UFC had a conference call today for UFC 200. Even though both Jon Jones and Daniel Cormier were there, Brock Lesnar was the guy who got asked the most questions. When asked about Stephanie McMahon’s comments on WWE not supporting his fight necessarily, he said, “I don’t care what she says.” When he was asked what affect it would have on his drawing power if he lost, he said, “I really don’t give a sh*t.”
“This isn’t about my fans. This is about me living my life, being the person I want to be. Granted, without the fans and everything, none of us would be able to do this. I get that. But I don’t sit up at night wondering, `Is my drawing power gonna be hurt’ or ‘Are my WWE fans gonna tune in and watch me do this.’ I don’t give two sh*ts about that. This is about me. I want to get in there and be an athlete again. That’s what this is about.”
Lesnar also said he didn’t know if he would fight again after this fight. He said training camp is going great. He said being forced out of UFC due to his illness has haunted him, and he wanted to come back before it was too late.
We’re looking for reports from tonight’s NXT show in Winter Haven, FL as well as tomorrow’s show at Tokyo Sumo Hall (Dean Ambrose vs. Seth Rollins vs. Kevin Owens for WWE title; John Cena vs. A.J. Styles, New Day vs. Vaudevillains for tag team titles, Usos vs. Luke Gallows & Karl Anderson, Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Chris Jericho, Charlotte vs. Natalya for women’s title, Dolph Ziggler vs. Curtis Axel, Titus O’Neil vs. Baron Corbin, Asuka vs. Becky Lynch for NXT title). Send reports to [email protected].
SMACKDOWN TONIGHT ON USA AT 8 P.M.
Four-way for U.S. title match with Cesaro vs. Apollo Crews vs. Sheamus & Alberto Del Rio
Rusev vs. winner for U.S. title
Billie Kay vs. Dana Brooke
Erick Rowan & Braun Strowman vs. ?
Sasha Banks vs. Summer Rae
Non-title: Dean Ambrose vs The Miz
THE ROUNDUP
WWE Smackdown results: Dean Ambrose vs. The Miz; U.S. title match
WWE Honolulu, HI: Nakamura vs. Kevin Owens; Ambrose vs. Styles vs. Jericho vs. Rollins
Two charged in Ryan Jimmo hit and run homicide
WWE Smackdown spoilers: Dean Ambrose vs. Miz in a champion vs. champion match
TNA Impact Wrestling results: World Champ Lashley vs. EC3 vs. Galloway
The 10th annual Wrestling Observer/F4W convention in Las Vegas takes place during UFC’s International Fight Week from July 7 – 11. Ed in San Antonio has information on Facebook, or you can email him at [email protected]. It’s always a fun time, so hurry up and make your plans to join Dave Meltzer, Bryan Alvarez, Vinny, Granny, Ed, Peach, Dez, Dr. Lucha, Rodney, Sr. Jaialai, “Filthy” Tom, and the rest of the group in beautiful Las Vegas this July. Plus… some extra secret surprises.
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Figure Four Weekly
READ IT HERE: Figure Four Weekly 6/27/2016: WWE concussion lawsuit update, more – The latest information in WWE’s concussion lawsuit.
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Wrestling Observer Newsletter
READ IT HERE: July 4, 2016 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: NJPW G1 tournament preview, Ali vs. Inoki anniversary, more – A preview of NJPW’s G1 tournament, notes on the anniversary of Ali vs. Inoki, plus tons more.
It’s a double issue week featuring a look back 40 years at what was the biggest undertaking up to that point in pro wrestling history, and Inoki vs. Ali match, how it came together, what happened that night, coverage of the upcoming G-1 Climax tournament, coverage of Ultima Lucha 3 and details on where the company stands, full coverage of the WWE cruiserweight classic, ROH Best in the World coverage as well as a look at those coming and going from the promotion, the death of Ryan Jimmo, the life and times of Gypsy Joe, and far more about the fallout of the Roman Reigns suspension.
The lead story details this years G-1 tournament including what will air in English, newcomers to the tournament, some interesting political news regarding who is and isn’t in it, as well as a complete lineup for every show.
This issue looks at the background of Ali vs. Inoki, the first time boxer vs. wrestler with major stars came close to happening, boxing champions who did wrestling and wrestlers who faced boxers including involving one of the all-time greats, Thesz vs. Marciano talk, and the two best known mixed matches prior to Ali vs. Inoki in the U.S.
There is also a look at Japanese pro wrestling in the 70s and how that led to the match, the business of Billy Robinson involving Inoki vs. Baba, how Inoki was being marketed, and the attempts to put together Ali vs. Bruno Sammartino and how that led to this.
The goals of Ali vs. Inoki for the New Japan side, the pro wrestling angles, just how big the match was why the match wasn’t a work, where Ali’s career stood at the time, media coverage, how the terrible rules were the reason the fight, Sammartino’s broken neck and return, Stan Hansen becoming a superstar in Japan, and why Ali vs. Inoki was not a success in much of the U.S, and much more in this issue of the Wrestling Observer.
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Wrestling Observer Newsletter BACK ISSUE
READ IT HERE: May 24, 1999 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: ECW Hardcore Heaven/WWF No Mercy – Amidst rumors flying everywhere of the possible demise of the company and others who are talking that the company is a short period away from growing bigger than ever, the ECW Hardcore Heaven PPV came off like a show that was a bridge for the company to something new, but when it was over, there were still no answers over whether what is new is good news or bad news… Current subscribers click here to continue reading.
THURSDAY NEWS UPDATE
– Famed MMA trainer Firas Zahabi has a very interesting and detailed look at Lesnar vs. Mark Hunt.
– AdWeek has a story on the 30 Most Powerful Women in sports. Both Stephanie McMahon and Ronda Rousey made the cut. I’m not making that up.
– Dwayne Johnson will be getting a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in a ceremony that will take place in 2017.
– New names announced for PWG’s Battle of Los Angeles include Ricochet, Matt Riddle, Chris Hero, and Mark Andrews.
– Chris Jericho talks about the Jericho Network, which debuts on 7/7 on PodcastOne. Konnan will have a regular show and the plans are 10-12 shows per month. His goal is to have six strong shows and six shows that will be given a chance to make it. He said it won’t affect his show and he’s not going to be a guest on the other shows. Konnan will be a regular as noted yesterday.
WWE
The Sling TV service will be adding USA Network, which means Raw and Smackdown live for cord-cutters who use that service.
Bret Hart talks everything in wrestling.
A Stephanie McMahon interview is here.
There is an online presale for the 8/29 RAW show from Houston with the code HOUSTON. The presale ends at 10 p.m. tonight.
UFC
The 2016 UFC Hall of Fame Ceremony will be at the Fan Expo at the Las Vegas Convention Center at Noon on 7/10.
UFC and Topps announced a digital trading card app Topps UFC Knockout 16, which debuted today on download for free at selectiOS and Android devices via the Apple App Store and Google Play.
UFC 202 continues to get packed up as Cody Garbrandt vs. Takeya Mizugaki has been added the the 8/20 show in Las Vegas. I was hopeful for Garbrandt to get a higher ranked guy next. Tim Means vs. Sean Strickland was also added.
Erick Koch vs. Drew Dober has been added to the 9/10 UFC 203 show in Cleveland.
Hank Hill with a UFC 200 TV commercial is running here.
More events next week in Las Vegas regarding International Fight Week:
On 7/6 from 6-8 p.m., Megan Olivi will host a Lip Sync Challenge at Lagasse’s Stadium at The Palazzo with Stipe Miocic, Bruce Buffer, Arianny Celeste, Rashad Evans and Uriah Hall. Tickets are at Ticketmaster.
On 7/7 from 9:30 p.m. to Noon there will be a TopGolf Challenge at TopGolf Las Vegas at the MGM Grand Hotel with Stipe Miocic, Carly Baker, Kahili Blundel, Donald Cerrone, Urijah Faber, Max Holloway, Luke Rockhold and Stephen Thompson.
On 7/9 from 6-8 a.m. will be a 5K race starting at The Green at Town Square with Forrest Griffin as MC plus appearances by Dennis Bermudez, Donald Cerrone, John Dodson, Matt Hughes, Raquel Pennington, Kenda Perez, Ben Rothwell, Ovince Saint Preux and Aljamain Sterling. Running will be Luciana Andrade, Carly Baker, Dan Hardy and Tecia Torres.
There will be a UFC 200 viewing party at the Green Valley Ranch Resort at 2300 Paseo Verde Parkway from 6 p.m. on with John Dodson, Neil Magny, Yair Rodriguez and Dustin Poirier. There will also be a viewing party at the Red Rock Casino with Dennis Bermudez, Kenda Perez, Ben Rothwell, Aljamain Sterling and Ovince Saint Preux, and at the El Cortez Hotel and Casino with Jeremy Stephens and Stephen Thompson.
MISCELLANEOUS
Ken Patera has been added to the Tragos/Thesz Hall of fame weekend list of people attending. He will be at an autograph signing at 2 p.m.on 7/23 at the Dan Gable Museum. Others scheduled include Brian Blair, Baron Von Raschke, Bob Backlund, Bill Murdoch, Chael Sonnen, Charlie Thesz, Dan Gable, me, George Schire, Gerald Brisco, Greg Oliver, Iron Sheik, Jason Sanderson, JJ Dillon, Larry Hennig, Magnum T.A., Ricochet, Rob Schaumberger, Stan Kowalski, Steve Johnson, Terry Funk Tessa Blanchard, Tully Blanchard, Wade Keller, Wes Brisco and Big E.
Dutch Mantell can be booked at [email protected].
In Your Face Wrestling on 7/16 in Albany, NY at the Polish Community Center with Sluck Wagner Brown vs. Cloudy plus Lu Fisto.
Some early guest names listed for WrestleCon in Orlando for WrestleManai week, besides Jimmy Snuka, include Vader, Robert Fuller, The Godwinns, Katie Lee Burchill, Godfather, Madusa, Tito Santana, Paul Orndorff, Greg Valentine, Perry Saturn, Hornswoggle, Jim Mitchell, Hillbilly Jim, Boogeyman, Lanny Poffo, Outback Jack, Headbangers, Jillian Hall and Barry Horowitz.
House of Hardcore on 8/6 in Pasadena, TX at the Convention Center is headlined by Tommy Dreamer & Mickie James vs. Pepper Parks & Cherry Bomb (Braxton Sutter & Allie in TNA) in a Texas death match, Lance Hoyt vs. Billy Gunn, plus Moose, Carlito, Vickie Guerrero, Thea Trinidad, Sandman, MVP and Tony Nese.
All Pro Wrestling is part of the Fit of Mind Freedom Festival on 7/9 at the Palace of Fine Arts in San Fracisco. Activities take place from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and also include a heath Fair, live music and Yoga & Fitness.
Smash Wrestling on 8/21 in Pickering, ONT at the Recreational Complex with Mark Haskins from the U.K. vs. Tarik for the Smash title. They also run 7/9 in Fort Erie at the Naive Friendship Centre, and 7/30 in Oshawa, ONT at the Music Hall.
CMLL on Monday in Puebla before a packed house: Malayo & Sauron b Centella Roja & Rey Samuray, Black Tiger & Hombre Bala Jr. & Oro Jr. b Ares & King Jaguar & Policeman, Estrellita & Marcela & Skadi b Amapola & Comandante & Zeuxis, Misterioso Jr. & Pierroth & Sagrado b Fuego & Paris & Triton, Johnny Idol & Mistico & Stuka Jr. b Tama Tonga & Tanga Roa & Rey Escorpion-DQ, Rush b Volador Jr. after Pierroth gave Volador a low blow when Rey Escorpion distracted ref Tirantes. Rey Escorpion then accepted Rush’s invitation to join Los Ingobernables.
Michael Carpenter at [email protected] is looking for a copy of the ROH TV show that aired last night on Comet TV.
Kurt Brown talks early Lucha Libre shows with Francisco Aguayo.
Trailer for the movie “Vigilante Dairies” with Rampage Jackson here.
Evolve will be presenting matches involving people in the Cruiserweight Classic. Among the bouts will be:
7/16 in Queens, NY: Johnny Gargano vs. Cedric Alexander, Zack Sabre Jr. vs. TJ Perkins, Drew Galloway vs. Drew Gulak, Timothy Thatcher vs. Marty Scurll for Evolve title
7/17 in Melrose, MA: Tommaso Ciampa vs. Cedric Alexander, Drew Galloway vs. Johnny Gargano, Timothy Thatcher vs. TJ Perkins for Evolve title
8/19 in Joppa, MD: Drew Gulak vs. Tony Nese, TJ Perkins vs. Cedric Alexander, Timothy Thatcher vs. Matt Riddle for Evolve title no holds barred, Cody Rhodes vs. Johnny Gargano
8/20 in Brooklyn, NY: Zack Sabre Jr. vs. Cedric Alexander, Timothy Thatcher vs. Drew Gulak for Evolve title, Matt Riddle vs. Tommy End
TODAY IN PROFESSIONAL WRESTLING HISTORY: Daily Pro Wrestling History (06/30): Buddy Rogers wins NWA Title; CM Punk wins WWE World Championship
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