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While returning to WWE television for the first time in over two months, John Cena once again set his sights on the WWE Championship on tonight’s year-end edition of SmackDown.

Cena opened the show with a promo and received a big reaction from the Chicago crowd. After taking some time to get to his point, Cena referenced tonight’s WWE title match between AJ Styles, Dolph Ziggler, and Baron Corbin. He went on to mention 2016 not being a great year for him, bringing up that he’s been criticized for being a part-timer and having one foot out the door.

But Cena said that he’s not leaving. He said that it’s not the new era, it’s the “my time is now era.” To conclude the promo, Cena challenged whoever wins tonight’s triple threat main event to a WWE Championship match at the Royal Rumble.

It seems likely that Cena’s challenge sets up him challenging Styles for the WWE title at the Royal Rumble on January 29th in San Antonio, Texas. Styles owns two singles wins over Cena on pay-per-view from earlier this year.

UPDATE: Styles successfully defended the WWE Championship against Ziggler and Corbin, leading Cena to come out and officially set up his title match with Styles at the Royal Rumble.

Dana White just announced today an Anderson Silva vs. Derek Brunson match for the February 11th show at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, NY.

The bout will take place at UFC 208, which is headlined by Holly Holm fighting Germaine de Randamie for the women’s featherweight title. The winner of that fight will be the division’s inaugural champion. The show is also scheduled to feature Jacare Souza vs. Tim Boetsch, Glover Teixeira vs. Jared Cannonier, and Travis Browne vs. Derrick Lewis.

The 41-year-old Silva hasn’t fought since last July and is coming off back-to-back losses to Michael Bisping and Daniel Cormier, the latter in a fight he took at the last minute with virtually no training as a replacement when Jon Jones failed a drug test and was pulled from UFC 200.

It’s a golden opportunity for Brunson to make a name after losing in a spectacular short fight with Robert Whittaker on November 26th in Melbourne, Australia.

A probe has been launched into the mysterious death of an Australian Instagram influencer, whose body was found aboard a Mexican billionaire’s luxury yacht in Greece over the weekend. 

Sinead McNamara, 20, had been working on the £108-million Mayan Queen IV superyacht for four months when she was discovered on Friday. 

The 92-metre yacht owned by Alberto Baillères, an 87-year-old mining magnate, has been ordered by the Hellenic Coast Guard to remain docked at the port of Argostoli, on the Ionian island of Kefalonia, while detectives interview crew members and forensic tests are carried out. 

An autopsy has been ordered to determine the cause of Ms McNamara’s death.  

Originally from Port Macquarie in New South Wales, Ms McNamara was a Sydney-based social media influencer who had been working on the vessel as it sailed around Europe over the summer.  

It is unclear what type of work Ms McNamara was doing on the yacht. She had been promoting swimwear, underwear and skincare brands to her 14,000 Instagram followers over the last year while travelling to some of the world’s most exclusive resorts. 

All members of the Baillères family on the trip had left the yacht on Tuesday and returned to Mexico, according to reports, and it had not been established on Sunday whether Mr Baillères was on the holiday. 

The coast guard confirmed that only crew members were left on board. 

The Ballières family owns one of the world’s largest silver mines and Mexico’s second largest mining company.

A crew member reportedly found Ms McNamara hanging from the rear deck of the boat in the early hours of Friday morning and alerted port authorities. 

Attempts were made to revive her at the scene, but she fell into a coma and died while being airlifted from the island hospital at Argostoli to a larger hospital in Athens. 

Her death prompted an outpouring of grief, with family, friends and fans commenting under her final post – a picture of a secluded, wild stretch of northeast Kefalonia coastline. 

“Thanks Sinead for photos of things I have not seen,” her grandmother wrote, while a friend congratulated her on “living the dream.”

Days before her death, Ms McNamara created a Facebook album of memories with her older sister, Lauren McNamara, saying “excitement was an understatement” for how much she was looking forward to seeing Lauren, who was scheduled to join her in Greece today.  

Her brother, Jake McNamara, described hearing about her death as "the worst news of my life".

Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is providing consular assistance to the family as the investigation continues. 

THE ROUND-UP

The Latest from the F4W Staff

NEWS

WWE NXT results: Corey Graves says goodbye to NXT
NXT TV taping spoilers: Kassius Ohno sets his sights on what’s next
WWE advertising Brock Lesnar vs. Kevin Owens for MSG house show
SmackDown ratings get a big bump for post-Royal Rumble episode
Seth Rollins suffers an injury during his brawl with Samoa Joe on Raw
WWE SmackDown video highlights: Dean Ambrose vs. AJ Styles 

AUDIO

Wrestling Weekly: Rollins goes down, battle royal stories, keeping kayfabe 2/2
WOL: Raw ratings clarification, WrestleMania card with Dave Meltzer, more! 2/2
WOR: Rollins update, John Cena Mania match, NXT tapings, Rousey future, more! 2/2
F4D: Seth Rollins, Royal Rumble, Smackdown, Impact, more! 2/1

TNA IMPACT ON POP TV AT 8 P.M. EASTERN TIME

Bobby Lashley vs. Jeff Hardy for TNA title
Drew Galloway vs. Moose for the Grand championship
Ethan Carter III vs. Eli Drake

FIGURE FOUR WEEKLY: 1/30/2017: Recapping the 2017 Royal Rumble 

Given the star power in the match, Randy Orton winning the 2017 Royal Rumble was always going to be underwhelming to some. It was only who he eliminated last that redeemed the moment to most who were disappointed. Orton capped off a solid Rumble match at the Alamodome by last eliminating Roman Reigns, who entered at #30 after interference from Braun Strowman cost him his shot at the Universal Championship earlier in the night… Subscribers click here to continue.

WRESTLING OBSERVER NEWSLETTER: February 6, 2017 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Royal Rumble review, Ronda Rousey retired, more

An update on the lineups for WrestleMania, Fast Lane and Elimination Chamber, the direction of WWE and how they are getting there, the title situation and why the matches are taking place is the lead story in the new issue of the Observer.

Have a look at the situation with Seth Rollins and his injury, the current WrestleMania lineup, as well as how the next two PPVs will set up WrestleMania.

There is full coverage of the Royal Rumble, with a look at how everyone did, notes on Royal rumble records, match-by-match coverage with star ratings, poll results, and more.

This issue looks at the John Cena title win, examine how many world title reigns Ric Flair really had and the ones WWE pretends didn’t happen, ticket sales as compared to the 1997 show in the same building, problems with the setup and more.

Examine the probable retirement of Ronda Rousey and her legacy, both good and bad.

Inside has an update on the situation with Conor McGregor and UFC and WWE, as well as the proposed Mayweather fight and the impending battles over contracts that fighters and UFC are likely to be having.

There is full coverage of the San Antonio Takeover show, the NXT awards, match-by-match coverage with star ratings and business notes.

Coverage of the UFC on FOX show as well as examining what lessons can be learned from the ratings, and what’s next for the fighters, is inside.

Look at plans for the 2018 Royal Rumble weekend, Mick Foley update regarding his position as General Manager, Paul Levesque talks working with outside promoters and Matt Riddle, plus we look at Riddle’s pro wrestling background. Plus, also look at the directions planned for upcoming house shows, what types of talent WWE has been contacting for WrestleMania and tournaments, Finn Balor update, notes on this coming weekend’s house shows, plus coverage from the NXT & WWE weekend events, with match highlights and business notes from the shows.

Finally, check out the coverage of the first U.K. prime time live television wrestling event since 1968.

Subscribers 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: January 10, 2000 NJPW Tokyo Dome reviewed, 1999 in revenue for promotions, more 

The mixed promotional angle, the very thing that New Japan has specialized in for nearly three decades, looks back in the forefront as representatives from WCW (J.J. Dillon and Paul Orndorff) and RINGS (Akira Maeda) along with Nobuhiko Takada all met with New Japan management in conjunction with the company’s biggest show of the year 1/4 at the Tokyo Dome… Subscribers click here to continue.

THURSDAY NEWS UPDATE

THE ROUND-UP

(Image: @JJWilliamsWON)

The Latest from the F4W Staff

NEWS

SmackDown does third-best ratings number since brand split
WWE NXT results: Kassius Ohno returns to TV
NXT TV taping spoilers: Roode vs. Ohno; Finn Balor appears
WWE Raw ratings up slightly this week
WWE SmackDown video highlights: Main event ends in controversy
Zack Sabre Jr. debuting for NJPW at 45th anniversary show
WWE 205 Live results: Jack Gallagher vs. Tony Nese

AUDIO

WOL: Raw and Smackdown ratings, New Japan and ROH, Dave Meltzer, more! 2/23
WOR: Smackdown, NXT spoilers, 205 Live, death of Johnny K-9, more! 2/23
F4D: Smackdown, Impact, Total Divas, Tom’s pro-wrestling debut, more! 2/22
FREE WOL! Smackdown battle royal, women’s title change, news, tons more! 2/22
FREE B&V&C! Retro Raw and Nitro flashback from 19 years ago this week! 2/21

IMPACT TONIGHT AT 8 P.M. ON POP TV

Jessie Godderz vs Bram
Tyrus vs. Eli Drake
Bobby Lashley vs. Josh Barnett for TNA title
Wedding of Laurel Van Ness and Braxton Sutter

We’re looking for reports on today’s WWE house show Nurnberg, Germany and tomorrow’s show in Hannover to [email protected].

We’ll be doing polls on both Sunday and Monday’s ROH/New Japan shows at Korakuen Hall to [email protected].

FIGURE FOUR WEEKLY: 2/20/2017, Looking at pro wrestling’s steller start to 2017

While making judgments about a year less than two full months into it probably isn’t a good idea, it’s clear that 2017 is already on pace to surpass its predecessor in terms of match quality. That’s not entirely unexpected. The stellar in-ring work that defined professional wrestling in 2016 didn’t come out of nowhere. It was the result of there being more qualified workers, more opportunities for them to work, and a wider variety of promotions for them to work for than there have been in many years… Subscribers click here to continue.

WRESTLING OBSERVER NEWSLETTER: February 27, 2017, Massive Ivan Koloff bio, death of George “The Animal” Steele, tons more

A huge feature on the life and career of Ivan Koloff is the lead story in the new issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, which is available right now. Plus, there are also features on George Steele, Nicole Bass, Johnny K-9, Diamond Dallas Page and Teddy Long.

The Koloff story talks about the most famous match of the 1970s in the U.S., his win over Bruno Sammartino, as well as his loss to Pedro Morales in WWWF title matches, the birth of Ivan Koloff, his days as Red McNulty, his first match with Sammartino, how he got the Koloff gimmick and who he was named after. This issue also looks at his title run with Sammartino the first time in Pittsburgh and then the WWWF, the most one-sided trade in sports history, the return of Koloff for his title win, the angle done to cover Sammartino, and the two big nights in Madison Square Garden.

Have a look at the creation of Ivan Koloff in Quebec and how he first made his name as a major drawing card, and look at his run in Australia where Gary Hart managed him. Plus look at his days in the AWA, Hawaii, St. Louis, Georgia, Florida, the second WWWF run, the role as top heel for the opposition, the tag team with Ole Anderson, his feud with Dusty Rhodes, and the emergence of Nikita Koloff and the other Russians in the 80s.

Examine the career of George Steele, the life and times of Johnny K-9, the strange world of Nicole Bass, and the WWE Hall of Fame inductions of DDP and Teddy Long.

Click Here: Kangaroos Rugby League Jersey

Plus, details about the filming of “Fighting with My Family” after Raw and Smackdown this past week, notes on the movie, the phone calls to C.M. Punk in front of the fans, the Naomi injury, an update on Fast Lane, return of Finn Balor notes, a look at plans for a show after WrestleMania, the busy Raw brand schedule, WWE working with Indies on WWE Network update, WWE market value, most watched shows on WWE Network, plus details of all the WWE & NXT house shows over the past week along with business notes.

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 31, 2000, WCW departures, WWF Royal Rumble review, more 

The soap opera surrounding WCW and the group of wrestlers who vowed to stick together got even stranger over the past week, with the company mired in even more uncertainty and friends who stuck together breaking apart. WCW sent unconditional release letters to Chris Benoit, Dean Simon (Malenko), Carlos Ashenoff (Konnan), Troy Martin (Shane Douglas), Eddy Guerrero and Perry Satullo (Perry Saturn) on 1/19, thus cancelling the planned meeting Bill Busch had agreed two days later to have with the group that same day, and allowing all of them to start with Titan Sports on 2/1 provided they agreed not to say anything publicly disparaging about WCW and agreed not to sue WCW… Subscribers click here to continue.

THURSDAY NEWS UPDATE

Thanks everyone for the response to this week’s issue and the story on Ivan Koloff. 

The sexual assault trial for Jon (War Machine) Koppenhaver for his alleged attack and mutilation of former girlfriend and porn star Christy Mack in 2014 goes to trial on Monday. Jury selection begins at 1:30 p.m. Koppenhaver is facing 34 felony counts including attempted murder. 

Bellator filed a lawsuit yesterday to quash subpoenas that UFC asked for related to UFC’s defense in its antitrust case, looking for copies of all Bellator contracts with fighters and detailed financial records of the company. Bellator in the lawsuit said that releasing the information would be giving away trade secrets. Scott Coker said in court documents that Bellator was not a party to the lawsuit (the Cung Le, Jon Fitch, Nate Quarry antitrust suit against UFC) and should not have to produce confidential documents, because it would lead to gave harm to the company, saying it would give UFC a significant advantage that would negatively harm Bellator and stifle competition in the industry.

There was an interesting note in the Las Vegas Review-Journal earlier this week that betting on the Mayweather vs. McGregor fight, with Mayweather as the 25-to-1 favorite, has been nonexistent.

An article with Bruno Sammartino talking about George Steele and Ivan Koloff is here. (thanks to Chris Cruise) 

The WWE is booking Tyler Bate, Pete Dunne, Trent Seven, Wolfgang, Joseph Conners, T-Bone, Mark Andrews, James Drake, Dan Moloney Sean Gradwell, Saxon Huxley, Tucker and Jordan Devlin on its May tour of the U.K.

WWE
Finn Balor returned last night at the NXT tapings doing a run-in to save Shinsuke Nakamura from a double-team attack from Bobby Roode and Andrade Cien Almas. This was likely just done for the live house in Orlando. Balor said he wasn’t fully cleared, but he’s expected back within two weeks.
The Raw crew is currently in Germany, with today being the second of four days there.
Heidi Lovelace debuted at the NXT tapings using the name Ruby Riot. It looks like she’ll feud with Nikki Cross. 
The WWE Network sent out a survey asking how interested people were in each match at Fastlane, if they were going to watch Fastlane and their overall opinion of the lineup.
UFC
They announced a show on 6/17 in Kallang, Singapore at Singapore Indoor Stadium.
The UFC has added two more fight to the 3/4 show in Las Vegas. Albert Morales will face Andre Soukamthath, the CES bantamweight champion, debuting in UFC. Cynthia Calvillo debuts facing Amanda Cooper in a strawweight fight.
MISCELLANEOUS
An interview with Joe Koff of ROH is here.
Rob Terry & Kazushi Miyamoto won the NWA world tag team titles over Rob Conway & Matt Riviera earlier today in Tokyo. Road Warrior Animal was in Terry & Miyamoto’s corner while Bruce Tharpe was in the corner of the champions. The title change happened at a Diamond Star Wrestling show.
Road Warrior Animal and Rikishi make appearances for River City Wrestling on 3/10 in San Antonio at the Ratama Park Horse Race Track. Tatanka will also face The Barbarian on the show headlined by Rikishi vs. Michael Faith.
A story on the long buildup for the debut of Glacier in WCW and how it turned out is here.
MCW on 3/3 in Joppa, MD at the MCW Arena features Brian Cage vs. Lio Rush. They also run 3/11 in Hollywood, MD at the Volunteer Fire Department with Ryback as the headliner.
Shannon Moore is taking wrestling and appearance bookings through Bill Behrens at [email protected]. He is based in Orlando, FL. Silas Young is also available for bookings outside the U.S. and Ontario, based out of Milwaukee, at the same address. Other names listed are Chase Stevens our of Nashville, Sean Waltman (for appearances, he won’t be wrestling after April), Mike Posey, DDP, Kevin Nash, Drew Galloway, Tommy Dreamer, Scott Hall, Al Snow, Shane Helms, Christopher Daniels (outside U.S. & Ontario), Frankie Kazarian (outside U.S. & Ontario), Young Bucks (outside U.S. & Ontario), Jay Lethal (outside U.S. & Ontario), Ricochet, Matt Sydal and Tessa Blanchard.
Tommy Dreamer will be doing a seminar on 3/18 in Martselle, AL at the House of New South Wrestling. For more info you can call 256-684-5435.
Rosemary of TNA headlines on Sunday at 5 p.m. in East York, ONT at the Detroit Eatery at 1083 Pape Avenue.
CWE on 3/18 in Winnipeg at Rookie’s Sports Bar for the 2017 King of Transcona tournament. 
wXw from Sunday in Waldkraiburg, Germany: Absolute Andy b Hakeem Waqur, Robert Dreissker b Blaze, Michael Dante b Bobby Gunns, David Starr b Alexander James to keep the Shotgun title, Jurn Simmons b Chris Colen, Absolute Andy & Marius Al-Ani & Gunter Schmid b Axel Dieter Jr. & Timothy Thatcher & Walter. (thanks to Markus Gronemann)
WCWF on 5/11 in Yuba City, CA at the Yuba-Sutter Fairgrounds headlined by Nathan Brick vs. Reggie Bright.
Anthony Bennett, who was in the WWE cruiserweight tournament, has been added to the ECWA Super 8 lineup for the tournament on 4/29 in Woodbury Heights, NJ at the Community Center.
Superkick’d tomorrow night in Toronto at the Longboat Hall at the Great Hall.
PWA from Sunday in Calgary at the Century Casino before 300 fans: Cody & Brandi Rhodes b Michael Richard Blaze & Connie Lynn, Brett Moran b Brandn Van Danielson, Alexander Pryme & Shaun Moore b Millennial Rebels, Fury (Kenneth Anthony) b Fabirn Ribeiro-DQ, Andrew Hawks & Richie Rage b Duke Durrango & Chris Steele, Omen Gabriel b Sheik Shabaz (Gama Singh Jr.-)-DQ, Giselle b Michael Allen Richard Clark in an intergender match, Kenny Stryker kept the PWA Mayhem title over Frantico & Aiden Adams. (thanks to Ross Hart)
C4 Wrestling on 3/18 in Ottawa, ONT at the Vanier Columbus Club.
Rock Solid Wrestling on Saturday at 4 p.m. in Sudbury, ONT at the Chelsmford Valley District Composite School
EVOLVE has announced the Keith Lee trial series with matches on 2/24 in Joppa, MD against Zack Sabre Jr., 2/25 in Queens, NY against Tracy Williams, 3/30 in Orlando against Ricochet and 3/31 in Orlando against Donovan Dijak.
Absolute Intense Wrestling Girls Night Out on 3/11 in Cleveland at Our Lady of Mt Carmel with Shayna Baszler vs. Allysin Kay (Sienna) for the AIW women’s title, Gail Kim vs. Britt Baker, Sonya Strong vs Lufisto, Angeldust vs. Shotzi Blackheart, Veda Scott vs Penelope Ford, Ray Lyn vs. Faye Jackson and more.
CMLL from Tuesday night in Guadalajara: Divino & Gallo b Evola & Exterminador, Electrico & Fugaz & Shockercito b Mercurio & Pequeno Nitro & Relampago, Amapola & Dallys & Metalica b Vaquerita & Marcela & Silueta, Dragon Lee & Esfinge & Stuka Jr. b Bobby Villa & Hechicero & Polvora, Pierroth & Rush & Yoshitatsu b Atlantis & Diamante Azul & Valiente.
A group called Welterweight Wrestling debuts on 5/7 for shows with wrestlers only under 185 pounds. The show will take place in Cleveland. 
Legacy Fighting Alliance tomorrow night on AXS TV from Broomfield, CO with Marcus Edwards vs. Adam Townsend as the main event. 
FEW on 3/31 in Orlando at the Downtown Rec Complex with an all-women’s show with Santana Garrett, Lindsay Snow, Marti Bell, Rebel, Faye Jackson and more. The show is at 3 p.m. over Mania weekend.
Alpha 1 Wrestling on 3/5 in Hamilton, ONT featuring ACH, Kikutaro and Ethan Page.
An almost all-women’s show (one men’s match is on it) called Girls Gone Wrestling takes place on Saturday in Surrey, BC at the Cloverdale Fairgrounds Alice McKay Building with Nicole Matthews, Holidead, Malia Hosaka, Chelsea Green (Laurel Van Ness) and more. 
Chaotic Wrestling on Friday night in Woburn, MA at the Elks Hall with a main event of Elia Markorpolous vs JT Dunn vs Adam Booker vs. Christian Casanova.
Christopher Daniels talks his tenure in ROH, Samoa Joe and other topics here:

You’ve been wrestling for a long time and were with Ring of Honor at its inception. Do you feel like you’ve paid your dues, and a title reign is overdue?
I think I paid enough dues a long time ago. But circumstances are what they are, and sometimes matches don’t go the way you want them to go. Certainly going into the 15th Anniversary Show I feel like there’s a lot of momentum on my side right now. If the fans’ feelings are that it’s about time I’ve had the championship, I’m not going to argue with that. It remains to be seen what happens…

Have you been frustrated that you haven’t been elevated to the top position in ROH?
Not specifically frustrated. Things go the way they go. It’s not up to me to say this is a good direction or a bad direction. It’s just the way it was. All of us as pro wrestlers try to put ourselves out there as the best product we can be. It falls to people above us to decide that’s the best direction for the company to go…

Are you surprised that it took so long for Samoa Joe to wind up on WWE’s main roster?
Not so much surprised, I’m just happy that it finally happened. I feel like one of the reasons that it took so long is that they were waiting for the right moment… I’m certainly interested to see where this goes. Coming off the Royal Rumble to go toward WrestleMania, I would think that would mean Joe is in a prime position to have a high-profile match at his first WrestleMania.

TNA has been undergoing a massive overhaul in recent months with turnover and new ownership. Did you have the feeling that this was something that’s been on the cusp of happening for years and you’re surprised it took so long?
I can’t really comment on it with any sort of intelligence because all I know is the same thing that everyone else has seen and read. … I know when I left that I felt like there was some upheaval in management. But I couldn’t tell you everything that’s gone on. I’ve seen what everyone else has with the ratings and mishaps that have gone on.

On the comic book cover you look like a nefarious character. You’re robbing a bank and Kazarian is saying you must be stopped. What’s going on?
I don’t want to give too much away. I’m not 100 percent ready to retire, so am I looking to add a couple of zeros to the end of my bank account? You’ll have to pick up the book to find out exactly what’s going on. It’s worth picking up to check out.

Growing up, you’re either a DC Comics guy or a Marvel guy. Which were you?
I was Marvel, 100 percent. I grew up reading Marvel comics. The first comic that really got me hooked was Uncanny X-Men.

Pro Wrestling Tees is now carrying our latest line of F4W shirts. Support the Empire~! Grab yours today!

F4W / WO EMPIRE WRESTLEMANIA GROUP INFO

BUS INFO:

The Empire bus to WrestleMania will cost $50.00 and will be round trip from Rosen Inn at 9000 International Drive 32819 (a few blocks away from Wrestlcon). THERE ARE ONLY 5 SEATS LEFT!
The bus will leave at 4pm (time subject to change) for WrestleMania and will leave WrestleMania no later then one hour after the show. If you would like a seat email Ed at [email protected] or message him on the BOARD~! for Paypal payment instructions.

DINNER INFO:

WHAT: Dinner at Texas de Brazil
WHEN: Friday March 31st
WHERE: 5259 International Dr Ste F1, Orlando, FL 32819 at 5 p.m. (they may open at 4:30 for us)
WHO: All your best empire buddies, including BIG DAVE MELTZER
DETAILS: The cost of the dinner will be $68.00 which includes the dinner, salad bar, soft drinks and tea, and dessert, tax and tip. This is a pre pay dinner and you can send payment to paypal at [email protected] (please send as a gift to a friend). Payments must be made by March 24th (if you wait until after that, Ed will charge an extra $5.00 for being a pain).

Today in professional wrestling history (2/23): WWE Elimination Chamber 2014

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A court in Sweden ruled that a Palestinian man found guilty of throwing a Molotov cocktail at a synagogue cannot be deported to the Occupied Palestinian Territories, prompting a sharp rebuke from Israel.  

The Court of Appeal for Western Sweden ruled that Feras Alnadim’s “fundamental human rights” would be threatened because he would be at risk of reprisals. 

The court cited Israel’s “potential interest in the case” and “the insecure situation at the border and in the territory”. 

Alnadim, 22, was sentenced to two years in prison in June, as one of three men, two Palestinian and one Syrian, found guilty of firebombing a synagogue in Gothenburg on December 9.

Some 20 Jewish teenagers were celebrating together in the building when the firebomb was thrown, but no one was injured. The three men were identified from security camera footage and arrested shortly afterwards. 

In its judgement, the appeal court said that as the attack had taken place only a few days after Donald Trump, the US president, announced the US embassy’s move to Jerusalem, saying it was clearly “intended as a revenge attack against Israel”. 

It could also, it ruled, be considered “a serious political crime directed at other Jews”. 

“We are not a country that hunts people down at the airport and retaliates,” she said. “We are a democratic country with the rule of law and this verdict ignores that.”

Unlike the other two attackers, Alnadim has no right of residency in Sweden, as his asylum application had been rejected before he carried out the attack. In June, the court ruled that he should therefore be deported after completing his sentence. 

The Court of Appeal on Wednesday reversed this decision, citing Sweden’s law on foreign nationals, which specifies that no one should be deported if there is sufficient reason to believe that they would be in danger of “inhumane or humiliating treatment or punishment”. 

Ms Hochstetler was also critical of the way the verdict treated Alnadim’s claim that while he was opposed to Israel, he was not hostile to Jewish people. 

“Having that in the verdict is a legitimisation of violent antisemitism,” she said. “I think that if someone firebombs a synagogue then this shows that there is hostility towards Jews that has nothing to do with Israel.” 

THE ROUND-UP

The Latest from the F4W Staff

NEWS

WWE Raw live results: Fallout from Payback
WWE Payback live results: Roman Reigns vs. Braun Strowman
Brie Bella & Daniel Bryan’s baby expected to arrive past due date
Brock Lesnar defending Universal title at WWE Great Balls of Fire

AUDIO

WOL: WWE Payback fallout, Sheamus, Corgan and NWA, more! 5/1
WOR: WWE Payback, New Japan Naito vs. Juice, CMLL, mailbag, more! 5/1
B&V: WWE Payback 2017 post-show! 4/30

We’re looking for reports from Raw tonight in Sacramento with the dark matches and Main Event matches and any other notes not on the live show, plus from the WWE house show in Stockton to [email protected].

We’re also looking for your thoughts on both Payback and the New Japan show on Friday, so you can leave a thumbs up, thumbs down or thumbs in the middle along with a best and worst match to [email protected].

Smackdown and 205 Live take place on Tuesday in Fresno.

NEW JAPAN WRESTLING DONTAKU FROM THE FUKUOKA INTERNATIONAL CENTER ARENA ON WEDNESDAY MORNING AT 3:40 A.M. EASTERN TIME ON NEW JAPAN WORLD

Hirai Kawato & Yoshitatsu vs. Katsuya Kitamura & Tomoyuki Oka
Will Ospreay & Yoshi-Hashi vs. Yujiro Takahashi & Chase Owens
Tiger Mask W (Kota Ibushi) & Tiger Mask & Togi Makabe vs. Yuji Nagata & Manabu Nakanishi & Jushin Liger
Hirooki Goto & Toru Yano & Jado & Rocky Romero & Baretta vs Minoru Suzuki & Yoshinobu Kanemaru & Desperado & Taichi & Taka Michinoku
Cody Rhodes vs. David Finlay
Juice Robinson & Kushida vs. Tetsuya Naito & Hiromu Takahashi
War Machine vs. Hiroyoshi Tenzan & Satoshi Kojima vs. Tama Tonga & Tanga Roa for IWGP tag team titles
Hiroshi Tanahashi & Ricochet & Ryusuke Taguchi vs. Seiya Sanada & Evil & Bushi for Never six man titles
Tomohiro Ishii vs. Kenny Omega
Kazuchika Okada vs Bad Luck Fale for IWGP heavyweight title

The Raw crew opens the European tour on Wednesday in Rome, Italy.

FIGURE FOUR WEEKLY: 4/24/2017: Jinder Mahal’s surprising WWE title shot 

WWE’s booking rarely ever manages to be quite as surprising as what happened on last week’s SmackDown. Without any real build or any prior semblance of an ascent to the top of the card, Jinder Mahal became the number one contender for the WWE Championship by winning a six-pack challenge. It shouldn’t have been as surprising as it was given the wrestlers involved in that match, but it was only a week prior that Mahal was introduced to the SmackDown roster in the Superstar Shakeup by losing to Mojo Rawley and once again getting shown up by New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski.

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WRESTLING OBSERVER NEWSLETTER: May 1, 2017: Vince McMahon movie in development, Mauro Ranallo/WWE situation, more

The idea of a Vince McMahon movie is actually going to happen and we’ve got some early details on it as the lead story in the new issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter; an update on the situation involving WWE and Mauro Ranallo, a look at the next two WWE PPV shows, a guy who in ten months went from an opening round loser on Ultimate Fighter to a viable title contender, a look at the Hall of Fame career of Maurice Smith and the latest from PWG.

Find out who was behind the McMahon movie and how that has changed, as well as the Ranallo situation, what happened and the repercussions and the overall situation, and look at the lineups for the next two WWE PPV shows and the main angles.

Coverage of the weekend UFC show inside.

Check out Dwayne Johnson movie news, new characters being pushed in WWE and why, interesting business dichotomy involving the Indian market, WWE looking for new stars from India, Mick Foley surgery news, A.J. Styles talks his attempting to wrestle Shawn Michaels, Shaquille O’Neal talks why his match with Big Show never happened, Injury updates, wedding update with Dean Ambrose and Renee Young, WWE wrestler leaves for Japan, new gimmicks to existing wrestlers, Shane McMahon and UFC story, WWE with a Japanese icon.

There is more on WWE releases, WWE booking, WWE stock market value, most watched shows on WWE Network, and highlights of all the major TV shows and of the arena matches over the past week.

Look at the career of Maurice Smith, what makes it noteworthy, how he molded MMA, kickboxing and pro wrestling into a long career and one of the most landmark matches in UFC history as well as twice headlining stadium shows as a pro wrestler and holding a kickboxing world title for nearly a decade.

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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: April 3, 2000: Eric Bischoff and Vince Russo in charge of WCW, a look back at past Wrestlemanias, more 

After seemingly swimming in an ocean of rapidly declining numbers across the board, World Championship Wrestling went to a strange pair of people as its life preservers–Eric Bischoff and Vince Russo. In a decision that had been in the works for about one month according to company sources, Brad Siegel completed the circular back-stabbing game which wound up in, not almost, but actually a pro wrestling like tag team, of the two people, former enemies, with seemingly nothing in common, bound together by their hatred for common enemies.

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MONDAY NEWS UPDATE

Bryan and I will be back tonight covering Raw and taking your e-mail questions that can be sent to [email protected].

I want to make mention that due to being honored on Wednesday by the Cauliflower Alley Club, most likely the Observer will be one day late this week. I think it’s the first time I’ve missed a Wednesday in so long I can’t even remember, maybe dating back to 2002. 

PW Insider reported that Billy Corgan is finalizing a deal to buy the NWA, name, rights and trademarks as well as the ability to control the NWA championship belts. We’ve confirmed the story is true, but there are no other details available right now.

Anderson Silva was on the MMA Hour with Ariel Helwani earlier today and said that if he doesn’t get a match with Yoel Romero on 6/3 for the interim middleweight title that he will retire. It’s silly to create an interim belt since Michael Bisping has been ready to defend, but Georges St-Pierre is the one who has delayed the match. Plus, if there is to be a match for the interim title, Romero should face Luke Rockhold, Robert Whittaker or Gegard Mousasi before Silva. Romero said that Silva was the only guy he’d be willing to fight right now, and if it’s not Silva, he’ll just wait to face the Bisping vs. GSP winner.

Chris Jericho is advertised for Raw tonight, but I’m guessing he’ll be on Smackdown tomorrow instead after winning the U.S. title last night.

The crew tonight leaves immediately after the show for Rome, Italy, where they have a show on Wednesday. The Smackdown crew leaves after tomorrow night’s show for Glasgow, Scotland, where they start their tour on Thursday. Both crews will be in Europe running house shows nightly, as well as doing television Monday and Tuesday, until returning to the U.S. for shows on 5/15 and 5/16.

WWE
Jeff Hardy lost a tooth last night after a kick from Sheamus in the tag team match when the chin hit his face. Matt was also busted open hardway under the right eye. Obviously the Roman Reigns stuff was all planned ahead of time.
WWE Payback was the fifth most searched term on Google yesterday with more than 100,000. That is well blow the 200,000 to 500,000 range that Raw PPV shows have been doing.
After Raw tonight on the WWE Network will be Table for 3 with Edge, Christian and Kurt Angle.
There will be a WWE 24 special on Finn Balor’s recovery from his shoulder surgery airing on the WWE Network after Raw on 5/15.
Comedian Ike Barinholtz was on Howard Stern today talking about different projects. He wrote “Central Intelligence,” which starred Dwayne Johnson and Kevin Hart, and also starred in the movie “Sisters,” where John Cena had a role. Stern asked him which guy was a better actor and he said, “Right now it’s John Cena because I’m making a movie with him.” He said “Central Intelligence” was originally written with Ed Helms and Danny McBride as the leads and went around for years until Johnson’s production company saw it. Once Johnson liked it, he said all the doors opened to get it done. (thanks to Jeff Cohen)
Today is Booker T’s 53rd birthday.
The Miami Herald on WWE charity work can be read about here.
UFC
Vitor Belfort vs. Nate Marquardt was announced today for the UFC 212 PPV show on 6/3 in Rio de Janeiro.
MISCELLANEOUS
The commercial for the New Japan live shows on 7/1 and 7/2 in Long Beach can be seen here.
Sean Waltman is said to be okay. He has been in touch with friends after disappearing off the grid for some time after not getting on the flight for a booking for IPW UK over the weekend.
Kevin Von Erich will not be appearing on Wednesday at the Cauliflower Alley Club banquet to get the Lou Thesz/Art Abrams Career Achievement award. He sent word that he can’t attend due to personal reasons and son Marshall Adkisson/Von Erich will be accepting for him.
An interview with Dave Bautista is here. (thanks to Mike Kuzmuk)
A story on Chris Sabin & Alex Shelley is here.
Today’s pro wrestling quiz on wrestling movies and documentaries is here.
A correction from yesterday’s update. Shelton Benjamin’s match in Austin, TX over the weekend wasn’t his first match back from surgery. He wrestled on 4/21 in Queens, NY for Brri Combination Wrestling World War 360 against Mike Orlando in a time limit draw. (thanks to Michael Langan)
AAW on 5/6 in Chicago at the Logan Square Auditorium is almost sold out with Dave & Jake Crist vs. AR Fox & Rey Fenix for the tag team titles, Penta 0M vs. Keith Lee for the AAW Heritage title, Zack Sabre Jr. vs. Michael Elgin, Bobby Fish vs. Trevor Lee, Eddie Kingston vs David Starr plus Chuck Taylor, Sami Callihan, Colt Cabana and ACH. They also run 5/25 in Berwyn, IL at the Eagles Club with Dave & Jake Crist defending the tag titles against Team Tremendous (Dan Berry & Bill Carr), Keith Lee vs. Donovan Dijak, Lio Rush vs. Shane Strickland, plus Jack Swagger and Laredo Kid.
Jun Kasai worked for Battle Championship Wrestling in Melbourne, Australia on 4/28 beating Mad Dog in an ultraviolent rules match with light tubes, fire and all the other stuff doing what was a Freedom main event style bout. The previous week, the All Aussie Pro promotion in the same building drew more than 600 fan for Christopher Daniels retaining his ROH title over Jay Lethal in a great 20:00 main event.
Old Time Wrestling on 5/12 and 5/13 in Williamstown, NJ at the Monroe Business Center. The first night will have a one-night tournament and the second night features Kelly Klein of ROH.
Atlantic Grand Prix Wrestling on Saturday night in O’leary, Prince Edward Island, Canada, saw Rene Dupree beat Hannibal to win the Canadian championship and set up a rematch on 5/13 in Smiths Falls ONT at the Memorial Center for Hannibal’s Great North Wrestling.
NWA Smoky Mountain Wrestling on 5/13 in Kingsport, TN at the Civic Auditorium claiming the biggest main event in company history with Ryback vs. Jax Dane, plus Chase Owens defends the Southeastern title against Anthony Henry.
Dynamo Pro Wrestling is on 5/13 in St. Louis at the Concordia Turners Gym.
ICW from yesterday in Glasgow, Scotland for a sold out show at Glasgow University: Lestyn Rees b Austin Osiris (Rees beat him twice in a row), Tyler Bate b BT Gunn, Jordan Deviln b Stevie Boy, The Marauders b Ravie Davie & Charlie Sterling to keep the tag titles, Davey Blaze & Wee Man b DCT & Coach Trip, Wolfgang b Jack Jester, Polo Promotions b Kings of Catch, Session Moth Martina b Kay Lee Ray in a non-title match, Kenny Williams NC Matt Cross in a ZeroG title match when Zack Gibson interfered, Joe Coffey b Pete Dunne to retain the ICW title. The next show is 5/12 in Leicester, England at the O2 Academy.

Today in Professional Wrestling History (5/1): John Cena wins WWE title at Extreme Rules

Pro Wrestling Tees is now carrying our latest line of F4W shirts. Support the Empire~! Grab yours today!

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Beijing has warned the US must “bear responsibility for the consequences” if Washington doesn’t withdraw new sanctions on China for procuring military equipment from Russia.

The US government imposed sanctions on the Chinese military on Thursday for buying ten SU-25 fighter jets and S-400 surface-to-air missile systems from Russia, in breach of a sweeping US sanctions law punishing Moscow for meddling in the 2016 US election.

In response, “China expresses strong indignation at these unreasonable actions by the US side and has already lodged stern representations,” said Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang.

“We strongly urge the US side to immediately correct the mistake and rescind the so-called sanctions; otherwise the U.S. side will necessarily bear responsibility for the consequences," he said, without giving details.

China has cozied up to Russia lately at a time when both nations have been targeted by the US. Bilateral relations have been so successful that China was invited to take part in military exercises in Russia earlier this month, the country’s largest since the Cold War and the first including a country from outside the former Soviet bloc.

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin also cultivated a rather public friendship. Xi and Putin have met several times, most recently at an annual economic forum in Vladivostok that occurred alongside the joint war games. The pair have enjoyed traditional foods together and Putin even recalled celebrating his birthday once with Xi. In 2017, Xi was award Russia’s highest state order, an occasion commemorated by Putin hanging an elaborate medallion around Xi’s neck. The following year Xi reciprocated by presenting Putin with a similar high order of friendship in the form of a giant gold necklace.

As these new sanctions show, close relations with Russia means China could suffer collateral damage as the US continues to target Moscow, on top of escalating trade tensions with Washington.

One US administration official, who briefed reporters on condition of anonymity, said the sanctions imposed on the Chinese agency were aimed at Moscow, not Beijing or its military, despite an escalating trade war between the United States and China.

Despite China essentially taking a hit for Russia, security analysts in Asia think the sanctions could further boost ties between Moscow and Beijing.

"The imposition of US sanctions will have zero impact on Russian arms sales to China," said Ian Storey, of Singapore’s ISEAS Yusof Ishak Institute.

"Both countries are opposed to what they see as US bullying and these kind of actions will just push Beijing and Moscow even closer together," he said, adding that Moscow needed Chinese money and Beijing wanted advanced military technology.

Collin Koh, a security analyst at Singapore’s S Rajaratnam School of International Studies, said the sanctions would do little to counter the evolving research and development relationship between China and Russia.

At a glance | Sanctions against Russia

Indeed, for now, Geng said China would continue to work with Russia to promote strategic cooperation at an even higher level.

China relies less on large big-ticket purchases from Russia, but Chinese defense industries are seeking expertise from Russia and former-Soviet states to plug knowledge gaps, he said.

The sanctions target China’s Equipment Development Department, the military branch responsible for weapons and equipments, and its director Li Shangfu for engaging in transactions with Russia’s main arms exporter, Rosoboronexport.

Trump has insisted there was no collusion with Russia. Moscow denies any effort to meddle in US politics.

They also block the Chinese agency and Xi from applying for export licenses and participating in the US financial system, and adds them to the Treasury Department’s list of specially designated individuals with whom Americans are barred from doing business.

The US blacklisted another 33 people and entities associated with the Russian military and intelligence, adding them to a list under the 2017 law, known as the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act, or CAATSA.

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The Duke of Cambridge will today launch a financial task force to disrupt international money flows linked to the illegal wildlife trade as part of a British-led diplomatic effort to end the global poaching crisis. 

More than 30 international banks and financial institutions will pledge to train staff to identify and share intelligence on suspicious transactions linked to the illegal trade in elephant ivory, rhino horn, and other endangered species body parts. 

They will also sign up to an intelligence sharing financial task force led by United for Wildlife, a charity run by the Royal Foundation, and chaired by William Hague, the former foreign secretary.  

“Traffickers are brazenly exploiting global financial systems to move the proceeds of their crimes, remaining under the radar of investigation and law enforcement," Lord Hague said. 

“Financial institutions can, therefore, play a crucial role in disrupting such criminal activities and ending the illegal wildlife trade."

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The global trade in illegal wildlife produces is thought to be worth £18 billion annually and has been linked to organized crime groups engaged in money laundering, corruption, and the trafficking of drugs, weapons, and people.  

Scientists estimate just 415,000 elephants survive in Africa following a poaching crisis driven by rising disposable incomes and demand for luxury goods in east Asia. Over 100,000, or 20 percent of the population, have been lost in the past decade. 

Signatories, which include Barclays Bank, HSBC, and Bank of America, agree "will not knowingly facilitate or tolerate financial flows that are derived from IWT and associated corruption".

The financial task force announced today follows a similar initiative to encourage intelligence sharing among transportation companies and law enforcement agencies to better intercept smuggling routes. 

United for Wildlife’s transport task force says it has contributed to 5 seizures of wildlife products worth over $500,000, and assisted with more than 32 law enforcement investigations since it was launched in 2016.