Month: July 2020

An argument for killing the Smackdown brand

access_timePosted on by BLOGGERPARUNG

Instead of fantasy drafting the new SmackDown exclusive roster in a month, I want to propose something different: get rid of the SmackDown brand instead.

Put it in a sleeper and never let go. Let it rest in peace. It’s a tainted brand that relatively nobody watches because it’s a pointless program. Nothing important happens on the show and if it does, we see it on the following Monday’s Raw anyway. SmackDown is like my car. They’re both from the late 90s and they’re both piles of junk, and a shiny new paint job isn’t going to change that.

RIP SmackDown

Seriously though, it’s time to lay the smackdown on SmackDown! Even the name is outdated. It’s not even a word people say anymore, or ever, unless you’re The Rock. The show is in a similar boat to TNA. I stopped watching TNA forever ago, but I still check in with what’s going on there once in awhile. It sounds, for the most part, like the wrestling on the show is pretty solid, and there are some pretty great guys and girls on the dwindling roster. But, that’s not enough these days.

Am I going to start tuning in again when I’ve got NJPW World and Lucha Underground to watch? Like the team of Kane and Daniel Bryan, hell no.  When I think of TNA and SmackDown, I’m reminded of all the awful mistakes that have been made by the former, and the utter meaninglessness of the latter. So instead of trying to revitalise something that, in my opinion, can’t be revitalised, why not create something new?

Sure, going live and the brand split will probably increase interest in SD initially, but in the end it’s still SmackDown. No matter which stars it gets, or how great the wrestling is, SmackDown will always be the B show. Wrestling fans today are flooded with product which is more accessible than ever. There are streaming services from Japan, the UK, and the US, plus iPPVs and PPVs from around the world. There’s the hybrid wrestling/telenovela Lucha Underground. There’s even WWE’s own NXT. With so much high quality wrestling from around the world available at our fingertips, there’s no longer room, or time, for B shows.

NXT Large

Like Triple H has done with his baby, NXT, WWE needs to create a hot, new product, not relaunch an old, tarnished one. Basically, just make another NXT, but without the developmental aspect. I know I’m drastically oversimplifying, but really, wouldn’t that be more exciting? A new show with new talent derived from NXT and new signees from around the world? I would be way the heck more into that. New titles, new divisions. Sounds pretty darn awesome to me.

Rather than a brand split, create a completely new brand with a new roster.

I don’t want really to see the same, tired old faces from Raw move to SmackDown (with exceptions like AJ Styles, Cesaro, Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn. I want to see their faces all of the time). It’s been done before. Imagine instead a new show featuring Shinsuke Nakamura, Samoa Joe, Andrade Almas, Finn Balor, American Alpha…oh wait, that’s NXT. Obviously a new brand will need more names than that. NXT talent will need to be brought up, and WWE, as they are already doing, will need to continue poaching talent from the indies and international promotions. With enough new names mixed in with a minimal amount of established Raw stars, WWE could have a grown up version of NXT.

Following the NXT model even further, instead of going with monthly Network specials for both brands as is rumoured to be the plan, the new brand could hold specials more sporadically like every two or three months similiar to the TakeOver shows. Two live weekly shows, NXT, and monthly PPVs is already beyond profusion. NXT Takeover events are the hottest (WWE) ticket in town. And not only because they’re built to exceptionally well with focused weekly programming, but also because we don’t get them as often as regular WWE PPvs, so it feels like a treat when they come around.

WWE’s special events should be met with excitement and anticipation, not dread as it means another three hours on top of seven or eight thousand hours of weekly WWE programming I’m already watching. In short, more is less.

A new show also means new titles and new divisions, but not everything has to be new. One division that’s been missing from WWE for far too long, a division that made me fall in love with wrestling again after growing out of it as a child, is the cruiserweights. WWE is bringing cruiserweight wrestling back with the upcoming Cruiserweight Classic tournament, but that looks to be just a one off thing for now. Sign the best guys from the tourney, and add current smaller wrestlers who are doing very little, like Tyler Breeze, and you’ve got yourself a cruiserweight division.

New faces, a new division: perfect for a debuting program on Tuesday nights. Or, you could just move the US or IC title to the show. Nothing says, “I’m going places” like being the Intercontinental champion. Isn’t that right, every IC champion of the last five years? Ezekiel Jackson and Curtis Axel know what I’m talking about (Does Curtis still have a job, btw? Is he the new JTG?).

Monday (and Tuesday) Night War

There is another option, one that I’m personally not really keen on, but WWE would probably love because it involves zero creativity. Instead of saving SmackDown (a task beyond even Y2J’s supreme saving abilities), WWE could relaunch WCW Nitro, or just Nitro, minus the WCW part. It’s more or less the same idea as earlier: new faces, new show, except with Nitro, WWE might be able to bring back some old fans by playing the nostalgia card. If done right, it could be good, but the idea just brings back memories of WWE’s version of ECW, which was a shell of its original self.

But the idea of Nitro does bring up something important: competition. Since Nitro died, Raw has had no real major competition in the US. Lucha Underground is awesome, but it’s not competition. TNA could have been, but isn’t. The closest thing WWE has to competition is its own developmental show. A new live program with its own roster and creative team could bring out the best in everyone.

It might even cause WWE to put in a bit of effort when it comes to details with the whole Kevin Owens/Alberto Del Rio delayed flight debacle on Raw as a prime example. If both shows are competing for higher ratings and for Vince McMahon’s approval, everyone involved will (ideally) work harder. In the words of one of cinema’s greatest characters, Ricky Bobby, “If you ain’t first, you’re last.”

To recap, SmackDown isn’t worth rebooting, and instead should be given the (big) boot. It will forever have the vile stench of the B show, which has no place in today’s overcrowded, high quality wrestling market. Alternatively, debut a new program, an NXT Plus if you will, by copying the things that work in NXT, like signing major international stars and having periodic special events. Create new titles and new divisions rather than just bringing over degraded titles like the US and IC championships. Call up current NXT talent like Nakamura, Asuka, Balor, and Joe, and only bring over a minimal number of Raw stars. And finally, incite competition between Raw and the new program with separate rosters and creative teams, which may in turn cause WWE to pay a bit more attention to their own product.

Easier said than done, I’m sure. It would probably cost WWE a pretty penny, but I’m guessing just going live with SmackDown will do that anyway. Who am I, WWE’s accountant? What do I care? I’m just a wrestling viewer with more options than I have time. Do you think I’m going to suddenly start watching the B show because it’ll have a unique roster for a few months until Vince loses interest? You know what, I probably will. But what I’d prefer to see is a fresh new show with none of SmackDown’s dirty history. A new show for the, hold on, wait for it, New Era. 

UFC Fight Night 90 DFS Playbook: value picks, who to avoid

access_timePosted on by BLOGGERPARUNG

It is UFC International Fight Week in Las Vegas, Nevada and Thursday night brings us UFC Fight Night 90, the first of three straight nights of action inside the Octagon.

This event will be headlined by a UFC Lightweight Championship bout as champion Rafael Dos Anjos defends against challenger Eddie Alvarez.

Below are our studs, value plays and fighters to avoid when setting your fantasy lineups for Thursday night’s event.

STUDS

Joseph Duffy ($11,100)

Joseph Duffy is coming off a loss to Dustin Poirier in which he was completely outclassed, so he takes a big step backwards in taking on Mitch Clarke on Thursday.

Clarke will be fighting for the first time since losing to Michael Chiesa in April 2015. The 2-3 Clarke appears to be a rebound fight for Duffy, who is 14-2 in his career and was ranked in the top 15 prior losing against Poirier.

Duffy is a finisher and 13 of his 14 wins have come by stoppage. Clarke has only been finished once in his career, but he doesn’t have the same skillset that Duffy does. Duffy is a strong striker, has excellent submissions and good grappling. Clarke is a good grappler as well, but loses this match-up on foot.

Duffy has the highest salary of all the fighters on the card, but is still a good investment. I expect him to win big on Thursday.

Gilbert Burns ($10,800)

Gilbert Burns is looking to bounce back from his first career loss when he fights Lukasz Sajewski on the card’s prelims Thursday night. Burns had won the first 11 fights of his career before dropping a decision to Rashid Magomedov in November.

That loss is nothing for Burns to hang his head about as Magomedov is 19-1 in his career, but it showed some holes that Burns needs to fill to get back on track inside the Octagon.

At his best, Burns is arguably the lightweight division’s best submission artist and has the strongest grappling chops. He has scored 10 of his 11 wins by finish, with seven wins by submission. He also trains with a strong camp in the Blackzilians.

He is a strong favorite over Sajewski, who also lost for the first time in his career when he made his UFC debut in his last fight. Sajewski hasn’t fought the level of competition that Burns has. And if Burns can avoid the slow start that has often plagued him, he should be able to end this quickly. I feel confident in having him as a stud play.

VALUE PLAYS

Eddie Alvarez ($8,600)

Eddie Alvarez is looking to make history when he challenges Rafael Dos Anjos for the UFC Lightweight Championship in the main event of UFC Fight Night 90. And he is also looking to become the first fighter to hold championship gold in both the UFC and Bellator promotions.

He gets his title shot against Dos Anjos on the heels of wins over former champions in Anthony Pettis and Gilbert Melendez. Alvarez has just two losses in the last eight years, coming to Michael Chandler and Donald Cerrone, so he presents a real challenge in this fight.

Dos Anjos has looked like a killer the last several years and is the rightful champion at 155 pounds. He finished Cerrone quickly in his last fight, but is coming off an injury and no one knows what he will look like in this new era of the UFC.

I actually like Alvarez to score an upset as this fight goes the distance and the extra time allows for more point scoring opportunities. He is a risk, but I find a lot of value in Alvarez.

Alvaro Herrera ($8,500)

Alvaro Herrera is another interesting fighter with a low salary who has a lot of value on Thursday night’s card. He is coming off a 30-second knockout win in his UFC debut in November, which was his first fight in over three years.

He gets back to action against Vicente Luque in the opening bout of Thursday’s card, and Luque is looking to score his second straight win.

Luque has been inconsistent in his career, winning just eight times in 14 career bouts. He is tough to finish, having only been finished twice in his five losses. But Luque has finished opponents in seven of his eight wins, including in his last bout against Hayder Hassan in December. Herrera has scored finishes in eight of his nine wins, but has also been finished in all three of his losses.

This fight is primed for a finish, and I see Herrera’s punching power being the difference. His salary is worth a good amount of value.

FIGHTERS TO AVOID

Anthony Birchak ($10,700)

Anthony Birchak has one of the highest salaries on the card, and I don’t think he’s worth that high price.

Birchak is just 1-2 inside the UFC Octagon, and all three of his fights have ended in the first round. He has suffered a submission loss to Ian Entwistle and a knockout loss to Thomas Almeida, and scored a knockout win over Joe Soto in betweeen those losses. Birchak does have 10 wins by finish, but he has been finished in all three of his losses.

I do like him to get the win over Dileno Lopes on Thursday, but I’m not all that confident in him winning by stoppage. I see him going the distance and getting a decision over Lopes. With his high salary, you have to expect a finish if you have him on your team. Birchak is an easy avoid for me.

Russell Doane ($9,000)

Russell Doane is another fighter that should be avoided on Thursday night’s card.

He hasn’t fought in almost a year and is coming in riding a two-fight losing skid. His last three fights have gone the distance and he hasn’t looked overly impressive in those bouts.

He gets a tough match-up against Pedro Munhoz, who has been one of the top prospects in the bantamweight division, but has struggled against tougher competition.

Doane doesn’t land a lot of strikes in his fights, but he is good at takedowns. Munhoz has good takedown defense and is the more well-rounded fighter. And I see that being the difference with him taking a decision. Avoid Doane as I feel he will be fighting a losing battle on Thursday.

OUR LINE-UPS

RYAN FREDERICK- Joseph Duffy ($11,100), Gilbert Burns ($10,800), Derrick Lewis ($9,600), Alberto Mina ($9,500), Eddie Alvarez ($8,600)

I like Joseph Duffy as my top play on the card and I see him having no troubles against Mitch Clarke. I’m expecting him to end it by at least the end of the second round, and probably even in the first.

I also like Gilbert Burns to bounce back and get a stoppage win, likely by submission as his ground game is so good.

I have Derrick Lewis on my team as well. He has the size and power edge over Roy Nelson, and I think he can knock Nelson out. Alberto Mina is undefeated with 11 stoppage wins, and is facing Mike Pyle who is nearing the end of his career. I can see Mina knocking Pyle out early in their fight.

The last fighter on my team is Eddie Alvarez. I believe he will end Thursday night as the new UFC Lightweight Champion, and that it will go the distance, which gives him more chances to score points.

PAUL FONTAINE- Vicente Luque ($10,900), Reginaldo Vieira ($10,200), Roy Nelson ($9,800), Alberto Mina ($9,500), Dileno Lopes ($8,700)

All but one of Luque’s career wins have come by finish and his opponent Alvaro Herrera has been finished in all three of his losses. To me, that’s a recipe for some bonus points for Luque.

Vieira was the TUF Brazil season 4 champion and he beat a guy I also have on my team in his official UFC debut. That win was the first time he’d gone to the judges in one of his wins. I see the fight with Marco Beltran being an all-out balls to the wall brawl with Vieira being the last one standing.

Roy Nelson should score a late KO or submission over Derrick Lewis. Nelson is tough to finish and Lewis will probably gas out before getting caught by a shot that drops him.

I’m surprised Alberto Mina is an underdog against the aging Mike Pyle. Mina scored a finish in his UFC debut and then beat a tough vet in Yoshihiro Akiyama in his follow-up. He’s unbeaten and an impressive finish over a another vet like Pyle should move him up the ranks.

My last pick is more a pick against Anthony Birchak than for Dileno Lopes. Birchak has been finished in the first round of two of his last three fights. And Lopes has a KO or sub in eight of his last nine wins. 

PEACH MACHINE- Rafael Dos Anjos ($11,000), Alan Jouban ($10,000), Derrick Lewis ($9,600), Alberto Mina ($9,500), Marco Beltran ($9,200)

I hate this card, but I love Rafael Dos Anjos. He’s really good and will most likely be one of the most dominant champions in UFC history after it’s all said and done.

Nelson is done and Lewis will KO him. I hate Pyle so I’m picking Mina. Jouban is handsome. I just love Carlos Beltran of the NY Yankees and I assume Marco is related. Play this lineup!

Daily Update: UFC's statement on Lesnar, Cody Rhodes, Cro Cop and Silva

access_timePosted on by BLOGGERPARUNG

Here is the official statement from the UFC regarding Brock Lesnar:

“The UFC organization was notified today that the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) has informed Brock Lesnar of a potential Anti-Doping Policy violation stemming from an out-of-competition sample collection on June 28, 2016. USADA received the testing results from the June 28, 2016 sample collection from the WADA-accredited UCLA Olympic Analytical Laboratory on the evening of July 14, 2016.

“USADA, the independent administrator of the UFC Anti-Doping Policy, will handle the results management and appropriate adjudication of this case. It is important to note that, under the UFC Anti-Doping Policy, there is a full fair legal review process that is afforded to all athletes before any sanctions are imposed. The Nevada State Athletic Commission also retains jurisdiction over this matter as the sample collection was performed in close proximity to Lesnar’s bout at UFC 200 in Las Vegas.

“Consistent with all previous potential anti-doping violations, additional information will be provided at the appropriate time as the process moves forward.”

Here is Brock Lesnar’s response: “We will get to the bottom of this.” 

Weekend Schedule

Our only weekend poll will be for Sunday/Monday’s G-1 Climax show from Sapporo, so you can send a thumbs up, down, or in the middle along with best and worst match to [email protected].

TODAY

We’re looking for reports on WWE in Madison Square Garden (Dean Ambrose vs. Seth Rollins vs. Kevin Owens for WWE title, John Cena vs. A.J. Styles, Chris Jericho vs. Neville, New Day vs. Wyatts), Bangor, ME (Miz, Cesaro, Sami Zayn, Big Show, Kane, Vaudevillains, Darren Young, Charlotte, Sasha Banks, Enzo, Cass, Dudleys), NXT in Louisville and Largo, FL and ROH TV tapings in Philadelphia (Jay Lethal vs. Colt Cabana for ROH title, Christopher Daniels & Frankie Kazarian vs. Chris Sabin & Alex Shelley vs. War Machine for tag titles, Donovan Dijak vs. Lio Rush, Stuka Jr. vs. Kamaitachi, Will Ferrera vs. Jay White, Silas Young & Beer City Bruiser vs. Briscoes, plus Bobby Fish, Adam Cole, Young Bucks, Adam Page, Rocky Romero, Baretta, Rhett Titus, Kenny King, Caprice Coleman, Cheeseburger, Jonathan Gresham, B.J. Whitmer, Taeler Hendricks, Veda Scott, Mandy Leon, Jenny rose and Sumie Sakai.

EVOLVE 64 iPPV AT 4 P.M. FROM QUEENS, NY

Timothy Thatcher vs. Marty Scurll for Evolve title
Roderick Strong vs. Matt Riddle
Drew Galloway vs. Drew Gulak
Johnny Gargano vs. Cedric Alexander
Zack Sabre Jr. vs. TJ Perkins
Tracy Williams vs. Tony Nese vs. Fred Yehi vs. Darby Allin

SUNDAY

WWE is in Glens Falls, NY (Dean Ambrose, Seth Rollins, Kevin Owens, John Cena, A.J. Styles, Chris Jericho, Neville, New Day, Wyatts) and Augusta, ME (Miz, Cesaro, Sami Zayn, Big show, Kane, Vaudevillains, Darren Young, Charlotte, Sasha Banks, Enzo, Cass, Dudleys).

EVOLVE 65 iPPV SUNDAY AT 7 P.M. EASTERN FROM MELROSE, MA AT MEMORIAL HALL

Timothy Thatcher vs. TJP for Evolve title
Drew Galloway vs. Johnny Gargano
Zack Sabre Jr. vs. Tony Nese
Tommaso Ciampa vs. Cedric Alexander
Marty Scurll vs. Matt Riddle

MONDAY

G-1 CLIMAX TOURNAMENT OPENING AT 2 A.M. MONDAY EASTERN / 11 P.M. SUNDAY PACIFIC TIME ON NEW JAPAN WORLD

Katsuyori Shibata & Manabu Nakanishi & Jushin Liger & Tiger Mask vs. Tomoaki Honma & Kushida & Ryusuke Taguchi & Captain New Japan
Katsuhiko Nakajima & Toru Yano vs. Juice Robinson & Satoshi Kojima 
Yoshi-Hashi & Gedo vs. Kenny Omega & Yujiro Takahashi
Yuji Nagata & Michael Elgin & David Finlay vs. Tetsuya Naito & Evil & Bushi
Hiroyoshi Tenzan vs. Tomohiro Ishii
Togi Makabe vs. Tama Tonga
Hirooki Goto vs. Bad Luck Fale
Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Seiya Sanada
Kazuchika Okada vs. Naomichi Marufuji

Raw will be in Providence, RI. Dean Ambrose vs. Seth Rollins for the WWE title will headline, plus they will announce the General Managers of Raw and Smackdown.

TUESDAY

The WWE draft and the beginning of split brands takes place from Worcester, MA. 

WEDNESDAY

SUPER J CUP FIRST ROUND AT 5:30 A.M. EASTERN TIME ON NEW JAPAN WORLD FROM KORAKUEN HALL IN TOKYO

Matt Sydal vs. Kaji Tomato
Gurukun Mask vs. Kenou
Yuma Aoyagi vs. Taichi
Jushin Liger vs. Eita
Titan vs. Will Ospreay
Bushi vs. Yoshinobu Kanemaru
Ryusuke Taguchi vs. Daisuke Harada
Kushida vs. Taiji Ishimori

THE ROUND-UP

WWE Bridgeport, CT, live results: Dean Ambrose vs. Seth Rollins vs. AJ Styles 
NXT Highland Heights, KY, live results: Finn Balor vs. Bobby Roode: Nakamura, Samoa Joe 
The Week In British Wrestling: Sabre Jr. and Ospreay impress for RevPro
WWE Cruiserweight Classic puts the sport in sports entertainment
WWE SmackDown results: Dean Ambrose & Sami Zayn vs. Seth Rollins & Kevin Owens 

​If you’ve ever wanted to WATCH our radio shows here on the site, check out our 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

READ IT HERE: Figure Four Weekly 7/4/2016: Jimmy Snuka to appear at Wrestlecon – Jimmy Snuka, who was found too incompetent to stand trial for murder charges, is signing autographs at Wrestlecon 2017.

Subscribers click here to continue reading.

Wrestling Observer Newsletter

READ IT HERE: July 18, 2016 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: UFC sold for 4 billion dollars, UFC 200 review, notes on the WWE draft, more – Details on the sale of UFC for 4 billion dollars, recap of UFC 200, notes on the WWE draft, plus tons more.

The most detailed look at how the UFC got sold and the business ramifications of the sale is the lead story in the new issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Also inside, a look at the Brock Lesnar deal, where things stand going forward with Lesnar, a lot of updated thoughts on the WWE draft, the future of John Cena and notes on how that affects WWE business, Battle of Los Angeles, and coverage of all the UFC shows.  

This issue contains a copy of the letter that all the UFC fighters were sent by management and what they were told about the sale.  

An in depth look at how the original partners came together and the 2001 sale of the UFC to Dana White & The Fertittas, how much money White and the Fertittas probably got in the sale, plus a lot of things about the sale that haven’t gone public yet. There’s also a look at White’s new contract with the company, and the company’s business numbers for 2015.  

Inside, examine how things are likely to change, where Lorenzo Fertitta is likely to go, the new owners and where their money came from, other bidders, and how the deal almost fell through. Plus, take a look at Lorenzo Fertitta & Dana White’s role in the company going forward, how the source of the money to buy the company changed in recent weeks, why they were able to get $4 billion and what rivalry outside sports is key in them increasing revenue.  

Finally, this issue considers where Lesnar stands coming off his win over Mark Hunt, how the deal with Lesnar was first made, a look at a clause in every WWE contract and what it specifically says about MMA, and a look at why C.M. Punk was able to get out of the clause. Plus, take a look at future MMA prospects with Lesnar, how much money he really got from the show, how he changed a lot of the criticism of his career, and why he’s more valuable now than before.  

Subscribers click here to continue reading.

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. 

Wrestling Observer Newsletter BACK ISSUE

READ IT HERE: June 7, 1999 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Fallout from the death of Owen Hart – Details on the funeral of Owen Hart, how the media covered the story, and more.

SATURDAY NEWS UPDATE

WWE & Professional Wrestling

The Baltimore Sun has a Q&A with Rich Swann about his time in WWE and the Cruiserweight Classic.
Cody Rhodes tweeted yesterday, “I own Rhodes. He was with me for my first breath and I was with him for his last. There’s no piece of paper on Earth that takes my name away.” It would seem to suggest that the WWE has tried to prevent him from using the Rhodes name.
New Japan World now has an option to purchase their service via PayPal.

UFC & Mixed Martial Arts

FOX will air a “Road to the Octagon” special for next weekend’s show headlined by Holly Holm vs Valentina Shevchenko today at 5 pm eastern. Main card fighters Gilbert Melendez, Edson Barboza, Felice Herrig and Kailin Curran are also featured in the special.
Mirko “Cro Cop” Filipovic and Wanderlei Silva will be competing in an openweight tournament for RIZIN that starts on September 25th.
Results from RFA 40 Friday night on AXS TV – Former UFC flyweight Chico Camus beat Csar Sklavos via decision in the main event
UFC Fight Pass has two live shows this weekend. Victory FC 52 from Omaha airs tonight at 7 pm eastern with a main event for the group’s welterweight title with Maki Pitolo (7-2) squaring off with Kassius Holdorf (9-2). Former Bellator fighter and regional vet Dakota Cochrane (24-10) takes on Jason Witt (7-2) in the co-main. Shooto Japan airs at 5 AM eastern Sunday morning from Korakuen Hall with a main event of Ryohei Kurosawa (9-1) vs Ryuto Sawada (6-2) for the men’s strawweight title.
Kimbo Slice was posthumously inducted into The Bare Knuckle Boxing Hall of Fame.
Dennis Wright of Boca Raton, Florida has pleaded not guilty in the hit and run death of MMA fighter Jordan Parsons.

Variety

This week on 6:05 Superpodcast with Brian Last and David Bixenspan, Don Laible returns to the show to talk about his friendships with Eddie Gilbert, Killer Kowalski, John Studd, and others, Bob Barnett returns to discuss the ’90s Los Angeles lucha libre scene, the best matches he ever shot, and more, plus Brian and David take listener questions among all the usual fun.
For an episode, Karl Anderson and Luke Gallows brought back their Talk’n Shop podcast with Chris Jericho and AJ Styles as guests on Jericho’s podcast feed.
More has come out on the University of Minnesota drug scandal. This new information involves emails showing that the Athletic Director knew before the police investigation began.

The Summer Slam Events Calendar

TONIGHT – Beyond Wrestling presents “Flesh” – Bell time: 2:30 PM EDT, Melrose Memorial Hall, 590 Main Street, Melrose, MA 02176. Tickets are on sale now.
TONIGHT – EVOLVE 65, Bell time: 7:00PM, Melrose Memorial Hall, 590 Main Street Melrose, MA 02176. Watch on live iPPV in HD, the WWN Roku Channel or the FITE App!
TONIGHT – Lucha by the Water ft Blue Demon Jr! – Harbourfront Centre Theatre, 231 Queens Quay West, Toronto, Ontario M5J 2G8, 3-6 pm. Tickets here.
TONIGHT – Premier Wrestling at the IFDES Lodge and Portuguese Hall in Gilroy, CA with Joe Graves vs. Gabriel Gallo for the Premier. Tickets here.
July 21- TNA IMPACT WRESTLING moves to Thursday nights on Fight Network
July 22 – Ignite Wrestling in Fort Pierce, FL at the National Guard Armory on a show with Lince Dorado, Mr. 450 Hammet, Lio Rush, Martin Stone, Los Ben Dejos, and more
July 22 – AIW runs on 7/22 in Cleveland, OH, with Ethan Page vs. Josh Prohibition vs. Josh Alexander, and Johnny Gargano & Candice LeRae vs. Ethan Carter III & Karlee Perez
July 22 – The Lou Thesz Hall of Fame weekend show in Waterloo, IA, featuring Ricochet vs. Sami Callihan, Wes Brisco, B. Brian Blair, Jessika Havok, Tessa Blanchard, a steel cage match and more – This is the weekend Dave Meltzer will be honored.
July 22 – Bellator 159 from Mulvane, KS. Darrion Caldwell vs Joe Taimanglo. Melvin Guillard vs David “Caveman” Rickells
July 23 – ECWA returns to Woodbury Heights, NJ; ECWA Champion Sean Carr vs. Greek God Papadon in the Main Event
July 23 – Live Pro Wrestling, Glengarry Sports Palace, 170 McDonald Blvd. Alexandria, Ontario
July 23 – UFC on FOX from Chicago – Holly Holm vs Valentina Shevchenko.          
July 23 – Chikara Pro announced a doubleheader event at Toronto’s Franklin Horner Community Center.
July 23 – AAW  in Merrionnette Park, IL, with Sami Callihan vs. Pentagon Jr., Zack Sabre Jr., Marty Scurll; Tommaso Ciampa; Fenix; Johnny Gargano, and plenty more. Here’s what you missed on their last show.  
July 23 – Masters of Ring Entertainment in Wilmington, NC, as part of Pro Wrestling Fan Expo 3 will feature Jeff Jarrett vs. ECIII vs. James Storm, announced by Jarrett.
Merritton Community Centre 7 Park Ave St. Catharines, ON
July 24 – WWE presents Battle Ground PPV at the Verizon Center in Washington, D.C. It will be the fourth event under the Battleground chronology, and the first event under the newly reinstated WWE brand extension.
July 24 – Crossfire Wrestling – Merritton Community Centre, 7 Park Avenue St. Catharines ON, for our 5 year Anniversary show “BRING THE HEAT V”
July 24 – PWEclipse – Summer Surrender, Oshawa, Ontario
July 24 – Fenix vs. Pentagon Jr. headlines for Lucha Libre New York at Club LaBoom in Queens, NY
July 29, 30, 31 – ECCW returns to the Agrifair 2016 Abbortsford, BC with three shows per day. Friday and Saturday shows start at 12:00PM – 3:00PM – 8:00PM. Saturday July 30 wil feature “The Mouth of the South” Jimmy Hart. Sunday’s shows start at 11:00AM – 2PM and 5PM
July 30 – UFC 201 – LAWLER VS. WOODLEY from Atlanta, GA
July 30 – WSOF 32: Moraes vs. Hill 2 – Live on NBCSN from Everett, Washington. Also featuring Ben “Phoenix Jones” Fodor vs Caros Fodor in a brother vs brother fight
July 30 – Smash Wrestling – Oshawa Music Hall, 39 King St E, Oshawa, Ontario L1H 1B2
July 31 – BATTLEWAR 36; Les Foufounes Électriques, 87 Sainte-Catherine Street East, Montreal, QC
Aug 4-6 –  !BANG! TV – Professional Wrestling Spectacular, 3 charity shows in 3 days. – More information.
Aug 5 – NEF Presents Dana White: Looking for a Fight. More info here.
Aug 6 – UFC FIGHT NIGHT – RODRIGUEZ VS CACERES, from Salt Lake City, UT
August 6 – Absolute Intense Wrestling Girls Night Out in Cleveland at Our Lady of Mt Carmel with Crazy Mary Dobson, Allysin “Sienna” Kay, Veda Scott, Shayna Baszler, Annie Social, Kelly Klein, Heidi Lovelace, Lufisto, Nicole Savoy and more.
BIG WEST WRESTLING presents BOWLING, BODYSLAMS & BBQ, Lake City Bowling & Billiards: Kelowna, BC
August 12 – Zack Sabre Jr. vs.. Jeff Cobb has been added to the Revolution Pro show in London at York Hall in Bethnal Green.
Aug 13 – wXw NOW – The End (Tommy End’s final show in Germany, booked by The Sumerian Death Squad)
Aug 13 – NWA Mid South Wrestling in Dyresburg, TN at the Herb Welch Wrestle Plex headlined by Matt Riviera vs. Jeremy Moore.
Aug 19 – The Hardys, Drew Galloway, Ethan Carter III and Mickie James appear for House of Glory Wrestling in Jamaica, NY.  That’s the Friday before SummerSlam.
Aug 20 – UFC 202 – DIAZ VS MCGREGOR 2, from Las Vegas, NV
Aug 21 – WWE Presents THE SummerSlam PPV event at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. It will be the twenty-ninth event under the SummerSlam chronology and the second consecutive SummerSlam to be hosted in the Barclays Center.
Aug 21 – Chavo Guerrero Jr. will appear for Smash Wrestling on in Pickering, Ontario at Super Showdown lV.
Aug 21 – Octagon & Tinieblas Jr. vs. Fuerza Guerrera & Pirata Morgan headlines in Houston at the Arena Theater.  
Aug 26 – CONFLICT Wrestling: “Black or White”
Aug 27 – UFC FIGHT NIGHT – TBA VS TBD from Vancouver, BC. I’m already pumped.
Aug 28 – Destiny wrestling proudly presents “SUMMER HEAT”.

Daily Pro Wrestling History (07/15): 

​Please send feedback to [email protected]
Please send show results and news tips to [email protected]
Please send Wrestling Observer Radio questions to [email protected]

WWE Network subs hit quarterly high despite post-WrestleMania drop

access_timePosted on by BLOGGERPARUNG

On Thursday morning, WWE reported its highest quarter-closing Network number since the launch of the over-the-top service, but subscribers inevitably fell from the day after WrestleMania 32.

WWE Network had 1,560,000 total subscribers at the end of 2016’s second financial quarter. That is down from the 1,824,000 million that were subscribed the day after this year’s WrestleMania, but ahead of any other quarter reported to date.

The number reported immediately following WWE’s signature event of the year is likely always going to be their yearly subscriber peak, but it was especially interesting this year to see how many of those that signed up for WWE’s free WrestleMania promotion stayed on as paid subscribers.

The Network averaged 1,520,000 paid subscribers for the quarter, which WWE boasted signifies a 25% increase over last year’s second quarter. That number is in line with the previously projected expectations if free subscribers turned into paid subscriptions at the same rate they had been doing previously.

Paid subscribers both domestically and internationally saw an increase following WWE’s free WrestleMania promotion, which indicates that the decision to offer their biggest event of the year as part of a free trial for the first time appears to be at least a moderate success.

There were 1,130,000 paid domestic subscribers at the end of quarter two, and 381,000 paid international subscriptions.

“I continue to be pleased with the execution of our strategy to optimize the long-term value of our content,” said WWE chairman Vince McMahon. “Progress on this objective is evidenced by the continued year-over-year growth of WWE Network, the transition of SmackDown to a live format every week, and the completion of our first exclusive content agreement in China.”

More on the Network number and other relevant financial information is available in WWE’s quarterly report. And Chris Harrington will have notes and observations on WWE’s quarterly conference call on our Twitter account.

Maine’s lobstermen caught between climate change and trade wars

access_timePosted on by BLOGGERPARUNG

Mike Remkiewicz is in a pretty pessimistic mood as he hauls lobster traps onto his boat in Ogunquit, a picturesque town in southern Maine which owes its livelihood to fishing and tourism.

In common with other lobstermen in the town, Mr Remkiewicz, 53, does not see a bright future ahead for the industry which has been synonymous with the state since the mid 19th century.

Last year lobster landings fell from 133 million pounds to 111 million pounds, a drop which has set alarm bells ringing.

“It’s terrible. With everything that’s happening, I  am glad I am not 20 years old any more,” said Mr Remkiewicz.

Lobstermen Bob McIntire, Mike Remkiewicz and Jack Bastille

Credit:
David Millward

“I think it’s climate change. We have never had 70 degree (21C) water like we are seeing this…

To continue reading this article

Start a 30-day free trial for unlimited access to Premium articles

Free for 30 days

then only £2 per week

Try Premium

Save 25% with an annual subscription

Just £75 per year

 

Save now

Register for free and access one Premium article per week

Register

@charset “UTF-8”;
@font-face {
font-family: “iconfont”;
src: url(“/etc/designs/telegraph/core/clientlibs/tmgthemes/commercial/fonts/iconfont/1/iconfont.eot”);
src: url(“/etc/designs/telegraph/core/clientlibs/tmgthemes/commercial/fonts/iconfont/1/iconfont.eot?iefix#iefix”) format(“embedded-opentype”), url(“/etc/designs/telegraph/core/clientlibs/tmgthemes/commercial/fonts/iconfont/1/iconfont.woff”) format(“woff”), url(“/etc/designs/telegraph/core/clientlibs/tmgthemes/commercial/fonts/iconfont/1/iconfont.ttf”) format(“truetype”), url(“/etc/designs/telegraph/core/clientlibs/tmgthemes/commercial/fonts/iconfont/1/iconfont.svg”) format(“svg”);
}

/* Overrides of existing Paywall*/.premium-paywall {
border-top: none!important;
}
.premium-paywall__label {
display: none!important
}
.paywallPackage {
display: none!important
}
.premium-paywall__body::before {
display: none!important
}
.premium-paywall.component .html-embed {
margin: 0px 0px!important;
}
.premium-paywall__footer {
display: none!important
}
.premium-paywall__body {
margin-top: 16px!important;
}
/* Premium Paywall*/.premium-promo–payreg {
width: auto;
}
.premium-promo–regwall {
background-color: #ffffff;
height: auto;
width: auto;
text-align: left;
margin: 0 0 16px 0;
padding-bottom: 10px;
border-bottom: 1px solid #dddddd
}
.promo-paywall {
background-color: #F9F6F2;
}
.premium-promo–regwall .premium-promo–leader {
font-family: “Austin News Deck Semibold”, Georgia, Times, serif;
font-size: 18px;
line-height: 20px;
width: 100%;
color: #9A6710;
}
.premium-paywall-container {
display: flex;
flex-direction: row;
justify-content: top;
color: #222222;
font-family: ‘Austin News Deck Semibold’;
font-size: 18px;
line-height: 20px;
text-align: left;
padding-bottom: 16px;
border-bottom: 1px solid #dddddd;
background-image: url(https://www.telegraph.co.uk/content/dam/subscriptions/premium-product/premium-2018/P1-Premium-Desktop-new.png);
background-position: right bottom;
background-size: auto 75%;
background-repeat: no-repeat;
}
.premium-left-half {
flex: 1;
padding: 0 16px;
border-left: 1px solid #dddddd;
}
.premium-right-half {
flex: 1.0;
padding: 0 16px;
border-left: 1px solid #dddddd;
}
.paywall-dark-gold {
color: #775020;
}
.premium-promo–offers {
font-family: ‘Austin News Deck Semibold’;
font-size: 18px;
line-height: 20px;
text-align: left;
}
.premium-promo–offers br {
display: none
}
.premium-promo–action {
margin-top: 32px
}
.premium-promo–cta {
font-size: 14px;
font-family: “Telesans Text Regular”, Arial, sans-serif;
color: #ffffff;
background-color: #9E6710;
padding: 12px 12px;
text-decoration: none;
opacity: 1;
width: 150px;
text-align: center;
margin: 52px 0 0 0;
}
.premium-paywall-container a {
text-decoration: none
}
.premium-paywall-container .premium-promo–cta:hover {
background-color: #88590F
}
.premium-promo–cta-ghost {
font-size: 14px;
font-family: “Telesans Text Regular”, Arial, sans-serif;
color: #9E6710;
padding: 11px 12px;
border: 1px #9E6710 solid;
text-decoration: none;
opacity: 1;
width: 150px;
text-align: center;
background-color: #ffffff;
margin: 8px 0 0 0;
}
.premium-paywall-container .premium-promo–cta-ghost:hover {
background-color: #9E6710;
color: #ffffff
}
.premium-promo–foot {
font-family: “Telesans Text Regular”, Arial, sans-serif;
font-size: 12px;
float: left
}
.premium-promo–login {
font-family: “Telesans Text Regular”, Arial, sans-serif;
color: #222222;
font-size: 12px;
margin-top: 8px;
float: left
}
.premium-promo–all {
font-family: “Telesans Text Regular”, Arial, sans-serif;
color: #222222;
font-size: 12px;
margin-top: 8px;
margin-right: 8px;
float: left;
}
.premium-promo–all a {
color: #9E6710;
text-decoration: underline;
}
.premium-promo–login a {
color: #9E6710;
text-decoration: none;
margin-left: 16px
}
.premium-promo–login a:before {
content: “”;
font-family: iconfont;
margin: 0 -16px;
font-size: 12px;
position: absolute;
}
.premium-promo–notice {
font-family: ‘Austin News Text Roman’, Georgia, Times, serif;
font-size: 14px;
line-height: 18px;
margin: 4px 0 0 0;
width: 60%;
}

.fitbit–message{
font-family: ‘Austin News Deck Semibold’;
font-size: 18px;
line-height: 20px;
text-align: left;
margin-top: 8px;
padding-bottom: 10px;
border-bottom: 1px solid #dddddd;
color: #222222;
}
.fitbit–message a{
color: #222222;
text-decoration: none
}
.fitbit–message:after{
content: ‘’;
font-family: iconfont;
font-size:16px ;
margin-left: 0px;
margin-top: -1px;
color: #dddddd;
position: absolute;
transform: rotate(-90deg) }

@media only screen and (max-width: 730px) {
.premium-promo–leader {
font-size: 20px;
line-height: 22px;
margin: 8px 0;
}
.premium-left-half {
border-left: none;
padding: 0 16px 16px 0
}
.premium-right-half {
padding: 0 16px
}
.premium-promo–payreg {
margin: 0
}
.premium-promo–regwall {
padding: 0;
margin-left: 0
}
.premium-promo–all {
display: none;
}
.premium-paywall-container {
display: flex;
flex-direction: column;
justify-content: center;
color: #222222;
font-family: ‘Austin News Deck Semibold’;
font-size: 18px;
line-height: 20px;
text-align: left;
background-position: right bottom;
background-size: auto 45%;
background-repeat: no-repeat;
}
.premium-left-half {
border-left: none;
border-bottom: solid 1px #dddddd
}
.premium-promo–cta {
margin: 8px 0 0 0;
}
.premium-right-half {
border-left: none;
padding: 16px 0 0 0;
}
.premium-promo–offers {
width: 90%
}
.premium-promo–offers br {
display: block
}
.premium-promo–action {
margin-top: 16px
}
}
@media only screen and (max-width: 480px) {
.premium-paywall {
margin: 0 16px;
}
.premium-promo–cta-ghost {
margin-top: 48px
}
}Only subscribers have unlimited access to Premium articles.Register for free to continue reading this article
RegisterOr unlock all Premium articles.
Free for 30 days, then just £1 per week
Start trial
Save 40% when you pay annually.
View all subscription options  |
Already have an account? Login

.paywall.component .outbrain {
display: none !important;
}

Login

Print subscriber? Click here

Dana White on Vince McMahon: 'He's a f*cking maniac'

access_timePosted on by BLOGGERPARUNG

Making a brief appearance as one of the guests on this week’s Ric Flair Show, UFC president Dana White commented on his relationship with Vince McMahon.

“I’ve been working, or trying to work, with Vince for years.” White said. “It was obviously very difficult… Vince is a maniac, he’s a f*cking competitor, man. That’s what he is. If you look at what Vince McMahon has accomplished in all of his years, and to still be on top, still doing it, the guy’s got enough money, he’s in it ’cause he loves it, he’s in it ’cause he’s passionate about it.”

White was asked what it has been like to negotiate with WWE, “I would say that this last Brock deal, and when Ronda went over and did the WWE WrestleMania, I’d say those were the two, out of all the years of dealing with Vince and everybody, those were probably the two best experiences. I think that Vince, and definitely Stephanie and Triple H, Stephanie and Triple H are always great, always great, always cool to work with, Vince has been very difficult in the past, but in the last several years he’s been much better.”

But White made sure to note that he respects McMahon, “He’s a f*cking maniac, he’s an animal, he’s a competitor, he wants to win, and you know, that’s his nature, and I respect it.”

During the short interview, White also talked with Flair and co-host Conrad Thompson about the early days of the UFC, Brock Lesnar, and CM Punk’s transition to the Octagon.

Click Here: camiseta boca juniors

Macron plummets to new poll low after bodyguard scandal that forced him into bizarre denial of gay affair

access_timePosted on by BLOGGERPARUNG

It was the week that Emmanuel Macron – the slick young French president who once said he hoped to rule above the political fray, like the Roman god Jupiter – was brutally reminded that he is, after all, a mere mortal.

His top aides were grilled live on television and the opposition shut down parliament. Then – to cap it all – he was forced to issue a bizarre denial that he was having a homosexual affair with a bodyguard who sparked a political scandal after being filmed beating up May Day protesters.

Seeking to dispel rumours swirling around the internet, Macron joked: “Alexandre Benalla has never had the nuclear codes… Alexandre Benalla is not my lover.”

Gathered around him his MPs laughed,…

To continue reading this article

Start a 30-day free trial for unlimited access to Premium articles

Free for 30 days

then only £2 per week

Try Premium

Save 25% with an annual subscription

Just £75 per year

 

Save now

Register for free and access one Premium article per week

Register

@charset “UTF-8”;
@font-face {
font-family: “iconfont”;
src: url(“/etc/designs/telegraph/core/clientlibs/tmgthemes/commercial/fonts/iconfont/1/iconfont.eot”);
src: url(“/etc/designs/telegraph/core/clientlibs/tmgthemes/commercial/fonts/iconfont/1/iconfont.eot?iefix#iefix”) format(“embedded-opentype”), url(“/etc/designs/telegraph/core/clientlibs/tmgthemes/commercial/fonts/iconfont/1/iconfont.woff”) format(“woff”), url(“/etc/designs/telegraph/core/clientlibs/tmgthemes/commercial/fonts/iconfont/1/iconfont.ttf”) format(“truetype”), url(“/etc/designs/telegraph/core/clientlibs/tmgthemes/commercial/fonts/iconfont/1/iconfont.svg”) format(“svg”);
}

/* Overrides of existing Paywall*/.premium-paywall {
border-top: none!important;
}
.premium-paywall__label {
display: none!important
}
.paywallPackage {
display: none!important
}
.premium-paywall__body::before {
display: none!important
}
.premium-paywall.component .html-embed {
margin: 0px 0px!important;
}
.premium-paywall__footer {
display: none!important
}
.premium-paywall__body {
margin-top: 16px!important;
}
/* Premium Paywall*/.premium-promo–payreg {
width: auto;
}
.premium-promo–regwall {
background-color: #ffffff;
height: auto;
width: auto;
text-align: left;
margin: 0 0 16px 0;
padding-bottom: 10px;
border-bottom: 1px solid #dddddd
}
.promo-paywall {
background-color: #F9F6F2;
}
.premium-promo–regwall .premium-promo–leader {
font-family: “Austin News Deck Semibold”, Georgia, Times, serif;
font-size: 18px;
line-height: 20px;
width: 100%;
color: #9A6710;
}
.premium-paywall-container {
display: flex;
flex-direction: row;
justify-content: top;
color: #222222;
font-family: ‘Austin News Deck Semibold’;
font-size: 18px;
line-height: 20px;
text-align: left;
padding-bottom: 16px;
border-bottom: 1px solid #dddddd;
background-image: url(https://www.telegraph.co.uk/content/dam/subscriptions/premium-product/premium-2018/P1-Premium-Desktop-new.png);
background-position: right bottom;
background-size: auto 75%;
background-repeat: no-repeat;
}
.premium-left-half {
flex: 1;
padding: 0 16px;
border-left: 1px solid #dddddd;
}
.premium-right-half {
flex: 1.0;
padding: 0 16px;
border-left: 1px solid #dddddd;
}
.paywall-dark-gold {
color: #775020;
}
.premium-promo–offers {
font-family: ‘Austin News Deck Semibold’;
font-size: 18px;
line-height: 20px;
text-align: left;
}
.premium-promo–offers br {
display: none
}
.premium-promo–action {
margin-top: 32px
}
.premium-promo–cta {
font-size: 14px;
font-family: “Telesans Text Regular”, Arial, sans-serif;
color: #ffffff;
background-color: #9E6710;
padding: 12px 12px;
text-decoration: none;
opacity: 1;
width: 150px;
text-align: center;
margin: 52px 0 0 0;
}
.premium-paywall-container a {
text-decoration: none
}
.premium-paywall-container .premium-promo–cta:hover {
background-color: #88590F
}
.premium-promo–cta-ghost {
font-size: 14px;
font-family: “Telesans Text Regular”, Arial, sans-serif;
color: #9E6710;
padding: 11px 12px;
border: 1px #9E6710 solid;
text-decoration: none;
opacity: 1;
width: 150px;
text-align: center;
background-color: #ffffff;
margin: 8px 0 0 0;
}
.premium-paywall-container .premium-promo–cta-ghost:hover {
background-color: #9E6710;
color: #ffffff
}
.premium-promo–foot {
font-family: “Telesans Text Regular”, Arial, sans-serif;
font-size: 12px;
float: left
}
.premium-promo–login {
font-family: “Telesans Text Regular”, Arial, sans-serif;
color: #222222;
font-size: 12px;
margin-top: 8px;
float: left
}
.premium-promo–all {
font-family: “Telesans Text Regular”, Arial, sans-serif;
color: #222222;
font-size: 12px;
margin-top: 8px;
margin-right: 8px;
float: left;
}
.premium-promo–all a {
color: #9E6710;
text-decoration: underline;
}
.premium-promo–login a {
color: #9E6710;
text-decoration: none;
margin-left: 16px
}
.premium-promo–login a:before {
content: “”;
font-family: iconfont;
margin: 0 -16px;
font-size: 12px;
position: absolute;
}
.premium-promo–notice {
font-family: ‘Austin News Text Roman’, Georgia, Times, serif;
font-size: 14px;
line-height: 18px;
margin: 4px 0 0 0;
width: 60%;
}

.fitbit–message{
font-family: ‘Austin News Deck Semibold’;
font-size: 18px;
line-height: 20px;
text-align: left;
margin-top: 8px;
padding-bottom: 10px;
border-bottom: 1px solid #dddddd;
color: #222222;
}
.fitbit–message a{
color: #222222;
text-decoration: none
}
.fitbit–message:after{
content: ‘’;
font-family: iconfont;
font-size:16px ;
margin-left: 0px;
margin-top: -1px;
color: #dddddd;
position: absolute;
transform: rotate(-90deg) }

@media only screen and (max-width: 730px) {
.premium-promo–leader {
font-size: 20px;
line-height: 22px;
margin: 8px 0;
}
.premium-left-half {
border-left: none;
padding: 0 16px 16px 0
}
.premium-right-half {
padding: 0 16px
}
.premium-promo–payreg {
margin: 0
}
.premium-promo–regwall {
padding: 0;
margin-left: 0
}
.premium-promo–all {
display: none;
}
.premium-paywall-container {
display: flex;
flex-direction: column;
justify-content: center;
color: #222222;
font-family: ‘Austin News Deck Semibold’;
font-size: 18px;
line-height: 20px;
text-align: left;
background-position: right bottom;
background-size: auto 45%;
background-repeat: no-repeat;
}
.premium-left-half {
border-left: none;
border-bottom: solid 1px #dddddd
}
.premium-promo–cta {
margin: 8px 0 0 0;
}
.premium-right-half {
border-left: none;
padding: 16px 0 0 0;
}
.premium-promo–offers {
width: 90%
}
.premium-promo–offers br {
display: block
}
.premium-promo–action {
margin-top: 16px
}
}
@media only screen and (max-width: 480px) {
.premium-paywall {
margin: 0 16px;
}
.premium-promo–cta-ghost {
margin-top: 48px
}
}Only subscribers have unlimited access to Premium articles.Register for free to continue reading this article
RegisterOr unlock all Premium articles.
Free for 30 days, then just £1 per week
Start trial
Save 40% when you pay annually.
View all subscription options  |
Already have an account? Login

.paywall.component .outbrain {
display: none !important;
}

Login

Print subscriber? Click here

Daily Pro Wrestling History (02/23): WWE Elimination Chamber 2014

access_timePosted on by BLOGGERPARUNG

1939

Toronto, Ontario, Canada:
– World Title: Jim Londos beat Joe Savoldi to retain title
– Hans Steinke beat Housepainter Hogan 
– Vic Christy beat Tom Mahoney (default) 
– Jules Strongbow beat Ernie Powers 
– Hardy Kruskamp beat Cardiff Giant

1944

Des Moines, Iowa:
– NWA World Heavyweight Champion Ray Steele and World Junior Heavyweight Champion Ken Fenelon wrestled to a 90 minute draw

1964

St. Paul, Minnesota:
– Dick the Bruiser & The Crusher beat Moose Evans & Verne Gagne to regain the AWA tag team title
– Wilbur Snyder beat Angelo Poffo
– Mitsu Arakawa beat Tiny Mills
– Rene Goulet beat Hans Schmidt by DQ
– Doug Gilbert beat Marquis DeParee

1969

Click Here: gold coast suns 2019 guernsey

Toronto, Ontario, Canada:
– The Sheik beat Might Igor
– Lord Athol Layton beat Masked Assassin by disqualification
– Whipper Billy Watson and Bulldog Brower took 2 of 3 falls from Al Costello and Mighty Ursuy 
– Paul DeMarco beat Joe Christie
– Fred Atkins beat Eric the Red
– Rocky Johnson drew Ivan Kalmikoff

1970

Denver, Colorado:
– AWA Champion Verne Gagne beat Harley Race
– Non Title: The Crusher & Edouard Carpentier beat AWA Tag Team Champions Mad Dog Vachon & Butcher Vachon 
– Red Bastien drew Lars Anderson
– Pepper Gomez beat Dr. X 

1971 

Portland, Oregon:
– Kurt Von Steiger & Karl Von Steiger beat Mad Dog Vachon & Butcher Vachon to win AWA World Tag Title (title change only acknowledged in Portland. The Vachons were on their way to Japan for a lengthy tour and decided to drop the AWA Tag Straps to the Von Steigers in Portland without Verne Gagne’s knowledge or permission)
– Stan Stasiak beat Sailor White
– Dutch Savage beat Les Thornton
– Bobby Nichols drew Haru Sasaki
– Eric Froelich drew Moose Morowski

1978

Jacksonville, Florida:
– Dusty Rhodes & Eddie Graham defeated Karl Kox & Bobby Duncum in a taped fist match
– Jack & Jerry Brisco defeated Mike Graham & Terry Gibbs (sub. for Steve Kiern) to retain US tag titles
– Ivan Putski defeated the Bounty Hunter
– Ivan Koloff & Mr. Saito defeated Rocky Johnson & Pedro Morales
– Mr. Wrestling II defeated Tank Patterson (sub. for Hiro Matsuda)
– The Fabulous Moolah defeated Vicki Williams
– Porkchop Cash defeated Randy Brewer
– WWWF World Champion Bob Backlund fought NWA World Champion Harley Race to a draw

1986

Chicago, Illinois:
– Sgt. Slaughter went to a no contest with AWA Champion Stan Hansen
– Road Warriors beat Bill Irwin & Scott Irwin
– Curt Hennig & Scott Hall & Brad Rheingans beat Boris Zhukov & Mongolian Stomper & Nord The Barbarian
– No DQ Match: Larry Zbyszko beat Nick Bockwinkel
– Midnight Rockers beat The Alaskans
– Colonel DeBeers beat Buck Zumhofe
– Leon White beat Doug Somers

1987

Memphis, Tennessee:
– Jerry Lawler & AWA Champion Nick Bockwinkel beat Austin Idol & Humongous
– Alan West won Bunkhouse stampede
– Big Bubba & Goliath beat Jeff Jarrett & Billy Travis to win Southern tag belts
– Paul Diamond beat Johnny Boyd by DQ
– Cobra & Lou Winston beat The Hunter & Tony Burton
– Tarzan Goto & Akio Sato beat Alan West & King Cobra
– Soul Train Jones beat Don Bass

1990

WWF Main Event: Detroit, Michigan:
– WWF World Champion Hulk Hogan defeated Randy Savage (Buster Douglas, who had just defeated Mike Tyson in Tokyo for the World Championship in Boxing was the special referee. After the match, Savage shoved Douglas and Douglas knocked out Savage)
– Intercontinental Champion Ultimate Warrior defeated Dino Bravo 

1991

Milwaukee, Wisconsin:
– Larry Zbyszko pinned Tommy Rich
– Brian Pillman & Tim Horner defeated Scott Sandlin & Rob Morgan
– Ricky Morton pinned Rip Rogers
– Tom Zenk pinned Bobby Eaton
– WCW US Champion Lex Luger defeated Stan Hansen via disqualification when Hansen began choking Luger with his bullrope
– Sting defeated WCW World Champion Ric Flair via disqualification
– WCW Tag Team Champions Doom defeated Barry Windham & Terry Taylor (sub. for WCW TV Champion Arn Anderson) in a streetfight

1997

WCW SuperBrawl: San Francisco, California:
– Syxx defeated Dean Malenko to win thee WCW Cruiserweight Championship
– Konnan, La Parka and Villano IV defeated Juventud Guerrera, Super Caló and Ciclope
– Prince Iaukea defeated Rey Mysterio, Jr. to retain the WCW World Television Championship
– Diamond Dallas Page defeated Buff Bagwell by disqualification
– Eddy Guerrero defeated Chris Jericho to retain the WCW United States Heavyweight Championship
– The Public Enemy (Rocco Rock and Johnny Grunge) defeated Harlem Heat (Booker T and Stevie Ray) and The Faces of Fear (Meng and The Barbarian)
– Jeff Jarrett defeated Steve McMichael (with Debra McMichael)
– Chris Benoit (with Woman) defeated The Taskmaster (with Miss Jacquelyn and Jimmy Hart) in a San Francisco Death match    
– Lex Luger and The Giant defeated The Outsiders to win the WCW World Tag Team Championship
– Hollywood Hogan defeated Roddy Piper to retain the WCW World Heavyweight Championship

2002

Ring of Honor debut show: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania:
– Low Ki defeated Christopher Daniels and Bryan Danielson 
– The Amazing Red defeated Jay Briscoe 
– Super Crazy defeated Eddy Guerrero to become the first IWA Puerto Rico Intercontinental champion

2004

Omaha, Nebraska:
– Victoria defeated champion Molly Holly, Jazz and Lita in an elimination match to win the WWE Women’s Title

2008

ROH 6th Anniversary Show: New York City:
– ROH Tag Team champs Davey Richards & Rocky Romero defeated Ruckus & Jigsaw
– Bryan Danielson defeated ROH champ Nigel McGuinness by DQ
– FIP champ Roderick Strong won a three-way No DQ match over Necro Butcher and Erick Stevens

2014

WWE Elimination Chamber: Minneapolis, Minnesota:
– WWE Intercontinental champion Big E beat Jack Swagger to retain the title
– WWE Tag Team champions The New Age Outlaws defeated The Usos to retain the title
– Batista defeated Alberto Del Rio
– Elimination Chamber: WWE World Heavyweight champion Randy Orton defeated John Cena, Daniel Bryan, Cesaro, Sheamus and Christian to retain the title

Saudi Arabia arrests two more prominent women’s right activists

access_timePosted on by BLOGGERPARUNG

Saudi Arabian authorities have arrested two high-profile women’s rights activists, Human Rights Watch said Wednesday, amid what the organisation called an "unprecedented" crackdown on dissent.

Award-winning gender rights activist Samar Badawi was arrested along with fellow campaigner Nassima al-Sadah this week, "the latest victims of an unprecedented government crackdown on the women’s rights movement," HRW said in a statement.

Their arrests "signal that the Saudi authorities see any peaceful dissent, whether past or present, as a threat to their autocratic rule," said Sarah Leah Whitson, Middle East director at the organisation.

Amal al-Harbi, the wife of jailed civic rights activist Fowzan al-Harbi, was also taken into custody this week, HRW said while adding that it was unclear why she was targeted.

Loujain al-Hathloul, a prominent rights activist who was arrested earlier this year, is being held by the Saudi authorities

Saudi authorities did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The arrests come weeks after more than a dozen women’s right campaigners were detained and accused of undermining national security and collaborating with enemies of the state. Some have since been released.

Samar Badawi is the recipient of the 2012 International Women of Courage Award, handed out by the US Secretary of State.

She is also a vocal campaigner for rights activist Raif Badawi, her brother and Saudi Arabia’s top blogger, and Waleed Abu al-Khair, her former husband. Both men are serving lengthy jail terms for charges linked to their activism.

Fadya Basmer, one of the first women driving on the roads of Saudi Arabia after the ban was lifted on June 24Credit:
Sam Tarling for The Telegraph

Like Badawi, Sadah is a longtime opponent of Saudi Arabia’s guardianship system, under which women require male permission to study, marry or travel.

Saudi Arabia, a major US ally, has introduced a string of reforms over the past year aimed at improving the kingdom’s image and oil-dependent economy.

Under the helm of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, heir to the region’s most powerful throne, Saudi Arabia in June ended a longstanding ban on women driving and launched a number of projects aimed at attracting tourists.

Indonesia earthquake: At least 98 dead as tourist island of Lombok shaken by 6.4-magnitude tremor

access_timePosted on by BLOGGERPARUNG

British tourists have described their terrifying escape from a maqnitude 7 earthquake which struck the Indonesian holiday islands of Lombok and Bali on Sunday evening, killing at least 98 people.

Amid chaotic scenes, thousands, including many foreign tourists, were still waiting to be evacuated from the worst affected areas of Lombok on Monday night, as rescuers frantically rushed to save the injured and buried.

An estimated 20,000 are now homeless and more than 200 injured, with some being treated for gruesome crush injuries out in the open, next to damaged hospitals. Dozens are feared to still be trapped under a mosque in the village of Lading-Lading which collapsed during evening prayers.

Sutopo Purwo Nugroho, the national disaster agency spokesman, tweeted a horrifying video of the ruins, telling reporters that the number of victims across the earthquake zone was expected to rise.

Among the tourists who had a narrow escape was Hannah Small from Bournemouth, who described to the Telegraph how she had been in the bathroom in her hotel in Ubud, Bali, when the walls began to sway.

“I was in the bath and the whole room started shaking viciously. Parts of our ceiling were falling down and the walls were cracking,” she said.

An Indonesian person scrambles over the collapsed ruins of a house as others look on following an earthquake in LombokCredit:
AFP

“My partner grabbed me out of the bath with a towel and we ran down three flights of stairs to reach the ground floor for safety. The hotel staff were panicking, which made the guests even more worried,” Ms Small added.

“Once the quake was over everyone was scared to go back to their bedrooms and spent a few hours sat outside together. Through the night there were small aftershock rumbles which kept everyone up.”

Ms Small was able to leave on Monday for the safety of Singapore. Tourists and locals in Lombok, particularly in the less accessible tropical Gili islands, host to popular diving resorts off the northwest coast, faced a traumatic evacuation, however.

Mr Sutopo said that 2,700 tourists had been removed from the islands so far. But many remained trapped for a second night outside.

“We’re still trying to get back to Bali from Lombok. There’s a lot of scared and battered people around,” tourist Becky Morris tweeted on Monday night.

Throughout the day dramatic footage emerged of frightened crowds jostling on palm-fringed sandy beaches and pushing over each other to access a limited number of rescue boats.

Helen Milne from Oxfordshire told the BBC that her daughter, Laura, was trapped on the island of Gili Trawangan.

She said: "They are stuck on the island and are reporting rioting, fighting, and people can’t get on boats. There’s no water, no food, the shops have been ransacked. It’s a rapidly deteriorating situation out there for them."

Mads and Tanni Jacobsen, from Denmark, told the Telegraph of scenes of panic as they tried to escape from Gili Air with their two children Alma, 3, and Signe, 11.

The family had spent Sunday night sheltering with locals in a nearby school, petrified by conflicting reports of an approaching tsunami.

Ms Jacobsen, a nurse, had helped to treat badly injured victims with a First Aid kit before the family joined the throngs waiting to be rescued from the beach.

“We stood in line and waited for two hours. It was difficult with the kids as people didn’t have good behaviour at that moment. Everyone was shoving, swimming with life jackets to catch the boat,” said Mr Jacobsen. The family were then charged $100 for one seat on a rescue vessel.

The Jacobsens are now in the relative safety of Lombok’s main airport in the town of Mataram, sleeping on floors with hundreds of other tourists waiting to fly out.

Fears are rising, however, for residents of the north of the island, a more residential and less developed area close to the earthquake’s epicentre, which is difficult for rescue teams to reach due to damaged roads.

Endri Susanto, who runs an organisation helping the relief efforts, told CNN that he had found a “totally broken” hospital in the north.

“I saw about 80 per cent of the houses, 80 per cent of the buildings had fallen down or collapsed because of the earthquake,” he said of the surrounding area.

Click Here: COLLINGWOOD MAGPIES 2019