July 2020 – Page 31 – BLOGGERPARUNG

Yahoo! Sports recently spoke with RAW Superstar Natalya about WWE including the recent death of her famous father, WWE legend Jim “The Anvil” Neidhart, in the storyline with her feud with Ruby Riott and the Riott Squad. Here is Natalya’s thoughts (h/t WrestlingInc transcriptions):
“A lot of people have asked me, girls that I work with backstage, other superstars, people at home, if I’m OK with this storyline and how do I feel about it,” Natalya said. “For me, this is what is going on in my life, this is the elephant in the room.”

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Natalya also said this storyline is a chance for her dad to get a proper sendoff in WWE.

“My dad was a professional wrestler,” she said. “He was a WWE superstar, he was a WWE legend before he passed away and I feel like in some crazy way this is like my dad is having one last run. I feel like if I asked my dad right now, ‘Daddy, how do you feel about me doing this storyline?’ My dad would say go for it. He understood pro wrestling, he understood how, for fans to become emotionally invested in stories, there has to be emotionally charged content.”
Natalya also said that she feels her dad would have wanted the coverage of his funeral to be included on Total Divas like it was during the current season of the show. She said that participating in the current storyline has been therapeutic to her in the grieving process.
“In some weird way, this storyline has been strangely therapeutic because anything I’m feeling I can get it out,” Natalie said. “If I need to cry, I can get it out. I can let everybody see it, hear it and I can take the WWE universe on this journey with me. I need to speak the truth and I need to remind the world that my dad was a WWE star, he was special and everyone can feel that with me.”

Natalya will face Riott in a Tables Match at Sunday’s WWE TLC pay-per-view in San Jose.

“On Sunday, it is going to be one of my most powerful performances and it’s going to be for my dad,” she said of the match.

WWE RAW is live tonight from Golden 1 Center in Sacramento. Here’s the latest from WWE to get you ready for the show:

As widely advertised, Vince McMahon will appear on tonight’s show to “shake things up.” With his loss at TLC, RAW General Manager “Elect” Baron Corbin is out of power and Braun Strowman will get his Universal Championship match against Brock Lesnar at Royal Rumble. We will also have TLC fallout from heel Dean Ambrose defeating Seth Rollins in what critics have panned as an underwhelming Intercontinental Championship match, RAW Women’s Champ Ronda Rousey getting Nia Jax to tap out and then screwing over Becky Lynch and Charlotte Flair to help Asuka win the SmackDown Women’s Championship, an announced match between Drew McIntyre’s biggest rivals, Finn Balor and former bestie Dolph Zigler, and Superstars announcing their entrance into the Royal Rumble. We also have a reported return for Kurt Angle, who may be taking back the GM job.

RAW Opening Segment

“No Chance In Hell” fires up over the loudspeakers, and Vince McMahon, the WWE Chairman, makes his entrance to a big reception. Mr. McMahon is here to “shake things up.” McMahon says he doesn’t want to hear any boos, so the crowd boos. McMahon says everyone wants to know what’s going on with Monday Night RAW. He’s asked that question of himself. Tonight, we’ll find out. Monday Night RAW has been on the air for 25 years. One of the reasons they’re on so long is they change with the times. Despite one man’s brilliance, creativity, and vision… he can’t do it all by himself anymore. McMahon says he could do it without the crowd.
Stephanie McMahon’s music hits, and the Commissioner of Monday Night RAW makes her way to the ring. They embrace while the crowd boos. Then Triple H makes his way to the ring to a nice reception. The WWE COO gets in the ring and hugs his father-in-law. They stand in the ring. Mr. McMahon says, “And…” and Shane McMahon’s music hits. The Commissioner of Smackdown Live makes his way to the ring to a big reception. Stephanie says they’re out here tonight because they haven’t been doing a very good job lately. They haven’t been listening to their audiences. They’ve let middleman managers suffocate their roster and not entertain the fans, but that’s over. Triple H says the days of absentee management are over. The four of them will be taking back Monday Night RAW. Shane says that goes for Smackdown Live as well. They’re all personally responsible to ensure everyone has the best possible experience. Stephanie says they’ll empower the superstars and the fans. Triple H says they’ll give the fans what they want. They’re giving them something new and fresh. In the coming weeks and months, they’ll be seeing new faces, new superstars, and new match-ups. As of now, the crowd is The Authority.

Mr. McMahon says as long as they give them less of what they don’t want and more of what they do, WWE will always be then, now, and forever!
Baron Corbin’s music hits, and he comes out to the stage to boos. Corbin says no one is more excited for a fresh start than he is. There are massive boos for Corbin. Corbin says he’s excited that the entire McMahon family will run Monday Night RAW. There’s still one thing they forgot to mention: fair. What happened to him last night was absolutely not fair. Corbin wants a simple conversation. We go to a commercial break.

Back from break, the crowd still loudly boos Corbin. The McMahons and Triple H all make fun of him. Corbin milks this for a while. Mr. McMahon reminds him that Corbin has a microphone and they don’t. Corbin says he’s tried to motivate superstars. It’s not his fault if they can’t rise to the occasion. Going back to last night, Braun Strowman wasn’t supposed to be there. Corbin wasn’t prepared for him or the people he brought with him. Triple H says he’s going to help Corbin. Corbin is out here to say this was unfair and a travesty of justice. Triple H thinks Corbin wants to be reconsidered for General Manager of Monday Night RAW. Corbin says that’s correct. Corbin would have beat Strowman if it wasn’t for Bobby Roode, Chad Gable, Apollo Crews, Heath Slater, and Kurt Angle. Are they going to overturn this unfairness? Corbin says they could accomplish a lot.

The McMahons huddle and then Shane, Triple H, and Stephanie decline. Stephanie says there is “no chance in hell.” Mr. McMahon says there might be a way. Triple H says with Vince being the genius, he brings up a good point. Maybe they’re wrong. Maybe Corbin does deserve a chance to be named permanent General Manager of Monday Night RAW. The crowd boos. Corbin says he only needs a chance. Triple H thinks they should give Baron Corbin that chance… if he can win his match tonight. Right now, Corbin can become the permanent General Manager of Monday Night RAW. All he has to do is beat this man… Kurt Angle’s music hits!

Kurt Angle makes his way to the ring in his wrestling gear. The crowd loudly chants, “You suck” to the melody of his music.

Baron Corbin vs. Kurt Angle – Corbin Becomes Permanent RAW GM With A Win

Before the match begins, Stephanie McMahon says there is a special guest referee: Heath Slater. Corbin looks nervous.

The bell rings, and Corbin looks nervous. Angle unloads with some right hands before bouncing him off the top turnbuckle. Angle stomps him in the corner before Corbin reverses a whip. Angle quickly comes back with a German Suplex. Corbin rolls out of the ring to recover. We take another commercial break.
We come back from the break to see Corbin standing over Angle. Triple H then comes out and says he forgot to mention this is a handicap match. Bobby Roode, Chad Gable, and Apollo Crews join the match. They beat on Corbin and put him in the ring. Angle hits a trio of German Suplexes. Gable tags in and connects with a German Suplex. Bobby Roode tags in, and he hits a corner clothesline on Corbin. Apollo Crews tags in and hits a step-up enzuigiri. Corbin gets out of the ring and goes to leave through the crowd, but the faces catch up to him. They bring him back to the ring, and Angle is waiting. All four men attack Corbin, while Slater pretends to fix the turnbuckle.

Shane McMahon comes out and says he’s pumped up in Sacramento. Shane says this match is No Disqualifications. All four faces go outside and grab chairs while Slater stomps away at Corbin. Angle hits Corbin with a chair, and Roode smacks him on the back with it. Crews and Gable do the same. A loud “We want tables” chant picks up. Roode and Gable hit a neckbreaker/moonsault combo. Crews then hits a frog splash. They then hold Corbin up for Angle to deliver an Angle Slam. Angle covers for the win.
Winners: Kurt Angle, Apollo Crews and RAW Tag Champs Bobby Roode & Chad Gable
Roode, Gable, and Crews go out and get a table. They set it up in the ring, and Angle gives Corbin an Angle Slam through the table.
We’ll hear from “Rowdy” Ronda Rousey later tonight, as well as the new WWE Intercontinental Champion Dean Ambrose. Coming up next, we’ll have Dolph Ziggler versus Finn Balor. We go to another commercial.
The commentators congratulate John Cena on winning the Muhammad Ali Legacy Award. They show a video package highlighting this.

Dolph Ziggler vs. Finn Balor
They lock up, and Ziggler backs Balor into the ropes. Ziggler gives a clean break before shoving him. They lock up again, and Ziggler applies a side headlock. Balor tries to whip him off, but Ziggler keeps it cinched on. Ziggler hits a takeover, but Balor rolls him for a two count. Balor fights up and whips him off before hitting a pair of arm drags. Ziggler kips up, and they go face-to-face. Balor sends him to the ropes and connects with a big dropkick. We cut to commercial.
We come back from the break to see Balor chop Ziggler and hit a flying forearm. Balor sweeps the feet and double stomps the chest. Ziggler counters a Sling Blade into a roll-up for a two count. Ziggler goes for a famouser, but Balor counters into a reverse DDT for a near fall. Balor connects with a Sling Blade and charges, but Ziggler counters with a big DDT for a near fall. Balor comes back and goes to the top rope, but Ziggler knocks him off the top rope. Ziggler connects with a Zig-Zag for a near fall.

Ziggler sets up for a superkick when Drew McIntyre comes down to the ring. Ziggler jumps off the apron, and McIntyre catches him in full view of the referee. Ziggler punches away at McIntyre before Balor hits a summersault senton. Ziggler puts Balor in the ring and hits a famouser for a near fall. Balor connects with a Sling Blade before McIntyre comes in and clotheslines him.
Winner: Finn Balor by Disqualification
McIntyre knocks Balor out of the ring before giving Ziggler a Glasgow Kiss. McIntyre floors Ziggler with a Claymore Kick before hitting one on Balor on the floor.

Dean Ambrose is standing next to the WWE Intercontinental Championship. Ambrose makes his way toward the gorilla position. We’ll hear from him, next.

Dean Ambrose Celebrates Winning the Intercontinental Championship
WWE Intercontinental Champion Dean Ambrose makes his way to the ring with security guards in gas masks. Ambrose says Rollins dropped the ball and choked. Ambrose took this title from him, but he’s not done. When Ambrose is done, Rollins will have nothing left. Ambrose will drag him through the mud and throw him in the garbage where he belongs. Ambrose says Rollins has an obligation to go face-to-face with him and tell the world that Ambrose was right and Rollins was wrong.

Seth Rollins doesn’t come out. Ambrose says he’ll make an open challenge — not for the title, but maybe Rollins wants to punch him in the face. Ambrose invites him to take out his rage on him. Rollins still doesn’t come out. Ambrose says Rollins is just like the crowd: a selfish whiner. Ambrose says since Rollins doesn’t have the guts to come out here tonight, he’ll steal a page from Rollins’ playbook. Ambrose is going to have an open challenge match for the Intercontinental Championship for anyone other than Rollins.

Tyler Breeze is up to the challenge.

WWE Intercontinental Championship Match
Dean Ambrose vs. Tyler Breeze
Breeze reverses a whip and takes Ambrose down with a forearm. Breeze dropkicks Ambrose and clotheslines him out of the ring. We go to commercial.
We come back from the break to see Ambrose apply a modified STF. During the commercial, Ambrose clotheslined him on the floor at ringside. Ambrose takes him down with an elbow for two count. Ambrose applies a chin lock. Ambrose holds it on for a while until Breeze gets out and connects with a step-up enzuigiri. Breeze hits a hurricanrana for a near fall. Breeze boots him back and sends him shoulder-first into the ring post for a near fall. Breeze connects with a Beauty Shot before catching him with a cross-body block for a near fall. Breeze then superkicks him for another near fall.
Breeze goes to hit the ropes, but Ambrose pulls his hair. Ambrose kicks him in the midsection and connects with Dirty Deeds for the win.
Winner: Dean Ambrose Retains the Intercontinental Championship
Ambrose says that was the performance of an Intercontinental Champion with character and integrity. Seth Rollins’ music hits, and he looks nervous. The security prepares itself. One of the guards gets in the ring and superkicks Ambrose. It is revealed to be Rollins. Rollins wipes out the rest of the security force while Ambrose escapes.
Backstage with Shane O’Mac and Maverick
Charly Caruso is backstage with Shane McMahon. McMahon goes to talk about the changes, but Drake Maverick interrupts him. Maverick introduces him to the rightful RAW Tag Team Champions, AOP. McMahon says they’re not getting their mandatory rematch clause. That’s antiquated. Maverick cannot believe it. McMahon says they’ll get an opportunity against The B-Team, The Revival, and The Lucha House Party. The winners get a future RAW Tag Team Championship shot.

We’ll take a look at the new faces coming to Monday Night RAW after the commercial break.

These are the new faces coming to Monday Night RAW: Lars Sullivan, Lacey Evans, Heavy Machinery, Nikki Cross, and EC3.

“Ladies and gentlemen…Bobby Lashley?”

Bobby Lashley is in the ring with Elias’ set-up. Lashley has a broken guitar in his hands. Lio Rush says Lashley fell in love with the guitar last night after hitting Elias with it. Rush says no one is here to hear Elias sing another bad song. Rush tells them to silence their cellphones, hold the applause, and shut their mouths. Rush has Lashley do a bunch of poses. Rush then has Lashley do his favorite pose. Lashley poses bent over.

“Ladies and gentlemen… Elias.”

Elias comes from out of nowhere and smashes a guitar on Lashley’s back. Lashley is stunned, but he’s quickly on his feet.
The Lucha House Party is shown backstage. The Fatal 4-Way match is next after we return from a break.

Back from break, the announcers state that Sami Zayn will return soon.

Fatal 4-Way Tag Match
Lucha House Party vs. The Revival vs. The B-Team vs. AOP with Drake Maverick
The “Lucha House Rules” no longer exist on Monday Night RAW. Curtis Axel starts against Lince Dorado. Dorado dropkicks him and Kalisto tags in to take Axel down as well. Scott Dawson tags in and takes Kalisto down. The Lucha House Party makes a comeback before AOP tags in and overwhelms them. We go to commercial.
We come back from the break to see Dorado hit a handspring stunner on Axel. Kalisto and Bo Dallas are tagged in. Kalisto hits a springboard cross-body before hitting a corkscrew cross-body. Kalisto hits Axel with a tornado DDT before kicking Dallas. Dawson blind tags in on Kalisto and sends him out of the ring. Dallas comes back with a forearm and takes Dawson down. Dallas hits a hanging neckbreaker, but Dash Wilder breaks it up. Dawson and Dallas team up to get AOP out of the ring. They then give Lucha House Party dual back body drops over the top rope onto AOP. Dawson rolls Dallas up, but Dallas rolls through. They trade roll-ups. Revival comes back with Shatter Machine for the win.
Winners: The Revival – Earn shot at RAW Tag Team Champs Bobby Roode & Chad Gable

Backstage with Seth “Freakin” Rollins
Seth Rollins is backstage with Charly Caruso. Rollins says last night was a disaster. Rollins let Ambrose get in his head. Rollins will have to move forward. This isn’t about his performance in the ring or losing championships. This is his life. This is everything he’s been dedicated to. Rollins says he’ll right the ship and end Dean Ambrose. Baron Corbin walks up to him. Corbin says everyone thought he was doing a good job as General Manager until Rollins said something. Corbin blames Rollins for all his misfortune. Corbin says Ambrose was right about what he said. Rollins chuckles before leveling him with a right hand.

Replays are shown of The McMahon family kicking off Monday Night RAW and promising change.

We’ll hear from “Rowdy” Ronda Rousey next after we return from commercials.

RAW Women’s Champ Ronda Rousey Will Face Winner of Gauntlet Match
RAW Women’s Champion Ronda Rousey makes her way to the ring. Footage is shown of her beating Nia Jax and then costing Becky Lynch her Smackdown Women’s Championship. Rousey said she told Nia Jax she could kiss her right hand goodbye. She told Charlotte Flair she’d write the next chapter of their story. She also told Becky Lynch that she’s the last woman she should provoke. A “Becky” chant fires up. Rousey isn’t here to justify her actions. She’s here to define what a real champion is. Rousey says a real champion is so much more than a title you hold in your hands. A real champion is more than the winner of a match or the decision of a referee. Those are symptoms of a champion. A real champion represents the limit of human potential – the best of the best physically, mentally, and morally. A real champion is the best the human race has to offer. That’s why she’s here tonight. Rousey says she wants to start a new tradition. After a PPV, a champion should defend their championship whether they’re in good or bad condition. Rousey issues an open challenge.

We go into the gorilla position to see a bunch of female superstars arguing over who gets the shot. Stephanie McMahon screams and tells them to follow her. Stephanie McMahon comes out on stage and says all these women want a championship match against her. They’re all deserving, but she’s not playing favorites anymore. They’ll give them each an opportunity to earn it. Rousey will defend the title against the winner of tonight’s 8-woman gauntlet match. They’ll kick it off with Alicia Fox. She’ll go against Bayley.

Eight-Woman Gauntlet Match
Alicia Fox vs. Bayley
Bayley starts off hot, but Fox soon takes her down. Fox bounces her off the top turnbuckle. Bayley avoids a scissor kick and hits a swinging back suplex for a near fall. We go to break.
We come back from the break to see Fox stomping Bayley. The winner of the gauntlet will face Ronda Rousey for the RAW Women’s Championship next week on RAW. Fox takes Bayley down and chokes her on the ropes. Bayley soon makes a comeback and goes for a slingshot, but she tweaks her knee. Fox follows up with a big boot and covers, but Bayley rolls her over to eliminate her.
Winner: Bayley Advances
Bayley vs. Dana Brooke

Brooke runs down and attacks Bayley. Brooke punches away at her and applies a body scissor. Brooke pins her for a near fall before hitting a chop block. The referee checks on Bayley, and she agrees to continue. Brooke stomps Bayley and takes her down for a two count. Brooke applies a chin lock. Bayley fights out, but Brooke continues to take her down. Bayley hits a desperation Bayley-To-Belly out of nowhere to eliminate Brooke. We go to commercial.
Winner: Bayley Advances
Bayley vs. Mickie James
We join this match in progress. Bayley fights up from a chin lock, but James soon takes her down with a neckbreaker for a near fall. Ronda Rousey is seen watching backstage. Bayley fights back, but James soon takes her down. James kips up and goes to the top rope. James hits a flying Thesz Press, but she can’t put Bayley away. Bayley soon takes her down with a swinging back suplex. James musters some strength to kick her out of the ring. Bayley blocks a baseball slide and punches James. Bayley’s knee gives out, but she still manages to hit a cross-body. Bayley hits James with a running kick before going to the top rope. Bayley comes off with a diving elbow drop, but James grabs the bottom rope.

James blocks the Bayley-To-Belly and punches her down. James connects with a big DDT to eliminate Bayley.
Winner: Mickie James Advances
Mickie James vs. Ember Moon
James immediately dropkicks her as soon as she gets in the ring. James chokes her with a boot and goes for an arm drag, but Moon lands on her feet. Moon takes her down, but James avoids a dropkick for a two count. Moon comes back with a springboard cross-body block for a near fall. James rolls out of the ring to recover. James avoids a baseball slide and kicks Moon. James goes to powerbomb her on the floor, but Moon holds the ropes. James then sweeps her down on the apron. We go to commercial.
We come back from the break to see Moon and James ducking strikes. Moon finally connects with a kick for a near fall. Ronda Rousey is still watching the television sideways from backstage. James flattens her with a flapjack and kips up. James goes to the top rope, but Moon counters into a Codebreaker. Moon goes to the top rope and hits the Eclipse for the elimination.
Winner: Ember Moon Advances
Ember Moon vs. Natalya
Moon quickly rolls Natalya up for a two count. Moon avoids a discus clothesline for a two count. Moon applies a chin lock, but Natalya fights out. Moon quickly boots her and hits a swinging suplex for a two count. Natalya avoids Moon coming off the top rope and hits a discus clothesline for a near fall. Moon counters a Sharpshooter into a roll-up for a two count. Natalya rolls her up for the elimination.
Winner: Natalya Advances
The Riott Squad makes their entrance. They’re not sure who is going to face Natalya. We go to commercial.
Natalya vs. Ruby Riott
We come back from the break to see Riott applying a chin lock. During the break, Liv Morgan got a cheap shot in. Natalya fights out and hits a slam. Natalya rolls her up, but Riott kicks out and immediately clotheslines her down. Riott goes back to a chin lock. Natalya eventually fights out and dropkicks her down. Natalya hits a pair of snap suplexes and slaps her. Riott quickly takes her down and goes for a reverse senton, but Natalya moves. Natalya covers for the elimination.
Winner: Natalya Advances
Natalya vs. Sasha Banks
Banks takes Natalya down and gives her double knees in the corner. Natalya fights back, but Banks takes her down with a DDT for a near fall. We go to commercial.
We come back from the break to see Natalya get a head of steam and hit a discus clothesline for a near fall. Natalya applies a Sharpshooter, and Banks screams in pain. Banks tries to get to the bottom rope, but Natalya drags her to the center of the ring. Banks crawls and rolls, sending Natalya head-first into the turnbuckle. Banks comes back with a single leg crab, but Natalya fights the pain. Banks rolls her up, but then transitions to the Bank Statement. Natalya fights up and kills her with a release German Suplex.
We come back from the break to see Natalya get a head of steam and hit a discus clothesline for a near fall. Natalya applies a Sharpshooter, and Banks screams in pain. Banks tries to get to the bottom rope, but Natalya drags her to the center of the ring. Banks crawls and rolls, sending Natalya head-first into the turnbuckle. Banks comes back with a single leg crab, but Natalya fights the pain. Banks rolls her up, but then transitions to the Bank Statement. Natalya fights up and kills her with a release German Suplex.

They take their time fighting up and Banks hits a meteora for a near fall. Natalya all of a sudden comes back and applies a Sharpshooter for the submission victory!
Winner: Natalya Wins Gauntlet Match By Submission
RAW Women’s Champion Ronda Rousey comes down to the ring to shake hands with Natalya and hug her.
Next week on RAW, we’ll see Drew McIntyre take on Dolph Ziggler and Finn Balor. We’ll also see a Miracle on 34th Street Fight Match with Elias taking on Bobby Lashley. Paul Heyman will also make an appearance. Seth Rollins also takes on Baron Corbin. Finally, we’ll see Ronda Rousey defend the RAW Women’s Championship against Natalya. This all takes place next week on Christmas Eve. RAW goes off the air with an emotional Natalya standing on the stage and looking up at her dad, Jim “The Anvil” Neidhart.

Image: Esther Lin/Showtime

Going into the August 26th Floyd Mayweather vs. Conor McGregor boxing match, we knew it would generate a significant amount of business but just how much was the big question given the lopsided odds and the somewhat fun/somewhat cringy four city press tour.

On Thursday and nearly four months after the megafight, we got our answer as Showtime officially announced the pay-per-view extravaganza generated 4.3 million buys, falling 300,000 short of the 4.6 million record Mayweather set with Manny Pacquiao.

At a price of $99.95, that’s a lot of money the two men divvied up, not to mention the take from outside North America where the show broke records for PPV buys. The total includes traditional purchasing methods (cable/satellite providers) in addition to various online options, most of which famously crashed due to an influx of traffic before the fight, causing a delay.

The total revenue for the show (tickets, PPV, sponsorship, international TV distribution, etc) was in excess of $600 million, among the highest single-day grosses of all time.

This week, Mayweather said UFC has been in touch with him about coming to fight in the UFC. He said if he was to do so, he’d make $1 billion in just three or four fights.

McGregor, the UFC lightweight champion, hasn’t defended the title he won in November 2016 and it’s unclear whether he’ll ever return to the UFC again. The aforementioned Pacquaio said he was in negotiations with McGregor to box, which Dana White shot down quickly with the threat of a lawsuit.

As previously reported, Ring Of Honor (ROH) has been in talent acquisition mode since the high-profile departures of Cody Rhodes, The Young Bucks & Hangman Page.
In addition to Bandido, it appears that ROH has signed Mark Haskins to a contract as well.
Mark Haskins and his wife, Vicky Haskins took to Twitter this week to confirm the news, promising big things for 2019. You can check out his comments below:

I’ve officially signed with ROH. 2019, shit is going to go down. Keep watching. #TheBrass
?? @Y2jimbob pic.twitter.com/eKB22IlYFP
— The BRASS (@ThisIsHaskins) December 20, 2018

Well done Daddio ?? you’ve worked so hard and it’s so deserved. @ringofhonor will be proud to have you! Now go show the world what you can do! Xxxx pic.twitter.com/9ba1wkc4pM
— Vicky Haskins?? (@VickyHaskins) December 20, 2018

Haskins has wrestled all over The Independent Wrestling Scene. He is a former PROGRESS World Champion while also winning gold for Revolution Pro Wrestling, OTT & Defiant. He joins PCO, Bandido and Brody King as the latest members to join the Ring Of Honor roster.

THE ROUND-UP

THE LATEST NEWS

WWE Main Event results: The Revival vs. Titus Worldwide
WWE Tampa, FL, live results: Styles vs. Cena vs. Mahal
WWE Toronto live results: Main event stopped as Joe gets busted open
UFC 219 live results: Cris Cyborg vs. Holly Holm

THE LATEST AUDIO

WOR: Memories of 2017, 2018 WWE preview, UFC 219, tons of news and more! 12/31
BAN: NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 12 Preview~! 12/30
F4W Online Best of 2017 Audio – Part 3 12/30

We’re looking for your thoughts on UFC 219, so you can leave a thumbs up, thumbs down or thumbs in the middle along with a best and worst match to [email protected].

Nothing happening today in wrestling.

Raw will be Monday night from Miami with Roman Reigns vs. Samoa Joe for the IC title where the title can change hands via DQ and Enzo Amore vs. Cedric Alexander for the cruiserweight title.

Smackdown and 205 Live will be Tuesday night from Orlando, including A.J. Styles vs. Sami Zayn, Usos vs. Shelton Benjamin & Chad Gable for the tag titles, Aiden English vs. Xavier Woods in the U.S. title tournament and Tyler Breeze & Fandango vs. Harper & Rowan.

F4W NEWSLETTER: Figure Four Weekly 12/25/2017: Looking at WWE’s women’s Royal Rumble announcement

The road to WrestleMania took a not-entirely-unexpected turn last week when it was announced on Raw that the first-ever women’s Royal Rumble match would be taking place next month. While there are still plenty of specifics to be worked out, the announcement itself made all of the sense in the world. The women’s division shouldn’t be an afterthought in the build to WWE’s biggest show of the year.

WON NEWSLETTER: January 1, 2018 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: 2017 In Review

Our 2017 year in review issue of the Observer is up on the site, with full business coverage of the year as well as a breakdown of the biggest pro wrestling news stories of 2017, updating them with a lot of new information on them. There is a major feature on the history of New Japan Pro Wrestling at the Tokyo Dome, as well as an update on where John Cena at WrestleMania stands.

Have a look at the biggest crowds of the year, who has headlined the most major shows, where John Cena stands among the all-time biggest drawing cards as well as where other current WWE stars stand.

There is a PPV breakdown of the year, a breakdown of biggest live crowds and who drew the most, a look at the biggest gates of the year and an update on the ten biggest drawing cards in pro wrestling history.

Examine Vince McMahon’s stock sale, thoughts on buying an NFL franchise or starting his own league and the stock price concerns.

In this issue, an update with the planned main event for WWE’s PPV in March, update on Dean Ambrose, more WWE injury notes, T-shirt selling strong, Brock Lesnar’s schedule, Daniel Bryan update, Ronda Rousey update, former member of WWE Board of Directors is the latest major executive having to step down, Angle talks Jordan angle, Gerald Brisco awarded, plans for March, Velveteen Dream update, what WWE is looking for in talent right now, and the most-watched shows on the WWE Network.

There is also a huge feature on the history of New Japan Pro Wrestling at the Tokyo Dome dating back to 1989. Look at why the first show took place, what legendary video game character came from the first show, why there were so few stadium shows before the Tokyo Dome opened, and a look at that first show. Check out the first main event and the move that came from another sport to pro wrestling that ended up as the finisher of one of the biggest stars ever years later.

ORDERING INFO: Order the print Wrestling Observer right now and get it delivered via mail, by sending your name, address, Visa or Master Card number and an expiration date to Dave Meltzer, or by using PayPal directing funds to [email protected].

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WON BACK ISSUE: December 11, 2000 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: ECW Massacre on 34th Street review, WWF Rebellion, more

Amidst rumors of the company being down for the count, Extreme Championship Wrestling put on a strong PPV show on 12/3, but more importantly, everyone was paid for one pay period (meaning everyone is now five weeks behind in pay). Nobody quit the promotion, which some had talked about doing if they weren’t paid again. The morale, which rises and falls based on whether or not the checks come, was said to be better coming out of the show.

SUNDAY NEWS UPDATE

Our weekend show is already up on the site.

UFC 219 was the single most searched item yesterday on Google with more than one million searches. That indicates far more interest than all but the biggest UFC shows, which really surprised me. Khabib Nurmagomedov was the 12th most searched item, which is notable given it’s not the easiest term to know how to spell.

Braun Strowman was off the last three days with a very bad flu.

Hideki Suzuki & Konosuke Takeshita won today’s New Year’s Eve multi-promotional tag team tournament at Korakuen Hall in Tokyo.

It shouild be noted for this week that besides the Tokyo Dome show Thursday morning/late Wednesday night, that there will be matches with guys not booked on the Dome show on 1/3 at Differ Ariake, and New Year’s Dash, where the angles starting the new year will be shot on 1/5 at Korakuen Hall.

AAW from last night in Merrionette Park, IL: Keith Lee & Shane Strickland b Zachary Wentz & Dezmond Xavier, ACH d Matt Riddle 20:00, Davey Vega & Mat Fitchett b Curt Stallion & Nick Brubaker, David Starr b Eddie Kingston after a baseball bat shot to the face, AR Fox over Joey Janela, Teddy Hart and Penta 0M, David & Jake Crist & Sami Callihan b Myron Reed & Stephen Wolf & Try Miguel, Connor Braxton & Jake Something b Paco & Sean Waltman, Rey Fenix b Jeff Cobb with a Canadian Destroyer to keep the AAW title. Riddle vs. ACH said to be better than their bout in LaSalle and ****1/4 or more. (thanks to Dave Gould)

WWE
The complete collection of Mid Atlantic Championship Wrestling from 1981-82 will be on the WWE Network by 1/8.
Pete Dunne kept the U.K. title yesterday on the Progress show in London beating Jack Gallagher.
UFC
Even though two judges gave Holly Holm the first two rounds against Cris Cyborg last night, here are the significant strike totals by the round:
1 – 16-5 Cyborg
2 – 21-4 Cyborg
3 – 22-6 Cyborg
4 – 20-9 Cyborg
5 – 39-20 Cyborg

Cyborg’s blows also landed harder.
For last night’s predictions
5-0 Steve Juon
4-1 Mike Sawyer
3-2 Josh Nason, Ryan Frederick, John Pollock
2-3 Dave Meltzer, Paul Fontaine
1-4 Mike Sempervive, David Bixenspan, Front Row Brian and Tom Lawlor

For the full year:
Pollock 57-28 (.671)
Meltzer 56-29 (.659)
Juon 55-30 (.647)
Nason & Sawyer 53-32 (.624)
Sempervive 51-34 (.600)
Lawlor 28-28 (.583)
Bixenspan & Frederick 49-36 (.576)
Brian 44-41 (.518)
Fontaine 43-42 (.506)

UFC sent out e-mails to some Fight Pass customers offering them 20 percent off on last night’s PPV show.
MISCELLANEOUS
Progress from yesterday in London at the Electric Ballroom, Chapter 60, no matches were announced but the show still drew a sellout of 700 fans: Tyler Bate & Zack Gibson & Kyle Fletcher & Chris Brookes b Trent Seven & James Drake & Mark Davis & Kid Lykos in an elimination match with Brookes as the final survivor in a comedy match, Jack Sexsmith b Joe Coffey, Millie McKenzie won six-way over Charlie Morgan, Sierra Loxton, Candyfloss, Charli Evans and Chakara, Jimmy Havoc & Mark Haskins b Clint Margera & Drew Parker in a 12 days of Christmas no DQ match with 12 different weapons wrapped up as Christmas presents being used, Rampage Brown b Flash Morgan Webster, Travis Banks b Will Ospreay to keep the Progress world title (said to be one of the best matches in Progress for the year and possibly their history), Pete Dunne b Jack Gallagher to keep the U.K. title (fantastic match).
A story on Marco Corleone from his home paper.
There will be a New Year’s Eve show streaming live on Powerbomb.tv starting at 6 p.m. Eastern time with David Starr vs. Joey Janela fans bring the weapons, Chris Dickinson & Jake vs. EYFBO (LAX in Impact) in a TLC match, Flip Gordon vs Wheeler Yuta, Matt Riddle vs. Jimmy Jacobs, AR Fox vs. Rickey Shane Page, Keith Lee vs. Josh Briggs and Jordynne Gracie vs. John Silver, plus Joey Ryan, Dan Barry and more. There is also a pregame show with Jonathan Gresham vs. Tracy Williams and Tom Lawlor & Chuck O’Neil vs Rory Gulak & Jay Freddie.
Today is the 23rd anniversary of the death of Woody Strode. Strode was one of the first black players to play in the NFL, became a major movie star and was also a star pro wrestler.
Best of the West on 3/17 at Fresno City College at 5:30 p.m. will be an iPPV with Eli Drake and James Storm. There will be a meet and greet for $30 and include front row ringside and one hour with the talent. They also have a TV taping on 1/7 at the Hanford Civic Center at 6 p.m. with Funnybone vs. Sinn Bodhi and Shotzi Blackheart vs Desi Derate. They return to TV in Fresno on KAIL TV-53 next Sunday at 10 a.m.
Inspire Pro Wrestling on 1/14 in Austin, TX has ACH vs. Shane Strickland, Kody Lane vs. MJF and a Battle Royal.
SuperBowl Bash 5 on 1/20 at 5 p.m. in Barrie, ONT at 49 Ferris Lane featuring Joe Hendry.
Smash Wrestling on 1/19 in Sarnia, ONT at the Music Hall with Tarik vs. Joe Hendry.
Femmes Fatales on 2/24 in Vanier, ONT at 260 McArthur St. with Vanessa Kraven, Nicole Savoy, Mercedes Martinez and Jessicka Havok.
XICW on 1/7 in Warren, MI at the Hot Rock Sports Bar.
CWE on 1/8 in Virden, Manitoba at the Virden Collegiate and 1/10 in Brandon, Manitoba featuring an appearance by Jake Roberts.
Stardom on 1/13 in Yokohama has Io Shrai vs. Rachael Ellering plus Kris Wolf defends her AWS title against Miranda Salinas. 1/21 is the company seventh anniversary show at Korakuen Hall with Mary Apache vs. Kay Lee Ray and Queen’s Quest vs. Oedo Tai.
Lisa Marie Varon will appear on the Amazon and Amazon Prime TV show “Tainted Streams” that Jessie Godderz is in. She plays the parole officer for the character Godderz plays. The two played a couple in TNA several years ago.
Celeste Bonin, who was Kaitlyn in WWE, will face Rachael Ellering in her return to pro wrestling on 2/10 for Coastal Championship Wrestling in South Florida. Bonin has been training with Pablo Marquez.
BBC News re-released their feature on Pro-Wrestling: EVE today.
EVE have also been featured in Buzzfeed’s “Look back at 2017” feature this week. (thanks to Emily and Dann Read)

Today in Professional Wrestling History: Mike, Kerry and Kevin Von Erich win WCCW 6 Man Tag Team Titles

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Jey Uso (real name Joshua Fatu) was arrested in Texas over the weekend for allegedly driving while intoxicated.

Records show that Fatu was arrested on Sunday and released the same day on a $500 personal recognizance bond. Further details, including an arrest report, have yet to be made available.

The Usos defended their SmackDown Tag Team titles against Rusev & Aiden English and The Bludgeon Brothers in a triple threat match in Hidalgo on Sunday, then faced The New Day, Chad Gable & Shelton Benjamin, and Rusev & English in Corpus Christi last night. Whether Fatu will be kept off television at all remains to be seen.

The Usos are scheduled to defend their titles against Gable & Benjamin in a two-out-of-three falls match at the Royal Rumble later this month. Fatu’s twin brother, Jimmy Uso (real name Jonathan Fatu), will team with Naomi in the Mixed Match Challenge, but their first round match isn’t until the fourth week of the tournament.

UPDATE: WWE issued on statement on Fatu’s arrest: “Joshua Fatu is responsible for his own personal actions. We are investigating the matter and awaiting information from local law enforcement officials.”

1935

St. Louis, Missouri:
– Jim Londos beat Ed “Strangler” Lewis
– Ray Steele and Mehmet Yousoff wrestled to a draw
– Bronko Nagurski defeated Sol Slagel
– Orville Brown beat George Tragos

1945

Des Moines, Iowa:
– World Heavyweight Champion Orville Brown beat Lord Albert Mills in 2 out of 3 falls

1955

Abilene, Texas:
– Bob Geigel and Boris Kalmikoff defeated Jesse and Johnny James in a tournament final for the vacant NWA Southwest Tag Team Titles

1957

Amarillo, Texas:
– Dory Funk, Sr. defeated Dizzy Davis to win the Amarillo NWA North American Heavyweight Title

1961

Minneapolis, Minnesota:
– AWA Champion Verne Gagne drew Gene Kiniski (60 minute time limit)
– Wilbur Snyder beat Len Montana
– Hard Boiled Haggerty beat Joe Scarpello
– Jim Hady beat George Drake

1964

St. Joseph, Missouri:
– Rocky (Larry) Hamilton defeated The Stomper to win the Central States NWA United States Heavyweight Title

Omaha, Nebraska:
– AWA Champion Verne Gagne beat Mitsu Arakawa
– Pat O’Connor (sub Reggie Parks) beat Larry Hennig
– Mad Dog Vachon beat Doug Gilbert
– Jack Pesek beat Jim Grabmire

1965

Minneapolis, Minnesota:
– Larry Hennig & Harley Race beat Dick the Bruiser & The Crusher in 2 out of 3 falls to win the AWA tag team titles
– Wilbur Snyder beat Iron Mike DiBiase
– Bob Boyer beat Eddie Sharkey
– Billy Red Cloud beat Black Bart

1966

Vancouver, British Columbia:
– Black Terror (Bobby Graham) and John Tolos defeated Paddy Barrett and Tom Geohagen for the Vancouver NWA Canadian Tag Team Titles

Tampa, Florida:
– NWA World Title: Gene Kiniski defeated Eddie Graham in 2 out of 3 falls
– Missouri Mauler defeated Danny Miller
– Sputnik Monroe defeated Tony Martin
– Jose Lothario & Tito Carreon defeated Tom Bradley & George “Two Ton” Harris
– Buddy Fuller defeated Roger Kirby

Portland, Oregon:
– Tony Borne and Jay York defeated Shag Thomas and Bearcat Wright to win the NWA Pacific Northwest Tag Team Titles

1976

Sarasota, Florida:
– Texas Bullrope Match: Dusty Rhodes defeated King Curtis
– Thunderbolt Patterson defeated Missouri Mauler by DQ
– Southern Title: Billy Robinson defeated Frank Goodish
– Florida Tag Titles: Eddie Graham & Jerry Brisco defeated Bob Roop & Bob Orton, Jr. by DQ

1977

Memphis, Tennessee:
– Robert Gibson beat Buddy Diamond
– Dr. Frank beat Jerry Bryant
– Porkchop Cash beat The Avenger
– Gorgeous George, Jr. drew Tommy Gilbert
– Southern Tag Champs Bill Dundee & Ricky Gibson beat David Schultz & Dutch Mantel
– Southern Champ Rocky Johnson beat Ernie Ladd via DQ

1978

Tampa, Florida:
– NWA World Title: Harley Race defeated Steve Keirn
– Ivan Putski defeated Ivan Koloff
– Killer Karl Kox & Bobby Duncum defeated Rocky Johnson & Pedro Morales
– Mike Graham defeated Mr. Saito
– Jack & Jerry Brisco defeated Tank Patton & Randy Brewer

1981

Atlanta, Georgia:
– The Fabulous Freebirds (Terry Gordy and Michael Hayes) defeated Ted DiBiase and Stan Frazier to win the NWA National Tag Team Titles

Dothan, Alabama:
– Les Thornton won the NWA World Junior Heavyweight Title from Jerry Stubbs

Greenwood, Mississippi:
– The Grappler defeated Killer Karl Kox for the Mid-South Mississippi Heavyweight Title

1984

Memphis, Tennessee:
– Terry Gibbs & Rick Rude beat The Fabulous Ones via DQ
– Stagger Lee & Norvell Austin beat Porkchop Cash & Dream Machine
– The A-Team beat Karl Krupp & Sabu
– Randy Savage & Angelo Poffo beat Art Crews & Dutch Mantel via DQ
– The Rock-n-Roll Express beat King Konga & Jos LeDuc via DQ
– Jerry Lawler & Austin Idol DDQ The Road Warriors
– Stagger Lee & Norvell Austin beat The A-Team
– The Rock-n-Roll Express beat Randy Savage & Angelo Poffo
– Stagger Lee & Norvell Austin beat Rick Rude & Terry Gibbs
– The Zambuie Express beat The Rock-n-Roll Express
– Princess Victoria beat Wendi Richter
– The Zambuie Express (Elijah Akeem and Kareem Muhammad) defeated Norvell Austin and Sweet Brown Sugar for the vacant AWA Southern Tag Team Titles

1986

Rockford, Illinois:
– AWA Champion Stan Hansen beat Leon White (Vader)
– No DQ match: Nick Bockwinkel beat Larry Zbyszko
– Non Title: Nord The Barbarian & Mongolian Stomper beat AWA Tag Team Champions Curt Hennig & Scott Hall
– Jerry Blackwell beat Boris Zhukov
– Buck Zumhofe beat Earthquake Ferris
– Marty Jannetty beat Doug Somers

1987

Fort Lauderdale, Florida:
– Bad News Allen defeated Kevin Sullivan for the Florida NWA Southern Heavyweight Title

1990

Osaka, Japan:
– Jushin Liger defeated Naoki Sano to win the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Title

1991

Norfolk, Virginia:
– Tim Horner defeated Bill Irwin
– Brad Armstrong defeated Moondog Rex
– Tom Zenk defeated Bobby Eaton
– WCW US Tag Team Champions Rick & Scott Steiner defeated Michael Hayes & Jimmy Garvin
– WCW US Champion Lex Luger defeated Sid Vicious
– WCW Tag Team Champions Doom defeated WCW TV Champion Arn Anderson & Barry Windham

1992

Washington, DC:
– Joey Maggs defeated Sgt. Buddy Lee Parker
– Big Josh defeated Tracy Smothers
– Johnny B. Badd defeated Richard Morton
– Rick & Scott Steiner defeated Cactus Jack & Diamond Dallas Page
– El Gigante fought Big Van Vader to a double count-out
– Dustin Rhodes & Ricky Steamboat defeated Larry Zbyzsko & WCW Tag Team Champion Arn Anderson
– WCW US Champion Rick Rude defeated Sting via disqualification

Dallas, Texas:
– The Dark Patriot (Doug Gilbert) defeated The Patriot to win the Global Wrestling Federation North American Heavyweight Title

1994

Memphis, Tennessee:
– The Moondogs (Rex and Spot) defeated The Rock ‘n’ Roll Express (Robert Gibson and Ricky Morton) to win the USWA Tag Team Titles
– Eddie Gilbert defeated Jerry Lawler to win the USWA Unified World Heavyweight Title

1998

WCW Boston Brawl: Boston, Massachusetts:
– Chris Benoit defeated Eddie Guerrero
– WCW World Television Champion Booker T pinned V.K. Wallstreet to retain the title
– WCW Cruiserweight Champion Chris Jericho defeated Dean Malenko to retain the title
– Bret Hart defeated Ric Flair
– Lex Luger, WCW United States Heavyweight Champion Diamond Dallas Page, and Larry Zbyszko defeated Randy Savage and WCW World Tag Team
Champions The Outsiders (Scott Hall and Kevin Nash)
– Sting pinned Hulk Hogan in a steel cage match

ECW Hostile City Showdown: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania:
– The Triple Threat (ECW World Heavyweight Champion Shane Douglas and ECW World Tag Team Champions Chris Candido and Lance Storm)
fought Bam Bam Bigelow and ECW World Television Champion Taz to a no contest
– Al Snow pinned Doug Furnas
– In a four-way dance, Rob Van Dam & Sabu defeated The Dudley Boyz (Buh Buh Ray & D-Von), The Gangstanators (Kronus & New Jack) and
Tommy Dreamer & The Sandman

2001

OVW Christmas Chaos: Louisville, Kentucky:
– The Minnesota Stretching Crew (Shelton Benjamin and Brock Lesnar) defeated Sly Skraper and Johnny Spade
– Team Xtreme (Jeff Hardy, Matt Hardy and Lita) defeated The Disciples of Synn (Synn and OVW Southern Tag Team Champions Damian and Payne)
– OVW Heavyweight Champion Nick Dinsmore defeated Chris Benoit by disqualification to retain the title
– Kane pinned Leviathan (Batista)

2010

WWE Royal Rumble: Atlanta, Georgia:
– Edge won the Royal Rumble
– Undertaker defeated Rey Mysterio to retain the World Title
– Mickie James defeated Michelle McCool to win the Divas Title
– Christian defeated Ezekial Jackson to retain the ECW Title

2016

Birmingham, United Kingdom:
– Beer Money (James Storm & Bobby Roode) defeated the American Wolves (Davey Richards & Eddie Edwards) to win the TNA World Tag Team Titles

The WWE name-shortening machine has apparently struck again.

Apollo Crews’ name has been shortened to just Apollo on WWE.com’s roster page. This hasn’t been reflected on television yet, as last week Apollo was still being referred to as Apollo Crews, but that may change on tonight’s program.

This would be the latest person to have their name altered on the main roster. Others who have lost their names in the past include Adrian Neville, Antonio Cesaro, Alexander Rusev, Big E Langston, Luke Harper, Erick Rowan, Elias Samson, and a bevy of others.

Apollo, real name Sesugh Uhaa, was signed by WWE in 2014. The following year, he was renamed Apollo Crews and worked in the NXT developmental program until he was called up in April of 2016. Since the brand split, he’s worked both brands and has most recently appeared on Raw. He was a part of the fatal five-way match last week that would determine the final entrant in this Sunday’s Elimination Chamber match.

Award-winning Bangladeshi photographer and activist Shahidul Alam was released from prison Tuesday after more than 100 days behind bars, in a closely watched freedom of speech case.

The 63-year-old Alam was arrested on August 5 for making "false" and "provocative" statements on Al Jazeera television and Facebook during student protests.

He was freed from Dhaka’s main jail Tuesday after being granted bail last week.

Alam told AFP he hoped his release would "signal freedom for many others" also detained during the massive student demonstrations.

"It is a fantastic feeling to be free in a free country, breathing free air. But I hope for freedom for everyone else," he said.

He was held under controversial internet laws which critics say have been wielded by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to stifle dissent and harass journalists.

Shahidul Alam celebrates with his wife Rahnuma Ahmad following is release from jailCredit:
SUMAN PAUL/AFP

Alam spoke briefly to reporters after he came out of prison to describe conditions inside jail.

The photographer had previously said he was badly beaten while in custody.

Although Alam was granted bail on Thursday last week, he had to wait another five days to be set free as the prosecution moved to appeal against the bail order.

He had earlier applied unsuccessfully for bail four times.

Alam, whose work has appeared widely in global media and who founded the renowned Pathshala South Asian Media Institute, faces a maximum 14 years in jail if convicted.

His lawyers have argued that Alam’s detention was "a clear violation" of his fundamental rights under Bangladesh’s constitution.

The photographer’s arrest triggered international protests – with rights groups, Nobel laureates and academics calling for his release – and followed a series of mass rallies this summer after two teenagers were killed by a speeding bus.

Sri Lankan activist holds a placard during a demonstration outside the Colombo High Commission of BangladeshCredit:
LAKRUWAN WANNIARACHCHI/AFP

The massive protests evolved into broader demonstrations against Hasina, who will seek a third consecutive term next month, and her Awami League party.

Alam told Al Jazeera at the time that the protests were the result of pent-up anger at corruption and an "unelected government… clinging on by brute force".

He was arrested the same day, with many other protesters held on similar charges as authorities cracked down on demonstrators.

In reaction to Alam’s release, Amnesty International said Tuesday Bangladesh authorities must immediately drop charges against him and "uphold its international commitments to protect the right to freedom of expression".

"Shahidul Alam is a bold representation of Bangladesh through his lens. He should not have been detained at the first place," said Saad Hammadi, Amnesty International’s Regional Campaigner for South Asia.

Human Rights Watch accused Bangladesh of targeting activists and journalists in the wake of the protests instead of prosecuting those who attacked students with fists and rods.

Michelle Bachelet used her first statement as UN High Commissioner for Human Rights to raise the issue of attacks on journalists in Bangladesh.

In recent weeks, Hasina has been accused of stifling dissent further by ratifying a controversial new digital-security law.

And a prominent critic of the government was arrested for defamation last month, days after he helped form an opposition coalition.

WWE’s Cruiserweight Championship tournament is down to its final four wrestlers.

The last two quarterfinal matches took place on 205 Live last night, with Mustafa Ali and Drew Gulak advancing to the next round. Ali moved on by pinning Buddy Murphy, while Gulak submitted Mark Andrews with a dragon sleeper.

With that, the semifinal matchups are Cedric Alexander vs. Roderick Strong and Ali vs. Gulak. Alexander defeated TJP and Strong beat Kalisto to advance last week.

Alexander vs. Strong will take place on next Tuesday’s episode of 205 Live. Of the wrestlers from outside of the cruiserweight division that WWE had appear in the tournament, Strong is the only one to make it to the final four.

The winners of the semifinal matches will go on to WrestleMania, where the new Cruiserweight Champion will be crowned on April 8th. Whether that match will be on the pre-show or the main card will become clear as we get closer to WrestleMania.

Month: July 2020

Natalya On Her Father Being Included in Riott Squad Feud

WWE RAW Results 12/17

Mayweather vs. McGregor brought in a lot of PPV buys

Report: Indie Star Mark Haskins Signs With Ring Of Honor

Daily Update: Braun Strowman, UFC 219 fallout, AAW

Jey Uso arrested for DWI in Texas over the weekend

Daily Pro Wrestling History (01/31): Edge wins 2010 Royal Rumble

Apollo Crews loses his last name on WWE roster page

Bangladesh photographer Shahidul Alam freed after months in detention

Semifinals set for WWE Cruiserweight title tournament