Crockett! Dusty v. I guess I’ll just be typing one-handed. Most of the match was Hunter working the arm and going for a cross-armbreaker, which neither Vince nor Jerry had any idea how to call. 96. Wrestling Observer Flashback–01. – 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. 07. So let’s take a look at what’s going on in the international scene!6. While it seemingly wasn’t a major milestone in his life at that. By Scott Keith on 9th November 2017. 27. 22. 25. 23. So apparently the WrestleWar 92 issue (05/25/92) is missing from the F4WOnline. Wrestling Observer Flashback–10. 94. Identifier-ark. 95. 16. )3. 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. 28. 23. 02. 27. Dave thinks it was counterproductive to kill off the Rockers like that. George Scott has been fired as booker and replaced by the duo of Gary Hart and David Manning, so things are at least booked better now. 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. 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. – In our top story, Curt Hennig has apparently reached an agreement to jump from the WWF to WCW, as an active wrestler. 93. 86. 01. – In Mid-South, we get the first Observer mention of young rookie Sean Michaels in Mid-South, as he pins Jack Victory. Wrestling Observer Flashback–05. Pillman was a little rusty but still got an excellent match out of Wright. Wrestling breakup and Cornette getting his face shoved in a birthday cake. 86. – 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. Wrestling Observer Flashback – 11. Wrestling Observer Flashback – 10. 07. Wrestling Observer Flashback – 11. 96 Apparently it’s time for WCW to get rowdy. 09. – 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–02. Ocr. Wrestling Observer Flashback–12. Jack Petrik would have to wage war against the WWF and spent lots of money to win, and it. – 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. 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. Couldn’t do this one last night, because Daredevil is a thing that exists. By Scott Keith on 27th October 2016. It’s week 3 of the WWF title being held hostage by Diesel! But don’t worry, this can’t possibly last very long. And now, for the first time I can remember, the UFC gets the lead story. Wrestling Observer Flashback – 06. 48 buyrate (120,000 buys) for the Great American Bash in June, with WWF doing 0. It’s time for SUMMERSLAM! But first, the WWF is messing with their PPV schedule again. Anyway, back to 1985 again… – The big news is that the war in St. 95. At the latest WWF tapings, a guy named Mantaur debuted. 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. I’ve noticed a sudden uptick in 1985-related questions on the Wrestling Observer radio show lately. Wrestling Observer Flashback – 01. It drew a legit sellout of 5708 to West Palm Beach. Wrestling Observer Live: RAW report, War Games, Randy Orton, ratings and more By Bryan Alvarez Nov 21, 2023 DragonKingKarl Classic Wrestling Show: The history of. – Two major World title changes since the last issue as well, with Vader winning the WCW World title back from Ron Simmons on 12/30 in Baltimore, and Great Muta beating Masa Chono to win the. Um, never mind. WWE News. 2. 96 Stop me if you’ve heard this one before… – After 15 years of being the world’s biggest babyface, Hulk Hogan turned heel in the main event of WCW’s Bash at the Beach PPV in an angle that Dave thinks will be “remembered for years”. 5 to a 2. 19. 11-4-1991. 19. 20. Smackdown Date: May 12, 2016 Location: Wells Fargo Arena, Des Moines, Iowa Commentators: Mauro Ranallo, Byron Saxton, Jerry Lawler. The team (Gene and Ole Anderson) dominated tag team. Wrestling Observer Flashback–06. – Another quiet week in the world of wrestling, as we’re waiting for Starrcade and Superdome results. I know, I know, I’ll give you a minute to let it sink in. 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. Also, be sure to check out the SquaredCircle subreddit, where some dude is RIPPING OFF MY. Thankfully, the Observer archives are fixed, so let’s get back into the swing of things again. Ah, wrestling, where one guy can beat up another guy for real and flush his head. I believe that’s known as the Kerry Von Erich Special in wrestling. 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. (1) Ultimate Warrior & Legion of Doom & Texas Tornado (Kerry Von Erich) beat Team Demolition & Mr. Sacramento Memorial Auditorium. Newsletter, Magazine, Wrestling, WWF, WCW, All Japan, New Japan. – 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. Wrestling Observer Flashback – 02. – 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. Wrestling Observer Flashback–11. This issue only has the first 4 pages, so it’ll be a truncated recap, but all the good stuff is in those pages anyway. 18. 96. – Andre’s beginnings in the sport are something of a mystery. Dave thinks that the WWF is turning into more of a circus of litigation than a wrestling company. 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. – Dave gets a funny bit when he notes that ever since taking over as booker, Dundee has suddenly gained amazing recuperative powers in his matches. Owen Hart was the second-best star of the show after Flair. Shinjiro Otani retained the UWA junior heavyweight title pinning El Samurai. – In a story that seems small but kind of ended up heralding the end of an era in wrestling, the way. Winner of the 2016 Doomie Award for Favorite Blog Post!. Dusty missed a blind charge and got pinned by Ted for the finish, ending his WWF career. – Next up TV ratings, which went from an average of 2. 95. ABBYY FineReader 11. – So UFC III was supposed to be another easy ride for Royce Gracie, but in fact the KING IS DEAD. 95. It's great historical reading of the rise and fall of wrestling's biggest boom period. Addeddate. 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. Identifier. 05. – Dave sums up the last PPV of 1996 as “solid but unspectacular”. Dodge Iowa. 96. 96. ) An industry shaking death in this issue, but. I just don’t think things are gonna work out for that promotion. Was shit real before? Well, it’s about to become real. 3. Wrestling Observer Flashback: 07. 96 By Scott Keith on 15th September 2023 Wrestling Observer Flashback – 12. The show would air live every Saturday night, from New York, and would cater heavily to an. – 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. By Scott Keith on 1st January 2021. The first wrestling move of the match came at 10:00, which was Hogan no-selling the powerbomb and making his comeback. – Kevin Sullivan is a road agent now and appears done with wrestling. Slaughter for “stealing the character”. 88. And now, Dave would like to talk about PPV. Wrestling Observer Flashback – 09. 0 number predicted by. Wrestling Observer Flashback–08. – 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. ” notes Dave. – 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. The Twin Towers beat the Rockers at 8:02 when Akeem splashed and pinned Michaels. Wrestling Observer Flashback – 11. 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. 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. Trying to power through this one before UFC 200. But this week, we’ve got Summerslam to attend to. Internet Archive HTML5 Uploader 1. 90 / 07. 26. Ocr. Rude/Vader tag match, the highest rating for any wrestling match on TV in more than a year. 96 IT’S TIME. Current talk is a rematch with Shawn Michaels at Summerslam in a ladder. 27th May 2016 by Scott Keith. 14. Wrestling Observer Rewind ★ Dec. – So, Dave says goodbye and announces that this is the final issue of the Observer. ) – The rumor mill continues to churn around the idea that Dusty Rhodes and his $300,000 / year salary will be cut at the end of the year. *1/4. ”This is horrible, Gorilla. 95. The TNT show is dropping rapidly, which shows that the new audience of freakshow fans is far less than the loyal wrestling fans who choose not to watch that one. 1. 30th August 2017 by Scott Keith. This is the incredible story about the people who brought Lucha Libre into America in the 1990s and the many challenges they faced! Hijo del Santo and Blue. Jerry Lawler in a cage match where the loser gets his head shaved. Wrestling Observer Flashback – 12. Just like the Untouchables, if you sign two of ours to a guaranteed contract, we sign one of yours to a guaranteed contract! And his hot wife! – Johnny B. 94. 11. Wrestling Observer Flashback–07. In fact, Dave thinks that people’s hatred of the dancing gimmick is overshadowing how much he’s improved as a worker. 88. Wrestling Observer Flashback – 04. 4. – Dave’s opening salvo this week: “After its television show reached a new low in. – 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. Wrestling Observer Flashback–08. (This is why Dave needs an editor. The New Foundation beat the Orient Express in 17:18. 2022-03-05 07:34:36. 87. Indie wrestler Rockin' Rebel got a tryout at the tapings, and apparently upset Razor Ramon backstage because he was using some of Razor's mannerisms in the ring. Kayfabe Commentaries Releases Newest Installment of Their “Supercard” Series. 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. 3-28-1988. . Wrestling Observer Flashback–08. 15. 1986 Wrestling Observer Yearbook. Here’s a shocking story to start this week’s issue: Dave is a really big fan of New Japan Pro Wrestling. FLASH REPORT FROM THE TOKYO DOME SHOW ON 1/4! 1. By Scott Keith on 18th October 2016. 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. It’s a patented Slow News Week as we head into Summerslam, but the issue is still 10 pages. – Interestingly, the WWF was shown to be popular with 18-25 year olds, with men twice as well represented as women. – 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. By Scott Keith on 22nd September 2023 Wrestling Observer Flashback – 12. 94. 96. 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. By Scott Keith on 15th March 2021. Big stuff in the news this week, and the start of the biggest shift in coverage in the history of the Observer. Let’s take a break from being nostalgic for 1998 and be nostalgic for 1994 again for a bit! – It’s been quiet in the wrestling world leading up to Halloween Havoc, Dave notes. Rants. 89. 89. 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, which is good but well below the 2. 95. OK, 2005 posts are FINALLY complete, and I got to see Star Wars, so let’s get back to Observing. 95. – 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. At one point, UWFI was one of the biggest success stories in wrestling, and in 1993, they drew 46,000 fans to a. ). The. But goddamn is “Eyes of a Stranger. 96. Well it’s been two months. He was at the other guys’ PPVs this year taking notes, as well as New Japan and All Japan’s major shows. 06. – Antonio Inoki is trying to get into the boxer v. A total brawl with great heat, although the DQ was called for no apparent reason. ”. The theory at the beginning was that the “universe” would increase exponentially as more homes got PPV, but now it’s apparent that there’s a set number of wrestling fans out there who will buy these things and adding more homes doesn’t mean automatically adding the same percentage of buys. By on 9th March 2017. 30. com~!Wrestling Observer Rewind • Dec. C. – The Wrestling Classic, scheduled to be the first ever nationally available PPV show, will feature a 16 man tournament, plus Hogan v. 16. Wrestling Observer Flashback – 03. He was indicted on 11/12 on counts. 96 Can I make it more than. I’m actually recovering from a shoulder injury at work today but I’ll power through an Observer Flashback for you. 25. The low buyrate is being. 96. – Bam Bam Bigelow is trying to get into the WWF, but word from on high is that he’s “too inexperienced”. By Scott Keith on 14th August 2016. 96. 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. 23. It’s kind of hard to say what to expect around here as the show has been bouncing back and forth between focusing on the Intercontinental Title feud and then the World Title situation. Spoiler: Dave gives WarGames 3/4. 04. 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. Louis is finally over, and the WWF has won. The 1997 Observer Rewind shall resume this on Aug. 90. He apparently gave WAR $1. D if wrestling was fake and got slapped around pretty good as a result. Publication date. 28. 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. Dave runs down the TV shows over the past month and it’s all classic stuff, like the Magnum TA-Mr. 27. Piper on top. Unfortunately, he was the furthest thing from an. Wrestling Observer Flashback–02. Wrestling Flashback publishes wrestling list videos, top 10’s, the history of classic. Michaels worked his ass off, although it came out later that he was hungover and stoned at the time. Wrestling Observer Flashback – 12. Wrestling Observer Flashback – 08. – Unfortunately, we start with the inevitable death of Scott “Hog” Irwin, who succumbed to cancer after a year long battle at the age of 37. Mike stuff and get into the main event: STARRCADE ‘84. And here we had gone for almost two months without a death. 86. 28. 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. 21. Ken Wayne found the body after. 13. Oh, Dave. (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. By Scott Keith on 18th April 2022. Wrestling Observer Flashback–12. Well, that probably won’t happen again for a while. The 85 issues are quite a trip, since it’s a very different writing style than even these ones. Despite running in the red for the past three years, both WCW and the WWF are confident that they’re going to be profitable in 1995 thanks to this new-fangled PPV market. It’s the year end awards issue! Lots to argue about here, I’m sure. Wrestling Observer Flashback – 10. – Reportedly, World champion Mike Tyson has signed with the WWF to referee a match. They of course had an immediate roster of excuses, mainly that it was scheduled on a night with really tough competition on TV. I’m not. So I guess it’s a Wrestling Observer Flashback Flashback. 22. 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. 20 to an average of 2. 96. Sorry. By Scott Keith on 29th August 2016. Wrestling Observer Flashback–03. ”) 3. I’m giddy. 96 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 – 03. By Scott Keith on 10th July 2016. 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. Jim Herd has already killed the wrestling business, and now he’s working on killing the magic business. Join Dave Meltzer and Brian Alvarez for coverage of the latest in wrestling and mixed-martial arts. Max Moon was eliminated quickly because his spaceship was double-parked. Big John Tenta pinned Koji Kitao with an elbowdrop in 6:10. 5. Chelsea Anne Cardona (née: Green; born April 4, 1991) is a Canadian professional wrestler, stuntwoman, and model. Wrestling Observer Flashback – 02. 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. This week is one of them. Observer Flashbacks; Wrestling Observer Flashback–04. Back in the saddle with these again. Bobby Eaton pinned Terrence Taylor in 15:41 with the Alabama Jam. – 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. The Best of the Wrestling Observer-Greatest matches of the Observer years-15 most influential wrestlers of the past five. 15. The WWF drew 16000 and Crockett drew 3000, so point to Vince on that one. 28. 26. But I think it’s a pretty famous case of hotline sleaze related to Blackwell’s death. – In the top story, Sports Illustrated had a story on the WWF in March, and no one in mainstream media really gave a shit. . Wrestling Observer Flashback – 10. 05. – Fall Brawl was great undercard wrestling, bad main event, and booking filled with more holes than Swiss Cheese. Collection. 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. 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. Dave is pretty sure Gonzalez will draw as long as he’s never allowed to touch anyone ever. Manuel Cruz (Jose Gonzalez) b Beauregarde;. 3. 90. For It’s Time. Wrestling Observer Flashback – 12. *1/4. They even flew in Steve DiSalvo as part of the ring crew to. 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. 95. 96. Wrestling Observer Flashback–02. Wrestling Observer Flashback – 09. It’s time for the CLASH OF CHAMPIONS, a flying elbow to the wrestling business that should have revived it! But first, a pretty major death to kick off the issue. Scanner. OK, let’s get back into these again. 06. He’ll return for real on 11/20, but will be false advertised as appearing in tag team matches on the road against the Enforcers and subbed out when the show starts. Severn. Wrestling Observer Flashback–06. By Dave Meltzer Nov 21, 2023. 96. Nasty Boys retained the tag titles over the Bushwackers in 6:46. 95. Wrestling Observer Flashback–06. Wrestling Observer Flashback – 11. Oh, Dave. – And now, let’s talk about pay-per-view. Topics. Wrestling Observer Flashback – 10. By Scott Keith on 18th April 2022. – The show drew 7000 with 4700 paid and a $94,000 house. 31. 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”. Welcome to 1996 WCW, notes our teaser for this week. 26. I feel like that can’t be a coincidence. 04. Wrestling Observer Flashback–05. 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. I like how even the editors of the Observer site are scoring off Dave with the headline on this one.