THE ROUND-UP
THE LATEST NEWS
UFC Fight Night 126 live results: Donald Cerrone vs. Yancy Medeiros
Six-woman tag match announced for WWE Raw
NJPW Sydney live results: Chaos vs. Bullet Club
NXT Cocoa, FL, live results: Roderick Strong vs. Adam Cole
THE LATEST AUDIO
WOL: Elimination Chamber, Braun Strowman, Ronda Rousey, Dr. Lucha and more! 2/16
Wrestling Weekly: This week in wrestling history 2/16
We’re looking for reports on these weekend shows:
WWE Friday night in Portland, OR
Arolucha Friday night in Beaumont, TX
Smackdown Saturday night in Lubbock, TX
Arolucha Saturday night in Humble, TX
Evolve Saturday night in Queens, NY
Raw tonight in Prescott, AZ
Smackdown tonight in Rio Rancho, NM
Evolve tonight in Joppa, MD
New Japan Monday in Perth, Western Australia
UFC FROM THE FRANK ERWIN CENTER IN AUSTIN, TEXAS
Fight Pass at 6 p.m. Eastern
Oskar Piechota vs. Tim Williams
Josh Burkman vs. Alex Morono
FS1 at 7 p.m. Eastern
Sarah Moras vs. Lucie Pudilova
Joby Sanchez vs. Roberto Sanchez
Brian Camozzi vs. Geoff Neal
Diego Ferriera vs. Jared Gordon
Sage Northcutt vs.Thibault Gouti
Brandon Davis vs. Steven Peterson
Thiago Alves vs. Curtis Millender
Francisco Trinaldo vs. James Vick
Derrick Lewis vs. Marcin Tybura
Donald Cerrone vs. Yancy Medeiros
EVOLVE ON SUNDAY FROM JOPPA, MD
Keith Lee vs. Tracy Williams no holds barred
Zack Sabre Jr. vs. Chris Dickinson
Matt Riddle vs Austin Theory vs. Darby Allin vs. Jaka
James Drake & Anthony Henry vs. The End
Fred Yehi vs. Shane Mercer
Dante Cabenero vs. Ken Dixon
New Japan finishes its Australia tour in Perth Monday with Kazuchika Okada & Rocky Romero vs. Evil & Sanada, Kenny Omega & Gino Gambino & Chase Owens & Bad Luck Fale vs. Jonah Rock & Marcius Pitt & Slex & Damien Slater, Young Bucks vs. Juice Robinson & Toa Henare, Minoru Suzuki vs. Davis Storm and Will Ospreay vs Cody vs. Robbie Eagles.
Monday has Raw in Phoenix with a seven way gauntlet match with Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins, The Miz, John Cena, Finn Balor, Braun Strowman and Elias as well as Bayley & Sasha Banks & Mickie James vs. Alexa Bliss & Sonya Deville & Mandy Rose. There is also a Smackdown house show in El Paso, TX.
Tuesday has Smackdown, Mixed Match Challenge and 205 Live in Phoenix. Matches announced so far are Charlotte & Naomi & Becky Lynch vs. Ruby Riott & Liv Morgan & Sarah Logan, Charlotte & Bobby Roode vs. Apollo Crews & Nia Jax, and cruiserweight tournament matches with Jack Gallagher vs. Mustafa Ali and Buddy Murphy vs. Ariya Daivari.
F4W NEWSLETTER: Figure Four Weekly: Can a reboot salvage 205 Live?, pt. 2
Click Here: liverpool mens jersey
It may take a while before we know whether the ongoing 205 Live reboot will be able to salvage the show, but there were positive developments both on television and behind the scenes last week. The most encouraging sign from last Tuesday’s show was Roderick Strong advancing to the second round of the Cruiserweight Championship tournament.
WON NEWSLETTER: February 19, 2018 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: WWE 2017 earnings report, Rey Mysterio appearing for NJPW
The most complete look at WWE business for 2017 is the lead story in the new double issue of the Wrestling Observer this week. Look at every category of WWE business, including why profits were down even with record revenues, how much the company really makes off network subscriptions, why profits will almost surely be up big next year, how much the company’s annual loan payments are, changes in the network and PPV business, and how many people add and cancel subs.
This issue addresses the story regarding the end of brand-specific PPVs, how much Vince McMahon personally made in cash from his dividends this year, as well as how much stock and the value of it that HHH, Stephanie, Kevin Dunn, Michelle Wilson and George Barrios have. Vince McMahon talks about if his position in WWE changes with the XFL launch, HHH and Stephanie talk about the addition of Ronda Rousey, exactly how much interest there was on Rousey at the rumble, WWE Network numbers, predictions for numbers next quarter, and the paradox of social media, WWE network and revenue.
Look at stats that are really fake and why, where revenue comes from as well as WWE profits and losses every year since 1994.
Also, look at the next three WWE PPV shows, with what is announced and other directions.
Read about New Japan’s next major show, the ROH tour, Rey Mysterio in New Japan, as well as the title picture.
This issue discusses the New Beginnings in Osaka, with notes on business, match-by-match coverage with star ratings and poll results from the show.
There are also notes on the history of the longest running pro wrestling TV show still in existence, and it beats Raw by 25 years.
Find out about wrestlers renewing deals, Rob Gronkowksi, WWE in talks for major overseas show, WWE & Mysterio update, Dwayne Johnson sets a personal record, why a WWE main roster performer was booked on an indie show this past weekend, the Booker T and Corey Graves situation, and lots of WWE injury updates.
ORDERING INFO: Order the print Wrestling Observer right now and get it delivered via mail, by sending your name, address, Visa or Master Card number and an expiration date to Dave Meltzer, or by using PayPal directing funds to [email protected].
Rates in the United States are $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 [email protected]. 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.)
If you are a new subscriber ordering 24 or more issues, you can choose one free classic issue, or two free classic issues with a 40-issue subscription.
WON BACK ISSUE: January 29, 2001 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Royal Rumble review, Shawn Michaels to return
In what was one of the best PPVs in the history of the WWF, the company gave a big tease for the eventual Rock vs. Steve Austin match which at this point still looks to be the headliner at Wrestlemania, putting Austin over in the Rumble. The show, featuring some strong highs and only a few lows, featured an early match of the year candidate in the Chris Jericho IC title win over Chris Benoit in a ladder match.
SUNDAY NEWS UPDATE
Bryan and I will be back tonight for Wrestling Observer Radio covering tonight’s UFC and all the weekend news including Raw tomorrow, WWE PPV schedule changes, New Japan in Australia and the latest interesting note in the television market. You can send questions to tonight’s show to [email protected].
Two matches have been announced so far for Raw, with the seven men in the Elimination Chamber match, John Cena, Roman Reigns, Braun Strowman, Seth Rollins, Finn Balor, Elias and The Miz in a gauntlet match plus Mickie James & Bayley & Sasha Banks vs. Mandy Rose & Sonya Deville & Alexa Bliss.
Pro Wrestling Revolver from Friday night in Dayton for “Naito Takes Dayton” before a sellout of about 400 fans: Trey Miguel b Jason Case, Matthew Palmer won scramble match Brian Cage b Clayton Gainz, Jessicka Havok b Shotzi Blackheart to keep the AAW women’s title, Besties won four-way over Zero Gravity and two other teams, Shane Strickland b Trevor Lee, Jon Murray b Jake Manning, Sami Callihan & Dave & Jake Crist b Moose & Acey Baby & MJF, Tetsuya Naito b Michael Elgin (Elgin got a really negative reaction and not in a good way but Naito was over like you’d expect). (thanks to Drew Hall and Craig Sweeney)
AAW drew a sellout of about 500 fans last night in Chicago at Logan Square Arena for Naito, but ended up with controversy over using Elgin: David Starr & Eddie Kingston b Jake & Dave Crist, Paco won four-way over Hakim Zane, MJF and Ace Romero, Jeff Cobb b Dezmond Xavier, Davey Vega & Mat Fitchett b Stephen Wolf & Trey Miguel, Myron Reed b Michael Elgin (they did a 4:00 match, enough of a negative response to lead to owner Danny Daniels to do an apology), Jake Something & Curt Stallion b Colt Cabana & Chukie T, Trevor Lee b DJZ to win the Heritage title, ACH b Jimmy Jacobs (Jacobs did a great knee injury spot to the point that everyone in the crowd bought the injury as legit), Tetsuya Naito b Sami Callihan in 15:00 in a fun match. Callihan worked a hard physical match. (thanks to Dave Gould)
Danny Daniels on Twitter apologized for using Elgin saying:
“To those that were upset that Michael Elgin was on the show. I apologize. My goal from day one was to put on the best shows possible and that was my sole intention. Obviously l let people down. Elgin made this whole weekend w/ Naito possible for 3 groups so I wanted to be loyal.
Elgin is a friend of mine & I know his family has been going through a difficult time. So I wanted to help him out as he’s done numerous times for us. It was a poor decision by my part. Again this was strictly my call as I thought the fans would like the outcome, I was wrong.
This wasn’t a who’s right and who’s wrong decision on his personal issues. That’s his business. I just wanted to put the best product out there as my main concern is the fans. We put out 9 matches with the best talent from around the world, and it didn’t work.
Just read other Chicago groups putting out there that fans should support them because they are good people. I didn’t know me and my partner mike were bad human beings now.
Want to make it clear that it was my choice to put Elgin on the show. He didn’t force me, I just wanted to give the fans as many great matches as I possibly could. Naito-Elgin tore it up on friday so I made the decision in the morning. He was going to be there regardless.
That being said. @AAWPro will not have Michael Elgin on the shows. This company was built on listening to our audience. Again I apologize to all that were offended. My intention has always been to give extra on every show as a thank you for the fans spending their money on us.
It’s not the first mistake I’ve made doing this gig, as it’s challenging. Again if you choose to not support us, I fully understand and want to thank you for helping us grow throughout the years. We don’t take paydays, we do this for the fans. So again I apologize for my mistake.”
WWE
A story on Braun Strowman. (thanks to Chris Cruise)
Another story on Strowman. (thanks to Mike Kuzmuk)
An article on WWE artist Rob Schaumberger.
MISCELLANEOUS
Jessie Godderz has been hosting Celebrity Big Brother After Dark and had a cameo on Celebrity Big Brother. He also filmed an episode of the TV sitcom “New Dogs, Old Sticks” starring Eric Roberts.
Arolucha from last night in Humble, TX: Zak Mason b Ashton Jacobs, Thunder Rosa & Low Rider b Ricky Starkes & Aaron Solow, Taya & Mascarita Sagrada & Maximo b Keyra & Demus & Super Crazy, LAX won three-way over Steve Pain & Low Rider and Laredo Kid & Ultimo Ninja, MVP & James Storm b Hurricane & Low Ki, Blue Demon Jr. & Sammy Guevera b Chavo Guerrero Jr. & John Hennigan. Said to be a really fun show. (thanks to Peter Schirmacher)
WrestleCircus drew a sellout crowd last night in Austin, TX, for its first show after shutting down for a few months: Gentleman Jervis b Colin Delaney, Andy Dalton & Gregory James b The Boys, Shane Taylor b Space Monkey, Shane Strickland b Scorpio Sky, Chelsea Green won four-way over Chrsti Jaynes, Deonna Purrazzo and Leva Bates (cosplaying as Zack Ryder), Masada b Brody King, Jordan Len-X won over Matt Cross and El Hijo del Fantasma, Brian Cage b Tessa Blanchard (people were raving all over the place about this match ). Trent Baretta missed the show due to an injury which must have come at the PWG show on Friday. Strickland & Scorpio Sky said to be great. Next show is 3/24. Green started as herself but turned into Laurel Van Ness. (thanks to Stew Myrick and Jake Koch)
The 1974 movie “The Wrestler,” starring Verne Gagne, Edward Asner and Billy Robinson is now available for free for Amazon Prime customers. For those who have never seen it, I would never call it a good movie, but it’s a fascinating look at the wrestling business in that era. (thanks to Victor Cirilo)
Kevin Harvey on the Rise promotion said they may be doing live shows on Twitch, that Rachael Ellering and Taya will be on their 6/29 show in South Gate, CA, and there will be a TV like taping on 5/12 in Pittsburgh that will air on their new streaming service that will be $4.99 per month. He said Jimmy Jacobs will be helping him write the show and it’ll be done like TV because he’s trying to get their talent ready for real TV so they will be more prepared if they get a deal. He said the TV shows will be 45-60 minutes. (thanks to Jake Koch)
Lucha Xtreme TV from last night in Fresno: Beast the Butcher b Alfonso Alvarez, Greg Romero b Gary Galaxy, Hallow Point b Koto Hiro (thanks to Jon Southerland)
Lions Pride Sports on 2/23 in Bryan, TX at the Brazos Country Expo with Lance Hoyt vs. Carlito and Keith Lee vs. Vordell Walker. On 2/24, they will be in Hearne, TX, the hometown of Hoyt, at the High School with Hoyt, Lee and Walker and headliners. They also run 3/10 in Rockdale, TX.
Stardom from today at Korakuen Hall in Tokyo: Konami & Kaori Yoneyama b Hanan & Ruaka & Shiki Shibusaw in a 2 vs. 3 mach, Nicole Savoy & Miranda won tag team elimination match over AZM & HZK, Starlight Kid & Xia Brookside and Jungle Kyona & Natsuko Tora, Hiromi Mimura b Sumire Natsu-DQ, Kagetsu & Hana Kimura b Mayu Iwatani & Tam Nakano, Toni Storm d Meiko Satomura over 30:00, Io Shirai b Momo Watanabe. (thanks to Jake Koch)
IPW from last night in Auckland, New Zealand: Michael Richards b Liger, Jakob Cross b Charlie Roberts, CTRL b Short & Sweet, Ashlee Spencer b Britenay, Bushwhacker Luke (with Butch Miller in his corner) b James Shaw, Liam Fury b Vinny Dunn, Young Nats b Alex Savage & Will Stone, Candy Lee b Frankie Quinn, Mr. Burns b Mason Daniels. Next show is 2/24 in Whanganui. The Bushwhackers did a lot of local press during the week and TV crews were at the show to film a mini-documentary for The Spinoff web site. (thanks to Steve Ogilvie)
This Thursday BBC 2 in Wales is showing a short documentary about an aspiring pro wrestler. (thanks to Lee Wall)
Today in Professional Wrestling History: WWF War to Settle the Score
CONTACT INFORMATION
Poll opinions: [email protected]
Feedback: [email protected]
Show results and news tips: [email protected]
Wrestling Observer Radio questions: [email protected]
Support the Empire~! with F4W shirts. Grab yours today!