Daily Update: Ellsworth gets a contract, TLC matches, UFC suspensions

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FIGURE FOUR WEEKLY: 11/16/2016: Buddy Rose and the California State Athletic Commission

Buddy Rose was always a troublemaker wherever he went, and northern California was no exception. Brought in as the new top heel while still headlining in the Portland territory, it wasn’t long before he started getting in trouble with the California State Athletic Commission. His first infraction was brought up at the commission’s August 13, 1978 meeting, stemming from a show a couple weeks earlier…click here to continue.

WRESTLING OBSERVER NEWSLETTER: November 21, 2016 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: UFC 205 reviewed, Vader given 2 years to live, more

Conor McGregor and the records set on Saturday night is the lead story in the new issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.  We have a full report live from UFC 205, including the unique situation McGregor is in regarding his power from his box office, from the realities of the UFC sale, and his demands of getting a stake in the company.  We look at the profit margin of McGregor’s three fights as well as the total revenue he generates.  We look at what he means compared to a normal headliner.  We look at the situation with him holding two titles, a look at the contenders in three weight classes on hold until McGregor makes his next pick for a fight.  We look at the biggest live gates in combat sports history and where Saturday ranks, the retirement of Miesha Tate, and how UFC’s biggest enemy ended up leading to its most successful live gate ever.  We also have early PPV buyrate trends and full match coverage.

We have a story on the life of Leon “Vader” White, the creation of Big Van Vader and how it got over, his WCW and UWFI runs, his brawl with Paul Orndorff, why he never won WWF title, and his recent serious health issues.

We look at Bill Goldberg and his first match in 12 years, and the business of WWE in Toronto this week.

Also in this issue, Paul Levesque talks Conor McGregor, new WWE signings, WWE WrestleMania weekend business comparisons, Sin Cara punishments, Hulk Hogan talks rumors of a return, Shawn Michaels at the Performance Center and the basic idea for who will do what, latest WWE injuries, a new WWE network show that was taped, Rhyno talks about his failed election, LeBron James/Undertaker story, XFL documentary, Paige update, and the McMahons/Foley/Bryan network special, Linda McMahon being considered for a major position in the Trump administration and even Dwayne Johnson talking about running for president in the future and his positives and negatives.

We have a WWE Network feature examining the different gimmicks the company is using to try to get new subscribers and maintain existing ones.  We look at why they are done, the timing, the battle plan, why it could work, where they may be sacrificing money and how UFC is doing something similar.

This is just a taste of what is in the new 35,000 word weekly Wrestling Observer Newsletter for subscribers… click here to continue.

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 Dave@WrestlingObserver.com. 

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 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.)

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:November 1, 1999: Mick Foley’s autobiography becomes best seller, WCW Halloween Havoc review, more – The autobiography of Mankind wasn’t supposed to be anything special. The idea was that Regan Books would take advantage of the WWF’s popularity to mass market quickie autobiographies on the company three most popular wrestlers. Mankind barely made the cut, but they probably figured because his more than dozens… click here to continue.

WEDNESDAY NEWS UPDATE

WWE

James Ellsworth officially joined the SmackDown roster on last night’s show. He was offered a contract in storyline by Shane McMahon, but put it on the line in the main event against AJ Styles in a ladder match. Ellsworth won with the help of Dean Ambrose, and will get a future title shot as a stipulation of the match.

Four matches were added to the TLC card last night with The Miz defending the Intercontinental Championship against Dolph Ziggler in a ladder match, Becky Lynch defending the SmackDown Women’s Championship against Alexa Bliss, Nikki Bella facing Carmella in a no DQ match, and Baron Corbin vs. Kalisto in a chairs match.

American Alpha will face Bray Wyatt and Randy Orton next week with the winners getting a shot at Heath Slater and Rhyno’s tag titles at TLC. American Alpha won a six-team tag turmoil match to seemingly earn a shot at the titles, but were interrupted by The Wyatt Family after.

  • In a match taped in Toronto before TakeOver, Ember Moon, Liv Morgan, and Aliyah vs. Peyton Royce, Billie Kay, and Daria Berenato will air on tonight’s episode of NXT.
  • Kevin Owens took a shot at David Otunga on Twitter.
  • In this article, NXT wrestler Buddy Murphy talks about what it was like to return home to Australia.
  • James Ellsworth and Dean Ambrose will appear on WWE’s weekly SportsCenter segment with Jonathan Coachman tonight.
  • Goldberg spoke to ESPN about his Survivor Series match and his upcoming Royal Rumble appearance.
  • Cedric Alexander talks being from Charlotte and the new WWE Cruiserweight division.
  • We have a correction from the Raw ratings article from yesterday. The actual average for Raw was 2.99 million, not 3.04 million.

PROFESSIONAL WRESTLING

  • The World Wrestling Network is creating a WWN Championship that will span their roster of promotions (including EVOLVE, FIP, SHINE, and the recently announced Style Battle). The winner will be crowned at this year’s WWN Supershow during WrestleMania weekend and the company will reveal details of a tournament to crown the first champion soon.
  • Marty Scurll will face Zack Sabre Jr. on January 21st at York Hall in London for Revolution Pro Wrestling.
  • ROH Television Champion Marty Scurll defending against Will Ospreay, Dragon Lee, and Bobby Fish in a four corner survival match is now official for Final Battle at the Hammerstein Ballroom on December 2nd. The show will also feature Cody Rhodes vs. Jay Lethal, Jushin Liger vs. Silas Young, and Colt Cabana vs. Dalton Castle in addition to the two top title matches with Adam Cole vs. Kyle O’Reilly and The Young Bucks vs. The Briscoes.
  • Keep indie wrestling weird!

UFC / MMA

Alves gets a slap on the abs for missing weight…

  • Thiago Alves was suspended for three months by the New York State Athletic Commission for missing weight at UFC 205. Yoel Romero was also suspended for 60 days by the commission for leaving the cage after his win against Chris Weidman.
  • Tim Kennedy tweeted that he wants to face Anderson Silva at UFC 206.

VARIETY

“That’s my painting, man!“

  • Professional wrestler and singer/songwriter Jeff Hardy is set to release his new EP, entitled “Spawn of Me,” on Black Friday (11/25). The EP will be Hardy’s debut as a solo artist and will be sold exclusively on his newly launched webstore, JeffHardyBrand.com.
  • NWX presents Holiday Havoc on December 10, 2016 at CWF Studios on 20 Hartzel in St. Catharines, ON. Doors Open at 6:30 pm, Bell Time at 7:00 pm.
  • BCW ‘Twas the Fight Before Christmas! Sunday, December 18 at 3 PM – 6 PM, Royal Canadian Legion Col. Paul Poisson Branch 261, 12326 Lanoue Street, Tecumseh, Ontario N8N 1N3. An afternoon of professional wrestling action for charity.
  • C*4 presents “Shock Waves” – 9th Anniversary Event! Saturday November 26th, 2016 C*4: Capital City Championship Combat. Vanier Columbus Club, 260 McArthur Ave, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. Stay up to date with all of C*4’s recent news, and event info by visiting www.c4wrestling.com
  • RESULTS: Smash Wrestling (11.11.2016) Smash This Is Smash 4th Anniversary Tour 2016 – Tag 1 @ Isaac’s Bar & Grill in St-Catherines, Ontario, Canada. TARIK defeats Jaxon Jarvis. Smash Wrestling Title Tournament First Round: Brent Banks defeats Kevin Bennett. Jimmy Havoc defeats Joe Hendry. Rosemary defeats Kaitlin Diemond. The Well Oiled Machines (Mike Rollins & Pepper Parks) defeat Jeremy Elliott & Zakk Atticus. Smash Wrestling Title Tournament First Round: Tyson Dux defeats Matt Cross.
  • If you’re interested in IWF Wrestling School, Youth Clinics, or having a Party, we host OPEN HOUSE TOUR this Fri 4 pm, Sat 2 pm, and Sun 1 pm. Independent Wrestling Federation LLC, 75 Franklin Avenue, Nutley, NJ 07110.
  • NWA Smoky Mountain’s 2016 FINALE takes on Saturday, December 10 in Kingsport, TN! Tickets.
  • AAW: Professional Wrestling Redefined and Reckless Records present The Windy City Classic XII: AAW Heavyweight Championship Match:  Sami Callihan vs. Chris Hero. Video: Sami Callihan vs. Chris Hero Official Preview – Windy City Classic XII. Video: Chris Hero Confronts Sami Callihan after Never Say Die
  • The Razor Ramones have a new album called Rocket to Rusev.
  • The Black Friday Sales in the DGUSA.tv Store are in effect. All EVOLVE Blu-rays/DVDs are up to 50% off and $10 each. All SHINE Blu-rays/DVDs are up to 50% off and $10 each. All DGUSA DVDs are 50% off and $10 each. Everything in the Gear section is 50% off, including all EVOLVE shirts.
  • Tickets are now on sale at TicketFly.com for the following EVOLVE events: Dec. 10th in Queens, NY (Cody vs. Ethan Page), Dec. 11th in Melrose, MA (Ricochet vs. Matt Riddle), Jan. 27th in San Antonio, TX, Jan. 28th in San Antonio, TX, Feb. 24th in Joppa, MD.

Today in Professional Wrestling History (11/23): Sting makes his WWE debut at Survivor Series

CONTACT INFORMATION

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