the scenes of both shows)
*July 18, 2005 (death of Shinya Hashimoto and his records with a look at the fall of New Japan, the Matt Hardy angle, tons of WWE firings, Cornette firing in detail as well as problems of a WWE developmental territory in our biggest news issue of the year which is a double-sized issue and would be $6 on its own and $7 overseas)
*August 24, 2005 (2005 Hall of Fame issue with career profiles of Paul Heyman, HHH and Freebirds plus debut of MMA Hall of Fame)
*September 12, 2005 (History of Mid South Wrestling)
*October 10, 2005 (Life and Times of the Ultimate Warrior)
*November 21, 2005 (Life and Times of Eddy Guerrero and Crusher, double issue $6 on its own and $7 overseas)
*December 5, 2005 (The Eddy Guerrero special issue, double issue $6 on its own, $7 overseas)
*January 9, 2006 (The life and times of Superstar Billy Graham, plus New Year’s Eve 2005 coverage)
*January 16, 2006 (2005 Awards double issue, $6 or $7 overseas)
*April 3, 2006 (Story of Ann Calvello and the history of Roller Derby–many called this the best issue of the Observer ever)
*April 10, 2006 (Behind the scenes at the 2006 Wrestlemania/Hall of Fame week)
*July 24, 2006 (The History of the Von Erichs and World Class Championship Wrestling–the most unreal story ever in wrestling)
*September 4, 2006 (The Rise and Fall of Kurt Angle; 2006 Hall of Fame inductions of Eddie Guerrero, Paul Bowser, Masakatsu Funaki, Aja Kong and Hiroshi Hase including tons of wrestling history around the world from the 20s through the 60s, the evolution of working to not working in Japan, and a look at Guerrero in hindsight, double issue $6 or $7 overseas)
*October 9, 2006 (A look back nine years later at the life and legacy of Brian Pillman with tons of inside information about what made him tick as his real objectives)
*November 15, 2006 (History of WCW part one, Eric Bischoff’s book and how the industry was changed forever)
*November 20, 2006 (History of WCW part two, Why Jim Ross left WCW, How Bischoff changed the company, signing of Hulk Hogan, Beginning of Nitro, Jesse Ventura, Brian Pillman, Chris Jericho and signing Wrestlemania planned celebrity away)
*November 27, 2006 (History of WCW part three, When Bischoff challenged McMahon to fight; Truth and fiction around Bret Hart signing with WCW and why it didn’t click)
*December 6, 2006 (details behind Pride’s offers to sell promotion and Part four of History of WCW part four, Hogan-Goldberg match and why there was no rematch, WCW loses NBC network deal in 1999 and the real reasons the company fell apart)
*January 22, 2007 (2006 Awards issue, double issue $7 on its own, $8 overseas)
*February 14, 2007 (Life and Times of Bam Bigelow)
*March 5, 2007 (WWE begins plans that will change the business)
*March 12, 2007 (Life and Times of Mike Awesome)
*March 19, 2007 (Life and Times of Ernie Ladd)
*April 4, 2007 (Life and Times of Badnews Allen Coage–which many are calling one of the best issues in history)
*July 2, 2007 (Part one of the Benoit double murder-suicide)
*July 5, 2007 (Part two of the Benoit double murder-suicide)
*July 10, 2007 (Part three of the Benoit double murder-suicide)
*July 19, 2007 (Part four of the Benoit double murder-suicide)
*July 23, 2007 (Part five of Benoit double murder-suicide)
*July 25, 2007 (Part six of Benoit double murder-suicide)
*August 15, 2007 (The legend of the God of Japanese wrestling and his influence on MMA, Karl Gotch)
*October 15 (2007 Hall of Fame double issue, $7 on its own, $8 overseas including inductions of The Rock, Tom Packs and the original Strangler Lewis)
*November 12, 2007 (Life and times of Fabulous Moolah and history of U.S. women’s wrestling) .
*December 31, 2007 (History of Ric Flair and the heyday of wrestling at the Greensboro Coliseum)
*January 21, 2008 (2007 Awards issue, double issue $7 on its own, $8 overseas)
*March 17, 2008 (Life and times of Johnny Weaver)
*March 24, 2008 (Life and times of Gary Hart)
*April 10, 2008 (Farewell to Ric Flair; My thoughts, Shawn Michaels talks of Flair’s meaning to him; Hall of Fame; Wrestlemania double issue, $7 on its own, $8 overseas)
*August 11, 2008 (Ric Flair leaves WWE; Updated history of pro wrestlers and MMA fighters who went to the Olympics)
* September 8, 2008 (2008 Hall of Fame double issue, $7 on its own, $8 overseas; part one of Killer Kowalski bio)
* September 15, 2008 (Life and Times of Evan Tanner)
* September 22, 2008 (The amazing career of Killer Kowalski, one of our most in-depth bios)
You can also order any of these issues on their own for $4 in North America or $5 overseas.
We now have available personally autographed copies of Tributes II, our latest book, as well as a DVD that comes with it talking more about the subjects in the book. The book covers the life stories of Lou Thesz, Wahoo McDaniel, Elizabeth, Fred Blassie, Road Warrior Hawk, Andre the Giant, Curt Hennig, Johnny Valentine, Davey Boy Smith, Terry Gordy, Owen Hart, Stu Hart, Gorilla Monsoon, The Sheik and Tim Woods..
To get all of those biographies as back issues of the Observer would be a $60 value today. This is a collection of some of the best Observer articles of the past several years in a hardcover, full-color format that is 239 pages. There is also a foreword by Bret Hart. The book price is $12.95 plus $3.50 for shipping costs in the U.S., $20 for shipping costs to Canada and $25 for shipping costs outside North America. You can order the book the same way you order the newsletter.
FRIDAY’S NEWS UPDATE
–Steve Austin did an interview with Sports Illustrated where he said he was pretty sure he’ll be at next year’s WrestleMania, given that it’s in Texas. Austin said his issues with WWE were a minor copyright issue which has been resolved. He said relations with Vince McMahon were great, and also that he has one or two major announcements that he expects to make over the next two to four weeks.
–Kevin Iole reports that DirecTV sold 1.15 million PPVs for Mayweather vs. Pacquiao. Dish sold 500,000 PPVs, while AT&T uVerse and Verizon Fios reported 600,000 sales. So, not including most cable company numbers they already have 2.25 million. That could indicate anywhere from 4.25 million to 5.6 million buys.
–Billy Corgan will be at all four days of TNA tapings. He did an interview on Chris Jericho’s podcast and came off very well in it. As noted before, he is a very real wrestling fan, and not just a guy with cursory knowledge, even having attended shows in places like Arena Mexico. All of the shows prior to Slammiversary are being taped over the next four days, so they’ll be taping for TV shows that air through 6/26.
–Jim Ross noted that the tornados on Wednesday came within three to five minutes of his home, which is not the first time he’s been in a near miss-situation. He also talks the E:60 piece, NXT injuries and more at www.jrsbarbq.com
–FS 1 will be airing a comedy animated series called Fight Stories hosted by Urijah Faber which debuts Tuesday night at 10:30 p.m. The first episode has Faber interviewing comedian Josh Wolf, actor Skylar Astin and Mario Lopez.
–For Mother’s Day, KDKA-TV in Pittsburgh will be airing a two hour documentary on Bruno Sammartino’s mother at 4 p.m. Sunday. I think many of you know the story of her keeping Sammartino and her children alive, including being shot by the Nazis and still climbing the mountain where the family was hiding out to bring them food.
–A story on that movie is at
http://pittsburgh.cbslocal.com/2015/05/07/bruno-sammartino-on-mother-she-was-absolutely-my-hero/
–In what is the latest date thus far announced for Samoa Joe, he is facing Chris Hero on a 6/6 show in Toronto for Smash Wrestilng at the Franklin Horner Community Center. There will also be an all female show at 4 p.m. that night with Candice LaRae, Veda Scott, Portia Perez, Cherry Bomb and Courtney Rush.
–Bill Brady has resigned as a member of the Nevada Athletic Commission. This is quite the time with the drug testing issues and upcoming hearings involving Anderson Silva and Nick Diaz, as well as the fallout of the Manny Pacquiao injury being withheld.
–TNA is debuting a PPV this weekend with these matches:
Tigre Uno vs. Sonjay Dutt
Kenny King vs. Pepper Parks vs. Jay Rios
Manik vs. John Yurn (Mr. 450 Hammet from Puerto Rico)
Crazzy Steve vs. Great Sanada vs. Cruz
Rockstar Spud vs. Dalton Castle
DJ Zema Ion vs. Mikaze
Taryn Terrell vs. Angelina Love vs. Brooke vs. Gail Kim vs. Madison Rayne ladder match
Davey Richards vs. Eddie Edwards (this was the match where Edwards broke his heel legit)
All the winners in an Ultimate X match
–Sting, Randy Orton, Dolph Ziggler and Paige all will be appearing this weekend at the Wizard World Convention in Philadelphia.
–Aero Star & Drago & Fenix from AAA have been announced for CHIKARA’s King of Trios tournament that takes place 9/4 to 9/6 in Palmer, PA. They are the second team announced, with the first being A.J. Styles & Young Bucks.
ON THIS DAY IN PRO WRESTLING HISTORY INTERNATIONAL (thanks to Graeme Cameron)
1971 – Albert Wall beat Gwyn Davies in Manchester to win the British heavyweight title
1976 – Abdullah the Butcher beat Giant Baba to win the Champion Carnival tournament
1982 – Tony St. Clair beat John Quinn in Hanley to win the ASP heavyweight title
2010 – Koji Kanemoto & El Samurai beat Ryusuke Taguchi & Prince Devitt in Tokyo to win the IWGP jr. tag title and the Super jr. tag team tournament
2011 – Rui Yugaji beat Great Sasuke in Yahaba to win the Tohoku Jr. title
–On Wednesday’s Inside the NBA show, Shaq took a big bump getting out of his chair. Later they showed superimposed footage like Randy Orton gave him an RKO and Randy Savage gave him an elbow. Charles Barkley called Randy Orton “HHH.” (thanks to Ramin Shariati)
–WFC on 6/13 in Dewey, OK at the Washington County Fairgrounds.
–CHIKARA debuts on 5/23 at the new Wrestle Factory at 4711 Wingate St. in Philadelphia at 7 p.m.
–The Fight Network in Canada will be doing both pre-and-post game shows for tomorrow’s UFC and will air the show itself starting at 11 p.m. with the final four matches.
–Roper’s Sports Bar in Fridley, MN is being torn down. The club used to be the home of monthly shows in the 80s and 90s and wrestles like Sean Waltman and Jerry Lynn were regulars, and also appearing there included Masa Saito, Road Warrior Hawk, Brad Rheingans, Madusa and Mad Dog Vachon. (thanks to Mick Karch)
–Daniel Puder will be running an event on 6/21 in Pasadena, TX a the Convention Center. He expects to run four shows this year.
–CMLL on Tuesday night in Guadalajara: Dr. Freezer & Meteoro b Relampago Azul & Thunder Boy, Cancerbero & Jocker & Raziel b Hombre Bala Jr. & Super Halcon Jr., & Virgo, Misterioso Jr. & Pierroth & Sagrado b Esfinge & Gallo & Triton, Angel de Oro & Dragon Rojo & Marco Corleone b Euforia & Felino & Niebla Roja, La Mascara & Rush & La Sombra b El Terrible & Rey Bucanero & Vangellys (thanks to Kris Zellner)
–The Crash promotion runs tonight in Tijuana with Angelico & Blue Demon Jr. & Psycho Clown vs. Brian Cage & El Texano Jr. & Mesias, plus a four-way for the cruiserweight title with Angel Metalico defending against Drago, Pentagon Jr. and Zarco, plus El Hijo del Fantasma (King Cuerno) vs. Fenix and a tag title match with Black Boy & Rey Hours vs. Bestia 666 & Mosco Negro vs. Daga & Steve Pain.
–Want to send best wishes to longtime reader Jeff Sharkey, whose father passed away.
–ROH is doing a Mother’s Day sale with 20% off all live DVDs and those with ringside memberships can get 35% off.
–The Wall Street Journal is promoting a subscribers Q&A with Ronda Rousey in Los Angeles.
–Empire State Wrestling on 5/16 in Niagara Falls, NY at the Frontier Fire Hall with Demolition, Rich Swann, AR Fox, Ethan Page,. Josh Alexander, Chris Hero, PJ black and more.
–There is a story about an MMA trainer who spent 16 months in jail for a murder he didn’t commit at http://www.sun-sentinel.com/local/broward/fl-dania-man-murder-charge-dropped-20150507-story.html
–Todo Loco, the two-time TV champion of New England Championship Wrestling, was injured and is out of tomorrow night’s Iron 8 Championships at the Cover Community Center in Beverly, MA.
–Canadian Wrestling Elite on 5/15 in Morden, Manitoba at the Access Event Centre at 7 p.m.
–IPW on 5/30 in Simcoe,ONT at the Royal Canadian Legion.
–Notes on a movie Doc Young is involved with that includes Jake Roberts and a funding campaign:
Hiya Toxic Tutu Supporters, Toxic Avenger and Troma fans, and Mark Torgl fans, and hell – even Doc Young fans (both of you!) – I want to thank you all for the love and support you’ve provided in getting our new movie Toxic Tutu made.
The movie has not only the fun of the Toxic Avenger, but also crosses over into the wrestling world with Jonny Fairplay, Boogie Woogie Man Jimmy Valiant, and Jake the Snake Roberts all in the movie!
I am reaching out to you all one more and hopefully last time to say we have started a new Indiegogo campaign to help finish Toxic Tutu.
It’s in the can and we’re deep into post production but still need funds to finish post and get us up on the screen!
You don’t have to give a lot, just whatever you can! Every little bit helps!
This will be the first, and probably last film I ever appear in. Please help make my dream become a reality!
Please check it out at http://igg.me/at/toxictutu2015/x/6222202
–Interview with Los Traumas I & II at Greetings!
http://www.luchaworld.com/?p=52947
–Johnny Mundo interview at
Inside Pulse Exclusive! Johnny Mundo aka John Morrison Opens Up In Candid One Hour Shoot Interview
–Kevin Sullivan podcast at
http://www.buzzsprout.com/22303
–Interview with Tevita “Micah” Fifita of TNA at
http://www.sportingnews.com/sport/story/2015-05-08/mica-camacho-tna-impact-wrestling-haku-wwe-wcw-nxt-the-rising-destination-america
TOMORROW’S WWE NETWORK SCHEDULE (thanks to Bert Duckwall)
12:00 AM ET
WWE BEYOND THE RING The Best of Clash of the Champions, hosted by Dusty Rhodes, highlights some of the greatest matches in the event’s ten-year history!
1:30 AM ET
WWE 24 In this edition of WWE 24, we reveal the personal story of this rising star, his family and his memorable experience at Wrestlemania 31.
2:00 AM ET
WWE NXT Two weeks before Takeover: Unstoppable, Sasha Banks and Becky Lynch sign the contract to make their Women’s Title match official.
3:00 AM ET
WWE SUPERSTARS WWE Superstars features the best of the best, in matches you’ll have to see to believe. You never know what to expect, so expect everything.
4:00 AM ET
TOTAL DIVAS Brie and Bryan’s wrestling careers are in jeopardy, and Brie’s attempt to save their future puts Nikki in a tough spot with John
5:00 AM ET
WCW MONDAY NITRO On this episode of WCW Monday Nitro the fallout from Fall Brawl. Brian Pillman battles Ric Flair in the main event and more.
6:00 AM ET
WWE PAYBACK 2013 John Cena defends the WWE Championship against Ryback in a 3 Stages of Hell Match. CM Punk returns to take on Chris Jericho.
9:00 AM ET
TOTAL DIVAS Brie and Bryan’s wrestling careers are in jeopardy, and Brie’s attempt to save their future puts Nikki in a tough spot with John
10:00 AM ET
WWE BEYOND THE RING The Best of Clash of the Champions, hosted by Dusty Rhodes, highlights some of the greatest matches in the event’s ten-year history!
11:30 AM ET
WWE QUICK HITS WWE Quick Hits 3 brings you some of the most unique, entertaining, and sometimes outrageous clips, unearthed from the depths of WWE Network.
12:00 PM ET
TOUGH ENOUGH Former Tough Enough winner and John Morrison help contestants stay focused on a treacherous ropes course that gives Eric serious trouble.
1:00 PM ET
WWE COUNTDOWN From the Texas Rattle Snake to Teddy Long, this episode will take a look at the top ten personalities ever to hold the title of GM.
2:00 PM ET
THIS WEEK IN WWE Get caught up on all the highlights from Raw and SmackDown with This Week in WWE.
2:30 PM ET
WWE 24 In this edition of WWE 24, we reveal the personal story of this rising star, his family and his memorable experience at Wrestlemania 31.
3:00 PM ET
SATURDAY NIGHTS MAIN EVENT Hulk Hogan battles The Big Boss Man in a Steel Cage Match for the WWE Title. Demolition defend the Tag Titles against The Brain Busters.
4:30 PM ET
FIRST LOOK: ALWAYS BELIEVE A First Look to watch exclusive content from WWE Home Video’s latest release, Ultimate Warrior: Always Believe!
5:00 PM ET
THIS WEEK IN WWE Get caught up on all the highlights from Raw and SmackDown with This Week in WWE.
5:30 PM ET
CULTURE SHOCK WITH COREY GRAVES Corey Graves experiences a culture shock at the 2015 Star Wars Celebration, getting caught up in the hype for Star Wars: The Force Awakens!
5:40 PM ET
WWE UNFILTERED WITH RENEE YOUNG Host Renee Young chats with Reese Witherspoon and Sofia Vergara, stars of the new movie, Hot Pursuit, as well as director, Anne Fletcher!
6:00 PM ET
WWE COUNTDOWN From the Texas Rattle Snake to Teddy Long, this episode will take a look at the top ten personalities ever to hold the title of GM.
7:00 PM ET
MONDAY NIGHT WAR Bill Goldberg rises from relative obscurity to become WCW’s most dominant homegrown talent.
8:00 PM ET
SATURDAY NIGHTS MAIN EVENT Hulk Hogan battles The Big Boss Man in a Steel Cage Match for the WWE Title. Demolition defend the Tag Titles against The Brain Busters.
9:30 PM ET
WWE 24 In this edition of WWE 24, we reveal the personal story of this rising star, his family and his memorable experience at Wrestlemania 31.
10:00 PM ET
THIS WEEK IN WWE Get caught up on all the highlights from Raw and SmackDown with This Week in WWE.
10:30 PM ET
CULTURE SHOCK WITH COREY GRAVES Corey Graves experiences a culture shock at the 2015 Star Wars Celebration, getting caught up in the hype for Star Wars: The Force Awakens!
10:40 PM ET
WWE UNFILTERED WITH RENEE YOUNG Host Renee Young chats with Reese Witherspoon and Sofia Vergara, stars of the new movie, Hot Pursuit, as well as director, Anne Fletcher!
11:00 PM ET
SATURDAY NIGHTS MAIN EVENT Hulk Hogan battles The Big Boss Man in a Steel Cage Match for the WWE Title. Demolition defend the Tag Titles against The Brain Busters.