THURS. UPDATE: TV and big show tonight, Injury in tag tourney that starts Sunday, Regal talks NXT touring, Austin, One of the greatest shows in history, Wrestling Doc debuts this month, Sammartino, Radio show with Mysterio, Letterman on Hogan,McGregor
By Dave Meltzer
dave@wrestlingobserver.com”>dave@wrestlingobserver.com
We’re looking for reports on today’s WWE shows in Budapest, Hungary (John Cena vs. Rusev, Roman Reigns vs. Big Show) and Toulouse, France (Seth Rollins vs. Randy Orton) and NXT in Gainesville, FL at dave@wrestlingobserver.com”>dave@wrestlingobserver.com .
Smackdown tonight at 8 p.m. on Syfy
R-Truth vs. Bray Wyatt
Bad News Barrett vs. The Miz
Neville vs. Sheamus
Los Matadores vs Kofi Kingston & Big E
Natalya vs. Cameron vs. Alicia Fox
Fandango vs. Adam Rose
John Cena & Daniel Bryan vs. Cesaro & Tyson Kidd non-title
New Japan World has a Korakuen Hall show that starts tomorrow at 5:30 a.m.
Tiger Mask vs. Sho Tanaka
Mascara Dorada & Yohei Komatsu vs. Rocky Romero & Trent Baretta
Yuji Nagata & Ryusuke Taguchi vs. Manabu Nakanishi & Captain New Japan
Hiroyoshi Tenzan & Satoshi Kojima & Kushida vs. Yujiro Takahashi & Kenny Omega & Cody Hall
Tetsuya Naito & Tomoaki Honma vs. Karl Anderson & Doc Gallows
Kazuchika Okada & Gedo vs. Bad Luck Fale & Tama Tonga
Hiroshi Tanahashi & Katsuyori Shibata & Kota Ibushi & Hirooki Goto & Togi Makabe vs. Shinsuke Nakamura & Tomohiro Ishii & Toru Yano & Kazushi Sakuraba & Yoshi-Hashi
Friday has shows in Dortmund, Germany (Roman Reigns vs. Big Show and Antwerp, Belgium (John Cena vs. Rusev, Seth Rollins vs. Randy Orton).
Evolve has an IPPV tomorrow night at 9 p.m. Eastern at www.WWNLive.com
Anthony Nese vs. Martin Stone
Caleb Konley vs. Rey Hours
Rich Swann vs. Ethan Page
Biff Busick vs. TJ Perkins
Johnny Gargano vs. Davey Richards
Roderick Strong vs. Timothy Thatcher 2/3 falls
The WWE European tour ends on Saturday with shows in Zurich, Switzerland (John Cena vs. Rusev, Seth Rollins vs. Randy Orton) and Nuremberg, Germany (Roman Reigns vs. Big Show), plus there is an NXT show in Jacksonville.
UFC has a pretty loaded FOX show on Saturday, four plus hours starting at 6 p.m. Eastern headlined by Lyoto Machida vs. Luke Rockhold.
We’ve got full coverage of the WWE Hall of Fame ceremony from two weeks ago along with a lot of backstage stories, truth vs. fiction on the stories told, as our lead story in the new issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter. We also have a ton of notes on ROH and the New Japan tour, Lucha Underground’s future and what it needs, TNA and Destination America along with notes on Taz, the Briscoes, Daniel Bryan, the latest lawsuits against WWE and UFC and a look at WWE & TNA business for February.
The new issue is up on the site at http://www.f4wonline.com/component/content/article/110-wrestling-observer-newsletter/42101-april-20-2015-wrestling-observer-newsletter-wwf-hall-of-fame-feature-latest-wwe-concussion-lawsuit-ufc-poland-debut-and-much-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.
The lead story covers the ins and outs of this year’s WWE Hall of Fame, the Randy Savage induction, Elizabeth, Ray Stevens, what WWE was and wasn’t happy about, how things are expected to change next year and thoughts about next year. We also run down everyone’s speeches and talk about fact vs. fiction regarding what was said, as well as key parts of stories that were and weren’t said.
We look at the latest copycat lawsuit against WWE, how it was similar to others and in what key way it was different, we look at the individuals involved, We look at the claims made and WWE’s reaction to the latest suit through Jerry McDevitt, and also talk the Nelson Frazier case.
We also look at the schedule for WWE PPV shows over the next year as well as NXT specials and other key events. We look at a PPV date that may change and why, and if not, why a major UFC and WWE event look to be going head-to-head early next year.
We’ve got an update on Extreme Rules, the Paige angle, Furious 7 at the box office, Daniel Bryan being sent home, Jey Uso’s injury, Seth Rollins title win and lots of notes on new talent signed by WWE including backgrounds. We also look at plans for Tough Enough this year, UFC vs. WWE value, Another wrestler who may be getting a deal, and three names who are getting tryouts next month.
We also have full coverage of the current WWE European tour, with notes and business from every location.
We’ve got notes on UFC’s show this past week from Poland with a full show rundown.
We’ve got February business notes, covering WWE house show business, TV ratings, merchandise, DVDs and other categories, as well as TNA numbers and what they really mean.
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:
–Rey Bucanero gives his side of the Rey Mysterio Jr. retiring story
–Major indie show with huge names coming this week
–Unique angle in the Arena Mexico main event this week
–Key star injury
–Big show in Mexico being planned in two weeks
–AAA business since the Aguayo death and upcoming TV lineups
–More shows with Rey Mysterio Jr.
–El Hijo del Santo talks the Aguayo death and why he’s being heavily criticized on the subject
–More on the upcoming World Cup trios tournament
–Unique major stipulation match in Dragon Gate in a few weeks
–A look at the off the charts Dragon Gate match this past week
–Notes on the upcoming King of Gate tournament
–Major name joins the NOAH feud that has gotten mainstream news coverage
–A look at NOAH’s big show of the week
–Details of NOAH’s Global Tag League tournament
–Three title matches including two from the U.S. on New Japan show in two weeks
–Notes on the return of the old FMW promotion with Atsushi Onita
–The shoot tournament going on for a pro wrestling world title
–News on Jeff Jarrett’s Global Force Wrestling
–News on a promotion claiming national exposure and the realities of the deal
–Who is involved with the new company
–Notes on upcoming PWG dates
–One of the most famous weird incidents in modern pro wrestling explained, the non-fast count by Nick Patrick at Starrcade 1997
–Update on Bobby Heenan
–Many top stars working Middle East
–Retirement of Tomoka Nakagawa
–Jim Ross and Lucha Underground and why they wanted him
–The current status of Lucha Underground
–What is the key thing to look at with that promotion
–Notes on their big season ending show, the angles leading to it and the lineup
–Ideas they had and where they stand
–Why Lucha Underground is having trouble catching on even with strong television
–Notes on the weekend TV tapings and where the show stands well into July
–Why the Briscoes turned down WWE
–Notes on the upcoming ROH and New Japan shows and challenges in booking
–What would have happened had the Briscoes left
–Notes on the Killer Elite Squad in ROH
–Notes on TNA’s finances and late payment
–The TNA/Destination America relationship and key factors on it
–More on Bobby Lashley’s next fight
–Notes on TNA going back to doing a live PPV show and the time frame
–UFC pioneer Kevin Rosier passes away
–Notes on tons of new UFC fights
–What UFC star is looking to compete in the 2016 Olympics in what sport
–What happened with Matt Brown and Nate Diaz
–Notes on the latest lawsuit against UFC
–How UFC is doing on TV in Canada
–Former hockey fighter signs with UFC for Montreal
–Crazy Wanderlei Silva interview
–Thoughts on Phil Davis signing with Bellator
–Fight of the Year
–Bill Goldberg fighting update
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
–Takeshi Morishima is out the Pro Wrestling NOAH Global tag team tournament that starts on Sunday. Morishima was to team with Mitsuhiro Kitamiya. He’s got significant issues with his left knee and right rotator cuff.
–A Go Fund Me has been set up for Brian Johnston, who was a UFC fighter in the 90s who went on to be a regular with New Japan Pro Wrestling during a boom period and then suffered a stroke while still in his 20s, that he was very lucky to survive but had major ramifications. For more info you can go to http://www.gofundme.com/ryns9w
–PW Insider reported that WWE legal sent a cease and desist letter to ProWrestlingTees.com regarding selling a number of Steve Austin items, which have since been pulled.
–Austin responded on Twitter saying that they would be back.
–Matches will start being announced Monday for the ROH/New Japan shows in May. When you look at the talent roster on those shows, they should really be something.
–Standing room tickets for the Philadelphia shows on 5/12 and 5/13 will go on sale Friday at 10 a.m. through the company web site.
–William Regal, at a talk event in the U.K., said plans were already in the works for NXT doing international tours, running shows in smaller arenas. He said the business plan was in place and it would start within 18 months. (thanks to Joel Young)
–One of the greatest pro wrestling events of all-time took place 21 years ago today, the first-ever Super J Cup at Sumo Hall in Tokyo. The entire show is available on New Japan World. Chris Benoit beat Great Sasuke in the finals. Sasuke’s one night performance in matches with El Samurai, Jushin Liger and Benoit was one of the best single day pro wrestling performances of all-time. That show went head-to-head with a Budokan Hall show by All Japan headlined by Toshiaki Kawada beating Steve Williams to win the Triple Crown. Both shows sold out so there were almost 28,000 people watching wrestling live that night in Tokyo, not to mention those turned away at each venue.
–The Fight Network today announced they will be airing eight different one hour TV shows from Tommy Dreamer’s House of Hardcore promotion. The first show airs on 5/12 at 9 p.m. and the show will air in that Tuesday night at 9 p.m. slot for the next eight weeks. The shows will be designed to promote the 7/18 show in Toronto.
–I’m looking for any notes from the Cauliflower Alley Club banquet last night. Congrats to Dennis Brent and all the honorees including Larry Hennig, Gerald Brisco, Beth Phoenix, Gail Kim, Lisa Varon, DDP and everyone else.
–A documentary called “At What Cost? An Anatomy of Professional Wrestling” debuts on 4/25 in Syracuse, NY at the Palace Theater as part of Spring Fest 2015 presented by the Syracuse International Film Festival at 2 p.m.. The documentary looks at pro wrestling with interviews with Jake Roberts, Greg Valentine and DDP, and talks about the preponderance of early deaths in the industry. Mark Chervinsky. who ha worked on reality shows such as The Apprentice, The Biggest Loser and Celebrity Rehab, produced and directed the piece. He was also the editor of the MTV show Wrestling Society X.
–Sal Corrente, who represents Bruno Sammartino, has said that effective immediately, no autograph requests sent to the home of Sammartino will be accommodated. If any merchandise or memorabilia is sent to his home, it will be donated to charity. Sammartino has signed anything sent to him in the past, but people have abused the privilege by then selling the autographed merchandise. He had gotten numerous daily requests for years and tried to sign anything from a fan but not business people looking to make money off it, but the business people were disguising themselves as fans.
–Gina Carano turned 33 today (thanks to James Stanios)
–The MLW Radio show that I did with Rey Mysterio, Konnan, Court Bauer and MSL in Santa Clara, which also included Samoa Joe, Jim Ross, Scott Hall, Kevin Sullivan and Wale is now available at http://wwnlive.com/event-mlw-live-radio-03-26-15-.html as a video on demand. It’s also available on the WWN Roku Channel.
ON THIS DAY IN PRO WRESTLING HISTORY INTERNATIONAL (thanks to Graeme Cameron)
1982 – Giant Baba beat Bruiser Brody to win the Champion Carnival tournament
1986 – Cien Caras & Mascara Ano 2000 beat Rayo de Jalisco Jr. & Tony Bennetto to win the Mexican national tag team titles
1989 – Shinichi Nakano beat Masa Fuchi in Tokyo to win the All Japan jr. title
1992 – George & Shunji Takano beat Haku & Yoshiaki Yatsu in Yokohama to win the SWS tag title
1999 – Vader beat Kenta Kobashi in Tokyo to win the Champion Carnival tournament
2000 – Heavy Metal beat Cobarde II in Mexico City to win the UWA light heavyweight title
–Markus Gronemann, who wrote the story earlier this week on Axel Tischer, who WWE has just started, said he needed to make a correction in that Tischer’s debut was in 2001, not 2004.
–Evolve has shows on 5/30 in Woodside, Queens, NY at La Boom and 5/31 in Ronkonkoma, Long Island at Center Island Sports.
–Smash Wrestling on 5/14 in Eganville, ONT at the Eganville Community Centre.
–The Smoky Mountain Cup tournament takes place tomorrow night in Kingsport, TN at the Civic Auditorium. Admission is free for the 12-man tournament which leads to a six-way elimination match main event. The winner gets an NWA world heavyweight title shot. First round matches have Jason Kincaid vs. Chris Richards, Vince Brent vs. Jordan Kage, Jax Dane vs. Gavin Daring, Nick Hammonds vs. Jeff Connelly, Wayne Adkins vs. Chase Owens and Skylar Kruze vs. Shawn Schultz.
–Mid Atlantic Wrestling Alliance on 4/25 in Berlin, NJ at the Community Center.
–Infinity Pro Wrestling on Saturday night in Bloomington, IN at the National Guard Armory.
–Rebel Pro Wrestling on Saturday night in Hillsborough, Sheffield, England at the 393 Club.
–Top Rope Wrestling on Saturday night in Lebanon, TN at the Wilson County Fairgrounds.
–Mountain Championship Wrestling on Friday night in Dunlap, TN at the Cagle Mountain Fire Hall.
–PWX on 4/25 in McKeesport, PA at the new PWX Wrestleplex.
–East Coast Pro Wrestling tomorrow night in Paramus, NJ at the Elks Lodge and Saturday night in Oneonta, NY at the Boys & Girls Club.
–Rockstar Pro Wrestling tomorrow night in Dayton at the Rockstar Pro Arena.
–Samoa Joe vs. Damien Wayne on Saturday night in Mount Airy, NC at the National Guard Armory.
–CLLP from Sunday in Southgate, CA, for a benefit show for the Los Angeles wrestler Triton (not the Mexico City wrestler of the same name), who has wrestled since the early 80s, suffered a broken neck in training a few months ago and has been paralyzed, although they do believe he will walk again: Blue Fish b Vandal Drummond, Barrio Boy & Malice b Futuro 2000 & Mr. Piolin, Classicus Shadow & Ciclon Moreliano & Nightmare b Principe Indu Jr. & Mariachi Rockero & Aeroboy, Jalisco & Profeta Jr. & Piloto Nuclear & Rayo de Plata b Kayan & Enigma de Oro & KKK #1 & Principe Indu, Sin Limite & Sin Limite Jr. b Phoenix Star & Zokre and Huichol Zandokan & Romeo, Piloto Suicida & Shamu Jr. & Dr. Maldad & Acero Dorado b Steve Pain & Tornado Negro & Bestia 666 & Damien 666. Pain replaced Nicho in the main event. (thanks to Kurt Brown and Alfredo Esparza).
–Real Tennessee Wrestling tomorrow night in Columbia, TN at 915 S Garden St.
–Ultimate Combat Wrestling Saturday night in Union City, TN at 308 S. 1st St.
–USA Championship Wrestling on Saturday night in Lebanon, TN at the Lebanon Airport Armory.
–SWF tomorrow night in Tullahoma, TN at 106 Southside St.
–Tennessee Wrestling Alliance Saturday night in Winchester, TN at 401 1st Ave.
–New Generation Wrestling on Saturday night in Beverley, East Rising of Yorkshire, England at the Beverley Memorial Hall.
–Bellator announced the signing of Gleristone Santos (27-4), a featherweight from Brazil. who has won 16 of his last 17 fights.
–CWE on 4/22 in Yorkton, Saskatchewan at the Yorkdale Central School headlined by Christopher Daniels vs. Yorkton’s Robbie Gamble.
–Primos Wrestling has the Alpha 9 tournament on 5/3 in Denver at the Watering Bowl. All matches will be three-way matches combining Lucha and X Division styles. They also have a show at the Watering Bowl Saturday night headlined by Teddy Hart.
–Baja Stars Wrestling on Sunday in Tijuana presents the Barney Seville Tribute show headlined by Mil Mascaras & Dos Caras & Rayo de Jalisco Jr. vs. Cien Caras Jr. & El Hijo del Solitario & Scorpio Jr.
–Velocity Championship Action tomorrow night in Memphis at 30-35 Directors Row at Directors Plaza II.
–Full Throttle Wrestling on Saturday night in Newport, TN at the National Guard Armory.
–Doc Gallows’ Southern Fried Championship Wrestling from Saturday night in Barnesville, GA before 300 fans: Robert Gibson won Battle Royal for Southern title, Southside Trash b Big Andy & Chris Nelms, Ethan Carter III b Tyson Dean, Amber Gallows b Demencia DeLoach, Doc Gallows & Haku & Tama Tonga b Jake Davis & Leslie Leatherman & Iceburg Slim in a falls count anywhere match. Next show is 5/9 with Jeff Jarrett, Brian Myers and Jimmy Rave. (thanks to Kris Zellner)
–Chaotic Championship Wrestling tomorrow night in Woburn, MA at the Elks Lodge #908 with a 30 man Rumble.
–Micro Championship Wrestling on 4/25 in Le Roy, IL at Tailgaters Pub.
–EGO Pro Wrestling on Saturday night in Athens, TN a the National Guard Armory.
–Newcastle Pro Wrestling on Saturday night in Gosford, New South Wales, Australia at the Central Coast League Club.
–Blue Mountains Pro Wrestling on Saturday and Sunday at Lithgow New South Wales at the Lithgow Showgrounds.
–Elite Canadian Championship Wrestling on Saturday night in Vancouver, BC at the Russian Community Centre.
–Renee Michelle vs. Tessa Blanchard on 4/18 in Woodbury,NJ at the Woodbury Heights Community Centre.
–Former NCAA champion Darion Caldwell (6-0) faces Rafael Silva (22-4) on Bellator’s 5/15 show in Temecula, CA.
–Nikita Krylov vs Marcos Rogerio de Lima has been added to UFC’s 6/20 show in Berlin.
–All Star Wrestling on 4/24 in Abbotsford, BC headlined by Gangrel, plus another show on 4/25 in Surrey, BC at the Cloverdale Fairgrounds.
–An article on Jamie Varner retiring from UFC due to repeated concussions
–David Letterman talks Hulk Hogan at the 6:25 and 14:20 mark of this video. This relates to Hogan on Chris Jericho’s podcast talking Letterman
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tyw8q64ANyE#t=519 (thanks to John Athridge)
–A story on Tim Boetsch, preparing for his fight with Dan Henderson at
http://bangordailynews.com/2015/04/15/sports/mma-training-camp-lincolnvilles-fighter-prepares-for-next-ufc-challenge/ (thanks to Josh Nason)
–Esquire Magazine with a piece on Conor McGregor at
http://www.esquire.com/sports/interviews/a34377/conor-mcgregor-interview-0515/ (thanks to Denis Gorman)
–Sheamus and Finn Balor talk to The Independent
PRO WRESTLING VIDEOS (thanks to Thomas Rude)
MISC. STUFF
Futureshock Access (Episode 6)
Maryland Championship Wrestling EventCenter April
CHIKARA Podcast-A-Go-Go (Episode 411)
The Candice & Joey Show (Episode 105)
Down For The Count (Episode 12)
Paul Heyman: Welcome To The Dance
WWE
4/12/15 WWE Fury: 36 Double-Team Moves That Devastated The Competition
WWE Canvas 2 Canvas-The Rock ‘n’ Sock Connection Hits The Canvas
4/13/15 WWE RAW Fallout: Dolph Ziggler Comments In His Issues WIth Sheamus
What’s Wrong WIth This Video?: The Rock Vs. Hulk Hogan
What’s Wrong With This Video?: The Rock Vs. Hulk Hogan Revealed!
AxelMania’s Runnin’ Wild In Europe!
TNA
IMPACT Top 5 For The Week Of April 10, 2015
IMPACT In 60: Tag Teams Made, World Title Match, #1 KO Contender
James Storm Talks Tag Team Gold And Opponents This Friday Night
INDY TV SHOWS
Metro Pro Wrestling TV (Episode 137)
Powerbomb Championship Wrestling TV (Episode 21)
West Coast Wrestling Connection TV (Episode 46)
Pro Wrestling Syndicate TV (Episode 15)
WFX “Overload” TV (Episode 11)
AIWF Mid-Atlantic TV (Episode 212)
Anarchy Wrestling TV (Episode 479)
Victory Wrestling Showcase TV (Episode 98)
TOMORROW’S WWE NETWORK SCHEDULE (thanks to Bert Duckwall)
12:00 AM ET
WCW MONDAY NITRO This episode of WCW Monday Nitro features a huge tag team main event when Sting teams with Hulk Hogan to face Ric Flair and Arn Anderson.
1:00 AM ET
FIRST LOOK: ALWAYS BELIEVE A First Look to watch exclusive content from WWE Home Video’s latest release, Ultimate Warrior: Always Believe!
1:30 AM ET
WWE QUICK HITS WWE Quick Hits 5 brings you some of the most unique, entertaining, and sometimes outrageous clips, unearthed from the depths of WWE Network!
2:00 AM ET
WWE COUNTDOWN Counting down the top ten biggest backstabs ever in WWE history, as voted by the WWE Universe.
3:00 AM ET
WWE EXTREME RULES 2010 John Cena vs Batista in Last Man Standing match for WWE Championship. Edge takes on Chris Jericho in a steel cage match.
6:00 AM ET
WWE NXT Sami Zayn returns to in ring action as he takes on Rhyno in this week’s main event.
7:00 AM ET
TOTAL DIVAS Brie and Bryan get married, and Nikki’s marriage is finally exposed to John. The Divas compete at WrestleMania for the Diva’s Championship.
8:00 AM ET
WWE BEYOND THE RING He’s the greatest manager in the history of sports entertainment. Relive The Brain’s magnificent career in Bobby ‘The Brain’ Heenan.
9:00 AM ET
WWE NXT Sami Zayn returns to in ring action as he takes on Rhyno in this week’s main event.
10:00 AM ET
TOTAL DIVAS Brie and Bryan get married, and Nikki’s marriage is finally exposed to John. The Divas compete at WrestleMania for the Diva’s Championship.
11:00 AM ET
WWE COUNTDOWN Counting down the top ten most Thunderous returns ever in WWE History, as voted by the WWE Universe.
12:00 PM ET
WWE NXT Sami Zayn returns to in ring action as he takes on Rhyno in this week’s main event.
1:00 PM ET
TOTAL DIVAS Brie and Bryan get married, and Nikki’s marriage is finally exposed to John. The Divas compete at WrestleMania for the Diva’s Championship.
2:00 PM ET
TOUGH ENOUGH Big Show stops by to offer advice to the contestants as the trainers begin to separate the pack by putting them through physical challenges.
3:00 PM ET
MONDAY NIGHT WAR An industry icon’s transformation propels Nitro to prominence, and forever changes sports entertainment history.
4:00 PM ET
WWE BEYOND THE RING The bigger they are, the harder they brawl! True Giants is an in-depth look at sports entertainment’s most successful gargantuan Superstars.
6:00 PM ET
FIRST LOOK: ALWAYS BELIEVE A First Look to watch exclusive content from WWE Home Video’s latest release, Ultimate Warrior: Always Believe!
6:30 PM ET
WWE MUSIC POWER 10 The premiere edition of WWE’s all new top ten music countdown series. This week: the music of WrestleMania 31!
7:00 PM ET
TOUGH ENOUGH Big Show stops by to offer advice to the contestants as the trainers begin to separate the pack by putting them through physical challenges.
8:00 PM ET
WWE SUPERSTARS WWE Superstars features the best of the best in matches you’ll have to see to believe. You never know what to expect – so expect everything.
9:00 PM ET
WWE BEYOND THE RING The bigger they are, the harder they brawl! True Giants is an in-depth look at sports entertainment’s most successful gargantuan Superstars.
11:00 PM ET
WWE SUPERSTARS WWE Superstars features the best of the best in matches you’ll have to see to believe. You never know what to expect – so expect everything.