THURS. UPDATE: Johnny Ace gets engaged, Stephanie sells stock, Josh Matthews & Madison Rayne get hitched, Kane’s return date
By Dave Meltzer | dave@wrestlingobserver.com”>dave@wrestlingobserver.com
We’re looking for reports on tonight’s NXT show in Orlando and tonight’s GFW show in Cedar Rapids, IA (Sonjay Dutt vs. DJ Zema Ion, Colt Cabana vs. Arya Daivari, ODB vs. Mickie James, Tommaso Ciampa vs. Kevin Matthews, New Heavenly Bodies vs. Zero Gravity and Chris Mordetzky vs. Nick Aldis).
GFW continues with weekend shows tomorrow night in Waterloo, IA and Saturday night in Clinton, IA.
Smackdown tonight on Syfy from Miami:
Dudleys vs. Prime Time Players
Cesaro vs. Sheamus
R-Truth vs. Bo Dallas
Charlotte vs. Tamina Snuka
Roman Reigns & Dean Ambrose vs. Big E & Kofi Kingston
New Japan is back in action late tonight early tomorrow a 5:30 a.m. Eastern from Korakuen Hall live on New Japan World
David Finlay vs. Jay White
Yuji Nagata & Sho Tanaka vs. Yohei Komatsu & Manabu Nakanishi
Tomoaki Honma & Jushin Liger & Captain New Japan vs. Tomohiro Ishii & Yoshi-Hashi & Kazushi Sakuraba
Togi Makabe & Katsuyori Shibata & Tiger Mask vs. Kota Ibushi & Tetsuya Naito & Juice Robinson (formerly C.J. Parker of NXT)
Kazuchika Okada & Toru Yano vs. Tama Tonga & Cody Hall
Hirooki Goto & Ryusuke Taguchi & Mascara Dorada vs. Shinsuke Nakamura & Rocky Romero & Baretta
Hiroshi Tanahashi & Hiroyoshi Tenzan & Satoshi Kojima & Kushida vs. Bad Luck Fale & Karl Anderson & Doc Gallows & Kenny Omega
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 issue is on the site right now at http://www.f4wonline.com/component/content/article/110-wrestling-observer-newsletter/44362-september-7-2015-wrestling-observer-newsletter-snuka-indicted-shooting-at-wwe-performance-center-and-tons-more
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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.
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
–We have two very different new shows up on the site today, a show last night talking in detail on the Jimmy Snuka case, and a show today talking with the Young Bucks about their start, their future, the T-shirt, business, their ring psychology, Jim Cornette and the Meltzer driver.
–Former WWE Head of Talent Relations John Laurinaitis got engaged last night to Kathy Colace, the mother of Nikki & Brie Bella. Laurinaitis and Colace have been a couple for some time. If you’re keeping track, that means Road Warrior Animal will shortly be related to Daniel Bryan.
–This is the weekend UFC TV schedule:
- Weigh-ins will be on this site at 7 p.m. Eastern and FS 1 with Karyn Bryant, Brian Stann, Yves Edwards and Megan Olivi as hosts
- Preview show at 7 p.m. on Saturday on FS 1
- Prelims at 8 p.m. on Saturday at FS 1
- Post-fight show on Saturday at 1 a.m. on FS 1
–The world wrestling championships take place 9/7 to 9/12 in Las Vegas at the Orleans Arena.
–The Young Bucks vs. Mark & Jay Briscoe will headline the ROH show on 9/25 in California, PA.
–These are the brackets in the NXT Dusty Rhodes tag team tournament
- Samoa Joe & Finn Balor vs. Lucha Dragons
- Enzo Amore & Big Cass vs. Angelo Dawkins & Sawyer Fulton
- Scott Dawson & Dash Wilder vs. Tucker Knight & Elias Samson
- Blake & Murphy vs. Vaudevillains
- Mojo Rawley & Zack Ryder vs. Marcus Louis & Alexander Wolfe
- Jason Jordan & Chad Gable vs. Solomon Crowe & Neville
- Rhyno & Baron Corbin vs. The Ascension
- Johnny Gargano & Tommaso Ciampa vs. Tyler Breeze & Bull Dempsey
–TNA announcer Josh Matthews on his podcast noted that he married Madison Rayne last month.
–Yujiro Takahashi of New Japan will be off the next tour due to a neck injury suffered during the G-1 tournament. That means cat woman won’t be on the next PPV.
–Nick Diaz had to turn himself in for a brief stay in jail (one day) for two DUI charges, although he is already out.
–WWE stock was up 58 cents per share today, closing at $19.44.
–Stephanie Levesque (McMahon) sold 140,000 shares of WWE stock on Tuesday and Wednesday for about $2.65 million.
–They look to be doing a Nikki Bella vs. Charlotte title match before Night of Champions, so the idea is she has to win one more match before she gets the record.
ON THIS DAY IN PRO WRESTLING HISTORY INTERNATIONAL (thanks to Graeme Cameron)
1966 – The Destroyer (John Hill) beat Bearcat Wright to win the IWA title
1974 – Jumbo Miyamoto & Mariko Akagi b Jackie West & Panama Franco in Hiroshima to win the WWWA tag titles
1984 – Jumbo Tsuruta & Genichiro Tenryu beat Bruiser Brody & Jerry Blackwell to win the vacant International tag titles
1987 – Genichiro Tenryu & Ashura Hara beat Stan Hansen & Austin Idol in Nagoya to win the International tag titles
1987 – Ray Richard beat Blackman in Mexico City to win the UWA welterweight title
1988 – Bestia Salvaje beat Aguila Solitaria in Mexico City to win the Mexican national welterweight title
1991 – Jimmy Ocean beat Steve Grey in Croydon to win the British lightweight title
1995 – Manami Toyota beat Yumiko Hotta to win the All Japan women Grand Prix tournament
2004 – Averno beat Zumbido in Mexico City to win the NWA middleweight title
2006 – Taiyo Kea beat Satoshi Kojima in Sapporo to win the Triple Crown
–WWE is looking for an Administrative Assistant for the Digital Content Vice Presidents.
–Kane is currently scheduled to return on Monday.
–Neil Seery vs. Jon Delos Reyes in a flyweight fight has been added to the 10/24 UFC show in Dublin.
–Luiz Fernandez-Gil, best known in wrestling as Dario Cueto,was on Jimmy Kimmel Tuesday night in a comedy skit. He played an Italian reporter. (thanks to Leonardo Mendez Toledo)
–Bob Backlund’s autography will be in stock at Amazon.com tomorrow.
–The movie “Spectre” with Dave Bautista opens in Australia on 11/12 (thanks to James Stanios)
–Just a note on a radio show question. Vince McMahon was backstage at the NXT show in Brooklyn.
–New match added today on NWAClassics.com features The Midnight Express vs. Mr. Wrestling II & Magnum T.A. from the Sam Houston Coliseum.
–Northeast Wrestling on 9/12 in Williamsport, PA at the Susquehanna Bank Park with Sgt. Slaughter, Monster BC (Tyrus), Matt Hardy, Ted DiBiase and Mickie James. They also run 9/13 with a free 5 p.m. event at the North Haven, CT Fair with Mickie James, Matt Taven and Donovan Dijiak and 10/2 in Danbury, CT at the PAL Building. Rey Mysterio Jr. headlines the 11/13 show in Waterbury, CT at Crosby High School.
–Blue Water Championship Wrestling from Saturday night in Port Huron, MI: Donovan Donhauser b Atlas Hytower, Matt Prada NC Buddy the Bulldog, Deuce Diamond & Rob Clooney b Diablo & The Grappler, James Alexander b Mr. Fitness, Ingrid Isley b Shayla Hyde, N8 Mattson d Justin Mane, Eric Smalls b Matt Prada and Buddy the Bulldog, Shane Douglas b Phil Monohan (thanks to Leonard Brand)
–Grand Slam Wrestling on 9/12 in Moosic, PA at the Youth Center.
–Roddy Piper’s new short film “Portal to Hell” has its premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival on 9/12 and 9/18 at the Scotiabank Theater. It will be part of the “Short Cuts Porgramme 4” with a number of other short films. (thanks to Tim Dudley)
–EWF on 9/4 in Covina, CA at 4315 N. Vincent Ave.
–Battle Arts Pro Wrestling on 9/19 in Mississauaga, ONT at the Don Kolov Arena
–Big Time Wrestling on 9/25 in Newark, CA at the Newark Pavilion headlined by Ethan Carter III defending the TNA heavyweight title.
–WCWF on 10/10 in Yuba City at the Yuba Sutter Fairgrounds
–Shawn Michaels will be coming to Newark CA at American High School for Big Time Wrestling’s 19th anniversary show on 10/27. Michaels will be signing from Noon to 3 p.m.
–In Your Face Wrestling on 1/10 in Albany, NY at the Polish Community Center
–NWA Smoky Mountain Wrestling tapes TV on Sunday in Elizabethton, TN at the Evolution Sports Gym. If you buy a ticket for Saturday night’s event in Kingsport, TN in advance, you can get a free ticket for the Sunday show.
–Ringside Fest on 10/3 at Carolines on Broadway in Times Square features signigns of Seth Rollins, Dolph Ziggler, Lana, Kevin Owens and Paige.
–Dragon Gate has a PPV from Korakuen Hall at http://live.nicovideo.jp/qwatch/lv232305328
Mondai Ryu & Punch Tominaga vs. Lindaman & Draztic Boy
Masaaki Mochizuki & Big R Shimizu & Yosuke Santa Maria vs. Genki Horiguchi & Jimmy Kanda & Naoki Tanizaki
Dragon Kid & Flamita vs. BxB Hulk & Kzy
T-Hawk vs. Eita
Cima & Gamma vs. Don Fujii & Ryo Saito
Shingo Takagi & Cyber Kong & Kotoka vs. Masato Yoshino & Akira Tozawa & Shachihoko Boy
Yamato & Naruki Doi vs. Jimmy Susumu & K-Ness
–One of the best wrestler battles in MMA in a long time is on the 9/25 Bellator show in Hidalgo, TX with former NCAA champion Darion Caldwell (7-0) against former Olympic hopeful Shawn Bunch (4-1). These were two of the country’s best wrestlers a couple of years ago.
–Former pro wrestler Dr. Michael Brannon (Dr. Red Roberts was his wrestling name) had his lawsuit against Howard Finkelstein thrown out. Brannon sued claiming his freedom of speech was violated when Finkelstein cut his consulting contract with Broward County in Florida. Brannon earned $608,758 in one year at his peak but by 2010 his earnings were cut to $12,500. Brannon said they cut him for testifying in support of Judge Cheryl Aleman in at judicial ethics trial. Finkelstein’s public defends office didn’t like Aleman’s rulings and assistant public defends had filed an ethics complaint against the judge. (thanks to Paul Kacprzak)
–Polish fighting drawing card Mariusz Pudzianowski, a former strongest man in the world, faces Peter Graham on 10/31 at the SSE Wembley Arena in London for KSW. Former UFC fighters Oli Thompson (who also works with Inoki in Japan) and James McSweeney are on the show.
–An interview with Gail Kim is at
–Preview of 12 Rounds starring Dean Ambrose at
–Dean Ambrose talks why he avoids social media at
–An article on what it says about police with the Jimmy Snuka case http://www.knoxnews.com/opinion/columnists/laurence-reisman-32yearold-superfly-case-shows-need-for-police-transparency_64232771
–Alexander Shlemenko is taking the California State Athletic Commission to court over his three-year suspension over a steroid test failure at http://www.mmafighting.com/2015/9/3/9257233/bellators-alexander-shlemenko-files-writ-against-csac-to-have-three
–Jimmy Snuka in an interview years ago talking about Nancy Argentino
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UNlEYM7VLSI
–A story on Ashley Flair at