THE ROUND-UP
The Latest from the F4W Staff
NEWS
NJPW New Beginning in Sapporo live results: Okada vs. Suzuki
UFC Fight Night 104 live results: Dennis Bermudez vs. Chan Sung Jung
‘The Russian Bear’ Ivan Koloff battling liver cancer
F4W WrestleMania dinner & 11th annual Vegas Convention event info
Kevin Kelly leaving full-time position with Ring of Honor
TNA Impact Wrestling results: Open Fight Night returns
Wrestling Observer/Figure Four Online Pro Wrestling Tees store now open~!
AUDIO
DragonKing Dark: For What It’s Worth 2/5
WOR: New Japan and UFC reviews, Ivan Koloff, Seth Rollins, more! 2/5
WOL: Dr. Lucha, Seth Rollins update, Kevin Kelly and ROH, more! 2/3
B&V&G: NXT, Raw from Monday, WrestleMania 1, Joke Contest, more! 2/3
Today has the Raw show in Eugene, OR and the SmackDown show in Winnipeg.
Raw will be Monday night from Portland, OR. Both Brock Lesnar and Bill Goldberg are scheduled on the show. There is also a SmackDown brand house show in Abbotsford, BC.
NEW JAPAN AT KORAKUEN HALL AT 4:30 A.M. EASTERN EARLY TUESDAY MORNING FROM KORAKUEN HALL IN TOKYO
Satoshi Kojima & Yuji Nagata vs. Yoshitatsu & Tomoyuki Oka
Hiroyoshi Tenzan & Jushin Liger & Tiger Mask vs. Takashi Iizuka & Yoshinobu Kanemaru & Desperado
Tomoaki Honma & Togi Makabe & Katsuyori Shibata & Juice Robinson & Kushida vs. Hirooki Goto & Yoshi-Hashi & Will Ospreay & Gedo & Jado in an elimination match
Kazuchika Okada & Toru Yano & Tomohiro Ishii & Rocky Romero & Baretta vs. Minoru Suzuki & Lance Archer & Davey Boy Smith Jr. & Taka Michinoku & Taichi in an elimination match
Hiroshi Tanahashi & Michael Elgin & Manabu Nakanishi & Ryusuke Taguchi & Dragon Lee vs. Tetsuya Naito & Evil & Seiya Sanada & Bushi & Hiromu Takahashi in an elimination match
Tuesday has the SmackDown & 205 Live tapings in Seattle, with John Cena vs. Randy Orton in a non-title match, plus the plan was for a Neville title defense on the show as well.
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.
SUNDAY NEWS UPDATE
Bryan and I will be doing a special show on the XFL and the 30 for 30 documentary tonight. You can send questions about the XFL for the show to [email protected].
Nothing this weekend from MMA or pro wrestling made the Google search list.
The WWE Network on its hidden gems is apparently releasing two never before seen items from the 90s. One was a TV pilot that Konnan was in charge of when he was in WCW for a Latino-based television show where the Mexican stars would be the headliners. That lasted all of one taping. The other was a tribute to Stu Hart show in the 90s that featured major stars of different promotions, held in Calgary with Dory & Terry Funk vs. Bruce Hart & Brian Pillman. Also being released include a 1952 Killer Kowalski vs. Mr. Moto & Duke Keomuka handicap match (I’ve seen that one), a 1966 Dallas match with Joe Blanchard & Cowboy Bob Ellis & Duke Keomuka vs. Bob Geigel & Waldo Von Erich & Gary Hart; a cage match with Bruno Sammartino vs. George Steele from MSG (date listed is July 29, 1970, but there was no MSG show on that date), Bill Watts vs Terry Funk (listed at 1975 from Mid South Wrestling, but it would be Leroy McGuirk’s Championship Wrestling as Mid South wasn’t even formed until years later), an Antonio Inoki vs Stan Hansen match from Calgary in 1979, Ric Flair vs. Buddy Rogers from 1979 in the Carolinas, Kerry Von Erich vs Ernie Ladd from 1981, Lighting Kid vs. Jerry Lynn from GWF in 1992, Edge & Christian vs. Nova & Frankie Kazarian from UPW (I was at that show), Leviathan (Batista) vs. Brock Lesnar from OVW, and a three way from FCW with Dean Ambrose vs. Seth Rollins vs. Roman Reigns.
Joe Rogan is scheduled to appear on Late Night with Seth Meyers on Thursday night on NBC after Jimmy Fallon (thanks to Jon Southerland)
Bill Goldberg is doing a three-date series of U.K. talk shows called “You’re Next: An Evening with Bill Goldberg” on 6/26 in Glasgow, 6/27 in Manchester and 7/2 in London. Inside the Ropes is promoting this. tickets go on sale at Noon on Friday.
WWE
Even though John Cena vs. Randy Orton was advertised for Tuesday’s Smackdown tapings in Seattle, the WWE sent out a mailer for tickets this weekend that lists Cena vs. A.J. Styles and Dean Ambrose vs. The Miz as the double main event for the show. Just the usual plans change situation.
John Layfield will be doing a new “Legends with JBL” show on Wednesday talking with Stan Hansen. Those shows are always interesting.
One of our longest readers is sadly in end-stage kidney failure and a few weeks ago, into a grueling four hour dialysis session, his phone rang from a private number, which he noted he’d usually not pick up, but for whatever reason, he said he was in the mood to mess with a telemarkter and picked it up. “Cal, this is Stan Hansen, How ya doing?” He had told a friend that when he was eight years old and a baseball fan, watching WTBS, during a rain delay during a Braves game they showed a rerun of Georgia Championship Wrestling. This would be circa 1978. The first pro wrestling match he ever saw was a Stan Hansen squash match, and Hansen became his favorite wrestler. He said all through health problems which plagued him through life, as a kid he was in the emergency room a few times a month, and he was a target of bullies in school, he said the Stan Hansen he saw in Japan represented always moving forward. Through a friend, Hansen heard this story. Hansen told him that he felt he needed to call him and express his appreciation and told him that he’s never called a fan out of the blue before, because he’s a very private person, but said that as he’s gotten older, he’s learned to appreciate what he’s meant to others and Hansen then thanked him. Reader Cal wrote, “Thank me? The guy literally changed how I lived my life, and he was thanking me.”
VARIETY
There were two serious injuries at the Friday night Rockstar Pro Wrestling fifth anniversary show in Dayton. Mason Cutter suffered a serious leg injury when his legs hit the guard rail doing a backflip off the ring apron. Cutter posted that he broke his right leg in two places and needed a skin graft on his leeft leg. the match, a five team match, continued with the medical staff attending to him. During the same match, Kyle Maverick took a bad bump and was unresponsive. CPR had to be performed and posted on Facebook that he fractured his neck and lower back.
AAW from last night in LaSalle, IL before a sellout crowd: Arik Cannon won four-way over Stephen Wolfe, Marion Fontaine and David Starr, Mike Hartenbower b Zicky Dice, Candice LeRae & Samantha Heights b Jessicka Havok & Allysin Kay, DJZ b Kruger (formerly Adam Rose going back to his Leo Kruger gimmick), Davey Vega & Mat Fitchett b Paco & Ace Perry, Dezmond Xavier & Zachary Wentz b Dave & Jake Crist, ACH b Trevor Lee to keep the Heritage title in a good match, Brubaker & Zero Gravity b Buck Nasty & Connor Braxton & Kody Rice, Penta 0M b AR Fox, Sami Callihan b Kongo Kong to keep the AAW title. (thanks to Mike Korn)
OTT has a show on 4/15 at National Stadium in Dublin with Kenny Omega, Young Bucks, Ricochet, Jay White, Will Ospreay, Ryan Smile and Grado.
Lucha Xtreme TV from yesterday in Fresno, CA: Anthony Idol won 8 man Rumble to win the U.S. title, Lukas Riley b Alfonso Alvarez 2/3 falls. They debuted a new heel commissioner called Christopher Donald, who is doing a Donald Trump heel gimmick. He gave their title to Sgt. Major, saying that he didn’t need to have a match or a tournament. (thanks to Jon Southerland)
World League Wrestling in Troy, MO from last night: Leland Race b Jayden Fnix-DQ, Karim Brigante b Rex Fults, Superstar Steve Fender b Brandon Espinosa, Stacey O’Brien DCOR Heather Patera, Jon Webb b Kyle Roberts, Karim Brigante won three-way over Superstar Steven Fender and Leland Race to become WLW heavyweight champion. Next show is 3/11 featuring an appearance by Kurt Angle. (thanks to Patrick Brandmeyer)
Aggression Wrestling on 2/11 in Gibsonville, NC at the Mid Atlantic Sportatorium with Mikael Judas (who was Murphy in TNA) vs. Geter in the main event.
Some notes about popular Northeast fan Kevin Hogan, who passed away in an auto accident, there will be a viewing on Monday from 5-8 p.m. and Tuesday from 10-11 a.m. at Nativity Church, 2677 Delsea Dr., in Franklinville, NJ, and a service on Tuesday.
CHIKARA announced this year’s King of Trios tournament will take place 9/1 to 9/3 in Birmingham, England.
There was a Go Fund Me for medical expenses for Ivan Koloff set up by his daughter.
Hoosier Pro Wrestling from last night in Columbus, IN before 155 fans: JKO over Cole Radrick and Kenny Cage, Drax O’Brien & Guy Lombardo b El Rayo & Dave the Rave, TVZ over Flash Flanagan and TJ Kemp, Jonathan Wolfe b Shawn Kemp, Scarecrow Eddie Felson b Timmy Danger, Flash Flanagan b Timmy Danger in a loser leaves town match, Cowboy Marc Houston b Dynamite Dillen to keep HPW title. Next show is 3/4 in Columbus, IN. (thanks to Jerry Wilson)
A great Minoru Suzuki video is here.
F4W / WO EMPIRE WRESTLEMANIA GROUP INFO
PRE MANIA TAILGATE:
Who to Blame: Ken Hesser
Details from Ken: I ran one prior to the Miami, Atlanta, and last Orlando Manias, and all were well received. Typically, I keep these things really informal, with music, cornhole and refreshments, BYOB or food. Fun should start around 3 PM, so if you’re coming over on the bus, please stop by for a few minutes! PM if you’re coming by! – KennyH75 (I still need a ticket for the show by the way).
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).
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
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).
CONTACT INFORMATION
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