TWO CAN’T MISS F4WONLINE.COM RADIO SHOWS
In case you missed it Jim Ross is returning to commentating. This time for NJPW on AXS TV. Earlier today we posted a FREE WRESTLING OBSERVER RADIO where Jim Ross talks with Dave Meltzer and Bryan Alvarez about the new job and more!
Also, Dave Meltzer and Bryan Alvarez talk the Wrestling Observer Awards on last night’s Wrestling Observer Radio
A big weekend coming up with the Royal Rumble on Sunday. The final TV show leading to the Rumble is Smackdown tonight on USA with:
Usos & Dolph Ziggler vs. Big E & Kofi Kingston & Xavier Woods
Becky Lynch vs. Alicia Fox
Ryback vs. Bray Wyatt
Titus O’Neil vs. Stardust
Roman Reigns vs. Sheamus & Rusev & King Barrett & Alberto Del Rio in a 1 vs. 4 match
NEW JAPAN FANTASTICA MANIA IS LIVE ON NEW JAPAN WORLD TONIGHT/TOMORROW MORNING AT 5:30 A.M. EASTERN AND 2:30 A.M. PACIFIC FROM KORAKUEN HALL IN TOKYO
Fuego & Stuka Jr. vs. Sho Tanaka & Yohei Komatsu
David Finlay & Jushin Liger & Kushida & The Panther & Guerrero Maya Jr. vs. Gedo & Yoshi-Hashi & Bobby Zavala & Okumura & Hechicero
Tetsuya Naito & Evil vs. Atlantis & Juice Robinson
Barbaro Cavernario vs. Titan for Mexican national welterweight title
Bushi vs. Mascara Dorada for CMLL welterweight title
Hiroshi Tanahashi & Dragon Lee & Ryusuke Taguchi vs. Shinsuke Nakamura & Kazuchika Okada & Virus
Mistico & Volador Jr. vs. Ultimo Guerrero & Mephisto
This is the first of three straight nights of Fantastica Mania shows on New Japan World.
If you’ve ever wanted to WATCH our radio shows here on the site, check out our new Youtube page! No full video shows, but lots of video clips, full free audio shows that you can tell your friends about, and much more to come! Make sure you subscribe today!
Figure Four Weekly
Figure Four Weekly 1/18/2016: Gawker’s motion to dismiss Hulk Hogan lawsuit denied
Gawker’s motion to dismiss the Hulk Hogan sex tape lawsuit is denied, plus news and notes
Wrestling Observer Newsletter
The Latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter: January 25, 2016 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: 2015 Observer Awards Issue
The 2015 Observer awards issue, the traditional biggest issue of the year,is up on the web site now. The issue not only has the awards winners in more than 40 different categories, but all the top place winners, as well as a history with all the awards winners dating back to 1980, as well as my comments on the placings for many of the awards.
The categories are:
Lou Thesz/Ric Flair Award (Wrestler of the Year), MMA MVP, Most Outstanding Wrestler, Most Outstanding MMA Fighter, Best Box Office Draw, Feud of the Year, Tag Team of the Year, Most Improved, Best on Interviews, Most Charismatic, Best Technical Wrestler, Bruiser Brody Memorial Award (Best Brawler), Best Flying Wrestler, Most Overrated, Most Underrated, Promotion of the Year, Best Weekly TV show, Pro Wrestling Match of the Year, MMA Match of the Year, Rookie of the Year, Best Non-Wrestler, Best Television Announcer, Worst Television Announcer, Best Major Wrestling show, Worst Major Wrestling Show, Best Wrestling Maneuver, Most Disgusting Promotional Tactic, Worst Television Show, Worst Match of the Year, Worst Feud of the Year, Worst Promotion of the Year, Best Booker, Promoter of the Year, Best Gimmick, Worst Gimmick, Best Pro Wrestling Book and Best Pro Wrestling DVD
Update on the Royal Rumble and Rumble weekend, full coverage of Dominick Cruz’s UFC bantamweight title win and the records set on Sunday’s show and details on the New Japan/Jim Ross announcing deal as well as a look at how this came about and Jim Ross’ overall career.
2017 WrestleMania, how Smackdown has affected overall ratings for the USA Network, update on A.J. Styles with WWE, WWE injury updates, Daniel Bryan update, more on Mauro Ranallo and Smackdown, Chris Jericho talks his return, new season of Total Divas, How talent is broken down in NXT, the heat on Josh from Tough Enough, new dates for Brock Lesnar, plus notes from the big NXT tour and all the shows, the NXT Florida shows, as well as the WWE shows in India and the WWE weekend domestic shows and all the business notes.
PLUS MUCH MORE! CLICK HERE FOR A FULL WRESTLING OBSERVER PREVIEW
You can also order the print Observer right now and get it delivered to your door via mail, by sending your name, address, Visa or Master Card number and an expiration date to Dave Meltzer
You can also order print issues at www.paypal.com directing funds to [email protected]
Rates are:
For the United States, it is $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 get one free classic issue of your choice sent to you today. With a 40 issue subscription, you can get two free classic issues sent to you today.
Click here for the most requested Wrestling Observer back issues.
Check out the latest Online Wrestling Observer BACK ISSUE: Dec 14, 1998 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: 2 biographies in the works about Jesse Ventura
NBC and ABC working on biographies on Jesse Ventura, a look at the end of year events for New Japan and All Japan, plus tons of news and notes.
THURSDAY NEWS UPDATE
Ronda Rousey hosts Saturday Night Live this weekend. Some sketches previewing the appearance.
The PBC is working with NextVR to bring Virtual Reality to its live show on FOX on Saturday night at 8 p.m. The show is headlined by Danny Garcia (31-0, 18 KOs) vs. Robert Guerrero (33-3-1, 18 KOs).
Owner Andy Quildan hints at Revolution Pro talent going to New Japan in 2016
Click Here: Geelong Cats Guernsey
WWE
In case you missed it in yesterday’s update our own David Bixenspan has a great article on Big Show’s attempt to become a heavyweight boxer.
Roman Reigns talks the Royal Rumble
Becky Lynch interview for a house show in Fort Myers, FL
WWE stock closed down 58 cents per share today, to $15.95. Most of the stock market is taking it on the chin these days so it’s more of a sign of the economy at large than anything negative on WWE in particular.
There was a question on the radio show regarding whether talent can leave WWE events after their match but before the show is over. Unless you are a top guy, the answer is no.
WWE announced Premium VIP autograph signing schedules at Fan Axxess for WrestleMania
4/1 at 7 p.m. – Sting
4/2 at 10 a.m. – Roman Reigns
4/2 at 3 p.m. – Undertaker
4/3 at 8 a.m. – Seth Rollins
Regular VIP signings
3/31 at 6 p.m. – Dean Ambrose
3/31 at 8 p.m. – Ric Flair & Charlotte
4/1 at 5 p.m. – Chris Jericho
4/2 at 8 a.m. – Superstar Billy Graham
4/2 at 1 p.m. – Alberto Del Rio and Dudleys
4/2 at 6 p.m. – Kevin Owens
4/2 at 8 p.m. – Bray Wyatt
4/3 at 10 a.m. – Randy Orton
UFC
C.M. Punk is doing media work for UFC before the 2/5 PPV where Mickey Gall, his expected first opponent (provided he wins) makes his debut on the Fight Pass portion of the show against Mike Jackson. Punk will be ringside for the fight.
Punk talks to Kevin Iole
Jim Miller vs. Diego Sanchez will be the Fight Pass main event for the 3/5 PPV show in Las Vegas, another example of UFC adding a name value match to the pre-TV prelims.
Tickets go on sale tomorrow at 10 a.m for the UFC’s 2/21 show in Pittsburgh at the Consol Energy Center on FS 1. The top three matches are Donald Cerrone vs. Tim Means at welterweight, Derek Brunson vs. Roan Carneiro and John Lineker vs. Cody Garbrandt. Tickets are priced from $185 down to $50.
The UFC, through Senior Vice President and General Manager of Europe, Middle East and Asia James Elliott, announced a partnership with the British Wrestling Association (that’s amateur wrestling).
Ronda Rousey’s coach, Edmond Tarverdyan, had his corner license revoked. Greg Savage of Sherdog reported that Andy Foster, the CSAC Executive Director, said it was due to falsifying information on his application. He is appealing the decision at the 2/2 commission meeting in Los Angeles.
Marcin Tybura, who is 13-1 and a former M-1 Challenge heavyweight champion, has signed with UFC.
World Series of Fighting on 2/20 in Garden Grove, CA at the Next Level Sports Complex live on NBC Sports Network at 9 p.m. Eastern headlined by Marlon Moraes defending his bantamweight title against Joseph Barajas. Tickets are on sale now at www.WSOF.com
MISCELLANEOUS
The New York Times talks Gawker selling off a minority stake in its company prior to the Hulk Hogan lawsuit going to trial
Adam Copeland (Edge) will be on the 15th edition of CBC’s Battle of the Books in late March, talking about Minister Without Portfolio by Michael Winter.
Superstar Seminars on 3/11 at the GXW wrestling school in Richmond, VA featuring Jake Roberts, talking about pro wrestling performance, psychology, promos and character development. Roberts will be assisted by Mickie James and Nick Aldis. Everyone at the seminar will also get free admission to Roberts’ talk show at The Beach House Bar and Grill i Glen Allen, VA that night. For more info you can e-mail [email protected]
Northeast Wrestling is doing a seminar with Jim Cornette on 3/6 from Noon to 3 p.m. at the Northeast Wrestling training center located at Platinum Fitness in Danbury, CT. Experienced wrestlers or current wrestling students only, must be 18 years of age. It’s limited to 30 students who will work a match, do promos and be evaluated by Cornette and owner Michael Lombardi. These double as tryouts for the promotion Spots are $50. For more info call 914-805-6187 or e-mail [email protected]
NEW Wrestlefest takes place on 3/4 in Newburgh, NY at the NFA High School with Rey Mysterio, Jerry Lawler, Mick Foley, Matt Hardy, Mandy Leon, Terry Funk and Jim Cornette appearing.
CZW and WSU return for a doubleheader on 2/13 in Voorhees, NJ at Flyers Skate Zone, featuring an iPPV for the 7:30 p.m. show. The afternoon show will have Leva “Blue Pants”
Bates vs. Hania the Huntress and Lufisto vs. Jessicka Havok. The evening show has Matt Tremont vs. Devon Moore in a ladder match and Lio Rush vs. Joey Janela in 2/3 falls.
West Coast Fighting Championships on Saturday night in Sacramento at the McCellan Conference Center headlined by a match for the King of Sacrament with Max Griffin vs. David Mitchell at 175 pounds, in a five round fight.
Battlewar on 2/14 in Montreal at Les Foufounes Electriques with all seats $5.
Results from Saturday night in Toronto in the Smash vs. CZW show: Gulak b Tarik, Overdogs b DUB Boys, Courtney Rush b Kimber Lee, D.J. Hyde b Scotty O’Shea, Lio Rush b Kevin Bennett, Jon Gresham b Tyson Dux, Super Smash Brothers & Brent Banks b TV Ready Machines, Johnny Gargano b Sami Callihan to win the Smash title.
House of Hardcore on 4/16 at the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia has Tommy Dreamer, Rhino, Brian Cage, Sami Callihan and Billy Gunn. There will also be an Icons of Pro Wrestling convention from9 a.m. to 3 p.m. that will have Shawn Michaels, Tommy Dreamer, Ricky Steamboat, Stan Hansen, Outlaw Ron Bass, Abyss, Billy Gunn, Bill Apter, Justin Credible, Brian Cage, Domino, Kevin Thorn, Maven, Jeannie Clarke, Curt Hawkins, Amber Gallows, Danny Cage, Blue Meanie, Davey Richards, Eddie Edwards, Sabu, Melissa Coates, Little Guido, Marty Jannetty, Rhino, Sami Callihan and Mil Mascaras.
Hoosier Pro Wrestling on 2/6 in Columbus, IN at the 4-H Fairgrounds with Flash Flanagan vs. Timmy Danger in a strap match.
There will be the annual National Pro Wrestling Day free show on 2/6 in Reading, PA at the Goodwill Beneficial Association, featuring Kimber Lee vs. Mickie James.
NWA Smoky Mountain Wrestling no 2/13 in Kingsport, TN at the Civic Auditorium headlined by Jason Kincaid defending his Southeastern title against Vince Brent.
Tommy Dreamer vs. Robbie E headlines for Gold Rush on 4/30 in Timmins, ONT.
Acclaim Pro Wrestling on 3/5 in Ottawa, ONT at the Dom Polski Polish Combatants Centre featuring new TNA wrestler Courtney Rush.
ECWA on Saturday night in Woodbury Heights, NJ at the Woodbury Heights Community Center headlined by Sean Carr vs. Breaker Morant. Deonna Purrazzo is also wrestling on the show.
WAR Wrestling on 1/30 in Lima, OH at the UAW Hall with a wrestling show and a Hall of Famer induction ceremony for Great Wojo, Dr. Jerry Graham Jr., Tarek the Great, Brian Beach, Stamp Lickage, Dexter Dementia and Malcom Monroe.
IWF on 4/16 in Nutley, NJ at the Rec Center headlined by Tito Santana and Kevin Knight.
Busted Knuckle Pro Wrestling on 2/13 in Niagara Falls, ONT at 6101 North St.
Marvelous Puroresu is having a tryout on 2/12 for talent to appear on their show the next day. They are also looking for talent to work in the U.S. and Japan. The tryout is at 5 p.m. at the House of Glory school at 564 Woodward Ave., in Ridgewood, NY 1385. For more info you can e-mail MarvelousPuroresuUSA@@gmail.com The cost will be $40 and bring an 8×10 photo and wrestling gear. Referees are also welcome.
Latin Thunder talks trainer Scandor Akbar
ON THIS DAY IN WORLD PRO WRESTLING HISTORY: Daily pro wrestling history (1/21): Crusher/Dick the Bruiser win WWA Tag Team Titles