SAT UPDATE: UFC preview, Hulk Hogan responds to Bret Hart, Dave Brown retirement, & more

by David Bixenspan | davidbix@wrestlingobserver.com | Follow @davidbix

Show notes for the weekend:

UFC 191 live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada:

Main Card live on oay-per-view at 10:00 p.m. ET (Playstation Plus subscribers get 10% off the PSN version)
Demetrious Johnson (124.5) vs. John Dodson (125) in a five round fight for Johnson’s UFC Flyweight Championship
Andrei Arlovski (237.5) vs. Frank Mir (266)
Anthony Johnson (205) vs. Jimi Manuwa (204)
Jan Blachowicz (205) vs. Corey Anderson (205)
Paige VanZant (116) vs. Alex Chambers (115)

Prelims on Fox Sports 1 at 8:00 p.m. ET
Ross Pearson (155.5) vs. Paul Felder (155.5)
Francisco Rivera (136) vs. John Lineker (135.5)
Jessica Andrade (134.5) vs. Raquel Pennington (136)
Clay Collard (146) vs. Tiago Trator (146)

Prelims on UFC Fight Pass at 7:00 p.m. ET
Joe Riggs (187.5) vs. Ron Stallings (184)
Joaquim Silva (154.5) vs. Nazareno Malegarie (156) 

While there’s little in the way of drawing power beyond maybe Mir, this really is a strong card. Yes, Blachowicz-Anderson is a bit of an odd choice for a main card fight, but it still has some divisional relevance and potential for action. Everything from Andrade-Pennington on should be at least fun, and the top two prelims have tremendous potential as fight of the night candidates. Arlovski-Mir is literally a decade in the making while Johnson-Dodson is a rematch of the best title fight in divisional history so far. 

WWE has house shows tonight t in Charlottesville, VA (John Cena vs. Kevin Owens) and Wildwood, NJ (Roman Reigns vs. Bray Wyatt, Ryback vs. Big Show, Luke Harper vs. Dean Ambrose)

GFW runs tonight in Clinton, IA.

WWE runs tomorrow night in Fairfax, VA (John Cena vs. Kevin Owens) and Salisbury, MD (Roman Reigns vs. Bray Wyatt, Ryback vs. Big Show, Luke Harper vs. Dean Ambrose).

Raw on Monday night will b in Baltimore, while SmackDown and Main Event will be taped Tuesday night in Wilkes-Barre, PA.

Please send reports from major shows, recommended links, etc. to newstips@wrestlingobserver.com:

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Figure Four Weekly:

The newest issue of Figure Four Weekly is now up for subscribers (subscribe to the site here and get access to Figure Four, the Observer, tons of audio, and more) featuring an article catching up with WWE announcer Kyle Edwards (formerly Arda Ocal of Aftermath on The Score) about his first year ine company. On top of that, we have all the usual stuff like Vinny’s reviews and international news from Dr. Lucha Steve Sims and and Alan”4L” Counihan.

The recnt FREE Figure Four Weekly is still up with a look at the crazy story of why Gawker thinks the FBI may have helped Hulk Hogan cover up his racist and homophobic comments. A judge has ordered the FBI to turn over the records of their investigation, and what Gawker is saying in court about what has and hasn’t been turned over paints a very interesting picture.

Also, now available for the first time on Kindle (meaning Kindle devices and anything with the Kindle app) is Fall Guys, the seminal 1937 book that has been described as being like the 1930s version of the Wrestling Observer. It was surprisingly not on Kindle already, so we put together a nice version with a full table of contents w/ chapter marks, proper formatting on everything, etc. Right now it’s available from the American, Canadian, and Australian Amazon/Kindle stores OR you can also buy it from anywhere in the world on PayHip, who will provide you with both Kindle and ePub (every other e-reader) format files, and you can either sideload them to your device or have them email it to your Kindle.

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Wrestling Observer Newsletter:

It’s a gigantic news week in the new issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter with the main feature story on everything that led to the indictment of Jimmy Snuka after 32 years, plus Irv Muchnick, who has reported on the story for years gives his views on the proceedings, and we also look at Hulk Hogan’s attempt at redemption of his character, the full story behind the shooting at the Performance Center, notes from Battle of Los Angeles, the retirement of Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira, Hayabusa walks to the ring, Bram gets arrested, WWE fires Zahra Schreiber, UFC brings back Travis Browne, a rundown of the PPV business in WWE in 2015 and the latest monthly business report from WWE & TNA.

The latest Wrestling Observer: September 7, 2015 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Snuka indicted, shooting at WWE Performance Center and tons more

Web site subscriptions, which include access to both current and older newsletters as well as every audio show in the history of the site.  Sign up here for as low as $9.99 per month!

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 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.

The Wrestling Observer ranges weekly from 35,000 to 50,000 words covering pro wrestling and MMA internationally. Each issue has coverage and analysis of all the major news, plus every issue breaks major news stories before the Internet sties and has the most complete look at the pro wrestling and MMA business anywhere, plus history pieces available nowhere else.

Our lead story goes back to 1983 with an in-depth look at the death of Nancy Argentino, how the media caused the case to be reopened, a look at the charges against Jimmy Snuka, the different statements on the subject by Snuka, Snuka’s lawyer speaks, notes on documentation and testimony from the time, lots of notes regarding evidence, where Jimmy Snuka stood in the wrestling business in 1983, how Buddy Rogers fits into this story, what Snuka told police the morning after Argentino died as well as testimony from those who treated Argentino before her death.

We also look at the autopsy report, the police report from that time, the strange question that was never answered regarding the case being dropped, what Snuka has said to different people, the brawl in Syracuse before Argentino’s death, how the pro wrestling business in 1983 is so completely different from today and the previous legal action regarding this case. 

Irv Muchnick also does a piece on the indictment talking about several points from the indictment.

We also look at Hulk Hogan appearing on Good Morning America and Nightline in a way to get his job back and repair his public image.  We look at the WWE reaction, what Hogan said, what does and doesn’t hold up, the timeline issues with his various stories, neighbors of his growing up contradict his story and more.

We also look at the story of the man who was shot in front of the Performance Center, the circumstances of the shooting, and the different things he had done in recent months regarding his obsession with wrestling.

We also look at Battle of Los Angeles, how the tournament went, highlights from the weekend and celebrities at the shows.

We also look back at the career of Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira, including his new job with UFC, his becoming the top heavyweight in the sport at one time, his background, his debut in RINGS, his move to Pride, his fight with Bob Sapp, his three fight series with Fedor and his UFC run.

We look at the arrest of Thomas “Bram” Latimer of  TNA, police details of what happened, TNA’s response and what is next for him.

We’ve got a story on Hayabusa, one of the best high flyers from 15-20 years ago and his attempted recovery from near paralysis.

We’ve got a look at Travis Browne and his reinstatement in UFC.

We look at the firing of Zahra Schreiber, the girlfriend of Seth Rollins, by WWE.

We also look at WWE & TNA business when it comes to house shows, merchandise, ratings and other categories for the past month.

We also have a PPV chart with how all the shows in the first seven months of the year have been, and compared them with the last few years.

We also look at WWE signing one of the major international women stars and why she’s not going to be wrestling in NXT, the return of Dr. Wagner Jr. & L.A. Park to Arena Mexico and how it got over, top pro wrestling star gets a reality show gig, and some major title changes.

We also look at maneuvering for the 2017 and 2018 WrestleMania, and the favorites, the 10/3 Madison Square Garden WWE live special, notes on lots of indie stars on WWE’s radar, ticket sales for NXT in the U.K., a new WWE movie, Update on Wade Barrett, action figure sales, announcing changes, SummerSlam edits, lots of notes on various WWE lawsuits, Dean Ambrose talks Renee Young, Fan tries to attack Ambrose, Sara Lee in NXT, plus notes on all the WWE & NXT house shows over the past week.

We also look at a number of top stars who worked recently in Bolivia, the last AAA TV taping and AAA wrestlers in a bodybuilding contest.

We update Wrestle-1 and the three generations of green mist stars trios match.

We also look at the Dragon Gate summer tag team tournament and its big show in Fukuoka and what came out of it.

We look at All Japan’s last major show and its current singles tournament.

We look at Pro Wrestling NOAH’s next major show, including a title match that was set up in the U.S., a well as the bracketing in the upcoming junior heavyweight tag team tournament.

We look at the weekend IGF show, a record that will be set at the next Tokyo Dome show, and the NWA title change.

We also look at U.S. stars who usually don’t tour Japan that are going shortly.

We’ve got more on the planned bio movie on Chris Benoit, Angelo Mosca getting his number retired, the weekend GFW shows and angles, Preston City Wrestling’s weekend show, former TNA star retires and a unique main event, plus early notes on this year’s WWC Anniversary show.

We also update the TNA TV situation, the Lucha Underground TV situation, the next ROH PPV show, new roles for people in ROH and notes from the weekend show.

We also look at changes in UFC main events, can UFC sell 70,000 tickets to its November show with Ronda Rousey, Rousey talks when she expects to retire, Cyborg, the date with the marine and notes about live shows on Fight Pass this month.  We also look at this week’s PPV show, talks about the Jan. 2 Las Vegas card, a star fighter retires, Chad Mendes wants a rematch with McGregor, what happened recently with Jose Aldo, Rousey T-shirt sales, plus lots of more fights.

We also have a look at Bellator’s next major show, including the updated card, as well as plans for the big November show.  We look at the Fan Fest with Fedor and Sakuraba, as well as notes on last week’s show.

We also look at the arrest of Chris Leben, and new restrictions on weight cutting that is being tried out for in California.

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.

New subscribers ordering 24 or 40 issues have to let us know what major stories of the past 11 years you are most interested in and we’ll send the issue with the best coverage of that story. We’ve got coverage of every major PPV event and world wide spectacular, every major star switching promotions, histories of companies like FMW, Rings and New Japan, retirement and obit issues of every major star who fits into those descriptions over the past 11 years, as well as our biggest issue every year, the annual awards issue, and our most controversial issue of every year, the Hall of Fame issue.

Click here for the most requested Wrestling Observer back issues.

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Saturday Daily Update

— This got lost in the shuffle with all of the big stories during the week, but legendary Memphis wrestling announcer Dave Brown retired from his job as WMC-TV’s head meteorologist this past wee. Of course got plenty of coverage since he’s been the most popular TV nws personality in the market for decades:

* Lance Russell’s video wishing him a happy retirement.

* WMC’s retrospective of Brown’s career.

* Behind the scenes video of his final broadcast from a coworker’s Facebook page.

* WMC’s story on Brown’s last day.

* Successor Ron Childers’ tribute to Brown.

* Local artist Adam Exelbierd paints a tribute to Brown.

* Story about Brown’s very personal campaigning against drunk driving.

— This happened:

https://twitter.com/HulkHogan/status/640009577619136512

Hart had said that he figured Hogan was relieved when Piper died because it took the media focus off of him.

— Jim Ross’s latest blog post has a great section on Hulk Hgoan: “If I was advising Hulk Hogan I’d suggest him to lay low and let things settle down. He does deserve forgiveness, as we all do, if he’s sincere and I want to believe that Hulk is sincere but trying to promote himself to have “one more match” is not advisable. Just my two cents.”

— The Scenic City Invitation tournament from last month with Moose, Jimmy Rave, Gunner, Kongo Kong, and a number of southern indie standouts is now available on DVD from WHOO! Wrestling’s Facebook store and video on demand in full HD (streaming and MP4 downloads)  on their Vimeo page. The DVD is 1$1 off through tomorrow, while the VOD is $1.10 off through Monday with the coupon code LABORDAY, making it just $9.89 for the four and a half hour show in HD. It’s great to have Allan Barrie/WHOO! back in the fold and he’s doing some very cool things when it comes to experimenting with different distribution strategies and price points from most indie distributors.

— Dave has an article about UFC’s 2015 pay-per-view turnaround at MMAFighting.

— Another Wrestling Podcast talks to Sabu about the allegations that Pat Buck made against him after the last PWS show among other things. Sample quote:

And they’re right I had a dog and it made a mess, but there was no shit, there was no drugs, no needles, there was blood because you know I bleed and that’s the way it is, you know i didn’t bleed all over the place.I bled in bed and probably on the shower curtain but they made it sound like I murdered somebody in that room and sacrificed my dog and shit all over the room. And that sounds great but that’s not true. They said they had a bill stating that the hotel…when we checked in under my name and my credit card was not denied like they said it was, when we check out the room had my name on it, not theirs. The pictures of the bill they’re showing has Pat Bucks name on it, so fuck him! He probably shit all over the place and bled and killed someone all over the room and sacrificed a dog.

Um…

— Monday Night War Vol. 2: Know Your Role comes out on DVD and Blu-Ray this Tuesday. Also, Bob Backlund’s book is now in stock at and shipping early from Amazon.

— PWX Pure Results from last night in Winston-Salem NC: Mason Maddox b Rob Killjoy, Smith Garrett and the returning Lance Lude in a 4way scramble, Elijah Evans IV b James Drake, Anthony Henry b Man Scout Jake Manning, Bravados b Josh Powers & Timmy Lou Retton. Bravados brawled with Adam Page & Corey Hollis afterward, they’ll meet in street fight tonight, Ricochet b Caleb Konley. Tommy Thomas was put in as heel ref by PWX management and fast counted Konley every time. Ricochet rejected their help throughout and kicked Tommy in the nuts post match, Cedric Alexander b Darius Lockhart. Lockhart was originally slated against another Pure prospect but Alexander attacked them and took the match instead. Alexander reaffirms his spot in the X16 with the win, Tessa Blanchard b Lexia Averym and PWX World Champion John Skyler b Zane Riley with assist from Gunner who joined Skyler and Country Jacked post match. Same crew plus Tomasso Ciampa, Moose, Tim Donst and others are back in Winston-Salem tonight and tomorrow afternoon for a two night tournament. Both shows are at the Benton Convention Center downtown.