Daily Update: WWE Backlash, Orton out, Dana comments on C.M. Punk

WWE BACKLASH AT 7 P.M. EASTERN TIME ON THE WWE NETWORK

Tickets for tonight show were not selling well in Richmond. WWE has done a lot of papering of late. Hundreds of tickets were given out on the street yesterday in front of the comic con. There were also tickets being given away last night at popular bars and clubs.

*Dean Ambrose vs. A.J. Styles for WWE title – If nothing else, every A.J. Styles main event on a PPV you go in expecting a great match. It’s probably the time for the title change. When Smackdown was to get the contrived championship at first, Styles was to be the first champion so it would make sense to go with him. Styles is the 15-to-1 favorite right now.

*The Miz vs. Dolph Ziggler for IC title – There was a late odds shift with Ziggler going from a more than 10-to-1 favorite to Miz becoming a 9-to-1 favorite so it would appear the finish of this match changed today. To me, it makes sense for Miz to retain, but it’s not like it matters either way.

*Nikki Bella vs. Natalya vs. Becky Lynch vs. Naomi vs. Carmella vs. Alexa Bliss in a six-way elimination match to create the first Smackdown women’s champion. Lynch is right now a -1050 favorite. With five falls, this match needs to go a decent amount of time. Normal booking patterns with Nikki beating laid out over and over again would in theory have Nikki as the favorite.

*Zack Ryder & Mojo Rawley vs. Usos – This match determines who goes to the finals of the Smackdown tag team title tournament. The Usos are 17-to-1 favorites which makes sense. They already did Slater & Rhyno vs. Ryder & Rawley on Smackdown on Tuesday.

*Rawley & Ryder vs. Usos winner vs. Heath Slater & Rhyno to create new Smackdown tag team champions. Slater & Rhyno are -1050 to become the first champions. 

        This, at least on paper, is the weakest WWE PPV show of the year. It looks like little of note aside from a probable strong main event. It doesn’t feel like almost any interest either compared to a normal PPV show.

THE ROUND-UP

The Latest from the F4W Staff

Dana White: CM Punk’s next fight probably shouldn’t be in the UFC – Dana White isn’t known for holding his tounge. Read what he had to say on the performance of C.M. Punk.

UFC 203: Watch the post-event press conference with CM Punk, Stipe Miocic – The hometown Miocic had the crowd support on Saturday. Find out what is next for the heavyweight champion.

CM Punk gets submitted in UFC debut, vows to fight again – Punk’s fate is left hanging in the balance after a poor performance. 

ROH TV results: The Briscoes vs. Jay White & Lio Rush – The ROH new era vs. the ROH old guard. Sounds like fun to me!

WWE Main Event results: Dolph Ziggler vs. Aiden English – What’s old is new again, as Dolph Ziggler’s futures seems to be bright.

EVOLVE 68 results: Johnny Gargano’s farewell weekend begins – Heading to WWE, Gargano says goodbye.

UFC 203 live results: CM Punk vs. Mickey Gall; Stipe Miocic vs. Alistair Overeem – Spoiler alert, Punk didn’t do as well as he had planned. 

CMLL Arena Mexico results: Matt Taven returns: Mistico; Dragon Lee: Mascara Dorada – Taven tests his knee in a wild night south of the border.

WWE Superstars results: Neville’s full beard; Swagger & Titus get the crowd excited – A fun show recapped as always by James Cox.

WEEKEND SCHEDULE

Please send your thoughts with a thumbs up, down, or middle, along with best and worst match:Dave@WrestlingObserver.com

  • UFC 204 from Cleveland
  • WWE Backlash, Smackdown brand PPV from Richmond

Please send reports:Dave@WrestlingObserver.com

  • WWE in Shanghai, China (Raw crew plus John Cena)
  • WWE in Raleigh, NC (Smackdown crew minus John Cena and American Alpha). 

TONIGHT…

EVOLVE IPPV FROM WOODSIDE, QUEENS, NY ON SUNDAY

  • Fred Yehi vs. Travis Gordon
  • Tracy Williams vs. Chuck O’Neil
  • Ethan Page vs. David Starr
  • Tony Nese vs. Darby Allin
  • T.J. Perkins vs. Matt Riddle
  • Drew Gulak vs. Dustin
  • Zack Sabre Jr. vs. Ricochet
  • Johnny Gargano & Cody Rhodes vs. Drew Galloway & Chris Hero

NEW JAPAN FROM TOKYO KORAKUEN HALL ON MONDAY AT 5:30 A.M. EASTERN TIME ON NEW JAPAN WORLD

  • David Finlay vs. Henare
  • Yoshitatsu & Captain New Japan vs. Yujiro Takahashi & Chase Owens
  • Hiroyoshi Tenzan & Satoshi Kojima & Jushin Liger & Ryusuke Taguchi vs. Will Ospreay & Gedo & Rocky Romero & Baretta
  • Togi Makabe & Tomoaki Honma vs. Yuji Nagata & Manabu Nakanishi
  • Juice Robinson vs. Evil
  • Katsuyori Shibata & Tiger Mask vs Bobby Fish & Kyle O’Reilly
  • Kazuchika Okada & Hirooki Goto & Tomohiro Ishii & Yoshi-Hashi vs. Kenny Omega & Bad Luck Fale & Tama Tonga & Tanga Roa
  • Hiroshi Tanahashi & Michael Elgin & Kushida vs. Tetsuya Naito & Seiya Sanada & Bushi

Raw will be Monday night from Baltimore. Smackdown will have a house show in Fairfax, VA on Monday night.

Smackdown will be Tuesday night from the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia.

The semifinals and finals of the cruiserweight classic will be part of a two-hour show live from Full Sail University at 8 p.m. Eastern on Wednesday with semifinals of Kota Ibushi vs. T.J. Perkins and Zack Sabre Jr. vs. Gran Metalik as the semifinals.

Figure Four Weekly: Figure Four Weekly 9/5/2016: WWE finally releases the “Last Battle of Atlanta” – WWE is getting ready to check another box off the wrestling video collectors’ holy grail list. WWE Network news reported over the weekend that Tommy Rich vs. Buzz Sawyer in “The Last Battle of Atlanta” will be added to the service on Tuesday, September 6th as part of a “Hidden Gems” playlist… 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: September 12, 2016 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: CM Punk making UFC debut, PWG Battle of Los Angeles review, more – A 19-month journey will come to an end, or to a new beginning on 9/10 when Phil Brooks, better known as C.M. Punk, steps into the cage in one of the biggest matches on the UFC 203 PPV card. While many people have tried to make analogies, using names like Brock Lesnar or James Toney, there is really nothing in UFC history really comparable to this. It was a weird experiment that many had written off as a failure six months into the story… Subscribers click here to continue reading.

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WON BACK ISSUE: August 16, 1999 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Jim Ross, Jushin Liger, Keiji Mutoh, Lioness Asuka enter Hall of Fame – Details on the Wrestling Observer Hall of Fame voting results… Subscribers click here to continue reading.

SUNDAY NEWS UPDATE

We have an update on the condition of Randy Orton. He has not been cleared to wrestle tonight and his match against Bray Wyatt has been cancelled. 

There were 1.2 million searches for UFC 203 yesterday, making it the most searched item on the Internet, ahead of Jaden Smith (1 million) and Tennessee football. One would have expected a number closer to 500,000 for a show like that.

It will be interesting to see if WWE has John Layfield make any cracks about C.M. Punk tonight. My guess is no, only because the talent was very supportive of him and would see it as low class, but it is Vince and Paul Levesque’s call at the end.

There were more pro wrestlers at last night’s UFC than probably any UFC show in history due to C.M. Punk. Among the names known that were there include Johnny Mundo & Taya, Matt Cross, Matt Sydal, Tyson Kidd, Noelle Foley, Chris Hero, Luke Harper, Cliff Compton and guys who I’m not certain were there but were interviewed there during the day included Alberto El Patron, Mark Henry and MVP. There were a ton of Midwestern independent guys there.

Bryan and I will be back tonight with Wrestling Observer Radio covering the PPV show, more from UFC and TNA, plus taking your e-mail questions that you can send to mailbag@wrestlingobserver.com. We have a show up on the site right now covering last night’s UFC and previewing tonight’s show.

VARIETY

  • A promotion called Lucha Ilimitado debuts on 10/12 in Yakima, WA at the Sun Dome. Matt Farmer, Konnan and Richard O’Sullivan are among those behind the promotion.  Rey Mysterio Jr. will headline the show and his opponent is expected to be announced tomorrow.  Jeff Cobb vs. Fenix vs Sonjay Dutt vs. Jonathan Gresham for the Corazon de Oro Cup was already announced for the show.
  • Alberto El Patron was announced for the WCPW tapings on 9/15 in Newcastle, England at the O2 Academy.
  • NWA SuperBrawl on 10/1 in Columbus, GA with Jax Dane vs. Gunner Phil Shatter for the NWA title, while Rick & Scott Steiner face whoever holds the IWGP tag team titles. 
  • Appalachian Mountain Wrestling last night in Buckhorn, KY: Eddie Browning b Michael Jameson, Maxx Sledd b Brandon Taggart, Anthony Tyler Moore b Matty B, Clinton Stacy & Kyle Maggard b Larry D & Stan Sierra, Beau James b Stevie Phillips, Jordan Kage b Chance Prophet, John Noble & Brad Thomas b Heatseekers. Next shows are 10/13 in Hindman, KY at the Knott County Middle School gym and 10/13 in Happy, KY at the R.W. Combs Elementary School.
  • NSPW from last night in Quebec City, Quebec before 438 fans: Handsome JF b Judas, Alex Price d Matt Falco, Mike Gibson b Antonio Corsi, Surfer Mitch & Travis Toxic b Dead End, Matt Angel b Michael Style, Clean Up Society b Shane Matthews & Scott Parker, Brad Alekxis won six-way over Pee Wee, Oliver Strange, Kevin Dunn, Liam Letto and Shayne Hawke, Rene Dupree & Sylvain Grenier (as La Resistance in their first match as a team in Canada since 2003) b Ivan Sullivan & Spike, Marko Estrada b Benjamin Tull. Pat Patterson was at the show signing his new autobiography. Next show is 10/8 headlined by Flash Funk (Too Cold Scorpio) and Mike Bailey. (thanks to Patric Laprade)
  • WCWF from last night in Yuba City, CA before a near sellout: Skye Brothers won tag team Battle Royal, Buddy Lee b Daniel Torch, Kenny K b Marcus Lewis, Kenny K b Victor Sterling, Nathan Brick won three-way over Joe DeSoul and Mr. Prime Time. Brick was bloodied up and needed five staples in his head to close the cut. (thanks to Jim Davis)
  • UPW from last night in Rochester, NY:  Rik Matrix won over Boz and Bam Bam, Preston Myles over Milliman, Charlie Locke, Thomas Torrens, Jordan Falco and Victor Lord III, LaDiva b Rae Rae the Ram, Nick Aldo won scramble match over Jeremy Jensen, Icon Ace, Cloudy, Cheech and Ryan Cassidy, Dick Justice b Cody Deaner, Josh Alexander b HC Loc, Scotty O’Shea b Gregory Iron, Nick Ando b Holden Albright, Mattick b Chris Cayden to keep UPW title, Interstate Educational System won four-way over Tygerslayer 08, Wet Bandits and Hellcat & Bobby Dipinto, Donovan Dijak won three-way over Jason Savior and Marc Hauss, Maximo Suave b Space Monkey, Dick Justice won the tournament finals over Scotty O’Shea, Josh Alexander and Nick Ando to win the No Limits title.
  • Hoosier Pro Wrestling has a show on 10/1 in Columbus, IN honoring Jimmy Valiant. The show is at the 4-H Fairgrounds. 
  • AIW from Friday night in Cleveland: Tim Donst won over Shawn Shultz, Eric Ryan and Facade, BJ Whitmer b Dominic Garrini, Candice LaRae b Britt Baker, Dan Severn b Eddie Kingston, Colt Cabana b Grado, Gringo Loko & Steve Pain b To Infinity and Beyond and The Boys from Jollyville, Louis Lyndon b Matt Riddle, Alex Daniels b Michael Elgin to keep the Intense title, Josh Prohibition b Ethan Page to keep the Absolute title, Shayna Baszler b Heidi Lovelace to win the AIW title. This was the show where Ronda Rousey and Jessamyn Duke put Baszler on their shoulders to celebrate after she won the title.
  • Mid Missouri Wrestling Alliance from last night in St. Louis: Danny Adams & J-Mal Swagg b Brian James & Everett Connors, Kevin Lee Davidson b BT Daramola, Barackus b Big Jim Hoffarth via forfeit, Brandon Espinosa b Damion Coretss, Moondog Rover NC Jimmy D, Da’Marius Jones b Gary Jackson, Brandon Espinosa b Evan Gelistico & Matt Kenway-DQ in a handicap match, Kevin Lee Davidson won three-way over Barackus and Da’Marius Jones (thanks to Patrick Brandmeyer)
  • Chaotic Wrestling from last night in Lowell, MA at the baseball stadium: Travis Gordon won five-way over Scotty Slade, Brandon Locke, Adam Booker and Sean Burke, Tomasso Ciampa b Warbeard Hanson, Johnny Gargano won three-way over Austin Aries and JT Dunn, Dijak & Mikey Webb won tag team gauntlet match over Jimmy Preston & Mark Shuman, Cam Zagami & Robbie E, Da Hoodz, Elia Markopolous & Christian Casanova and Brick Mastone & Antony Greene, Tommy Dreamer & Rob Van Dam & Little Guido b Chase Del Monte & Logan Brothers, Cam Zagami won Battle Royal, Mistress Belmont & Davienne b Alexxis & Thea Trinidad, Cody Rhodes b Brian Fury (thanks to Pat Hamilton)
  • Red Rock Wrestling on 9/16 in Stratford, PEI at the Stratford Town Hall.
  • Fall Brawl in Greektown on 10/16 in East York ONT at the Detroit Eatery with Rosemary from TNA.
  • Global Force Wrestling ran two shows on Friday night at the Midway at the Tennessee State Fair in Nashville. The first show before 60 fans saw Teddy King b LT Falk, Mahabali Shera b Justin Grandberry, Jeremiah Plunkett b Jocephus Brody. Second show before 50 fans saw LT Falk b Justin Grandberry, Mahabali Shera b Teddy King, Jocephus Brody NC Jeremiah Plunkett, Justin Grandberry & Teddy King & Jeremiah Plunkett b LT Falk & Mahabali Shera & Jocephus Brody.
  • CZW from last night in Voorhees, NJ: Monsta Mac & Homicide retained tag titles (Homicide subbing for Dan Maff) over BLK Jeez & Pepper Parks, Tony Deppan won over Anthony Henry, Joey Lynch and Ryan Taylor (said to be a great collection of big moves), Shane Strickland b Dezmont Xavier, Reed Bentley & Josh Crane & Dale Patrick b Devon Moore & Danny Havoc & Conor Claxton, Rickey Shane Page b Sami Callihan (Callihan appeared to suffer a neck or shoulder injury in this match and it quickly went to the finish), David Starr b Dave Crist, Jonathan Gresham won over Joe Gacy, Greg Excellent and Matt Tremont to win the CZW title in an ultraviolent match with a board of nails, carpet strips, thumbtacks, a wiffle ball bat and panes of glass, Joey Janela won Chris Cash Memorial Ladder match over Lio Rush. Next show is 10/10 with Page vs. Danny Havoc vs. Tim Donst vs. Alex Colon. (thanks to Bob Magee)
  • Golden Corner Wrestling from last night in Seneca, SC: Deon Johnson b Tyler Gaines, Sweet Dreams b Josh King, Bryson Willis b Erik Anton, Delta Force b Sons of Steel, Lodi & Scotty Matthews b George South & BJ Hancock (thanks to Thomas Simpson)
  • Wrestle Aid Orlando from Team Vision Dojo last night in Orlando: Chasyn Rance b Faris Sibai, Li Bryan & Miguel Mason b Slade Porter & Rob Van Achen, CT Brown b Ricky Anderson, MJ Knight b Raegan Fire, Tyranus b Axx, Aria Blake b Mila Nank-DQ, Aaron Epic & Jon Cruz b Mike Reed & Jason Cade (thanks to Al Haft)

Daily Pro Wrestling History (09/11): Wrestlefest: 50 Years of Funk

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