TUES UPDATE: Vitor Belfort testosterone article, Kurt Angle statement, Daniel Bryan on concussion, & more

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TV/show notes for tonight:

Total Divas airs at 9:00 p.m. ET on E! with an episode titled “Some Like It Hot.” Paige announces her engagement, the Bella twins learn that they have a new sibling on the way, and Alicia Fox somehow messes with Trinity/Naomi and Jon/Jimmy’s relationship. 

SmackDown will be taped tonight in Corpus Christi with Roman Reigns, Dean Ambrose, Seth Rollins and Sheamus as the top advertised stars.
 
New Japan Destruction in Okayama PPV on tonight at 2:00 a.m. ET on New Japan World:
Sho Tanaka & Yohei Komatsu & Yuji Nagata & Katsuyori Shibata vs. Jay White & David Finlay & Manabu Nakanishi & Tetsuya Naito
Bobby Fish & Kyle O’Reilly vs. Jushin Liger & Mascara Dorada in a non-title match
Steve Anthony vs. Tiger Mask for NWA Junior Heavyweight Title
Hiroshi Tanahashi & Matt Sydal vs. Bad Luck Fale & Tama Tonga
Doc Gallows & Karl Anderson vs. Satoshi Kojima & Hiroyoshi Tenzan for IWGP tag titles
Hirooki Goto & Tomoaki Honma & Captain New Japan & Ryusuke Taguchi & Alex Shelley vs. Shinsuke Nakamura & Tomohiro Ishii & Yoshi-Hashi & Rocky Romero & Baretta
Kazuchika Okada & Toru Yano vs. A.J. Styles & Cody Hall
Kushida vs. Kenny Omega for IWGP jr. title
Togi Makabe vs. Kota Ibushi for Never Open weight title

Please send reports from major shows, recommended links, etc. to [email protected]:

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Figure Four Weekly:

The newest issue of Figure Four Weekly is now up for subscribers (subscribe to the site here and get access to Figure Four, the Observer, tons of audio, and more) featuring a look back at how exactly WWE lost the WWF name. Forget the stories you’v heard, this detailsexactly what the World Wildlife Fund objected to, what WWE agreed to and why, what scandals worried the fund, and more.  On top of that, we have all the usual stuff like Vinny’s reviews and international news from Dr. Lucha Steve Sims and and Alan”4L” Counihan.

The recent FREE Figure Four Weekly is still up with a look at the crazy story of why Gawker thinks the FBI may have helped Hulk Hogan cover up his racist and homophobic comments. A judge has ordered the FBI to turn over the records of their investigation, and what Gawker is saying in court about what has and hasn’t been turned over paints a very interesting picture.

Also, now available for the first time on Kindle (meaning Kindle devices and anything with the Kindle app) is Fall Guys, the seminal 1937 book that has been described as being like the 1930s version of the Wrestling Observer. It was surprisingly not on Kindle already, so we put together a nice version with a full table of contents w/ chapter marks, proper formatting on everything, etc. Right now it’s available from the American, Canadian, and Australian Amazon/Kindle stores OR you can also buy it from anywhere in the world on PayHip, who will provide you with both Kindle and ePub (every other e-reader) format files, and you can either sideload them to your device or have them email it to your Kindle.

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Wrestling Observer Newsletter:
We’ve got a look at WWE right now with the issues that have led to ratings setting record lows as well as an update on TNA, New Japan, GFW, ROH and everyone else in the battle for No. 2, as the lead stories in the new issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.  This issue also has a detailed look at the Nick Diaz situation and why it is far more complicated than most are making it out to be, Atlantis vs. La Sombra in one of the year’s biggest matches, a history of the CMLL anniversary shows, a look at Thomas Hauser’s article on USADA, an update on Dr. Christopher Amann’s lawsuit against C.M. Punk and Colt Cabana, what led to the Mayweather flop on PPV and New Japan builds for two PPVs this month.
 
The latest issue of the Wrestling Observer: September 14, 2015 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Huge Weekend Preview, WWE/CMLL/ROH/Bellator
 
The Wrestling Observer ranges weekly from 35,000 to 50,000 words covering pro wrestling and MMA internationally. Each issue has coverage and analysis of all the major news, plus every issue breaks major news stories before the Internet sties and has the most complete look at the pro wrestling and MMA business anywhere, plus history pieces available nowhere else.
 

Web site subscriptions, which include access to both current and older newsletters as well as every audio show in the history of the site.  Sign up here for as low as $9.99 per month!
 
You can also order the print Observer right now and get it delivered to your door via mail, by sending your name, address, Visa or Master Card number and an expiration date to Dave Meltzer
 
You can also order at via PayPal by sending a payment to  [email protected]
 
Rates are:
 
For the United States, it is $13 for 4 issues, $32 for 12, $61 for 24, $101 for 40 and $131 for 52. In Canada and Mexico, rates are $14.50 for 4, $35 for 12, $67 for 24, $111 for 40 and $144 or 52.  In Europe, you can get the fastest delivery and best rates by sending to [email protected]  For the rest of the world, rates are $16.50 for 4, $44 for 12, $85 for 24, $141 for 40 issues and $183 for 52.
 
If you order by mail with a check, cash or money order (P.O. Box 1228, Campbell, CA 95009-1228), you can get $1 off in every price range.
 
The Wrestling Observer ranges weekly from 35,000 to 50,000 words covering pro wrestling and MMA internationally. Each issue has coverage and analysis of all the major news, plus every issue breaks major news stories before the Internet sties and has the most complete look at the pro wrestling and MMA business anywhere, plus history pieces available nowhere else.
 
 
The lead story looks at what is and isn’t misleading about the record low ratings for Raw and Smackdown over the past two weeks, the rate of decline, the future of Smackdown, and why wrestling even with lower ratings may be far more valuable to the USA Network when the current contract is over.  We look at the problems that are inherent, those that can be addressed and those that can’t.  We look at why this past week’s Raw rating was far more sobering than the week before as well as how wrestling and every combat sport is changing from an economic situation worldwide.  We look at interviews, finishes, making stars and dropping the ball on stars.  We also look at Night of Champions.
 
We update the TNA television situation, what promotion had a strong growth year, and the future of No. 2, as well as an update on all of TNA’s TV deals.
 
We go in depth on Nick Diaz, and what are the key elements of the story, why he got a five year suspension, how Diaz has blown his prime years in fighting, the commissioners discuss the suspension and the deliberations leading to it.  We talk about why comparisons to Anderson Silva and Jon Jones aren’t valid in this case, detail the controversies over the test results, the legal issues involved, and Diaz talks about what happened in childhood that led him to where he is.
 
We also look at the situation with Jake Shields and the commission ruling on his post-match punch to Rousimar Palhares, as well as his comments on what happened.
 
We also look at what contracted talent was told about Hulk Hogan, as well as a double standard that is too obvious, the next Takeover special, Update on Lana, Dwayne Johnson makes former WWE writer a major executive in his company, what happened at the recent NXT talent meeting, Daniel Bryan talks about creating new stars, and his health situation as well as PPV matches he wants.
 
We look at plans for the November European tour, WWE performers and Twitter, Paige talks in detail about her incident with Alicia Fox that turned into a fight of sorts with two other women and how it all went down.  Jimmy Noonan talks issues with WWE security including a story when a fan kicked the ass of a main event wrestler inside the ring one night and how that fan ended up as a wrestler.
 
We look at another sports star that WWE is bringing in for a tryout, four cast members from Tough Enough who have now signed contracts, this week’s NXT shows, and the father of a WWE wrestler who is an all-time legend in slow-pitch softball.
 
We’ve got notes on the WWE TV shows as well as the next month of NXT shows, as well as reports on WWE business over the past week, and highlights from all the house shows.
 
We look at the Atlantis vs La Sombra match, the build to the match, why the match is so big, the last angle and what happened with Dr. Wagner Jr. an L.A. Park.  We also look at a history of the CMLL Anniversary shows, with the big names that have appeared on them and the most famous matches over the years.
 
We look at Thomas Hauser’s article on USADA and how it related to Floyd Mayweather, what about the article had validity and what was a stretch.  We look at USADA’s drug testing in UFC and what the results so far say, the concept of retroactive TUE’s, a scary aspect of a contract Manny Pacquiao was given and wouldn’t sign, rumors of Mayweather positive tests, and the story behind Erik Morales failing four tests before a fight for Clenbuterol and still fighting.
 
We update the situation with Dr. Christopher Amann’s lawsuit against C.M. Punk.  We look at the response to the suit filed by Punk and Colt Cabana, WWE’s response and what the key issues in the suit are.
 
We’ve got notes on the Floyd Mayweather-Andre Berto PPV number and lessons that it has taught.
 
We also run down this past week’s New Japan show at Korakuen Hall and how it builds the next two PPV shows.
 
We’ve also got ratings from all the television shows this past week along with results from all the major arena events.
 
We also update on the last two AAA TV tapings, Genichiro Tenryu’s last match at Korakuen Hall, the Dragon Gate Summer Adventure tag team tournament, the All Japan Open singles tournament, the NOAH jr. heavyweight tournament, New Japan talks about their relationship with WWE and more.
 
We look at the Japanese female wrestler who broke her record for most world championships, and a new Hall of Fame mixed tag team.
 
We’ve got notes on Hulk Hogan’s latest media and what he said that simple time lines can disprove, notes on Jimmy Snuka including why there will be a lot more coverage of his story coming up, as well as why his hearing this week was canceled.  We look at the U.S. gold medalists in the world wrestling championships and what wrestler looks like a great UFC or WWE prospect.  We also update GFW and where television stands, look at a star indie wrestler sent to prison, Podcasts involving wrestling personalities, two pro wrestlers at the 1980 Olympic team reunion, an update on House of Hardcore, an update on Kelly Kelly, whatever happened to Chuck Palumbo, former UFC star getting a pro wrestling break, a wrestling show uncovered by a historian that drew 80,000 fans in 1936, the daughter of a WWE Hall of Famer starting wrestling training, and a well known pro wrestler competing under another name in pseudo MMA combat.
 
We also look at some significant negotiations going on with ROH and a look at the weekend events.
 
We also look at the Jarrett/Dixie Carter deal, Earl Hebner into the TNA Hall of Fame and his background, an update on Bram and Kurt Angle and Angle’s wrestling schedule.
 
We look at ticket sales for UFC 194 and how early sales have been, more big fights announced, a UFC signee who will start after competing in the 2016 Olympics, Ronda Rousey in the ESPN poll of the greatest female athlete of all-time, as well as lots of new UFC fights.
 
We also look at a new Bellator deal, and Scott Coker’s hopes for this week’s show.
 
We also look at a proposed Chael Sonnen vs. Josh Barnett grappling match, and the return of Ben Askren.

 

 
If you are a new subscriber ordering 24 or more issues, you can get one free classic issue of your choice sent to you today.  With a 40 issue subscription, you can get two free classic issues sent to you today.
 
New subscribers ordering 24 or 40 issues have to let us know what major stories of the past 11 years you are most interested in and we’ll send the issue with the best coverage of that story. We’ve got coverage of every major PPV event and world wide spectacular, every major star switching promotions, histories of companies like FMW, Rings and New Japan, retirement and obit issues of every major star who fits into those descriptions over the past 11 years, as well as our biggest issue every year, the annual awards issue, and our most controversial issue of every year, the Hall of Fame issue.

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Tuesday Daily Update

— Josh Gross’s big article about Vitor Belfort’s 2012 blood test (showing heavily elevated free testosterone levels), which Dave and Bryan talked about last night, is available here. At MMAJunkie, Ben Fowlkes has a good article about his five big takeaways from the piecs. Gross’s article is a must-read, super illuminating and pretty damning at the same time.

— Kurt Angle’s statement on his brother being charged with the murder of his wife:

— Haven’t gotten a chance to read them yet, but in the mess of combined WWE concussion lawsuits, the wrestlers’ side has filed a motion to dismiss in WWE’s suit against wrestlers who retained lawyer Konstantine Kyros but had yet to file. There’s also been an amended complaint filed in the Russ McCullough lawsuit against WWE, which had been expected for a while due to various issues with the original complaint. Finally, WWE’s motion to expedite discovery and get the identities of wrestlers who retained Kyros but haven’t been named was denied.

— Rob Naylor tweeted a performance review that Dusty Rhodes gave Bayley in 2013.

— The Spanish feed of Bellator’s shows returns t ESPN Deportes the Friday night with the card headlined by Joe Warren vs. L.C. Davis. Most of it is just the Spanish dub of the Spike broadcast, but they’ll also be airing an hour of prelims before the main card.

— WWE Network has added 11 new episodes of ECW TV from 1996 and 1997 on top of a lot more WCW Monday Nitros being added.

— Today’s NWAClassics.com update features the Dirty White Boys vs. Brickhouse Brown and Tony Torres. Yesterday’s was a more high profile match: Dusty Rhodes & JYD vs. Ted DiBiase & Kamala in a dog collar/bullrope match.

— Daniel Bryan talks to Sport360 about his concussion in a video interview. There are also clips of him talking about his five favorite wrestlers of all time and more of a potpourri. Including him talking about gardening and the original “stupid” NXT.

— Dave has an article at MMAFighting about the disappointing viewership for the Bellator Dynamite card.

— ABC 13 in Houston has an article about John Cena doing Make a Wish work in Houston over the weekend.

— There’s a new gameplay trailer for WWE 2K16, which is available on October 27th and can be pre-ordered now.

— WWE released SummerSlam 2015, today on DVD and Blu-Ray. The next archival/specialized release is Sting: Into the Light, which comes out on DVD and Blu-Ray on October 13th. Also, WWE’s “Owen: Hart of Gold” Owen Hart DVD set is now available for pre-order on Amazon (the Blu-Ray version isn’t listed yet) and they also have a special collectible “coffin edition” of “Undertaker: The Streak” coming out on November 17th.

— Keith Harris joins Kris Zellner and myself on this week’s Between the Sheets podcast to talk about the week that was September 15-21, 1993 in pro wrestling around the world. We discuss Shawn Michaels quitting the WWF, Eddie Gilbert quitting ECW, WCW quitting the NWA and much much more. 

— Brandon Howard chimes in on Daniel Bryan’s Hall of Fame candidacy at Voices of Wrestling.