THE ROUND-UP
THE LATEST NEWS
WWE Main Event results: Mojo Rawley attacks Titus Worldwide
NXT Orlando, FL, live results: Tye Dillinger makes surprise appearance
UFC Fight Night 130 live results: Stephen Thompson vs. Darren Till
NJPW Best Of the Super Juniors night 7 results: Ospreay vs. BUSHI
THE LATEST AUDIO
DragonKing Dark: The Grand Illusion 5/27
FREE WOL! NJPW Cow Palace on AXS TV, WWE vs. indies, RUSH vs. LA Park, more! 5/25
JNPO 100: The post-UFC/ESPN TV deal supershow 5/25
We’re looking for reports on these weekend shows:
ROH on Thursday in Edinburgh
ROH on Saturday in London
ROH today in Doncaster
WWE Raw tonight in Hampton, VA
Reports can be sent to [email protected].
NEW JAPAN BEST OF THE SUPER JUNIORS FROM NAGOYA ON SUNDAY ON NEW JAPAN WORLD
Marty Scurll vs. Desperado
Chris Sabin vs. Dragon Lee
Sho vs. Kushida
Hiromu Takahashi vs. Ryusuke Taguchi
Monday will be the live Raw in Richmond, VA. Seth Rollins defends the IC title against Jinder Mahal and there is a gauntlet for the final women’s spot in Money in the Bank with Sarah Logan, Liv Morgan, Dana Brooke, Bayley, Sasha Bans, Ruby Riott and Mickie James.
There is also a Monday night Smackdown house show in Fayetteville, NC.
NEW JAPAN BEST OF THE SUPER JUNIORS FROM TOCHIGI ON TUESDAY ON NEW JAPAN WORLD
Taiji Ishimori vs. Tiger Mask
ACH vs. Bushi
Flip Gordon vs. Yoh
Will Ospreay vs. Yoshinobu Kanemaru
Tuesday has Smackdown and 205 Live in Raleigh. Samoa Joe vs. Daniel Bryan for the final men’s spot in Money in the Bank is on the show plus Miz & Sheamus & Cesaro vs. The New Day, and Cedric Alexander defends the cruiserweight title against Buddy Murphy.
F4W NEWSLETTER: Figure Four Weekly: WWE cashes in on TV rights boom
The company appears set to cash in on the live sports television rights boom they’ve been banking on since before their last deal with NBC Universal was agreed to in 2014. The Hollywood Reporter first reported on May 16th that the USA Network would likely be retaining Raw, with NBC Universal paying as much as three times more for the show than they did previously, which would equate to somewhere around $240 million annually. But in prioritizing Raw, it meant that SmackDown would be shopped around to other suitors.
WON NEWSLETTER: May 28, 2018 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: WWE making massive money for TV deals, more
The two biggest stories from an industry business perspective broke on consecutive days, the WWE deal with FOX and the UFC deal with ESPN. This issue has the most detailed coverage of both stories you’ll find anywhere, from the money, what the money means to both sides, what the deals entail, how this changes things for both companies and much more.
Look at Jimmy Pitaro’s thoughts on UFC to ESPN, the aging of the UFC and WWE audience, is UFC really the youngest skewing sport, the good and bad of the ESPN deal, the value of the WWE and its stock, Vince McMahon’s personal value with the stock, the timing and why these deals came in the way they did, value of streaming vs. television, the archaic pay structure in WWE, and the difference in television hours of WWE and UFC going forward with the new deals.
Read about the big shows upcoming, New Japan at the Cow Palace, All In, NXT Chicago, Money in the Bank and SummerSlam with a lesson on ticket sales, the secondary market and where people are coming from who are attending these shows.
Check out the angle this past week that could lead to one of the biggest matches in the history of Mexican wrestling, L.A. Park vs. Rush in a mask vs. hair match.
This issue updates the plans for PPV shows and time running with the latest changes made, an update on the legal situation with C.M. Punk and Dr. Christopher Amann. Look at the idea of other groups streaming on WWE Network and the latest talk on it.
Read the plans for a WWE summer tournament, Dwayne Johnson’s latest business, movies with wrestlers, Cena & Nikki Bella, More WWE injury updates, wrestlers returning to WWE, U.K. tournament first round matches, new WWE signing, next MSG card, Mauro Ranallo news, TV ratings in the U.K., most-watched shows for the week on WWE Network, as well as a look at all the WWE & NXT live shows of the past week with match-by-match coverage and business notes.
ORDERING INFO: Order the print Wrestling Observer right now and get it delivered via mail, by sending your name, address, Visa or Master Card number and an expiration date to Dave Meltzer, or by using PayPal directing funds to [email protected].
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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.
SUNDAY NEWS UPDATE
Bryan and I will be back tonight with Wrestling Observer Radio covering the Mauro Ranallo documentary, UFC, Best of the Super Juniors and more. You can send questions to [email protected].
With the Warriors winning last night, Raw will be going around game seven of the Warriors-Rockets series, so the ratings will at best be on par with recent weeks.
In the Darren Till vs. Stephen Thompson main event today, where the judges gave Till a unanimous decision, Judge Mark Collett gave Till rounds 2, 4 and 5 and scored it 48-47. Judge Andy Roberts gave Till rounds 2 through 5, scoring it 49-46. Judge Paul Sutherland scored it 49-46, giving Till rounds 1, 2 and 4. Media scores were 88.5 percent for Thompson. Personally I felt every round was close except five for Till. I wasn’t going to get mad at who won, but 49-46 for Till I thought was a bad call.
While significant strike numbers aren’t an argument decider in scoring rounds, these were the numbers
Round one: 5-4 for Thompson
Round two: 9-6 for Till
Round three: 9-8 for Till
Round four: 8-7 for Thompson
Round five: 9-3 for Till
So that’s what I mean about close rounds.
Till said that even though he won the fight, because he missed weight, he thinks Thompson should get the next title shot if there is one between the two of them.
Dana White said that he never did end up meeting with Conor McGregor, but hopes to soon. That’s certainly a good sign when it comes to the idea McGregor is looking to fight.
He also said regarding why C.M. Punk vs. Mike Jackson is on PPV in two weeks and Alistair Overeem vs. Curtis Blaydes is on TV, that when Overeem can sell PPVs like Punk, he’d be on PPV. Punk did sell the first time as a novelty. I’m not sure he’ll mean that much this time. It’s absolutely crazy that the lawsuit against Punk is scheduled to start on Tuesday which has to be a killer for the focus needed before a fight.
UFC in Liverpool was the fifth most searched for topic on the Internet in the U.S. as of earlier today. Nick Diaz was 13th yesterday.
Best of the Super Juniors results from today in Nagoya:
Marty Scurll (2-2) beat Desperado (2-2)
Chris Sabin (2-2) beat Dragon Lee (3-1)
Kushida (2-2) beat Sho (2-2)
Hiromu Takahashi (2-2) beat Ryusuke Taguchi (1-3)
At the movie box office this weekend: Avengers Infinity Wars looks to be No. 3 with an estimated $16.5 million. Rampage looks to be No. 11 at $802,000. Blockers looks to be No. 20 at $200,000.
WWE
The 6/30 WWE show at Sumo Hall headlined by a four-way with A.J. Styles vs. Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Daniel Bryan vs. Samoa Joe is sold out, making it the fastest Sumo Hall sellout in company history. (thanks to Jose Gonzalez) .
TMZ had a deal where Ronda Rousey said she would be honored to have Jason Seaman walk out with her for one of her matches. I mean, why not? Seamann was the Indiana middle school teacher who risked his life to save his students on Friday.
MISCELLANEOUS
Progress has a 1970s themed show today. The idea is that the show took place in 1978.
Great North Wrestling from Friday night in Pembroke, ONT before 400 fans: Hannibal b PCO via DQ so the Canadian title was held up after the match, Jeremy Prophet b Ad Hutchinson, Tony Atlas b Nathan Banner-DQ, Lady Yasmine b Bea Cellatores, Leroy Daniels & Tomas Leroy Cooter b AK 27 & Alcatraz, Jebediah Tatatum b The Bruiser, Genesis b ?.
Lucha Xtreme TV results from yesterday in Fresno, CA: Terrex b Matt Fury, Vinny Massaro b Michael Shawn, Beast the Butcher b Alfonso Alvarez, Scotty Rgnier & Andrew Arch b Macho Mouse & Hollowpoint.
Best of the West TV results from Friday in Fresno, CA: Bison Braddock b RJ Remington, Chris Bey & Owen Travers b Amish Johnson & Jesse Poole, Mike Rayne b Hip Hop Harry to keep title. Next taping is 6/9 at the Fresno City College at 6 p.m. (thanks to Jon Southerland)
NHPW from yesterday in Perth, Australia: Cannon Connors & Kenicki Wheeler & Jono Petreski b Rogan Karguis & London Hargreaves & Lazar Armani, Lena Kross b Casey Johns-DQ, Madison Eagles b Avaryk Jarred Slate b King Shahil-COR, Michael Spencer & Desi Derata b Jay Taylor & Casey Johns, Vincent Sterling won four-way over David Nero, Kiel Steria Jebediah, Michael Morleone b Jeff Cobb to keep NHPW title, Madison Eagles b Lena Cross. Cobb vs. Morleone was said to be a **** match, Eagles vs. Kross was really good. Kross is a rookie from Perth with a lot of potential.
Venom Pro Wrestling from yesterday in Brisbane, Australia: Jaxon Cross b Jax, Jessica Troy b Mitch McCarthy, Sebastian Matters b Lynx Lewis Jr., B-Lars & PJ O’Connor won four-way over Kobra Jones & Damien Thorne, Ryan Thorne & Dallas Sommers and Bushido & Johnny Hardwood, Caveman Ugg b Spaceman Dacey, Tim Kaad b BJ Blade, JL Gold & Xander Sullivan b SnaptChad & Unsocial Jordan to win tag titles, Gino Gambino & Bad Luck Fale NC Giant Koyote & Rip Reilly.
BCW from Friday in Melbourne: Savannah Summers b Niki Nitro, Vixsin b Izzy Shawk Tomas Phulery b Kaz Jordan, Slade Mercer b Marcus Kool, Arya Reign b Danille Moinet (Summer Rae)-COR, Syd Parker b Vance Adams,Gabriel Wolfe & Indi Hartwell b JXT, Ivliesse b Jessica Troy, Nick Bury won over Mitch Waterman, Mad Dog, Cletus, Carlo Cannon and Big Cuz. Rob Van Dam sent in a tape saying he would be doing shows on 8/31 in Melbourne, 9/1 in Adelaide, 9/7 in Sydney and 9/8 in Melbourne. Angelico also showed up after the main event to challenge Cannon. The Moinet match basically never happened. She got counted out right away. People were pretty shocked how it went down. (thanks to Kevin Chiat)
Stardom from earlier today in Osaka: Zoe Lucas won three-way over Candy Floss and Leo Onozaki, Mayu Iwatani b Session Moth Martina, Io Shirai b Starlight Kid, Jungle Kyona & Kaori Yoneyama & Natsuko Tora b Tam Nakano & Saki Kashima & Shiki Shibusawa, Kagetsu & Hana Kimura & Hazuki b Momo Watanabe & Konami & AZM.
Stardom had a second show today in Osaka: Shiki Shibusawa b Leo Onozaki, Konami b Candy Floss, Tam Nakano & Zoe Lucas b Session Moth Martina & Natsu Sumire, Io Shirai & Momo Watanabe & AZM d Mayu Iwatani & Starlight Kid & Saki Kashima in what was said to be an excellent match. AZM challenged Kid after for a Future of Stardom title that looks like it will take place next weekend in Sapporo. Jungle Kyona & Kaori Yoneyama & Natsuko Tora b Kagetsu & Kaori Yoneyama & Hazuki in the finals to determine with Artist of Stardom trios titles. (thanks to Jake Koch)
NSPW from last night in Quebec City before 751 fans: Rachel Bostic b Jody Threat, Super Smash Brothers b Clean Up Society to win tag titles, Matt Angel b Travis Toxic, Pee Wee b Dylan Bostic to win TV title, Montreal Elite b Kickin N Stompin, Dylan Donovan b Jim Harrison, Austin Aries b Markus Burke, Matt Falcon won three-way over Benjamin Tull and Marko Estrada. Next show is 7/26 with PCO.
United Wrestling Coalition on 6/2 at Kelly’s Banquet Hall in Wrightstown, NJ with a Rumble match.
Beyond Wrestling from yesterday in East Greenwich, RI: Robo the Punjabi & Samara b Anthony Stone & Jillian Lee, Anthony Greene b Christian Casanova, Dave Cash & Kris Pyro b Brett Dominio & DL Hurst, Skylar b Davienne, Lufisto b AR Fox, The Real Chuck Taylor b Fake Chuck Taylor, Bill Carr b Ryan Galeone, John Silver & Alex Reynolds b Jonathan Gresham & Thomas Sharp, Keith Lee b Jerome Daniels, David Starr b Penelope Ford, Chris Dickinson & Jaka b VSK & Dorian Graves, Kimber Lee b Josh Briggs, Timothy Thatcher & Walter b Ortiz & Santana of LAX.
Kevin Sullivan will be doing a seminar on 7/21 in East Carondelet, IL at the Community Center. For more info you can call 618-286-4848.
Amazing Canadian Brawl on 7/14 in Burlington, ONT at the Lions Club.
Defy Wrestling from last night in Portland, OR before a sold out 475 fans: Carl Randers & Clark Connors b Kaine Jaiden & Nick Radford, Schaff b King Khash, Mike Santiago & Ethan HD b Judas Icarus & Eli Surge, Shane Strickland b Darby Allin, Joey Ryan & Randy Myers b Drexl & Dr. Kliever, Nicole Matthews b Xia Brookside, Matt Sydal b Matt Riddle. (thanks to Matt Farmer)
A story on former UFC fighter Paul Kelly.
The New York Post has a video feature on Pro-Wrestling: EVE.
EVE return to Resistance Gallery in Bethnal Green on Saturday June 9 at 8pm with Kris Wolf vs Kay Lee Ray and a “Dream Partner” Tag Team Match with Kasey Owens and EVE Champion Charlie Morgan on opposing sides.
New all women’s wrestling promotion SHEVOLUTION debuts at the very same venue (Resistance Gallery, Bethnal Green, London – which now has 9 different wrestling promotions running out of it) the next day, Saturday June 10 at 3pm with Kris Wolf vs Rebel Kinney announced plus Sammi Baynz, Jayde and more.
EVE vs. XWA UK “Equal Fights” takes place on Saturday June 16 with the one night only return of The International Home Wrecking Crew – Jetta and Rain + a tag team “Fan’s Bring The Lego” Death Match between Rhia O’Reilly and Addy Starr vs Jimmy Havoc & “Super Smash Bro” Evil Uno + Cara Noir vs “Session Moth” Martina.
A story on the Robert Maillet, the former WWE wrestler Kurrgan in Deadpool 2. (thanks to Mike Kuzmuk)
Daily Professional Wrestling History: Owen Hart wins IWGP Junior Heavyweight title
12th Annual F4W Empire Vegas Convention
Greetings friends and fans of the F4W / Wrestling Observer website. It’s time to announce the details of the 12th annual F4W / Wrestling Observer Empire Las Vegas Convention~!
This year’s event will be taking place in Las Vegas from August 16th to the 20th and will again be in conjunction with WWE’s SummerSlam weekend a.k.a. Super China Buffet Day~! There will still be the usual events, but our big draw will be WWE’s summer blockbuster PPV, SummerSlam. As per tradition, we will all gorge ourselves at a Las Vegas buffet, and then watch SummerSlam in a rented out movie theater. All information and ticketing prices are available now. Sign up ASAP as spots are limited for some events.
This year will also feature a Future Stars Wrestling show which will include the first ever Gladys Gibson Doubles Match Classic! Already booked for the show are the teams Mia Yim & Leva Bates, Hudson Envy & Shotzi Blackheart, Samantha Heights & Brittany Blake, and Miranda Alize & Kylie Rae. Kris Wolf will also be appearing along with many more future stars. There may even be a classic star or two making an appearance. You won’t want to miss this show! Check out the convention’s Facebook page for all additional information.
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!
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