BROCK LESNAR’S UFC RETURN
One would think that the numbers that Lesnar is bringing in and whatever WWE is getting financially or in trade value or however the deal they made it worth the risk since the deal got done. Lesnar described it as business when it comes to WWE’s position on Lesnar fighting.
Jim Ross talks the Lesnar fight
Just to clarify something talked about, Laz Benitez of the New York State Athletic Commission told Live Audio Wrestling that “Potential participation by Mr. Lesnar in an August WWE event would depend on his medical fitness and physical condition at the time of the professional wrestling show. No person is allowed to participate in a professional wrestling exhibition in New York State until he or she is cleared medically fit to do so by a New York State licensed physician.” That doesn’t answer the question regarding if there is a Nevada commission suspension for a knockout, provided one happens, and whether New York would allow a fighter suspended from sparring and fighting to do a pro wrestling match. Really, it should all be on a case-by-case basis and depend on if there is a medical suspension. The full story.
Pro wrestling is regulated in the state of New York but there is no precedent regarding medical suspensions, which states are supposed to enforce, from MMA and them being recognized when it comes to pro wrestling. That could be significant if Lesnar gets hurt against Mark Hunt in relation to SummerSlam. It’s just another risk.
Paul Heyman will have an interview on his Heymanhustle.com site at 7 p.m. Eastern tonight with Brock Lesnar.
We’re looking for your thoughts on Saturday night’s UFC 199, Sunday’s Lucha World Cup and today and tomorrowmorning’s New Japan shows, so you can leave a thumbs up, thumbs down or thumbs in the middle along with a best and worst match to [email protected]
We’re looking for live reports on these weekend shows to [email protected]
*ROH in Friday night Collinsville, IL
*WWE Saturday night in Lubbock, TX
*WWE today in Lawton, OK (Kane, Big Show, Dean Ambrose, Kevin Owens, Paige, Enzo, Cass, Dudleys, Apollo, Crews, Sheamus, New Day, Erick Rowan, Braun Strowman)
Raw is tonight in Oklahoma City. We’re looking for reports on this show as well with dark matches and Superstars matches. John Cena, Seth Rollins and Chris Jericho are all booked on the show along with the usual regulars.
NEW JAPAN WORLD TUESDAY AT 5:30 A.M. EASTERN TIME FROM SENDAI (English language commentary)
Jay White vs. David Finlay
Yoshitatsu & Captain New Japan vs. Yujiro Takahashi & Chase Owens
Yuji Nagata & Manabu Nakanishi vs. Juice Robinson & Katsuyori Shibata
Hiroyoshi Tenzan & Kyle O’Reilly & Bobby Fish vs. Tomohiro Ishii & Rocky Romero & Trent Baretta
Kushida & Ricochet & Matt Sydal vs. Volador Jr. & Tiger Mask & Jushin Liger
Michael Elgin & Satoshi Kojima vs. Bad Luck Fale & Kenny Omega
Kazuchika Okada & Hirooki Goto & Yoshi-Hashi & Gedo vs. Tetsuya Naito & Seiya Sanada & Evil & Bushi
Ryusuke Taguchi vs. Will Ospreay for the Best of the Super Juniors championship
NXT TAKEOVER THE END ON WEDNESDAY AT 8 P.M. FROM FULL SAIL UNIVERSITY IN WINTER PARK, FL
Andrade Cien Almas vs. Tye Dillinger
Asuka vs. Nia Jax for women’s title
Jason Jordan & Chad Gable vs. Scott Dawson & Dash Wilder for tag titles
Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Austin Aries
Samoa Joe vs. Finn Balor cage match for the NXT title
Smackdown and Main Event will be taped on Tuesday in Wichita. John Cena is not scheduled but Seth Rollins and Chris Jericho are scheduled.
THE ROUND-UP
WWE confirms Brock Lesnar for SummerSlam, calls UFC fight a “one off”
Don Frye named to UFC Hall of Fame 2016 class
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Figure Four Weekly 5/30/2016: Big Vito’s deposition – If you thought Evan Singleton’s deposition went badly for the plaintiffs in the WWE concussion lawsuit, then that appears to be nothing compared to what happened a week later during Vito LoGrasso’s deposition on May 18th. Given the back and forth over LoGrasso claiming that head injuries caused partial deafness when, in the past, he had spoken of having a hearing impairment since birth, the deposition promised to be interesting. It over-delivered.
Wrestling Observer Newsletter
READ IT HERE: June 6, 2016 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: More details on WWE brand split, Jimmy Snuka found incompetent, more
A huge double issue of the Observer is out this week, including the real catalyst behind the WWE brand split, a breakdown of the roster, justice denied again in the Jimmy Snuka case, Ricochet vs. Will Ospreay and the Super Juniors tournament plus a full rundown, the story behind Bill Goldberg and the WWE video game and the Brock Lesnar tease, famous boxer vs. pro wrestler fights, WWE schedule and injury rates, business rundowns from the past two months for WWE & TNA, updates on cable stations that carry wrestling and MMA, and one of the greatest territorial business runs in history in the life and career of Cowboy Frankie Laine.
Our lead story looks at the WWE brand split, why it happened, what is known that isn’t a secret, ads out post brand split, plans for the split two months ago and what the ad department was told then, what different arenas have been told this week, thoughts behind decisions having too be made, plus a roster rundown on what positions WWE is strong and weak in, and where NXT talent should fit in and who is ready, or who can fill a slot.
There is also an update on the Jimmy Snuka situation, with a realistic view if there will be a trial and what the time frame is and what happens next.
This issue also looks at the Will Ospreay vs. Ricochet match, Vader’s reaction, Super Juniors standings and rundowns of the shows plus looking at where things are going.
Updates on Money in the Bank, stars returning to television soon, how the NBA & NHL playoffs coincide with wrestling the next two weeks, an update on NXT, lots of WWE performers off TV for the next several weeks, notes from lawsuit depositions that are eye opening, Cena getting a gigantic endorsement deal, Rollins return news, injury updates, lots of Dwayne Johnson news, WrestleMania in the future notes, notes on how little talent gets told in advance about things, who watches what on WWE network, plus we’ve got rundowns of every WWE & NXT events over the past week and business notes on the shows, all included in in this issue.
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Check out the latest online Wrestling Observer BACK ISSUE: April 26, 1999 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Davy Boy Smith recovering in the hospital, UFC to be sanctioned by Nevada State Athletic Commission, more. This past week has seen Davey Boy Smith, going stir crazy in a Calgary Hospital, attempt to start battling back after the worst year in his life.
MONDAY NEWS UPDATE
Ariel Helwani goes deep into his relationship with Dana White and the UFC in this solo edition of the MMA Hour. Plus more on the situation: Dana White on the ban of Ariel Helwani from getting credentialed at UFC shows, AP covered the story and yet Another story on the situation
UFC needs to have a zero tolerance policy regarding its fighters using any kind of racial, ethnic or sexual slurs going forward and needs to publicly address it since the news of Michael Bisping using a gay slur has broken in a number of places. This took place either just seconds after we’d left the press conference, or it was said and we couldn’t hear it just as the press conference was breaking up. I saw the two going back-and-forth verbally after the press conference was over but couldn’t hear what was said and didn’t know until much later. Bisping used a gay slur in arguing with Rockhold, did immediately figure out he made a mistake and asked that it be deleted. Bisping needs to apologize quickly for that remark even though from reading the verbiage, it appeared he was sorry and admitted his error immediately.
Bray Wyatt has been medically cleared and is expected to debut imminently, as in as soon as tonight, but if not, very shortly. If he is to debut, he’s likely to be slotted into Money in the Bank in some form. Wyatt was a babyface and the Wyatt family were being turned to face the League of Nations when he got hurt. Now there are no more League of Nations and WWE is still at the top, weaker on the heel side.
WWE
Just because of all the questions regarding NXT Takeover and UFC 202 going head-to-head, right now the Barclays Center is still listing the Takeover show on 8/20. As noted last week, the WWE web site had removed the show from the schedule but as they told me, it was put back on and listed for a 7:30 p.m. start time. If they start the network show at 8 p.m., the show would end very shortly into the start of the PPV which starts at 10 p.m. It should be noted that Jeremy Botter at Flo Wrestling has reported that C.M. Punk vs. Mickey Gall will be on that show. I can’t confirm that but Gall has said the fight will take place at the end of the summer and based on other news I’d heard over the weekend regarding that fight, that would indicate if that fight was on PPV, that UFC 202 or 203 would make the most sense.
Elias Samson suffered a broken left ankle according to WWE.com in his injury on Friday night in Nashville at the NXT show in the match with Andrade Almas. Dr. Chris Amann told wwe.com that he will be put in a case and crutches but is expected to make a full recovery.
Julia Jensen was announced today as the new Vice President of the Brand Department. She will report directly to Stephanie McMahon. She will work across business units to help drive revenue and enhance the company’s brand reputation with advertisers business partners, media and investors. She came from Mattell where she spent 15 years as Vice President of Global Brands Communications.
Paul Levesque will be holding a pre-Takeover press conference tomorrow morning.
The story of Vince McMahon as told by Vince McMahon
Results from Amarillo yesterday: R-Truth b Tyler Breeze, Cesaro b Primo, Karl Anderson b Jey Uso, Dolph Ziggler b Baron Corbin via DQ, Charlotte b Natalya to retain the women’s title, Rusev b Sin Cara to retain the U.S. title, Roman Reigns retained the WWE title over Seth Rollins, Sheamus and A.J. Styles in a match with great crowd heat. (thanks to Kale Steed)
It should be noted that Styles was booed heavily at all the weekend shows so there was no issue with fans going with the turn.
The second season of Swerved will be available in its entirely after the conclusion of Raw tonight.
The stock closed up 12 cents today to $17.80 per share.
MISCELLANEOUS
Mike Tenay on his podcast talked about his meetings with Muhammad Ali as he and his wife through a mutual connection were able to meet him several times in Las Vegas and he did his magic tricks for them.
PCW from Saturday night in Los Angeles: Joe Graves b Alexander Hammerstone, Luster the Legend & Adam Thornstowe b Zokre & Phoenix Star, Kevin Martenson b Timothy Thatcher, Almighty Sheik b Douglas James, Scorpio Sky b Ryan Taylor, Willie Mack won three-way over Jeff Cobb and JR Kratos. Main event was said to be really strong and then Teddy Hart showed up and took the focus away from the match. Then he left and came back with his cat. Essentially he stole focus off the ring. Hart was originally set for a singles match with Mack and when they didn’t know if he would be appearing, they moved Mack into a three-way main event.
Brittany Fetkin, the former Devin Taylor in NXT, did her first show since being released on Saturday’s PCW show doing interviews for www.pacificcoastwrestling.com
Ric Flair’s podcast host Conrad Thompson is doing a fund raiser for LLS, the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society at www.ConradCares.com
Zach Gowen will be apppearing on the TV show “America’s Ninja Warrior next week (thanks to Danny Jackpot)
Wrestlezone Scotland before 1,300 fans in Aberdeen, Scotland from Saturday night: Blue Thunder b Lord Mr. Malice, Alan Sterling & Damien & William Sterling b Johnny Lions & Mr. P & Kaden Garrick, Lewis Girvan & Viper b Aspen Faith & Sammii Jayne, Bingo Ballance b Stevie Xavier, Tatanka b Big Damo, Bryan Tucker b Shawn Johnson, Carlito & Bull Dempsey & Hurricane b Chris Archer & Mikkey Vago & Lou King, Scotty Swift b Crusher Craib to keep the Wrestlezone title.
A story on Bobby Horne of Men on a Mission
Congratulations to Alex Marvez on the birth of daughter Natalya Alexis.
Al Snow on Cody Rhodes and Mick Foley HERE and HERE
EVENTS
June 7 – New Japan Best of the Super Juniors finals from Sendai live on New Japan World
June 8 – NXT Takeover from Full Sail University in Winter Park, FL featuring Samoa Joe vs. Finn Balor in a cage match plus a loaded lineup that includes American Alpha vs. The Revival and probably Shinsuke Nakamura vs Austin Aries, which could be WWE’s match of the month.
June 11 – ECCW Port Coquitlam, BC at the Elks Hall #49.
June 11 – NECW presents the 2016 IRON 8 Championship, Saturday Night, June 11 in Wakefield, MA
June 11 – Lex Luger will appear in Gray, TN at the Daniel Boone High School for the Fountain of Life Bible Church’s Car and Bike show at 6 p.m. The show is free. There will be a wrestling card in conjunction with the show.
June 12 – TNA Slammiversary headlined by Drew Galloway vs. Bobby Lashley for the TNA title from Orlando
June 12 – Revolution Pro Wrestling in London, England headlined by Kurt Angle vs. Zack Sabre Jr.
June 17 – Absolute Intense Wrestling at Mentor-on-the-Lake, OH at Tequila Jaxx with Joey Janela vs. Facade, Shayna Baszler vs. Veda Scott, Laredo Kid, B.J. Whitmer and more.
June 17 – AAW “Killers Among Us” features Zack Sabre Jr. vs. Johnny Gargano, Drago vs. Chris Hero, and more at 115 Bourbon Street (3359 w 115th Street Merrionette Park, IL) All Ages Event – Tickets available.
June 18 – UFC in Ottawa: Rory McDonald vs. Stephen Thompson
June 18 – New England Fights (NEF) returns to the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine with “NEF 24: PROMISED LAND.” Tickets for “NEF 24” are on sale now.
June 19 – New Japan Dominion, one of the company’s biggest events of the year, featuring Tetsuya Naito vs. Kazuchika Okada in an IWGP title match and Kenny Omega vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi in a ladder match for the IC title
June 19 – WWE Money in the Bank from the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas
June 24 – ROH Best in the World from Concord, NC with Jay Lethal vs. Jay Briscoe for the ROH title
June 24 – Isao Kobayashi vs. Justin Lawrence will appear on Spike.com as the top prelim fight Bellator Dynamite show in St. Louis. This will be a combination MMA and kickboxing show.
June 25 – Ultima Lucha tapings in Boyle Heights, Los Angeles at The Temple
June 26 – Ultima Lucha tapings in Boyle Heights, Los Angeles at The Temple
July 2 – Stars of Wrestling from Alameda, CA at the Alameda Point Gym has Bobby Lashley, Carlito and The Boogeyman appearing.
July 2 – NWA Cajun Heat in Morgan City, LA at the Municipal Auditorium with Jax Dane vs. Mustang Mike for the NWA title, Rob Conway vs. Rodney Mack and an appearance by Kevin Nash.
July 7-11 The 10th annual Wrestling Observer/F4W convention in Las Vegas, EdinSanAntonio has all the information up on Facebook, or email him at [email protected].
July 9 – Smash Wrestling in Fort Erie, ONT at the Native Friendship Center. Chris Hero will headline this fund raising event to raise money for the Godson of Jeremy Elliott, who Hero will wrestle. Elliott’s Godson is a patient at the CPRI Treatment Center.
July 17 – Premier Wrestling at the IFDES Lodge and Portuguese Hall in Gilroy, CA with Joe Graves (5-1-1) vs. Gabriel Gallo (5-0-1) for the Premier title plus the Premier Women Athletes title with Raze (3-2) vs. Shayna Baszler (1-0), Jeff Cobb (6-6-1) vs. JR Kratos (9-3-1), Nicole Savoy (3-3) vs Desi de Rata (0-0) and Alexander Hammerstone (2-0) vs. Douglas James (1-0). Tickets are available at www.premierwrestle.com
July 22 – Rachel Ellering appears for Ignite Wrestling in Fort Pierce, FL at the National Guard Armory on a show with Lince Dorado, Mr. 450 Hammet, Lio Rush, Martin Stone, Los Ben Dejos, and more.
July 24 – Fenix vs. Pentagon Jr. headlines for Lucha Libre New York at Club LaBoom in Queens, NY.
August 13 – Rey Mysterio Jr. will headline a show at Montgomery High School in San Diego, his alma mater, for Viva La Lucha promotions. Also appearing are Konnan, Psicosis, Johnny Mundo, Teddy Hart and TJ Perkins.
Today in Professional Wrestling History: Eric Bischoff downs Terry Funk for WCW Hardcore title
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