July 2020 – Page 41

The Revival discuss their Raw Tag Team Title opportunity against The B-Team on the SummerSlam Kickoff as Scott Dawson reflects on his Greensboro, North Carolina roots.
The Revival did come up short in their bid to win the belts on Monday Night Raw. The B-Team retained the titles with a victory over The Revival and the former champs, The Deleters of Worlds, in a triple threat match.
Here’s The Revival:

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Ray Leppan, known as Adam Rose, was officially released by WWE Monday as he requested it, according to the company.

Leppan was on an indefinite suspension from the company after being arrested on both tampering with a witness and domestic battery charges on May 11 involving his wife at their home in Lutz, FL. During the proceedings it came out, it was a second incident involving Leppan.

He was already on a 60 day suspension, announced on April 16, for a second wellness policy violation. He wrote that the violation was for testing positive for Adderall XR to treat ADHD. He put up a doctor’s note on Twitter, took it down, and then put it up again. WWE never responded to questions regarding the nature of the suspension, but did not change its ruling.

Leppan started his career working in South Africa as a tag team partner of Paul Lloyd Jr. (P.J. Black in Lucha Underground, Justin Gabriel in WWE). He worked for the local promotion there and was one of its top stars when signed to WWE in 2010, where he worked as Leo Kruger and later Adam Rose, highlighted in the ESPN E:60 Behind The Curtain documentary. The latter gimmick got him a 2014 call-up but the character never got out of prelims. He was a member of the Social Outcasts group at the time of his first suspension.

We’ll discuss this more on Wrestling Observer Live today and on Wrestling Observer Radio tonight.

Matt Sydal and Michael Elgin vs. Rocky Romero and Yoshi-Hashi

Fun opening match. It’s a unique tag combination and led to some interesting back and forth offense. Elgin looked great, even doing a senton off the apron at one point while doing all of his cool power spots. As Elgin did the senton Sydal went to the top rope for the shooting star press, Romero countered and hit the ropes. He tried to roll up Sydal while holding onto the ropes but the ref noticed. He snuck by with a win regardless in a flash pin.

Jay White, Juice Robinson, Ryusuke Taguchi, Kushida & Katsuyori Shibata vs. Yuji Nagata, David Finlay, Manabu Nakanishi, Hiroyoshi Tenzan and Kyle O’Reilly

Kyle worked with Kushida early. When Taguchi tagged in, he worked against Tenzan and acted like he was going to do the Mongolian chops, doing the hand gesture, but did the hip attacks instead. Of course the focus of the match was on Shibata and Nagata, as they are due for a rematch over the NEVER title at Dominion. They spend some time smacking one another until White was tagged in. He put in a great comeback, but ultimately fell to a back drop hold. Pretty solid for what it was.

Chase Owens vs. Tiger Mask

Owens jumped Tiger Mask as he was climbing to the top rope to pose during his entrance, and power slammed him off the rope. Then Yujiro grabbed him and proceeded to carry him all the way to the back and ran back to the ring to tease a count out. Didn’t work as Tiger Mask laid him out and came back in time. Standard back and forth match, just kind of there. Tiger Mask had him in his submission but Yujiro pulled out the ref. Tiger Mask dispatched Yujiro but Chase laid him out, got the ref back in and teased the package piledriver but Tiger Masked escaped, took down Owens and pinned him.

Chase Owens superkicked Kawato after the match because he’s very mean.

Trent Baretta vs. Bobby Fish

Really good match. Baretta has been on fire this tour, and he and Fish already have pretty strong chemistry together. Fish went for a suplex but Baretta reversed it to the floor, sending both men down. Fish worked on the legs but Baretta reversed it into a bridging pin for a nearfall. Baretta went to do something on the rop rope but Fish dropkicked him in the knee and hit a brainbuster from the top rope. When Baretta kicked out, Fish locked in the leg lock again and Baretta submitted.

Yoshitatsu, Captain New Japan and Satoshi Kojima vs. Yujiro Takahashi, Bad Luck Fale and Kenny Omega

Standard tag match. Omega took the camera to lament about the young lions and how useless they were before the match started. Captian New Japan got some near falls on Omega that the crowd surprisingly got into. Fale helped even the odds for the Bullet Club as Omega went to the top rope and did the high fly flow, mocking Tanahashi. Liked that finish.

Omega beat up Captain New Japan with the ladder after the match and laid him out the same way he did to Tanahashi on night one – or at least tried to, but Kojima and Yoshitatsu broke it up.

Kazuchika Okada, Gedo, Hirooki Goto and Tomohiro Ishii vs. Sanada, Evil, Bushi and Tetsuya Naito

Naito took his usual long time getting to the ring. Milano Collection AT up and left the announcer’s table while Kushida, who was doing guest commentary, was sitting at ringside. Naito goaded him on a bit before Okada flew out of the ring with a senton, crashing into all of Los Ingobernables. This was a really great match, better than some of your usual tag matches you see on these cards. Everyone were looked good. People got into this match big time and were lit when Goto and Evil were duking it out. Okada came in and worked against both Naito and Sanada and looked great. Sanada ended up submitting Gedo with the Skull End for the win.

Everyone beat each other up some more after the match. Yoshi-Hashi came out to even the odds but was laid out by Sanada . Bushi misted Ishii. Naito choked Yoshi-Hashi with what looked like a towel until Okada came back for the save.

Volador Jr. vs. Jushin Thunder Liger

Another good match. They worked really well together and had some cool spots. Liger threw Volador out of the ring and did a big time crossbody to the floor. Crowd was really into this. Liger went to the top rope but Volador came back and hit the spanish fly/C4 off the top rope and pinned Liger.

Ricochet vs. Will Ospreay

They had a tremendous exchange early. These guys move fast and know their body really well, in case you haven’t heard or seen. Ricochet took out Ospreay on the outside and did an amazing step up corkscrew plancha to the floor. Just an array of crazy moves. Ospreay hit an instance looking Sasuke special to the floor then kissed the camera after the match.. Ricochet gave him a death valley driver on the apron and somehow came back with a crazy looking rana. This match was so crazy people were actually chanting “This is awesome” in Korakuen Hall.

Ricochet laid him ou with a northern lights suplex followed by a brainbuster for a near fall and went for the 630 but Ospreay rolled out of the way. Ricochet came back and went for the Benadryller but Ospreay reversed in air, grabbed the leg and slammed him to the floor. He hit the spinning punch then pinned him with the springboard stunner. Amazing spectacle of a match, you kind of have to rewatch it just to see all the crazy stuff that went down.

Ospreay and Ricochet teased like they were going to fight after the match, but shook hands as the crowd chanted “One more match”.

+++++++

Great show with some really great matches and an awesome main event. Check it out when you can, and go out of your way to watch the main event.

Current tallies:

Block A:

Ryusuke Taguchi – 6

Kyle O’Reilly – 6

Rocky Romero – 4

Matt Sydal – 4

Gedo – 2

Kushida – 2

Bushi – 0

David Finlay – 0

Block B:

Baretta – 4

Jushin Thunder Liger – 4

Ricochet – 4

Volador Jr. – 4

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Chase Owens – 2

Tiger Mask – 2

Bobby Fish – 2

Will Ospreay – 2

Ring Of Honor (ROH) recently held the first day of their Honor Re-United Tour which emanated from The Edinburgh Corn Exchange in Edinburgh, Scotland. The show featured the first round of The ROH International Cup Tournament, in which the winner of the entire tournament will challenge The ROH World Championship Jay Lethal on the final day of the tour. Below are the full results from the show:
– Mark Haskins def. Jonathan Gresham in a First Round International Cup Tournament Match. Haskins won by submission in a match where they did a lot of mat work.
– Flip Gordon def. Kip Sabian in a First Round International Cup Tournament Match. Gordon was very over.

– Viper def. Kay Lee Ray in a Women Of Honor Match. Both are from Scotland and played up being friends, hugging before the match and getting a chant for Scotland’s ICW promotion from the crowd. Ray played heel by trying to pin Viper when she was helping her up, but they ended up still being friendly after.
– Jimmy Havoc def.Christopher Daniels in a First Round International Cup Tournament Match. Havoc won with the Acid Rainmaker. The story of the match was Havoc trying to make it a hardcore match and Daniels refusing. They used a staple gun near the end.
– Hangman Page def. Joe Hendry in a First Round International Cup Tournament Match. The crowd was very into this, with Page winning with the Rite of Passage.
– ROH World Champion Jay Lethal def. Adam Brooks in a Non-Title Proving Ground Match. Lethal was very over and got “Black Machismo” chants, referring to his old character in TNA. Brooks would have gotten a future World title shot if he won.

– Bullet Club Elite (The Young Bucks & “The Villain” Marty Scurll) def. The Briscoes (Jay & Mark Briscoe) & Punishment Martinez. This started out with a lot of comedy and turned into a very fun match with a lot of action. Scurll got “heavyweight” chants when doing spots with Martinez, and The Briscoes had a lot of heat.
ROH’s Honor Re-United Tour continues in Doncaster on the second day and London on the third and final day.

According to Sunday’s Wrestling Observer Radio, there has been talk of turning Asuka heel and it could happen soon. “I can just tell you there’s been talk of her turning. We’ll see,” said Dave Meltzer.
Asuka has been noticeably absent from WWE television in recent weeks because there was no storyline in place for her and it’s tough to fit everyone on a 2-hour show every week. She is the latest victim of the crowded roster. She has been wrestling at live events and dark matches but it seems like her momentum has stalled since her streak was broken at WrestleMania and from her losses to Carmella.
Meltzer added, “I’ve heard that she might turn so maybe that will spruce her up. They actually do have plans for her so maybe everything will change. Since the WrestleMania match, she’s been booked real bad because she was in that Carmella feud that she had to lose and the way she lost just made her look terrible in both of those matches.”

Asuka posted this photo on Friday that some people took as a hint that she could be turning heel soon:

I fights for love and peace. ???? pic.twitter.com/FWPgcEk9OP
— ASUKA / ??? (@WWEAsuka) August 17, 2018

Saturday night is a busy night in the UFC world with UFC 199 going down in Los Angeles, but there are some huge fights in the works for July’s UFC 200 and August’s UFC 202 that has captured the attention of fans.

In something that will get everyone talking in both wrestling and MMA, former WWE champion and former UFC heavyweight champion Brock Lesnar is returning to the organization to fight on UFC 200 against an opponent that will be announced on ESPN Monday. The news was first broken by MMA Fighting’s Ariel Helwani.

During a UFC 200 promo during UFC 199, Lesnar was shown at the very end and Mike Goldberg and Joe Rogan discussed it a bit afterward.

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Lesnar is taking the fight with WWE approval. They will likely be promoting the fight during WWE broadcasts up to the event.

Lesnar’s opponent in his return will be announced Monday on ESPN.

Lesnar came close to returning to the UFC in early 2015, but ultimately decided to sign a new contract with the WWE. He hasn’t fought in the cage since losing to Alistair Overeem at UFC 141 in December 2011. He came close to returning in 2012 for a fight against Fedor Emelianenko, but the deal was unable to be put together by the UFC.

UFC 200 takes place on July 9 from the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, headlined by Daniel Cormier taking on Jon Jones to unify the light heavyweight title. Frankie Edgar vs. Jose Aldo for the interim featherweight title is also on the show as is former Lesnar foe Cain Velasquez vs. Travis Browne, and a host of other interesting fights.

UPDATE: WWE has confirmed the fight. They issued the following statement tonight: “Brock Lesnar remains under contract to WWE, however, he has been granted a one-off opportunity to compete at UFC 200. Following this milestone event on July 9, Brock will return to WWE for SummerSlam on Sunday, August 21 live on WWE Network.”

Bryan Alvarez and Dave Meltzer will be back tonight to talk UFC 199, Brock Lesnar’s return to UFC and how this deal came to pass, the Conor McGregor vs. Nate Diaz rematch being signed for UFC 202 and more. Sign up today for full access to all of our new and archived shows (8,000 total), new and archived Wrestling Observer Newsletters and more!

Submitted by Andrew Hall

– Pre-Show: Veda Scott vs “Crazy” Mary Dodson

Veda wins with a back suplex while Mary is seated on top rope. Good enough match to warm up.

Kelly Klein and BJ Whitmer come out. Klein gives Mary a Michinoku-driver like move and BJ harasses the ring announcer to announce Klein as ‘the only woman that matters’ in Women of Honor.

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Jay Briscoe comes out and tells the crowd the ROH officials are concerned about his health and he is not supposed to wrestle tonight. Roderick Strong comes out to tell him it is better that way and Jay should take the night off. Of course, Jay doesn’t accept that reasonable offer, so the main event is still on.

– Caprice Coleman vs ACH

Good match. Caprice yelled out ‘Buddy Landel!’ and proceeded to do a Landel-style elbow off the ropes. Maybe a dozen people in the audience got it. ACH won with the 360 splash.

– Stevie Richards vs Mark Briscoe

OK match. Mark with a DVD like move and then FroggyBo off the top for the pin.

– Beer City Bruiser (w/ Silas Young) vs Cheezburger

What you’d expect. BCB wins with his finisher. Silas mocks Cheeseburger and expresses his disgust for the crown and ACH and CB. Silas picks CB up over his shoulders, but ACH makes the save.

– ANX vs Motor City Machine Guns

Fun match. Good team spots. Heat on Alex Shelley. Finish breaks down and MCMG do a double team buster move on Rhett ( I think) for the pin. MCMG are pretty over.

– Adam Page vs. ROH Champion Jay Lethal

Big pop for Bullet Club, and a good pop for Lethal. Crowd somewhat favored Lethal during the match. Back and forth action. Lots of leg selling by Jay. Page ripped off his knee brace at one point. Big pop for a Young Bucks run in. Superkicks on Lethal, but he kicks out. Another attempt and Lethal ducks and Page gets it. Then Lethal diverts one Buck’s superkick into the other Buck. Follows with a Lethal Injection on both a Buck and Page at the same time. Good for the pin. Really good match.

– Intermission had BJ Whitmer babbling. Crowd wouldn’t let him talk at all. “We want wrestling” chant.

– Dalton Castle (w/The Boys) vs Kamaitachi

Solid match. Fun spots w/ Castle and the Boys. Crowd into it. Castle w/ a bridging suplex for the win.

– Lio Rush vs Adam Cole

The rest of the Bullet Club came out w/ Cole. He then sent them off saying he didn’t need them. Really good match. Near falls and hope spots had me believing Rush would win it, especially after he finally hit a frog splash. But Cole caught him with the knee brain buster for a pin. Afterwards, he shook Lio’s hand and called hm the future of ROH. Then he hugged Lio … but it was just a cover for a Superkick party. Bucks were out and nailed Rush and then all 3 did. MCMG ran them off. Best match on the card.

– War Machine vs. ROH Tag Champions The Addiction (Daniels/Kazarian) in a no DQ title match

Early part was just WM mauling The Addiction with hairs and trash cans. Then they got Hanson taped outside to the corner and Rowe taped inside by his legs to bottom rope. Lots of offense on Rowe, but couldn’t pin him since feet on ropes! Daniels cut him loose and they tried to pin. Rowe kicks out. Powers up and frees Hanson. More brawling. They hit finisher on Kazrian, but Daniels saved. Then War Machine decided to get the tables.

Before they can, two big guys (Shane Taylor and Keith Lee) run in and demolish WM with power bomb moves. The Addiction recover and give Hanson a double suplex with a belly landing on the table for the pin.

– Jay Briscoe vs Rodrick Strong

Lots of heat on Strong. Back and forth match. Ref bump and Jay got visual pin. Revived ref and hit the Jay Driller, but only got 2. A short exchange and Strong hit his suplex into front codebreaker like finish for a surprise victory. Solid match.

1933

Waterloo, Iowa:
– Joe Stecher beat George Vassell
– Abe Kashey drew Bob Jessen

1937

Kansas City, Kansas:
– Everett Marshall beat Nanjo Singh to retain the World Title
– Lou Thesz beat Warren Bockwinkel
– Dan O’Connor drew Walter Podolak

1943

St. Joseph, Missouri:
– Jim Londos beat Ronnie Etchison to retain World Title
– Orville Brown beat Joe Dusek by dq

1948

St. Louis, Missouri;
– Bill Longson defeated Billy Watson by countout
– Lou Thesz beat Frederick Von Schacht by dq
– Sky-Hi Lee defeated Don McIntyre
– Warren Bockwinkel beat Fritz Schnabel

1950

Honolulu, Hawaii:
– Arjan Singh defeated Sandor Szabo to win the NWA Hawaii Heavyweight Title

1951

Fort Worth, Texas:
– Miguel Guzman defeated Wayne Martin for the NWA Texas Heavyweight Title

1964

Kansas City, Kansas:
– Moose Evans beat Mongolian Stomper to retain the US Title by dq
– Sonny Myers beat Harley Race 2 falls to 0 (first fall by dq)
– The Lawman drew Bob Geigel
– Steve Bolus and Rocky Hamilton beat Bulldog Plechas and Baron Von Strauss

1966

Omaha, Nebraska:
– In a cage match; Dale Lewis beat Luke Brown
– Reggie Parks & Mr Wrestling Tim Woods beat Mad Dog Vachon & Butcher Vachon

1968

San Angelo, Texas:
– Dory Funk, Jr. & Terry Funk defeated Kurt & Karl Von Brauner to win the Texas version of the NWA World Tag Team Titles

1971

Pittsburgh,Pennsylvania:
– Bruno Sammartino and Dominic DeNucci defeated The Mongols (Geeto and Bepo) for the WWF International Tag Team Titles

Indianpolis, Indiana:
– The Fabulous Kangaroos (Al Colstello & Don Kent) won the WWA World Tag Team Titles from Wilbur Snyder and Moose Cholak

1972

Mexico City, Mexico:
– Enrique Vera defeated Raul Mata for the Mexico National Light Heavyweight Title.

1977

Indianapolis, Indiana:
– Jimmy & Johnny Valiant defeated Moose Cholak & Paul Christy for the WWA World Tag Team Titles

Caguas, Puerto Rico:
– Hercules Ayala defeated Huracan Castillo to win the WWC Puerto Rico Heavyweight Title

1978

Miami, Florida:
– Dusty Rhodes defeated Dick Slater to win the NWA Florida Southern Heavyweight Title

1980

Des Moines, Iowa:
– Bob Brown & Pat O’Connor defeated Takachiho (The Great Kabuki) & Pak Song for the NWA Central States Tag Team Titles

1981

Kansas City, Kansas:
– Bob Sweetan & Terry Gibbs defeated The Fabulous Freebirds (Terry Gordy & Michael Hayes) to win the vacant NWA Central States Tag Team
Titles

1982

– Ringo Mendoza & Cachorro Mendoza defeated Satanico & Espectro, Jr. for the Mexico National Tag Team Titles

Denver, Colorado:
– AWA Tag Team Champions Greg Gagne & Jim Brunzell beat Jerry Blackwell & Sheik Adnan
– In a non-title match; Rick Martel beat AWA Champion Nick Bockwinkel
– Tito Santana beat Ken Patera on a reverse decision dq
– Pat Patterson beat Dennis Stamp

1983

Chicago, Illinois:
– Mad Dog Vachon beat Jerry Blackwell
– Wahoo McDaniel & Jerry Lawler & Dick The Bruiser beat Nick Bockwinkel & Jesse Ventura & Blackjack Lanza
– Greg Gagne beat Bobby Heenan
– Ken Patera beat Jim Brunzell

Greenville, South Carolina:
– Jack and Jerry Brisco defeated Ricky Steamboat and Jay Youngblood to win the Mid-Atlantic version of the NWA World Tag Team Titles

1984

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada:
– Davey Boy Smith defeated Bad News Allen for the Stampede North American Heavyweight Title

Memphis, Tennessee:
– Phil Hickerson & The Spoiler (Frank Morrell) defeated Tommy Rich & Eddie Gilbert to win the AWA Southern Tag Team Titles

1989

Tokyo, Japan:
– The Marine Wolves (Suzuka Minami & Akira Hokuto) defeated Grizzly Iwamoto & Bison Kimura for the vacant WWWA World Tag Team Titles

1995

WCW Great American Bash | Dayton, Ohio:
– Sting defeated Meng to win the vacant WCW United States Heavyweight Title
– The Renegade defeated Arn Anderson to win the WCW World Television Title
– The Nasty Boys (Brian Knobbs and Jerry Sags) defeated The Blue Bloods (Earl Robert Eaton and Lord Steven Regal) to retain the WCW World Tag Team Titles
– Ric Flair defeated Randy Savage

1997

Sapporo, Japan
– Mima Shimoda & Etsuko Mita defeated Tomoko Watanabe & Kumiko Maekawa to win the WWWA World Tag Team Titles

2004

Mexico City, Mexico:
– Dr. Wagner, Jr. defeated Canek to win the UWA World Heavyweight Title

2005

ROH Death Before Dishonor III | Morristown, New Jersey:
– BJ Whitmer and Jimmy Jacobs defeated Jimmy Rave and Eddie Vegas to retain the ROH Tag Team Title
– Lacey defeated Cindy Rogers
– The Carnage Crew (Loc and DeVito) defeated The Ring Crew Express (Dunn and Marcos) in an Anything Goes Street Fight
– Samoa Joe defeated Colt Cabana to retain the ROH Pure Title
– NWA World Heavyweight Champion A.J. Styles defeated Petey Williams
– Lacey’s Angels (Izzy and Deranged) defeated Generation Next (Roderick Strong and Jack Evans)
– Nigel McGuiness defeated James Gibson, Homicide and Azrieal in a Four Corners Survival match
– Low Ki and Jay Lethal fought to a no contest
– CM Punk defeated Austin Aries to win the ROH Heavyweight Title

2006

TNA Slammiversary | Orlando, Florida:
– Team Canada (Eric Young and A-1) defeated The Naturals (Andy Douglas and Chase Stevens)
– Team 3D (Brother Ray and Brother Devon) defeated The James Gang ( B.G. and Kip James) in a Bingo Hall Brawl
– Rhino defeated Team Canada (Bobby Roode and Scott D’Amore) in a Handicap match
– Senshi defeated Sonjay Dutt, Alex Shelley, Shark Boy, Petey Williams and Jay Lethal in an Elimination match
– Kevin Nash pinned Chris Sabin
– A.J. Styles and Christopher Daniels defeated America’s Most Wanted (Chris Harris and James Storm) to win the NWA World Tag Team
Titles
– Samoa Joe pinned Scott Steiner
– Jeff Jarrett defeated champion Christian Cage, Abyss, Ron Killings and Sting in a King of the Mountain match to win the NWA World
Heavyweight Title

Editor’s Note: Most of this was written before the news of Roman Reigns’ wellness policy violation and suspension.

Since WrestleMania, I’ve been thinking about Dean Ambrose’s WWE career, about how the company missed their chance with him, about how he could’ve been a big star, and about how he may never reach his potential. Then, Ambrose won the WWE World Heavyweight Championship Sunday night at Money In The Bank.

Here’s a look at his wild ride to the top.

Leader of The Shield

During The Shield’s run, Ambrose was the de facto leader of the group, mostly because he could cut a promo significantly better than the other two. He was frequently positioned front and centre, and held a singles title (the U.S. Championship) while Rollins and Reigns were tag team champs. (Trivia note: the Undertaker’s last ever TV match not on PPV was against Ambrose.)

It seemed like when The Shield would finally break up, Ambrose would be a top heel coming out of it because he was a natural. Reigns would be a babyface and pushed as a top star and Rollins, a fantastic wrestler but mediocre on the mic at the time, would end up a babyface as well, but one who would probably get lost in the shuffle. Of course, that’s not what happened.

WWE teased the breakup of The Shield several months before it happened, and it looked like Ambrose would be the catalyst. They decided not to pull the trigger, because The Shield still had life. After feuds with the Wyatt Family and Evolution, Rollins surprised everyone when he pulled the trigger that ended the partnership. Rollins–not Ambrose–was the heel.

Missed Opportunities

As it turned out, Ambrose made for a great babyface. Ambrose, not Reigns, started a summer-long blood feud with Rollins that resulted in plenty of highlights, including Ambrose busting out of a giant birthday gift to wildly attack his foe. He desperately wanted Rollins to pay for what he did, and the fans were into it. Ambrose was red hot, and the fans wanted to see him get revenge.

Unfortunately, that didn’t happen. The Ambrose-Rollins feud culminated in a Hell in a Cell match (which notably headlined that show over a John Cena vs. Randy Orton HIAC match). On Chris Jericho’s podcast, Ambrose once said he likes doing things differently, things that may not make sense to everyone. Hell in a Cell was evidence of that. Ambrose started the match not in the ring, but on top of the cell.

Ambrose should have won this match and his feud with Rollins. Rollins was being protected anyway as Mr. Money in the Bank, a member of the Authority, and destined to win the WWE Title regardless of what happened in this feud. But a win for Ambrose would have put him on another level. The fans deserved to have their faith rewarded.

Instead, he lost after some bizarre interference by Bray Wyatt. Not only did Ambrose lose the feud to Rollins, he lost the following feud with Bray. This was the first big example of the company dropping the ball with him.

Up and Down the Card

After losing feuds to Rollins and Wyatt, Ambrose found himself fighting for the Intercontinental title. In the 2015 Royal Rumble, after Daniel Bryan was unceremoniously eliminated, Ambrose was someone the fans fell back on, hoping he would win instead of Reigns. Of course, he was dumped out of the ring like nothing by Big Show and Kane.

Ambrose continued on in the mid-card, fighting for the IC title in a ladder match at WrestleMania won by Daniel Bryan. Then, somewhat out of nowhere, Ambrose finally beat Rollins in a match on Raw. The win earned himself a title shot in a Fatal 4-Way that included Reigns and Randy Orton, but, of course, Ambrose didn’t win.

He did find himself in another singles feud with Rollins with the title on the line. After getting screwed at Elimination Chamber, Rollins barely defeated Ambrose at MITB to retain his title. Ambrose came close, but again, came up short. After this, he found himself feuding with the Wyatts again, and again, came up on the losing end.

Anyone But Roman

After Rollins got hurt and had to surrender the WWE title, Ambrose was put in a tournament to crown a new champion. This led to a match they’ve never done, a match they perhaps should have never done — Dean Ambrose vs. Roman Reigns. Reigns won the title by defeating Ambrose, but it was somewhat forgettable considering what happened next — Sheamus cashing in his MITB briefcase to win the title.

While Reigns feuded with Sheamus over the strap, Ambrose returned to the IC title mix. It was around this time Ambrose started to gain momentum again. When his popularity was rising, he was getting comparisons to Steve Austin. Maybe that’s absurd, but fans were desperate for a new star.

With Reigns still not clicking with the audience, there was the thought, or hope, that maybe Ambrose should take his spot at WrestleMania. When Reigns lost the WWE title in the Royal Rumble, it was Ambrose–not Reigns–who was last eliminated by Triple H.

At the next PPV, Ambrose was again pinned by Reigns, this time for the number one contender spot. A few weeks later, Ambrose fought Triple H for the title at Roadblock in Toronto and came up short…again. To be fair, he got screwed, but there was basically no follow up, and in the end, the story was that Ambrose failed to win the big one.

Losing Steam

I was at that Roadblock show and there really was a feeling among fans that Ambrose could win and change the WrestleMania plans the way Daniel Bryan did two years earlier. Instead, Ambrose was roundly beaten by Brock Lesnar, both throughout the feud and in the actual Mania match.

To this point, Ambrose had lost almost every big match he has been in with Rollins, Wyatt, Reigns, Triple H and Lesnar all getting their hands raised at the end. Yes, he’s been U.S. and IC champion, and yes, he beat Jericho, but a lot of guys can say both of those things.

After WrestleMania season, Ambrose lost a lot of steam. Instead of being the unhinged lunatic who would wildly attack Rollins at any opportunity, he became a caricature. He was acting crazy, but it was just that: an act.

There were complaints about Ambrose feuding with Jericho over a fake talk show and plant, but this is the same guy who once used ketchup and mustard as weapons, and at the time, that worked. But Ambrose was losing the authenticity and credibility he once held with the audience, and feuding over plants and jackets was sad more than it was fun.

A Second (or Third) Chance

I suppose it shouldn’t be surprising that WWE put the title on Ambrose when he is at his least interesting point. He’s not red hot anymore. The comparisons to Austin have stopped. But, the opportunity still exists to make Ambrose a top guy. All of the losses and times he got screwed over can add to his story, and WWE would be smart to take advantage and tell that story. Cashing in on Rollins was the perfect start.

Ambrose went from being the de facto leader of The Shield to the odd man out. But now, it seems as though all three Shield members are back on the same level. I certainly don’t think Money in the Bank was a sign that they’ve given up on Reigns. If anything, Ambrose winning was just a way to set up an angle through SummerSlam and nothing more.

It’s possible Ambrose will go back to where he was before this all happened, but that would be a mistake. This company seems filled with top heels who get cheered and top faces who get booed, but Ambrose is a face who gets cheered and seems genuinely well-liked. Hopefully he’s trending upward again.

Learning from The Shield

You could argue that all three members of The Shield should be bigger stars than they are — If only they had turned Reigns heel, if only they brought back Rollins as a babyface, if only they didn’t do all that stuff I just mentioned with Ambrose. Still, all three guys have done pretty well for themselves.

It’s important to note how protecting The Shield for as long as they did really make all three guys. Smackdown is frequently advertised and centred around these three men, while guys like John Cena are given the night off. Headlining shows with any combination of The Shield members would have been impossible if they hadn’t been booked so strongly (or if they had debuted on their own as individuals).

That’s why it’s totally fine getting upset when AJ Styles or Kevin Owens or Bray Wyatt or whoever loses a big match. Ambrose’s struggle to make it through poor booking isn’t a new story. WWE has a long history of ignoring a guy when their popularity peaks. Whether it’s because that guy wasn’t in the plans or because they like to prove the fans wrong, it’s self-destructive.

But as we’ve seen, plans can change. If the plan is to keep the title on Ambrose for any length of time, which I know is unlikely, I hope the shows feel different with him on top. During his initial rise, Ambrose’s segments were often a breath of fresh air on dreary Raw shows that are always too long.

We already knew that Dean Ambrose had the ability to be a biggest star of The Shield. Maybe now, especially in light of recent news, he will be.

Thanks to Joseph Currier for contributing to this post.

It’s a pretty quiet weekend leading to a monster week next week with three UFC events in three days including UFC 200. We’ll be doing one weekend poll which is for the New Japan show in Iate on late Saturday night/Sunday morning with thumbs up, down or middle and best and worst match to [email protected].

A NEVER Openweight Championship match featuring champion Katsuyori Shibata defending against Tomoaki Honma will headline New Japan Pro Wrestling’s Kizuna Road show late Saturdaynight/early Sunday morning. The two previously had one of the best matches of the tournament in 2014’s G-1.

The show also features Kenny Omega and the Young Bucks defending their NEVER Openweight Six-Man Tag Team Championship against Satoshi Kojima, Ricochet and Matt Sydal. Chaos (Kazuchika Okada, Hirooki Goto, Yoshi-Hashi and Will Ospreay) will once again take on Los Ingobernables de Japon (Tetsuya Naito, Sanada, Evil and Bushi) in a multi-man tag. Complete lineup as follows:

NEW JAPAN FROM IWATE ON NEW JAPAN WORLD AT 3 A.M. LATE SATURDAY NIGHT EASTERN AND MIDNIGHT PACIFIC TIME

David Finlay vs. Chase Owens
Hiroyoshi Tenzan & Jushin Liger & Tiger Mask & Ryusuke Taguchi vs. Tomohiro Ishii & Kazushi Sakuraba & Rocky Romero & Baretta
Yoshitatsu & Captain New Japan vs. Yujiro Takahashi & Hangman Page
Yuji Nagata & Manabu Nakanishi vs. Togi Makabe & Juice Robinson
Kenny Omega & Young Bucks vs. Satoshi Kojima & Ricochet & Matt Sydal for Never six man titles
Kazuchika Okada & Hirooki Goto & Yoshi-Hashi & Will Ospreay vs. Tetsuya Naito & Evil & Seiya Sanada & Bushi in an elimination match
Katsuyori Shibata vs. Tomoaki Honma for Never Open weight title

– WWE has a house show in Pikeville, KY (Kane, Big Show, The Miz, Sheamus, Sami Zayn, Rusev, Cesaro, Enzo, Cass, Dudleys, Kalisto, Sasha Banks). We’re looking for reports on the show at [email protected].

– Sunday has a WWE show in Huntington, WV (Kane, Big Show, The Miz, Sheamus, Sami Zayn, Rusev, Cesaro, Enzo, Cass, Dudleys, Kalisto, Sasha Banks).

– Raw will be Monday night from Columbus, OH. Given that Raw is on July 4th, it is likely to be the lowest rating for a Raw show in the history of the show. Rusev vs. Titus O’Neil for the U.S. title has been announced. Shane McMahon is scheduled to return.

– Smackdown is Tuesday night in Toledo. No John Cena or Seth Rollins advertised, but Dean Ambrose, A.J. Styles and Kevin Owens are advertised.

THE ROUNDUP

USA vs The World 16 man elimination set for RAW, more
Domestic assault charges dropped against Jerry Lawler, WWE lifts suspension
Ric Flair returning to podcasting
CMLL wrestler Thunder passes away at 34
A Chicago Weekend at SHIMMER pt. 1

The 10th annual Wrestling Observer/F4W convention in Las Vegas takes place during UFC’s International Fight Week from July 7 – 11. Ed in San Antonio has information on Facebook, or you can email him at [email protected]. It’s always a fun time, so hurry up and make your plans to join Dave Meltzer, Bryan Alvarez, Vinny, Granny, Ed, Peach, Dez, Dr. Lucha, Rodney, Sr. Jaialai, “Filthy” Tom, and the rest of the group in beautiful Las Vegas this July. Plus… some extra secret surprises.

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 6/27/2016: WWE concussion lawsuit update, more – The latest information in WWE’s concussion lawsuit.

Subscribers click here to continue reading.

Wrestling Observer Newsletter

READ IT HERE: July 4, 2016 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: NJPW G1 tournament preview, Ali vs. Inoki anniversary, more – A preview of NJPW’s G1 tournament, notes on the anniversary of Ali vs. Inoki, plus tons more.

It’s a double issue week featuring a look back 40 years at what was the biggest undertaking up to that point in pro wrestling history, and Inoki vs. Ali match, how it came together, what happened that night, coverage of the upcoming G-1 Climax tournament, coverage of Ultima Lucha 3 and details on where the company stands, full coverage of the WWE cruiserweight classic, ROH Best in the World coverage as well as a look at those coming and going from the promotion, the death of Ryan Jimmo, the life and times of Gypsy Joe, and far more about the fallout of the Roman Reigns suspension.

The lead story details this years G-1 tournament including what will air in English, newcomers to the tournament, some interesting political news regarding who is and isn’t in it, as well as a complete lineup for every show.

This issue looks at the background of Ali vs. Inoki, the first time boxer vs. wrestler with major stars came close to happening, boxing champions who did wrestling and wrestlers who faced boxers including involving one of the all-time greats, Thesz vs. Marciano talk, and the two best known mixed matches prior to Ali vs. Inoki in the U.S.

There is also a look at Japanese pro wrestling in the 70s and how that led to the match, the business of Billy Robinson involving Inoki vs. Baba, how Inoki was being marketed, and the attempts to put together Ali vs. Bruno Sammartino and how that led to this.

The goals of Ali vs. Inoki for the New Japan side, the pro wrestling angles, just how big the match was why the match wasn’t a work, where Ali’s career stood at the time, media coverage, how the terrible rules were the reason the fight, Sammartino’s broken neck and return, Stan Hansen becoming a superstar in Japan, and why Ali vs. Inoki was not a success in much of the U.S, and much more in this issue of the Wrestling Observer.

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.

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Wrestling Observer Newsletter BACK ISSUE

READ IT HERE: May 24, 1999 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: ECW Hardcore Heaven/WWF No Mercy – Amidst rumors flying everywhere of the possible demise of the company and others who are talking that the company is a short period away from growing bigger than ever, the ECW Hardcore Heaven PPV came off like a show that was a bridge for the company to something new, but when it was over, there were still no answers over whether what is new is good news or bad news… Current subscribers click here to continue reading.

SATURDAY NEWS UPDATE

WWE

As was announced earlier this week, Shinsuke Nakamura made his return to Japan in a match against Chris Jericho on Friday’s WWE house show at Sumo Hall. WWE has uploaded video of Nakamura’s entrance and the warm reaction he received in his home country:

AJ Styles, Karl Anderson and Luke Gallows also competed in Japan for the first time since leaving NJPW earlier this year. WWE has video of The Club reacting to their return:

– Toru Yano will make his stateside Ring of Honor debut as the first announced NJPW talent appearing on ROH’s August 19th Death Before Dishonor XIV pay-per-view and August 20th TV taping.

– TNA has a ridiculous trailer promoting “Hardy vs. Hardy: The Final Deletion” on this Tuesday’s Impact:

– Stephen Amell tweeted that former foe Cody “Stardust” Rhodes will appear on an episode of “Arrow” this fall.

If you missed it, WWE announced, “Jerry Lawler’s legal matter has been resolved and his suspension has been lifted, effective immediately”.
Apparently despite being verified, the person(s) tweeting from Bobby Heenan’s Twitter account is not actually him. It’s probably some other humanoid.
The WWE Cruiserweight Classic “Bracketology” show airs after NXT this coming Wednesday night on the WWE Network.

MMA

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Here is a link to Josh Gross’ book on the Antonio Inoki vs. Muhammad Ali fight. Gross was on two of our shows this week, WOR and WOL.
Just added to UFC 202, Chris Avila takes on former Ultimate Fighter finalist Artem Lobov. Lobov lost to Ryan Hall on season 22 of TUF.

MISCELLANEOUS

This week on 6:05 Superpodcast with Brian Last and David Bixenspan, Jim Cornette watches another terrible squash match (video here), Brian and Bix talk to Richard Vicek about his thoroughly researched new book on Dick the Bruiser, Brian Tramel rejoins the show to discuss memories of Dennis Coraluzzo, there’s another Superpod Rumble, and more.
The Two Man Power Trip of Wrestling had on a Canadian wrestling legend and one of the most underrated workers of the 1990s, “PCO” Pierre Carl Ouellet. He talks his start in the wrestling business to meeting Jaques Rougeau in Puerto Rico and forming the Quebecers and much more.
Here’s more news on the University of Minnesota wrestling team drug scandal with coach Robinson.
This is a hilarious video of a Wisconsin basketball player doing a perfect Stone Cold impression. Tight jean shorts and beer included.

SUMMER EVENTS CALENDAR

TONIGHT – Stars of Wrestling from Alameda, CA at the Alameda Point Gym has Bobby Lashley, Carlito and The Boogeyman appearing.
TONIGHT – NWA Cajun Heat in Morgan City, LA at the Municipal Auditorium with Jax Dane vs. Mustang Mike for the NWA title, and an appearance by Kevin Nash
July 7 – Rock Solid Wrestling runs in Sudbury, ON.
July 7-11 The 10th annual Wrestling Observer/F4W convention in Las Vegas, EdinSanAntonio has information up on Facebook, or email him [email protected]
July 9 – All Pro Wrestling + Fit of Mind present: #MalaceInThePalace from the Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco, CA.
July 9 – Upstate Pro Wrestling in Rochester, NY, features Ethan Pate, HC Loc, a triple threat match main event, and more.
July 9 – Acclaim Pro Wrestling presents: Star-Mageddon 6!
July 9 – Smash Wrestling in Fort Erie, ONT at the Native Friendship Center. Chris Hero will headline this fundraising event.
July 16 – In Your Face Wrestling Presents: “Malicious Intent” – Polish Community Center, 225 Washington Avenue Extension, Albany, NY www.iyfwrestling.com
July 17 – Lucha by the Water ft. Blue Demon Jr! – Harbourfront Centre Theatre, 231 Queens Quay West, Toronto, Ontario M5J 2G8, 3-6 pm. Tickets here.
July 17 – Premier Wrestling at the IFDES Lodge and Portuguese Hall in Gilroy, CA with Joe Graves vs. Gabriel Gallo for the Premier.
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 23 – Live Pro Wrestling, Glengarry Sports Palace, 170 McDonald Blvd. Alexandria, Ontario
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. Here’s what you missed.
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.
July 24 – Fenix vs. Pentagon Jr. headlines for Lucha Libre New York at Club LaBoom in Queens, NY
July 30 – WSOF32: Moraes vs. Hill 2 – Live on NBCSN from Everett, Washington
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

TODAY IN PROFESSIONAL WRESTLING HISTORY: Piper wins Mid Atlantic Title; Umaga wins WWE IC Title

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Month: July 2020

The Revival Discuss Their RAW Tag Title Shot At SummerSlam

Per his request, Adam Rose released from WWE

NJPW Best of the Super Juniors results: Will Ospreay vs. Ricochet; updated standings

ROH Honor Re-United Edinburgh Results (8/16): Edinburgh, Scotland

Is A Heel Turn Coming For SmackDown Superstar?

Major news on UFC 200: Brock Lesnar is coming back

ROH Columbus, OH, live results (Sun): Jay Lethal vs. Adam Page; new team debuts

Daily Pro Wrestling History (6/18): Brisco Brothers win NWA Tag Team Titles, CM Punk wins ROH Title

Examining Dean Ambrose's roller coaster ride to the top of WWE

Daily Update: WWE stars in Japan, NJPW Kizuna Road, Toru Yano to ROH