We are nearing the light at the end of the tunnel as the finals of the A Block will take place this morning as the G1 comes to Sumo Hall for three straight nights.

Only two people are alive in the block, and coincidentally both are in the main event as Hiroshi Tanahashi will battle Tetsuya Naito. In their last meeting earlier this year, Tanahashi beat Naito to win the IWGP Intercontinental title. Will Naito get his revenge, or will the self-professed ace of New Japan Pro Wrestling claim another victory?

Though Tanahashi vs. Naito will determine the winner, other A Block matches will also take place. The final matches in the block include Kota Ibushi taking on Hirooki Goto, Bad Luck Fale facing Yuji Nagata, Togi Makabe squaring off against YOSHI-HASHI, and Tomohiro Ishii vs. Zack Sabre Jr. in a rematch from last month’s great bout in Long Beach.

Join us for live coverage this morning at 5:30 a.m. ET. The show will feature English commentary by Kevin Kelly, Don Callis and Rocky Romero.

**********

Minoru Suzuki, El Desperado and Taichi defeated Katsuya Kitamura, Hirai Kawato and Tomoyuki Oka

This was fine. One thing I noticed is that even though Kitamura is still a young lion, he’s given more spots to look good. Suzuki nailed Kitamura with hard slaps, but countered with a suplex. Kawato came in and looked pretty good, but eventually was taken out by Desperado and was pinned with the angel’s wings.

Guerillas of Destiny defeated BUSHI and SANADA

A pretty decent tag team match. SANADA came off as such a superior athlete. GoD hit the Guerilla Warfare but SANADA broke it up. Tonga quickly finished things back in the ring as SANADA was taken to the outside as he quickly pinned BUSHI with the gun stun.

Satoshi Kojima and Juice Robinson defeated EVIL and Hiromu Takahashi

Another good tag team bout. Robinson and Kojima worked well as a team, which played into the match. Robinson blasted him with a lariat and finished with the pulp friction for the win. EVIL and Kojima had a staredown after the match. 

War Machine, Michael Elgin, Ryusuke Taguchi and Ricochet defeated Young Bucks, Cody, Chase Owens and Hangman Page

This was a really fun match, full of fun dives and energy. Ricochet did a dive on the outside, wiping out all of Bullet Club. Elgin followed, then Hanson was going up top when the Bullet Club cut him off. Cody missed the moonsault, but missed. Same thing for Hangman Page, then the Young Bucks. After Chase Owens missed his attempt, Hanson went on top and landed one of his own.

Ricochet wiped out Bullet Club on the outside following the Sasuke special. Elgin finished off Owens, hitting the Elgin bomb for the win.

Kazuchika Okada and Toru Yano defeated Kenny Omega and Yujiro Takahashi

This really didn’t last long. The commentators put over that Okada may be injured going into the match against Omega tomorrow as his neck was all bandaged up. Omega and Okada battled on the outside as Yano did his usual business in the ring against Yujiro. He eventually finished the match the same way he’s done all tour: distract the ref, low blow, roll up pin.

A Block matches —

Bad Luck Fale defeated Yuji Nagata 

This was great. Since this was Nagata’s last G1 match ever, people were into the idea of him winning and were with him from the start. 

Fale dominated early, taking him out of the ring and choking him on the mat. They teased a countout spot, which had fans frenetic, but he made it to the ring in time. Nagata fights back, targeting a leg. He soon was able to follow with an exploder after initially being unable.

Fale clubs him with punches as he attempts to gain control again. He goes for the grenade, but Nagata grabs the arm and sinks in the armbar. Nagata transitions into an ankle lock, then follows that with the Nagata lock. 

Nagata hits a knee in the corner and hits the backdrop driver, but Fale kicks out. Fale soon countered with a spear. He went for the grenade, but Nagata escaped. Fale hit a clothesline and followed with the Bad Luck Fall for the win.

Bad Luck Fale held up the too sweet sign after the match in a show of respect. Nagata opted to throw his signature hand sign instead. Fale bowed in a show of respect as he left the ring. Nagata (as well as announcer Shinpei Nogami) was clearly emotional as a bunch of people held up Blue Justice posters. He made his exit, his music playing.

Togi Makabe defeated YOSHI-HASHI

This was pretty good. The work was good, plus the crowd were hot for everything which helped a lot.

Mostly some nice back and forth during the bulk of the match. Makabe looked to go for the knee drop but YH moved out of the way and followed up with the lariat. He went for the butterfly lock, but Makabe powered out.

Makabe made a comeback, fought YOSHI-HASHI on the top rope then hit the spider suplex. He followed up with the King Kong knee drop for the win.

Zack Sabre Jr. defeated Tomohiro Ishii

(By Joseph Currier)

This was a rematch from the IWGP US title tournament in Long Beach, and it was near the same high standard of their first meeting.

Sabre tried to start with mat wrestling, but Ishii was able to counter him until they stood up. They went back to the mat, where they again reached a stalemate as ZSJ bridged up. He delivered an uppercut as Ishii invited him to try some more strikes. Ishii struck back and laid Sabre out after he obliged.

Ishii gained control with strikes, chopping Sabre against the ropes and into the turnbuckle. Sabre fired back by Pele kicking his arm and taking him down. He began to focus on the arm and wrist while applying pressure to it.

Ishii was eventually able to counter with a back suplex and gained control again until Sabre got a choke in the ropes and applied an armbar. Sabre worked on the wrist and bent it back, but Ishii was able to grab the ropes.

Sabre hit kicks to a kneeling Ishii, with Ishii again inviting him to strike as he made it back to his feet. Ishii hit him with a punch, but Sabre replied by grounding him with a dropkick to the legs. After getting back on offense, Ishii hit a brainbuster off the top rope for two.

Sabre went for a submission before Ishii threw him into the turnbuckle from a fireman’s carry position and hit a German suplex. Ishii got two off of a powerbomb, but it allowed Sabre to reverse into a triangle. Ishii tried to power up, eventually laying out ZSJ with a lariat. He went for another before ZSJ got a choke, transitioned into a slam, and hit a penalty kick for two.

As Ishii tried to kick out, ZSJ maintained the upper hand by putting his bad knee in a kneebar. Ishii got to the ropes, but Sabre kept focusing on the knee with stomps to the back of it. Ishii slammed his own head into the turnbuckle a few times as he tried to work through the pain. He dared Sabre to keep kicking him, and floored him with a chop when he did.

Ishii connected with punches and went for a dragon suplex, but ZSJ countered into a pin for a near fall. He put on an ankle lock while also wrapping his leg around Ishii’s bad knee. Ishii got an ankle lock of his own, hit Sabre with a headbutt to the chest, and followed with a lariat for a near fall.

Sabre countered Ishii into a head and arm submission when he went for the sliding D. Sabre kept Ishii from the ropes and switched to focusing on Ishii’s better leg while also delivering kicks to his back. He didn’t tap out, but the referee called for the bell as Ishii passed out.

Hirooki Goto defeated Kota Ibushi

Goto took out Ibushi early with a clothesline on the apron, sending him to the barricade. Ibushi soon fought back, landing some good offense and hitting the standing moonsault for a near fall. Ibushi hit a German suplex, but Goto fired right back with a clothesline.

Ibushi escaped Goto’s clutches from the top rope and hit a Pele kick. He goes to the top, but Ibushi is met with resistance. Goto fights back, sending him down to the floor, but counters by hitting a hurricanrana off the top rope.

Goto caught Ibushi, but him in the Samoan driver position and hit the ushigiroshi. Goto followed with a big penalty kick. Goto takes him up, but Ibushi counters with a roll up. Kamigoye attempt by Ibushi, but Goto maintains wrist control and hits a reverse GTR, then the real thing for the win. This was another really good, borderline great match.

The announcers speculated after the match where Kota Ibushi would go next. They did bring up the win against Hiroshi Tanahashi, making it at least plausible he could be contending for that title next.

Tetsuya Naito defeated Hiroshi Tanahashi

This was an excellent back and forth main event, expertly showcasing the great chemistry they have with one another. I’d have to go and rewatch their match from Dominion, but I think both matches were about on par with one another.

They took it to the ropes early, where Tanahashi hugged Naito, I guess in a psych out spot. Tanahashi slapped Naito, setting the tone of the match. Naito went to do his pose in the middle of the ring, but Tanahashi, who was on the outside, came back in and started to stomp on him.

Naito soon found an opening with Tanahashi’s hurt arm. Tanahashi fought back, leading to a series of great offense. Tanahashi misses the senton off the middle rope, but takes out Naito, sending him to the outside and allowing himself to hit the high fly flow to the floor, wiping out Naito. 

Naito grabbed Tanahashi’s arm and slingshot it, sending Tanahashi to the floor in pain. He followed with a dropkick, again on the center of the injured arm. He hits Gloria and went for the Destino next but instead Tanahashi countered with a German suplex. Naito went for a super hurricanrana off the top rope, but Tanahashi rolled through with a cradle and got a near fall. 

Tanahashi fought back against a dragon suplex attempt, sidestepped Naito and hit two slingblades. He hit one high fly flow, but missed a second one. Naito went for a satellite DDT, but Tanahashi grabbed Naito’s leg and sent him to the floor with a dragon screw. He wrapped Naito in the Texas Cloverleaf. Naito struggled to make it to the ropes, but eventually made it.

At the 25 minute mark, Naito hit the Destino, then went for a second but Tanahashi hit three twist and shout neckbreakers. Tanahashi hit the ropes for a sling blade, but Naito fired back with not one, but two Destinos to win the A Block.

Tetsuya Naito is the first person to advance to the G1 Climax 27 finals. He cut a shot promo, including the LIJ roll call, to end the show.

Current standings —

A Block:

Tetsuya Naito — 14 (WINNER)
Hiroshi Tanahashi — 12
Bad Luck Fale — 12
Kota Ibushi — 10
Zack Sabre Jr. — 10
Hirooki Goto — 10
Tomohiro Ishii — 8
Togi Makabe — 8
YOSHI-HASHI — 4
Yuji Nagata — 2

B Block:

Kazuchika Okada — 13
Kenny Omega — 12
EVIL — 10
Minoru Suzuki — 9
SANADA — 8
Michael Elgin — 8
Toru Yano — 6
Tama Tonga — 6
Juice Robinson — 6
Satoshi Kojima — 2

THE ROUND-UP

The Latest from the F4W Staff

NEWS

ROH TV taping results: The Honor Rumble   
Cody vs. Minoru Suzuki set for ROH Death Before Dishonor XV  
Rosemary injured in apparent incident with Sexy Star at Triplemania  
Floyd Mayweather defeats Conor McGregor by TKO in 10th round  
Floyd Mayweather vs. Conor McGregor live results, news & recap 
AAA Triplemania XXV live results: Psycho Clown vs. Dr. Wagner Jr.  

AUDIO

DragonKing Dark: Haunted dolls and Annabelle 8/27
WOR: Mayweather vs. McGregor, Dr. Wagner Jr. unmasked, tons more! 8/27
WOL: Saturday with Sempervive 8/26
JNPO: Nine months of Mayweather vs. McGregor 8/26

Today, WWE has a SmackDown brand house show in Monroe, LA and what is traditionally the biggest independent show of the year, Wrestling Under the Stars by Northeast Wrestling at Dutchess Stadium in Wappingers Falls, NY (Cody Rhodes vs. Rey Mysterio Jr. for the NEW title with Ricky Steamboat as referee, Robbie E & Deonna Purrazzo vs. Jerry Lawler & Brandi Rhodes, The Now vs. Vinny Marseglia & TK O’Ryan for the NEW tag titles, Ryback vs. Hanson, Battle Brothers vs. Amazing Graysons vs. Adrenaline Rush, Brian Anthony vs. Brad Hollister, Keith Lee vs. Wrecking Ball Legursky, Laredo Kid vs. Flip Gordon vs. Garza Jr. plus appearances by Chris Jericho, Mick Foley and Bob Orton Jr.).

Raw will be Monday night in Memphis. Brock Lesnar and Paul Heyman are scheduled for the show along with John Cena (who is now on the Raw brand). Sasha Banks vs. Alexa Bliss for the women’s title is on the show. There is also a SmackDown brand house show in Texarkana, AR.

SmackDown and 205 Live will be taped on Tuesday night in Little Rock. Brian Kendrick vs. Jack Gallagher no DQ has been announced. 

FIGURE FOUR WEEKLY: Figure Four Weekly 8/21/2017: A weekend in Brooklyn for SummerSlam

As WWE’s four-day stretch in Brooklyn began to wrap up, my biggest takeaway from my time in New York City was just how special live wrestling can be. Being at an event in-person can make a great show like NXT TakeOver seem even better, a marathon like SummerSlam feel less tiresome, and the Raw crowd amusing itself with the wave and playing with beach balls somehow a bit less annoying.

Subscribers click here to continue.

WRESTLING OBSERVER NEWSLETTER: August 28, 2017 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Jon Jones fails drug test, Mayweather vs. McGregor, more

With SummerSlam, the Jon Jones drug test failure, McGregor-Mayweather and a major story on Daniel Bryan, it’s one of the biggest issues of the year, a double issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter out to members right now.

Our lead story looks at the Jon Jones situation from all angles, looking at the drug he is alleged to have failed the test for and its usage, the time line, last year’s failure, the potential penalties, the ramifications for Daniel Cormier and the value of the light heavyweight title, responses from several people involved, what is likely to happen with the title, what UFC was planning for Jones, UFC’s promotion of Jones, as well as how this affects Brock Lesnar, which is huge, and Lesnar’s leverage and negotiations for a new WWE contract.

Have an in-depth look at the history of boxer vs. wrestler and other types of mixed matches when analyzing Conor McGregor vs. Floyd Mayweather. Find out what this means financially and otherwise to UFC, why nothing of the sort has ever happened previously, and why it probably will happen more going forward. Examine just how much revenue this fight is looking at generating. Look at how buys are tending, predictions on buys, and how a success will change combat sports forever and especially the UFC if it was knockout power champions.

Look at the issues of sanctioning, the smaller gloves, and lots of different mixed matches going through time including stories related to Frank Gotch, Jack Dempsey, Muhammad Ali, Gene LeBell, the Ali vs. Inoki match, and even Wilt Chamberlain when it comes to unique matches talked about in the past.

Full coverage of SummerSlam, including stories behind what happened in different matches, the business for the weekend, a look at the next two WWE PPV shows, the situation with title changes, Baron Corbin, Rusev as well as match-by-match coverage with star ratings and poll results on the show.

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: July 31, 2000 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: WCW does big business in Australia, WWF Fully Loaded review, more

The country of Australia, apparently wrestling-starved, banged out amazing business when tickets went on sale for an October tour of World Championship Wrestling, which includes four television shoots. On 7/21, the first show that went on sale, a Nitro taping in Melbourne on 10/13, sold out the Rod Laver Arena (capacity for a Nitro taping would be probably close to 10,000) with tickets priced from $300 Australian down to $65, sold out in less than three hours (reports of a 90 minute sellout are exaggerated, but only slightly).

Subscribers click here to continue.

SUNDAY NEWS UPDATE

Just want to send best wishes to everyone in Houston and that vicinity, and anyone else suffering from the effects of Hurricane Harvey. Best of luck over the next several days and we’re thinking of you.

So yesterday we had two different Matches of the Century and a third match of the decade all within ten hours. Our weekend radio show covering Mayweather vs. McGregor and Sexy Star and everything else is already up. Mayweather vs. McGregor was estimated at doing $2.4 million at theaters last night. It would have beaten every movie except two for total gross last night, even though it was in about 400 theaters as compared with more than 3,000 for the two movies that beat it, and they all had multiple showings.

Google searches related to boxing over this past weekend:

Mayweather vs. McGregor had 12 million searches. The only event with a UFC fighter ever at that level was the Ronda Rousey vs. Holly Holm fight.
Gervonta Davis (who won the semifinal fight) with 100,000 searches
ESPN signs contract with Top Rank with 50,000 searches
Canelo Alvarez vs. Gennady Golovkin had 50,000 searches
Miguel Cotto had 50,000 searches
Muhammad Ali had 50,000 searches
Badou Jack had 50,000 searches
Olivia Munn (the fact she was at the fight) with 20,000 searches
Dallas McCarver, the boyfriend of Dana Brooke and a Mr. Olympia competitor in bodybuilding who died, apparently from choking on food at 26, had 50,000 searches

The explanation, not that one will do, regarding Sexy Star is that the claim is Lady Shani shot on her from prior heat and both were hitting each other hard. Hamada started getting rough with her as well. She thought all three were after her and she put Rosemary in the armbar and ended up popping her elbow by doing a shoot armbar. One version we heard is she did apologize after, but Jeff Jarrett was furious and quite frankly, tons of people in wrestling were and there’s no real excuse for what happened. Jarrett yelled at Vampiro backstage in the dressing room and was furious with Sexy Star. The situation was legit, and Rosemary may have more serious injuries.

Regarding Rush and Pierroth to the Crash, the deal is actually that they will still work for CMLL while also working for The Crash. Rush was at TripleMania last night and Dorian Roldan was trying hard to get him, including offering him next year’s TripleMania main event. The Crash will have a press conference on Tuesday to announce a return to the Mexico City area and also talk about Rush.

WWE
WWE Films “Birth of a Dragon” will do an estimated $2.50 million this weekend on 1,618 screens, putting it in eighth place. For average gross per screen it was in sixth place.
Bill Apter interviewed former WWF wrestler Nick “Big Bully” Busick just hours before he went in for brain surgery on Friday. He talks about his son, who debuted recently for Bellator as well.
Apter also sent us word from Nick’s wife that Nick is doing much better and hopes to be home in a few days. He’s already up and walking around.
The last we heard, the first several shows from the Mae Young Classic will be released at 9 a.m. Eastern tomorrow on the WWE Network.
A correction from the update a few days ago regarding the video numbers of Enzo Amore, Braun Strowman and others from this past week. The numbers used were actually Facebook views, not YouTube views.
John Cena over Samoa Joe has been happening at the Raw brand house shows this weekend. They had advertised Roman Reigns vs. Joe vs. Braun Strowman as main events, but instead Reigns vs Strowman with the same DQ finish was happening.
Enzo Amore claimed he spent $10,000 to get front row tickets for the fight last night. 
Lee Thomas of Fox 2 Detroit gave a thumbs up to the WWE movie “Birth of a Dragon.” He said it was a WWE movie that will be watched probably by fans of Bruce Lee and action movie fans, and said it was simplistic but fun. (thanks to Jake Koch).
Chris Jericho’s book, “No is a Four Letter Word” comes out on Tuesday. He has book signings this week:
Tuesday in New York at Barnes & Noble on Warren Street at 5 p.m.  
Wednesday in Ridgewood, NJ at Bookends at 8 p.m.
Thursday in Tampa at Barnes & Noble at 7 p.m.
Friday in Orlando at Barnes & Noble on East Colonial Dr. at 7 p.m.
9/6 in Los Angeles at Barnes & Noble on Grove Dr. at 7 p.m. 

The Orlando Sentinel interviews Tessa Blanchard, Lacey Evans, Toni Storm and Santana Garrett about the Mae Young Classic.
Mike Mooneyham talks to Lacey Evans.
UFC
Lineup for Dana White’s Tuesday Contenders show on Fight Pass at 8 p.m. Eastern:
Janay Harding vs. Kelly McGill-Velasco
Adam Antolin vs. Casey Kenney
Allen Crowder vs. Don’Tale Mayes
Bevon Lewis vs Elias Urbina
Matt Frevola vs. Luke Flores

MISCELLANEOUS
ESPN’s airing of last Saturday Terence Crawford vs. Julius Indongo was the second most watched boxing match on basic cable in 2017. Combining ESPN and ESPN Deportes, the show did 1.3 million viewers.
WrestleCircus announced that all profits and all tip money on Twitch for their 9/9 show in Austin, TX will go to the Hurricane Harvey relief fund.  
Big West Wrestling on 9/15 in Kelowna, BC at Lake City Bowl and Billiards.
Innovate Wrestling on 9/9 in Bristol, TN at the VFW.
Rich Piana, another top bodybuilder, has passed away.
Tetsuya Naito throwing out the first pitch at the Hiroshima Carp baseball game.
An interview with Dave Bautista about Robert Downey Jr and Chris Pratt.

Today in Professional Wrestling History: WWF SummerSlam 2000

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

CONTACT INFORMATION

Poll opinions: [email protected]
​Feedback: [email protected]
Show results and news tips: [email protected]
Wrestling Observer Radio questions: [email protected]

​

THE ROUND-UP

The Latest from the F4W Staff

NEWS

NXT TV taping spoilers: The Undisputed Era continues  
GFW Impact results: Bobby Lashley makes his decision   
Lio Rush makes his debut at NXT TV tapings
WWE Melbourne & Sydney live results: Reigns vs. Strowman

AUDIO

WOL: NXT Women’s Title, Jon Jones, NXT taping notes, tons more! 9/15
Wrestling Weekly: Owens, Strowman, Tessa Blanchard, mailbag 9/15
B&V&G: NXT, Lucha Underground, Granny’s Wrestling Report, more! 9/15

We’re looking for reports from the WWE house shows on Saturday with Raw in Brisbane, Australia for the final night of the tour, and SmackDown in Osaka, Japan to [email protected].

For this weekend, we’ll be doing polls on the NJPW Destruction in Hiroshima show and the CMLL Anniversary show, so you can leave a thumbs up, thumbs down or thumbs in the middle along with a best and worst match to [email protected].

NEW JAPAN WORLD PRO WRESTLING AT 8 P.M. EASTERN TONIGHT ON AXS TV

Hirooki Goto vs. Tetsuya Naito
Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Kota Ibushi

NEW JAPAN DESTRUCTION IN HIROSHIMA AT 5 A.M. EASTERN TIME SATURDAY ON NEW JAPAN WORLD

Hiroyoshi Tenzan & Jushin Liger & Tiger Mask vs. Hirooki Goto & Yoshi-Hashi & Jado
Juice Robinson & David Finlay vs. Bad Luck Fale & Leo Tonga
Rocky Romero & Baretta vs. Yujiro Takahashi & Chase Owens in Romero & Baretta’s final match as a team
Togi Makabe & Michael Elgin & Kota Ibushi vs. Minoru Suzuki & Takashi Iizuka & Taka Michinoku
Ricochet & Ryusuke Taguchi vs. Yoshinobu Kanemaru & Taichi for IWGP jr. tag title
War Machine vs. Lance Archer & Davey Boy Smith Jr. vs. Tama Tonga & Tanga Loa for IWGP tag titles
Kazuchika Okada & Tomohiro Ishii & Toru Yano & Will Ospreay & Gedo vs. Tetsuya Naito & Evil & Seiya Sanada & Bushi & Hiromu Takahashi
KUSHIDA vs. El Desperado for the Junior Heavyweight title
Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Zack Sabre Jr. for the IC title

CMLL ANNIVERSARY SHOW ON SATURDAY AT 6 P.M. EASTERN ON IPPV

Blue Panther Jr. & The Panther & Stuka Jr. vs. Dragon Rojo Jr. & Hechicero & Polvora
Diamante Azul & Marco Corleone & Valiente vs. Cuatrero & Forastero & Sanson
Negro Casas & Felino & Cavernario vs. Sam Adonis & Rush & Kraneo
Princesa Sugehit vs. Zeuxis in a mask vs. mask match
Caristico & Flip Gordon & Volador Jr. vs. Satoshi Kojima & Mephisto & Ultimo Guerrero
Gran Guerrero vs. Niebla Roja in a mask vs. mask match

UFC SATURDAY NIGHT ON FS1 AT 8 P.M. EASTERN TIME FROM THE PPG ARENA IN PITTSBURGH

Gilbert Burns (156) vs. Jason Saggo (156)
Uriah Hall (186) vs. Krzysztof Jotko (185)
Anthony Hamilton (255.75) vs. Daniel Spitz (244)
Tony Martin (156) vs. Olivier Aubin-Mercier (155)
Zu Anyanwu (263.5) vs. Justin Ledet (244.5)
Sergio Morales (171) vs. Kamaru Usman (169.75)
Gregor Gillespie (155.5) vs. Jason Gonzalez (156)
Hector Lombard (186) vs. Anthony Smith (186)
Mike Perry (170.5) vs.  Alex Reyes (167.5)
Luke Rockhold (185.5) vs. David Branch (186)

The WWE weekend tour with the SmackDown brand ends Sunday in Shenzhen, China.

Raw will be Monday night in San Jose at the SAP Center. As of right now, neither Brock Lesnar nor John Cena are scheduled for the show, which features Alexa Bliss vs. Nia Jax. Very much unlike usual protocol to have two of the PPV main eventers not scheduled for the go-home Raw for No Mercy.

SmackDown and 205 Live are taped Tuesday night in Oakland.  A.J. Styles vs. Baron Corbin for the U.S. title is scheduled for the show.

FIGURE FOUR WEEKLY: Figure Four Weekly 9/11/2017: Is the WWE main roster ready for Asuka?

With her vacating the NXT Women’s Championship and the storyline of both brands negotiating for her to join them, it appears that it won’t be very long until Asuka arrives on the main roster. That segment with her relinquishing the title aired on NXT TV last week, with there having been no announcement of how the next champion will be decided. But whoever it is, whether it’s someone currently in NXT or one of the Mae Young Classic finalists, they’ll have a difficult time living up to the standard that Asuka set.

Subscribers click here to continue.

WRESTLING OBSERVER NEWSLETTER: September 18, 2017 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Vince McMahon returns to TV, Mae Young Classic finals, more 

The return of Vince McMahon for an angle with Kevin Owens and the copying of the Okada-Shibata spot is the lead in the new issue of the Wrestling Observer. This issue has a run through of the next few WWE PPV shows.

Look at the mechanics behind it, the double standard involved and the WWE’s attempt to heat up the product as football season starts.

Read a full rundown of the Mae Young Classic finals including thoughts on all 32 competitors, who has signed, who is likely to be signed, and who isn’t likely to be signed. Plus, look at business notes on the tournament, both on where the shows stood in WWE Network ratings and public interest as compared with the early weeks of the cruiserweight classic, as well as some very interesting notes about what caused the peaks of interest.

This issues has an update on the condition of Big Show, why Asuka is going to Raw, WWE headed to India, Mick Foley’s knee replacement, Foley’s next book, Ric Fair’s next book, return of injured wrestler, market value of WWE, plus notes on the weekend NXT shows and the first show of the Raw overseas tour.

Coverage of UFC 215, what happened to Ray Borg, the judging of Amanda Nunes vs. Valentina Shevchenko, what Shevchenko did wrong, how close a fight it really was, plus business notes on the show and match-by-match coverage with poll results.

Check out New Japan’s first big show since G-1 ended, the Destruction in Fukushima, and what went wrong, why it went wrong and the main event booking, plus match-by-match coverage with star ratings and poll results.

Details on the ratings for all the national shows over the past week, including a breakdown of who was watching all of the WWE shows, plus results of the major league arena events held all over the world this past week, as well as notes on the various TV shows.

Subscribers clike 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: August 21, 2000 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Steve Austin to return, WCW Thunder canceled, more

Steve Austin this past week received medical clearance from Dr. Lloyd Youngblood to return to active wrestling in eight weeks, most likely at the October PPV. Austin, who had been on the sidelines since November and had neck surgery in January that put his career in jeopardy, got what was regarded as a cautious okay after exams on his neck on 8/10 and on his knees on 8/12. After the neck exam, Youngblood suggested he stay out another two months to be on the safe side. 

Subscribers click here to continue.

FRIDAY NEWS UPDATE

Kofi Kingston appeared to have been injured at last night’s show in Honolulu. He slipped off the top rope during a tag title match against Baron Corbin & Dolph Ziggler and limped the rest of the way and needed to be helped to the back. Those in WWE say he has been cleared and will be working the rest of the weekend.

John Cena is scheduled for the Sunday show in Shenzhen, China. That’s a SmackDown brand show. He didn’t work any of the other overseas dates.

The Canelo Alvarez vs. Gennady Golovkin fight will be available on iPPV through FITE TV, which also has free buildup content. The undercard starts at 6 p.m. and the main cad at 8 p.m. Eastern time.

The documentary “Tough Guys,” which is about the first MMA promotion ever in the U.S., which started in 1980, and was banned by the Pennsylvania legislature shortly thereafter (due to a death in a boxing match that garnered pub at the time, even though the boxing promotion that had the death still runs today) airs at 9 p.m. tonight on Showtime. We’ve written about this promotion back in the 7/31 Observer and how the idea started with two martial arts teachers wondering who would have won a fight between a prime Muhammad Ali, Bruno Sammartino or Bruce Lee.

GFW’s Bound for Glory on 11/5 is being moved from Orlando where it was originally scheduled. A new location will be announced on Monday. PW Insider reported it as Toronto.

WWE
Lacey Evans (Macey Estrella) noted that her home was flooded and she suffered major losses due to Hurricane Irma. She said the worst was that all of her photos of her father were damaged and that was all she had of him. 
The next WWE show in Anaheim at the Honda Center is 12/3. 
The advance for Monday’s Raw in San Jose is very disappointing. 
The WWE Network Flashback Friday today is about Bill Goldberg.
Reliance Games announced a multi-year agreement with the WWE to develop a mobile game featuring WWE Superstars and Legends including Dwayne Johnson, The Undertaker, Steve Austin, Goldberg, John Cena, HHH, Brock Lesnar and Roman Reigns. 
Charlotte Flair will be touring and promoting a new autobiography of herself and her father which comes out Tuesday at these locations:
9/21 in Ridgewood, NJ at Bookends at 7 p.m.
9/27 in Orlando at Barnes & Noble at 7 p.m.
9/28 in Tampa at Barnes & Nobles at 7 p.m.
9/30 in Boise, ID at Barnes & Nobles at 3 p.m.

Titus O’Neil on a variety of issues not related to wrestling. (thanks to Mike Kuzmuk)
UFC
The UFC fight with Felipe Arantes vs. Luke Sanders (who is the boyfriend of Becky Lynch) scheduled for tomorrow’s show has been canceled when Arantes pulled out due to illness. That leaves the show with ten fights, all of which will be on FS 1.
How many indictments of journalism can be found in this story?
On the flip side, Dana White on Twitter with a new promotional campaign. In noting tickets go on sale today for the 11/4 show in Madison Square Garden, he wrote, “For those of u who give a sh*t, tickets for UFC at MSG go on sale today.”
The Fight Network in Canada will be carrying the UFC prelims starting at 8 p.m. Eastern time tomorrow. They are also carrying Combate Americas at 9:30 p.m. tonight from Redlands, CA (Jose Estrada (3-1) vs. Izic Fernandez (2-3) and the ONE show starting at 9:30 a.m.tomorrow morning from Jakarta, Indonesia headlined by Kairat Akmetox (23-1) vs,. Geje Eustaquio (9-5).
Three new fights have been announced for the UFC show on 10/28 in Sao Paulo, Brazil. The new bouts are Hacran Dias vs. Jared Gordon, Elizeu Zaleski vs. Max Griffin and Luan Chagas vs. Niko Price.
MISCELLANEOUS
AXS TV has an all-night G-1 2017 marathon. There will be a new show airing at 8 p.m. with the Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Kota Ibushi match which was one of the best of the tournament. The first five G-1 episodes will then air from 11 p.m. Eastern to 4 a.m.
Tickets are on sale now for ROH Final Battle on 12/15 at the Hammerstein Ballroom in New York.
Bill Goldberg, Christian, Kevin Nash, Rosemary, Bully Ray, Joey Matthews, The Sprit Squad, Tony Atlas, Mandy Leon, Jillian Hall, Virgil, Francine, Brian Christopher, Madison Rayne, Gary Michael Cappetta, Robert Fuller, Henry Godwinn and Bill Apter are scheduled for MCW on 9/30 in Joppa, MD. They will be at the convention from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. that day. There is also a live show at 6:30 p.m. that night.
This was a pretty well known story in the 70s regarding Steve Keirn and his father, who was a POW in Viet Nam for seven years, which was used on Florida television by Eddie Graham to help get him over as a top babyface.
Former UFC fighter Gabriel Gonzaga will be making his debut as a pro boxer on 10/28 in Worcester, MA for the New England’s Future 4 card promoted by Riviera Promotions Entertainment at the DCU Center. Gonzaga, 38, was 17-11 in MMA, but did not look good on the way out. Gonzaga’s opponent is listed as Alando Pugh, who has a 1-10-1 record as a boxer with nine of those losses coming via knockout.
The Sunday Bytown Championship Wrestling show in Ottawa at the Robert Guertin Centre which featured the Young Bucks & Ethan Page has been canceled.
AAW on 10/7 in LaSalle, IL at the Knights of Columbus has Penta 0M vs. Rey Fenix for the AAW heavyweight title, plus first round matches for the AAW women’s title with Candice LeRae vs Britt Baker and Rachael Ellering vs. Allysin Kay (Sienna), Michael Elgin & Myron Reed vs. Keith Lee & Shane Strickland, Brubaker & Jake Something vs. Zero Gravity plus Sami Callihan, AR Fox, Dezmond Xavier, Zachary Wentz, Chuck Taylor, Eddie Kingston and more.
On 10/13 in Berwyn, IL at the Eagles Club, some first round matches are set for the Jim Lyman Memorial tournament with Michael Elgin vs. Penta 0M, AR Fox vs. Dezmond Xavier, DJZ vs. Andrew Everett and Mark Haskins vs. Eddie Kingston, plus Zach Sabre Jr & Matt Riddle vs. Keith Lee & Shane Strickland. Also in the tournament will be Mat Fichett ACH, Brian Cage, Myron Reed, Jeff Cobb, Sami Callihan, Zachary Wentz and Curt Stallion.
In Monday’s update when listing the CKCW results from Cleveland, we didn’t list Shane Taylor winning the CKCW title from J-Rocc in 26:25 in a teacher vs. student match. It was Taylor’s first match in his hometown of Cleveland in six years. (thanks to Jeff Gorman)
AIW tonight in Cleveland at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel featuring an appearance by Dean Malenko. Top matches are Tim Donst vs. Luis Lyndon vs. Tracy Williams, Tom Lawlor vs. Dominic Garrini, Joey Janela vs. Sonjay Dutt and To Infinity & Beyond vs. Colt Cabana & Grado.
Hoosier Pro Wrestling on 10/7 in Columbus, IN at the 4-H Fairgrounds featuring Jimmy Valiant vs. Doink the Clown.
Pro Wrestling Revolution on 11/3 at San Francisco State University in San Francisco has Ultimo Dragon, Taya Valkyrie, Nicole Savoy and Kikutaro.
Rockstar Pro Wrestling tonight at the Rockstar Pro Arena with wrestlers from Mexican groups Mas Lucha and Chilanga Mask. Trey Miguel vs. Aero Boy is the main event. Also Guerrero Maya Jr. vs Zachary Wentz, Draztick Boy vs. Nate Wings and Fly Star vs. Pompano Joe.
Flo Slam is broadcasting Shine women’s wrestling tonight from Ybor City, FL as well as ACW tomorrow in Port Richey, FL and Style Battle on Sunday from Port Richey, FL.
The Shine show has LuFisto defending her title against Ivelisse and Holidead, Priscilla Kelly vs. Jordynne Gracie and Rosa Negra vs. ACR. 
ECWA has its 50th anniversary show tomorrow night in Woodbury Heights, NJ at the Woodbury Heights Community Center. Azrieal vs. Bobby Shields is the main event.
Legacy Fighting Alliance on 10/13 on AXS TV is headlined by Matthew Frinci (11-2) from Australia against Curtis Millender (12-3) at welterweight and Joey Miolla (-2) vs. Vinicius Zani (10-4) at bantamweight.
IPW UK announced a big show in London on March 18, 2018 at the Clapham Grand. With no matches or talent announced, all ringside seats sold out in three hours and most of the balcony sold out quickly as well.
Innovate Wrestling on 9/30 in Bristol, TN at the VFW.
Jerry Lawler and Chavo Guerrero Jr. headline for Wrestle Raise III on Saturday night in Hot Springs, AR at the Convention Center.
A photo essay from Big Time Wrestling and Central Pa Wrestling shows. It landed in a Penn State football preview publication called The Obligatory Gridiron Annual.
Hulk Hogan calling people complaining about Hurricane Irma crybabies. (thanks to Chris Cruise)
The movie “100 Acres of Hell” which stars and was produces by Gene Snisky, a former WWE star and also features Sam Anoa’i, will premiere at the Philadelphia Unnamed Film Festival on 10/1 at the Proscenium Theater at the Drake.
NFC on 9/22 at Center Stage in Atlanta features an MMA show featuring undefeated Eli Wynter vs. Jared Gooden.
NWL is holding a tournament to crown its first tag team champions. They will start the tournament at the TV tapings in Overland Park, KS tonight with Sharkbait & Jack Foster vs. Michael Strider & Ace Steel.
Lucha Libre featuring Rey Mysterio Jr. tonight at 8 P.M. at the Sycuan Casino in San Diego.
New Zealand media covering Travis Banks beating Pete Dunne for the Progress title this past week.

Today in Professional Wrestling History: WCW vs. NWO at Fall Brawl 1996

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!

​

Image: JJ Williams

In addition to the three-team War Games match between The Undisputed Era, SAnitY, and The Authors of Pain & Roderick Strong, the rest of the card for NXT’s next TakeOver special took shape at last night’s TV tapings.

Drew McIntyre will defend his NXT Championship against Andrade “Cien” Almas at the show in Houston, which will officially be named “NXT TakeOver: War Games.” Almas defeated Strong at the tapings last night before later attacking McIntyre as a contract signing was about to get underway. Almas signed his name on the contract after the attack.

The final participant in the fatal four-way match for the vacant NXT Women’s Championship at TakeOver was also decided last night as Nikki Cross won a women’s battle royal to join Kairi Sane, Peyton Royce, and Ember Moon in vying for the title.

TakeOver: War Games will take place at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas on November 18th as part of Survivor Series weekend. Aside from the three main matches, Aleister Black vs. Velveteen Dream is set for the show and Kassius Ohno vs. Lars Sullivan was built up as a possibility but not yet made official.

THE ROUND-UP

The Latest from the F4W Staff

NEWS

Interest in invasion angle follow-up boosts WWE SmackDown ratings
Two Survivor Series qualifying matches set for WWE SmackDown

AUDIO

F4D: Smackdown, Geek of the Week, Tom’s house, more! 10/25
B&V&C: Retro Raw and Nitro from 19 years ago this week! 10/24

FIGURE FOUR WEEKLY: Figure Four Weekly 10/23/2017: Recapping WWE’s unusual TLC PPV

Making the most of a bad situation, Sunday night’s TLC pay-per-view provided a fun ending for what must have been a rough week for WWE. Two wrestlers (Roman Reigns and Bray Wyatt) being pulled from a PPV due to a viral infection just days before the show is always a bad situation. But TLC being built almost solely around the in-ring reunion of The Shield made the timing especially awful. Having a mediocre PPV is forgivable in the Network era, but WWE knew that they had to give ticket holders worthy replacements.

Subscribers click here to continue.

WRESTLING OBSERVER NEWSLETTER: October 23, 2017 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Brock Lesnar vs. Jinder Mahal, Observer Hall of Fame candidates, more

A look at the WWE PPV picture over the next two shows, the championship scene and the TLC show is the lead story in the new issue of the Wrestling Observer, a double issue that features three back-of-the-book features, one on PED usage and lifestyle changes in pro wrestling, one on the life and times of Bobby Heenan and another of the 2017 Hall of Fame.

The lead story looks at Brock Lesnar vs. Jinder Mahal, the return of Kane and some of the new programs.

Look at the ROH Global Wars week, what the business says and doesn’t say, a rundown of the Chicago show, the anti-WWE movement, along with match-by-match coverage with star ratings and poll results.

Examine WWE drug testing, lifestyle changes among the wrestlers, what WWE talent is and isn’t allowed to do, beating tests, TUE’s, what Dave Palumbo said, what WWE has said in response, just how prevalent are TUE’s in WWE compared to other sports, double standards and rules between office, talent and part-time talent, why WWE drug tests in the first place, why the idea that pro wrestling isn’t a competitive situation is as shallow a thinking as possible and how the business has changed over the years as far as the look to be a star.

Look back at the life outside of wrestling of Bobby Heenan.

Check out the 2017 Hall of Fame ballot and thoughts on the candidates including breaking down most of the candidates on the ballot.

Get updates on WrestleMania ticket sales, Jinder Mahal in India, Austin Aries talks the economics outside WWE, WWE earnings and predictions for PPV numbers, and updates on Neville and Nia Jax.

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: October 1, 2000 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Disappointing WCW ratings, WWF Unforgiven reviewed, more

Whatever changes in the landscape temporarily that would result from the WWF going to a lower rated network appear to have been overstated. It was thought that this would be the week for WCW to capitalize, as viewers, used to WWF on Monday nights, would switch to WCW when finding other programming on the USA Network. Even though, due to the court decision coming in late and Viacom not getting nearly the amount of publicity they had planned to hype the debut of Raw,

Subscribers click here to continue.

WEDNESDAY NEWS UPDATE

WWE
In what could be a sign for his future with the company, Neville was removed from the video intro for 205 Live this week. It’s the first time that he hasn’t been in the intro since the news that he wanted to leave WWE broke.
ESPN released a short excerpt from the upcoming 30 for 30 on Ric Flair’s life that will air on November 7th. In the clip, Flair talks about how people would live vicariously through him in the 1980s and video of athletes imitating him were shown.
Nia Jax replied to Natalya and Tamina on Twitter, teasing that she’ll be part of the Raw women’s team at Survivor Series.
Sami Zayn will be this week’s guest on the Edge & Christian podcast.
Triple H announced that “Executioner’s Tax (Swing of the Axe)” by Power Trip and “Play” by Marmozets are the official theme songs for NXT TakeOver: War Games.
BBC has a video profile on Mae Young Classic participant and WWE signee Kavita Devi.
Chris Jericho will be appearing on an episode of First We Feast’s “Hot Ones” YouTube show tomorrow.
Pro Wrestling
Tickets for Wrestle Kingdom 12 at the Tokyo Dome on January 4th are now on sale. NJPW’s English-language website has a post about ticket information, with there also being travel packages available that include hotel accommodations and tickets (but not plane tickets) for people coming from outside of Japan.
NJPW also unveiled the poster for Wrestle Kingdom 12.
Celeste Bonin, who was formerly known as Kaitlyn in WWE, revealed that today marks a year since she checked herself into a hospital for a medical drug detox. Bonin wrote that she was in a bad place mentally and physically then and in a “terrible” marriage. She said that it took her a long time to admit that she was an addict but urged others to never be too proud to ask for help.
WrestleCade announced that Jeff Jarrett won’t be attending any of their events in Winston-Salem, North Carolina next month (including a scheduled match against Ryback) due to personal reasons. WrestleCade called Jarrett a friend of their team and wished his family all the best.
Pro Wrestling Sheet spoke to Steven Ewaschuk, the promoter for Real Canadian Wrestling, about Jarrett’s behavior at their show last Friday. Ewaschuk claimed that Jarrett showed up late to the show and appeared slightly intoxicated, then passed out in the locker room during the show before getting ready for his match. Jarrett denied that he passed out in the locker room and called Ewaschuk an “amateur.”
AR Fox is returning to EVOLVE for their shows in Queens, New York and Melrose, Massachusetts on December 9th and 10th.
VIP packages for WWN’s More Than Mania events over WrestleMania weekend in New Orleans next year are on sale now.
Adam Blampied, who recently departed WhatCulture and was their promotion’s on-screen general manager, put out a statement publicly apologizing for falsely claiming to several women that he was in an open relationship in an effort to get them to send pictures of themselves to him. Shortly after that, a woman detailed her experiences with Blampied and posted screenshots of messages between them. Cultaholic, the new website and YouTube channel that Blampied is involved with, announced that they’d be delaying the launch of their YouTube channel as Blampied is taking a short leave of absence.
UFC/MMA
While speaking with a Wall Street Journal podcast, Dana White said that the UFC would be open to signing a deal with a digital platform instead of a television network when their contract with Fox comes up. While that is likely White keeping options open ahead of contract negotiations, White said that he thinks internet and over-the-top services are where everything is going.
White also noted that he could see the UFC bringing boxing under their umbrella at some point.
Joanna Jedrzejczyk again called Rose Namajunas, who said that she wants to use her title shot to promote mental health awareness, “mentally unstable” in a conference call to promote UFC 217.
Michael Bisping is being sued by a man who alleges that Bisping choked him at a gym in Anaheim, California in July.
The New York post ran an article on there still being hundreds of tickets available for UFC 217.
Scott Coker said that he’s open to Bellator having five-round main events for non-title fights like the UFC has.

Today in Professional Wrestling History: WCW Halloween Havoc 1998

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!

​