Daily Update: UFC 239 fallout, Khabib/Diaz, Teddy Hart update

DAILY UPDATE

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We’re doing three polls this weekend, for the UFC 239 show in Las Vegas, NJPW G-1 opener in Dallas and the Impact PPV on Sunday in Dallas, so you can leave a thumbs up, thumbs down or thumbs in the middle along with a best and worst match to dave@wrestlingobserver.com” target=”_blank”>dave@wrestlingobserver.com

We’re also looking for reports to newstips@wrestlingobserver.com on these shows:

  • APW/Rev Pro King of Indies Friday in Daly City, CA
  • WWE Raw house show last night in Washington, DC
  • MLW from last night in Chicago
  • WWE Raw tonight in Wilkes-Barre, PA
  • WWE Smackdown tonight in Binghamton, NY

IMPACT SLAMMIVERSARY ON SUNDAY AT 8 P.M. EASTERN FROM GILLEY’S IN DALLAS ON PPV

  • TJP open challenge
  • Rob Van Dam vs. Moose
  • Eddie Edwards vs. Killer Kross first blood match
  • Sami Callihan vs. Tessa Blanchard
  • Taya Valkyrie defends the Knockouts title against Rosemary, Su Yung and Jessicka Havok in a Monster’s Ball match
  • The North (Josh Alexander & Ethan Page) defend the tag titles against LAX and Dezmond Xavier & Trey Miguel
  • Rich Swann vs. Johnny Impact for X title
  • Brian Cage vs. Michael Elgin for Impact title

Monday has Raw TV from Newark, NJ at the Prudential Center.  Rey Mysterio returns Monday.  There is also a Smackdown brand house show on Monday in Glens Falls, NY.

Smackdown and 205 take place Tuesday from Manchester, NH.

F4W NEWSLETTER: Figure Four Weekly: Recapping WWE Stomping Grounds

After a lack of interest heading into the pay-per-view, Stomping Grounds was a show that exceeded expectations.

Given that there weren’t really any surprises at the PPV, that’s probably mostly due to expectations being set too low. Nothing on the show was dramatically better than it should have been. The PPV succeeded where most good WWE shows do. Even if the build was underwhelming, a talented roster was able to go out to the ring and have good matches throughout much of the card.

WON NEWSLETTER: July 8, 2019 Observer Newsletter: The life and death of Perro Aguayo

With a gigantic week of news, we’ve got a double issue of the Observer this week, leading off with a look at the career of Perro Aguayo, one of the biggest drawing cards in pro wrestling history.

We look at his career highlights, the feud that made him a superstar, the big rivalries and big business booms he was part of, his most famous matches, the formation of AAA and his biggest career wins.

We also have more on Eric Bischoff and Paul Heyman leading brands going forward.  We look at the angles on Raw and whose fingerprints were on what, the level of power they look to have, why this move was made, Wall Street’s reaction to the move, how AEW fits into the picture, the audience they are trying to get back the Raw ratings increase that didn’t hold for Smackdown, Heyman and Bischoff talk about their new positions, when Bischoff starts and an analysis of Heyman’s first moves.

We also look at AEW’s Fyter Fest, the chair shot, the preshow, the business numbers, comparisons with WWE and UFC programming, match by match coverage with star ratings and poll results.

We also look at why the U.K. November tour is being rapidly changed, the Evolve special on WWE Network, Stomping Grounds business update, the story behind David Starr stomping on WWE tile belt and WWE reaction, Performance Center news, most-watched shows on the WWE Network and a rundown with business notes on all the WWE arena events this past week.

We also look at the career of Jacques Rougeau Sr, one of the biggest stars in Montreal wrestling history.  We look at the history of the Rougeau family, how Jacques got into wrestling, why he quit at first, what brought him back, how role in making the career of Ivan Koloff, his sons getting into wrestling, his biggest matches, his Jarry Stadium main event, the first $100,000 gate in Canada, and the Rougeaus feud with the Garvins.

We also look at WWE’s tour of Japan this past week, with notes on both shows and business notes as well.

We run through New Japan’s tour of Australia, with business notes , Southern Showdown match-by-match coverage with star ratings and poll results and the Ospreay-Eagles match.

We also update Extreme Rules with matches announced and others that could be added.

We’ve also got full coverage of UFC in Minneapolis including detailed business notes.

We’ve got a rundown on ROH Bet in the World from Baltimore, with business notes, match-by-match coverage and star ratings.

We also look at the changing television situation in the U.K. with the WWE’s new deal with BT Sports and AEW’s new deal.

We look at the TripleMania card and the unique team of Cody & Psycho Clown & Cain Velasquez.  There’s also notes from Killer Kross, who is training Velasquez.

We also look at the wrestling career of Yoshiaki Yatsu, who had his leg amputated over the past week.  We look at his 1980s heyday when he was one of the best in the world, why he was important in history, his amateur background and his famous Pride match with Gary Goodridge.

We also look at the death of Jerry Seltzer, the famed Roller Derby promoter, how that game worked, how it exploded in popularity, why it died off, and Seltzer’s later role in the ticketing business.

We also run down the ratings of all the major TV shows, along with detailed demo info for the WWE shows.

We also have the results of all the major pro wrestling events around the world over the past week.

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@wrestlingobserver.com or by going to www.paypal.com directing funds to dave@wrestlingobserver.com.

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If you order by mail with a check, cash or money order to P.O. Box 1228, Campbell, CA 95009-1228, you can get $1 off in every price range.

SUNDAY NEWS UPDATE

Garrett Gonzalez and I will be back tonight after Impact’s Slammiversary show talking the latest news.  You can send questions to the show to mailbag@wrestlingobserver.com. We also have a new show up for the weekend covering the G-1 and UFC 239, and have new interview shows up with both Jushin Liger and Kota Ibushi.

Luke Rockhold suffered a broken jaw in his fight with Jan Blachowicz.

All of Ben Askren’s tests reportedly came back negative so he’s okay according to Dana White after the show.  He was obviously hospitalized after a brutal knockout.

No update on Jon Jones, who was helped out.  Thiago Santos had minor surgery on his right knee a few months ago and blew out his left knee in the first round of the fight.  Media scores were 78-22% in favor of Jones, although I felt the fight could have gone either way.  Story on the surgery from MMA Fighting.

The judges scores were:

  • Michael Bell gave Jones rounds 2, 3 and 4
  • Derek Cleary gave Jones 2, 3 and 5
  • Junichiro Kamijo gave Jones 3 and 5.  If Clearly had given Santos 5, a round many thought he won clearly, Santos would be champion. Dana White said Jones won and has no interest in making a rematch

Nate Diaz and Khabib Nurmagomedov, who were seated not far from each other, nearly got into it last night. Security broke it up before anything serious happened and they moved Diaz to a different seat.  Diaz ended up leaving the show after the Gilbert Melendez fight.

WWE

  • Sheamus and Natalya are both appearing at the Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame induction ceremony on 7/25 to 7/27 in Waterloo, IA.  Gerald Brisco is doing a talent evaluation for WWE.  Among others appearing for the weekend are Beth Phoenix, Ultimo Dragon, Gerald Brisco, Sgt. Slaughter, Thunderbolt Patterson, Nick Dinsmore, Lisa Marie Varon, Jim Ross, J.J.Dillon, Tony Garea, Brian Shields, Wes Brisco, James Beard, Brian Blair, Baron Von Raschke, Ric McCord,, Bob Roop and Brian Pillman Jr.  There will also be a pro wrestlnig with an eight-man tournament and what is being billed as Blair’s retirement match.
  • Dolph Ziggler is doing comedy shows on Wednesday and Thursday night in Appleton, WI at Skyline Comedy.  The former Hornswoggle will be on the bill with him.

UFC

  • Interest in last night’s show was high, as there were 2.5 million Google searches making UFC 239 the most searched for topic in the U.S.  Ben Askren, at 500,000, after his spectacular knockout loss, was the third most searched term yesterday.  The New Japan G-1 show did not crack the top 20, although that is not unexpected as previous show haven’t either.  When it comes to big events, it’s pretty clear the UFC big events have the most mainstream interest, followed by WWE and Bellator.  AEW Double or Nothing did crack the list as has Bare Knuckle Boxing, and NXT has twice at a low level.    
  • A story in the Buffalo News on Rashad Evans going into the UFC Hall of Fame (thanks to Tom Mehs)

MISCELLANEOUS

  • Former pro wrestler Don Wright, and wife Sandy, lost her home and their car due to a home fire.  They are raising five grandchildren who start school soon.  Jon Moxley found out about a Go Fund Me set up by a coworker of Sandy and donated $5,000 enabling them to reach their goal.
  • Sporting News talked to Sami Callihan regarding tonight’s match with Tessa Blanchard.
  • In an update of something talked about on the show last night, Teddy Hart didn’t go through a door, but crashed into a ladder and seemed to hurt his back but Court Bauer said that Hart is fine today.  MLW sold out Cicero for the third time in a row last night.
  • Dolph Ziggler will be participating in the panel “Happy Birthday Troma” for the 45th anniversary of Troma Entertainment and for Lloyd Kaufman’s 50 years as a filmmaker on 7/20 at the San Diego Comic Con in Room 25ABC at 9 p.m.  Former wrestler Scott Lost, now a comic book artist, will be part of a panels on 7/18 called “Not So Strange Bedfellows:  The Relationship between comics and pro wrestling in Room 29AB at 1 p.m.  Rob Van Dam will appear in a panel on Independent Filmmaking for Low Budget Film, TV and web series on 7/18 in Room 25ABC at 9 p.m.  Women of Wrestling at Headlocked Comics in booth #1901 on 7/20 from 1-3 p.m. has David McLane, Jeanie Buss and The Beast and 7/21 from Moon to 2 p.m. has Tessa Blanchard and McLane.
  • Former pro wrestler Anthony Carelli (Santino Marella) joined Neil Adams (former Olympic medalist and the brother of former pro wrestler Chris Adams) as announcers this weekend for judo’s Montreal Grand Prix.  Today is the final day and it’s streams at live.ijf.org  I’ve seen photos of pro wrestling legend Volk Han there. 
  • The AAW Jim Lyman Memorial tournament takes place on 8/29 and 8/30 at the Logan Square Auditorium in Chicago.
  • Phil DeFries (17-6) defends the KSW heavyweight title against Damian Grabowski (22-5) in the main event of the KSW show on 9/14 at SSE Wembley in London.  Tomasz Narkun (16-3) will also defend the light heavyweight title and Norman Parke (27-6-1) vs. Marian Ziolowski (21-7-1) are also announced.
  • AAW on 7/12 in Milwaukee at Turners Hall Ballroom has Sami Callihan vs. Fatu for the heavyweight title, Jessicka Havok vs. Taya Valkyrie for the women’s title, John Morrison vs Juventud Guerrera, Rey Fenix & Penta 0M vs. Myron Reed & A.R. Fox and Josh Briggs vs. Josh Alexander.
  • Warrior Wrestling 6 on 9/1 in Chicago (the day after All Out) at the Marian Catholic High School at 7 p.m.   Announced as appearing are Mick Foley, Brian Cage, Tessa Blanchard, Pentagon Jr., Fenix, Dragon Lee, Ultimo Guerrero, Atlantis, Caristico, Michael Elgin, Austin Aries Tom Lawlor, Daga, Sam Adonis, Brian Pillman  Jr., Wardlow, Andrew Everett, Templario, Soberano Jr. and more.
  • Progress from yesterday in Newcastle, U.K.:  Fraser Thomas & HT Drake & Screwface Ahmed b Benji & Conor Renshaw & Zeo Knox, Darren Kearney & LJ Clearly & Natthan Martin b Chuck Mambo & Spike Trivet & William Eaver-DQ, Jurn Simmons b Connor Mills, Holidead b Candy Floss, Ilja Dragunov b Jordan Devlin to become top contender for the Progress title, Paul Robinson b Primate, David Starr b Brent Banks, Walter b Eddie Kingston to keep Progress title (thanks to Paul Sosnowski)
  • Progress from today in Manchester, U.K.:  Soner Dursun b Luke Jacobs, LJ Clearly b Chuck Mambo, Holidead b Lana Austin, Jordan Devil b Conor Mills, Jonathan Gresham b Eddie Kingston-COR, Trent Seven b Paul Robinson, Spike Trivet & William Eaver b Darren Kearney & Nathan Martin, Walter b Ilja Dragunov to keep the Progress title
  • Future Stars of Wrestling from Friday night in Las Vegas in a UWFI style show:  Ryan Couture b Dave Mazany, Stephan Bonnar b Sinn Bohdi, Gina Mazany b Kyra Batara, Tom Lawlor b Douglas James (said to be best bout of the show), Frank Mir b Simon Grimm, Killer Kross b Dan Severn, Killer Kross NC Jon Moxley with a double knockout finish.  Moxley wasn’t advertised but just showed up. (thanks to Armando Aguilar)
  • IWF on 10/11 in Wayne, NJ at the Wayne PAL Building with Tony Atlas, Tito Santana and Bull James Dempsey.
  • Impact from last night in Texas City, TX in a joint show with Booker T’s Reality of Wrestling:  Jordynne Grace b Alex Gracia, Jonathan Vega & Diego De La Cruz b Dezmond Xavier & Zachary Wentz, Moose b Mysterious Q, Brenden Steen won scramble over Ayden Cristiano, Cameron Cole, Bryan Keith, Will Allday, Isaiah, Josh Alexander, Jake Crist, Dave Crist, Ethan Page, Mad Man Fulton and Willie Mack, Brenden Steen b Josh Alexander, Sami Callihan DCOR Terrell Tempo, Michael Elgin b Moonshine Mantell (ROW champion) due to distraction from The North, Gino b Eddie Edwards, Tessa Blanchard won four-way over AQA, Hyan and Su Yung, Zack Zilla & Warren J b LAX, (thanks to Shannon Walsh and wrestlingwithdemons.net)
  • MWE on 7/12 in St. Louis Park, MN at the Rec Center with Flash Gordon vs Kongo Kong.  Nikita Koloff will appear on the show.
  • I Believe in Wrestling from Friday night in Orlando:  Carlos Gabriel b Jay Sky, JD Amazing b Caius Wolfe, Mike Reed b Danny Malo, Deon James b Antony Catena, Ali Mohammed b Reni Danilo, Chasyn Rance & Amber Nova & Lexi Gomez & Gia Roman b Blake Burke & Ahmed Ayuooti & Kaci Lennox & Dank the Clown, Josh Dawkins b Johnny Zekie, Aaron Epic d Andrew Marlin.  Next show is 8/2 with Epic vs. Merlin 2/3 falls and Amber Nova vs. Blake Banks. 
  • Tickets for Defy’s Defyane Forever show are on sale for 8/23 in Tacoma, WA at the Temple Theater which will include New Japan talent.
  • Innovate Wrestling on 8/10 in Kingsport, TN at the Civic Auditorium for Fire in the Mountain 2019.
  • Tickets for the 9/18 and 9/19 WOW TV tapings in Los Angeles at the Belasco Theater are on sale.   Both nights are AXS tapings for the new season and start at 6:30 p.m.
  • RevPro today in London at the Cockpit:  James Mason b Kenneth Halfpeny, Dan Moloney & MK McKinnan b Dan Magee & Kurtis Chapman, Gabriel Kidd b Jaxton Stone, Kyle Fletcher b Josh Bodom, Seleziya Sparks b Shazza McKenzie, Mark Davis NC Sha Samuels, El Phantasmo & Hikuleo b A-Kid & Carlos Romo, Pac b David Starr
  • A story on an indie show in Butler, OH (thanks to Mike Kuzmuk)
  • Colt Cabana was announced for the RetroMania Wrestling video game.
  • A trailer for a new wrestling movie about a wrestler with Down’s Syndrome (thanks to Joe Puccio)

Daily Pro Wrestling History: The NWO forms at Bash at the Beach 1996

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