Trying these in the afternoon again because the blog is always SUPER dead after lunchtime. *. 94. I was actually going to redo the Halloween Havoc 90 rant based on the full PPV version that I’ve never seen…but the Network only has the Turner Home Video version. GROUP #2: Nobuhiko Takada is forming the UWFi (Union of Pro Wrestling Force International) and they’ll also be running Korakuen Hall, in May, and. Identifier-ark. 96. . Sorry. 95. Also, ROYAL RUMBLE. Wrestling Observer Flashback–11. Winner of the 2016 Doomie Award for Favorite Blog Post!. 94 (Part 2) – In the only non-tournament match on the show, Cactus Jack & Mikey Whipwreck won the tag titles from the Public Enemy after Terry Funk missed his flight and couldn’t make the show. 96. Wrestling Observer Flashback – 04. They’re owned by Jody Hamilton (Nick Patrick’s dad) and they do about 200 people per show. The grand plan for five days a week has been dropped and ESPN will air reruns of Pro Wrestling This Week instead. – Jim Cornette continues bringing the funny. 96 (Part Two) – In the top story, “Sycle” Sid won the WWF title in the main event of the Survivor Series. Severn. 10. 31. 89. 22. – Latest figures are in, and WCW is looking like a 0. I believe that’s known as the Kerry Von Erich Special in wrestling. Back in the saddle with these again. (My joke, not Dave’s) In freezing temperatures, Crockett had his showdown with Vince, featuring the debut of the NWA in Hamilton taking on Roddy Piper’s Canadian farewell in Toronto. 5-11-1987. By Scott Keith on 3rd October 2019. This is ridiculous on a lot of levels, most of which is actually against Zulu because he’s even worse than Mike Von Erich and in. 30, 1996 (Final Post for 1996) Going through old issues of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter and posting highlights in my own words. By Scott Keith on 9th September 2016. Buyrate looks to be between 0. 16. Well, one week left until the WWF really goes off a cliff. 21. 25. Wrestling Observer Flashback – 07. 96 (Part Two) – In the top story, “Sycle” Sid won the WWF title in the main event of the Survivor Series. Sid actually drew pretty big on the East coast, doing 11,000 at the Nassau Coliseum and 8000 in Philly. com~!Wrestling Observer Rewind • Dec. 95. By Scott Keith on 19th September 2016. He was at the other guys’ PPVs this year taking notes, as well as New Japan and All Japan’s major shows. Wrestling Observer Flashback–10. 7th. We’ve gotta skip all of November due to more gaps, but at least I can now promise that everything from now on is 100% complete! And we didn’t miss Starrcade. *. Baba apparently has plans to give Akiyama a major push down the line. Wrestling Observer Flashback – 03. 0. Wrestling Observer Flashback–12. 16. 86. This week is one of them. They of course had an immediate roster of excuses, mainly that it was scheduled on a night with really tough competition on TV. OK, after yesterday’s super-abbreviated edition (well the one I wrote at least, Dave was still 100,000 words into it) we’re back with a full double issue this time to recap all the stateside news! Continue reading Rants. So apparently the WrestleWar 92 issue (05/25/92) is missing from the F4WOnline. Obviously, doctors gave him some mumbo-jumbo diagnosis about “severe spinal disc and sciatic nerve damage”, and. It's a recap of the old issues of Dave Meltzer's Wrestling Observer Newsletter. 96. 11. 19 as I try to get as much done as possible in advance. 30. I know, I know, I’ll give you a minute to let it sink in. Curiosity over Kevin’s return is. For It’s Time. We’re almost there! One week left! – It’s almost time for the new fall season of wrestling, and it’s a big one. Nasty Boys retained the tag titles over the Bushwackers in 6:46. (This is why Dave needs an editor. Pillman tried a crucifix and Wright reversed it for the pin. This isn’t unique in itself, but if Idol. They even flew in Steve DiSalvo as part of the ring crew to. Gene Anderson, founding member of the Minnesota Wrecking Crew tag team died. Wrestling Flashback publishes wrestling list videos, top 10’s, the history of classic. 96 Remember how in last week’s issue, Kevin Nash had until the weekend to make up his mind about leaving…? – In the top story, Kevin Nash officially gave notice to the WWF that he’d be accepting an offer from WCW, via phone call to Vince McMahon on 3/5. Also, the Rock & Wrestling Connection was all his idea and he had to convince Vince to play “Eye of the Tiger” as his entrance theme in 1984. Steve Jennum was put into the finals as a last-minute. By Scott Keith on 16th December 2017. 04. 96. But first! An update on the Shawn Michaels incident in Syracuse. history-of-wcw. Topics. 5 to a 2. – But first, speculation is still running rampant in the wake of Ole Anderson getting fired as booker. ). OK, 2005 posts are FINALLY complete, and I got to see Star Wars, so let’s get back to Observing. – The Rougeaus are telling Montreal newspapers that they’re taking a one year sabbatical from wrestling before returning late in 1990. – Latest word on Maeda is that he’s got a new promotion in March, but Takada won’t come with. – It’s sounding like Scott Steiner will work Halloween Havoc, but won’t be doing much. 1984 Dave would chime in with “but luckily WWF isn’t wrestling” or something equally snarky, but mellower 1986. 27. 20. You can view a sneak preview below. Wrestling Observer Flashback – 02. Well this was all well and good, but wrestling magazines found out about it and started publishing stories and photos, and the NWA had to go into coverup mode. 3-28-1988. – Vince McMahon is apparently planning to sue Sgt. Collection. 90 / 07. The idea is to combine a bunch of small promotions into the Global Wrestling Federation, with offices in five different regions, including Jarrett now officially going back into Dallas to run the USWA there again. So after Masa Chono won the NWA title tournament, Thesz did a press conference for UWFI where he agreed to award his old NWA World title belt to the winner of the UWFI World title match between Takada and Gary. – The Wrestling Classic, scheduled to be the first ever nationally available PPV show, will feature a 16 man tournament, plus Hogan v. ABBYY FineReader 11. Wrestling Observer Flashback – 03. – All Japan on 9/17 saw the debut of former Olympic wrestler Jun Akiyama, who was pinned by Kenta Kobashi in the semi-main of the show. 94. The government side says it’s for “tactical reasons”, while the WWF. . After Stan Lane lost to the Patriot on the Global show, Cornette launched into a tirade about how it was a conspiracy against Stan, just like the cops conspired against his good friend. This was the one and only match in the whole tournament that actually showed why the division could. ) An industry shaking death in this issue, but. 05. Wrestling Observer Flashback – 08. The show would air live every Saturday night, from New York, and would cater heavily to an. 95. (Perhaps it’s time to revamp the show a bit?) – Famous San Francisco promoter Roy Shire passed away this week, after suffering a heart attack on 9/16 and dying 10 days later in the hospital. I feel like that can’t be a coincidence. Owen won with a Rocket Launcher on Tanaka. Wrestling Observer Flashback – 07. 96 September 9, 2023; Morning Daily News Update September 9, 2023; Mike Reviews WWE Capitol Punishment 2011 September 9, 2023; Question September 9, 2023; Jey Uso trade to Raw September 9, 2023; Weekend Wrestling! September 9, 2023Wrestling Observer Flashback–12. – Fall Brawl was great undercard wrestling, bad main event, and booking filled with more holes than Swiss Cheese. To the news!This is up for them, and Dave notes what a great night for wrestling that Thanksgiving really is, because even Central States almost drew money! Later, he corrects a previous title change, noting that Art Crews actually won the TV title from Gary Royal on 11/27 in Ft. 24. Badd quit WCW on 3/11 after a discussion with Eric Bischoff in the airport, and will be signing with the WWF for three years. – Mexico’s wrestling companies are gearing up for a full-scale strike of wrestlers and referees, with syndicate head Manny Guzman calling for job action over EMLL’s network TV deal. Ah, wrestling, where one guy can beat up another guy for real and flush his head in the toilet for riding with his ex-girlfriend and people are just like “Eh,. 94. And here we had gone for almost two months without a death. Wrestling Observer Flashback–02. OK, let’s get back into these again. Brian Pillman pinned Badstreet with a flying bodypress in the light heavyweight tournament semi-final at 6:52. – Whereas most people had to stand around on the beach and had a lousy view of the ring, rest easy knowing that there was a set of bleachers reserved for employees of Slim Jim. The previous record was 69,000 for the Big Event. A total brawl with great heat, although the DQ was called for no apparent reason. Wrestling Observer Flashback–08. 06. – Dave proclaims that no promotion is any hotter here in 1996, with more mainstream popularity, than NJPW is. Ah, wrestling, where one guy can beat up another guy for real and flush his head. Mr. 27th May 2016 by Scott Keith. – In the top story, Sports Illustrated had a story on the WWF in March, and no one in mainstream media really gave a shit. 29. 96. – Speaking of New Japan, they sold out 5 consecutive nights at Sumo Hall for the G1 Climax, ending with IWGP champion Keiji Muto becoming the first reigning champion to win the tournament, taking out Shinya Hashimoto in the finals. 95. Well, sort of. Wrestling Observer Flashback – 10. Apparently Bret Hart’s negotiations with WCW were so potentially fruitful that someone else is wanting to give it a try. 86. Rants. 90. The Twin Towers beat the Rockers at 8:02 when Akeem splashed and pinned Michaels. At 4:00, Warrior splashed Demolition Axe. 96 You know, for someone so washed up and done as a top guy, Ric Flair sure keeps winning World titles, doesn’t he? – Let us take you back to 1989, as Ric Flair came off a big year with memorable matches against Rick Steamboat and Terry Funk, but the year was a failure for Turner. This week, a big name goes to the rival promotion in the thick of the Monday Night Wars! Call my hotline now to find out the answer! – Hiroshi Hase made a surprising jump from New Japan to All Japan this week, announcing on 9/29 that he’s starting with AJPW in January. Tenta was pretty over during his one appearance, so EMLL is trying to get him back. – Van Hammer won the arm wrestling tournament, beating Ron Simmons in the finals, which Dave interprets as continuing his newfound push. – The biggest question coming out of Wrestlemania XII is the future of Bret Hart, as he’s expected to finish the tour of Germany and then go on a hiatus until the end of the summer. 16. 87. 1986 Wrestling Observer Yearbook. – The top story is the apparent end of Pacific Northwest Wrestling, as the TV show was abruptly cancelled by the TV station after 38 years on the air. – Speaking of wanting to be in business with them, Jimmy Hart debuts in March as Greg Valentine’s manager, and King Kong Bundy debuts to have terrible matches with Hogan. 96. By Scott Keith on 9th November 2017. – The WWF is on hiatus for a bit after WM, so Dave apologizes in advance for the light news week. – The Sheik did an extremely rare job, submitting to Onita’s boston crab in just 3:18 at the latest FMW show. 6. NEXT WEEK: The Monday Night War begins. Wrestling Observer Flashback–06. Lots of people have claimed to have discovered him, for example. 09. Ware on 12/14, as expected. By Scott Keith on 22nd September 2023 Wrestling Observer Flashback – 12. Continue reading Rants. 96. It was basically just a backdrop for the Virgil babyface turn. 93. 96 (I’m putting this one in the can a few days earlier than publication so if there’s any pop culture references that age badly, blame me. 06. 2. Was shit real before? Well, it’s about to become real. Thankfully, the Observer archives are fixed, so let’s get back into the swing of things again. Whoa oh, whoa oh, it’s Wrestlemania. Wrestling Observer Flashback – 01. Big John Tenta pinned Koji Kitao with an elbowdrop in 6:10. Wrestling Observer Flashback – 04. – In an understatement, Dave notes that the babyface side in the WWF is in a state of disarray, what with Scott Hall about to jump to WCW in late May once all his contractual stuff ends. 30th August 2017 by Scott Keith. “Which is great for wrestling, I guess. 95. 86. Oh, Dave. – Kevin Sullivan is a road agent now and appears done with wrestling. – Zulu was fired from World Class for refusing to do a job to Mike Von Erich. – Paul Heyman was indefinitely suspended on 10/7 for reasons that are still unknown at press time (still unknown to this day, in fact!) and this is gonna mess up their plans big because the (don’t call it a ) booking committee wanted to switch him back from announcer to manager if they could strike a deal with Rick Rude. 92 By Scott Keith on 16th February 2017 Hey, I picked up a Nintendo DSi XL for $60 (Canadian) from EBGames and it’s pretty rad. (1) Ultimate Warrior & Legion of Doom & Texas Tornado (Kerry Von Erich) beat Team Demolition & Mr. 01. Wrestling Observer Flashback – 05. 19. Production quality was high, the wrestling quality not so much. Wrestling Observer Flashback – 12. Day off from work today, so I’ve got some time to craft another Flashback! Your Spotify soundtrack for this one is Queensryche’s “Operation Mindcrime”, an album that it took me many years to get into, which is weird because I was a big fan of “Empire”. Dusty missed a blind charge and got pinned by Ted for the finish, ending his WWF career. – So things are getting mighty crowded on TBS, in what would turn out to be a giant turning point for the wrestling industry. 12. – Once again, it’s time for the most awesome feature in Observer Flashback history: – Our favorite whipping boy promotion, the UWF, debuted in New York with a TV taping, and surprisingly both Honky Tonk. *1/2. 90. Also, Prime Time Wrestling is just getting destroyed on Monday nights and is down to a 1. Wrestling Observer Flashback – 05. The 2023 class of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame adds seven new members in a year where there were no blow away vote getters but a number. 25. 19. 95. Wrestling Observer Flashback – 09. 23. Warrior pinned Haku with the shoulderblock and splash in 4:48. – Although the WWF had “by far” the superior show, WCW won the ratings battle with a 2. It’s time for SUMMERSLAM! But first, the WWF is messing with their PPV schedule again. Manuel Cruz (Jose Gonzalez) b Beauregarde;. On May 2 they did an angle where the AWA World title was held up following a Bockwinkel/Hennig match where Hennig used a foreign object. For It’s Time. By Dave Meltzer Nov 21, 2023. Guess it’s time for another one of these. 06. On with the week that was and one of the most famous stories in wrestling history!– Oh, also, the weekend shows set new lows for cable wrestling ratings, and that includes the WWF shows. The main event. Lex Luger jumped out of the final mystery box to attack Sting, injuring the wrong leg (Instinct on Luger’s part due to all his lucha libre experience, Dave notes) but it was a pretty great angle. There are moments when you can pinpoint exactly when a major promotion started to go completely off the rails. – Jim Cornette Update: He turned down the WCW managing job because he’s opening up a new promotion with Sandy Scott and Tim Horner called “Smokey Mountain Wrestling”, starting on 10/30 in Greenville. Wrestling Observer Flashback – 08. 22. Ric Flair pinned Butch Reed in 14:13 to earn a tag title shot at Starrcade. She is currently signed to WWE, where she performs on the. 96 IT’S TIME. Wrestling Observer Flashback–02. I must now face the eternal dilemma of sports fan who has lost their team in the playoffs: Do you cheer for the bastards that eliminated them because they earned it. Mid Atlantic Gateway and Wrestling Observer historical files. Wrestling Observer Flashback–11. The New Foundation beat the Orient Express in 17:18. – There’s very little going on due to Christmas, but Jerry Lawler did regain the USWA title from Koko B. 27. By Scott Keith on 15th March 2021. Main event is. – Dave relates a brief history of World Championship Wrestling, and how TBS purchased the company in 1988 despite their crippling debt. – While the World title may not change hands, the US title certainly will, since post-Clash TV direction has Steamboat winning the title and suffering a shoulder injury in the process. The main event saw Tito Santana beating Bob Orton for the newly created AWF title in a *3/4 match. The debut of Giant Gonzalez (who was “wearing Ultimate Warrior’s old underwear”) perked things up again. Thanks for reading! UWFI president and top star Nobuhiko Takada announced that the company is officially going out of business and that the final show will be held this week. I’m actually recovering from a shoulder injury at work today but I’ll power through an Observer Flashback for you. 95 (Carrying on! Another one written on or about 09. Wrestling Observer Flashback – 09. 95. Wrestling Observer Flashback–04. Bobby Eaton pinned Terrence Taylor in 15:41 with the Alabama Jam. Pillman was playing subtle heel to start and got less subtle as the match went on. Newsletter, Magazine, Wrestling, WWF, WCW, All Japan, New Japan. 1. – In a story that seems small but kind of ended up heralding the end of an era in wrestling, the way. Well, that probably won’t happen again for a while. Well, amazingly he no-showed and they had to quickly contact another local promoter for some jobbers (there were only four name guys even booked for the. 60 and 0. Wrestling Observer Flashback – 07. Wrestling Observer Flashback – 02. The ratings were just too low and the costs were just. 94. – To Mexico, where it looks like EMLL is about to split. 05. ***1/4Wrestling Observer Flashback–03. And now it’s time for the issue that kicks off one of the biggest stories in the history of wrestling, although we didn’t. Wrestling Observer Flashback – 09. Dave runs down the TV shows over the past month and it’s all classic stuff, like the Magnum TA-Mr. 26. 22. Wrestling Observer Flashback – 08. 20. Well it’s been two months. 96 (Part Two) BUT WAIT THERE’S MORE! – ECW also held their biggest show ever, the 1996 November to Remember, which was an immediate sellout of 1500 people at the ECW Arena, and Dave even attended the show! – Steve Richards pinned David Morton Tyler Jericho in 9:25, as Stevie had his. 29. 07. (Just wait until Slamboree. 28. 88. 05. 96. – Interestingly, the WWF was shown to be popular with 18-25 year olds, with men twice as well represented as women. – In our top story, Roddy Piper made a surprise debut at the end of the Halloween Havoc show, doing what Dave describes as an “undisciplined dialogue” with Hollywood Hogan that actually ran past the expiration of their PPV time. Wrestling Observer Flashback – 11. It’s a patented Slow News Week as we head into Summerslam, but the issue is still 10 pages. Wrestling Observer Flashback–03. Addeddate. 3. 03. – So, Dave says goodbye and announces that this is the final issue of the Observer. 3/4. 14. 13. 20 to an average of 2. Wrestling Observer Flashback – 03. – We’ll skip past the Mr. 94. Chip screwed up early, but it was decent by the end. Louis is finally over, and the WWF has won. Dave has no idea how successful it’ll be. – Eddie Gilbert was found dead in his apartment in Puerto Rico on 2/18, at age 33. 88. -. 5. – Anyway, moving on. Wrestling Observer Flashback – 08. I know, I know, what a bombshell. Spoiler: Dave gives WarGames 3/4. Wrestling Observer Flashback – 10. This group will likely merge in and out with SWS and make appearances on their shows, and will have the pro wrestling ga-ga that Fujiwara wanted to work into the UWF promotion originally. Wrestling Observer Flashback – 11. 2. The Road Warriors beat the Midnight Express in a scaffold match in 3:00, which kind of ruins their videotape business, Dave thinks. Continue reading. – Art Barr’s petition for a wrestling license was denied by the commission once again. Papa Shango ran in for the DQ, and Ultimate Warrior made the save, complete with entrance music. Wrestling Observer Flashback – 03. NWA Canadian Heavyweight Championship. 96. – In the top story, the UFC has decided to drop the superfight concept after the debacle that was Shamrock v. Inoki pinned Leon Spinks in the eighth round of whatever their match was supposed to be, cradling him after a double-leg and getting a five count. 03. – Hachiro Tanaka, the money guy behind SWS and WAR and a bunch of other groups, is reportedly tired of losing money in the wrestling business and wants out, according to the Takano brothers. Dodge Iowa. It’s week 3 of the WWF title being held hostage by Diesel! But don’t worry, this can’t possibly last very long. ” (Now there’s an understatement!) – Based on current trends and advertising, SuperBrawl is looking to do. Dave thinks that the WWF is turning into more of a circus of litigation than a wrestling company. Wrestling Observer Flashback – 03. Warlord won a battle royale by tossing out Ricky Steamboat. 24. Wrestling Observer Flashback – 06. Wrestling Observer Flashback – 10. 07. Slaughter for “stealing the character”. Rants. – As the date of his trail approached and the firestorm of publicity continued unabated, Barr managed to plea bargain down to first degree sexual abuse with 180 hours of community service and 2. By Scott Keith on 18th April 2022. – Brad Armstrong will be coming back again, this time as the Candy Man, who throws candy to the kids as his gimmick. Wrestling Observer Flashback – 12. Internet Archive HTML5 Uploader 1. 7. Heyman is making. Join Dave Meltzer and Brian Alvarez for coverage of the latest in wrestling and mixed-martial arts. 4. – The first Saturday Night show is going to be taped on 10/3, and Dave expects to heavily feature the freakshow wedding of Uncle Elmer, which will likely be even worse than the Paul Vachon wedding. The suit alleges unfair competition, trademark. 16. 96. Until then, there’s the Clash! – Dave was in Japan for DreamSlam (very short version: It was an amazing show) and missed the Clash of Champions from Jacksonville, but to say it wasn’t well received would be an. A January 1966 issue of Vue magazine featuring Bill Hook and his octopus-wrestling adventures in Victoria, B. Credit Dave Meltzer, Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Wrestling Observer Flashback–02. 27. 95. Bobby Eaton pinned Chip the Firebreaker in 4:52 with a back suplex. Smackdown Date: May 12, 2016 Location: Wells Fargo Arena, Des Moines, Iowa Commentators: Mauro Ranallo, Byron Saxton, Jerry Lawler. Ric Flair (“He’s slowed down a bit”) 2. 01. 95. Newsletter, Magazine, Wrestling, WWF, WCW, All Japan, New Japan. Wrestling Observer Flashback – 11. 95 (Part 1) So after Dave takes a week off, it’s a DOUBLE ISSUE featuring Wrestlemania XI, the show that drew so much money that Dave needed a second issue to contain it all!Wrestling Observer Flashback – 11. 95. Andre started in the sport at the age of 12, already 6’3”, and fell in with a. Dave sarcastically notes that “it sure turned Brett Sawyer. 02. – Another quiet week in the world of wrestling, as we’re waiting for Starrcade and Superdome results. – In the top story, Titan Sports filed a lawsuit against World Championship Wrestling on 6/20, stemming from the invasion angle with Hall and Nash. Jack Petrik would have to wage war against the WWF and spent lots of money to win, and it. 87. Dave is flabbergasted by how bad a show it was, wondering if this was a dream or a nightmare that he hasn’t woken up from. 18. He was the person credited with popularizing the superplex, although he didn’t invent it. 11. 19. When it comes to catching and wrestling a giant. He wears a buffalo head to the ring and everyone backstage was making fun of his gimmick. 95. So in fact apparently there was a shitload of wrestling fans in Chicago that weekend ready to spend money, but advantage Verne on that night. – But first, the lead story is the rapid descent of UWFI, as they have reached out in desperation to New Japan for a combined show at the Tokyo Dome on 10/9 and maybe more after that. )This argument includes Wrestlemania V, which is widely believed to be the highest grossing wrestling show in HISTORY. I know this year has been a slog, but we’re getting closer to September, when the magic happens! But first, WWF returns to your house! Whether you wanted them there or not.