Daily Update: Lance Russell, Pro Wrestling NOAH, Enzo Amore

THE ROUND-UP

The Latest from the F4W Staff

NEWS

AUDIO

We’re looking for reports on today’s WWE shows with Raw in Casper, WY and SmackDown in Spokane, WA to newstips@wrestlingobserver.com.

Raw is Monday in Denver with The Miz vs. Roman Reigns for the IC title and Seth Rollins vs. Braun Strowman. There is also a SmackDown house show in Pueblo, CO on Monday night.

SmackDown and 205 Live are Tuesday, also in Denver. Cedric Alexander vs. Jack Gallagher was announced for 205 Live.

FIGURE FOUR WEEKLY:Figure Four Weekly 9/25/2017: Recapping WWE No Mercy

While No Mercy may have been the biggest brand-exclusive pay-per-view that WWE has put on since the roster split, it was clear coming out of the show that the company’s focus is on building to one future match. Whether it’s at WrestleMania in New Orleans next year or at some point before then, Brock Lesnar and Roman Reigns are on a collision course towards an inevitable meeting.

Subscribers click here to continue.

WRESTLING OBSERVER NEWSLETTER:WON Preview: October 2, 2017: WWE No Mercy reviewed, potential CTE test for the living, more

A look at why the top two matches at No Mercy went down the way they did, the small picture vs. the big picture, plus upcoming PPV thoughts and Vince McMahon’s vision is the lead story in the new issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.

This issue talks about the Brock Lesnar vs. Braun Strowman and John Cena vs. Roman Reigns match layouts and talks about why they went as they did. This issue also has a full review of the show, with match-by-match coverage with star ratings and poll results.

There is a story that can change all contact sports when it comes to career longevity and legal liabilities that will undoubtedly shorten careers, which is the ability to detect CTE in people while they are still alive.  

Have a look at the Flo Sports lawsuit against WWN and Evolve, what is likely behind it, what the suit says, what it means for the future of Flo Slam, what the goals of Flo Slam were, and what the lawsuit is really about.

Notes from a memo sent to Evolve talent regarding guidelines for the show and lots more that broke this past week on the story, in this issue.

Read more on the sale of the DDT promotion in Japan.

Check out the WWE’s cease and desist order sent to the Young Bucks, the episode of “Being the Elite” that led to this happening, exactly what WWE is asking and what happened in the “DX Invasion” spoof.

Plus, more on Jeff Hardy’s injury, the Kevin Owens head-butt of Vince McMahon, Starrcade in Greensboro, Daniel Bryan talks about opponents outside WWE, John Cena talks his future, a few new women looking at WWE, a gold medalist talks going to WWE, wrestlers returning from injuries, and the most watched shows on the WWE Network this past week.

Subscribers clike 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: September 4, 2000: Fantastic WWE Summerslam reviewed, big ECW weekend, more

As the bar raises once again, the question becomes when does the bar hit the breaking point. SummerSlam was a spectacular show, with a great main event storyline going in, and even with a little tweaking of the main event itself due to Kurt Angle’s injury, a strong storyline paid off at the end while leaving the viewers still wanting more. But the match that stole the show was the tables, ladders and chairs match with Christian & Edge, The Dudleys and the Hardys.

Subscribers click here to continue.

SUNDAY NEWS UPDATE

Bryan and I will be back tonight with Wrestling Observer Radio. You can send questions for tonight’s show to mailbag@wrestlingobserver.com.

Best wishes to the family of Lance Russell on such a terrible weekend. Russell’s daughter Valerie passed away due to cancer on Friday and Lance is battling right now after breaking his hip on Friday. 

Bobby Heenan’s funeral took place on Friday in Clearwater, FL. The funeral was limited to family and friends. The service was presided over by Robert Heenan, who is his brother, with bible readings by John Solt (his son-in-law), Robert Perrett (his brother-in-law) and Joe Palaia (a friend). The eulogies were delivered by Jessica Solt (his daughter) and Mike Tenay. The wrestling people attending were Jim Brunzell, Brian Blair, Steve Keirn, Ed Leslie, Kerwin Silfies, Mickie Jay Henson, Gerald Brisco, Bruce Prichard and Mike and Karen Tenay.

On Pro Wrestling NOAH’s big show today in Yokohama, Eddie Edwards retained the GHC title beating Naomichi Marufuji. Eli Drake was brought in for the show and worked an undercard match where he beat Cody Hall for what was billed as the GFW title, so they were using those initials today. Well, GFW was used all over TV on Thursday as well even if the latest press releases have ditched the term.

The big MMA clip of the Boston crab submission being used, and a power bomb in a football game.

WWE

  • SmackDown may be hurt this week going head-to-head with a Yankees vs. Minnesota Twins playoff game on Tuesday.
  • TMZ ran a story about Alison Brie, the star of the new GLOW, meeting some of the open from the 80s version of the show at No Mercy at the Staples Center. Evidently WWE set this up as I guess they were filming something and arranged the “surprise” meeting for the cameras.
  • So today’s Twitter fun, and this evidently wasn’t set up was when Corey Graves wrote: “My son just ran to second base, and danced like Enzo Amore to celebrate. I have failed as a father.” Enzo wrote back, “Nah u didn’t fail as a feather. U failed as a wrestler, that’s why they dressed ya up in a suit n tie & told ya 2 sit down.” Sam Adonis, who is Graves’ brother, said that maybe it’s time he goes back to WWE to kick this guys’ teeth down his throat.
  • Finn Balor on his instagram teased the idea of the Balor Club shoe by Nike.
  • An interview with Bobby Roode.

MISCELLANEOUS

  • Julio Jones and Mohamed Sanu of the Atlanta Falcons both wore Ric Flair football cleats in today’s game.
  • Welterweight wrestling has an iPPV on 10/22 on FITE TV with Anthony Henry, Gregory Iron, Eye Candy Elliott, Gavin Glass, Bu Ku Dao and Shawn Phoenix. It will be at Turners Hall in Cleveland.
  • ECWA ChickFight Super 8 takes place on 10/21 in Woodbury Heights, NJ at the Community Center with an eight-woman tournament. The first four announced competitors are Deonna Purrazzo, Karen Q, Skyler Marie and Christina Marie.
  • Women’s Xtreme Championship Wrestling from Friday night in Morrison, TN before 84 fans: Tracy Taylor b Holidead, Dementia D’Rose b Avista Varlowe, Stormie Lee b Ray Lyn, Kiera Hogan b Jordynne Grace, Miss Rachel b April Hunter, LuFisto b Aja Perera. (thanks to Jimmie Daniel)
  • The first CWF FanCon will correspond with the CWF Rumble on 10/13 and 10/14.
  • Best of the West on 10/8 in Fresno at 5494 E. Lamona Ave Suite 150 with tickets $5 and bell time 6 p.m. Seating is limited. They also have a TV taping on 10/15 at the Bakersfield dome with Mike Rayne vs. Sinn Bodhi at 6 p.m. The TV is on The Fite App every Tuesdaynight at 7 p.m. 
  • Lucha Xtreme TV results from Fresno yesterday: Jordan McCall b Seiya, Chaz Herrera & Shamu b Ricky the Activist & Shadow Greed, Alfonso Alvarez b Kotyhiro. Phil Medina, who is a local comedian who announces for the show, is the new TV commissioner. Next TV taping is 10/15 in Fresno at the Pavilion Stage at the Big Fresno Fair on 10/15 at 7 p.m. (thanks to Jon Southerland)
  • Alpha 1 Wrestling tonight in Oshawa, ONT at 1551 Stevenson Rd. North with Cody Rhodes, Ethan Page and Colt Cabana.
  • Smash Wrestling on 11/3 in Toronto at the Franklin Horner Community Center has Allie vs. Gail Kim, plus Rosemary. They also run 12/17 at the Opera house in Toronto at 5 p.m. with Brent Banks vs. Zack Sabre Jr., and Michael Elgin vs. Mike Bailey.
  • Great North Wrestling from last night in Napanee, ONT before a sellout 400 fans: Spoiler won handicap match over Pepper Jack & Kid Canuck, Frank Nation won three-way over Bruiser & Colin Oliver and Hartley Davidson & Steve Star, Ad Hutchinson b Catalyst, Nathan Banner b Flash Funk, Jeremy Prophet b Quebecer Pierre, Alani Iolana b Lady Yasmine-DQ, Hannibal b Gangrel to keep the Canadian title. Next show is 11/5 at 1 p.m. in Rockland at the Jean Marc Lalonde Arena with Hannibal vs Savio Vega for the Canadian title and Lady Yasmine defends the women’s title of Canada against Alani Iolana and Tessa Blanchard plus a Battle Royal that includes Quebecer Pierre and Wes Brisco. (thanks to Anthony Ambros)
  • CHIKARA results from yesterday: Proliterat Boar of Moldova b Oleg the Usurper, Office Warren Barksdale & Jasper Teppens & Donald Kleuger b Icarus & Delmi Expo & Obaryion, Rory Gulak b Hallowicked, Merlox b Ashley Vox, Travis Buckabee & Solo Darling b Chuck Taylor & Dustin and Cajun Crawdad & Hermit Crab and Razerhawk & Silverhawk. (thanks to Ben Goldstein)
  • Empire State Wrestling on 10/7 in North Tonawanda, NY at the St. Johnsburg Fire Hall is headlined by Ethan Carter III vs. Braxton Sutter and RJ City vs. Brandon Thurston plus Ethan Page, Jason Kincaid and others.
  • Upstate Pro Wrestling from last night in Massena, NY: Roc City Wrestling Crew b Defiance, CiCi Galavis b Kennedi Copeland, Jesse Neal b Foxx Vinyer, Shooter Storm b Maniacal Mike in a street fight, Barbarians b Cody Deaner & Jay Freddie Boxczar Brawler won over Chip Stetson, Drake Evans, Garrett Holiday and Liam McFerrin, Tommy Dreamer b Payne. (thanks to Todd Brantley)
  • Pro Wrestling Eve has an Aces of Eve tournament on 11/11 and 11/12 in Bethnal Green, London at the Resistance Gallery with Nicole Matthews (making her UK debut), Kay Lee Ray, Emi Sakura, Sammii Jayne,Charlie Morgan, Nina Samuels, Jetta, Laura DeMatteo and Session Moth Martina among those entering.  
  • Will Cooling talks to UK wrestler Omari.

Today in Professional Wrestling History: ECW Anarchy Rulz 2000

CONTACT INFORMATION

Support the Empire~! with F4W shirts. Grab yours today!

​