Daily Update: Don Kalt passes away, New Japan Power Struggle, WWE tournament

We’re looking for your thoughts on yesterday’s New Japan Power Struggle show, so you can leave a thumbs up, thumbs down or thumbs in the middle along with a best and worst match to Dave Meltzer

We’re also looking for reports on last night’s NXT show in Largo, FL at Dave Meltzer

Raw is Monday in Manchester, England.  Right now nothing is announced for the show.  The show will be airing on a few hour tape delay, not live.

Smackdown is Tuesday in Manchester, England.  Undertaker is being advertised for this show.

Figure Four Weekly:

Figure Four Weekly (10/2/15): WWE 2K16 Review
2K Sports and Yuke’s turnaround WWE video game series with a reinvigorated title boasting huge roster.

Wrestling Observer Newsletter

Here is the latest issue of the Wrestling Observer: November 9, 2015 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: 2015 Hall of Fame Issue

Our most talked about issue of the year, the 2015 Hall of Fame issue is up on the site right now.  This is a double-issue featuring notes on the seven new inductees, the complete balloting results for the year along with last year, plus how the top candidates did with reporters, historians, and those who are currently and formerly in the business.  You’ll see how the different groups voted, as well as notes on everyone who went in, what kept those who came close from getting in, thoughts on next year’s ballot, and a look at the careers of the inductees.  There is also a super history of Montreal wrestling in the new issue, as well as a story on the modern Mexican scene.

The issue features a ton of old Southern history, coverage of one of the top heels of the 70s, the biggest matches ever held in Puerto Rico, a complete WWE business rundown with reactions from Vince McMahon and George Barrios, what the numbers say, profits in every category, the Wall Street reaction to the numbers, lots of network information broken down including who watches what, the current WWE profitability level vs. historical levels, as well as where the money comes from, and the last three years of PPV business being charted and the surprising staying power of PPV.  We also look at every other aspect of WWE business.

We also have an in-depth update on the situation with Alberto Del Rio, WWE, AAA, TNA, Lucha Underground, Rizin and everyone else that had interest in him.  We look at how things changed in the last week, have comments from WWE regarding what he can and can’t do, both sides of contradictory stories, the big move AAA made this past week due to his leaving, what the situation is with the AAA Mega heavyweight title, the good and bad of working with WWE vs. indies from a short and long-term financial situation, what Mexican star did WWE show interest in, and how this affects AAA and Lucha Underground.

CLICK HERE FOR A FULL WRESTLING OBSERVER PREVIEW

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 dave@wrestlingobserver.com” target=”_blank”>dave@wrestlingobserver.com

You can also order print issues at www.paypal.com directing funds to dave@wrestlingobserver.com

Rates are:

For the United States, it is $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 moonsault@mediaplusint.com  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.

CLICK HERE FOR A FULL WRESTLING OBSERVER PREVIEW

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. 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.

Click here for the most requested Wrestling Observer back issues.

SATURDAY NEWS UPDATE

  • We’re sorry to report that Don Kalt, who worked under a lot of different names, most notably Don Fargo of the original Fabulous Fargos tag team, and Don Stevens as part of the Stevens Brothers with Ray Stevens, passed away today at the age of 85.  He was one of the most colorful characters in pro wrestling history and was a major star in the 50s, 60s and 70s all over the world.
  • Bryan and I did our weekend show last night talking New Japan Power Struggle & Tokyo Dome, UFC in Sao Paulo and the WWE title picture going into Monday’s show.
  • The tournament should be laid out and the card changes should be made clear on Raw tomorrow.
  • The press conference to announce the 2016 Wrestle Kingdom 10 show at the Tokyo Dome will be at 1 a.m.Eastern and 10 p.m. Pacific tonight and will stream live and free on http://www.njpwworld.com
  • “Spectre,” the Bond movie featuring Dave Bautista, is estimated at doing $73 million at the box office this weekend, putting it comfortably at No. 1.
  • The Alberto Del Rio vs. Ray Gonzalez Sr. match in the WWC that has been talked about since the angle aired on TV last night, will be on 12/5 in Bayamon.
  • I will be appearing as a guest on the MMA Hour tomorrow at www.mmafighting.com at 1 p.m. Eastern time.  The show will also have as guests Royce Gracie, Freddie Roach, Ryan Bader, Steven Thompson, Alan Belcher and Erick Silva.

WWE

  • Dwayne Johnson has been nominated for the following People’s Choice Awards for 2015

Favorite Action Movie Star

Favorite Premium Cable Star

Favorite Social Media Celebrity

MISCELLANEOUS

  • There is a Legends of Pro Wrestling event on 1/23 at the Miccosukee Resort and Gaming in Miami.  Among those scheduled to attend are Bill Goldberg, Kevin Nash, Kurt Angle, Mick Foley, Jim Duggan, The Nasty Boys, Koko B. Ware, Greg Valentine. Bushwhacker Luke, Tommy Dreamer, Chavo Guerrero Jr., Jimmy Hart, Wes Brisco and Tyrus.  There will be live matches.  Tickets go on sale Thursday and there are meet and greets, VIP, and more at www.miccosukee.com or calling 305-222-4600.  There are also rooms available at the resort for those coming in.      
  • New York Fight Exchange will be doing the 2015 MMA World Expo in New York on 12/12 and 12/13 at the Jacob Javits Center.  There will be an amateur fight card.  Yes, downtown Manhattan.  It’s so crazy, MMA is fine as long as the fighters aren’t paid and it’s not regulated.  If you want to pay fighters or have it regulated, well, then, it’s against the law.  There will also be a Renzo Gracie grappling tournament, as well as pro Muay Thai and a catch wrestling tournament.
  • Smash Wrestling from last night in Toronto:  Davey Richards, Drago and Pentagon Jr. were all scheduled and canceled.  Drago and Pentagon Jr. were on the ZZ Inc. show in Veracruz last night.  Angelico and Jack Evans were brought in from Mexico as the replacements in the main event:  Rip Impact won over Jim Nye and Cecil Nyx, Brent Banks b Greg Dolly, Brent Banks b Kobe Durst, Kraven b Brent Banks to win Gauntlet series, Kevin Bennett b Scotty O’Shea, Courtney Rush b K.C. Spinelli, John Greed & Sebastian Suave b Mike Rollins & Pepper Parks, Mark Andrews b Tarik, Super Smash Brothers b Mathieu St. Jacques & Thomas DuBois Angelico b Jack Evans (thanks to Dave Musgrave)
  • Nick Dinsmore is starting a promotion in Sioux Falls, SD called Midwest All Pro Wrestling, in conjunction with opening a wrestling school there.
  • CZW from last night in Dayton, OH:  Jeff Cannonball & George Gatton & Curt Robinson b Alex Kai & Dan O’Haire & Frankie Pickard, Brittany Blake b Penelope Ford, Dub Boys b Matt Taylor & Desmond Xavier, Joey Janela b Joe Gacy, Eric Ryan b Conor Claxton, Tim Donst b David Starr, Alex Colon b Danny Havoc, Aaron Williams b Dave Crist to keep Rockstar Pro title, Matt Tremont NC DJ Hyde to set up a rematch on 11/21 in Voorhees, NJ, Devon Moore b Jake Crist in his retirement match.  (thanks to Nate Stein)
  • Hoosier Pro Wrestling from last night in Columbus, IN before 220 fans:  Scarecrow b Dillen Dynamite, Mad Man Pondo b Cousin Cooter, Tommy Rich & Big Country b Shawn Cook & Trailer Park Trash, Crazy Mary Dobson b Amazing Maria, TVZ b The Intangibles to win tag titles, Big Country Clint Pole & Cowboy Marc Houston b TVZ to win tag titles, TJ Kemp b Flash Flanagan to win the HPW tilte.  Tommy Rich, Boson and Pondo return to headline on 12/5 (thanks to Jerry Wilson)
  • AIW on 11/27 in Cleveland at the Our Lady of Mt. Carmel School with Ricky Shane Page defending the title against Ethan Page, plus Chris Hero vs. Tim Donst, Johnny Gargano vs. Candice LaRae vs. DJ Zema Ion vs Alex Daniels, and Alex Shelley vs. Louis Lyndon.
  • The Rising 2 on Thursday night in Fresno, CA at the Falls Event Center is headlined by Christopher Daniels & Frankie Kazarian vs. Adam Thornstowe & Luster the Legend (Reno Scum), Brian Cage vs. Davey Richards, TJ Perkins vs. Jeff Cobb, Eddie Edwards vs. Joey Ryan vs. Ryan McQueen and Pro Wrestling Bushido pre-show matches at 6:30 p.m. 
  • Evolve from last night in Orlando:  Ethan Page b Lio Rush, Anthony Nese b Peter Kaasa (So Cal Val interfered) , Matt Riddle b Tracy Williams, Caleb Konley b TJ Perkins, Drew Gulak b Johnny Gargano, Timothy Thatcher b Drew Galloway in a **** match.  The last match ended up an impromptu match with Gulak & Perkins vs. Riddle & Thatcher,. and Riddle turned heel on Thatcher and “broke his arm.”
  • Evolve from Friday night in Ybor City, FL:  Matt Riddle b Drew Gulak, Lio Rush b Fred Yehi, Tracy Williams b Martin Stone, TJ Perkins b Antony Nese, Drew Galloway b Caleb Konley, Timothy Thatcher b Johnny Gargano.  Told every match was solid and great main event. (thanks to John Carey)
  • NSPW from last night in Quebec City before 348 fans:  First round of standing eight tournament:  Jay Phenomenon b Judas, Franky the Mobster b Spike, Sylvan Grenier b Alextreme, Dru Onyx DCOR Handsome Jean Frais, Second round:  Franky the Mobster b Jay Phenomenon, Finals:  Franky the Mobster b Sylvain Grenier, Alex Price & Marco Estrada b Shayne Hawke & Matt Angel, Travis Toxic b Ivan Sullivan.  Next show is 12/5 with Johnny Gargano vs. Marko Estrada for the NSPW title (thanks to Pat Laprade)
  • LCW on 11/28 in Lancaster, PA at the Expo Center features Rikishi, Samu, Moose, Shane Douglas, Mick Foley and Carilto.
  • Dynamo Pro Wrestling from last night in Fenton, MO:  Rocket Mapache & Jackal b Ozzie Gallagher & The Snitch, Outtkast b CJ Berry, Elvis Aliaga won six-way over Brandon Aarons, Michael Magnuson, Mike Sydal, Shorty Biggs and Mason Conrad, Jack Gamble & Jon Webb b Shawn Santel & Mauler McDarby, Mike Outlaw b Brandon Espinosa-DQ, Ricky Cruz NC Evan Morris
  • Pro Wrestling Epic from Friday night in Brownstown, IL:  Justin D’Air b Brandon Espinosa, Deacon Cash b Dash Rando, Kevin Lee Davidson b Clowman Jacko, Barackus b Jimmy D, Billy McNeil b Leone Mephisto-DQ, Tyler Copeland b Derek Moss, Brandon Aarons b Ace Hawkins in a no DQ match (thanks to Parick Brandmeyer)
  • A legends show from  Friday night in Neza:  Kfu & Mascara Virtual b Jhon Crazy & Terror Boricua, Aguila del America & Ojo de Tigre Jr. b Magnetico & Super Bolido, Mr. Jack & Mr. Jack Jr. b Alas de Oro & As de Diamantes, Black Terry & Starman Jr. b Heavy Metal & Mascara Ano 2000, Canek & Fantasma & Solar b Fuerza Guerrera & Negro Navarro & Xandao-DQ 

ON THIS DAY IN PRO WRESTLING HISTORY INTERNATIONAL (thanks to Graeme Cameron)

1949 – Felix Miquet beat Yvar Martinson in Paris to win the European heavyweight title

1992 – Villanos IV & V beat Doug Furnas & Dan Kroffat at the bullring in Naucalpan to win the UWA tag title

1994 – Ultimo Dragon beat Corazon de Leon (Chris Jericho) in Tokyo to win the NWA middleweight title.  That match was awesome.  It was also the match that got Jericho his job in ECW.

1996 – Lady Apache beat Chapparita Asari in a tournament final in Mexico City to win the CMLL women’s title

2009 – Tiger Mask beat Mistico (Caristico today) in Tokyo to win the IWGP jr. title

2014 – Bobby Fish & Kyle O’Reilly beat Alex Shelley & Kushida in Osaka to win the IWGP jr. tag title

2014 – Takashi Sugiura beat Daisuke Sekimoto in Tokyo to win the Global league tournament