Daily Update: McGregor challenges Mayweather, UFC announcement, ROH PPV

  • F4W Staff
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“The Notorious” Conor McGregor vs. Floyd “Money” Mayweather Jr. would be, in many ways, the greatest fight of all time. However unlikely to happen, there’s been at least some trash talk brewing recently. McGregor was mad that Mayweather tried to claim it was racial why McGregor and Ronda Rousey were stars, where he noted that Laila Ali was beautiful but was never the star Rousey was and that fans hate him for trash talking but like McGregor.  McGregor said the Irish have been oppressed for there entire existence and there was once a time where just having the name McGregor “was punishable by death.”  He then said he’d be willing to fight Mayweather on an 80/20 split, noting he’d get the 80, because Mayweather’s last PPV bombed so badly.

The official announcement of UFC 197 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on 3/5 with Conor McGregor vs. Rafael dos Anjos for the lightweight title and Holly Holm vs. Miesha Tate for the womens’ bantamweight title is expected imminently. 

Three of the top matches for the next ROH PPV on 2/26 in Las Vegas at Sam’s Town are Jay Lethal vs. Adam Cole vs. Kyle O’Reilly for the ROH title, Hiroshi Tanahashi & Michael Elgin vs. Mark & Jay Briscoe, and Kazuchika Okada vs Moose.  That main event sounds excellent, as does the tag match. It’s also a huge step up for Moose to get a chance to work with Okada in a singles. This is a big time for ROH as they begin the build to the Wrestlemania weekend, and Supercard of Honor X in Dallas. 

We’re looking for your thoughts on Friday night’s TNA PPV 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 the Lucha Underground tapings yesterday and today in Los Angeles, as well as today’s WWE shows in Mobile, AL (Roman Reigns vs. Sheamus for WWE title; New Day vs. Dudleys & Tommy Dreamer; Kane vs. Bray Wyatt) and Monroe, LA (Dean Ambrose vs. Kevin Owens for IC title, Chris Jericho vs. Alberto Del Rio, Ryback vs. Rusev).

Raw is live Monday from New Orleans.  Brock Lesnar and Paul Heyman return on the show.

Smackdown and Main Event tapings will be Tuesday in Lafayette, LA.

If you’ve ever wanted to WATCH our radio shows here on the site, check out our new Youtube page! No full video shows, but lots of video clips, full free audio shows that you can tell your friends about, and much more to come! Make sure you subscribe today! We have have clips of the post Summer Slam / Super China Buffet show featuring a lengthy Brent Kremen discussion, as well as clips from the X-Mas show. This is a soft launch but we will be releasing much more shortly.

Figure Four Weekly

Figure Four Weekly 1/4/2016: More on Gawker motioning to dismiss Hulk Hogan lawsuit

More information on Gawker’s motion to dismiss Hulk Hogan’s sex tape lawsuit, tons more.

Wrestling Observer Newsletter

The Latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter: January 11, 2015 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Cena out with shoulder injury, New Japan stars to WWE

In the biggest news week in a long time, we’ve got a double issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter this week, covering John Cena’s injury, New Japan stars headed to WWE, a major feature looking at the year that past in pro wrestling and MMA and the year coming up, WWE direction for WrestleMania season, Tokyo Dome coverage, Rizin debut coverage, TNA changes and UFC 195.

Our lead story talks about John Cena’s injury and the injury issues in WWE with more notes on the training program being used. All the news regarding wrestlers leaving New Japan, who’s been contacted, different roles, the various schedules for different guys, other negotiations, what led to these moves, what New Japan needs to learn from this, affects on ROH, and other ideas for New Japan to break out of its standard mentality.

UFC in 2016, the success of the women’s division, UFC business review, big fights on the horizon, the state of WWE in 2015 and 2016, different fan bases, rise of NXT, where New Japan has failed on the international scene, plus AAA, CMLL, Bellator, TNA and ROH prospects in 2016.

Full coverage of New Japan’s Tokyo Dome show, match-by-match coverage with star ratings and poll results, the big angles, Okada’s prospects as the top star, the next big programs on the horizon, big show plans for 2016, the Fanstastica Mania tour lineup and thoughts, New Year’s Dash coverage.

The changes to this year’s Royal Rumble and scout the possibilities and big matches on the horizon for Mania, and the return of Chris Jericho.

WWE Network, John Cena on Peyton Manning and HGH, football coach trying to recruit WWE for Mania, portrayal of Joseph Maroon in the “Concussion”, lots of details on new Dwayne Johnson projects, Lesnar’s schedule, a look at 50/50 booking, Reaction to HHH circumventing his own angle, February NXT, WrestleMania plans, Jericho talks current interview style, WWE looking for new stars around the world, Dusty Rhodes tag team tournament, WWE injury updates, Austin TV show.

A complete look at the debut of the Rizin promotion, details on the ratings and how it compares to WWE & UFC, the Masato vs. Kid Yamamoto show in competition, boxing in competition, Spike TV numbers, Fedor’s return, the freak show fights and what did and didn’t work on the first two shows.

UFC 195, with match-by-match coverage, poll results and business regarding the show, a look at all the close decisions and why they went the way they did.

TNA’s debut on Pop TV, the ratings, the title tournament, who was watching, the PPV show this week, the Mike Bennett debut, the James Storm return, the departure of Taryn Terrell and the good and bad of the latest relaunch.

PLUS MUCH MORE! 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 Meltzer

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.

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. 

Click here for the most requested Wrestling Observer back issues.

Check out the latest Online Wrestling Observer BACK ISSUE: November 23, 1998 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: WWF Survivor Series review, Rock becomes Corporate Champion
A full review of WWF Survivor Series with The Rock becoming the Corporate Champion, more WCW woes, plus tons of news.

SUNDAY’S NEWS UPDATE

Sad to report on the death of Wolfman Willie Farkas, a 60s, 70s and 80s wrestler who worked a lot in the Toronto area and had a run as a mid-carder in 1970 and 1971 in the WWWF.  He was one of those characters from the old days of wrestling.  Greg Oliver has a story.

TNA is doing a poll at impactwrestling.com for fans to vote for one of three people to be added to the U.K. tour at the end of the month.  The choices are Will Ospreay (who is fantastic), Jimmy Havoc and Big Damo.  Really they could add all three and it would be a good move.

Karl Stern has launched a new Facebook page for the DragonKing Dark show at AfterDarkRadioshow.com and Facebook.com/DragonKingRadio

WWE

  • HHH was quoted in Sky News today while appearing at the funeral of Lemmy of Motorhead:  “I remember going to him one time after getting beaten again and walking up to him to shake his hand.  I gave him a hug and he looked right at me and he goes…`man, you suck, you can’t win a match to save your life.’  I probably looked at him, stunned, and he grabbed me by the back of my neck and he said, `That’s why you’re perfect for Motorhead.'” (thanks to  Dean Ayass)
  • Kevin Owens did an interview throwing his hat into the ring so to speak for a match with Undertaker at WrestleMania with Title Match Wrestling.
  • Results from last night’s WWE show in Montgomery, AL:  Luke Harper & Erick Rowan & Braun Strowman b Dudleys & Tommy Dreamer, Neville b Bo Dallas, Jack Swagger b Bo Dallas, Fandango & Goldust b The Ascension, Kane b Bray Wyatt (Wyatt Family and Dreamer & Dudleys were all involved), Charlotte b Becky Lynch to retain the Divas title, Big E & Xavier Woods b Usos to retain the tag titles, Roman Reigns b Sheamus to retain the WWE title
  • A Road to WrestleMania house show on 3/19 at the Westchester County Center in White Plains, NY was advertised with Big Show, Bray Wyatt, Dudleys, Demon Kane, Alberto De Rio, The Wyatt Family, Kalisto and more (thanks to Mike Omansky)

UFC

  • UFC Ultimate Insider at 6:30 p.m. Eastern tonight on FS 1 has TJ Dillashaw in his move to Colorado and Anthony Johnson is mic’d up for Ryan Bader’s last fight.  FS 1 also has Thomas Almeida vs. Brad Pickett and Dominick Cruz vs. Urijah Faber in taped matches at 10 p.m. tonight.

MISCELLANEOUS

  • Bad Luck Fale has confirmed on Facebook that he’s staying with New Japan.
  • The New York Times has a great story on the brain injuries in a 2013 boxing match in Madison Square Garden.
  • Preview of a Sami Callihan shoot interview here.
  • NWA Parade of Champions on 3/31 in Fort Worth over WrestleMania weekend at the Ridglea Theater.  Jim Cornette will host the event and do a live podcast that afternoon.  Also scheduled are Jax Dane, Charlie Haas, Ray Rowe, Rodney Mack, Marc Lowrance, Mike McGuirk, Chase Owns, Jason Kincad, Matt Riviera, Rob Conway and NWA President Bruce Tharpe.  Tickets go on sale 2/13 at NWARingside.com
  • Fenix, Dragon and Pentagon Jr. are booked on 3/13 in Atlanta.
  • Bas Rutten became a grandfather recently.  Congratulations to him.
  • Davey Richards, who announced he is taking no more indie bookings after 5/1, will be at the 20th annual ECWA Super 8 tournament on 4/23 in Woodbury Heights, NJ.  Appearing with him in the tournament will be Jason Kincaid, Papadon, John Skyler and four more.  Richards won that tournament in 2006.
  • Freelance Wrestling from Friday night in Chicago before 300 fans:  Maxwell Chicago won over Harvey Bower, Brad Kevins, Brent Banks, Kobe Durst and Ethan Case, Matt Knicks & Chris Castro b Yabo & Ruffo the Clowns, GPA b Chase Owens, Robert Anthony b Silas Young, Stevie Fierce & Rob Matter b Bryce Benjamin & Acid Jazz, Craig Mitchell b Suge D, Isaias Velazquez b Mustafa Ali. (thanks to Lance LeVine)
  • In Your Face has its fifth annual Memories, Moments and Mayhem convention and wrestling show on 3/12 in Albany, NY at the Polish Community Center.  Bob Holly, Scott Norton and Cody Deaner are announced for the show.  The convention runs from 2-6 p.m. and the wrestling show is at 7 p.m.
  • Superkick’d on Friday night in Toronto:  Michael San Francisci & Marc Hauss b Holden Albright & Maximo  Suave, Tyson Dux b Anton Aleviev, Jake Something b Dylan Bostic, Phil Atlas won over Mano del Diablo, RJ City and EZE Eric Cairnie, Mike Rollins b Stratos Fear in a tables match, Space Monkey b Young Myles, Alessandro del Bruno & Scotty O’Shea b Ashley Sixx & Orlando Christopher-DQ, Shane Sabre b Kris Chambers-DQ.  Next show is 2/5 at the Lithuanian Center in Toronto with a ladder match (thanks to Steve Ashe)
  • Missy Hyatt headlines as a guest for Absolute Intense Wrestling on 2/12 in Cleveland at Our Lady of Mount Carmel. 
  • NWA Smoky Mountain Wrestling on 1/16 in Kingsport, TN at the Civic Auditorium with The Heatseekers vs. Jeff Connelly & Bryan Montgomery.
  • Baja Stars Wrestling on 2/20 in San Diego at the Montgonmery-Waller Rec Center has Extreme Tiger (Tigre Uno) & El Hijo de Rey Misterio vs. Mortiz & TJ Boy.
  • Cibernetico won’t be at Arena Mexico on Friday night because he’s working in Mission, TX teaming with Kraneo against Octagon & Laredo Kid at the Salon los Portales.
  • Volador Jr. defends the UIPW title against Mariachi Loco on 1/30 in Montebello, CA at the Grace Baptist Academy (thanks to Kris Zellner)
  • The Crash on 2/12 in Tijuana at Auditorio Municipal has Blue Demon Jr. & Fenix & Rey Hours vs. Teddy Hart & Johnny Mundo & Pentagon Jr plus The Psycho Circus vs. El Texano Jr. & Mr. Maldito & Taurus.
  • Lucha Libre Extreme had been off television in Fresno the last few weeks but returned last night with a highlight show.  The hosts claimed that KAIL TV in Fresno moved to a new building and some of the shows were lost as a result.  They announced tapings on 1/31 in Hanford, CA at the Civic Center with Jake O’Brien vs. Guerrera del Muerta for the U.S. title at 3 p.m. (thanks to Jon Southerland)
  • Dynamo Pro Wrestling from last night in Fenton, MO:  Bahamut b Ric Maverick, Jayden Fenix b CJ Shine, Ozzie Gallagher b Jackal, Shorty Biggs b Kiyoshi Suzuka, Outtkast  won six-way over Dave DeLorean, Billy McNeil, Justin D’Air, Evan Morris and Rocket Mapache, Mike Sydal b Elvis Aliaga, Jack Gamble & Jon Webb b Michael Magnuson & Danny Adams, Brandon Espinosa b Mike Outlaw, Ricky Cruz b Jake Dirden-DQ, Ricky Cruz & Mike Outlaw b Jake Dirden & Brandon Espinosa (thanks to Patrick Brandmeyer)
  • Hoosier Pro Wrestling from last night in Columbus, IN:  Cousin Cooter & Drax O’Brien b Bud Wright & Scarecrow Eddie Felson, Amazing Maria b Haley Shadows, Cowboy Marc Houston b Stan Sierra, Dynamite Dillen b Shawn Cook, Shawn Kemp b JKO Jr. Flash Flanagan b Vic the Bruiser-DQ, Rob Conway NC TJ Kemp.  Next show is 2/6 at the 4-H Fairgrounds with Flanagan vs. Timmy Danger in a strap match (thanks to Jerry Wilson)

ON THIS DAY IN WORLD PRO WRESTLING HISTORY:Full history for 1/10