Welcome to 1996 WCW, notes our teaser for this week. Wrestling Observer Flashback – 04. The 85 issues are quite a trip, since it’s a very different writing style than even these ones. 30th August 2017 by Scott Keith. But I think it’s a pretty famous case of hotline sleaze related to Blackwell’s death. – The Rougeaus are telling Montreal newspapers that they’re taking a one year sabbatical from wrestling before returning late in 1990. – Dave is kind of shocked at the response to Wrestlemania, in that it was not only one of the biggest responses to a show that he’s ever had, but also there was pretty much no consensus on the quality of the show, with a fairly even split between thumbs up /. – It’s COLD WAR in Toronto. He says he was promised $2,500 and they only paid him $1,500. At one point, UWFI was one of the biggest success stories in wrestling, and in 1993, they drew 46,000 fans to a. Wrestling Observer Flashback – 06. – Dave reviews the 1/21 MSG show (which did NOT sell out, he notes, although he assumes that the War to Settle the Score sold out both the arena and the Felt Forum):Wrestling Observer Flashback – 07. Did you think that Best of ECW Volumes 1 and 2 was as EXTREME as the blog was getting this week? Then prepare yourself, because it’s time for WCW UNCENSORED!– The weirdest story of the week comes from Japan (shocking, I know) where Lou Thesz is making waves in the business again. Topics. I think once I wrap up 88 I’ll continue into 1989, and then when we reach the end of THAT year, we’ll go back to 1985 again. Ocr. 31. Current talk is a rematch with Shawn Michaels at Summerslam in a ladder. 20. 13. Wrestling Observer Flashback–03. Dave sarcastically notes that “it sure turned Brett Sawyer. The NWA Canadian Heavyweight Championship was the top singles title in Maple Leaf Wrestling from 1978 until 1984,. Get all the news from F4WOnline. Smackdown Date: May 12, 2016 Location: Wells Fargo Arena, Des Moines, Iowa Commentators: Mauro Ranallo, Byron Saxton, Jerry Lawler. ark:/13960/t2z39wg7w. 3. And since “long term thinking” these days is “three. By Scott Keith on 24th February 2019. By Scott Keith on 10th July 2016. Wrestling Observer Flashback – 04. as they did a matinee taping of the new Sunday edition of World Championship Wrestling in Atlanta, then did a show in Columbus GA, then finally. There’s a big main event at the Tokyo Dome! And it sure didn’t go down how anyone expected. 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. 93. 87. 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. 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. By Scott Keith on 18th October 2016. 18. 90. It’s the year end awards issue! Lots to argue about here, I’m sure. Dave also lists the match with the Rock N Roll Express v. 06. The main event. 94. 03. So don’t be disappointed at the lack of a review here. – 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. 19. 7th. But if you’re reading it in the archives in December, then MERRY CHRISTMAS! – Continuing on with the saga of Dynamite Kid’s messed up back, he was flown into Calgary for surgery after being paralyzed from the waist down. Wrestling Observer Flashback – 12. The. 3. 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. 95. – Interestingly, the WWF was shown to be popular with 18-25 year olds, with men twice as well represented as women. – Both the WWF and Crockett are running Philly on 10/18, but there’s a law on the books that says no two wrestling promotions can run shows within 25 miles of each other, and the respective arenas are less than 25 miles away. 93. Basically Vince sent his PR people to the magazine to produce what Phil Mushnick of the New York Post (no relation to Sam or Irv, Dave notes, although we’ll get to know Phil very well in later years) called a “six page. Back on track after our detour back to March yesterday. 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. By Scott Keith on 18th April 2022. – Buzz Sawyer agreed to work an indy date for Rob Russan in San Jose, and was supposed to provide the ring and some students from his wrestling school as underneath jobbers. By Scott Keith on 29th August 2016. Big John Tenta pinned Koji Kitao with an elbowdrop in 6:10. Wrestling Observer Flashback–04. 95. 1985 Wrestling Observer Yearbook. 22. 01. A wrestling fan creating original content for YouTube based on my love for pro-wrestling. 2. Wrestling Observer Flashback – 10. And now, Dave would like to talk about PPV. 1986 Wrestling Observer Yearbook. Tenryu as the main event of a show on 2/7. 05. 11-4-1991. 91. The match died once Flair went out. 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. Wrestling Observer Flashback–09. 95. – 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 14th March 2019. 15. Wrestling Observer Flashback – 10. 24. The biggest story of the week is actually buried way down. Wrestling Observer Flashback – 08. 87. Raw drew its best 18-49 number since the start of football season. Wrestling Observer Flashback – 05. But first! An update on the Shawn Michaels incident in Syracuse. Topics. Wrestling Observer Flashback–08. And now, for the first time I can remember, the UFC gets the lead story. 06. Wish me luck! – The top story is Dave being confused by a unique gimmick match in Memphis, with Austin Idol v. 2. 300. But don’t be fooled by the Slow News, as two major promotions actually reach their finales this week, although we didn’t realize it at the time. 22. Wrestling Observer Flashback – 07. 02. Wrestling Observer Flashback–05. Dave is pretty sure Gonzalez will draw as long as he’s never allowed to touch anyone ever. Wrestling Observer Flashback – 03. 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. Time to welcome in 2021 with everyone’s favorite blog column! And to celebrate, I’m currently three drinks in with “Best Rock of 1988” on Spotify in the background, so hopefully I’ve got lots to snark on tonight. – 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. They’re owned by Jody Hamilton (Nick Patrick’s dad) and they do about 200 people per show. – In the top story of the week, and in fact one of the top stories in wrestling history, Ric Flair was fired from WCW effective immediately when negotiations fell through. – Jim Cornette continues bringing the funny. Identifier-ark. I believe that’s known as the Kerry Von Erich Special in wrestling. 01. So you picked a great time to start reading! – In the top story, Jerry Lawler was accused of being a very, very bad boy. Owen Hart was the second-best star of the show after Flair. Flair’s contract was scheduled to be terminated as of 08/01, and Flair was scheduled to drop the WCW World title to Barry Windham on 7/1 in Macon, GA. *. 5. 12. – In the top story, the WWF held a press conference, which got more attention in Mexico, to announce that Royal Rumble 97 would be held in the Alamo Dome in San. Wrestling Observer Flashback–05. Dusty missed a blind charge and got pinned by Ted for the finish, ending his WWF career. (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. Just like in the old days, it’s a NEWSFLASH to start the issue! Well, a results flash, actually, as the Tokyo Dome show came in too late for a proper review. 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. Bryan Alvarez and Mike Sempervive talk about the biggest news in wrestling! Wrestling Observer Live podcast on demand - Wrestling Observer Live is among the most popular wrestling shows in the world. By Scott Keith on 9th September 2016. Spoiler: Dave gives WarGames 3/4. The show would air live every Saturday night, from New York, and would cater heavily to an. Wrestling Observer Flashback – 01. Heyman is making. 95. 04. 95. Maybe if I skim over the Eddie Gilbert stuff it’ll get done easier. Wrestling Observer Flashback – 12. 30. The Vancouver version of the NWA Pacific Coast Heavyweight Championship was the major singles title in two National Wrestling Alliance-affiliated Vancouver territories. 96. 90 / 07. Wrestling Observer Flashback – 12. – Latest word on Maeda is that he’s got a new promotion in March, but Takada won’t come with. – 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. But don’t be fooled by the Slow News, as two major promotions actually reach their finales this week, although we didn’t realize it at the time. com~!Wrestling Observer Rewind • Dec. Wrestling Observer Flashback–06. 1. Sorry. – Fall Brawl was great undercard wrestling, bad main event, and booking filled with more holes than Swiss Cheese. Wrestling Observer Flashback – 08. 0 (Extended OCR) Ppi. 88. Scanner. 89. 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. Pillman tried a crucifix and Wright reversed it for the pin. Curiosity over Kevin’s return is. So let’s take a look at what’s going on in the international scene!6. Wrestling Observer Flashback – 11. 0-1. 01. By Scott Keith on 1st October 2017. 96. Wrestling Observer Flashback – 12. – Moving on, Joe Pedicino has purchased Jerry Jarrett’s syndicated TV network with the millions of dollars he’s got coming from Nigeria. The low buyrate is being. Ken Wayne found the body after. Wrestling Observer Flashback–12. Everything is confusing and it’s all centering on the AWA. 26. 96 Apparently it’s time for WCW to get rowdy. Chelsea Anne Cardona (née: Green; born April 4, 1991) is a Canadian professional wrestler, stuntwoman, and model. Daprice did every issue for the 90's through 2001. Wrestling Observer Historical Pieces. 29. 96. I’m still not 100% clear on how we got from “Jim Crockett attempts to run Florida into the ground” to “Jim Crockett buys Florida and uses it as a feeder system for his own promotion”, but I’m sure we’ll get there. 96. – To Mexico, where it looks like EMLL is about to split. . Continue reading Rants. By Scott Keith on 9th November 2017. Ware on 12/14, as expected. Wrestling Observer Flashback – 09. 95. But this week, we’ve got Summerslam to attend to. Ocr. Davey Boy Smith (“Athletically the best in the business. Wrestling Observer Flashback – 02. The team (Gene and Ole Anderson) dominated tag team. Wrestling Observer Flashback–02. on November 22, 1990 – “Survivor Series ’90. Big stuff in the news this week, and the start of the biggest shift in coverage in the history of the Observer. 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. 28. Papa Shango ran in for the DQ, and Ultimate Warrior made the save, complete with entrance music. 05. Shawn Special Edition! Okey doke, so in the 1997 RAW rants thus far, we’ve alluded to the all the crazy stuff happening behind the scenes with Bret and Shawn, but what EXACTLY was that? Well, Dave was covering it extensively in the Observer at the time, so here’s a mini-Flashback covering the top. 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. And NOW the main event! Hog Wild 96 and the introduction of the Observer Hall. Wrestling Observer Flashback–06. – 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. OK, let’s get back into these again. – Dave watched the 12/19 All Japan show, and dished out another full monty, this one for Misawa & Kobashi winning the tag team tournament over Kawada & Taue in. Mr. – Also, NBC is really sniffing around wrestling now like a dog in heat and they seem to desperately want to be in business with the WWF. – In the top story, Sports Illustrated had a story on the WWF in March, and no one in mainstream media really gave a shit. 89. 3. 6. Wrestling Observer Flashback – 10. I’m not. *1/4. DUD – Ric Flair still hasn’t officially signed with the WWF, but it’s a formality at this point. The Twin Towers beat the Rockers at 8:02 when Akeem splashed and pinned Michaels. By Scott Keith on 22nd August 2022. window replacement in Elkhart, IN. 25. Steve Jennum was put into the finals as a last-minute. 95. Wrestling Observer Flashback–03. 96. 09. Identifier. 16. 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 ratings were just too low and the costs were just. ” (Now there’s an understatement!) – Based on current trends and advertising, SuperBrawl is looking to do. The main event saw Tito Santana beating Bob Orton for the newly created AWF title in a *3/4 match. The one in 1995, although you might also assume I was talking about the NXT one recently because that one wasn’t great either. – Flair defended the World title on a pair of Mid-South shows in Oklahoma, but there’s no plans or indications of Watts joining the NWA. -. Wrestling Observer Flashback – 07. There are moments when you can pinpoint exactly when a major promotion started to go completely off the rails. Public Enemy went to a double DQ with the Nasty Boys in 4:02. The taped episode of RAW wasn’t particularly different than any other one they’ve. These words open the issue this week, because Wrestlemania IV is in the books and, well, it was not pretty. ” notes Dave. 02. Mike stuff and get into the main event: STARRCADE ‘84. Collection. He apparently gave WAR $1. Wrestling Observer Flashback – 08. At 4:00, Warrior splashed Demolition Axe. 94. 92 By Scott Keith on 20th March 2017 Hey, it’s another month with missing issues, as Dave has this one and the August 10 one on the site, and then it skips to September. (Hey, much like Bill Gates famously said…) – Back to Murray Hodgson and his case against Pat Patterson, with Vince and Pat’s depositions delayed so they could do some more legal wrangling. Marc Mero pinned Hunter Hearst Helmsley in 16:23. It's a recap of the old issues of Dave Meltzer's Wrestling Observer Newsletter. So with the year in PPV finally caught up, let us venture back to the world of 1994 again, with rumors of Hulk Hogan. Wrestling Observer Flashback – 06. 20. Warrior pinned Haku with the shoulderblock and splash in 4:48. *1/2. 20. 95. 15. – Vince then called the show, FURIOUS about the misleading edit (POT, KETTLE, BLACK) and questioning the credibility of Bruno, who clearly had an axe to grind, and Alex Marvez, who dared to question the WWF’s commitment to testing after announcing it five times and not delivering. 96. 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. 95 (Carrying on! Another one written on or about 09. It drew a legit sellout of 5708 to West Palm Beach. You can view a sneak preview below. – Vince McMahon is apparently planning to sue Sgt. 16. Wrestling Observer Flashback – 03. Wrestling Observer Flashback – 10. – Anyway, moving on. Bobby Eaton pinned Terrence Taylor in 15:41 with the Alabama Jam. 11. When it comes to catching and wrestling a giant. Wrestling Observer Flashback – 08. Also, the fears about Sting winning the IWGP title from Muta proved unfounded, as Muta retained in a disappointing match where he was trying to be The Great Muta instead of Keiji Muto. Sacramento Memorial Auditorium. Bruiser Brody (“Nobody gives an aura of violent realism. Back in the saddle with these again. Earthquake John Tenta was scheduled to work a tour for EMLL in Mexico, but left after one show, claiming he was stiffed on his payoff. – Dave brings up the example of New Japan’s light heavyweight division taking off and Stampede Wrestling’s mid-heavyweight division, although of course Stampede tended to produce talent that left for greener pastures instead of. Crockett! Dusty v. Dave runs down the TV shows over the past month and it’s all classic stuff, like the Magnum TA-Mr. Which is still 10 pages long. Was shit real before? Well, it’s about to become real. Um, never mind. )This argument includes Wrestlemania V, which is widely believed to be the highest grossing wrestling show in HISTORY. 95 Guys, I don’t think this UFC thing is gonna be around much longer if lawmakers have their way! – The debate over whether UFC and the other events like it should be banned has been raging in the press and the city of Denver has become a hotspot for the controversy. It's great historical reading of the rise and fall of wrestling's biggest boom period. Wrestling Observer Flashback–02. ”) 3. By Scott Keith on 22nd September 2023 Wrestling Observer Flashback – 12. – The WWF is reportedly considering adding a weekly Saturday PPV show, according to trade journal reports. For. This week is one of them. 95. Also, ROYAL RUMBLE. “Hey look, it’s Joe Weider” – Not sure what that refers to, but I’m sure we’ll find out. Wolf, where. He wears a buffalo head to the ring and everyone backstage was making fun of his gimmick. – In the top story, the Justice Department dropped one of the charges against Titan Sports. – And now, a turning point for the Observer, although we didn’t know it at the time, as Dave announces that he’s taken a job with the National, writing a wrestling column for the paper. Publication date. Baba apparently has plans to give Akiyama a major push down the line. By Scott Keith on 19th April 2016. 05. – Dave’s opening salvo this week: “After its television show reached a new low in. – 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. Apparently Bret Hart’s negotiations with WCW were so potentially fruitful that someone else is wanting to give it a try. It's great historical reading of the rise and fall of wrestling's biggest boom period. 18. And now it’s time for the MONDAY NIGHT WARS. 22. Terry Funk has retired. – In our top story, Curt Hennig has apparently reached an agreement to jump from the WWF to WCW, as an active wrestler. Not by putting on a better product or drawing more money, but by signing one of their soon-to-be-ubiquitous exclusivity contracts with the Kiel Auditorium and thus preventing the NWA-affiliated St. At the latest WWF tapings, a guy named Mantaur debuted. Michaels worked his ass off, although it came out later that he was hungover and stoned at the time. 96 (Part Two) – In the top story, “Sycle” Sid won the WWF title in the main event of the Survivor Series. Andre started in the sport at the age of 12, already 6’3”, and fell in with a. Wrestling Observer Flashback – 08. – Michinoku Pro debuted on 3/16 to huge amounts of local publicity, since they’re the first attempt at a regional promotion in the country. 04. Dusty is certainly the top candidate, and that theory is bolstered by the house show results from the past week, which saw Dusty doing 90 second jobs to VIRGIL at every show. – Dave sums up the last PPV of 1996 as “solid but. Wrestling Observer Flashback–05. Well, 1988, as much as I love and care about you, it’s time our relationship came to an end again, just like James and Natalie on Big Brother last night. And here we had gone for almost two months without a death. – On the bright side, Warrior v. 22. 95. By Scott Keith on 7th March 2017. Wrestling Observer Flashback – 01. – Bam Bam Bigelow is trying to get into the WWF, but word from on high is that he’s “too inexperienced”. Jim Herd has already killed the wrestling business, and now he’s working on killing the magic business. Internet Archive HTML5 Uploader 1. Newsletter, Magazine, Wrestling, WWF, WCW, All Japan, New Japan. – Over to Japan, where Nobuhiko Takada had announced plans to retire, at which point UWFI whiplashed and put out their own press release, noting that what Takada had MEANT TO SAY was that he was THINKING of retiring at age 35, which was two years away. WWE News. 23. – San Fran is the big head-to-head battle between the AWA and WWF, and Vince won that one handily thus far. 0 (Extended OCR) Ppi. wrestlingmagazinesmisc;. Well it’s been two months. Kayfabe Commentaries Releases Newest Installment of Their “Supercard” Series. -The Mondo 19 most intriguing personalities of ‘86-30 key pro wrestling personalities of ‘86 with quick bios-Observer Awards, leading news stories of. 1. 5 to a 2. 0 number predicted by. 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. The feeling is that running a show in the traditional Sunday timeslot where live shows draw will kill off the house shows. 2022-03-05 07:34:36. 14. – The WWF announced that the Wrestling Classic did about 60,000 buys on PPV, which was 200,000 less than their announced projections. 26. 96. 0. Gene Anderson, founding member of the Minnesota Wrecking Crew tag team died. 86. 94. The 1997 Observer Rewind shall resume this on Aug. – So things are getting mighty crowded on TBS, in what would turn out to be a giant turning point for the wrestling industry. Rants. 95 I love that the teaser for this one on the site is “Hotline sleaze award winner” because really it could be ANYTHING coming out of Mean Gene’s mouth. Couldn’t do this one last night, because Daredevil is a thing that exists. Buyrate looks to be between 0. Perfect. – To the WWF, where Wrestlemania III passed 70,000 tickets sold, officially making it the largest crowd ever to witness a wrestling show in North America. 87. 2 victory. 3/4. 5 to 2. – Also on the show, Scott Norton & Tony Halme won the IWGP tag titles from the Steiner Brothers in kind of a stinker. By Dave Meltzer Nov 21, 2023.