The full list of participants and first round matches were announced for this summer’s Super J-Cup today with the first round taking place on July 20th at Korakuen Hall in Tokyo, Japan. If you enjoyed the Will Ospreay vs. Ricochet match, it’s unfortunately not happening again as Ricochet is not in the tournament. However, if that match is any indication, there’s a ton of other potential awesome matchups. This is going to be worth going out of your way to see.
The original Super J-Cup was held in 1994, and is widely regarded as one of the greatest professional wrestling shows of all time. Our own Dave Meltzer called the 1994 Super J-Cup “the most incredible single night of wrestling ever.” Does this line-up have the potential to top it? We will find out, starting on July 20 leading to the finals on August 21.
Kushida vs. Taiji Ishimori
Rysuke Taguchi vs. Daisuke Harada
Bushi vs. Yoshinobu Kanemaru
Titan vs. Will Ospreay
Jushin Liger vs. Eita
Yuma Aoyagi vs. Taichi
Gurukun Mask vs. Kenou
Matt Sydal vs. Kaji Tomato
THE ROUNDUP
UFC Fight Night 90 DFS Playbook: value picks, who to avoid
TNA Impact Wrestling live results: Hardy vs. Hardy – The Final Deletion
WWE Smackdown & Main Event spoilers: No Brock announcement; Chris Jericho vs. Sami Zayn
Off-air notes from WWE Raw plus Superstars spoilers
New Japan on AXS report: Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Shinsuke Nakamura in the G1 finals
The 10th annual Wrestling Observer/F4W convention in Las Vegas takes place during UFC’s International Fight Week from July 7 – 11. Stay up to date on all the latest wackiness by following Ed in San Antonio on Facebook. Plus, follow us on @WONF4W or @BryanAlvarez. We will be live tweeting from all the events. Use #F4WVegas to get in on the fun.
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.
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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.
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Wrestling Observer Newsletter BACK ISSUE
READ IT HERE: May 31, 1999 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Death of Owen Hart – The life and death of Owen Hart, details on WWF Over the Edge, plus tons of news.
WEDNESDAY NEWS UPDATE
Boom! Studios will be releasing a WWE comic book and WWE graphic novels. So, if you can’t get enough WWE with all of the new content the impending brand split is giving us, you can collect the comic books too.
Revolution Pro Wrestling announced Marty Scurll vs. Jay White for their August 7th show at The Cockpit in London.
NEVER Openweight Champion Katsuyori Shibata will make his much-anticipated Ring of Honor debut at the promotion’s August 19th Death Before Dishonor pay-per-view. Also announced for the show were Los Ingobernable de Japon members Tetsuya Naito and Evil, and Bullet Club Members Tama Tonga, Tanga Loa and Yujiro Takahashi.
In a story discussed in past Wrestling Observers, ROH star Moose may be heading to TNA…if he accepts their offer.
The UFC 200 Press Conference with Brock Lesnar, Jon Jones, Daniel Cormier and more is available here.
WWE and Pro Wrestling
Raw got killed in the ratings Monday night, but it wasn’t nearly as bad as expected. In fact, it was the most watched show on all of cable TV.
Here’s the latest on the Hulk Hogan vs. Gawker case. If you’re into more legal proceedings talk, it’s for you.
Mark Henry is NOT leaving WWE. Henry states that his indy bookings have been approved by WWE. He’s going to appear at WLW’s Night of Champions 2.
UFC and MMA
Ross Pearson’s media scrum
Eddie Alvarez media scrum
Will Brook’s UFC debut media scrum
RDA’s UFC media scrum
Derrick Lewis’ UFC media scrum
Claudia’s Gadelha’s UFC media scrum
Roy Nelson’s media scrum
Joanna Jedrzejczyk media scrum
Claudia Gadelha’s open workout
Miscellaneous (podcasts, plugs, results)
Ring Rust Radio had Lucha Underground star Johnny Mundo on the show this week, and it was a great episode with plenty of exclusive content.
Appearing at Wizard World Comic Con Chicago on August 18-20 will be WWE’s John Cena, Seth Rollins, Dean Ambrose, and the Bellas.
Ronnie Garvin discusses what it was like dealing with former Jim Crockett and booker Dusty Rhodes in the Mid-Atlantic territory and what role Rhodes played in Garvin’s 2 month NWA World Championship reign.
If you’re a gambler, OHMBet.com is taking bets on whether or not Mark Hunt will hit his signature walk-off KO. Right now it’s at +120.
On the latest episode of Creative Control, it’s former ECW Senior Official John Finegan!
SUMMER EVENTS CALENDAR
July 7-11 The 10th annual Wrestling Observer/F4W convention in Las Vegas, EdinSanAntonio has information up on Facebook, or email him [email protected]. Keep up with all the action on Twitter by following @WONF4W, @BryanAlvarez, @DaveMeltzerWON, @FO_VVerhei, @EdinSanAntonio, @PaulAceFontaine, @FilthyTomLawlor or @PeachMachine. Use #F4WVegas or search for our group FaceBook page. You can also follow Granny’s adventures.
TOMORROW – Rock Solid Wrestling runs in Sudbury, ON.
TOMORROW – UFC Fight Night Las Vegas at MGM Grand. Rafael Dos Anjos vs Eddie Alvarez for the UFC lightweight title
FRIDAY – The Ultimate Fighter 23 Finale at MGM Grand in Las Vegas. Joanna Jedrzejczyk vs Claudia Gadelha for the UFC strawweight title
SATURDAY – UFC 200 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Jon Jones vs Daniel Cormier for the UFC light heavyweight title; Brock Lesnar vs Mark Hunt; Miesha Tate vs Amanda Nunes for the UFC women’s bantamweight title; Jose Aldo vs Frankie Edgar for the interim UFC featherweight title
SATURDAY – New England Championship Wrestling presents World Women’s Wrestling at The Brockton Fair, 600 Belmont St, Brockton, MA
SATURDAY – Pure Wrestling Association “Summer Assault” 11 Year Anniversary – Alpine Club, 464 Maple Avenue, Kitchener, Ontario
SATURDAY – All Pro Wrestling + Fit of Mind present: #MalaceInThePalace from the Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco, CA.
SATURDAY – Upstate Pro Wrestling in Rochester, NY, features Ethan Page, HC Loc, a triple threat match main event, and more.
SATURDAY – Acclaim Pro Wrestling presents: Star-Mageddon 6!
SATURDAY – Smash Wrestling in Fort Erie, ONT at the Native Friendship Center. Chris Hero will headline this fundraising event.
July 13 – UFC Fight Night in Sioux Falls, SD. Michael McDonald vs John Lineker
July 16 – In Your Face Wrestling Presents: “Malicious Intent” – Polish Community Center, 225 Washington Avenue Extension, Albany, NY www.iyfwrestling.com
July 16 – Bellator 158 : London featuring Paul Daley vs Douglas Lima, Michael Venom Page, Linton Vassell and Matt Mitrione
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. Tickets at www.premierwrestle.com.
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 22 – Bellator 159 from Mulvane, KS. Darrion Caldwell vs Joe Taimanglo. Melvin Guillard vs David “Caveman” Rickells
July 23 – Live Pro Wrestling, Glengarry Sports Palace, 170 McDonald Blvd. Alexandria, Ontario
July 23 – UFC on FOX from Chicago – Holly Holm vs Valentina Shevchenko.
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, and plenty more. Here’s what you missed on their last show.
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 in this video.
Merritton Community Centre 7 Park Ave St. Catharines, ON
July 24 – Crossfire Wrestling – Merritton Community Centre, 7 Park Avenue St. Catharines ON, for our 5 year Anniversary show “BRING THE HEAT V”
July 24 – PWEclipse – Summer Surrender, Oshawa, Ontario
July 24 – Fenix vs. Pentagon Jr. headlines for Lucha Libre New York at Club LaBoom in Queens, NY
July 30 – WSOF 32: Moraes vs. Hill 2 – Live on NBCSN from Everett, Washington. Also featuring Ben “Phoenix Jones” Fodor vs Caros Fodor in a brother vs brother fight
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
Aug 21 – Chavo Guerrero Jr. will appear for Smash Wrestling on in Pickering, Ontario at Super Showdown lV.
TODAY IN PROFESSIONAL WRESTLING HISTORY: WWF Canadian Stampede; Goldberg defeats Hogan for WCW World Title
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