THE ROUND-UP
The latest from the F4W Staff
Tony Nese is headed to WWE, officially…
NEWS
Tony Nese signs with WWE; Drew Gulak update
Joey Styles addresses being fired by EVOLVE Wrestling
Linda McMahon reportedly under consideration for Secretary of Commerce
Ashley Massaro joins lawsuit against WWE
Miesha Tate announces her retirement following UFC 205 loss
RECAPS
EVOLVE 73 recap: Chris Hero vs. Matt Riddle III
WWE Superstars results: A hot crowd in Glasgow enhances the action
TNA Impact Wrestling results: Eddie Edwards vs. Eli Drake; DCC revealed
Lucha Underground results: Mil Muertes vs. Prince Puma in Grave Consequences
OPINION
UFC 205 Observer panel picks: Conor McGregor vs. Eddie Alvarez
Japanese Maple Leaf: Kenny Omega’s Road To The Tokyo Dome, pt. 2
The Week In British Wrestling: ATTACK! line up a Survivor Series finale
UFC 205 DFS Playbook: Who to target & who to avoid
LAST WEEK
5 cruiserweight division strengths WWE is missing out on
Dolph Ziggler vs. Sami Zayn set for WWE Survivor Series
Jon Jones suspended for one year, signs on for grappling match vs. Dan Henderson
Chris Jericho & Sin Cara get into altercation after WWE event
HOUSE SHOWS
WWE Strasbourg, France, results (Sat); Kevin Owens battles Seth Rollins in a street fight
WWE Madrid, Spain, live results: AJ Styles vs. Dean Ambrose
NXT Cocoa, FL, live results: Shinsuke Nakamura leads his team in the main event
TONIGHT
Bryan and I will be back tonight with Wrestling Observer Radio covering Raw, as well as more on the Ashley Massaro story, Conor McGregor, Joey Styles and more. You can send questions for the show tonight to [email protected].
We’re looking for reports on the WWE Raw show tonight in Buffalo with Superstars matches and dark matches and anything else not evident on the live show to [email protected].
We’re also looking for your thoughts on UFC 205, so you can leave a thumbs up, thumbs down or thumbs in the middle along with a best and worst match to [email protected].
Raw is in Buffalo. It’s the gome-home Raw for Survivor Series, featuring guest appearances by Brock Lesnar, Paul Heyman and Bill Goldberg for a face-to-face confrontation, as well as appearances by Shane McMahon and Daniel Bryan to build the Raw vs. Smackdown series of events. In addition, there will be a great debate with Mick Foley & Stephanie McMahon vs. Daniel Bryan & Shane McMahon on the WWE Network for those who think three hours isn’t long enough for wrestling tonight. It’s being called “The State of the WWE Universe.”
NEW JAPAN IN SINGAPORE AT 6 A.M. EASTERN TIME ON NEW JAPAN WORLD TOMORROW
Juice Robinson vs. David Finlay
Jushin Liger & Ryusuke Taguchi vs. Rocky Romero & Baretta
Tomohiro Ishii & Gedo vs. Tama Tonga & Tanga Roa
Hirooki Goto vs. Tomoaki Honma
Hiroshi Tanahashi & Togi Makabe & Kushida vs Tetsuya Naito & Seiya Sanada & Bushi
Kazuchika Okada & Yoshi-Hashi vs. Kenny Omega & Yujiro Takahashi
Evil vs. Katsuyori Shibata for the Never Open weight title
Smackdown will be on Tuesday from Wilkes-Barre, PA, for the 900th episode of the show, which will include the return of The Undertaker and the Cutting Edge interview segment with Edge interviewing AJ Styles, Dean Ambrose, Shane McMahon, Randy Orton and Bray Wyatt. Dolph Ziggler vs. The Miz for the IC title is also on the show.
NXT runs Wednesday night at The Theater in Madison Square Garden with Shinsuke Nakamura & Tommaso Ciampa & Johnny Gargano vs. Samoa Joe & Scott Dawson & Dash Wilder as the main event.
FIGURE FOUR WEEKLY: 11/7/16; California wrestling regulation in 1978
In 1977, Roy Shire’s northern California territory was doing its best business of the entire decade, but it wasn’t offering the usual Roy Shire style of booking with Roy Shire style workers (smaller big bumping blond heel on top) on top. Needing a break and new ideas, he brought in Bob Roop as the booker, who brought in Kevin Sullivan with him… click here to continue.
WRESTLING OBSERVER NEWSLETTER: Nov 14, 2016; Donald Trump elected President, massive UFC 205 preview
Pro wrestling, celebrities, politics, divisiveness and the election are the lead story in the new issue of the Observer.
Also, look at UFC 205 in depth, with a look at records, ticket demand, and all of the fights.
A look at the key things to watch at Survivor Series, ticket demand for Survivor Series vs. NXT vs. Raw next week, the stipulations and the update on the matches.
Have an in-depth look at the Jon Jones case from all angles and why the arbitrators ruled against Jones. Plus, look at the drug he claimed he used, his defense, why it wasn’t accepted, questions regarding his defense, how the arbitrators viewed things, how this affects the potential penalties for Brock Lesnar, why the punishment isn’t completed yet and what’s next for the light heavyweight division. Finally, a look at what’s next for Jon Jones including the match he is having soon and the Jones reaction to everything.
An update on WrestleMania weekend, why changes were made by WWE and how the independent situation is, as well as WWE making a decision for 2017 regarding PPV and why, Hulk Hogan return, NXT changes, more on Royal Rumble weekend, new WWE Network show ideas and plans, WWE top star of the past gets married to another former WWE performer, injury updates, John Cena update and when he’s back, plans for December hour shows and December PPV shows.
In this issue, take a look at the Smackdown announcing crew decision, the reaction to Charlotte vs. Sasha Banks at Hell in a Cell and the finish, more on international stars that WWE has come after, how the WWE video game is doing, department changes, names at the most recent WWE tryouts, why WWE’s value dropped $330 million in five weeks and what it means, most-viewed shows on the WWE Network, what wrestler dominates the list, Raw vs. Smackdown and Mascara Dorada talks his WWE signing… click here to continue.
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: October 18, 1999; Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Death of Gorilla Monsoon, Droz paralyzed, more – Bob “Gino” Marella, who under the classic ring name Gorilla Monsoon was a fixture in the pro wrestling world for four decades, passed away officially at about 6:15 a.m. on 10/6 at his home in Mooresville, NJ at the age of 62… click here to continue.
Monday News Update
The backlash to Joey Styles got bigger today as both CHIKARA and Beyond Wrestling dropped his as an announcer.
The WWE Network as an experiment sent out a ton of e-mails to former network subscribers offering them free from now until 1/31, meaning Survivor Series through Royal Rumble. We’ll have more on this in the next Observer.
HHH, who was at MSG on Saturday night, pushed that Conor McGregor would be great for WWE. “He could come over. He’s got it all, man, he’s got the personality, the skills, the talk. He’s an entertainer for sure.” He said he’s got smaller guys than McGregor who are stars. He compared it to Floyd Mayweather working with Big Show.
For the 11th anniversary of the death of Eddy Guerrero, Konnan did a podcast with Vickie Guerrero, Rey Mysterio Jr. and others.
For Raw tonight, the advance is much stronger than in the last several weeks likely due to Bill Goldberg and Brock Lesnar being advertised, as well as Daniel Bryan and Shane McMahon. For the State of the WWE Universe segment which will be on the WWE Network after Raw, with Bryan & Shane vs. Stephanie & Mick Foley, Renee Young will host.
WWE
WrestleMania tickets go on sale Friday, but there will be a presale that starts Wednesday at 10 a.m. One code is TWEETS. There will be lots of codes available over the next few days.
WWE is advertising tomorrow’s show as “The Undertaker’s first time back in a WWE ring since he defeated Smackdown Live Commissioner Shane McMahon.”
The WWE Network has added about 100 new episodes of Smackdown from the 00s.
Dwayne Johnson will be appearing on Jimmy Kimmel tonight on ABC. He’s likely there to promote Moana. (thanks to Jon Southerland)
The WWE has been heavily pushing that Steve Corino came in as a guest instructor to the Performance Center this past week. Corino is under contract to ROH until 12/31 and has agreed to do the Wrestle Kingdom and New Year’s Dash broadcast the first week of January in Tokyo.
Also new on the network will be a show called Top 15 Memorable Survivor Series moments and a Randy Savage collection.
NXT on Wednesday will be a one hour hype show for Takeover since they have no new shows in the can. They’ll be taping one or two shows in Toronto on Saturday before Takeover for airing in upcoming weeks.
John McHale from The Soup did a book signing on Sunday in Naperville, IL. He was asked about WWE and said that while hosting The Soup, the wrestlers would come on and kill it in one take and that some of the biggest stars in Hollywood would need multiple takes. He noted he especially loved working with Jerry Lawler.
The new season of Total Divas starts on Wednesday night on E!
HHH announced an NXT house show on 12/15 in Riverside, CA. Tickets go on sale Monday at 10 a.m.
UFC
Conor McGregor and Nate Diaz ended up in the same spot in New York after the show Saturday night. The short version is nothing happened and they never interacted.
UFC 205 got two million searches on Google on Tuesday. That’s a big number, but not anywhere near the record of more than 11 million for the Ronda Rousey vs. Holly Holm fight.
Predictions for UFC 205:
Josh Nason won the night going 6-2 (Nason’s “A” sample has been colleced and is being tested…)
Mike Sawyer, John Pollock and Steve Juon were 5-3
Mike Sempervive, myself, Ryan Frederick, David Bixenspan and Frontrow Brian were 4-4
Paul Fontaine was 2-6
VARIETY
All Pro Wrestling from Friday night in Pacifica, CA before 600 fans: Jacob Fatu b Levi Shapiro, Synn & Papo Esco b Johnny Dynamo & Derek Slade, Karl Fredricks b Matt Carlos, JR Kratos b Vinny Massaro, Will Hobbs & Marcus Lewis b Luster the Legend & Bison Braddock to win the APW tag titles, Boyce LeGrande b Colt Cabana, Will Cuevas b Rik Luxury to win the Internet title in a no DQ match, Cody Rhodes b Joey Ryan, MVP b Jeff Cobb to keep the APW title. The crowd went nuts for everything in the Rhodes vs. Ryan match.
WrestleMerica from Friday night in Barnesville, GA before 250 fans: Scotty Beach b Ox Haney, Zane Stevens b Isaish Raines, Cameron Jackson b Iceberg, Fry Daddy b Stunt Marshall, Adam Rose & Tyson Dean b Matt Gilbert & Bailey Mannix with help from The Bunny. Colt Cabana comes in for a 12/10 show. (thanks to Kris Zellner)
On 12/3, Pacific Northwest wrestlers are doing a benefit show for Colten Howell, who was bullied in school due to being born with severe birth defects. All proceeds are going to the Seattle Children’s Hospital and Colten. The show will be at Evolve Fitness in Seattle.
Bushwhacker Luke Williams will be at the IWF show at the IWF Center in Nutley, NJ on Saturday night.
Davey Richards appears for Tier 1 Wrestling against Rude Boy Riley for their world title on 12/11 at Noon in Queens, NY at Club LaBoom.
All Star Wrestling November Nightmare on 11/25 in Surrey, BC at the Cloverdale Fairgrounds with Nick Rogers (former WWE developmental wrestler) vs. Alexander Hammerstone and Jeff Cobb vs. Kenny Lush.
Acclaim Pro Wrestling on 12/10 at the SPK Dom Polski in Ottawa, ONT.
Shimmer results from yesterday in Berwyn, IL:
Volume 89
Sonya Strong b Heather Monroe
Angie Skye b Kate Carney
Cherry Bomb (Allie) b Solo Darling
Thunderkitty b Taeler Hendrix
Nixon Newell b LuFisto
Mia Yim (Jade) b Kennadi Brink
Kimber Lee b Samantha Heights
KC Spinelli & Xandra Bale b Christian Von Ererie & Hudson Envy
Jessicka Havok b Allysin Kay (Sienna)
Nicole Matthews won four-way over Candice LeRae, Kay Lee Ray and Rhia O’Reilly
Shazza McKenzie b Shayna Baszler in a no DQ mach
Tessa Blanchard & Vanessa Kraven b Evie & Heidi Lovelace to win tag team titles
Kellie Skater b Cat Power to win tag titles
McKenzie needed nine stitches for a cut in the back of her head in the match with Baszler and couldn’t do her scheduled match later.
Volume 90
Marti Belle b Sonya Strong
Samantha Heights b Nevaeh
Melanie Cruise b Keira Hogan
Cherry Bomb b Leva Bates (Blue Pants)
LuFisto b Solo Darling
Kay Lee Ray b Nixon Newell
Tessa Blanchard & Vanessa Kraven b KC Spinelli & Xandra Bale to retain tag titles
Mia Yim won four-way over Allisyn Kay, Evie and Kimber Lee
Shayna Baszler b Heidi Lovelace
Saraya Knight b Nicole Matthews in a bunkhouse brawl
Mercedes Martinez b Kellie Skater to regain the title
Told best matches of the weekend with Evie & Lovelace vs. Ray & Yim, Martinez vs. Skater, Mickie James & O’Reilly & Knight vs. Matthews & Kimber Bombs, McKenzie vs. Baszler and Ray vs. Newell. (thanks to Martin Bentley)
CMLL from Saturday night at Arena Coliseo in Mexico City before 2,000 fans: Leono & Sensei b Camorra & Cholo, Comandante & Dallys & Marcela b Jarochita & Sanely & Skadi, Blue Panther Jr. & Fuego & The Panther b Cuatrero & Okumura & Sanson, Angel de Oro & Blue Panther & Drone b Sam Adonis (brother of Corey Graves) & Vangellys & Bobby Z, Dragon Lee & Valiente & Volador Jr. b Euforia & Niebla Roja & Rey Bucanero-DQ, Ultimo Guerrero b Caristico via low blow. (thanks to Kris Zellner)
Friday night in Tijuana at Auditorio Municipal has a cage match where the loser gets their head shaved or loses their mask with Bestia 666, Damian 666, Dr. Wagner III, El Hijo de L.a. Park, Histeria, Nicho and Rey Mysterio Heredero.
Beer City Bruiser will headline a CWE tour from 1/16 to 1/21 with shows in Regina, Moosomin, Virden, Gladstone, Winnipeg and Thunder Bay.
NWA Mid South from Saturday night in Dyresburg, TN: Rosko b Jeremy Moore, Rob Conway b Jakob Edwinn, Josh Lewis b Austin Tyler Morris, Heidi Katrina b Amazing Maria, Greg Anthony b Jordan Cage, Tim Storm NC Matt Riviera for NWA title. Gary Michael Cappetta came in as a special guest ring announcer for the main event.
Absolute Intense Wrestling on 11/25 in Cleveland at Our Lady of Mt Carmel has Shayna Baszler vs. Hideo Lovelace for the women’s title, Karlee Perez (Catrina) vs. Space Monkey as well as Zack Sabre Jr. appears.
Best in the West TV from last night in Fresno: Marcus Ericks b Toxic Trent, Diablo Azteca b Big B to keep West Coast title, Wiseguy b Ricky Vendetta to retain Best in the West title. (thanks to Jon Southerland)
Rob Van Dam has a comedy / Survivor Series party on Sunday at Jimmy’s Famous Seafood presented by MCW. The show starts at 5 p.m.with Van Dam performing and meeting and doing photos and autographs. After the show, they will be airing Survivor Series. Tickets are at missiontx.com with GA $25 and $60 for VIP tickets which includes premium seating, early admission, a photo with RVD, an autographed 8×10 and an event T-shirt.
Northeast Wrestling made Fox News.
HOLIDAY CHARITY EVENTS
We always like to list different Toys for Tots events that pro wrestling promotions around the country are doing. 37 events are scheduled or been held so far:
Pro Wrestling King returns to Century Center, 120 S. Saint Joseph St, South Bend, IN on November 18. Non perishable item are being collected for the Food Bank of Northern Indiana. For your non perishable donation, receive $2 off the price of an adult admission ticket.
Reno Wrestle Factory presents Headlock on Hunger on Saturday, November 19 with a 7:00 pm bell time at the Edward C. Reed High School, 1350 Baring Blvd, Sparks, NV to benefit The Food Bank of Northern Nevada. Admission is five cans of food.
NCW and Henderson County Toys for Tots presents “A Night To Give” on Saturday, November 19 at 7 PM at the Hedrick- Rhodes VFW Post 5206, 900 N Main St, Hendersonville, NC. Seven big matches and four title matches. Doors open at 7 pm and bell time is 8 pm. Proceeds from this event go to provide toys for local children. Henderson County Toys for Tots will have a special concession stand that night with all proceeds going to the Toys for Tots.
Tickets prices are $10 for Adults or $5 plus an unwrapped new toy of equal or more value. Children ages 6-14 are $5. Children 5 and under are free with an accompanying adult.
Cross Roads Wrestling returns on November 19 to Riverside, NJ at 300 Rancocas Avenue, for “Fastlane to Pain”, which will serve as a fundraiser for Ben Miller and a canned food drive for the Bread of Life Food Pantry. Ben is a local boy from Riverside NJ who has multiple disabilities, and recently competed in the Special Olympics at Rowan University.
Primal Conflict Wrestling will be doing its annual food drive at “A Night To Remember X” on November 19 in Harpers Ferry, WV featuring Tommy Dreamer.
Appalachian Mountain Wrestling comes to the Sherman Neace Athletic Center in Hazard, KY on November 24 (Thanksgiving night) for a show, and will be collecting toys for needy kids.
All Star Wrestling/West Virginia returns to Madison, WV on Black Friday (November 25th) at ASW Black Friday Holiday Havoc. Santa will be taking donations for Toys for Tots.
NOVA Pro Wrestling presents “Paradise By The Dashboard Light” at the Jewish Community Center of Northern Virginia, 8900 Little River Turnpike, Fairfax, VA with a 8:00 pm bell time, to benefit FACETS Toy Drive, serving northern Virginia. The show features CZW World Champion Jonathan Gresham, Ring of Honor’s Donovan Dijak, and Chris Hero.
Vancouver Island Pro Wrestling presents “Headlocks for Hunger” on November 26 at the Departure Bay Activity Center in Nanaimo, BC, VIPW will be collecting for the local Loaves and Fishes food bank. With each 3 pieces of non perishable food items you will receive a ticket for the draw of our basket put together by our local partners! Including 2 tickets to every VIPW event for 1 year.
On Point Wrestling returns on December 3 at the Masters of the Mat 2 event in Williamstown, NJ. #OnPointWrestling is once again honored and proud to team with the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation for a Toys For Tots drive! They ask all fans in attendance to bring at least 1 brand new, unwrapped toy with you to the show. They hope all will do our part to help give back, and make sure children less fortunate have a gift on Christmas this year.
MCW Pro Wrestling will hold “Seasons Beatings” on Saturday December 3 (moved from the usual post-Christmas week to tie in with Toys for Tots) as a Toys for Tots show.
Xtreme Intense Championship Wrestling presents the annual Hardcore With A Heart on Sunday, December 4 (5:30 pm bell time) at The Imperial House, Clinton, MI benefiting the homeless in metro Detroit. Already signed is a 6 man tag team war featuring “The Purge” vs The Monroes and “GQ” Gavin Quinn. Plus much more to be announced soon. Please assist by donating canned goods at the event.
Dynamo Pro Wrestling will hold shows on both Saturday, November 19th at the Douglas Club in Wood River, IL and on November 26th at the Ready Room in St. Louis, MO, collecting Toys for Tots. The company will also be collecting toys for the Tots for Tots from Monday, November 7th through Wednesday, December 7 at our November events as well as several additional locations throughout the St. Louis metropolitan area.
Crossfire Wrestling returns to the Merritton Community Centre 7 Park Avenue St. Catharines, ON for “JINGLE BELL BRAWL V” Saturday December 3, 2016 5pm Bell Time with a special Double Main Event. Partial Proceeds will go to The Niagara Peninsula Children’s Foundation.
NWA Texoma presents a benefit show for House of Hope- Blossom on December 3 at the Blossom Elementary School in Blossom, TX.
American Premier Wrestling in Statesboro, GA presents BRAWL 25, a Toys for Tots show at the Statesboro STEAM Academy, Statesboro, GA on December 3.
Pure Wrestling Association presents “Spirit of the Season” on December 3 at the Alpine Club in Kitchener, Ontario. Please bring a new, unwrapped toy and PWA will give you two colour posters.
The Delaware/South Jersey based East Coast Wrestling Alliance has Toys for Tots V scheduled for December 3 at the Woodbury Heights Community Center, Woodbury, NJ.
Brew City Wrestling will run its annual Headlock for Hunger on December 9 at the Columbus Club of West Allis – 1800 S. 92nd St. in West Allis, WI . The show features a food drive for the Hunger Task Force of Greater Milwaukee. Fans are asked to bring two nonperishable food items.
Live Pro Wrestling comes to the Knights of Columbus, 222 Queenston Road, Hamilton, ON on Friday, December 9 to benefit Caleb Davies, a local boy with Schwartz-Jampel syndrome.
The originator of Toys for Tots in the Delaware Valley area, United Wrestling Coalition, presents its annual Toys for Tots show on December 10 in Wrightstown, NJ. In the nearly 20 years they have held these shows, UWC has collected well over 18,000 toys for the U.S. Marine Corps Toys for Tots campaign.
Northeast Wrestling returns to the NEW Arena (40 Peck Road) in Bethany, CT on Saturday, December 10 at 7:00 pm. Northeast Wrestling will again have a Toys for Tots collection in cooperation with the Marine Corps Reserve.
Dynamite Championship Wrestling presents Chairs, Ladders, & Toys for Tots on December 10 at the Milford Community Center, 105 NE Front St, Milford, DE .
DJ Hyde has agreed again to do the annual Toys for Tots collection (in conjunction with the Marine Corps Reserve) for the twelfth year in a row at Combat Zone Wrestling’s 18th annual Cage of Death on December 10 at the Flyers Skate Zone in Voorhees, NJ. Details to come. Announced thus far is Danny Havoc vs. Rickey Shane Page.
Ring Wars Carolina will hold a benefit for North Carolina Baptist Men’s Association Disaster Relief on December 10, which rebuilt local areas destroyed by Hurricane Matthew.
Chinlock Wrestling comes to Kingston Gospel Temple, 2295 Princess Street, Kingston, ON on Saturday, December 17 (7;00 pm bell time) with a night of professional wrestling in support of Kingston Youth Diversion, other local charities.
Elite Canadian Championship Wrestling presents its annual Wrestling For Hunger show in Port Coquitlam, BC on December 17 at the Elks Hall #49, 2272 Leigh Square, Port Coquitlam, BC. 7:30 pm bell time (doors open at 7:00 pm).
Insane Wrestling Alliance presents Santa Slam II on December 17th at The American Legion Post 250 Middleburg, FL. The promotion seeks to surpass its total of 135 toys collected in 2015.
Wrestling for a Cause has a December 17 show scheduled. Charity to be benefitted to come.
Great Canadian Wrestling returns to Oshawa, ON on December 27 to support Harmony Creek Community Food Bank.
TODAY IN PROFESSIONAL WRESTLING HISTORY 11/14: Big Show wins the WWF title
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