Hardcore Japanese wrestling legend, Mr. Pogo (Tetsuo Sekigawa), has died.
The official cause of death has been ruled a cerebral infarction that occurred during back surgery. He was 66 years old.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZrHf7GgHk2c
Mr. Pogo’s Career
Mr. Pogo is best known for his time spent in the Japanese hardcore promotion, Frontier Martial Arts (FMW). He is a former 2x FMW Brass Knuckles World Champion.
FMW deathmatches in the early 90s are what many credit as being the inspiration for ECW’s eventual hardcore style.
Pogo would also wrestle in Canada, in Stu Hart’s Stampede Wrestling during the 70s and 80s. At one point Mr. Pogo held the promotion’s tag team titles with the Dynamite Kid (before losing them to Bret and Keith Hart) and the North American Heavyweight championship. He also wrestled in NWA’s Tri-State territory in the 80s.
He would spend the remaining years of his career freelancing while in semi-retirement.
Jinder Mahal has some competition. The Indian Express announced this morning that WWE Dubai tryout participant, Kavita Devi, has been signed to WWE.
Not only that, Devi will be making her promotional debut in the upcoming Mae Young Classic Tournament next month.
Kavita Devi
A former powerlifter, Devi was trained at the Great Khali’s school, and impressed WWE officials at her tryout in April.
When asked about her opportunity in the Mae Young Classic, Devi had this to say:
“I am honoured to be the first Indian woman to compete in WWE’s first ever women’s tournament. I hope to use this platform to inspire other Indian women with my performance and make India proud”.
The tournament is scheduled for July 13th and 14th from Full Sail University. 10 episodes will be released all at once (Netflix style) after filming has been completed.
WWE has made another move aimed at breaking into the Indian market, announcing a new weekly TV show to be broadcast in Hindi.
The show will feature highlights from Raw and Smackdown, as well as a social media segment where fans can interact with hosts. The latter feature most likely related to the area’s high rate of social media interaction with WWE content.
Press Release
SONY PICTURES NETWORKS INDIA (SPN) AND WWE® ANNOUNCE EXCLUSIVE NEW WEEKLY HINDI SHOW, WWE SUNDAY DHAMAAL
MUMBAI, India & STAMFORD, Conn. June 22, 2017 – Sony Pictures Networks India (SPN) and WWE (NYSE: WWE) today announced the launch of a new weekly show in Hindi, WWE Sunday Dhamaal, featuring the best action and family-friendly entertainment from WWE’s flagship programs Raw® and SmackDown® beginning this Sunday, June 25 from 6.00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Sony MAX, India’s number one movie channel.
WWE Sunday Dhamaal will be presented by well-known television personalities Salil Acharya and Madonna Tixeira and include exclusive features giving Indian fans a unique, localized WWE experience beyond Raw and SmackDown each week.
Fans will be able to engage with WWE Sunday Dhamaal through social media in a segment called Debate of the Week. Viewers can share their opinions on Facebook and Twitter, and the best posts will be displayed on-air. The weekly show will also include trivia contests with chances to win WWE merchandise. WWE fans from the world of sports and Bollywood will also appear as special guests.
WWE Sunday Dhamaal replaces Raw Sunday Dhamaal and will air in Hindi on Sony MAX and in English on TEN 1 and TEN 1 HD on Sundays at 10:00 a.m.
“WWE fuels the most dedicated audience around the world and has a huge fan following,” said Mr. Neeraj Vyas, Senior EVP & Head, MAX cluster of channels and Channel SAB, SPN. “With Sony MAX’s mass appeal and wide reach, and with action entertainment gaining immense popularity among the audience, we made the decision to telecast WWE Sunday Dhamaal on the channel. WWE has had a long-standing connection with India, and we are sure the show will enjoy a good following.”
“We are excited to partner with Sony Pictures Networks India to bring our passionate fans new and localized content featuring all their favorite WWE Superstars,” said Mr. Sheetesh Srivastava, Vice President & General Manager, WWE India. “WWE Sunday Dhamaal gives our massive fan base in India a customized version of WWE’s blend of action-packed, family-friendly entertainment from Raw and SmackDown every week.”
WWE is planning to release the first 2 years worth of episodes of ECW’s relaunch. According to a report from WWE Network News, episodes from ECW which aired from 2006-2008 will be added to the Network shortly.
WWE’s ECW
WWE’s version of ECW was widely panned by fans of the original version. While the 2006 One Night Stand PPV was widely considered a success in terms of purchases and fan interest, the product flopped afterwards.
Rob Van Dam and Sabu would be arrested on marijuana possession charges not long after the re-launching. The incident resulted in WWE booking RVD to lose both the WWE and ECW world championships.
Following a disastrous December to Dismember PPV in late 2006, Paul Heyman and WWE parted ways. The brand continued downhill afterwards, and now you can relive it all on the WWE Network!
NXT this week featured a main event clash between strikers Aleister Black and Kassius Ohno. The episode also featured the return of Ember Moon from a shoulder injury.
NXT June 21st 2017 Full Sail University
1. Peyton Royce vs. Ember Moon
This was Moon’s first match back from a shoulder injury that kept her for challenging for the title at Takeover.
She was on offence when Peyton changed the tide by ramming her shoulder into the post.
Moon battled back and took out Kay on the outside before beating Royce with the Eclipse.
Winner: Ember Moon
2. Eric Young and Alexander Wolfe (Sanity) vs. the Ealy Brothers
No highlights of this match were posted.
While the Ealy brothers would get in a fair amount of offence, this was mainly a showcase match for Sanity.
Perhaps Young and Wolfe will be forming a tag team for the foreseeable future.
Winners: Sanity
3. Sonya Deville vs. Rachel Evers
Deville wrestles a very MMA based style, and this was evident here.
All of her striking is MMA focussed, and she won with a wrist-lock type submission.
Deville looks to be in line for a push in the NXT women’s division.
Winner: Sonya Deville
Bobby Roode and Roderick Strong Backstage Incident
Roode was doing a photo shoot when he started taunting Strong and his family who were passing through the area, leading to a fight.
4. Aleister Black vs. Kassius Ohno
This was an excellent back-and-forth match between two guys looking to move closer to an NXT title shot.
Ohno had gained the advantage with a flipping face-first suplex, but as he charged forward to deliver the discus forearm, Black counted with the Fade to Black roundhouse kick, and pinned him.
This week on Lucha Underground 4 matches in the Cueto Cup were featured. We are now halfway through the 1st round of the tournament.
Lucha Underground 203E23 June 21st 2017 Boyle Heights, Los Angeles
The first scene of the show was Fenix arriving to the Temple. He met ring announcer Melissa Santos, and it was established the two are in a romantic relationship.
Marty “the Moth” watched from a distance in an insane and jealous manner.
1. Cueto Cup (1st Round) Cage vs. Vinnie Massaro
Cage took off his murderous magical glove before the match started.
While Cage took most of the offence, Massaro got back into it with eye pokes and similar cheap manoeveurs.
While on offence Massaro spotted the glove and motioned towards it.
Cage cut him off before he could use it however, and then beat him with a Falcon Arrow/Brainbuster type move.
After the match, Cage put on the glove and beat Vinnie up with it, busting him wide open.
Winner: Cage
A promotional video for Johnny Mundo vs. Rey Mysterio Jr. is played, though we still don’t have an actual date for the match.
2. Cueto Cup (1st Round)
Marty “the Moth” Martinez (Moth Tribe) vs. Saltador (Rabbit Tribe)
Saltador is dressed in all checkers and uses a very trippy style, as all members of Rabbit tribe tend to do.
Marty won with a slam/codebreaker like move.
Winner: Marty Martinez
In the back, Paul London and another member of the Rabbit tribe get on their knees and bow to Mascarita Sagrada.
The Rabbit tribe say that now that Saltador is out of the tournament they are turning to Sagrada, apparently confusing him with a large rabbit. Sagrada just walks passed them.
In the back Marty is shown in a room full of pictures of Melissa Santos, when his sister, Mariposa, walks in.
Mariposa tells Marty that his infatuation with Santos has made him weak.
3. Cueto Cup (1st Round)
Pindar (Reptile Tribe) vs. Mascarita Sagrada
While Sagrada got in much of his offence, the size difference and frequent interference from Kobra Moon made the difference.
Pindar won with a modified power-bomb.
Winner: Pindar
4. Cueto Cup (1st Round)
Fenix vs. Mariposa (Moth Tribe)
If Mariposa had won this match she would have faced her own brother in the next round.
Fenix caught Mariposa going for a cross-body and turned it into the Fenix Driver for the pin.
After the match, Marty the Moth attacked Fenix, possibly because they meet next in the tournament, and possibly because Fenix is now with Melissa Santos.
Fenix ended up taking out both members of the Moth tribe, as Santos looked on impressed.
After appearing at Smackdown’s Money in the Bank PPV on Sunday night, Mike and Maria Kanellis were oddly absent from last night’s broadcast.
They weren’t absent from Smackdown however, the smitten newlyweds (married in 2014, close enough) actually filmed a segment during a commercial break last night.
WWE has since released video of the segment:
Mike and Maria Kanellis
Maria was discovered in the WWE Diva Search of 2004, and stayed with the company until 2010. The 35 year old performed for NJPW, ROH and Impact Wrestling during her time away from the company.
32 year old Mike Bennett performed for Ring of Honor from 2008 to 2015. He would also perform with NJPW from 2014 to 2015, even winning the IWGP heavyweight tag team championships along with Matt Taven.
Speculation is that Maria will be playing the role of the manipulative trouble-maker. Bennett will then be the love-sick husband she gets to do her dirty work.
NXT tonight will be main event’ed by two of the brand’s up and coming stars, Aleister Black and Kassius Ohno. Tonight’s episode was taped at Full Sail University, and the promotion has announced 3 matches which will air on tonight’s broadcast.
Ember Moon will also return to action tonight, as she takes on 1/2 of the Iconic Duo, Peyton Royce. Sonya Deville, who Royce and Billie Kay have used as muscle before, also returns to action against an opponent TBA.
It is looking as though the 2nd half of Lucha Underground’s 3rd season will centre heavily on the Cueto Cup and Mundo vs. Mysterio. The winners of each will then form the main event of Ultima Lucha 3.
The promotion has announced 3 tournament matches which will take place tonight, but additional matches could air as well.
Matches For Tonight’s Lucha Underground
Marty “the Moth” Martinez vs. Saltador (Rabbit Tribe)
This week’s episode of 205 Live was from Dayton Ohio, and featured former cruiserweight champion, Rich Swann, taking on the current King of the division, Neville.
205 Live June 20th 2017 Dayton, Ohio
1. Tony Nese vs. “Gentleman” Jack Gallagher
Tony Nese might be the next cruiserweight in line for a push. The 31-year old from New York pulled off a significant upset this week on former #1 contender, Jack Gallagher.
Gallagher threw Nese shoulder first into the post, causing a delay in the match. The referee checked on Nese, who looked to have been injured by the move. It was all a rouse however, and Nese caught Gallagher off guard as a result. Nese won with a running knee to the face.
Winner: Tony Nese
2. Mustafa Ali vs. Drew Gulak
Ali would prove to Gulak that he is more than just a high flyer in this match. Gulak would spend most of the match focussing on Ali’s elbow with submission holds.
Ali fought back, and looked to go for a …dive late in the match, but Gulak countered. Ali then countered his counter into a pinning combination however, and got the win.
After the match, Gulak was angry that Ali had used a technical wrestling move to beat him.
Winner: Mustafa Ali
3. Rich Swann vs. Neville (non-title match)
Akira Tozawa was at ringside, scouting Neville for a possible upcoming title match (most likely at Great Balls of Fire).
Swann looked to be in control of the match when he went for a Phoenix Splash. Neville got out of the way, applied the Rings of Saturn, and got the submission victory.
Afterwards, Neville and Swann stared each other down, previewing what will surely be Neville’s next title defence.
Karl Anderson & Luke Gallows are in something of a slump. The former Raw tag-team champions lost the titles at WrestleMania and have found little success since.
Anderson and Gallows are just 2W-7L on WWE television since WrestleMania. Their only wins have both come over Enzo and Cass, a team that has beaten them 3x in the same time period, including on the Payback Kickoff show.
Anderson & Gallows React to Last Night’s Loss
The frustration of their recent losing streak seems to be catching up with the former IWGP heavyweight tag team champions:
EXCLUSIVE: Think twice before asking @LukeGallowsWWE and @KarlAndersonWWE a "stupid" question about their loss on #RAW! pic.twitter.com/4Gi6FoGD4m
New Japan Pro Wrestling has announced the participants for this year’s G1 tournament.
For those unfamiliar with NJPW, the G1 is a round-robin tournament with wrestlers split into two blocks. The wrestler with the best record in each block meet in the tournament finals. The tournament winner will earn a title shot against the champion of their choosing at the Tokyo Dome show on January 4th.
G1 Climax 27 Participants
The tournament blocks will be announced on the 26th, and the tournament schedule on the 27th.
Real life couple, Carmella and Big Cass, have had a significant last two days.
On Sunday night, Carmella controversially won the first ever women’s Money in the Bank match. Then last night on Raw, Big Cass turned on longtime tag team partner Enzo Amore.
Carmella Comments on Big Cass’ Actions
Carmella, who debuted in NXT as Enzo and Cass’s hairdresser, seems to feel that Big Cass turning on Enzo is well overdue.
She had this to say on social media regarding last night’s segment:
WWE has made a habit of giving out championship belts to to championship-winning sports teams, but will also do so for those who they feel have earned the honour in other ways.
Off-duty police officer, Charlie Guenigault, received multiple stab wounds while helping to protect others during the recent London Bridge attacks. He was wearing a Sami Zayn t-shirt at the time. Since the attack, Guenigault has been recovering in hospital.
Charlie Guenigault Presented with WWE Championship
“The highest recognition a WWE Superstar can get is winning the WWE Championship. But this honour is also reserved for those in real life who go above and beyond.” – Paul Levesque
Triple H also had this to say regarding Guenigault’s actions on that day:
“To run in the direction of a scary situation that can’t even be described in words, to help others, for that to be your instinct to help others – that is a hero.
People say a lot of times that they watch WWE because these guys are like real-life superheroes. Well, Charlie is a real hero.”
Sami Zayn also sent Guenigault a personal video message which included the following message:
“You put yourself in the line of danger at a time when you really had no obligation to do so.
I can’t tell you how much respect I have for you. The fact you were wearing my shirt at the time really puts it into perspective for me.
Sami Zayn has always been the guy known to stand up to the bad guys, but you did it in the most horrific of circumstances.
Man, I’m just blown away, I really am.”
Guenigault had this to say regarding Triple H’s visit:
“It was an absolute pleasure to meet one of the greatest Superstars ever.
My comments when he first walked in the room are probably not suitable for a PG audience!”
Earlier this week, Smackdown GM Daniel Bryan sat down with NBC Sports to speak about fatherhood and the current state of WWE.
Bryan has been absent from WWE programming since early May as he and Brie prepared to welcome their first child. He is scheduled to return on tonight’s Smackdown to address the controversy in the women’s MITB match.
Daniel Bryan Interview Highlights
On how much fun it is to let loose on Talking Smack (on a scale of 1 to 10):
“I don’t really view it in a scale of 1-10. Sometimes when I’m talking about things that I know I shouldn’t be talking about [laughs] it raises those parts in your brain that excites you and makes you happy. For example, when I refer to James Ellsworth as “The Big Hog” I don’t think anyone really appreciates that other than me and some of the viewers. It makes me chuckle.
I consider a 10 as the happiest or the most fun that I have. A 10 would be doing something really fun with my wife and daughter. Just yesterday we went to a place to eat and Birdie was cooing and smiling and Brie and I were having a great time. That’s just the best. Talking Smack on its best day can get to like a six or a seven. Once you have this idea of where your true happiness lies, it changes your perspective.”
On WWE and Smackdown Having a Stale Product:
“I think a change of presentation is absolutely necessary. I think the way that we present our superstars probably needs to change. Years ago, [WWE] went through with this idea of having as much live stuff as possible on the shows, but I think when you watch say UFC for example, some of the things that are the most endearing, that make you care the most about the fighters are these backstage vignettes that show their real personality. You’ll see great fights that people will cheer maybe because they’re great fights, but the fights that have the most impact are the ones with fighters who people actually care about.”
On Smackdown Failing American Alpha:
“I think one of our failings on SmackDown Live was American Alpha. They’re great and on NXT they did all of these fun little interview segments with the two of them that got to show the people behind American Alpha. (They saw) who Chad Gable is, who Jason Jordan is. I’d like to do more of that kind of stuff.”
Maria once cost Gallows & Anderson the IWGP heavyweight tag team championships. They lost the titles to the Kingdom, Matt Taven and Mike Bennett, who were managed by Maria at the time.
The storyline, which was pretty out there by NJPW standards, was that Karl Anderson was so infatuated with Maria that he would never pay attention to his matches with the Kingdom.
News that Maria is once again in the same promotion as him has seemed to surprise Karl.
35 year old Maria Kanellis-Bennett was with WWE from 2004 to 2010. She was discovered in the 2004 Diva Search.
Maria is someone to keep an eye on. When she was in OVW she impressed Paul Heyman with her mind for the business, to the point that she is said to have been contributing booking ideas at the time.
Since leaving WWE, Maria has performed for NJPW, ROH and Impact. She most recently completed a degree in Sports, Entertainment, and Event Management, which seems relevant.
Last night at the Money in the Bank PPV, Tyler Breeze and Fandango’s segment had a distinctly 80s flare to it.
The team’s Fashion Files segment was based off the old “Miami Vice” television show from the decade, and included references to numerous wrestlers and angles which took place during that era.
Paul Heyman Reacts to Breezeango
Paul Heyman’s “Paul E Dangerously” character was referenced during the sketch, as Fandango used a large mobile phone. Heyman, as Dangerously, used a similar looking phone as part of his gimmick.
Live reports from Money in the Bank last night are stating that WWE U.S champion, Kevin Owens, required help to the back after last night’s main event. Fans in attendance are stating that Owens appeared to be favouring his leg.
While Owens did land on a ladder awkwardly at one point during the match, he does not seem to begin favouring his leg afterwards. At this point, the extent or causes of his injury is not known.
Possible Kevin Owens Injury
Owens’ possible injury was a topic of conversation on last night’s Wrestling Observer Radio, with Dave Meltzer and Bryan Alvarez. So far, WWE has not responded to questions regarding the potential injury.
As is the case with most injuries, Owens will probably be reevaluated Tuesday at Smackdown.
WWE and Roman Reigns are promoting that Reigns will make a big announcement Monday. The belief is that what Roman has to say will impact his role at this year’s SummerSlam.
The comment “No everyone is going to like what I say”, doesn’t reveal too much, as there are always people who don’t like anything Roman has to say. The most likely scenario is that Roman requests a match with a “good guy”.
With John Cena being advertised as a “free agent”, one has to wonder if Roman’s announcement could have something to do with him.
The Hulk Hogan vs. Gawker lawsuit has had far-reaching legal consequences. The precedent set by the case is expected to impact the future of journalism and celebrity privacy.
Netflix will be releasing a documentary on the case, and have just released the first trailer for the move:
The Many Facets of Hulk Hogan vs. Gawker
The co-founder of Paypal, Peter Thief, helped bankroll the lawsuit against Gawker. The media company had previously released private information as well.
WWE cut ties with Hogan after the tapes were released, allowing Hogan to sue Gawker for lost revenue.
More information should be revealed in the upcoming documentary.
“Big Poppa Pump” Scott Steiner appeared on the Ring Rust radio show recently. The former WCW champion spoke on his previous run in TNA, as well as his current run with Impact Wrestling.
Steiner also spoke on a possible WWE Hall of Fame induction, and whether or not he would accept a WWE offer for such.
Scott Steiner Interview Notes
On leaving TNA in 2012:
“When I left nothing impressed me, that’s why I left. The change of management which was a problem because Dixie Carter is an idiot and then she brought in these other idiots like Hulk Hogan. I was just like damn, ‘I got to get the hell out of here. I watched them from afar and their pockets kept getting run down and then thank God, someone else bought it, ran her out and now the right guy is back in charge being Jeff Jarrett. That’s basically who I started with before when Jeff started Impact Wrestling. I definitely wanted to come back and work for the organization again.”
On his recent return to Impact Wrestling:
“I get paid to beat people up, which is the greatest job in the world. I legally can punch someone in the face and not get arrested for it, which most human beings can’t do. Nowadays, a lawyer calls you up and you get slammed with a civil suit so it really is the best job in the world. People pay me to punch someone in the face, Josh called me up, asked me if I want to punch someone in the face, and I said, ‘Yeah, pay me and it’s on’ and that’s basically how it went down.”
On a potential WWE Hall of Fame Induction:
“I am already in a couple Hall of Fames like the Michigan Hall of Fame and the Dan Gable Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame, so my accolades speak for themselves. Let’s just say I’m not losing any sleep over any Hall of Fame induction. The one Hall of Fame that I refuse to go in is the WWE Hall of Fame because do you know where it’s at? Where is it? Do you have an address? It’s a bunch of bulls**t. If they called me up, I wouldn’t go because there’s no address, you can’t go see it, so, where is it?”
The main event of this week’s NXT was a women’s championship 3-way elimination match. Asuka would once again defend her title against Ruby Riot and Nikki Cross.
NXT June 14th 2017 Full Sail University
1. Drew McIntyre vs. Rob Ryzin
No highlights of this match were posted.
This was a showcase match for Drew.
McIntyre wins a quick bout, finishing him off with a Yakuza kick.
Winner: Drew McIntyre
2. Authors of Pain vs. Anthony Dominguez & William Freyday
Only Akam wrestled for AOP in this match. Rezar just stayed on the outside and talked with Paul Ellering.
Akam finished off the local talent, and his partner finally came into the ring after the match to deliver the Super Collider.
They cut a promo about how Heavy Machinery were foolish to challenge them.
This brought out Heavy Machinery and the 2 teams stared each other down for a moment.
Paul Ellering got in between the four of them and ordered his team to back away.
Winners: Authors of Pain
3. The Velveteen Dream vs. Raul Mendoza
The Velveteen Dream does not appear to be going by Patrick Clark anymore.
He wins clean here with a very Macho Man-esque flying elbow drop.
4. NXT Women’s Championship Match 3-Way Elimination Match Asuka (c) vs. Ruby Riot vs. Nikki Cross (Sanity)
Cross picked up the first pin by eliminating Riot with a corkscrew neck breaker while Riot was draped on the top rope.
Asuka and Cross then just started to have a wild brawl.
They brawled to the back and the ref waved the match off.
In the final move of the brawl Cross hit Asuka with a cross body that took both of them through a table.
4 matches in the 1st round of the Cueto Cup aired on last night’s Lucha Underground episode. Additionally, a murder took place in the show’s final scene.
Lucha Underground S03E22 Boyle Heights, LA
Pentagon Jr. walks into Dario Cueto’s office in the show’s opening scene. He says he is all healed up and ready to come back.
Cueto offers him a spot in the Cueto Cup, with a match that night.
Pentagon accepts but says that if he doesn’t win Aztec gold, he is going to break his bones.
1. Cueto Cup 1st Round Match Mala Suerte (Rabbit Tribe) vs. the Mack
This was a back and forth match, with Suerte getting a surprising amount of offence in.
Mack hit a pounce and then a stunner and got the 3 count.
Winner: the Mack
In the back, Cage is lifting weights and admiring his new robotic hand that gives him super strength.
Cueto tells him that a city councillor, a powerful man, wants to meet with him.
Cage first tells Cueto he isn’t interested, but then ends up taking his card.
2. Cueto Cup 1st Round Match Pentagon Dark vs. Argenis
Pentagon Jr. got the bulk of the offence here, but Argenis was also given time to get his offence in.
Pentagon hit the package pildriver and pinned him.
Winner: Pentagon Dark
After the match Pentagon looked as though he was just going to leave the ring, but old habits die hard. He walked over to Argenis and gave him his arm-breaker, seemingly breaking his arm.
3. Cueto Cup 1st Round Match Texano vs. Famous B w/Brenda
Famous B and Brenda were dressed up in western gear, and B cut a promo before the match. He told Texano he wanted to manage him and would do the right thing and lay down so he could pin him.
Texano started to pin him but stopped the count at 2. Texano gave him a sit down powerbomb and then pinned him.
Winner: Texano
A video hyping up the Lucha Underground championship match between Rey Mysterio Jr. and Johnny Mundo aired.
4. Cueto Cup 1st Round Drago w/Kobra Moon (Reptile Tribe) vs. Aerostar
Drago was led to the ring in a collar and chain by Kobra Moon, after having joined the Reptile tribe last week.
Kobra Moon would get involved frequently during this match, allowing Drago to go on offence.
Aerostar attempted to steal Drago’s Dragon’s Lair, but Drago countered it into his own version of the move and got the 3 count.
Winner: Drago
After the match, Drago beat down Aerostar on order of Kobra Moon.
Commentary played up how conflicted Drago looked during the match.
Cage vs. City Councilman Delgado Scene
Cage arrives at the councilman’s office. Delgado tells him he can never take the glove off, and Cage doesn’t object.
Delgado then starts to say that Cage works for him, and Cage didn’t like that. He continued that Cage would soon have power beyond his dreams and that they would work together. Cage grabbed him by the throat and pushed him against the wall, though moments later composed himself and apologized.
Delgado accepted the apology, but then said Cage was still “acting like a man”.
This angered Cage and he reared back and punched the guy. The camera panned out to reveal guts and blood on Cage’s hand and arm.
Cage said “I’m not a man, I’m a machine!”
He then stepped over a headless councilman’s body, stepped on an eyeball, and left the office.
Marcus Alexander Bagwell, better known to wrestling fans as Buff Bagwell, is retiring. The 47-year old former nWo member plans on touring one more time however. He has sent word to promoters and is currently taking bookings (press release below).
Bagwell has been active on the independent scene the last few years. He toured Australia earlier this year as well. He is currently part of a lawsuit (along with Raven) against WWE for royalties from use of their likeness on the WWE Network.
Buff Bagwell Comments on Career and Retirement
“BYE BYE BUFF DADDY (1990-2018 Retirement Tour)
Woodstock, GA, May 31, 2018– Approaching his 28th year in the world of professional wrestling and sports entertainment, Marcus “BUFF the STUFF” Bagwell, or as many have referred to him over the years as his entrance music shouts “BUFF DADDY”!!! has made a definitive decision that as of May 2018 he will lace up his boots for the last time and put the block buster to rest.
When asking Buff about the retirement decision he simply said:
‘When going with the Buff Daddy character I knew it was going to be a blessing and a curse.’ The blessing was, it was always an over exaggerated part of me so it was easy and a lot of fun to do, but when you call yourself BUFF!! You better damn sure live it and be in that gym 4-5 times per week.
Going into my 28th year in ring performing and with injuries and a few major surgeries over these last few years I really wanted to end my in-ring career still looking and performing like Buff Bagwell.
Marcus Buff Bagwell is one of the most professional workers currently on the independent wrestling scene. His dedication to the professional wrestling world and the Buff Bagwell character goes unmatched by anyone currently working independent dates. This former 5 time WCW tag team champion and former NWO member is not only a very recognized draw to any promotion throughout the world, but goes above and beyond giving the fans and the promotion an experience to reflect on for many years to come.
Buff will be doing every media outlet, podcast and wrestling news sites over this next year promoting his BYE, BYE BUFF DADDY tour. If you’ve had Buff as a guest or if this would be the first time ever, your show will be filled with surprises as one of the best story telling guest you could ever have.
For booking inquiries on Buff Bagwell, please contact MEP Worldwide Office at (330) 837.1697 or email at Tara@mepworldwide.com.”
PJ Black, who wrestled as Justin Gabriel in WWE, is believed to have been injured recently in a base jumping accident. According to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Black suffered a broken leg and lost a finger in the accident.
The injury was also mentioned on Edge and Christian’s most recent podcast as the reason Black won’t be on the Australian House of Hardcore tour.
PJ Black Base Jumping Injury Woes
This is the 3rd time the current Lucha Underground star has been injured this way. Base-jumping involves leaping from a cliff, or similar geological structure, while wearing a wing-suit or a parachute.
Last fall, Black broke both ankles base-jumping and was on the shelf until early 2017. Last week, Black posted photos of stitches being removed after another base-jumping accident.
Black, as Justin Gabriel, wrestled with WWE from 2008-2015. He signed with Lucha Underground in 2015 and is currently a member of the World Wide Underground stable, with Johnny Mundo, Taya and Jack Evans.
