THE ROUND-UP
The Latest from the F4W Staff
NEWS
Reigns vs. Strowman last man standing match set for WWE Raw
UFC Fight Night 114 live results: Sergio Pettis vs. Brandon Moreno
WWE Halifax live results: Rollins misses the show due to travel issues
The New Day vs. Usos announced for WWE SummerSlam
NJPW G1 Climax 27 night 14 results: Kazuchika Okada vs. EVIL
NXT Ocala, FL, live results: Aleister Black vs. Velveteen Dream
AUDIO
WOL: Mayweather vs. McGregor, camp drama, SummerSlam, NXT, more! 8/4
Wrestling Weekly: Funk returning to the ring, Gotch vs. Race, Brody 8/4
B&V: NXT, Lucha Underground, Granny’s Wrestling Report, tons more! 8/4
F4D: Filthy predicts Lesnar vs. Jones plus Smackdown and Royal Rumble 1991! 8/3
We’re looking for reports from WWE Raw in St. John, New Brunswick, Smackdown in Montreal, NXT in Largo, FL and GFW in Staten Island, NY (Bobby Lashley & EC 3 & Low Ki vs. John Hennigan & James Storm & ?, LAX vs. Sonjay Dutt & Drago for the tag team titles, Sienna vs. Taya vs. Allie, Trevor Lee vs. Mario Bokara).
NEW JAPAN G-1 CLIMAX TOURNAMENT AT 4 A.M. EASTERN SATURDAY MORNING (1 A.M. TONIGHT PACIFIC) FROM THE EDION ARENA IN OSAKA
Katsuya Kitamura vs. Chase Owens
Yuji Nagata & Tomoyuki Oka & Shota Umino vs. Zack Sabre Jr. & Taichi & Desperado
Togi Makabe & Tiger Mask & Hirai Kawato vs. Tetsuya Naito & Bushi & Hiromu Takahashi
Hirooki Goto & Jado vs. Bad Luck Fale & Yujiro Takahashi
Hiroshi Tanahashi & Kota Ibushi & David Finlay vs. Tomohiro Ishii & Yoshi-Hashi & Gedo
Toru Yano vs. Tama Tonga
Satoshi Kojima vs. Seiya Sanada
Michael Elgin vs. Minoru Suzuki
Kenny Omega vs. Juice Robinson
Kazuchika Okada vs. Evil
UFC FROM ARENA CIUDAD IN MEXICO CITY ON SATURDAY
Fight Pass at 7 p.m. Eastern
Jordan Rinaldi vs. Alvaro Herrera
Joseph Morales vs. Roberto Sanchez
FS 1 at 8 p.m. Eastern
Jose Quinonez vs. Diego Rivas
Rani Yahya vs. Henry Briones
Dustin Ortiz vs. Hector Sandoval
Bradley Scott vs. Jack Hermansson
Alejandro Perez vs. Andre Soukhamthath
Sam Alvey vs. Rashad Evans
Humberto Bandenay vs. Martin Bravo
Alan Jouban vs. Niko Price
Alexa Grasso vs. Randa Markos
Sergio Pettis vs. Brandon Moreno
NEW JAPAN G-1 CLIMAX TOURNAMENT AT 3 A.M. EASTERN (MIDNIGHT PACIFIC) FROM ACT CITY HAMAMATSU
Michael Elgin & Hirai Kawato vs. Evil & Hiromu Takahashi
Satoshi Kojima & Hiroyoshi Tenzan vs. Tama Tonga & Yujiro Takahashi
Juice Robinson & David Finlay vs. Toru Yano & Jado
Kenny Omega & Chase Owens vs. Seiya Sanada & Bushi
Kazuchika Okada & Gedo vs. Minoru Suzuki & Desperado
Yuji Nagata vs. Zack Sabre Jr.
Kota Ibushi vs. Yoshi-Hashi
Hirooki Goto vs. Bad Luck Fale
Togi Makabe vs. Tetsuya Naito
Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Tomohiro Ishii
Sunday has WWE Raw in London, Ontario and Smackdown in Ottawa, ONT.
Monday has Raw in Toronto at the Air Canada Centre. Smackdown has a house show in Kingston, Ontario.
NEW JAPAN G-1 CLIMAX TOURNAMENT AT 5:30 A.M. EASTERN TUESDAY MORNING FROM YOKOHAMA BUNKA GYM
Tomoyuki Oka vs. Chase Owens
Yuji Nagata & Katsuya Kitamura vs. Bad Luck Fale & Yujiro Takahashi
Togi Makabe & Kota Ibushi & Hirai Kawato vs. Hirooki Goto & Yoshi-Hashi & Gedo
Tomohiro Ishii & Jado vs. Zack Sabre Jr. & Desperado
Hiroshi Tanahashi & Ryusuke Taguchi & David Finlay vs. Tetsuya Naito & Bushi & Hiromu Takahashi
Satoshi Kojima vs. Tama Tonga
Juice Robinson vs. Toru Yano
Michael Elgin vs. Evil
Kenny Omega vs. Seiya Sanada
Kazuchika Okada vs. Minoru Suzuki
Tuesday has Smackdown tapings also in Toronto at the Air Canada Centre. Naomi vs. Carmella in a non-title match has been announced. For 205 Live, they’ve announced TJP vs. Rich Swann.
FIGURE FOUR WEEKLY: Figure Four Weekly 7/31/2017: Brock Lesnar vs. Jon Jones inches closer to reality
On the heels of Floyd Mayweather vs. Conor McGregor, another unlikely combat sports event seems to have become a genuine possibility. Jon Jones challenged Brock Lesnar to return to the Octagon after regaining the UFC light heavyweight title against Daniel Cormier last Saturday night. “Brock Lesnar,” Jones said. “If you want to know what it feels like to get your ass kicked by a guy who weighs 40 pounds less than you, meet me in the Octagon.”
Subscribers click here to continue.
WRESTLING OBSERVER NEWSLETTER: August 7, 2017 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: WWE second quarter earnings, UFC 214, more
A look at the WWE business notes for quarter two is among the top stories of the new issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Also look at the deja vu of Jon Jones, in-depth on G-1, Io Shirai, the negotiations for Broken Hardys and much more.
Look at what aspects of WWE business right now are the most valuable and how they compare to last year, the state of the company, the future of TV or streaming rights fees, Facebook and Netflix heads talk about content like WWE, the drop in U.K. ratings, the WWE network numbers and what it says, the recent WWE cost cutting measures, as well as the state of live show attendance and real WrestleMania number.
Go in depth as UFC tries to remake Jon Jones as a big star, the Daniel Cormier fight, the story behind it, the potential of a Brock Lesnar fight and where it stands and when it can happen, the similarities between this Jon Jones and the other one, a look at UFC 214, Tyron Woodley’s complaints, Dana White buries him, the realities of being a pro athlete in a sport where fans decide the stars, Cris Cyborg gets a title, all the business notes as well as match-by-match coverage and how much everyone made in their fights.
An update on the G-1 Climax tournament with the MVP race, the standings, the schedule, business notes and coverage of all the tournament matches of the past week, is in this issue.
Also there is an update on the SummerSlam card, who was being groomed for a top spot at the end of the year, the ticket demand for SummerSlam and NXT Takeover, the Bayley injury, a match that won’t be happening at SummerSlam, and much more regarding the show.
Look at Royal Rumble tickets, John Cena getting his biggest Hollywood break, update on Cena’s pro wrestling appearances including his first PPV after SummerSlam, everything you want to know about the fight over the Broken Universe gimmick, Chris Jericho in TMZ, Jericho in WWE, and Jericho’s music.
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 10, 2000 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: WWF signs Brock Lesnar, future of ECW, more
With the WWF television situation being straightened out, now all eyes are on the future of ECW, both as far as national television and the company’s survival itself. ECW was officially canceled, as expected, by TNN effective with the show airing on 9/22. This date appears to preclude any chance of USA Network having ECW ready to go on the air the Monday after WWF leaves (which is believed to be the first week of September, although nobody has been able to confirm an official date), in an attempt to have a wrestling show ready to keep at least a small part of the huge audience that by habit tunes to USA in that time slot.
Subscribers click here to continue.
SATURDAY NEWS UPDATE
WWE
As was noted in our report from the show, Seth Rollins missed last night’s Raw house show in Halifax due to transportation issues. He tweeted an apology to the fans: “Apologies to everyone in Halifax tonight. Was traveling since 4am to make the show, but didn’t land in NS until almost 10pm. I owe ya!” Rollins should be back tonight in Saint John.
HoHo Lun did an interview with WWE.com where he explained why he asked to be released. “I went to Hong Kong for vacation about three weeks ago and that’s when I realized that my mother is sick,” Lun said. “That’s why I decided to tell Matt Bloom, the head coach of the PC, that I wanted to request my release.” The article credits Lun for helping WWE’s Chinese recruits acclimate to the United States and he teases that he may return in the future.
There was a segment on “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” last night where Colbert talked about WWE trying to trademark the phrase “3:16.” They had someone playing Jesus and cutting a wrestling promo. (thanks to reader Jake Koch)
Mae Young Classic participant Xia Li posted a picture of her arm in a sling on Instagram.
The Ottawa Citizen interviewed Jinder Mahal about his WWE title reign and being from Calgary.
AJ Styles celebrated 17 years together with his wife.
WWE uploaded Styles vs. Cena from last year’s SummerSlam for free on YouTube.
Charlotte Flair appeared on today’s episode of UpUpDownDown with Xavier Woods.
Pro Wrestling
On a show that was defined by upsets, both Kazuchika Okada and Kenny Omega lost at this morning’s G1 show in Osaka. EVIL beat Okada in a great main event that seems like it will set up a title match between the two in the fall. Omega lost to Juice Robinson, which could set up Robinson challenging for either Omega’s US title or the briefcase if he wins the G1. Michael Elgin also defeated Minoru Suzuki and could be in line for a NEVER title shot.
Not much changed in the B Block standings with both Okada and Omega losing. Okada tops the block with 12 points, Omega and EVIL have 10, and Suzuki and SANADA are both alive with eight. Omega holds the tiebreaker over EVIL due to his previous win. The next B Block show is on Tuesday morning, with Okada vs. Suzuki, Omega vs. SANADA, and EVIL vs. Elgin as the three most significant matches.
Tomorrow’s A Block G1 show will set up the block finals. Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Tomohiro Ishii, Tetsuya Naito vs. Togi Makabe, Hirooki Goto vs. Bad Luck Fale, Kota Ibushi vs. YOSHI-HASHI, and Zack Sabre Jr. vs. Yuji Nagata are the tournament matches.
AXS will begin their coverage of this year’s G1 on August 18th by broadcasting Ibushi vs. Naito and Tanahashi vs. Sabre from the first night.
Impact ratings were down a bit this week, coming in at 276,000 viewers after doing 286,000 the week prior.
CTV News in Vancouver Island ran a story on Chelsea Green (Laurel Van Ness in GFW).
OTT announced at their show today that The Young Bucks, Cody Rhodes, and Marty Scurll will be wrestling at their National Stadium show on December 9th. Fenix and Will Ospreay are also advertised.
TK Cooper clarified that he and Dahlia Black have new five year visas to work in the UK and can apply for residency after three years.
Corey Graves tweeted about the result of his brother’s hair match against Blue Panther for CMLL.
UFC/MMA
Dave Meltzer has a story for MMA Fighting on Stephan Bonnar going into pro wrestling.
Rashad Evans spoke to MMA Junkie ahead of his fight against Sam Alvey at UFC Fight Night in Mexico City tonight.
Marc Ratner criticized the lack of unification rules in MMA.
Bob Sapp lost a kickboxing match in less-than-ideal fashion.
Today in Pro Wrestling History: Great Sasuke defeats Ultimo Dragon to win unified J-Crown
F4W Online / Wrestling Observer Vegas Convention Event Info
August 17-21; All times are TBA; Full information on the group Facebook page; Activities subject to change
For ticketing information go to https://f4wvegas.brownpapertickets.com/
Thursday: Meet at the High Roller for Bowling at the Link; Party at Carnival Court at Hurrah’s
Friday: Kiss Mini Golf tournament at the Rio; Dinner at Texas de Brazil; Suite party (location TBA)
Saturday: Future Stars of Wrestling show featuring Disco Inferno, Stephan Bonnar, Phil Baron, Shotzi Blackheart, and co-main events: 3-way match with Leva Bates vs. Mia Yim vs. Hudson Envy, and “Filthy” Tom Lawlor vs. Thomas Santell (f.k.a. Antonio “The Promise” Thomas); NXT viewing party at the Sci-Fi Center
Sunday: SUPER CHINA BUFFET DAY at the Wicked Spoon Buffet at 1pm; SummerSlam viewing party at the Sci-Fi Center
Monday: Goodbye lunch at Chen Chen at NY NY
All website members will also receive a 15% discount on any purchases from the Las Vegas Fight Shop for the entirety of the convention
Texas de Brazil, Wicked Spoon, NXT and Summer Slam will all be sign up and pre-paid events, prices and collection begin in mid July~!
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]