Daily Update: WWE Network pulls Stampede Wrestling, WWE hires new exec

We’re looking for reports on Raw tonight from North Charleston, SC with Superstars matches, dark matches and anything else that wouldn’t be evident on the live Raw tonight, as well as reports from the WWE weekend shows in Augusta, Fayetteville and Florence, SC to Dave Meltzer

Bryan and I will be back tonight with Wrestling Observer radio tonight talking Raw, the big weekend upcoming and taking your e-mail questions to mailbag@wrestlingobserver.com

Smackdown and Tribute to the Troops will be taped on Tuesday in Jacksonville.

The finals of the New Japan tag team tournament will be late Tuesday/early Wednesday from Sendai at 4:30 a.m. Eastern and 1:30 a.m. Pacific

Yohei Komatsu & Sho Tanaka vs. Juice Robinson & David Finlay

Jay White vs. Mascara Dorada

Jushin Liger & Kushida vs. Tiger Mask & Ryusuke Taguchi

Hiroyoshi Tenzan & Satoshi Kojima & Yuji Nagata & Manabu Nakanishi vs. Karl Anderson & Doc Gallows & Tama Tonga & Yujiro Takahashi

Michael Bennett & Matt Taven vs. Christopher Daniels & Frankie Kazarian

Shinsuke Nakamura & Toru Yano vs. Bad Luck Fale & Cody Hall

Hiroshi Tanahashi & Hirooki Goto & Katsuyori Shibata & Michael Elgin vs. Kazuchika Okada & Tomohiro Ishii & Kazushi Sakuraba & Yoshi-Hashi

Togi Makabe & Tomoaki Honma vs. Tetsuya Naito & Evil for the 2015 World Tag League tournament final

Figure Four Weekly

Figure Four Weekly (11/23/15): Lots of Updates in Hulk Hogan-Gawker case
Lots of news including a win for Gawker, the new police report, the remaining mysteries of the case, what Bubba the Love Sponge is saying, and more.

Wrestling Observer Newsletter

Mick Foley’s talk on WWE creative and a look at all the new moves WWE tried this week on television is the lead story in the new issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.  We look at the changes WWE attempted after a week of record low ratings, as well as the fan questionnaire sent out, what can be learned from it, and why they are asking exactly the wrong people.  

We also look at the strengths and weaknesses of the current WWE business, as well as why the ratings may be important, but other factors are probably more important,when it comes to WWE’s next television deal.  We look at the different potential changes in the landscape look at what aspects of business are and aren’t improving, as well as WWE’s business in the big picture.  

He also update the situation with A.J. Styles, and the New Japan tag team tournament with standings and notes on the tournament matches over the past week.

We also look at the TLC PPV update, more on La Sombra in WWE, questions about all the shoulder injuries, WWE security at live shows, Cena movie release, Brad Maddox firing, Maddox’s WWE history, talents WWE has shown interest in, WWE overseas tour lineup and WWE weekend live event notes and business.

We have a look at the debut of the new Rizin promotion, major announcements for the first weekend of shows, the tournament, just how big Bob Sapp vs Akebono was the first time.

We also have a story on the domestic abuse claims by the girlfriend of Tomoaki Honma, and his response.

We look at the realities of the free agency of Benson Henderson, judging of the key fights, as well as  full rundown of UFC’s debut in South Korea this past week.

We’ve got notes of TNA’s canceled tour of India, notes on the death of Tommy Gilbert and El Bello Greco, along with a feature on Stan Holek, a member of two of the most decorated tag teams of the 50s and 60s, the Lisowski Brothers with Crusher and the Neilson Brothers with Art Neilson.  We look at the unique reason why all of his success was as a tag team wrestler, his biggest rivals, and his 13 runs as world tag team champion. 

We’ve got a feature on the retirement of Act Yasukawa and the sad reason it happened.

We’ve also got the awards ballot for the 2015 awards and information on how well Hell in a Cell did this year on PPV.  

PLUS MUCH MORE! CLICK HERE FOR A FULL WRESTLING OBSERVER PREVIEW

The Latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter: December 7, 2015 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: WWE attempts to right the ship, New Japan tag league update, more

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Click here for the most requested Wrestling Observer back issues.

TODAY’S DAILY UPDATE

The annual Tokyo Sports pro wrestling awards will be announced late tonight.  Minoru Suzuki and Kazuchika Okada are the favorites for MVP. 

WWE has pulled its Stampede Wrestling footage from the Network today over a rights issue that has to be resolved between Vince McMahon and Bret
Hart, who owns all of his Stampede footage.

Bubba Ray Dudley on Twitter yesterday saying “Just got off the phone with an Extreme Brother.  Do not miss Raw tomorrow night.”

Jimmy Snuka was scheduled in court for a pretrial hearing today in the Nancy Argentino case.  The hearing is in regard to the prosecution turning over evidence to the defense. 

WWE announced the hiring of John Brody as Executive Vice President of Global Sales and Partnerships.  He has performed similar positions with the NFL, Major League Baseball and the Boston Celtics.  He will work directly under Michelle Wilson, the Chief Revenue and Marketing Officer as a new member of the senior management team.  

Street & Smith’s Sports Business Journal released its 50 most influential people in sports in 2015 list.  No Dana White, Lorenzo Fertitta or Vince McMahon in the top 50.  White & Fertitta have been on the list in years past.  Eric Shanks of Fox Sports was No. 10.  Bob Bowman of Major League Baseball, who was formerly on the WWE Board of Directors before resigning, was No. 24.  Al Haymon, the boxing promoter, was the only combat sports person on the list at No. 46.

WWE

  • Even though Tommy Dreamer is getting a main roster run right now, he is a free agent and will be still doing his indie shows. 
  • The WWE’s Owen Hart documentary will be released tomorrow.
  • An interview with Big E
  • Expect some Happy Birthday Dean stuff on Raw since Ambrose turns 30 today.

UFC/MMA

  • Ronda Rousey will be on the cover of this week’s ESPN Magazine with her first interview since her loss.  Rousey noted it could be three to six months before she can eat an apple or take an impact due to loose teeth from the knockout.   Preview provided by People.
  • The Wall Street Journal talks to Conor McGregor
  • More Conor McGregor
  • Here is some of the schedule for the week in Las Vegas (all times listed are Pacific time)
    Tomorrow at 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. open workouts at the MGM Grand Casino floor with Rose Namajunas, Paige VanZant, Jim Miller, Michael Chiesa, Sage Northcutt and Cody Pfister free and open to the public
    Wednesday from 1-2:30 p.m. at the MGM Grand Garden Arena press conference with Dana White, Jose Aldo, Conor McGregor, Chris Weidman, Luke Rockhold, Frankie Edgar and Chad Mendes.  Free and open to the public. 
    Wednesday at 4 p.m. at the MGM Grand Garden Arena:  Fight Night weigh-ins.  Free and open to the public.
    Thursday from 10 a.m. to 12:30 a.m. open workouts at the MGM Grand Garden Arena with Jose Aldo, Conor McGregor, Chris Weidman and Luke Rockhold free and open to the public.
    Thursday at 2 p.m. weigh-ins for the Friday night show at the MGM Grand Garden Arena free and open to the public
    Thursday Fight Night starting at 3:45 p.m. at The Chelsea at The Cosmopolitan. 
    Friday weigh-ins for the PPV at 3 p.m. at the MGM Grand Garden Arena free and open to the public.
    Friday Fight Night starting at 4:30 p.m. at The Chelsea at The Cosmopolitan.
    Saturday UFC 194 first bout at 3:30 p.m. at the MGM Grand Garden Arena
  • An announcement was made today of a UFC Gym opening in Dubai in early 2016.

MISCELLANEOUS

Here is today’s FULL Daily Pro Wrestling History including International history: Daily pro wrestling history (12/07): Williams & Gordy win All Japan Tag Team Titles

  • Northeast Wrestling is looking for a play-by-play announcer.  They must have experience and live in the Northeast.  Anyone interested send resumes and samples to newwrestling@yahoo.com
  • The movie “Spectre” in week five was in fifth place with $5.52 million gross in the U.S. and it was No. 2 in Australia this week (thanks to James Stanios)
  • Pro Wrestling Chaos from Saturday in Yate, Bristol, UK:  Mark Andrews b Morgan Webster (good match), Jeckal b Tommaso Ciampa, Martina Kirby (Martin Kirby in drag) b Jinny-COR, Doomsday Killers b Gideon & Rhino & Mikey Whiplash (Rhino lost the fall which surprised everyone), Masked Mystery Man (Jeckal) won the Rumble, Wild Boar b Mike Bird in a 30:00 Iron man match to win the King of Chaos title.  The Masked Man attacked Boar and unmasked as Jeckal.  Next show in February with Grado. (thanks to James Witcombe)
  • Legacy Fighting Championships on 2/5 in Hinckley, MN at the Grand Casino Hinckley with Ricardo Ramos (8-0) vs. Augusto Mendes (5-0) for the bantamweight title that was vacated when Thomas Almeida went to UFC, plus Bock Larson (39-10) vs. Travis Coyle (14-8).  The show will air live on AXS.
  • Resurrection Fighting Alliance on AXS on 1/15 from the 1st Bank Center in Broomfield CO with Bojan Velickovic (12-3) vs. Benjamin Smith (15-3) for the welterweight title as the main event.
  • Pro Wrestling Championship Series from Sunday in Alton, IL:  Christian Rose b Paco Gonzalez, Alexandre Rudolph & Jake Parnell b Jay Howard & Roy Lewis, Pierre Abernathy b Kikutaro, Colt Cabana b Jeremy Wyatt, Mike Outlaw b Danny Adams, Makaze b Greg Jovi, Gerald James b Zakk Sawyers 2/3 falls, Grado b Everett Connors, Steven Kennedy & Jake Dirden & Davey Vega & Mat Fitchett b KC Karrington & Adam Caster & Evan Gelistico & Pierre Abernathy in an elimination match (thanks to Patrick Brandmeyer)
  • Maryland Championship Wrestling from Friday night in Felton, DE:  Funky White Boy & Fed Up (with Mick Foley) b Sonny deeds & Hotlanta Hustals, Oakley Woods b Andrew Steele, Paul Jordane b Fenix Fury, Hell Cats b The Ecktourage via COR so Ecktourage retains MCW tag titles, Ken Dixon b Brandon Scott, Travis Banks b Joe Kerr-COR, Headbangers b Drake Carter & Shaun Cannon, Kimber Lee b Renee Michelle to keep women’s title, Brandon Scott & The Bruiser & Lio Rush b Ken Dixon & Joe Keys & Rob Locke.  Next show is 12/26 in Joppa, MD at the MCW Arena with Chyna, Ethan Carter III and Ashely Massaro.
  • Zero One announced today a show in Yangon, Myanmar on 2/13 at the National Stadium as the first wrestling show in that country.  Press from Myanmar were covering the announcement.  They announced 20 wrestlers from six countries appearing.
  • Grand Slam Wrestling tonight in Moosic, PA at the Moosic Youth Center.  Yusuke Kodama from Japan is on the show.
  • Crossfire Wrestling from 12/5 in St. Catherines, ONT:  Rochester Wrecking Crew b Italianos, Justin Sane b Tyler Tirva, Kaitlin Diemond b Jewells Malone, Jaxon Jarvis b Chris Laplante, Cody Deaner won three-way over Eric Young and Kongo Kong (thanks to Steven Ashe)
  • Deathproof Fight Club from yesterday in Etobicoke, ONT:  Matt Cash b Taylor Kay-Deen, Maybach Beta b Tarik-COR, Steve Brown b Space Monkey, Danny Orlando & Hardcore Hick b Vaughn Vertigo & Gabriel Fuerza, Smiley b Eddie Sappalucci & Mattick in a three-way, Aiden Rayne & Rob Rage b Shane Sabre & John Greed, Balls Mahoney b Shaunymo in a flaming tables match (thanks to Chris DeCarvalho)
  • Destiny World Wrestling from yesterday in Mississauga, ONT:  Stone Rockwell won three-way over Phil Atlas and Pepper Parks (Eric Young attacked Rockwell after the match), Dalton Castle b Psycho Mike Rollins, Kongo Kong b Randy Reign, Jersey Boys b The Fraternity, RJ City b Ken Anderson, Alexia Nicole b Jennifer Blake-DQ, Ricochet won four-way over Ethan Page, Tyler Tirva and Scotty O’Shea.   Moose, Michael Elgin and Mick Foley will be working the next show in January.

Want to again praise some good work in the wrestling community in recent weeks:

The holiday season is here…and independent wrestling helps the public for the holidays with a wide variety of charity events. 

Here’s all the good work that has happened so far: 

* 3XWrestling presented Holiday Havoc 6 on December 4th, and the 3XW annual Toys for Tots Drive. 

* Pure Wrestling Association returned to Guelph, ON on December 4 and Kitchener, ON on December 5 for “Spirit of the Season” collecting scores of new, unwrapped toys and Guelph, ON on December 6 collecting many canned foods items. 

* 2300 (ECW) Arena presented the first of their Toys for Tots collection on December 5 at the CHIKARA Pro Wrestling season finale at the 2300 (ECW) Arena with an overflowing box of toys as well as cash donations for Toys for Tots, and food donations to Philabundance being collected. 

* Charity Wrestling Show comes to Kingston Gospel Temple, Kingston, ON, Canada on December 5 with a 7:00 pm belltime. with proceeds will go to Hands of Hope, a charity that provides groceries over the holiday season to families in need. 

* ECWA Pro Wrestling held its annual Toys for Tots show on December 5 at the Woodbury Heights Community Center, Woodbury, NJ with six boxes of Toys for Tots collected. 

* Right Coast Pro returned to Newark, DE on December 5 and collected 2 shopping carts of canned and nonperishable goods for the “Feed the Need Ministry” in Newark, DE and $500 for the Josh Jones Fund. 

* New England Championship Wrestling held its annual Toys for Tots collection/meet and greet at West Real Estate in Wilmington, MA on December 5, collecting nearly 100 toys. 

* The originator of Toys for Toys events in the Philadelphia/South Jersey region, United Wrestling Coalition, did it again on December 5 at Kelly’s Bar/Banquet Hall, 14 Railroad Avenue, Wrightstown, NJ with 300-350 toys plus 10 bikes. 

* WAR Wrestling returns to Lima, OH on December 5 for United or Divided in a fundraiser for the Veterans Food Pantry. raised over $600 in cash and a whole SUV full of food. 

* Crossfire Wrestling presented Jingle Bell Brawl IV on December 5 at The Merritton Community St. Catharine’s, ON, and raised $500 for The Niagara Children’s Centre Foundation. 

* New Era Wrestling returned to Golden, CO on December 5, collecting dozens of toys at their Toys for Tots collection. 

* Xtreme Intense Championship Wrestling returns to Warren, MI on December 6 for Hardcore With A Heart at The Ritz, collecting hundreds of cans of food for the homeless of metro Detroit. 

Here are the events still scheduled: 

* Grumpy’s Bail Bonds Operation Christmas sponsors a show in Portland, TN at the Richland Park Gym on December 11 with Ricky Morton, Bill Dundee, and TNA’s Crimson. 

* Texas Wrestling Association returns to the Texas Wolverine All-Star Gym, San Antonio, TX on December 11 for Gold Envy, part of the annual Toy Drive for Mujeres Unidas benefit Children’s Hospital of San Antonio. 

* Pro Wrestling All Stars proudly presents “Christmas Classic” LIVE Friday night December 11th from The Play Atlantis in Melvindale, Michigan. Doors open at 7pm and the show starts at 730pm. Tickets are Only $10 for adults and $5 for kids 12 & under. Bring in a New / unopened toy donation for “Toys 4 Tots” and receive a FREE TICKET to our January 1 show. 

In your Double Main, PWAS CruiserCore Champion, El Mano del Diablo puts the PWAS CruiserCore Championship on the line as he battles, Hardcore wrestling legend and former PWAS CruiserCore champion, The Homicidal, Suicidal, Genocidal, Sabu. In tag team action, the odd couple of The Mysterious Movado and his tag team partner, “The Oldtimer” Jeff King make their first title defense against “The State of Corruption’s” Frank Issac Anderson aka F.I.A and his partner & current PWAS Heavyweight Champion, ” Officer” Rod Street. In a #1 Contender Challenge, “Inmate” Jack Thriller takes on Johnny Guh with the winner getting a future PWAS Heavyweight Championship match. 

* Brew City Wrestling will run its annual Headlock for Hunger on December 11 at the Knight of Columbus Hall in West Allis, WI. The show features a food drive for the Hunger Task Force of Greater Milwaukee. Fans are asked to bring two non-perishable food items. 

* Chaotic Wrestling will do its second Toys for Tots show of the year on December 11th at the Woburn, MA at the Elks Lodge, 295 Washington St, Woburn, MA.

* Join Game Changer Wrestling in Howell, NJ on December 12. On that night we will be giving back! Not only via our Toys for Tots fundraiser, but to a pioneer of our industry, as we honor “Reckless Youth” Tom Carter for his contributions to the sport of Pro Wrestling. Not only that, but #WWE Hall of Famer George “The Animal” Steele and the lovely Terri Runnels will be in the house. For this special celebration to kick off the holiday season with Santa and his elves, get your tickets, NOW by calling the GCW Ticket line at 201-257- 8621. 

* Chaotic Wrestling is joining forces once again with The United States Marine Corps Reserve Toys For Tots Program on December 12. In Lowell, MA, we will be collecting NEW, UNWRAPPED TOYS to help provide a happier holiday for families in need. 

* All Star Wrestling presents Bodyslams For Toys on December 12 at the Cloverdale Fairgrounds, 6050 176 St, Surrey, BC, Canada. Bring a new unwrapped toy with at least a $10 value and get in FREE. 

* Combat Zone Wrestling presents its annual Toys for Tots collection (in conjunction with the Marine Corps Reserve) to take place for the eleventh year in a row with Combat Zone Wrestling’s 17th annual Cage of Death on December 12 at the Flyers Skate Zone in Voorhees, NJ. Cage of Death is part of an all day CZW event. Featured is the annual Cage of Death match, and the CZW return of Sami Callihan 

The afternoon features a Combat Zone Wrestling DOJO WARS afternoon student show, with an admission of $5 or one new, unwrapped toy. Toys for Tots will be collected all day. 

* GALLI Lucha Libre presents its annual GALLI Toy Drive Navidad event in Villa Park, IL on December 13. 

* 2300 (ECW) Arena and Ring of Honor present a Toys for Tots collection at Ring of Honor’s Final Battle PPV on December 18 at the 2300 (ECW) Arena on December 18 with an 8:30 pm belltime. 

* 2300 (ECW) Arena and Ring of Honor present a Toys for Tots collection at Ring of Honor’s TV taping on December 19 at the 2300 (ECW) Arena on December 18 with an 6:00 pm belltime. 

* SCW Entertainment returns to the Coronaca Fire Department in Coronaca, PA for the 5th annual Toys for Tots event on December 19. Featured matches: Anderson Strong (c) vs. Dean Richards in a SCW Heavyweight Championship/30 Minute Iron Man Match, TJ Boss vs. Ben Wright in a Cage Match/Loser Leaves SCW/Winner is # 1 Contender to the SCW Heavyweight Title, and Kat Daddy (c) vs. Karl Hager for the SCW Internet Championship 

* Elite Canadian Championship Wrestling will hold Wrestling With Hunger in at the Elks Hall #49 ,2272 Leigh Square, Port Coquitlam, BC on December 19 (8:00 pm belltime/ 7:30 doors open) to support Share Family Services Food Bank. All seats ONLY $16 

* Wrestling for a Cause will run The Fight for Haylie on December 12 in Pryor, OK (7:00 pm belltime) . 100% of the show’s proceeds go to the family of a child with cancer. 

* Keystone Championship Wrestling will hold its yearly Toys for Tots show, tentatively scheduled for December 19. 

* Supreme Pro Wrestling returns to Sacramento’s SPW Arena on Sunday, December 20, with Brian Tannen defending the SPW Heavyweight Title against Scoot Robertson — The Beautiful People defending the SPW Tag Team Titles against the Honor Society — Michael Hayashi defends the SPW Xtreme Title against Airon Skye — and Joe DeSoul in a grudge match against Ring Announcer Ethan White. Fans donating an unwrapped toy will get half-price admission in our annual Toys For Kids promotion! 

* Premiere Wrestling Xperience is offering an opportunity for spectators to bring a new unwrapped toy to the Hickory National Guard Armory, 1251 8th St NE in Hickory, NC on December 19. Spectators who bring a new unwrapped toy (with a suggested minimum value of just $10) can attend their 
event for only $10 and any child, aged 12 and under, who also brings an unwrapped toy will be FREE in rows 3-8. 

* Great Canadian Wrestling presents Season’s Beatings ’15 on December 27 at Harmony Creek Community Hall, 15 Harmony Rd. N, Oshawa Ontario. This is the annual Christmas show for local food bank. Fans are asked to bring donations for Harmony Creek food bank. No matches yet announced. 

Between all of these over the years, thousands of children have been able to have a Christmas or Hanukkah. Please help your local independent promotion do the same, or encourage them to schedule an event soon for the Holidays if they haven’t already. If you’re a promoter, PLEASE email me and let me know of your holiday charity themed plans (fund- raisers/collections for clothes, food pantries, Toys for Toys, etc.) at wrestling or MMA events to bobmagee1@hotmail.com.