Dennis Stamp, best known to modern fans for his role in the movie “Beyond the Mat,” passed away today at the age of 68.

Stamp had been suffering from cancer.

Stamp was an amateur wrestling star in both high school and college in Minnesota and broke in under Verne Gagne and was named the 1971 AWA Rookie of the Year.

He worked a number of territories through the 70s, and was best known in West Texas, where the promotion favored legitimate wrestlers. He also had a good run in California. His full-time career ended with the death of the Amarillo territory, but he worked through the 80s as an enhancement talent on both WWF and AWA television shows.

He retired and worked at a pest control company. He was first diagnosed with cancer in 2011 and was not given a good prognosis. But he defeated the cancer, which came back in September.

In the movie “Beyond the Mat,” Stamp was shown talking with Terry Funk, hoping to be booked on the show with Funk’s so-called 1997 retirement match in Amarillo against Bret Hart, who was then the WWF champion. He was mad about not being booked, even though he hadn’t wrestled in years. Eventually he was booked as the referee of the match. He gained some cult popularity from that movie with the phrase “I’m not booked” and the shots of him training in case he gets called for a match, even though he hadn’t wrestled in years.

Stamp was a solid worker who held titles in a number of promotions during the 70s.

THE ROUND-UP

The Latest from the F4W Staff

NEWS

NXT TakeOver live results: Bobby Roode vs. Nakamura; Asuka vs. Ember Moon
ROH Supercard of Honor XI live results: The Hardys vs. Young Bucks
NJPW’s two California U.S. shows, meet and greets sell out within hours
WWE unveiling new NXT title belts at TakeOver: Orlando
Women’s tournament coming to WWE Network this summer
WrestleMania Week: WWE gives a sneak peek at the set
A look at what’s streaming live during WrestleMania week
EVOLVE 81 recap: The man of the hour

AUDIO

WOR: WWE Hall of Fame, JR WrestleMania, Hogan, Austin, Rock, Foley, tons more! 4/1
WOL: WrestleMania weekend, Ian Riccaboni talks ROH, Dr. Lucha, more! 3/31
Wrestling Weekly: JBL/Mauro, George South, mailbag 3/31

FIGURE FOUR WEEKLY: 3/27/2017: Looking ahead to Wrestlemania 33  

As what has now become nearly a full week of WrestleMania-related events begins, the card for WWE’s marquee event of the year is virtually complete. There are 12 matches announced for WrestleMania 33 heading into the final week of build on television, though some issues still remain. Triple H vs. Seth Rollins has to be officially announced, participants in the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal have to be confirmed, and we’ll see if there are plans for the SmackDown tag titles and a few other notable wrestlers left without anything scheduled…

Subscribers click here to continue.

WRESTLING OBSERVER NEWSLETTER: April 3, 2017: Massive Wrestlemania weekend preview, plus tons of news  

With WrestleMania coming up on 4/2 in Orlando as part of the biggest weekend of pro wrestling events, as far as pure volume goes, ever in the U.S., this year, more than any other, it has been the name more than the combination of the parts.

There really isn’t the one giant main event, or two, like most years have. Brock Lesnar vs. Bill Goldberg was counted on as the main event dating back to when the program was first put together late last year. It’s not like the angle is cold because it’s not. Goldberg’s interviews have been stronger than anyone could have expected, and his impact and popularity hasn’t seemed to fizzle. Sure, his winning the title from Kevin Owens was sure to draw a few boos. But in Philadelphia, a city where if people were going to turn on him, that would be the place, while mentions of him to the live crowd drew boos, when he actually came out, it was the loudest chants of the night…

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: March 6, 2000: WWF No Way Out review, Mick Foley retires, more

Unlike most other wrestlers of similar fame, to do a career retrospective on Mick Foley is best saved for an examination probably years down the road. He was the classic overachiever, who defied all the odds, and was possibly the single greatest influence inside the ring on styles changing in the business of the past ten years. In a career destined, because he wasn’t that great athletically and didn’t have what was believed to be the right look and physique, for being mid-card for life, he ended up when his career came to a close, as one of the five biggest stars in North America, and even as a best-selling author… 

Subscribers click here to continue.

SATURDAY NEWS UPDATE

WWE
At his live show in Orlando today, Jim Ross confirmed that he’s been in talks with WWE about a return for months and described appearing at WrestleMania as something that “may” happen. Ross was also interviewed by ESPN about the loss of his wife and returning to WWE.
Mauro Ranallo tweeted that it breaks his heart that he won’t be at WrestleMania, but said he’s happy that JR will be part of the broadcast.
Nikki Bella said that both her and John Cena are taking time off after WrestleMania. Cena will be filming a movie and Bella said that her absence will be to help heal her neck injury.
Kurt Angle reflected on his Hall of Fame induction. Angle tweeted after it was over: “Thank you to ALL WWE Fans. I will cherish my HOF evening forever. #CreatingMoments #itstrue”
WWE uploaded video of the 2017 Hall of Fame class receiving their rings from Vince McMahon and Triple H.
In addition to the names we reported, Bearcat Wright was also announced as a legacy award inductee into the WWE Hall of Fame at the ceremony last night.
Goldberg tweeted yesterday that his plans after WrestleMania are “taking a little time off to reflect then heading back to the gym.”
Donald Trump thanked JBL for praising him on Fox News.
The Rock will be on the Tonight Show next Wednesday.
Paul Heyman’s marketing company signed a deal with independent record label Reviver Entertainment Group.
The New Day spoke to GQ in advance of hosting WrestleMania 33.
Fox Sports has a story about the family ties between Bray Wyatt and Randy Orton.
Eve Torres Gracie, Maryse, and Kelly Kelly will be on an upcoming episode of “Table for Three.”
Alexa Bliss was interviewed by IGN about her match on Sunday and her ring gear.
Between The Ropes spoke to Samoa Joe, Nikki Bella, Big Show, Paul Heyman, DIY, Charlotte, Renee Young, and Bobby Roode at media events in Orlando.
WWE posted the full episode of “Bring it to the Table” that was taped at Camping World Stadium.
Pro Wrestling
Cody Rhodes announced that he’ll be in the 2017 G1 Climax at a fan event prior to ROH’s Supercard of Honor XI show today.
Tonight has a busy schedule of shows that are streaming live. Supercard of Honor kicked off at 6:30 p.m. ET and NXT TakeOver: Orlando and the WWN EVOLVE vs. PROGRESS Supershow are at 8 p.m. The card for the Supershow (which airs on FloSlam) is:
EVOLVE Champion Zack Sabre Jr. defending against Mark Haskins
Matt Riddle vs. Drew Galloway vs. Fred Yehi vs. Tracy Williams vs. Parrow vs. Jon Davis to determine the first WWN Champion
Pete Dunne vs. ACH
Ethan Page vs. Jimmy Havoc
Travis Banks & TK Cooper (w/ Dahlia Black) vs. Chris Dickinson & Jaka
LuFisto defending the SHINE Championship against Su Yung
Keith Lee vs. Jason Kincaid

Last night’s WrestleCon show is now available on the Highspots Network.
UFC/MMA
Ryan Bader will make his Bellator debut at the Madison Square Garden show against King Mo on June 24th. Their fight will be on the portion of the card that airs on Spike TV before the PPV.
Chris Weidman discussed whether Conor McGregor has a chance against Floyd Mayweather.
Dave Meltzer has a story on Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira for MMA Fighting.

Today in Professional Wrestling History (4/1): WWF WrestleMania X-Seven

F4W / WO EMPIRE WRESTLEMANIA GROUP INFO

BUS INFO:

The Empire bus to WrestleMania, hosted by Leva “Blue Pants” Bates, will cost $50.00 and will be round trip from the Rosen Inn at 9000 International Drive 32819 (a few blocks away from Wrestlecon). 
The bus will leave at 3:30 p.m. (time subject to change) for WrestleMania and will leave the show no later than one hour after completion. If you would like a seat email Ed at [email protected] or message him on the BOARD~! for Paypal payment instructions.
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]
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​

1939

Albany, New York:
– Ed Don George defeated Steve Casey for the Boston AWA World Heavyweight Title 

1958

Atlanta, Georgia:
– Karl Heinkler and Kurt Von Brauner defeated Don Lee and The Mighty Yankee to win the Georgia NWA International Tag Team Titles

1962 

Mobile, Alabama:
– Tex Riley and Gus Taylor won the Gulf Coast NWA Southern Tag Team Titles from The Mysterious Medics 

1966

Los Angeles, California:
– Buddy Austin and El Mongol defeated Thunderbolt Patterson and Alberto Torres to win the World Wrestling Association World Tag Team
Titles

1969

Atlanta, Georgia:
– El Mongol defeated Assassin #1 for the NWA Georgia Heavyweight Title 

Calgary, Alberta, Canada:
– Bud and Ray Osborne defeated Bob and Fred Sweetan to win the Stampede International Tag Team Titles

1972

Tampa, Florida:
– Paul Jones defeated Johnny Walker to win the vacant NWA Florida Television Title in a one night, 8 man tournament 

Costa Mesa, California:
– Dory Dixon and Raúl Mata defeated Goliath and Kinji Shibuya for the NWA Americas Tag Team Titles

1973

Yaizu, Japan:
– Killer Karl Krupp and Fritz Von Erich defeated Kintaro Ohki and Umanosuke Ueda to win the NWA International Tag Team Titles

Nashville, Tennessee:
– Jackie Fargo and Jerry Jarrett won the Mid-America NWA Southern Tag Team Titles defeating Jerry Lawler and Jim White

Honolulu, Hawaii:
– Wahoo McDaniel beat Superstar Billy Graham COR 
– Ken Patera beat Dusty Rhodes COR 
– Ed Francis drew Sam Steamboat
– Ray Stevens drew Don Muraco
– Tony Borne beat Jimmy Snuka by DQ
– Neff Maiava beat Wild Bill Howard

1974

Dallas, Texas:
– Fritz Von Erich defeated The Texan (Blackjack Mulligan) for the NWA American Heavyweight Title 

1977 

Memphis, Tennessee:
– Bill Dundee and Tommy Rich defeated Karl and Kurt Von Steiger to win the NWA Southeastern Tag Team Titles

1978

Portland, Oregon:
– The Iron Sheik and Bull Ramos defeated Jerry Oates and Jesse Ventura for the NWA Pacific Northwest Tag Team Titles

Warner Robbins, Georgia:
– Mr Wrestling II beat Georgia Champion Stan Hansen by DQ
– AWA Champion Nick Bockwinkel beat Tommy Rich
– Rocky Johnson beat Helmut Schmidt (sub Lars Anderson)
– Wolfgang Schmidt & Helmut Schmidt beat Adrian Adonis & Pierre Lefebvre
– Paul Ellering beat John Ruggers

1981

Mid-South Wrestling: New Orleans, Louisiana:
– The Grappler and Super Destoyer defeated Junkyard Dog and Dick Murdoch to win the vacant Mid-South Tag Team Titles in a one night, 9
team tournament 

Portland, Oregon:
– Brett and Buzz Sawyer defeated The Destoyer and Rip Oliver to win the NWA Pacific Northwest Tag Team Titles

Milwaukee, Wisconsin:
– No DQ match: The Crusher & Baron Von Raschke beat Jerry Blackwell & John Studd
– Jim Brunzell beat Jesse Ventura 
– Nick Bockwinkel & Ray Stevens (sub Bobby Heenan) beat Greg Gagne & Buck Zumhofe
– Tito Santana drew Adrian Adonis 
– Brad Rheingans beat Steve Regal 

1982

St. Paul, Minnesota:
– Hulk Hogan beat AWA Champion Nick Bockwinkel by DQ
– Cage match: AWA Tag Team Champions Greg Gagne & Jim Brunzell beat Jerry Blackwell & Sheik Adnan
– Ken Patera beat Baron Von Raschke COR
– Bobby Heenan beat Tito Santana by DQ
– Bobby Duncum drew Brad Rheingans
– Buck Zumhofe beat Sonny Rogers
– Sgt. Goulet beat Tony Leone

1984

Akita, Japan:
– Genichiro Tenryu & Shohei Giant Baba & Dory Funk Jr beat Jos Leduc & Bulldog Bob Brown & Goro Tsurumi
– Stan Hansen & Bruiser Brody drew Greg Gagne & Jim Brunzell
– AWA Champion Jumbo Tsuruta beat David Sammartino
– Kerry Von Erich beat Magic Dragon
– Takahashi Ishikawa & Ashura Hara drew Akio Sato & Masa Fuchi
– Mighty Inoue beat Rocky Hata by DQ

1987

Portland, Oregon:
– Rip Oliver won the NWA Pacific Northwest Heavyweight Title defeating Ricky Santana

San Juan, Puerto Rico:
– Invader I defeated Jason the Terrible for the WWC Television Title
– Frankie Lancaster defeated Super Medic to win the held up WWC World Junior Heavyweight Title

1989 

Tokyo, Japan:
– NWA International Heavyweight Champion Jumbo Tsuruta defeated NWA United National Heavyweight and PWF Heavyweight Champion Stan Hansen to unify all the titles and become the first AJPW Triple Crown Champion

1991 

Tokyo, Japan:
– Stan Hansen and Dan Spivey defeated Terry Gordy and Steve Williams for the AJPW Unified World Tag Team Titles

Jacksonville, Florida:
– Brad Armstrong pinned Dutch Mantell
– Dustin Rhodes pinned Black Bart
– Brian Pillman pinned Master Blaster Steel (Kevin Nash)
– Terrance Taylor pinned Bobby Eaton 
– WCW Tag Team Champions Rick & Scott Steiner defeated Barry Windham & WCW TV Champion Arn Anderson
– WCW US Champion Lex Luger fought Nikita Koloff to a double disqualification
– WCW World Champion Ric Flair pinned Sting in a steel cage match

1992

Tokyo, Japan:
– Chris Walker pinned Tetsuya Yamanaka
– Shinji Takano pinned Kendo Nagasaki
– Yoshiaki Fujiwara and Ishinriki defeated Tatsumi Kitahara and Shinichi Nakano
– Satánico defeated The Dragon by countout
– Samson Fuyuki and Takashi Ishikawa defeated The Beverly Brothers (Beau and Blake)
– SWS Light Heavyweight Champion Naoki Sano pinned Chavo Guerrero to retain the title
– Haku and Yoshiaki Yatsu defeated SWS Tag Team Champions The Natural Disasters (Earthquake and Typhoon) to win the title
– Genichiro Tenryu defeated Ric Flair in a best-of-three falls match

Charleston, South Carolina:
– WCW US Tag Team Champion Greg Valentine & Mike Graham defeated Michael Hayes & Jimmy Garvin
– Johnny B. Badd pinned Diamond Dallas Page
– Ron Simmons pinned Cactus Jack
– WCW TV Champion Steve Austin fought Dustin Rhodes to a 20-minute time-limit draw
– WCW Tag Team Champions Arn Anderson & Bobby Eaton fought Rick & Scott Steiner to a double count-out
– WCW US Champion Rick Rude defeated Ricky Steamboat via disqualification
– Nikita Koloff (sub. for WCW World Champion Sting) pinned Big Van Vader 

Cloverdale, British Columbia, Canada:
– Moondog Moretti defeated Ole Olsen for the West Coast Championship Wrestling Heavyweight Title 

1993

Knoxville, Tennessee:
– Bobby Blaze pinned Robbie Eagle
– Brian Lee pinned Killer Kyle
– Kevin Sullivan pinned the Nightstalker
– Tim Horner defeated Bobby Eaton
– SMW Champ Tracy Smothers pinned the Dirty White Boy in a chain match
– Ricky Morton & Robert Gibson defeated Stan Lane & Tom Prichard and Robert Fuller & Jimmy Golden in an elimination streetfight

Toronto, Ontario, Canada:
– 2 Cold Scorpio & Marcus Alexander Bagwell defeated Tex Slazenger & Shanghai Pierce
– Maxx Payne defeated Steven Regal
– Johnny B. Badd defeated Chris Benoit
– Van Hammer defeated Vinnie Vegas
– Ricky Steamboat defeated WCW/NWA Tag Team Champion Brian Pillman
– NWA World Champion Barry Windham defeated Ron Simmons
– WCW US Champion Dustin Rhodes & Cactus Jack defeated Rick Rude & WCW TV Champion Paul Orndorff
– Sting defeated WCW World Champion Big Van Vader via disqualification

1997

Mexico City, Mexico:
– Steel (Val Venis) defeated Rayo de Jalisco, Jr. to win the CMLL World Heavyweight Title 

1998

Tokyo, Japan:
– Mitsuharu Misawa defeated Jun Akiyama to win AJPW’s annual Champion’s Carnival tournament

1999

Mexico City, Mexico:
– Los Juniors (Perro Aguayo, Jr., Blue Demon, Jr., La Parka, Jr. and Mascara Sagrada, Jr.) defeated Los Vatos Locos (May Flowers, Charly Manson, Nygma and Picudo) in Zapopan to win the Mexican National Atómicos Title

2001

Oldcastle, Ontario, Canada:
– Scott D’Amore defeated Tommy Dreamer to win the Border City Wrestling Can-Am Heavyweight Title 
– Scott D’Amore lost the title to Mikey Whipwreck

2004

WWE Backlash: Edmonton, Alberta, Canada:
– Shelton Benjamin pinned World Tag Team Champion Ric Flair 
– Jonathan Coachman pinned Tajiri
– Chris Jericho defeated Christian and Trish Stratus in a handicap match
– WWE Women’s Champion Victoria pinned Lita to retain the title
– WWE Intercontinental Champion Randy Orton pinned Cactus Jack in a hardcore match to retain the title
– The Hurricane and Rosey defeated La Résistance (Robért Conway and Sylvain Grenier)
– Edge pinned Kane 
– World Heavyweight Champion Chris Benoit defeated Shawn Michaels and Triple H in a triple threat match to retain the title

2005

New York City:
– MNM (Joey Mercury and Johnny Nitro) w/ Melina defeated WWE Tag Team Champions Eddie Guerrero and Rey Mysterio to win the titles

2010 

St. Charles, Missouri: TNA Lockdown:
– Rob Van Dam defeated James Storm
– Homicide defeated Alex Shelley, Chris Sabin and Brian Kendrick in an escape match to join the TNA X Division Championship match
– Kevin Nash defeated Eric Young
– The Beautiful People (Madison Rayne and Velvet Sky) (with Lacey Von Erich) defeated Angelina Love and Tara in a Steel Cage match for the TNA Women’s Knockout Championship and TNA Knockouts Tag Team Championship
– Kazarian defeated Shannon Moore and Homicide to win the vacant TNA X Division Championship
– Team 3D (Brother Devon and Brother Ray) defeated The Band (Kevin Nash and Scott Hall) in a St. Louis Street Fight Steel Cage match
– Kurt Angle defeated Mr. Anderson
– A.J. Styles defeated D’Angelo Dinero to retain the TNA World Heavyweight Championship
– Team Hogan (Abyss, Rob Van Dam, Jeff Jarrett and Jeff Hardy) defeated Team Flair (Sting, James Storm, Robert Roode and Desmand Wolfe) in a Lethal Lockdown match

THE ROUND-UP

The Latest from the F4W Staff

NEWS

WWE SmackDown TV taping spoilers: Six-man action headlines
Raw ratings down again for show taped in London
NJPW Lion’s Gate Project 5 results: Tag match main event
Dean Ambrose vs. The Miz set for Raw next week
WWE Raw video highlights: Dean Ambrose vs. Bray Wyatt
WWE Raw live results: Tag team turmoil in London

AUDIO

WOL: Raw, Braun Strowman, WWE Network, tons more! 5/9
DragonKingKarl Classic Wrestling Show: Post-Frank Gotch era 5/9
WOR: Raw, Braun Strowman, New Japan notes, Sinclair and Tribune, more! 5/9

FIGURE FOUR WEEKLY: 5/8/2017: Thinking outside the long talking segment  

While it wasn’t entirely revolutionary, the two-part “Who is Roderick Strong?” series that aired on NXT television over the past couple of weeks again proved how effective WWE’s video profiles can be in getting characters over. Similar videos have aired in the past (with a series that focused on Finn Balor in NXT standing out as a highlight), but the profiles on Strong may have been the best that WWE has ever done. They made him feel like a fully formed character in a way that he never really has before.

Subscribers click here to continue.

WRESTLING OBSERVER NEWSLETTER: May 8, 2017: WWE Payback review, WWE financials, plus tons of news

A brief look at the WWE financials for the first quarter, basically looking at why the profit margin was so far down this quarter, where the added spending came in, a look at the house show business in WWE and NXT, what categories are losing money in WWE, and what are increasing the most is the lead story in this week’s Observer.

Also, look at the major WWE storylines, the next few PPV shows, what WWE match result changed four times in 30 hours before the PPV, behind the House of Horrors segment, plus match-by-match coverage of Payback with star ratings and poll results.

Notes on the New Japan booking coming out of Dontaku and likely matches for Dominion, one of the company’s biggest events of the year, plus Dontaku coverage, in this issue.

The biggest junior heavyweight tournament in probably a decade is coming up. Check out some of the big matches that will be part of it, with the announcement of the bracketing of this year’s Super Junior tournament and the web site schedule.

There is an update on the ITV television project and why the tapings were postponed, plus the key thing going on behind-the-scenes.

News on Brock Lesnar going forward in WWE, his latest plans and title matches expected, more on Fate of the Furious and its box office, update on the Hardy broken gimmick in WWE, a new WWE movie with Michaels, Hogan talks Vince McMahon, indie champion gets WWE tryout his week, and the most watched WWE Network shows this past week, in this issue.

Read about the WWE & NXT shows this past week including both the Raw and SmackDown tour openers in Europe

Boxing fans, check out the highlights of the Joshua vs. Klitschko fight, the amazing U.K. business numbers, as well as whether heavyweight boxing is back big in the U.S. because of the fight or not.

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: April 17, 2000: Mike Awesome jumps ship to WCW, Russo/Bischoff era of Nitro begins, more 

At press time, exactly what is going on between WCW and ECW regarding current ECW heavyweight champion Mike Awesome is apparently up in the air. In a strange series of circumstances, it appeared that Eric Bischoff and Vince Russo, in their attempt to re-create the debuting impact of Nitro in 1995 with Lex Luger’s surprising walking on the set, combined with the incident where Madusa threw the WWF womens title belt in the garbage can, since they were unable to secure any WWF talent, made a huge pitch to garner ECW’s heavyweight champion.

Subscribers click here to continue.

TUESDAY NEWS UPDATE

WWE
SmackDown was taped earlier today at the O2 Arena in London. We have spoilers up on the front page. The lineup for the episode is:
Becky Lynch vs. Natalya
Luke Harper vs. Erick Rowan
A confrontation with Shinsuke Nakamura and Dolph Ziggler
Randy Orton, AJ Styles & Sami Zayn vs. Jinder Mahal, Kevin Owens & Baron Corbin

205 Live has Akira Tozawa vs. Brian Kendrick and Mustafa Ali vs. Tony Nese. It was hyped that Cedric Alexander will be returning soon during the show.
Rusev posted a video where he said that he’s coming to SmackDown next week to look for answers from Shane McMahon. An angle was set up on the show two weeks ago where he said that he would only join the brand in the roster shakeup if he got a WWE title shot at Money in the Bank. He’s been out of action since having shoulder surgery in March.
Emma wrote that she’s off of the remaining European tour dates and headed back to the United States to get tests on her injured shoulder. 
WWE officially announced that the NXT Women’s Championship match at TakeOver: Chicago is now a triple threat with Asuka defending against Ruby Riot and Nikki Cross. Ember Moon was removed from the match due to what WWE claims is a grade one shoulder sprain.
Several standout independent wrestlers attended WWE’s tryouts in the UK this week. WWE confirmed that Jurn Simmons, Flash Morgan Webster, Chris Brookes, Travis Banks, and TK Cooper were among the names there.
Vince McMahon tweeted to Dave Bautista about the 15th anniversary of Bautista’s debut in WWE: “15 years ago today, @WWE unleashed The Animal @DaveBautista on the WWE Universe. Happy anniversary, ‘Drax.'” Bautista responded by writing that he has a ton of unleashing left in him and thanked McMahon for showing him the world.
Triple H praised Aleister Black and Otis Dozovic in an interview with ESPN.
The Metro interviewed John Cena ahead of the release of his latest movie.
Kane will appear on this week’s episode of the Edge & Christian podcast.
Pro Wrestling
The additional seats that NJPW released for the shows in Long Beach sold out immediately.
EVOLVE announced that the promotion will be holding shows in Charlotte, North Carolina and Marietta, Georgia in July. They’ll be partnering with PWX for the show in Charlotte on July 8th and working with AWE for the show in Marietta on July 9th. Both of those promotions will be holding shows earlier in the day before EVOLVE runs at night.
Chris Dickinson & Jaka will defend their EVOLVE tag titles against Isaias Velazquez & Matt Knicks at EVOLVE 84 in the Chicago area on May 20th.
WWN announced that all ticket profits that the company makes off of the FIP show on May 26th and the Style Battle show on May 27th will go to Wayne VanDyke’s (independent wrestler Richard Delicious) medical expenses. VanDyke suffered three heart attacks two weeks ago and has been in a coma since.
David Bixenspan has an article for Deadspin about Billy Corgan agreeing to buy the NWA brand.
The Palm Beach Post ran a story on a pro wrestling dinner theater in Florida.
UFC/MMA
After apparently sending out a press release before the news was official last week, Dana White confirmed that the UFC will be launching the women’s flyweight division on the next season of The Ultimate Fighter 
Dave Meltzer wrote a piece on the UFC’s middleweight division for MMA Fighting.
Ariel Helwani tweeted that Michael Johnson is a candidate to fight Justin Gaethje in Gaethje’s UFC debut.
Daniel Cormier will be joining Joe Rogan and Jon Anik on the broadcast team for UFC 211.
The UFC posted episodes one and two of Embedded for UFC 211.
Eddie Alvarez wished Conor McGregor good luck after the birth of McGregor’s son.
Jimmie Rivera vs. Thomas Almeida is set for UFC’s show on July 22nd in Long Island.
MMA Junkie posted an article on the one condition that Mauro Ranallo had when agreeing to call last month’s Rizin show.

Today in Professional Wrestling History (5/9): Jerry Lawler wins AWA title

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

Ronda Rousey part of ABC’s ‘Battle of the Network Stars’ revival
WWE Macon, GA, live results: Jinder Mahal vs. AJ Styles
WWE Raw video highlights: Roman Reigns vs. Seth Rollins
WWE Raw live results: Go-home show for Extreme Rules
Mixed tag match set for WWE Extreme Rules

AUDIO

WOL: RAW, Alexa and Bayley, psychology in matches, more! 5/30
WOR: Frank Deford, RAW, Best of the Super Juniors, more! 5/30
JNPO Classic: UFC 130 preview, extended Rick Story interview 5/29

We’re looking for reports from the Impact tapings in Mumbai, India on Tuesday and Wednesday to [email protected].

NEW JAPAN BEST OF THE SUPER JUNIORS ON WEDNESDAY FROM OSAKA AT 5:30 A.M. ON NEW JAPAN WORLD FOR A BLOCK FINALS

ACH & Volador Jr. vs. Desperado & Yoshinobu Kanemaru
War Machine & David Finlay vs. Tama Tonga & Tanga Roa & Yujiro Takahashi
Jushin Liger vs. Taichi
Dragon Lee vs. Taka Michinoku
Ricochet vs. Marty Scurll
Hiromu Takahashi vs. Will Ospreay
Kazuchika Okada & Gedo vs. Kenny Omega & Bad Luck Fale

NEW JAPAN BEST OF THE SUPER JUNIORS ON THURSDAY FROM NAGOYA AT 5 A.M.EASTERN TIME ON NEW JAPAN WORLD FOR THE B BLOCK FINALS

Jushin Liger & Hirai Kawato vs. Taka Michinoku & Taichi
Juice Robinson & Ricochet & Dragon Lee vs. Seiya Sanada & Evil & Hiromu Takahashi
Ray Rowe & Hanson & David Finlay vs. Tama Tonga & Tanga Roa & Yujiro Takahashi
Tiger Mask vs. Bushi
Ryusuke Taguchi vs. ACH
Yoshinobu Kanemaru vs. Desperado
Kushida vs. Volador Jr.
Kazuchika Okada & Will Ospreay & Jado vs. Kenny Omega & Bad Luck Fale & Marty Scurll

FIGURE FOUR WEEKLY: 5/22/2017: Jinder Mahal is actually WWE Champion

Even after having over a month to prepare for the possibility, it’s hard to believe that Jinder Mahal is actually WWE Champion. Title wins like Mahal beating Randy Orton at Backlash aren’t really supposed to happen in pro wrestling. When you have the ability to control wins and losses, challengers are theoretically built up over time and have enough credibility when they win a championship that the result is either obvious or hardly surprising.

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WRESTLING OBSERVER NEWSLETTER: May 29, 2017 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: WWE weekend show reviews, CMLL drama, plus tons of news

A detailed look at why Jinder Mahal got the WWE title, the strange situation of NXT Takeover blowing away the main roster PPV, and what the audience for all the U.S. shows that aren’t Raw and Smackdown say about what fans want from extra hours of wrestling are all part of the current issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.

A look at the business and interest levels of WWE Backlash and NXT Takeover, plus what happened with ticket sales when the Backlash card was announced, the Jinder Mahal push, and how to judge it, and how something like this has never been done and look at other tries to make lower card guys into champions quickly and the result.

Upcoming big shows, plans for a major match coming up soon that hasn’t been hinted at, as well as full coverage of Backlash & NXT Takeover with match-by-match coverage with star ratings and poll results.

Updates on SummerSlam ticket sales, Dwayne Johnson’s week and how Saturday Night live did with him as host, updates on a lawsuit regarding WWE Network royalties, a storyline change, plans for a special Smackdown, updates on WWE injuries, more on the WWE women’s tournament, update on different wrestlers talking to WWE, rugby star may be signing with WWE, the three most-watched wrestling matches in the history of cable television, plus business notes and show highlights from all the WWE events this past week.

One of the craziest stories ever, with the Alvarado family’s destruction of Ultimo Guerrero’s car, how it happened, why it happened, the story behind CMLL firing two of its champions, who didn’t get fired, how the athletic commission is handling this and politics behind what happens next.

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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]. 
 
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WON BACK ISSUE: May 8, 2000 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: WWF Backlash review, Sakuraba defeats Gracie, tons more  

Mark Coleman was the big winner but Kazushi Sakuraba came out as the big hero in the highest profile MMA show in history on 5/1 at the Tokyo Dome. Coleman defeated Akira Shoji, got what amounted to a forfeit win over New Japan’s Kazuyuki Fujita and became the first man in nearly five years to tap out Igor Vovchanchin, who went into the tournament as the top rated heavyweight in the world, before 38,000 fans (ticket prices ranged from $950 for ringside down to $57 for the upper deck so the gate was several million dollars).

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TUESDAY NEWS UPDATE

WWE
Along with more build to Money in the Bank, SmackDown tonight has a fatal five-way elimination match to determine Naomi’s challenger at the pay-per-view. Charlotte Flair, Becky Lynch, Natalya, Carmella, and Tamina will be in the match.
A Sasha Banks appearance is advertised for tonight’s 205 Live. She’ll be teaming with Rich Swann in a mixed tag match against Alicia Fox & Noam Dar at Extreme Rules on Sunday.
Dar will be wrestling for ICW on July 29th at Shug’s Hoose Party 4 night one. He’ll team with Sha Samuels against Grado & Joe Coffey.
NXT will be touring the Pacific Northwest in July. The first NXT show in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada will take place on July 13th. A return to Seattle, Washington is set for the 14th and it will conclude with a stop in Portland, Oregon on the 15th.
ESPN posted a profile on Jinder Mahal after his title win. Despite questions about his physique, Mahal points out that he’s taken plenty of drug tests and has never failed one.
Cody Rhodes responded to someone who called Goldust a jobber on Twitter: “3 time intercontinental champ, 3 time world tag team champ…replace ‘jobber’ w/’future hall of famer’ and kiss my ass while you’re at it”
Randy Orton uploaded a video of him RKO’ing his stepson into a pool over Memorial Day weekend.
Austin Aries is releasing a book on his vegan lifestyle and rise in wrestling.
The Knoxville News Sentinel has an article on Glenn Jacobs’ mayoral bid. He’s running to become the mayor of Knox County, Tennessee.
Summer Rae is featured on Maxim’s Hot 100 list.
John Cena is part of an ad campaign for Tapout body sprays.
WWE.com ran an article on a “lost season” of NXT that never came to fruition.
Brie Bella shared a photo of her and Daniel Bryan’s newborn daughter.
Pro Wrestling
The A Block finals of the Best of the Super Juniors will take place overnight in Osaka. The show airs live on New Japan World. Will Ospreay, Dragon Lee, Hiromu Takahashi, Ricochet, and Taichi all have eight points and are still alive in the tournament. Marty Scurll, Taka Michinoku, and Jushin Thunder Liger are out of contention.
Tetsuya Naito teased getting rid of the IWGP Intercontinental Championship if he retains against Hiroshi Tanahashi at Dominion.
There will be a public reveal for the upcoming Fire Pro Wrestling game in Japan tonight.
Tickets for ROH’s War of the Worlds UK tour shows in London on August 18th and Liverpool on the 19th are now on sale for Ringside Members.
This year’s AIW JT Lightning Invitational Tournament is available to purchase to stream online.
UFC/MMA
Georges St-Pierre made an appearance on the MMA Hour with Ariel Helwani today. He said that the UFC knew that he had an eye injury and wouldn’t be ready to fight Michael Bisping by the summer when they did the initial press conference for the fight. St-Pierre also said that he’s hoping the fight with Bisping will still work out and that he may retire after his next loss.
The UFC posted the first and second episodes of Embedded for UFC 212.
Cody Garbrandt talked about the potential Demetrious Johnson vs. TJ Dillashaw fight.
Leslie Smith vs. Lina Lansberg is set for UFC Fight Night 113 on July 16th in Glasgow.
The UFC is partnering with Samsung to stream events in virtual reality.
Roy Nelson discussed his decision to sign with Bellator.
Bellator announced Andrey Koreshkov vs. Chidi Njokuani and Brennan Ward vs. Fernando Gonzalez for their show on August 25th in Verona, New York.
Miscellaneous
To honor Frank Deford after his passing, Sports Illustrated posted a collection of 10 of the best stories that he wrote for them. The Bill Russell story that Dave Meltzer mentioned on last night’s episode of Wrestling Observer Radio is among those articles. NPR also uploaded some of Deford’s commentaries that he had chosen as his favorites before retiring. Subscribers should also check out the February 4th, 1991 issue of the Observer where Dave wrote about trying to cover WrestleMania VII and the controversy surrounding the event for Deford’s The National.

Today in Professional Wrestling History (5/30): Terry Gordy becomes first UWF Heavyweight Champion

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

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