Daily Update: UFC Fight Night, JR talks NJPW

We’re looking for reports from today’s WWE show in Canton, OH (Dean Ambrose vs. Kevin Owens, Alberto Del Rio vs. Kalisto, Tommy Dreamer & Dudleys vs. Wyatt Family) as well as all three NXT shows from the last three nights in Winter Haven, Cocoa Beach and Fort Pierce to Dave Meltzer

UFC FROM THE T.D GARDEN IN BOSTON TODAY

Follow along with F4Wonline.com’s Josh Nason as he provides cageside coverage.

Fight Pass at 6 p.m. Eastern

Francimar Barroso vs. Elvis Mutapcic

Rob Font vs. Joey Gomez

Kyle Bochniak vs. Charles Rosa

Ilir Latifi vs. Sean O’Connell

Daron Cruickshank vs. Paul Felder

FS 1 at 8 p.m.

Maximo Blanco vs. Luke Sanders

Tim Boetsch vs. Ed Herman

Mehdi Baghdad vs. Chris Wade

Patrick Cote vs. Ben Saunders

Ross Pearson vs. Francisco Trinaldo

Travis Browne vs. Matt Mitrione

Eddie Alvarez vs. Anthony Pettis

T.J. Dillashaw vs. Dominick Cruz for the bantamweight title

Raw will be live on Monday night in Columbus, OH.  Brock Lesnar will be appearing on the show.

NEW JAPAN FANTASTICA MANIA DAY TWO ON TUESDAY IN KYOTO (not on New Japan World)

Ryusuke Taguchi & Fuego vs. Yohei Komatsu & Sho Tanaka

The Panther vs. Okumura

Guerrero Maya Jr. vs. Bobby Z

Dragon Lee & Jushin Liger & David Finlay & Titan vs. Barbaro Cavernario & Yoshi-Hashi & Virus & Hechicero

Stuka Jr. & Mascara Dorada & Atlantis vs. Tetsuya Naito & Evil & Bushi

Mistico & Kushida vs. Ultimo Guerrero & Gedo

Hiroshi Tanahashi & Volador Jr. & Juice Robinson vs. Shinsuke Nakamura & Kazuchika Okada & Mephisto

Smackdown and Main Event will be taped on Tuesday night in Dayton, OH.

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 two new quick video clips up on our Youtube page, so check it out and subscribe today for more!

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 18, 2016 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: NJPW strips Nakamura, Sting to HOF

An update on Shinsuke Nakamura, WWE and New Japan Pro Wrestling is the lead story of the new issue of the Wrestling Observer.  His departure, not losing the IC title in the ring, the decision making surrounding it, Nakamura’s final matches in Japan and his start in the U.S., New Japan’s next two PPV shows, and the future of the IC title.

Nick Diaz’s updated suspension, Diaz vs. Robbie Lawler, and the welterweight division title situation.  UFC 197 through 200 with talk about what is next for Ronda Rousey, Jon Jones vs. Daniel Cormier, MMA in New York, what huge publicity coup UFC had that fell apart, is UFC too confident about high ticket prices, and a number of future main events.  The plans for C.M. Punk’s debut.

Lots of WrestleMania updates, including what is on the books and other key matches.  We’ve got more on John Cena’s surgery, updates on a number of WWE injuries, a look at the first Smackdown on USA, more on brain injuries to fighters and wrestlers, Notes on the next NXT tapings, new WWE camps, double standards, Linda McMahon update, NXT weekend, and football background of two NXT stars.

Rundowns of all the WWE & NXT house shows over the weekend and business notes.  Updates on Royal Rumble.

A feature on Sting and his career, from growing up through Memphis, through WCW and TNA and his final run in WWE.  How he got started, his first break, the Ric Flair match that made him a star, when he was originally going to win the NWA title and why it was delayed, what happened when he was champion, the Hogan vs. Sting disaster, how he ended up in TNA.

Full coverage of TNA’s tapings and PPV, contract issues, the Matt Hardy situation and what is the short-term future for television.

Yoel Romero and his potential test failure and how this changes the middleweight division.  Romero’s background, fighter reactions to his test failure.

The future of the AAA Mega championship and the current plans for Guerra de Titanes, the first major show of 2016 in AAA.

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 NEWS UPDATE

Jim Ross gives an in-depth look at his talks with AXS about doing New Japan Pro Wrestling

TNA announced today that Kurt Angle’s last match in the company will be 1/31 in Birmingham, England for a TV taping against Bobby Lashley.

California independent wrestler, Darren Dean (real name Mike Dean) passed away in the last few days.  He had done some ROH shows in the past, worked overseas, and traveled at times with Davey Richards and Tony Kozina.  He was 25.  (thanks to Scott Winter)

According to many, yesterday’s Revolution Pro Wrestling match with Will Ospreay vs. Marty Scurll was a match of the year candidate.  Steve Rice said it was close to **** with great character, work, psychology and a big match feel.  Scurll got the win.  He also said the A.J. Styles vs. Zack Sabre Jr. main event was easily four stars.  Speedball Mike Bailey was also on the show against Big Damo, while Mark Haskins faced Jay Lethal with Lethal retaining the ROH tile.  Bram was also on the show, as was Colt Cabana.

Danny Miller is hospitalized with an undisclosed illness.  Danny is the younger brother of Big Bill Miller, who was a major star in the 50s and 60s and into the early 70s.  He later worked for Championship Wrestling from Florida in the office during its glory years.

The video of Willie Pep done by Lee Wylie that Kenny Florian got suspended by Fox Sports for plagiarizing in his article on tonight’s Dominick Cruz vs. T.J. Dillashaw fight

WWE

  • The new season of Total Divas debuts Tuesday night at 9 p.m. on E!  The main storyline is Nikki Bella wondering if she should tell John Cena about how ex-boyfriend Dolph Ziggler is trying to get back together with her, while Paige thinks about whether she should break off her engagement and Brie Bella tries to get Bryan Danielson on a new career path.
  • WWE is teasing the idea of a confrontation next weekend with Stephen Amell of Arrow and Stardust, continuing their angle from the summer.  If it happens, it would be at the Heroes and Villains Fan Fest in Secaucus, NJ on 1/23, since the Rumble is the net day.
  • After Raw on Monday night will be a John Layfield interview with Brian “Road Dogg” James.

UFC/MMA

  • Miesha Tate revealed on Inside MMA on Friday that she was in a minor car accident earlier in the day but it won’t affect the 3/5 fight with Holly Holm.
  • It should be noted that the guy who is fighting Mickey Gall on the 2/6 show in Las Vegas named Michael Jackson is Michael “The Truth” Jackson and not Michael “Blackjack” Jackson.  If Gall wins, he faces C.M. Punk in June, or at least that was the target date as of this week.
  • An editorial about legalizing MMA in New York
  • After last night’s Invicta show, president Shannon Knapp announced the next show would be 3/11 in Las Vegas on Fight Pass.

MISCELLANEOUS

  • Mauro Ranallo, broadcasting last night’s boxing heavyweight title fight where Deontay Wilder beat Artur Szpilka at the Barclays Center, got a few Royal Rumble mentions during the broadcast. 
  • There was also an angle last night as when Wilder was doing his post-match interview, Tyson Fury hit the ring and started singing and then went nose-to-nose with Wilder.
  • Today is the 74th birthday of Muhammad Ali.
  • AAW Chaos Theory from Friday night in Merrionette Park, IL:  Drew Gulak b Louis Lyndon, Kongo Kong won three-way over Dan O’Hare and Wheeler Utah, Heidi Lovelace & Kimber Lee b Allysin Kay & Brittany Blake, Hooligans b Zero Gravity to retain the tag title, Sami Callihan b Chris Hero (an incredible match live), Shane Hollister & Mat Fitchett & Markus Crane b Bucky Collinswood & Eddie Machete & Connor Braxton, Ryan Boz b Abyss, AR Fox b Davey Vega to retain the Heritage title, Eddie Kingston b Trevor Lee to retain the AAW title.  Next show is 2/19 at 115 Bourbon Street with Eddie Kingston vs. Sami Callihan for the title and Abyss & Kongo Kong vs. Ryan Boz & Russ Jones in a Monster’s Ball match.
  • Crooked Sword Comedy brings Jake Roberts to Waterloo, ONT on 2/19 for a one man show talking about his career at 8 p.m. with a VIP meet and greet at 6 p.m.
  • Kenny Omega plays Ultra Street Fighter 4 with 2 other players on Excellent Adventures  (thanks to Michael David)
  • Joe Buck has a talk show called Undeniable on Audience TV.  The guest this week was former coach and current TV analyst Jimmy Johnson, who grew up in Port Arthur, TX.  During the show, Johnson talked about growing up as a wrestling fan, saying, that he would wrestle his brother, who would play bad guy as Wild Bull Curry and he’s be the good guy, as Ricki, but he couldn’t remember the last name (most likely Ricki Starr).
  • GOUGE from yesterday in Fuquay Varina, NC:  Damien Wayne won Redneck Rumble, No Direction b Leo Ryker & Wallabee Joe, Seymount Snott b Court Montgomery, Mickey Gambino b Waylon Maze, Juan Jeremi b Jimmy Jack Funk Jr. via DQ, Timmy Lou Retton b Damien Wayne via DQ
  • AAA from Wednesday night in San Luis Potosi before 3,000 fans:  Aero Fly & Efecto & Vagabundo b Conde Bartock & Mr. Marca & Mini Maniaco, Goya Kong & Pimpinela Escarlata b Taya & Black Mamba, Drago & Electroshock b El Hijo de Pirata Morgan & Joe Lider-DQ, El Hijo de Fantasma & El Texano Jr. & Pentagon Jr. b Psycho Circus, Chessman & Mesias & Taurus b Dr. Wagner Jr. & Fenix & La Parka when Mesias pinned Wagner after ripping off his mask (thanks to Kris Zellner)
  • I Believe in Wrestling from last night at the Team Vision Dojo in Orlando:  Los Ben Dejos b Ace Andres & Rex Bacchus, Hercules Gomez b Josh Parker, Braydon Knight b Tyranus-DQ, Lince Dorado b Desmond Xavier, Brandon Scherer won three-way over Chico Adams and Gabriel Black, Mike Reed b Aaron Epic, Santana Garrett b Barbi Hayden via DQ to retain her Stardom title and Japanese tour.  Next show is 1/30 with Giddins vs. Mark Silva and Garrett vs. Hayden no DQ. (thanks to Al Haft)
  • Kevin Nash will appear for In Your Face Wrestling on 3/12 in Albany, NY at the Polish Community Center to manage a team as well as do an autograph signing at a pre-event convention with Bob Holly and Scott Norton. 
  • NSPW from last night in Quebec City before 407 fans:  Dru Onyx b Brad Alekxis, Alex Price & Dead End b Surfer Mitch &,Joe Kovick & Tony Tremblay, Pee Wee & Judas b 3.0, Heavy Metal Chaos b The Best, Marko Estrada b Matt Angel, Kickin n Stompin b BattleCruisers, Franky the Mobster & Travis Toxic b Giovanni & Michael Style.  Next show is 2/6 with Marko Estrada vs. Davey Richards (thanks to Patric Laprade)      
  • Absolute Intense Wrestling on 3/5 at Tequila Jax in Lake, OH with all seats $20 and Little Guido appearing, plus 3/18 in Cleveland at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, headlined by Michael Elgin. 
  • Ronin Wrestling on 1/30 at the Broward College South Gym here is a local story on the show. (thanks to Paul Kacprzak)
  • Here’s an article from the Salina Journal about a group of former backyard wrestlers that now run indie shows (thanks to Chris Aiken) 

ON THIS DAY IN WORLD PRO WRESTLING HISTORY: 1/17 Big Van Vader wins the IWGP TItle