Daily Update: Jack Swagger, Fastlane, UFC odds

THE ROUND-UP

The Latest from the F4W Staff

NEWS

Alberto Del Rio at Impact Wrestling tapings
Impact Wrestling finds a new home on TV in the UK
WWE NXT results: Two championships on the line
Jack Swagger requests his release from WWE
Up against Trump address, WWE SmackDown ratings decrease eight percent
GSP to face Michael Bisping in UFC return fight
Raw ratings down for Fastlane go-home show
Shaq: WrestleMania match against Big Show ‘probably’ isn’t happening

AUDIO

FREE WOL! 2016 Wrestling Observer Newsletter Awards, Dave Meltzer interview, more! 3/2
WOR: Observer Newsletter Awards, TNA update, Smackdown, GSP vs. Bisping, more! 3/2
F4D: Tom’s suspension, Smackdown, Impact, Total Divas, Geek of the Week, more! 3/1
DragonKingKarl Classic Wrestling Show: Gotch vs. Hackenschmidt II 3/1
B&V&C: Retro Raw and Nitro from 19 years ago this week! 2/28
WOR: Hardyz update, RAW report, Honor Rising, New Japan Cup, more! 2/28
DR. KEITH PRESENTS: Just Keep on Truckin’ Babay!!! 2/27

We’re looking for reports from tonight’s NXT shows in Columbus, OH and Lakeland, FL, as well as from the TNA Impact tapings tonight from Orlando, FL to [email protected].

IMPACT ON POP TV TONIGHT AT 8 P.M.

Rosemary vs. Jade Last Knockouts standing match for the title
Trevor Lee vs Andrew Everett for X title
Bobby Lashley vs. Josh Barnett for TNA title 

For this coming weekend, we’ll be doing three polls, for the UFC 209 PPV on Saturday night in Las Vegas, for WWE Fast Lane on Sunday from Milwaukee, and from the New Japan anniversary show on Monday from Tokyo.


FIGURE FOUR WEEKLY: 2/27/2017: Looking ahead to WWE Fast Lane

With WWE’s final pay-per-view before WrestleMania under a week away, the build to Fastlane has been aided by a few of the company’s best television segments of at least the past several months. The Festival of Friendship was perfect. From the timing of it coming before the audience knew for sure that the full turn was happening, the performances of Kevin Owens and Chris Jericho, and even the parts played by the bit characters, everything delivered… Subscribers click here to continue.


WRESTLING OBSERVER NEWSLETTER: February 27, 2017, Massive Ivan Koloff bio, death of George “The Animal” Steele, tons more

A huge feature on the life and career of Ivan Koloff is the lead story in the new issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, which is available right now. Plus, there are also features on George Steele, Nicole Bass, Johnny K-9, Diamond Dallas Page and Teddy Long.

The Koloff story talks about the most famous match of the 1970s in the U.S., his win over Bruno Sammartino, as well as his loss to Pedro Morales in WWWF title matches, the birth of Ivan Koloff, his days as Red McNulty, his first match with Sammartino, how he got the Koloff gimmick and who he was named after. This issue also looks at his title run with Sammartino the first time in Pittsburgh and then the WWWF, the most one-sided trade in sports history, the return of Koloff for his title win, the angle done to cover Sammartino, and the two big nights in Madison Square Garden.

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Have a look at the creation of Ivan Koloff in Quebec and how he first made his name as a major drawing card, and look at his run in Australia where Gary Hart managed him. Plus look at his days in the AWA, Hawaii, St. Louis, Georgia, Florida, the second WWWF run, the role as top heel for the opposition, the tag team with Ole Anderson, his feud with Dusty Rhodes, and the emergence of Nikita Koloff and the other Russians in the 80s.

Examine the career of George Steele, the life and times of Johnny K-9, the strange world of Nicole Bass, and the WWE Hall of Fame inductions of DDP and Teddy Long.

Plus, details about the filming of “Fighting with My Family” after Raw and Smackdown this past week, notes on the movie, the phone calls to C.M. Punk in front of the fans, the Naomi injury, an update on Fast Lane, return of Finn Balor notes, a look at plans for a show after WrestleMania, the busy Raw brand schedule, WWE working with Indies on WWE Network update, WWE market value, most watched shows on WWE Network, plus details of all the WWE & NXT house shows over the past week along with business notes.


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]
 
Rates in the United States are $13 for 4 issues, $32 for 12, $61 for 24, $101 for 40 and $131 for 52. In Canada and Mexico, rates are $14.50 for 4, $35 for 12, $67 for 24, $111 for 40 and $144 or 52. In Europe, you can get the fastest delivery and best rates by sending to [email protected]. For the rest of the world, rates are $16.50 for 4, $44 for 12, $85 for 24, $141 for 40 issues and $183 for 52. If you order by mail with a check, cash or money order (P.O. Box 1228, Campbell, CA 95009-1228), you can get $1 off in every price range.)

If you are a new subscriber ordering 24 or more issues, you can choose one free classic issue, or two free classic issues with a 40-issue subscription.

WON BACK ISSUE: February 7, 2000, Radicalz debut in WWF, The Rock autobiography review, more

Chris Benoit, Dean Malenko, Perry Saturn and Eddy Guerrero debuted as The Radicals on the 1/31 Raw show from Pittsburgh in what was considered a big push but it all fell apart the next night in their in-ring debut when Guerrero suffered what appeared to be a serious elbow injury on the 2/1 Smackdown tapings in Detroit. Smackdown, live Raw the previous night, was to be built around the newcomers with the stipulations that they would have a best-of-three series between DX and the Radicals, and if the Radicals won, then Hunter Hearst Helmsley would have to agree to sign them to a WWF contract… Subscribers click here to continue.

 


THURSDAY NEWS UPDATE

I just realized that in two weeks, there will be a weekend with major shows from CMLL, a UFC from London, the NCAA tournament (on ESPN live Friday and Saturday night plus other sessions televised and streamed with nearly 110,000 fans expected for the six events), New Japan Cup semifinals and finals (two different shows) and a PWG show.

Odds for the main UFC fights this weekend:

Stephen Thompson -170
Tyron Woodley +150
Khabib Nurmagomedov -170
Tony Ferguson +150
Daniel Kelly +200
Rashad Evans -240
Alistair Overeem -145
Mark Hunt +125

The WAW UK promotion announced U.K. shows with Jack Swagger (his first non-WWE appearance), Jazz, Bushwhacker Luke Williams and Scott Hall for 3/10 and 3/11.

WWE
There was significant betting today for Sunday’s Fastlane show that turned odds around completely in two matches. Nia Jax is now -1500 against Sasha Banks, and Braun Strowman is now -2000 against Roman Reigns. (thanks to David Taylor)
There is a documentary on the Sasha Banks vs. Charlotte Hell in a Cell match. (thanks to David Youell)
There is a pre-sale going on for the Extreme Rules PPV on 6/4 in Baltimore at the Royal Farms Arena with the code: EXTREMERULES
Kurt Angle was on ESPN today talking WWE Hall of Fame.
A pre-sale for the 5/15 Raw from Newark, NJ is going on with the code: WWERAW 
The Hollywood Reporter today noted that actress Haley Lu Richardson (“Split”) has been added to the movie “The Pact,” a comedy where John Cena is one of the stars. The movie is set for release on April 20, 2018. It’s about three parents, one of which was Cena, finding out that their daughters have all planned to lose their virginity after the prom and they go out and try to stop that from happening.
A story on Big Show’s 60 pound weight loss is here.
UFC
Jeremy Stephens vs. Renato Moicano has been added to the 4/15 show in Kansas City.
MISCELLANEOUS

Bobby Fish promoting Saturday’s ROH show at the Manhattan Center.
Frankie Kazarian talks about the 3/10 ROH PPV and Christopher Daniels.
Mr. T will be on the new season of Dancing with the Stars which starts on 3/20.
The Hulk Hogan trial with Gawker documentary called “Nobody Speaks: Trials of the Free Pass” will have an international premiere in Toronto at the Hot Docs festival.  It had a U.S. premiere at Sundance in January.
Headlocked Comics is doing a comic called “Headlocked: The Hardy Way,” featuring stories from Ric Flair, Mick Foley, Cody Rhodes, Kenny Omega and artwork from Jerry Lawler, Fred Ottman and Lince Dorado. There will be a kickstarter for the release at 8 p.m. tonight with special pricing for early backers.
A story on Rocky King, the former Crockett wrestler known for helping the homeless in Atlanta is here. (thanks to Larry Weaver) 
Cassandro and other wrestlers appeared on Conan O’Brien in a segment where Conan trains Lucha Libre is here. (thanks to Chris Aiken)
A kid who grew up idolizing Larry Zbyszko.
The Legacy Fighting Alliance announced a 3/24 show in Houston headlined by Ricky Turcios vs. Levi Mowles and Klayton Maj vs. Roberto Sanchez. The show airs live from the Arena Theater on AXS.
Smash Wrestling on Saturday night in Toronto at the Franklin Horner Community Centre with Tyson Dux vs. Scotty O’Shea vs. Greed, plus James Davis, Jimmy Havoc and Rob Lynch from the U.K. and a pre-show autograph signing with Jake Roberts.
Jeff Walton is being inducted into the Empire Wrestling Federation Hall of Fame on 5/5 at their anniversary show in Covina, CA.
Oddity Wrestling Alliance results from Saturday afternoon in San Diego: Bestia 666 b Viento, Rey Horus b Oracle, Rey Fenix b Laredo Kid, Brody King & Tyler Bateman b Vilento Jack & Aeroboy, Rey Fenix won three-way over Rey Hours and Bestia 666, Fidel Bravo over Adrian Quest, Jake Atlas, D’Marco Wilson, Biagio Crescenzo, Dragox, Sepahim and Stigma, Inframundo b Donnie Suarez & Huracan, Ruby Raze b Datura, Ryan Kidd b Eli Everfly.
ECCW on 4/8 in New Westminster, BC at the Sapperton Pensioners Hall.
Pure Wrestling Associates on 3/11 in Kitchener, ONT at the Alpine Club.
House of Hardcore on 4/21 in Metcheun, NJ and 4/22 in Philadelphia has Tommy Dreamer, Bully Ray, Matt & Jeff Hardy, MVP, Sami Callihan and Brian Cage.
Big League Wrestling Gold Rush will be on FITE TV on Sunday live from the U.K. headlined by Alberto El Patron vs. Ken Anderson.
MCW tomorrow night in Joppa, MD at the MCW Arena has Brian Cage, Adam Rose, Amy “Lita” Dumas, Lio Rush and Brittany Blake appearing. 
Bill Behrens sent out a release that Sean Waltman is not discontinuing wrestling after April as he had first sent out, but that he will be discontinuing wrestling soon and is only taking bookings for matches that can be confirmed through the end of April, and he will only do tag team matches. He can be booked at [email protected].
AAW on Saturday night in LaSalle, IL at the Knights of Columbus with Sami Callihan vs. Rey Fenix for the AAW title, ACH vs. Penta 0M for the Heritage title, Dave & Jake Crist vs. Dezmond Xavier & Zachary Went 2/3 falls, Kruger (Adam Rose) vs. Ethan Page, Jessicka Havok vs. Samantha Heights and AR Fox vs. JT Dunn.
Acclaim Pro Wrestling on Saturday night at the SPK Dom Polski Polish Combatants Centre.
Joe Gacy is the final person announced for the ECWA Super 8 tournament on 4/29 in Woodbury Heights, NJ at the Community Center. The seven previously announced were Lio Rush, Timmy Lou Retton, Brandon Scott, Zombiie King, Joey Janela, LSG and Anthony Bennett.
The movie “Ascent to Hell,” where John Hennigan (Johnny Mundo) is one of the leads, will be released on video on 3/14. It’s a horror movie about a real estate agent and her wealthy investment manager end up stuck in a building in a supernatural trap. 
Rob Van Dam vs. MVP headlines 3/24 in Wilmington, CA at the PCW Memorial Hall.
After the Missouri commission refused to overturn her loss, Invicta’s Celine Haga had filed in Cole County Circuit Court for a judicial review of the results of her fight with Amy Montenegro at the January Invicta show. Haga choked Montenegro out. Ref Greg Franklin didn’t stop the fight and the bell rang, although Montenegro actually went out before the bell. Montenegro was given the decision by the judges and Haga is claiming the fight should be a win by her since she put Montenegro out before the bell rang. That was the finish of a famous 1973 pro wrestling match with Harley Race defending the world title against Mr Wrestling in the first show that ever sold out the Omni in Atlanta.
Ringside Championship Wrestling on 3/18 in Cherry Valley, AR, at the Cross Country High School in a benefit show for the Food Pantry, featuring Doug Gilbert vs. Eric Wayne, the son of Tommy Gilbert against the grandson of Buddy Wayne.

F4W / WO EMPIRE WRESTLEMANIA GROUP INFO

BUS INFO:

The Empire bus to WrestleMania will cost $50.00 and will be round trip from Rosen Inn at 9000 International Drive 32819 (a few blocks away from Wrestlcon). THERE ARE ONLY 5 SEATS LEFT!
The bus will leave at 3:30pm (time subject to change) for WrestleMania and will leave WrestleMania no later then one hour after the show. If you would like a seat email Ed at [email protected] or message him on the BOARD~! for Paypal payment instructions.

DINNER INFO:

WHAT: Dinner at Texas de Brazil
WHEN: Friday March 31st
WHERE: 5259 International Dr Ste F1, Orlando, FL 32819 at 5 p.m. (they may open at 4:30 for us)
WHO: All your best empire buddies, including BIG DAVE MELTZER
DETAILS: The cost of the dinner will be $68.00 which includes the dinner, salad bar, soft drinks and tea, and dessert, tax and tip. This is a pre pay dinner and you can send payment to paypal at [email protected] (please send as a gift to a friend). Payments must be made by March 24th (if you wait until after that, Ed will charge an extra $5.00 for being a pain).
Pro Wrestling Tees is now carrying our latest line of F4W shirts. Support the Empire~! Grab yours today!

Today in professional wrestling history (3/2): reDRagon win ROH tag team gold


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