2014 Pro Wrestling Thread

And apparently the WWE issued an apology for Big Show's actions of ripping down the flag.

Sigh.

 

Shawn Michaels weeps.

 

The way they handled Owen dumping Austin on his head in the recent Monday Night Wars was interesting. Showed the video, but never used Owen's name and didn't have a hint of the animosity Austin showed about the event in his book.

 

This week’s Observer stuff:

- SummerSlam did about 116,000 international PPV buys, which is weird because the WWE Network is now available in about 170 countries. It’s good news if that number is high in addition to the international subs being high, but it could also mean that all of the international people who wanted it have already signed up via the backdoors available before it “officially” went on sale in those markets. The UK launch was delayed from Oct. 1 to sometime before Nov. 1, as the WWE speaks with partners there. It’s believed that it might conflict in some way with the new contract they signed with Sky this year.

- Gina Carano and Batista are now both believed to be shooting movies from October to December this year, which would take them both out of the running for returns.

- Global Force Wrestling, Jarrett’s thing, will be “presenting” a New Japan show on American PPV around Jan. 4. It’ll also presumably have some GFW guys on it, whoever they might be. Jim Ross has been contacted by GFW about doing the show, but nothing has been finalized.

- GFW still doesn’t have a TV contract, and TNA suddenly looking for a deal hurts them, since it’s believed that both companies are contacting the same networks. Younger TNA talent is said to be unhappy, because they’re not being used and they don’t have the name value to get booked in indies for short runs. ROH has only expressed interest in Samoa Joe and Eddie Edwards. The pay for the new TNA contracts is all by-appearance, with only $1,000 per month as a base holding fee.

- Michael Elgin of ROH managed to clear up his visa situation earlier than anticipated, and he’s back in St. Louis. However, he’s not booked for anything currently, and there are said to be issued between him and the company that need to be worked out.

- IWA Japan is folding on Oct. 13. They peaked in 1995 with the King of the Death Match tournament, featuring Cactus Jack, Terry Funk and Tiger Jeet Singh.

- Cung Lu, a 42-year-old UFC fighter, failed a drug test, which probably isn’t all that surprising. However, it is causing some concern for fighters because it was a failed test for HGH, and it was the day after a fight – so, Lu knew he was getting tested. It’s unclear if he just didn’t care, because it was going to be his last fight anyway, given his age, or if the testing has gotten better. The latter is obviously what fighters are more worried about.

Hell in the Cell preliminary and other booking plans, WWE returns:

- There is nothing announced, but right now, the plan is for Cena vs. Ambrose, with the winner facing Rollins and the loser facing Orton, with the latter two matches in the cell. Ambrose is really hot right now, and it’s believed that he could be elevated into a strong ME position with a pair of wins, and they wouldn’t hurt Cena or Rollins with the losses. Big Show vs. Rusev is likely, along with some sort of US title and IC title matches, and Nikki vs. Brie in some form.

- Harper is most likely going to be split off from the Wyatt Family. Since show is now feuding with Rusev, they aren’t really doing anything with the three of them. After he’s done with Show, Rusev vs. Sheamus for the US title is likely.

- Santino will be back on TV, although not wrestling.

 

So Ambrose hops on a subway, and unless everyone in the car are extras, nobody stops him for an autograph or a pic?

 

Love it when the Brooklyn fans shit on something. They've started Derek Jeter chants for the Brie/Summer fiasco and the little person fiasco.

Then again. .... THE ROCK!

 

Few own a crowd like he does.

 

They needed to bring him out, show was really dragging.

 

Yeah, they're in Brooklyn. Having a formulaic show ain't going to work with that crowd.

That Kathie Lee and whatever her partner's name segment was particularly sucky.

 

Everything about this show was a snoozer until The Rock came out. Was on pace to be one of the worst Raw's in recent memory.

 

The Rock being there was a major surprise. I didn't read any of the dirt sheets like I normally do, or check Twitter for anything, so I really didn't know he was there.

It's good to be surprised every now and then.

 

When Miz and Sandow celebrated, they did it right in front of Taran Killam any Bobby Moynahan from Saturday Night Live. I think I also saw one of the guys from Nick Cannon's Wild'n Out.