Daily Update: UFC & Bellator weigh-ins, Strowman, MLW

DAILY UPDATE

The Latest News

The Latest Audio

F4W NEWSLETTER: Figure Four Weekly: Starrcade 2018 and the future of the WWE Network

After WWE revived the Starrcade brand for an untelevised house show in Greensboro, North Carolina in 2017, this year’s Thanksgiving weekend event was part house show/part WWE Network special. The show took place in Cincinnati, Ohio on Saturday before a one-hour version of Starrcade 2018 aired on Sunday. The Network special featured a mix of matches and segments. 

WON NEWSLETTER: December 3, 2018 Observer Newsletter: Death of Larry Matysik, NXT UK contract changes

Sorting out the future of the UK independent scene and the changes made in what WWE UK contracted wrestlers are allowed to do is the lead story in the new issue of the Wrestling Observer.

The new double issue is a major look back at history as well, with a huge story on Larry Matysik and the rise and fall of St. Louis wrestling in the 70s and the 80s, and a look at Texas wrestling with the life of Jose Lothario.

The lead story talks about the original WWE deals, cards that have to change, promotions that have to change booking plans at different levels, as well as the end of Walter on the independent scene.

Look at why Walter chose this deal and what makes him unique in WWE regarding goals, as well as why he’s not already on the main roster and never went to New Japan. Look at how many promotions are affected, and the future of some of the most popular U.K. groups.

The article on Larry Matysik includes looking at some of the biggest matches of the St. Louis wrestling club, how Matysik started with pro wrestling, his start as a television announcer, the heyday of Wrestling at the Chase, how talent was paid, and how Ric Flair first got into St. Louis.

There is a feature on the career of Jose Lothario, the role of Mexican stars in Texas wrestling, how Lothario first became a major U.S. star long before his famous Texas run. Also look at his feud with Gino Hernandez, his long title history record, and comments from many of the biggest stars on his career.

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.

THURSDAY NEWS UPDATE

Weigh-ins for tomorrow night’s UFC show from Las Vegas at the Pearl at the Palms Hotel

Fight Pass at 6:30 p.m.

  • Raoni Barcelos (135) vs. Chris Gutierrez (135.5)
  • Tim Means (170.5) vs. Ricky Rainey (170.5)
  • Darrell Horcher (155) vs. Roosevelt Roberts (155.5)

FS 1 at 8 p.m.

  • Juliha Stoliarenko (145.5) vs. Leah Letson (146)
  • Michel Batista (262.5) vs. Maurice Green (259)
  • Joseph Benavidez (125.5) vs. Alex Perez (126)
  • Kevin Aguilar (144) vs. Rick Glenn (148.5)
  • Ji Yeon Kim (130.5) vs. Antonina Shevchenko (124.5)
  • Edmen Shahbazyan (185.5) vs. Darren Stewart (185)
  • Bryan Caraway (135.75) vs. Pedro Munhoz (135.5)
  • Macy Chiasson (1445.5) vs. Pannie Kianzad (145) in TUF women’s featherweight tournament final
  • Juan Espino (260) vs. Justin Frazier (264) in TUF heavyweight tournament final
  • Rafael dos Anjos (170) vs. Kamaru Usman (170.5)

Weigh-ins for tomorrow night’s Bellator show on Paramount and DAZN at 9 p.m. Eastern

  • Bruna Ellen (125.8) vs. Kristina Williams (125.6)
  • Juan Archuleta (145.6) vs. Jeremy Spoon (142.6)
  • David Rickels (170) vs. Guilherme Bomba (168.2)
  • Chidi Njokuani (185.4) vs. John Salter (185.8)

PWInsider reported that Braun Strowman is scheduled to be in Houston on Monday for Raw.

MLW has added Shane Strickland vs. Rush to its 12/13 show in Miami at the Scottish Rite Temple. Tomorrow night’s MLW TV show is headlined by L.A.Park & El Hijo de L.A. Park vs. Pentagon Jr. & Fenix for the tag team titles.

WWE

  • The German newspaper Bild Zeitung, the most popular tabloid in the country, destroyed the Raw show from Monday, calling it the worst WWE television show of all-time. They blasted the show for lack of logic and told viewers not to tune in tonight (Raw airs on Wednesday nights in Germany on a small station). (thanks to Konstantin Briegel)
  • C.J. Perry, better known as Lana, is one of the stars of a movie called “Versions of You” that was acquired by North of Two. The story is about a man, who after the girl he loves gets married, explores parallel universes to find another version of her who will love him back. It is scheduled for a 2019 theatrical release. Perry is listed as the fourth from the top in the movie.
  • A note from last week’s show when somebody asked about how much time Kevin Owens has left on his contract, his current deal expires in the spring of 2023. 
  • Today’s Hidden Gems on WWE Network is a 1983 match from Houston with Dusty Rhodes & Junkyard Dog vs. Ted DiBiase & Matt Borne. (thanks to Paul Sosnowski)

UFC

  • Brian Kelleher vs. Montel Jackson has been added to the 12/29 UFC show in Las Vegas at the T Mobile Arena.

MISCELLANEOUS

  • ROH has tickets now on sale for its 2/9 show in Lakeland, FL (TV taping) at the RP Funding Arena, 2/10 in Miami at the Watsco Center, 3/15 in Las Vegas for the 17th anniversary show at Sam’s Town Live and 3/16 for TV tapings in Las Vegas at Sam’s Town Live.
  • PowerslamTV is giving a coupon code out to all readers of this publication to get a free month of their subscription service. The web site is Pivotshare.com and the code is F4WONLINE.
  • MCW on Saturday at the MCW Arena in Joppa, MD with Gene Okerlund appearing for a 6 p.m. meet and greet. Everyone who brings an unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots will get a Romanstrong bracelet.
  • Classic Pro Wrestling on Saturday in Aylett, VA at the King William Volunteer Fire Department at 6 p.m.
  • EWF is having a toy drive show on Saturday in San Bernardino, CA at the VFW Hall.
  • Unify Championship Entertainment on 12/22 in Honolulu at the Aloha Tower Marketplace features a tournament for the Hawaiian heavyweight title that include Austin Aries and Jeff Cobb and Sumie Sakai vs. Radiant Rain for the Women’s Kaimana championship belt.
  • Shane Douglas vs. Joe E Legend in an extreme rules match headlines a show tonight in Allen Park, MI at the Knights of Columbus.  Rhyno will host the show.
  • The first promotion in Vietnam called Saigon Pro Wrestling has shows in a dance studio with no ropes and a mat on the floor. The talent is small but hard working and usually draw around 150 fans per show. (thanks to Jody Starks)
  • Defy Wrestling on 12/14 in Seattle at Washington Hall with Shane Strickland defending his Defy title against Artemis Spencer, plus Penta 0M, Chris Riedgeway and Brian Cage are appearing.
  • All Star Wrestling on 12/8 in Surrey, BC at the Alice McKay Building at the Cloverdale Fairgrounds with Frankie Kazarian vs. Kyle Sebastian plus Adam Ryder vs. Artemis Spencer in a Texas death match.
  • Border Town Pro on 12/29 in Fort Erie, ONT at the Fort Erie Native Friendship Center with Kongo Kong & Fallah Bahh vs. Tyson Dux & Tarik vs. Aiden Price & Jim Stryder.
  • CWE on 12/6 in Arborg, Manitoba at the Arborg Bifrost Community Centre.
  • 1 Fall Studio Superstars from today in Melbourne: Ritchie Taylor & Campbell Crawford b Tyson Baxter & Jett Rouka, Dowie James & JXT b Ali & Slade Mercer, Jonah Rock b Adam Brooks, Robbie Eagles b Logan Grey, Lochy Hendricks b Robbie Eagles to become champion. 
  • Juventud Guerrera vs. Adam O’Malley is booked for AWE on 12/21 in Malaysia. (thanks to Kevin Chiat)
  • Bar Wrestling from last night in Los Angeles: Taya Valkyrie & PJ Black b Eli Everfly & Delilah Doom, Killer Kross b Luchasaurus, Eric Watts & Scorpio Sky b Peter Avalon & Ray Rosas, Heather Monroe b Tyler Bateman, Willie Mack & D-Lo Brown b Yuma & BHK, Brian Cage b Brody King.
  • A story on Lionheart Adrian McCallum, who headlines the ICW Fear & Loathing show this week, and battling back from a broken neck in a match with A.J. Styles. (thanks to Mike Kuzmuk)
  • Vintage UK female self defense and wrestling photo spread. (thanks to Lee Wall)
  • The Apter Chat podcast has given The Young Bucks their tag team of the year award. 

Daily Pro Wrestling History: Rock ‘n’ Roll Express win SMW Tag Team titles

CONTACT INFORMATION