THURS. UPDATE: Itami injury, Uhaa Nation notes, AAA World Cup info, Web site dinner and live Q&A show, Lawsuts, Flair, New Japan marathon Steiner, New UFC fight
By Dave Meltzer
dave@wrestlingobserver.com”>dave@wrestlingobserver.com
Smackdown on Syfy tonight from Ottawa:
Dolph Ziggler vs. Bad News Barrett
Dolph Ziggler & Neville vs. Bad News Barrett & Sheamus
Fandango vs. Luke Harper
Ryback & Cesaro & Tyson Kidd vs. New Day
Emma vs. Naomi
Lucha Dragon vs. Los Matadores
Contract signing for four-way title match at Payback
The lessons learned and the aftermath of Mayweather-Pacquiao is the lead story of a double issue of the Observer, which also includes the history of the UWA promotion, one of the strongest promotions in history but one that few American fans know anything about, , as well as a detailed look at the WWE business as it stands, was WrestleMania really a money loser (it wasn’t but the books say it was and why), how the WWE network is doing, Sami Zayn on Raw and his injury, New Japan’s last PPV, NOAH’s tag tourney final, the UFC Reebok deal, Hall of Fame, WWE Payback and so much more.
The new issue is up on the site at http://www.f4wonline.com/component/content/article/110-wrestling-observer-newsletter/42417-may-11-2015-wrestling-observer-newsletter-mayweather-vs-pacquiao-shatters-records-wwe-q1-financials-carlos-maynez-bio-and-more
Web site subscriptions, which include access to both current and older newsletters as well as every audio show on the history of the site are at http://www.f4wonline.com/member/signup.php
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.
We look at the Mayweather-Pacquiao fight and what can be learned from it regarding business, why it worked, the questions regarding the shoulder injury and how it was handled, the lawsuit filed against Pacquiao, and why the ceiling of interest was busted so badly.
We have our quarterly look at WWE financials, including the strange dichotomy of good results and a stock market price drop, WWE network subscribers, how many were new subscribers, how many old subscribers came back for WrestleMania and how many came from the free offer. We look at the expense of the network,the money lost on it, how much more money the company is making from TV, and how much was spent and generated by WrestleMania this year.
We also look at the end of the PPV business, paid attendance at WrestleMania, merchandise sales, how much the average fan spent who attended the show, and why the WrestleMania revenue total is misleading and how the bookkeeping is done.
We also look at what show was a ratings success, a look at WWE’s current estimates for profitability next quarter and subscription numbers, we look at where WWE profits the most by category and a history dating back to 2011, we look at every aspect of company business as well as revenue by geographical area. We look at the money WWE looks to make from television this year, the last remnants of PPV, a breakdown of how all the recent WWE movies did, the house show business, the merchandise business, the video game business, best selling DVDs, web site and more.
We also have a feature on Sami Zayn and his injury and how things had to be changed. We look at what the debut was patterned after.
We also look at Payback, Hulk Hogan talking one more match and claiming he was approached by UFC, pro wrestlers who actually were approached by UFC, the real story behind the WWE/Tapout connection and it’s not what people think, Stephanie McMahon being gone form Raw, Stephanie talks Ronda Rousey, thoughts on women in WWE going forward, return of Chris Jericho and dates, Rock box office, curb stomp update, More WWE injuries, NXT ticket sales, ESPN piece, NXT as a facility, Bischoff and Prichard talk Monday Night Wars and 1997 Survivor Series, Michelle Beadle and HHH, Linda McMahon rumors, Former star writes a book, WWE in China, Next WWE movie, plus notes from all the house shows over the past week and business notes.
We also look at New Japan’s Dontaku show with match-by-match coverage, ratings and poll results.
We also have a huge historical feature on the UWA promotion, which from the mid-70s through the early 90s was one of the biggest and most successful companies in the world. We look at the life and career of Carlos Maynez, who passed away last week. We look at how he and his uncle got started in wrestling and how the UWA got off the ground. The UWA story, both its rise and fall, is interesting, because of how similar it is to many U.S. groups and the lessons very clear about the ups and the downs.
We also look at the legends of both Lucha Libre, but also Japanese and American pro wrestling who headlined the company’s biggest shows, including Canek’s matches with the likes of Andre, Thesz and Hogan.
We look at how the UWA got started, how big its first show was and the key move made in beating the opposition’s champion on the first show. We also look at the gimmick, still used today, that they used on two of their biggest early shows.
We look at the two Thesz vs. Mascaras matches, and how UWA wooed so much top talent. We look at the big stars of the company, and them pushing smaller talent and women. We look at the building of Canek to be one of the most important figures in Mexican wrestling history, as well as their big 1978 run of 20,000 attendance shows week after week and the hotshot booking involved.
We look at the El Toreo heyday, and the legends involved in those shows, as well as the small town wrestling, the breakup of the company, its legendary matches and attempts to run opposition.
We also look at the final run of sellouts including what American star was in the main event of the last two.
We look at the factors in the fall of the promotion. We also look at the kidnaping of Carlos Maynez in 1997 and what happened.
We’ve got a story on the Reebok deal with UFC and he reaction to it.
We also look at one of Dragon Gate’s biggest shows of the year and the cage match of death on top.
We also look at the finals of the Pro Wrestling NOAH tag team tournament.
We also have a feature on the revamped UFC Hall of Fame, and what part WWE played in its long-term goals. We also look at many of the leading candidates.
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:
–Mexican national welterweight title change
–Legend says going to the promotion that made him a legend is something he’s now sorry about
–Dream match of two of 80s top babyfaces
–Arena Mexico anniversary show coverage
–Just how many shows there were in Mexico City on one day
–A look at the AAA World Cup tournament
–AAA’s version of SummerSlam announced including the main events
–A look at two major AAA TV tapings
–Two huge AAA events looked at
–President of one wrestling company becomes CEO of another
–Road to Keiji Muto tournament
–Champion Carnival coverage
–New Japan’s return to U.S. TV
–Terry Funk has one more match booked
–The strangest elimination for a shot in a world title tournament
–Notes on Global Force Wrestling
–A look at the announcing situation
–A look at the talent
–Lots of surprises when it comes to talent
–Clarification on different talent
–Notes on funeral of Verne Gagne
–Why a wrestler shot up his office
–Gene Okerlund at the funeral
–Gagne vs. Dick Hutton as pro wrestlers at the funeral
–Preston City Wrestling notes
–Unique match the company is booking
–Who is coming to the group over the next few months
–Different versions of the Ron Wright plane blowing up story
–Update on Ventura lawsuit
–DragonMania
–Phil Baroni’s pro wrestling debut
–What other MMA names as well as actor involved with Baroni’s first match
–The biggest angle i Roller Games history
–Tasteless angle
–More on Lucha Underground and what comes next
–Update on Adam Cole in ROH
–TNA’s next PPV show
–TNA China tour cancellation and fallout
–Morale issues
–Update on Jeff Hardy
–Update on Billy Corgan and TNA
–What international act TNA is pursuing
–Update on TNA and Destination America
–TNA announcing situation
–More on Samoa Joe leaving
–Kurt Angle in Vin Diesel movie
–Dana White talks Jon Jones
–More on Khabib Nurmagomedov injury
–Rashad Evans targets return
–A look at the UFC light heavyweight title situation with Jon Jones gone
–Jon Jones threatened legal action against the Nevada commission
–A look at the legal letter
–UFC injuries and fight changes
–Stipulations for this week’s UFC main event
–Update on UFC ticket sales
–Why judo officials aren’t happy with UFC’s rise
–Fighter retires due to concussion concern
–Fighters in a match next week get very heated over steroid charge
–Bellator signs K-1 Grand Prix winner
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.
THURSDAY’S NEWS UPDATE
–Bryan and I interviewed Bill Goldberg today on our show which is up on the site. Our weekend show will be Saturday night after the UFC show in Australia with the Mark Hunt vs. Stipe Miocic fight. If you’ve got questions for the show you can send them to mailbag@wrestllingobserver.com
–Hideo Itami has suffered a shoulder injury and is expected to be out of action for about six months.
–The reason Uhaa Nation in his vignette last night on NXT wasn’t given a name is because they haven’t decided yet on what he’s going to be called.
–AAA held a press conference today to announce the World Cup show on 5/24 at Los Palacio de los Deportes in Mexico City. The teams involved are already in this week’s Observer but Mesias is in instead of Jack Evans on he rest of the world team. They announced a single elimination tournament with all matches having a 15 minute time limit and a five minute overtime sudden death. Canek and Los Hermanos Dinamita will be there as judges, including to decade the match of the night and best wrestler of the tournament. There will be an English language iPPV feed with Matt Striker and Vampiro as the announcers.
–There will be our annual web site convention dinner on 7/10 in Las Vegas in conjunction with UFC Fight Week. For anyone interested, you can write to f4wfan@hotmail.com for more information. It will be a buffet dinner, and Bryan and I will be doing a full Q&A show with live questions after dinner.
–Oscar De La Hoya and Golden Boy Promotions filed a $300 million lawsuit in Los Angeles against Al Haymon and the Premier Boxing Championships stated that the PBC has repeatedly and brazenly broken the letter and spirit of the Ali Act. In particular, they claim Haymon acts as both a manager of his fights and a promoter, even thought the Ali Act prohibits that.
–The magazine Business Insider listed Ronda Rousey as the most dominant athlete alive.
–Ric Flair debuted his new podcast this week on the Play It site. Kurt Angle was his first guest. I’ll be the guest on next week’s show.
–Jim Ross has a show on Saturday night in Baltimore at Rams Head Live. There are very few if any VIP tickets left (there were nine left as of Monday) but still plenty of General Admission tickets. He also has a show on 8/22, the night before SummerSlam, at the Gramercy Theater in New York.
–AXS is doing a New Japan Pro Wrestling TV marathon. This coming Monday from midnight to 6 a.m. they will air the first six episodes of last season. They will air anther six episodes both on 5/15 from midnight to 6 a.m. and again on 5/18 from midnight to 6 a.m. There will also be a two hour block from 8-10 p.m. on 5/22, with the 8 p.m. show being a replay of an A.J. Styles vs. Kazuchika Okada match from Yokohama.
–Scott Steiner will be appearing at this year’s Mid Atlantic Fan Fest in Charlotte in July.
–The Riviera Hotel in Las Vegas, that played host to GLOW Wrestling in the 80s, closed up shop this week.
–Ray Leppan (Adam Rose) after the E:60 piece aired wrote, “Let your voice be heard if you want Kruger back, tweet #WWEKruger ##WWE#WWEe60. Before he was Adam Rose, Leppan used the name Leo Kruger and had a completely different character, as a South African millionaire, then he plays now.
–Today is the 26th anniversary of the Ric Flair vs. Ricky Steamboat match that HHH at one time said was the greatest match he ever saw, held on a WCW PPV show from Nashville.
–Jake Ellenberger vs. Stephen Wonderboy Thompson was announced for the 7/11 UFC show in Las Vegas. Ellenberger had at first agreed to face Tyron Woodley, but Woodley’s camp turned down the fight.
–Today would have been Owen Hart’s birthday. Today is also the 31st birthday of Kevin Owens, whose name in a roundabout way is a tribute to Owen Hart. Technically Kevin Owens is because Kevin’s son is named Owen, but he was named Owen after Owen Hart.
–Mick Foley has a nice Facebook remembrance of Owen Hart today.
–WWE will be producing an Owen Hart DVD later this year.
–There is a Metamoris submission wrestling iPPV Saturday at www.Metamoris.com with these top matches:
Josh Barnett vs. Ryron Gracie
Chael Sonnen vs. Renato Babalu Sobral
Joe Lauzon vs. Dillon Danis
Xande Ribeiro vs. Keenan Cornelius
Clark Gracie vs. Roberto Satoshi
–The New Japan crew arrives in New York on Monday, for sold out shows on Tuesday and Wednesday with ROH at the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia. Hideo Itami is expected to be flying to New York to meet with the New Japan guys to catch up with them.
–Spencer and Brigette Barker of Fort Lauderdale filed suit against Manny Pacquiao, Floyd Mayweather Jr. and management saying they were defrauded in buying tickets to the Mayweather-Pacquiao fight due to it being kept secret Pacquiao had a torn rotator cuff. This is the second lawsuit filed regarding keeping the injury secret from ticket buyers.
–WWE stock closed up nine cents per share today to close at 13.53.
–Vendetta Pro Wrestling on 5/16 in Lompoc, CA with Matt Riviera vs. Jeff Jarrett with Karen Jarrett for the Western States Heritage title plus Carlito and Ricardo Rodriguez appear.
ON THIS DAY IN PRO WRESTLING HISTORY INTERNATIONAL (thanks to Graeme Cameron)
1983 – La Galactica beat Jaguar Yokota to win the WWWA title
1992 – Sabu & Horace Boulder beat Atsushi Onita & Tarzan Goto to win the World Martial Arts tag tiles
2000 – Takehiro Murahama beat Super Delfin in Tokyo to win the Osaka Pro title
2010 – Hiroshi Tanahashi & Okumura & Taichi beat Hector Garza & El Hijo del Fantasma & La Mascara in Mexico City to win the CMLL trios titles
2012 – Taiyo Kea beat Suwama in Tokyo to win the Champion Carnival
–River City Wrestling on Saturday night in San Antonio at Sidelines Grill featuring Hernandez from Lucha Underground.
–Pure Wrestling Association on 5/30 in Kitchener, ONT at the Alpine Club.
–Absolute Intense Wrestling on 5/22 and 5/23 at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel School in Cleveland has the J.T. Lightning Invitational tournament. Samoa Joe appears on the 5/23 show. In the tournament include Little Guido, Nick Gage, Raymond Rowe, Louis Lyndon, Tyson Dux, Josh Prohibition, Cedric Alexander, B.J. Whitmer, Cheech, Colin Delaney, Flip Kendrick, Too Cold Scorpio and Doug Gilbert. They also have a women’s show on 5/23 at 3 p.m. with Allysin Kay, Candice LaRae, Mia Yim, Alexia Nicole, Veda Scott and Marti Belle.
–Yoshi Tatsu has returned to the U.S. after his broken neck from last year taking the Styles Clash, and is back in Orlando.
–Empire Wrestling Federation has shows on 5/8 in Covina, CA with a Battle Royal dedicated to the late Great Goliath, for the company’s 19th anniversary show, and 5/9 in San Bernardino at the VFW Hall Post 8737.
–Results from East Los Angeles on Sunday: Shamu Jr. & Blood Eagle b Los Traumas I & II-DQ, Supernatural b Rey Horus-DQ, Mariachi Loco b OG Playboy-DQ, Nightmare b Cyber Ram, Captain Comic Con & Human Tornado & Mr. Impact & Bobby Rios b Sean Black & Ridiculoso & DeMarco Wilson & Odioso (thanks to Kurt Brown)
–They will still advertising a Daniel Bryan vs. Bad News Barrett match on TV this week for 5/22 in Manchester, NH for a show headlined by John Cena vs. Rusev in a cage match.
–Battlewar 19 on 6/15 in Montreal as Les Foufounes Electriques with Dirty Buxx Belmar vs. Dalton Castle and Mike Speedball Bailey vs. Shane Matthews
–Great Canadian Wrestling on 6/6 in Oshawa, ONT at the Harmony Creek Community Hall.
–The Punk Rock band The Razor Ramones from Parts Unknown have released a new EP, and will play at the Heroes and Legends V event on 7/25 in Fort Wayne, IN.
–Dynamo Pro Wrestling from Tuesday night in St. Louis: Ozzie Gallagher b Lucy Mendez-DQ, Rocket Mapache & Jackal b Shorty Biggs & Outtkast, Jake Dirden b Everett Connors, Ricky Cruz won three-way over Brandon Espinosa and Brandon Aarons, Michael Magnuson & Dave DeLorean & Jayden Fenix b Mike Outlaw & Justin D’Air & Keon Option (thanks to Patrick Brandmeyer)
–Paul London is looking for bookings at JoeDombrowskiPR@gmail.com He is now living in Los Angeles. He can appear in matches, signings, do seminars or other business opportunities.
–Mecca Pro Wrestling Headlock for Hunger on 6/27 in Cornwall, ONT at the Agora Centre.
–WWE’s Eva Marie and Naomi appear at a poolside party at the Mt. Airy Casino Resort in Mt. Pocono, PA on 5/23 at 10 p.m.
–IWF on 5/16 and 5/30 at the IWF Centre in Nutley, NJ has live shows at 7 p.m.
–Chaotic Wrestling tomorrow night in Lowell, MA at the Polish-American Veterans Club with Chase Del Monte vs. Donovan Dijak in a last man standing match a the main event.
–RFA vs. Legacy superfights in an interpromotional battle takes place tomorrow night in Robinsonville, MS on AXS at 10 p.m.. Burt Watson handled the weigh-ins today. The show also airs in Canada on The Fight Network.
Battle of flyweight champions: Alexandre Pantoja (RFA) vs. Damacio Page (Legacy)
RFA bantamweight title: Luke Sanders vs. Terrion Ware
Legacy lightweight title: Dave Burrow vs. Mike Bronzoulis
RFA vs. Legacy: Adam Townsend vs. Yuri Villefort
RFA vs. Legacy: Kevin Gray vs. Brian Hall
RFA vs. Legacy: Bojan Velickovic vs. Charles Byrd
–IWF from Saturday night in Nutley, NJ before 600 fans: Galindo b Michael T.Blake, Manuel Arocho & Chewy Antunes & Jessica b Johnny Angel & Wayne Woo & Michele, Kevin Knight b Mike Cammett, Dan Kinnlally b Corey Havoc, Tito Santana & Phat Daddy Biggie Biggs b Dr. Hurtz & Shane O’Brien, Shawn Donovan won three-way over Tommy Dreamer and Roman Zachary.
–The 5/31 Evolve show has been moved with the new location being the Ronkonkoma Fire Department on 177 Portion Rd. in Ronkonkoma, NY.
–Drew Galloway vs. Biff Busick for the Evolve title was announced for 5/30 in Queens, NY at La Boom in Woodside. The winner defends against Roderick Strong on 5/31 in Ronkonkoma, NY. Davey Richards will also be on both shows. Also appearing will be Johnny Gargano, Rich Swann, Anthony Nese, Caleb Konley, Drew Gulak,TJ Perkins, Chris Hero, Rey Hours, Trevor Lee and Mike Bailey.
–Timothy Thatcher is out of action of action on both shows due to broken ossicles, tiny bones in the mid ear and underwent surgery and will be out for a few weeks.
–There is a Shine iPPV on 5/15 in Ybor City,FL at The Orpheum with Santana Garrett vs. Mia Yim for the Shine title as the main event and the tag champs Kimber Lee & Cherry Bomb defend against Brandi Wine & Malia Hosaka.
–Brutus Beefcake appears on 6/27 at the Mississippi Comic Con in Jackson MS at the Mississippi Trade Mart.
–Davey Richards and Angelina Love appear on 6/13 in Vancouver, BC for Elite Canadian Championship Wrestling at the Russian Community Centre.
–Great White North Championship Wrestling on 5/31 in Hamilton, ONT at the Ukranian Cultural Centre.
–The Fight Network tonight airs Golden Boy’s La Fight Club from Los Angeles at 10 p.m. Eastern with Manuel Avila vs. Erik Ruiz in a super bantamweight bout.
–There is a Premier Boxing Championships show Saturday at 4 p.m. Eastern on CBS,
–An article about a toddler killed when given a Last Ride power bomb is at http://philadelphia.cbslocal.com/2015/05/07/cops-pa-toddler-slammed-to-death-in-mimicked-wrestling-move/
–A podcast with Roddy Piper as guest at
https://soundcloud.com/inappropriate-earl/episode-62-rowdy-roddy-piper
–Great article by Evander Holyfield about boxing, judging and mentality of current boxers:
–TNA’s Micah (Tevita Fifita) interview at http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2015/05/07/22385876.html
–An interview with new NXT signee from Toronto, Nhooph Al-Areebi
http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2015/05/07/22385821.html
–Ray Leppan (Adam Rose) talks E:60 at
You can also listen to the interview with Rose at: http://www.betweentheropes.com/2015/05/07/adam-rose-espn-e60-doc-wwe-nxt-leo-kruger/
–Justin Bieber was talked about for a WWE match at
http://kevineckwrestling.sportsblog.com/posts/2330971/floyd-mayweather-s-pal-justin-bieber-wrestling-in-summerslam-main-event-last-year-was-a-possibility.html
–An interview with Brian Solomon and his book Pro Wrestling FAQ at
http://www.wrestledelphia.com/corrigans-corner-brian-solomon-author-of-pro-wrestling-faq/
WRESTLING VIDEOS (thanks to Thomas Rude)
TNA
IMPACT Top 5 For The Week Of May 1, 2015
IMPACT In 60: Hardcore Justice! Who Left In A Stretcher? Gail Kim’s New Alley? More…
INDY TV SHOWS
Victory Commonwealth Wrestling “Showcase” TV (Episode 101)
West Coast Wrestling Connection TV (Episode 49)
Powerbomb Championship Wrestling TV (Episode 24)
5/3/15 NWA Southern All Star Wrestling
4/18/15 Future Stars Of Wrestling “High Octane” TV
Anarchy Wrestling TV (Episode 482)
MISC. STUFF
CHIKARA Podcast-A-Go-Go (Episode 414)
The Candice And Joey Show (Episode 111)
WWE
WWE Canvas 2 Canvas-Christian Hits The Switch Onto The Canvas
100 Years Of Hart Highlights: Courtesy Of The Award-Winning WWE Network
WWE
5/4/15 Top 10 WWE RAW Moments
5/4/15 WWE RAW “Fallout”-Sami Zayn’s Emotional Debut
5/4/15 WWE RAW “Fallout”-Naomi And Tamina Send A Message
5/4/15 WWE RAW “Fallout”-Dean Ambrose Is Ready For Payback
5/4/15 WWE RAW “Fallout-The New Day Celebrates Their Victory
TNA
The Question Mark (Episode 6)
INDY TV SHOWS
Vanguard Championship Wrestling “Hype Machine” (Episode 50)
Ultra Championship Wrestling Zero TV (Episode 94)
Covey Pro Wrestling TV (Episode 204)
New England Championship Wrestling “Online” (Episode 4)
Reality Of Wrestling TV (Episode 52)
TODAY’S WWE NETWORK SCHEDULE (thanks to Bert Duckwall)
8:00 PM ET
TUESDAY NIGHT TITANS Vince McMahon hosts Tuesday Night Titans with Lord Alfred Hayes. Guests include Cowboy Bob Orton, Mr. Fuji and the Magnificent Muraco.
9:00 PM ET
WCW MONDAY NITRO On this episode of WCW Monday Nitro the fallout from Fall Brawl. Brian Pillman battles Ric Flair in the main event and more.
10:00 PM ET
WWE 24 In this edition of WWE 24, we reveal the personal story of this rising star, his family and his memorable experience at Wrestlemania 31.
10:30 PM ET
FIRST LOOK: ALWAYS BELIEVE A First Look to watch exclusive content from WWE Home Video’s latest release, Ultimate Warrior: Always Believe!
11:00 PM ET
TUESDAY NIGHT TITANS Vince McMahon hosts Tuesday Night Titans with Lord Alfred Hayes. Guests include Cowboy Bob Orton, Mr. Fuji and the Magnificent Muraco.