Daily Update: Orton vs. Wyatt, NWO reunion, Marc Maron, Adam Cole

  • F4W Staff
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THE ROUND-UP

Two more matches booked for WWE Backlash – Dolph Ziggler challenges The Miz for the WWE Intercontinental Championship and Randy Orton is back in action as well against Bray Wyatt.

WWE SmackDown video highlights: Dean Ambrose vs. Baron Corbin – If you can’t stomach two more hours of life professional wrestling each week, this will catch you up in about fifteen minutes, and it’s better than Hulu.

VIDEO: Watch CM Punk’s road to UFC 203 in ‘The Evolution of Punk’ – CM Punk will be fighting for the first time ever, in the UFC. See how former WWE star has turned himself into a real fighting machine.  

WWE SmackDown live results: The build to Backlash continues – Kane’s hometown revealed as Knoxville, and the Headbangers return to Smackdown to put over Heath Slater and Rhyno. Welcome back.

Daniel Bryan: ‘If I had any guts, I’d quit and do the indies’ – One week ago Miz called Bryan a coward. This week, the GM of Smackdown responds to these allegations. 

Alberto Del Rio not returning to WWE – It appears that Alberto Del Rio will be departing from WWE. Del Rio has not been happy with how he has been used in this most recent run, and recently failed a WWE Wellness test. 

Universal title match powers Raw to solid ratings – The four way with Big Cass, Seth Rollins, Kevin Owens, and Roman Reigns yielded big results for the fledgling flag ship. 

WWE Leon & Texarkana live results: John Cena vs. AJ Styles – Texarkana champ Bryan Alvarez was not booked to defend his title on the WWE house show, but John Cena did challenge AJ Styles. 

Dave Meltzer & SI.com’s Richard Deitsch talk the business of pro wrestling – Big Dave Meltzer appeared on Sports Illustrated talk show Media Circus to discuss the state of professional wrestling.

Figure Four Weekly: Figure Four Weekly 8/29/2016: NWA vs. Department of Justice – Recently, as an outgrowth of my interest in public records, court records, and so on, I started to get into the habit of filing Freedom of Information Act (or “FOIA”) requests with various United States government agencies. It was the same fascination that took me to the court records; There’s stuff out there, just waiting to be seen, that nobody was looking at… Subscribers click here to continue reading.

F4W YouTube Page: Tons of clips and full free audio shows that you can tell your friends about, and much more to come! Make sure you subscribe today!

Wrestling Observer Newsletter: August 29, 2016 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: UFC sale final, Summerslam results and fallout, more – Lorenzo Fertitta, the CEO and person who historically should be remembered as perhaps the most important figure in making MMA into a worldwide sport left the office for the final time on 8/17.

The UFC staff was all told to come for a meeting, and as it turned out, the guest of honor was busy at first and they had to regroup and come back later. Fertitta, 48, took a $2 million investment in 2001 to a $4 billion sale 15 years later. Aside from making a killing in business, he saved a sport that was on its deathbed in the U.S. The sale was officially completed with the money changing hands this past week, a similar letter to the one above was sent to all company employees, and the new era of UFC began with UFC 202… Subscribers click here to continue reading.

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. 

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WON BACK ISSUE: August 2, 1999 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Vince McMahon comments on Bret Hart, WWF Fully Loaded review, more – While nobody in their right mind believed that they’d heard the last of Vince McMahon vs. Bret Hart, McMahon went out of his way to goad Hart into responding with blistering comments on TSN’s “Off the Record” talk show, which was taped on 7/22 and aired on 7/27… Subscribers click here to continue reading.

WEDNESDAY NEWS UPDATE​

Marc Maronwill star as the male leadin Netflix’s upcoming wrestling comedy series based on the 1980s Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling (GLOW) promotion.

In an interview earlier today on Wrestling Observer Live, Adam Cole noted he is so much more leaner now than in the past due in part to a recent bout with pneumonia.

ESPN’s Amin Elhassan drew the ire of Twitter’s wrestling community today aftertweeting“Until someone told him it was scripted,” in response to a video of Kevin Owens’ son reacting to his father’s Universal title win. Elhassan went on to engage with wrestling fans throughout the day. ESPN’s Michelle Beadle and Jonathan Coachman have responded to his comments.

A new movie called “Signature Moves” features a main character that becomes obsessed with pro wrestling. An article from NBC News describes the plot: “The story follows Zaynab… a Pakistani-American lesbian living in Chicago, as she navigates a burgeoning new relationship and a newfound fascination with wrestling, while also caring for her television-obsessed mother.”

Kevin Nash, Scott Hall and Sean Waltman are scheduled to appear ashonorary managers of a minor league baseball team this Friday night in Connecticut. Besides the gimmick of managing the Bridgeport Bluefish, the trio will throw out the first pitch and appear at a pre-game meet-and-greet. In a video plugging their appearance, the trio is referred it as the NWO.

WORLD WRESTLING ENTERTAINMENT

  • The quarterfinals of the Cruiserweight Classic begin on the WWE Network at 9 p.m. ET tonight with Kota Ibushi taking on Brian Kendrick and Akira Tozawa facing Gran Metalik.
  • Owens’ wife posted pictures of Owens and his son with the title.
  • Former NXT Champion Samoa Joe is still not yet cleared in storyline after his match with Shinsuke Nakamura at NXT TakeOver: Brooklyn II.
  • WWE TLC comes to Dallas on December 4, 2016. Presale begins Tuesday, August 30 at 10pm and ends Friday, September 2 at 10pm. Use code: WWETLC. Tickets go on sale to the general public on Saturday, October 1.
  • Here is an interesting statistical look at the win-loss record of every person who has competed at WWE Backlash.
  • A reviewer with PhillyVoice.com puts over the Booty-O’s cereal.
  • Abu Dhabi government-owned news publication The National has an interview with Natalya and Alicia Fox talking about being women in the industry, life on the road and tips on fitness.
  • In an interview with AJ Styles on a Dallas radio station, the hosts bring up the subject of The Rock feuding with Vin Diesel. In talking about that supposed feud, Styles name-dropped actor Mark Wahlberg as someone he would like to carry in a match, saying he was a fan of his.

PROFESSIONAL WRESTLING

  • Ring of Honor announcedAdam Cole vs. Michael Elgin for the world title as the main event of the All-Star Extravaganza pay-per-view from Lowell, MA (outside Boston). Besides the regular ROH talent, NJPW’s Toru Yano is also listed as scheduled to appear on the show.
  • EVOLVE 69 will feature four new talent test matches, with Tony Nese vs. Darby Allin, Ethan Page vs. David Starr, “Hot Sauce” Tracy Williams vs. Chuck O’Neil, and Fred Yehi vs. Travis Gordon. The show will take place on September 11th in Queens, NY and is Johnny Gargano’s last show for the promotion.
  • A CBS affiliate in New York has an interview with Adam Cole.
  • This weekend on Ring of Honor Wrestling TV, the Briscoes take on Lio Rush & Jay White in tag team action, and World Champion Adam Cole appears with Bullet Club.
  • Ahead of the start of the NFL regular season, Newsday looks at football players that became pro wrestlers.
  • NJPW World has now added English captions to the Tanahashi and Okada documentaries on NJPW World. Here is part 1 and part 2 of Tanahashi. You really get a glimpse into his thoughts about wrestling, promoting, etc. He just seems like a genuinely happy person, and I think that makes the viewers happy. He also goes a bit in depth into some of the injuries he was dealing with at the time. Here is part 1 and part 2 of the Okada documentary.

VARIETY

  • The tenth annual World Gravy Wrestling Championships took place in Lancashire, UK. Bouts were two minutes in length and judging was based on a points system that “is more about entertainment”, though the matches were supposedly a shoot. Talking about the event, one organizer said competing is “harder than it looks.” It looks slippery.
  • On episode 13 of The Card Is Going To Change Podcast With John Thorne and Chandler Biggins, the fellas talk about the Duke’s ravishing start into the world of pro wrestling and AIW. From his career and getting into the business with John and Chandler, this episode will leave you laughing.
  • Here is a two-part series of articles on Summerslam weekend, discussing Evolve, NXT Takeover, Summerslam itself, modern fandom, Brock Lesnar, the difference between good heat and bad heat and more from Brandon Howard. Part 1 is here, and part 2 is here.
  • El Rey is now carried on Verizon FIOS, a major cable provider, so starting on September 7 you can watch the new season of Lucha Underground if you have it. (thanks to Joe Puccio)
  • RESULTS: Results from Pro Wrestling 2.0 – August 30, 2016 – Winter Park, FL: Sami Callihan pinned Jason Cade to retain the PW2.0 Heavyweight title, Chico Adams won a 9-way elimination match, Matt Knotts pinned Leo Brien, Chelsea Diamond won a battle royal that included pinfalls & submissions to become the first PW2.0 Women’s Champion, Snoop Strikes pinned Ace Radic, Lince Dorado pinned Aaron Epic, Kiko Harris pinned Omar Amir in a 3-way with Chuckles, Lacey Lane pinned Jon Cruz, Mr. 450 pinned Martin Stone

EVENTS CALENDAR

  • 1 – AAW; Berwyn Eagles Club, 6309 W 26th St Berwyn, IL, 7:30pm Bell Time
  • 2 – MOONSHINE BRANDED WRESTLING: Italo-Canadian Hall, 1101 DiPietro Street, Fort  Erie, Ontario, Canada. Doors at 6:00pm bell time 7:00pm. Tickets.
  • 2 – 559 Fights has its 50th show in Visalia, CA at the Convention Center.
  • 2 – Rockstar Pro Wrestling iPPV from Dayton, OH at the Rockstar Pro Arena with Sami Callihan vs. Dave Crist, Dezmond Xavier vs. Zachary Wentz vs. Matt Cross and more.
  • 3 – I Believe in Wrestling returns to the Team Vision Dojo in Orlando, FL.
  • 3 – UFC Fight Night: Arlovski vs. Barnett; Hamburg, Germany
  • 3 – UIPW: Los Angels at the Clela Arena at 826 Clela Ave. in East Los Angeles with Teddy Hart & Coa Azul vs. Psicosis & Mariachi Loco
  • 3 – ACE Collision Course: Morgan Jr. Arena, Wallington, NJ, MAIN EVENT: ACE Heavyweight Championship: TJ Marconi (c) vs Archadia
  • 3 – Hoosier Pro Wrestling in Columbus, IN at the 4-H Arena
  • 3 – CWF presents Live Pro Wrestling at the CWF Wrestling School on 20 Hartzel Rd in St Catharines, ON. Tickets
  • 6 – SMASH-WRESTLING, Oshawa Music Hall, 39 King St E, Oshawa, Ontario L1H 1B2. Tickets.
  • 9 – Chaotic Wrestling & The Lowell Spinners present “A Night of Grand Slams,”
  • Edward A. LeLacheur Park, 450 Aiken St. – Lowell, MA
  • 10 – CZW in Voorhees, NJ at Flyers Skate Zone with a doubleheader with a WSU Women’s show at 4 p.m. that day and the men’s show at 8 p.m.
  • 10 – Pure Wrestling Association: COWEX – Duncan, British Columbia
  • 10 – New England Fights 25: HEROES & VILLAINS; Lewiston, MA. Tickets.
  • 10 – Barrie Wrestling: Back to School 3; 49 Ferris Lane, Barrie, Ontario, Canada
  • 10 – UFC 203: Miocic vs. Overeem; Cleveland, Ohio
  • 10 – Evolve in Deer Park, NY has Gargano vs. Sabre Jr., Galloway vs. Gulak, Dustin vs. Tracy Williams, Jigsaw vs. Fred Yehi, Riddle vs. Tony Nese, Perkins vs. Allin and Page vs. Dan Barry.    
  • 11 – Evolve in Woodside, NY at La Boom has Johnny Gargano & Cody Rhodes vs. Drew Galloway & Chris Hero in Gargano’s last Evolve match, Zack Sabre Jr. vs. Ricochet, Matt Riddle vs. TJ Perkins, Dustin vs. Drew Gulak, Tony Nese vs. Darby Allin and Ethan Page vs David Starr. Joey Styles will also be appearing.
  • 15 – CCW Parkhill Fall Fair Pro Wrestling, 5:30pm doors, 6:30pm bell time. Cody Deaner vs. Jake O’Reilly for the CCW title.
  • 16 – All Star Wrestling; Squamish, BC, Totem Hall, Stawamus Rd, Garibaldi Highlands, BC V0N 1T0, Canada, tickets.
  • 16 – ROH: Reloaded Tour; Pittsburgh, PA, Stage AE, 7:30 pm. Tickets.
  • 16 – AAW: 115 Bourbon Street (3359 w 115th Street Merrionette Park, IL). Tickets.
  • 16 – Pure Wrestling Association: Lake Cowichan, British Columbia
  • 16 – Smash vs Progress: Uncensored; Oshawa Music Hall, Oshawa, Ontario. Must be 19+ to attend.
  • 16 – Pure Wrestling Association: Private Event in Ontario
  • 16 – SuperKickd’d Pro Wrestling at 7:30 PM – 10 PM, The Great Hall Toronto, 1087 Queen Street West, Toronto, Ontario M6J 1H3
  • 16 – All Pro Wrestling on 9/16 in Daly City, CA at the Bayshore Community Center features Sabu vs. The Almighty Sheik, Willie Mack & B-Boy vs Reno Scrum, plus Jody Kristofferson, JR Kratos, Marcus Lewis and Dylan Drake in a four way for the Universal title.
  • 17 – ROH: Reloaded Tour; Lockport (Buffalo), NY, 7:00 pm. Tickets.
  • 17 – NWA Smoky Mountain Wrestling on in Kingsport, TN at the Civic Auditorium
  • 17 – Pure Wrestling Association: Alpine Club, Kitchener, Ontario
  • 17 – Pure Wrestling Association: Courtenay, British Columbia
  • 17 – UFC Fight Night, Poirier vs. Johnson: Hidalgo, Texas, State Farm Arena
  • 17 & 18 – SMASH VS PROGRESS: Smash Wrestling welcomes our friends from Progress Wrestling. Mark Haskins and Jack Gallagher (Cruiserweight Classic), Zack Sabre Jr. Mark Andrews and more will be part of the Progress Wrestling team in a Smash vs. Progress Canada vs. UK show in Toronto at the Franklin Horner Community Center.
  • 18 – Pure Wrestling Association: Gold River, British Columbia
  • 18 – Alpha-1 Wrestling presents #‎Matrats2
  • 22 – NXT; Toronto, Ontario at the Mattamy Athletic Center (the former Maple Leaf Gardens)
  • 22 – All-Star Wrestling: 7:30 PM, Abbotsford Arts Center, 2329 Crescent Way, Abbotsford, BC V2S 3M2, Canada, tickets.
  • 22- Big Time Wrestling in Morganton, NC at the Collette Rec Center features a meet & greet at 6 p.m. before the live show. Appearing are Ric Flair, Ricky Steamboat, Cody Rhodes, Magnum T.A. and Trevor Lee.
  • 23 – Big Time Wrestling in Raleigh, NC at Dorton Arena features Flair and Steamboat together at Dorton Arena for the first time in 28 years, plus Jeff & Matt Hardy, Cody Rhodes, Nasty Boys, Sabu, Magnum T.A., Ivan Koloff, Jimmy Valiant, Gangrel and Shane Helms with the meet & greet at 6 and show at 8.
  • 23 – Invicta FC: Live from Scottish Rite Temple in Kansas City, Mo. Interim Flyweight Champion Jennifer Maia Defends Against Roxanne Modafferi
  • 23 – NXT; St. Catherines, Ontario at The Meridian Centre
  • 23 – Absolute Intense Wrestling: A Farewell to Johnny Gargano – 1355 West 70th St. Cleveland, OH – Tickets.
  • 23 – Pure Wrestling Association: Parksville, British Columbia
  • 23 – Pro Wrestling Eclipse takes a short trip to downtown Oshawa and visits the Oshawa Mason Temple. All tickets purchased on July 24 that list the venue as the Oshawa Legion will be honoured.
  • 24 – ROH: Reloaded Tour; Duluth (Atlanta), GA 7:00 pm, tickets.
  • 24 – IWA Midsouth Wrestling presents the Hybrid Cup, at PRIDE Bar in New Albany, IN.
  • 24 – Ignite Wrestling in Vero Beach, FL at the IG Center features Dave Crist.
  • 24 – UCW, September 24th 7:30 PMBay City,MI UCW Champion Hakim Zane vs MVP, plus appearances by Ron Simmons and Fred Ottman
  • 24 – Big Time Wrestling in Spartanburg, SC at the Memorial Auditorium with the meet and greet at 5:30 and show at 7:30 with Flair, Steamboat, Hardys, Rhodes, Nasty Boys, Sabu, Magnum T.A., Ricky Morton, Robert Gibson, Gangrel and Trevor Lee.
  • 24 – MCW Legends Convention at the MCW Arena in Joppa, MD at 10 a.m. featuring Bret Hart, Jimmy Hart, Howard Finkel, Honky Tonk Man, Hillbilly Jim, Paul Orndorff, Greg Valentine, Jim Ross, Bill Apter, Brutus Beefcake, Bob Orton, Tito Santana, Jim Neidhart, Tammy Sytch, Magnum T.A. and even Dennis Stamp.
  • 24 – Rock Solid: Anarchy in Angus 14: A Nightmare on Mill Street, 7pm – 10pm, Angus Recreation Centre, 8527 County Rd. 10, Angus, Ontario. Tickets.
  • 24 – Pure Wrestling Association: Campbell River, British Columbia
  • 24 – NXT in Kitchener, Ontario at The Air
  • 24 – Elite Canada Championship Wrestling: New Westminster, Sapperton Pensioners Hall
  • 318 Keary St, New Westminster, BC, 7:30pm Bell Time, doors at 7pm. Tickets.
  • 25 – Canadian Wrestling’s Elite: Nick “Magnus” Aldis defends the GFW title against Matt Hart of the Hart Family in Calgary.
  • 25 – Rizin: Former K-1 kickboxer Minoru Kimura will make his MMA debut against former Pride fighter Charles “Krazy Horse” Bennett
  • 25 – Pure Wrestling Association – TBA – British Columbia
  • 30 – ROH: All-Star Extravaganza Weekend Day 1; Lowell (Boston), MA, Lowell Memorial Auditorium, 9:00 pm (PPV)

Daily Pro Wrestling History (08/31): Sting & Eddie Gilbert win UWF tag titles

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