SUN. UPDATE: Aguayo coverage, Mania media and history, UFC fallout, History last night, Reigns peaking

  • F4W Staff
  • By 

By Dave Meltzer
dave@wrestlingobserver.com”>dave@wrestlingobserver.com

WWE continues with house shows on Sunday in San Diego (John Cena, Randy Orton, Seth Rollins, Big Show, Rusev) and Ontario, CA (Roman Reigns, Daniel Bryan, Kane, Bray Wyatt, Dean Ambrose, Bad News Barrett).and we’re looking for reports on both shows to dave@wrestlingobserver.com”>dave@wrestlingobserver.com

Both Raw and Smackdown will be taped on Monday night in Los Angeles at the Staples Center.  The only thing that has been really pushed is that HHH will be there to address Sting.  It’s really the most important Raw of the year, because it’s the last one building WrestleMania.  Everyone including Brock Lesnar is booked.  Sting is not advertised but it would make no sense for him not to be there.

We’ve got a jam packed issue of news this week in the Observer, with the fallout of UFC 185 and the two title changes, The New Japan Cup and where the booking is going, the build toward Invasion Attack, more comments on the Bill DeMott situation in WWE, more on Rampage Jackson’s Bellator contract and Scott Coker, under oath, goes through what happened in negotiations and why Bellator is suing, , plus we’ve got features on Larry Zbyszko and Tatsumi Fujinami and the WWE Hall of Fame, New Japan attempts to rebuild NOAH with a storyline that has gotten mainstream ink and the bus accident and problems leading to the Rey de Reyes show.

****

The newest issue of Figure Four Weekly is up on the site for subscribers (subscribe here) with a look at whatever is going on with NXT, plus notes on the upcoming WWE Jerry Lawler DVD as well as all of the usual reviews and international news.

The Kindle edition for non-subscribers isn’t up yet, but you can still get the February 6th issue, featuring a a eulogy for the Pro Wrestling Illustrated Almanac and Book of Facts (which Kappa Publishing announced it is no longer producing) as well as all of the usual reviews and international news. It’s available on the American, UK/Ireland, Canadian, and Australian Amazon Kindle stores, as well as various other regional Kindle stores that I’m probably forgetting. 

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. 

**** 

Bill DeMott’s resignation, what led to it happening, incidents that are claimed to have taken place and a rundown of developmental, is the headline story in the March 16 double issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.  We also have an update on what is going on with Brock Lesnar and Vince McMahon, the WrestleMania card, more on Rampage Jackson’s Bellator contract and what was in it, Al Haymon’s attempt to bring boxing back to the mainstream and how this relates to wrestling and MMA, Coverage of the New Japan Cup and a look at PWG.

The latest issue of the observer Mar. 16, 2015 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Bill DeMott resigns from WWE, Brock Lesnar-WWE impasse continues, PWG live report

Website subscriptions, which include access to both current and older newsletters as well as every audio show in the history of the site 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@wrestlingobserver.com”>dave@wrestlingobserver.com

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.

The lead story covers UFC 185, the two surprise title changes, a look at the future for the fighters on the show, business notes on the show, early PPV notes, bonuses and match-by-match coverage with poll results.

We also look at the New Japan Cup, as well as the Invasion Attack show, changes in the original card and why, plus other New Japan World shows coming up, and full coverage of the New Japan Cup finals, with match-by-match coverage, star ratings and poll results.

We’ve got more on the Bill DeMott situation including more comments by different people, as well as DeMott’s first defenses.

We’ve got more from the deposition of Scott Coker on the Rampage Jackson lawsuit.  We look at how much Jackson earned while in UFC, how much he had earned in his tenure in Bellator, business notes on Jackson’s fights and how the relationship with Bellator fell apart, including Bellator’s plans for Jackson going forward.

We also look at the career of Larry Zbyszko, including notes on the WWE Hall of Fame ceremony, who is inducting who, how Larry Zbyszko started his career, what 90s feud was a copy of Sammartino vs. Zbyszko, a look at the feud, and why Zbyszko was never as hot again, how he got the AWA title, his lawsuit against WWE, what happened to Ray Stevens, notes on Tatsumi Fujinami, the politics of wrestling in the early 80s and where Fujinami fit in, the Fujinami vs. Choshu feud, the Fujinami vs. Flair matches and other WWE Hall of Fame notes.

We also have an update on Brock Lesnar and where he currently stands as far as what is next, how much Vince McMahon, HHH and others earned this past year, who are WWE’s biggest stockholders and how much of the company does Vince McMahon own, how much McMahon and HHH have earned the past several years, great incentives given for key WWE officials to stay, WWE video game notes, Notes on WWE ticket sales, WrestleMania ticket selling update, Vince’s stolen car found, updates on Kevin Owens and Jey Uso, and why others missed shows this past week.

We also look at fan behavior, DVD sales, lots of new WWE signees, WWE network changes, new WWE character, Cena movie, WWE night in Phoenix and Justin Gabriel talks leaving WWE.

We also have lots of updates from NXT, NXT house shows, WWE house show coverage and business notes.

We also look at Pro Wrestling NOAH’s first major show of the year, how well it did, coverage, angle hints, booking of the show as well as match-by-match coverage.

We also look at AAA’s attempt to put on Rey de Reyes, the problems with the show, the bus accident, injuries in the accident and more.

We also have more on PPV numbers for UFC, WWE and ROH. 

The Observer is the world’s most detailed weekly pro wrestling publication, in its 32nd year of publication, and is read by the biggest names in the pro wrestling, industry, MMA industry, sports world and on Wall Street.

We also have our regular features such as the most complete look at ratings, plus results of the major house show events each week in pro wrestling and MMA, and complete inside rundowns of all the TV shows.

Also in this week’s issue:

–Notes on CMLL’s first big show of the year

–More on plans for the AAA World Cup

–Wrestlers to get pushed in AAA

–Dragon Gate has iPPV coming up

–New Japan ticket sale notes

–More on Lisa Varon and the crazy story of the Squared Circle restaurant

–Lots more on WrestleMania week activities around the San Jose area

–A look at the NCAA championships, biggest stories and Hodge Trophy top contenders

–Lots of foreign stars head to England for Preston Championship Wrestling, including a star return from injury and a champion leaves

–Update on the Lucha Underground promotion

–More on Rey Mysterio and his leaving WWE

–More on Spike TV and pro wrestling going forward

–ROH tries to sign major act

–Update on the ROH show over WrestleMania week

–A look at the ROH weekend shows and business

–TNA makes decision to strip Wolves of tag title

–Who the new champions are and how it happened

–Also notes on X title change

–TNA TV schedule

–TNA ratings in Germany

–Lots of newcomers in AN and two new factions

–TNA star misses TV for a while due to movie filming

–A look at what will happen on TNA television between now and early May

–UFC plans for New York state

–Next UFC show

–Lots of new UFC dates

–New UFC TV deal

–More on Rousey vs. Cyborg

–Why former TUF winner seems to have disappeared

–UFC fighter places in Jiu Jitsu tourney

–Two former Bellator champions test positive

–PBC signs a huge TV deal

–Notes on Phoenix Jones and his MMA debut

–Gracie vs. Hughes rematch signed

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.

Our most requested issues in our history are:

*November 17, 1997 (full details of everything leading to the most famous wrestling match finish of modern times at the Survivor Series plus a history of in-ring double-crosses)

*December 21, 1998 (the complete Vince McMahon-Bret Hart conversation right before the Survivor Series match so you’ll know exactly what was said–the conversation played in edited form both on the inaugural broadcast of Confidential as well as in Wrestling with Shadows, but everything that was said between the two about the match that was going to take place that same night)

*August 1, 1994 (the most detailed coverage anywhere of the Vince McMahon steroid trial, an issue praised in numerous newspaper article and Sex, Lies and Headlocks)

*March 26, 2001 (death of WCW and history of pro wrestling on the Turner networks)a

*October 22, 2001 (why the adult audience has left pro wrestling in such great numbers and what needed to have been done to save them)

*July 8, 1991 (Ric Flair leaves WCW as world champion/Zahorian steroid trial)

*February 8, 1993 (the life and times of Andre the Giant)

*May 13, 2002 (the life story of the most incredible pro wrestling career ever, a look at Lou Thesz, in one of the largest issues of our history)

*January 27, 2003 (part one of the two-part series covering the career and life of The Sheik)

*February 3, 2003 (Part two on The Sheik including thoughts from people who worked with him and where he stands historically)

*March 24, 2003 (history of the WWWF title, inside behind the Sammartino, Backlund and Backlund era)

*April 21, 2003 (history of WWF continues with the expansion nationally, the death of the regional territories and the rise of Hulk Hogan)

*May 12, 2003 (The life and death of Elizabeth and the rise of fall of Lex Luger)

*June 9, 2003 (Part 1 of history of WWF vs. WCW wars and what many say was the greatest year in U.S. wrestling; plus a look at Fred Blassie)

*June 16, 2003 (Freddie Blassie through the eyes of his biggest rivals and friends)

*July 28, 2003 (Part 2 of the history of the WWF vs. WCW war and the plans to make new superstars in the early 90s, what happened, and the night where the three biggest wrestling companies in the world combined for a joint show and what happened)

*August 25, 2003 (2003 Hall of Fame issue with huge profiles on the controversial career of Shawn Michaels, Chris Benoit as well as historical features on Earl Caddock and Francisco Flores)

*September 22, 2003 (Part 3 of the history of the WWF vs WCW war with the seeds that caused the collapse of the industry in the 90s, Zahorian trial, Gulf War controversy, Flair leaves WCW while holding world title and much more)

*October 27, 2003 (The fascinating life of Stu Hart plus the story of Road Warrior Hawk)

*January 19, 2004 (2003 Awards issue)

*February 2, 2004 (History of Toronto wrestling, Jack Tunney life story, Royal Rumble and Battle Royal history)

*February 23, 2004 (History of Guerrero family with Eddy’s win over Brock Lesnar)

*March 1, 2004 (History of WWF continues with the period that brought the company down in early 1992, the mistakes, the real stories and how the business changed)

*March 8, 2004 (History of Wrestlemania, its greatest matches and best and worst shows as voted both by wrestlers and non-wrestlers and Wrestlemania history books)

*July 5, 2004 (A look behind the scenes and Ric Flair’s book and his background with Eric Bischoff and Hulk Hogan)

*July 12, 2004 (A look at more on Ric Flair’s book and his comments on Bruno Sammartino, Bret Hart and Mick Foley)

*August 16, 2004 (History of the Olympians in pro wrestling)

*August 23, 2004 (2004 Hall of Fame issue and biggest issue of the year with huge profiles on Kazushi Sakuraba, Undertaker, Bob Backlund, Masahiro Chono, Ultimo Dragon, Kurt Angle and Tarzan Lopez–this counts as one issue if you are asking for a free issue, but ordered separately, due to size, is $6 in North America and $7 overseas)

*October 4, 2004 (the life and times of Big Bossman; as well as details of the life and times of one of the most influential men world wide in pro wrestling history, Jim Barnett)

*November 15, 2004 (the full story of what happened between Kurt Angle and Daniel Puder, plus coverage of the most important week in the history of TNA)

*January 24, 2005 (2004 Awards issue, Rock and WWE part company)

*March 14, 2005 (the 50 biggest money players in the history of WWF and a look at their Hall of Fame)

*May 9, 2005 (the life and times of Chris Candido)

*June 20, 2005 (The full story behind Paul Heyman and the death of ECW, as well as coverage of One Night Stand, Hardcore Homecoming and behind the scenes of both shows)

*July 18, 2005 (death of Shinya Hashimoto and his records with a look at the fall of New Japan, the Matt Hardy angle, tons of WWE firings, Cornette firing in detail as well as problems of a WWE developmental territory in our biggest news issue of the year which is a double-sized issue and would be $6 on its own and $7 overseas)

*August 24, 2005 (2005 Hall of Fame issue with career profiles of Paul Heyman, HHH and Freebirds plus debut of MMA Hall of Fame)

*September 12, 2005 (History of Mid South Wrestling)

*October 10, 2005 (Life and Times of the Ultimate Warrior)

*November 21, 2005 (Life and Times of Eddy Guerrero and Crusher, double issue $6 on its own and $7 overseas)

*December 5, 2005 (The Eddy Guerrero special issue, double issue $6 on its own, $7 overseas)

*January 9, 2006 (The life and times of Superstar Billy Graham, plus New Year’s Eve 2005 coverage)

*January 16, 2006 (2005 Awards double issue, $6 or $7 overseas)

*April 3, 2006 (Story of Ann Calvello and the history of Roller Derby–many called this the best issue of the Observer ever)

*April 10, 2006 (Behind the scenes at the 2006 Wrestlemania/Hall of Fame week)

*July 24, 2006 (The History of the Von Erichs and World Class Championship Wrestling–the most unreal story ever in wrestling)

*September 4, 2006 (The Rise and Fall of Kurt Angle; 2006 Hall of Fame inductions of Eddie Guerrero, Paul Bowser, Masakatsu Funaki, Aja Kong and Hiroshi Hase including tons of wrestling history around the world from the 20s through the 60s, the evolution of working to not working in Japan, and a look at Guerrero in hindsight, double issue $6 or $7 overseas)

*October 9, 2006 (A look back nine years later at the life and legacy of Brian Pillman with tons of inside information about what made him tick as his real objectives)

*November 15, 2006 (History of WCW part one, Eric Bischoff’s book and how the industry was changed forever)

*November 20, 2006 (History of WCW part two, Why Jim Ross left WCW, How Bischoff changed the company, signing of Hulk Hogan, Beginning of Nitro, Jesse Ventura, Brian Pillman, Chris Jericho and signing Wrestlemania planned celebrity away)

*November 27, 2006 (History of WCW part three, When Bischoff challenged McMahon to fight; Truth and fiction around Bret Hart signing with WCW and why it didn’t click)

*December 6, 2006 (details behind Pride’s offers to sell promotion and Part four of History of WCW part four, Hogan-Goldberg match and why there was no rematch, WCW loses NBC network deal in 1999 and the real reasons the company fell apart)

*January 22, 2007 (2006 Awards issue, double issue $7 on its own, $8 overseas)

*February 14, 2007 (Life and Times of Bam Bigelow)

*March 5, 2007 (WWE begins plans that will change the business)

*March 12, 2007 (Life and Times of Mike Awesome)

*March 19, 2007 (Life and Times of Ernie Ladd)

*April 4, 2007 (Life and Times of Badnews Allen Coage–which many are calling one of the best issues in history)

*July 2, 2007 (Part one of the Benoit double murder-suicide)

*July 5, 2007 (Part two of the Benoit double murder-suicide)

*July 10, 2007 (Part three of the Benoit double murder-suicide)

*July 19, 2007 (Part four of the Benoit double murder-suicide)

*July 23, 2007 (Part five of Benoit double murder-suicide)

*July 25, 2007 (Part six of Benoit double murder-suicide)

*August 15, 2007 (The legend of the God of Japanese wrestling and his influence on MMA, Karl Gotch)

*October 15 (2007 Hall of Fame double issue, $7 on its own, $8 overseas including inductions of The Rock, Tom Packs and the original Strangler Lewis)

*November 12, 2007 (Life and times of Fabulous Moolah and history of U.S. women’s wrestling) .

*December 31, 2007 (History of Ric Flair and the heyday of wrestling at the Greensboro Coliseum)

*January 21, 2008 (2007 Awards issue, double issue $7 on its own, $8 overseas)

*March 17, 2008 (Life and times of Johnny Weaver)

*March 24, 2008 (Life and times of Gary Hart)

*April 10, 2008 (Farewell to Ric Flair; My thoughts, Shawn Michaels talks of Flair’s meaning to him; Hall of Fame; Wrestlemania double issue, $7 on its own, $8 overseas)

*August 11, 2008 (Ric Flair leaves WWE; Updated history of pro wrestlers and MMA fighters who went to the Olympics)

* September 8, 2008 (2008 Hall of Fame double issue, $7 on its own, $8 overseas; part one of Killer Kowalski bio)

* September 15, 2008 (Life and Times of Evan Tanner)

* September 22, 2008 (The amazing career of Killer Kowalski, one of our most in-depth bios)

You can also order any of these issues on their own for $4 in North America or $5 overseas.

We now have available personally autographed copies of Tributes II, our latest book, as well as a DVD that comes with it talking more about the subjects in the book. The book covers the life stories of Lou Thesz, Wahoo McDaniel, Elizabeth, Fred Blassie, Road Warrior Hawk, Andre the Giant, Curt Hennig, Johnny Valentine, Davey Boy Smith, Terry Gordy, Owen Hart, Stu Hart, Gorilla Monsoon, The Sheik and Tim Woods..

To get all of those biographies as back issues of the Observer would be a $60 value today. This is a collection of some of the best Observer articles of the past several years in a hardcover, full-color format that is 239 pages. There is also a foreword by Bret Hart. The book price is $12.95 plus $3.50 for shipping costs in the U.S., $20 for shipping costs to Canada and $25 for shipping costs outside North America. You can order the book the same way you order the newsletter.

SUNDAY’S NEWS UPDATE

  • There has been tons of worldwide media coverage for the death of Perro Aguayo Jr., largely due to the circumstances and that so much footage has been available.  It’s a horrible tragedy, made worse by a lot of sensationalistic media giving the impression that Rey Mysterio Jr. killed him. 

There was a press conference yesterday in Tijuana where commission head Juan Carlos Pelayo said the death of Perro Aguayo Jr. was due to an accident in the ring and there was no blame.  Aguayo died at about 1:30 a.m. Saturday morning, after he arrived in the hospital.  He suffered cardiac arrest in the hospital.

There were in-ring tributes to Aguayo Jr. all over Mexico and at a number of independent shows in the U.S. yesterday and I expect that to continue all week.  Since Lucha Underground has a lot of AAA talent, the vast majority of them knew Aguayo Jr. personally.  They had an in-ring ceremony at yesterday’s tapings and Sexy Star and Fenix were crying very hard.  Fenix couldn’t even stand and Konnan could barely talk.  Almost everyone was crying in the building.  There were a lot of Aguayo signs brought to the show but fans were asked not to hold them up because the shows taped last night and won’t air for more than two months.

Aguayo Jr.’s funeral took place today in Guadalajara.  I don’t have any details on it past that his father was there.  His father was not told about his son’s death for a long time yesterday because he himself is in a bad way which, because he’s so famous in Mexico, has been kept under wraps.

And yes, there have been death threats to Mysterio Jr.

Rey Mysterio was the single most searched for term on the Internet yesterday and as far as that goes, of the entire weekend so far.  

One fan who was at the WWE show in Anaheim said that he was surprised because nobody was talking about it, and there was a fairly substantial Hispanic crowd, and it’s not like the death didn’t make mainstream news and Rey Mysterio wasn’t a well known former WWE star.  Several reports said Roman Reigns was super over at the show, more than Daniel Bryan, so at least with the usual house show audience, they accomplished what they set out to do.  The expectation is Reigns will be killed by the crowd even more Monday than Sunday if he wins the title with anything less than a brilliant scenario. 

Yet, it was the most read story yesterday on the Los Angeles Times web site. This is the story as it was covered internationally

New York Daily News coverage

Yahoo coverage

  • Our weekend Observer radio show is already up on the site talking Aguayo, why WWE considers Monday D-Day for Brock Lesnar, Dwayne Johnson wrestling again, UFC, Angle vs. Lashley, and a look back at WrestleMania 29.
  • John Cena will be on Jimmy Kimmel live Wednesday night to promote WrestleMania.
  • Much of the WWE talent will  arrive in the area on Tuesday morning.  Remember, there are no Smackdown tapings this week.  As is tradition on Mania week, Smackdown will have a few matches taped at Raw, and some cut-ins taped during the week.  Smackdown in Canada this week only will air on Thursday instead of Wednesday.  
  • Daniel Bryan on KNBR.com has a very good interview with Tom Tolbert promoting WrestleMania and all the WWE activities this week.
  • There are a lot of local TV ads for Fan Axxess.
  • Not a lot coming out of last night’s UFC show.  Based on our own traffic as the show was going in, it had the least amount of interest of any show in a long time.  Although given the lineup, that was expected.  Not a lot in the way of news from the show aside from ref Eduardo Herdy stopping the Leandro Silva vs. Drew Dober fight just as Dober was escaping a not very dangerous guillotine in one of the worst ref stoppage finishes in UFC history.  There should be rules in place to allow bad calls like that to be review and overturned on the spot.  It should be noted that while Herdy was being called someone who knew nothing about the sport or the submission game, he’s actually a BJJ black belt with a 2-0 MMA record.  The human element is such that mistakes happen but there should be means in place and rules that allow a mistake like that to be overruled and a fighter can continue.  Dana White was appalled, tweeting that Herdy should never referee again.  UFC paid Dober as if he had won the fight.
  • Dana White strongly implored the commission to change the result of that fight to a no contest.  The impression is that will not happen.
  • Regarding rumors that Herdy and Silva were actually teammates, that isn’t true.  The confusion is that Herdy has a teammate named Leandro Silva, but it’s a different fighter.
  • I’ve gotten feedback from a number of key people in wrestling regarding Conor McGregor at the UFC press conference on Friday and how he “gets it.”  Like I said, if you’re an aspiring wrestler, I’m not saying copy the guy, but you can learn a ton about overall heel demeanor from watching him.
  • UFC announced Giovani Decker as the new Senior Vice President and General Manager for Brazil.
  • Logan Steiber last night became only the fourth four-time NCAA champion in history, which was the big story at the tournament last night.  Steiber beat Mitchell Port of Edinobo 11-6 in what was put on as the main event of the show 
  • The New York Daily News had an extensive article looking back at the first WrestleMania
  • Max Landis’ labor of love spoofing WWE for the past 15 years through the eyes of HHH.  He told me all about this a few weeks ago at the PWG show.  Pretty amazing stuff
  • In the same vein, a new song about The Young Bucks, Vince McMahon, Jim Cornette and me.
  • A look at the 20 year history of HooknShoot with Jeff Osborne, including how women’s MMA got started as a somewhat structured  activity
  • AXS Fights this coming Friday will be a Muay Thai Lion Fight show from Temecula, CA, headlined by Kevin Ross (the former boyfriend of Gina Carano) defending his super lightweight title against Tetsuya Yamato, airing at 10 p.m. Eastern time, after the Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Shinsuke Nakamura IC title match.
  • Premier Wrestling from Friday night in San Jose:  Gabriel Gallo (2-0) b Idris Jackson (1-2), Sledge (4-4) b Tyler Bateman (0-2), Jeff Cobb (5-2-1) b Dom Vitalli (0-2), Dylan Drake (4-3) b Julio Pedroza (3-3), Joe Graves (1-0-1) b Timothy Thatcher (2-2-1), Nicole Savoy (2-1) b Kahmora (0-1), JR Kratos (6-2) retained the Premier title over Marcus Lewis (4-3).  Great heat for the main event. Graves vs. Thatcher was a good technical match that the crowd liked.  Cobb is with Lucha Underground now.  Savoy is very athletic, needs more ring time but also has a good look.   
  • Big Time Wrestling from Friday night in Newark, CA before 1,200 fans:  Tony Vargas & Synn b Ballard Brothers-COR, Victor Sterling b Levi Shapiro, Frankie Kazarian b Kimo, Shane Kody & Chico Navarro & Mero Mero Kaka Meng & Jynx, Chris Masters b Jason Styles, Abyss b Joey Ryan.  Next show is 5/15 with Alberto Del Rio. (thanks to Derek Sousa)
  • ECW Super 8 tournament from last night in Woodbury Heights, NJ:  Jason Kincaid b Kai Katana, Corey Hollis b BJ Hancock, Jaxson James b Breaker Morant, Sean Carr b Napalm Bomb, Matt Saigon won over Bobby Shields and Ricky Martinez to win ECWA title, Jason Kincaid b Jaxson Jams, Corey Hollis b Sean Carr, Referee Phil Sly & J.D. Browning & Extreme Rednecks b Mr. Oui & Kid USA & Sam Shields, Renee Michelle b Tessa Blanchard to win ECWA women’s title, Jason Kincaid b Corey Hollis to win the tournament.  Next show is 4/18 at the Woodbury Heights Convention Center.
  • Kissimmee Pro Wrestling from Thursday night in Kissimmiee, FL:  Gabriel Black b Chico Adams, Chasyn Rance b Ace Andrews, Mikey b Johnny Armani, Caribbean Sensation b Kody Kastle, Wayne Van Dyke b Tyranus, Santana Garrett b Ashley Mayberry to retain the NWA women’s title, Santana Garrett & Andrea b Joey & Ashley Mayberry, Lince Dorado & Jay Rios & Jonathan Cruz b Aaron Epic & Aaron Solo & Jesus DeLeon.
  • Coastal Wrestling Federation from Friday night in Houston:  Cazador b Thrizo, Haywire b Medico del Loco, Mr Bigg b Phoenix, Mad Dog b Azul, Onyx Cooper DCOR Nate Lewis, Santana Garrett b La Reyna to keep NWA women’s title.
  • I Believe In Wrestling on 3/28 in Orlando at the Team Vision Dojo.
  • Sonjay Dutt will be doing a seminar on 4/12 at the Team Vision Dojo in Orlando for $30.
  • Great Canadian Wrestling on 4/4 in Oshawa, ONT at the Harmony Creek Community Hall featuring Rhino.
  • Southern Illinois Championship Wrestling set its building record last night with 400 fans in East Carondelet, IL:  Sean Vincent b Waco, Bubba Troll b Daniel Gunner, Big Jim Hoffarth b Ax Allwardt-DQ, Curtis Wylde b Keith Smith Jr., Chaz Wesson d Brandon Espinosa, Bob Orton & Ricky Cruz & Red River Jack b Attila Khan & Bull Bronson & Chris Hargas 2/3 falls, Flash Flanagan b Bobby D, Gary Jackson b Ken Kasa to retain Classic title (thanks to Patrick Brandmeyer)
  • River City Wrestling on 3/28 in San Antonio at the Guadeloupe Theater featuring former TNA star Hernandez.
  • Magnificent Championship Wrestling from last night in Brantford, ONT:  Del Bruno b Brandon Thurston, Mr. Atlantis b Kobe Durst, Vaughn Vertigo & Gabriel Fuerza b Ryan Swift & Eric Cairnie, Scott Chase b Tyler Tirva, Scotty O’Shea b Rex Atkins-DQ, Beautiful Beaa b Jennifer Blake, Rip Impact b Phil Atlas (thanks to Steven Ashe)
  • Steel City Wrestling on 4/19 in Hamilton, ONT at Porcelain Records.
  • Acclaim Pro Wrestling on 3/30 in Ottawa, ONT at SPK-Dom Polski.
  • BTPW on 4/18 in Ottawa, ONT at the Rideau Carleton Raceway.
  • Maryland Championship Wrestling article in the local newspaper
  • Prairie Wrestling Alliance from last night in Edmonton:  Brandon Von Danielson b Dylan Knight, The Sheiks won four-way to become PWA tag champions, Marky b Azrael, Brett Morgan b Michael Richard Blais, Gabriel LeStat b Chase Patrick-DQ, Colton Kelly b Frenetico (thanks to Dwayne Soper)
  • Maryland Championship Wrestling from last night in Frederick, MD:  Drolix & Chuck Lennox b Sudden Impact, Fenix Fury b Tremor, Sexy Steve & Jimmy Stars b Drake Carter & Shaun Cannon, Bodie Williams b Andrew Steele, Boogeyman b Andrew Steele, Brandon Dimarski b Hocus, Brandon Scott b Dirty Money, Matt Hardy & The Bruiser b Ryan McBride & Ken Dixon.  Next show is 4/18 in Windber, PA at the Windber Community Building.
  • Lucha Xtreme TV from last night on Fresno TV:  Thunder Rosa b Kikyo, Mike Rayne b Kevin El Devino, Brandon Pinion b Wiseguy 2/3 falls (thanks to Jon Southerland)
  • Empire Wrestling Federation on 3/28 at the American Sports University in San Bernardino, CA at 360 W. Court St.

TODAY’S WWE NETWORK SCHEDULE (thanks to Bert Duckwall)

2:00 PM ET
WRESTLEMANIA XXX WrestleMania 30! On April 6, 2014, Superstars, Divas and Legends let the good times roll with a celebration thirty years in the making.

6:00 PM ET
THIS WEEK IN WWE Get caught up on all the highlights from Raw and Smackdown with This Week in WWE.

6:30 PM ET
USOS 10 HOURS TO HOUSTON The Usos -10 Hours To Houston captures the compelling story of twins Josh and Jon Fatu from childhood to their WWE Tag Team Title reign.

7:00 PM ET
WRESTLEMANIA XXX WrestleMania 30! On April 6, 2014, Superstars, Divas and Legends let the good times roll with a celebration thirty years in the making.

11:00 PM ET
WRESTLEMANIA XXX WrestleMania 30! On April 6, 2014, Superstars, Divas and Legends let the good times roll with a celebration thirty years in the making.

TOMORROW’S WWE NETWORK SCHEDULE

3:00 AM ET
WWE NXT NXT goes on the road for the first time as they take over Columbus, Ohio during the Arnold Classic weekend.

4:00 AM ET
WWE SUPERSTARS Tag teams collide as The Lucha Dragons battle The Ascension in a rematch. Plus, Jack Swagger versus Adam Rose.

5:00 AM ET
LEGENDS HOUSE The WWE Legends play a game of ‘How well do you know your roommates?’ Then the group receives a visit from Hall of Famer Shawn Michaels.

6:00 AM ET
WRESTLEMANIA XXX WrestleMania 30! On April 6, 2014, Superstars, Divas and Legends let the good times roll with a celebration thirty years in the making.

10:00 AM ET
WWE BEYOND THE RING Rey Mysterio: The Biggest Little Man showcases some of the high-flying Superstar’s most memorable moments and matches!

12:00 PM ET
WRESTLEMANIA XXX WrestleMania 30! On April 6, 2014, Superstars, Divas and Legends let the good times roll with a celebration thirty years in the making.

4:00 PM ET
MONDAY NIGHT WAR The strategies that helped Eric Bischoff build WCW would hasten the decline of both he and his company.

5:00 PM ET
WWE NXT NXT goes on the road for the first time as they take over Columbus, Ohio during the Arnold Classic weekend.

6:00 PM ET
TOTAL DIVAS Summer Rae takes her relationship with Fandango to the next level; Brie can’t enjoy being a bride, and Trinity betrays Jon behind his back.

7:00 PM ET
THIS WEEK IN WWE It’s WrestleMania week! Brock Lesnar gives a controversial interview, Orton issues a WrestleMania challenge, and Triple H gets honored.

7:30 PM ET
RAW PRE-SHOW From WWE Studios in Stamford Connecticut. Scott Stanford, David Otunga and Corey Graves cover all the events leading up to Monday Night Raw.

8:00 PM ET
WRESTLEMANIA REWIND Rewind and Relive the rivalry between the last outlaws in WWE – The Undertaker and Triple H, and their epic match from WrestleMania XXVII.

9:00 PM ET
WWE COUNTDOWN Counting down the Top Ten Most Mysterious Superstars of all time!

10:00 PM ET
TOTAL DIVAS Summer Rae takes her relationship with Fandango to the next level; Brie can’t enjoy being a bride, and Trinity betrays Jon behind his back.

11:06 PM ET
SCHWARZENEGGER HHH THE INTERVIEW 2015 WWE Hall of Fame inductee Arnold Schwarzenegger and WWE Superstar Triple H sit down in this once-in-a-lifetime interview.

11:36 PM ET
WWE 24 The premiere episode of the original series, WWE24, takes you behind the spectacle of WrestleMania XXX and its most compelling stories.