Tonight beginning at 4:35 ET 1:35 pm PT the UFC begins their 6th adventure onto FOX by starting it off with one prelim fight on Facebook before the prelims move over to FX at 5pm and 2pm ET/PT. Main card from Chicago will be live at 8pm/5pm et/pt.
The card is stacked as the main event features newly crowned UFC Flyweight champion, Demetrious Johnson, defends his title for the first time against the TUF winner John Dodson. In the co-main event Quinton “Rampage” Jackson will make his final entrance into the octagon to square off against tough Pit Gym representative Glover Teixeira and in what could be the top fight of the night Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone will get his chance to go kick for kick with Anthony “Showtime” Pettis.
Facebook prelims
Welterweights
Simeon “The Grin” Thoresen vs David “Daudi” Mitchell
Decent fight, not great but decent. Mitchell clearly was getting the edge early in striking. He got the fight to the ground in the second after hurting Thoresen and did alright. Thoresen eventually got the top and Mitchell threatened off his back. In the third as Thoresen was starting to get the edge after being almost stopped between rounds by the doctor for a cut eye lid. Mitchell threatened again off his back a gogoplata and hammer fist from the bottom. Than the fight goes black after it briefly switches to Anik and Dominick Cruz standing on the Fuel set. So maybe we will find out how this ends.
David Mitchell takes Unanimous Decision (30-27×3)
Prelims on FX
Middleweights (185lbs)
Rafael “Sapo” Natal vs Sean “Black Magik” Spencer
Rafeal Natal started a little slow but by the end of the first he was clearly dominating. In the second he gets the fight back to the ground and drops about 50 strikes down on Spencer. Spencer some how was able to survive a rear naked choke to be saved by the bell at the end of the second. In the third Natal comes out gets the take down then into side control. Natal has him pinned for about a minute dropping elbows. Spencer survives two kimura attempts before Natal switches to the mount and finishes the fight with an arm triangle from there.
Winner by Submission at 2:13 of round 3 Rafael “Sapo” Natal
Heavyweights (265lbs)
Mike Russow vs Shawn “The Savage” Jordan
The Chicago cop Russow came out busted Jordan open with punches and knees to the face while he had the clinch. Russow rocks him again in the second with a nice lead right and about another half dozen punches that he decided to throw after it. Second round now and Jordan gets the early striking and a pair of take downs. Russow looking really tired and Jordan beats him up on the ground. Jordan takes his back for the third time or so in the second round and Jordan just pounds away on a flattened out Russow.
Winner at 3:48 of round 2 by TKO Shawn “The Savage” Jordan
Light Heavyweights (205lbs)
Ryan “Darth” Bader vs Vladimir “The Janitor” Matyushenko
Ryan Bader makes quick work of “The Janitor” with a round 1 submission. This guilotine choke he secured from the bottom will now go down as fastest Light Heavyweight submission victory ever. Bader dropped Matyushenko in the first minute with a left hook and it didn’t take much after that.
Winner at :50 seconds of Rd 1 by submission Ryan “Darth” Bader
Welterweights (170lbs)
Mike Stumpf vs Pascal “Panzer” Krauss
Krauss’ striking was sharp in this fight and he threw a lot of strikes sum 300+. Krauss was landing the constant barrage of shots a la Diaz Bros. Krauss defended 5 of the 7 take down attempts that came from Stumpf. Krauss also managed to brutalize Stumpf against the cage with the dirty boxing. Stumpf showed one hell of a chin and heart though.
Pascal “Panzer” Krauss wins by unanimous decision (30-27×3)
Featherweights (145lbs)
Clay “The Carpenter” Guida vs Hatsu Hioki
In his 17th fight in the UFC Guida is making his first trip down to 145 pounds. Hioki I would definately say got the edge in the first his longer reach gave him the advantage. Hioki stayed calm only got taken down once but prevented Guida from doing any damage. In the second Guida started the round off with a huge slam. Guida has to fight off a triangle and a kimura from Hioki on the bottom. Hioki stayed busy on the bottom and blocked almost all shots from Guida. Hioki landed a good head kick at the end of round 2 after the ref stood them up. Third round Guida spends most of the round on top after getting a take down. Guida was only briefly able to get out of the guard of Hioki he didn’t land much for strikes. So i give it to Hioki he landed the better strikes, he stayed busy off his back, prevented damage from being inflicted and the refs see it differently.
Winner by split decision (28-29, 30-27, 29-28) Clay “The Carpenter” Guida
Nice little segment from other welterweights including GSP, Frank Trigg, Bj Penn and Dana White as they talk about Matt Hughes who retired this week and is a new VP with the UFC.
Lightweights (155lbs)
TJ Grant vs Matt Wiman
Tj Grant used elbows to hurt Wiman and eventually finish him. Grant used those elbows to perfection from both on his feet and on the ground. Grant dropped Wiman with a series of standing elbows then finished him when he dove on top to rain down hammer fist.
Winner by TKO at 4:51 of round 1 TJ Grant.
UFC on FOX 6 main card
Featherweights (145lbs)
Erik “New Breed” Koch vs Ricardo “The Bully” Lamas
Ricardo Lamas looked good. The first round was close but in the 2nd Lamas slipped Koch tried to pounce and Lamas stacked him up and dropped a big left hand that busts open Koch under the eye then Lamas delivered some shivering elbows to that cut of Koch and we had a geyser coming up his cheek and Big John McCarthy jumps in quickly to stop the fight. Great way for Lamas to put the 145ers on notice.
Winner by TKO at 2:32 of Round 2 Ricardo “The Bully” Lamas
Lightweights (155lbs)
Anthony “Showtime” Pettis vs Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone
Showtime came in and used the kicks to the body a couple times to win the fight. Pettis delivered another signature move as he backed Cerrone to the cage he jumped off the cage with the right leg and drove the right knee into the face of Cerrone. You could tell he had really hurt Cerrone with the body kick a few seconds earlier and he went to it again and Cerrone crumpled and collapsed. This was the first stoppage of Cerrone in his career. Pettis’ kicks are no joke and he is right back in the mix for a shot at Henderson whom he took the WEC Lightweight championship from in the last ever WEC event.
Winner by TKO at 2:35 of round 1 Anthony “Showtime” Pettis
Light Heavyweights (205lbs)
Quinton “Rampage” Jackson vs Glover Teixeira
Teixeira looked good in the first getting a take down, rocking Rampage with a left and dropped him with a left. Rampage always dangerous has a punchers chance even when he is hurt was able to make it through the first round. In the minute between rounds FOX is doing a pip so you can still see the corners while they air the commercial. Teixeira gets the take down and into a half guard within 30 seconds of the second round beginning. Rampage got back to his feet after a minute or so and gets a single collar tie and delivers a pair of right uppercuts. Teixeira cut open Rampage in the second under the eye. Rampage starts talking and telling him he has got nothing so Teixeira rattles off a combo to the body that looks painful. All Teixeira in the third he gets three more take downs including finishing the fight in the mount postured up and dropping punches down on Rampage. Teixeira also had more of the knees and left hands getting through while they were on their feet.
Winner by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28) Glover Teixeira
Flyweights (125lbs)
Demetrious “Mighty Mouse” Johnson vs John “The Magician” Dodson
Ultra close first round. Dodson gets the edge in striking and briefly drops the champ. Johnson was able to get the take down and landed a nice right when Dodson got up. Johnson is pressing the action the whole time. Dodson drops the champ twice in the first half of the second round so far. Johnson continues to charge forward and press the action the left jab is finding its home down the pipe. Johnson is relentless coming forward he has been eating some strikes from Dodson though. Johnson gets the take down with little over a minute left in the round and once Dodson gets up he eats a combo from the hands and a big knee. Close fight. This time Johnson is able to get a take down in the first minute and as he gets up eats a knee from the champ but he had a down so he was a grounded opponent. McCarthy asks him to look at him through his bad eye and asks “Am I ugly?” Dodson laughs and he is good to resume. Through 3 Johnson has landed more strikes 100-70. Johnson misses with the punches and lands a back hand as he is giving chase. Dodson is in a front head lock and has to keep putting a hand down to the mat to stop Johnson from kneeing him in the head but one of those busted the nose of Dodson. They hug to start the last round. Johnson lands 89 knees/kicks in first 4 rounds and Johnson takes Dodson down. Johnson climbs up on Dodson as Dodson presses him against the cage and rains down elbows. Nice! He does it again. That is a first. Dodson is getting beat up now eating knees and more knees now some punches. WOW great fight. Johnson lands 199 strikes in the fight. The belt has got to stay with the champ.
Winner by unanimous decision (48-47 , 49-46, 48-47) Demetrious “Mighty Mouse” Johnson
I’ll be back next week as UFC is back on PPV featuring the featherweight championship Aldo vs Edgar.
PWInsider.com is reporting that Ric Flair – who is currently in Japan – ended up not wrestling during today’s All Japan Pro Wrestling show due to a leg issue.
The two-time WWE Hall of Famer and 16 time World Heavyweight champion was supposed to be tagging with Keiji Mutoh – better known to most U.S. fans as The Great Muta – to take on Tatsumu Fujinami and Seiya Sanada.
His replacement was his son Reid, who was scheduled to take part in an earlier match on the show. Reid and Mutoh lost their tag match.
A big congratulations goes out to the folks behind Wrestling News Live – JJ, Trey, and Bronx, – for winning two awards at yesterday’s Wrestling Radio Awards.
Wrestling News Live won the Media Interview of the Year with Smackdown GM Booker T and also the Male Interview of the Year with WWE Hall of Famer Stone Cold Steve Austin.
They take presenting the show seriously and we are proud to call WNL the only radio show for Wrestling-Online.com for the past few years. No one does interviews better than these guys and we look forward to set up more guests and help in any way during 2013.
During the Royal Rumble Fan Fest that will take place today outside the U.S. Airways Center in Phoenix, Arizona, WWE will hold an NXT tournament between eight participants where the winner will get a spot in the Royal Rumble.
The competitors announced are Corey Graves, Oliver Grey, Luke Harper, Xavier Woods, Conor O’Brian, Adrian Neville, Bo Dallas, and Leo Kruger.
The Fan Fest will be located on the US Airways plaza in the corner of 1st Street & Jefferson. Tickets start at $10 each.
WWE and the Pearson Foundation today announced a partnership to expand WWE’s WrestleMania Reading Challenge and promote the importance of literacy through a new digital reading program.
Beginning February 4, students between the ages of 4 and 11 will have the opportunity to join the WrestleMania Reading Challenge at WWEReadingSuperstar.com.
Through this new partnership with the Pearson Foundation’s digital reading initiative, We Give Books, students will be able to read children’s books online, virtually connect with WWE Superstar Reading Buddies and enter to win a trip to WrestleMania 29 or a school visit from a WWE Superstar.
“WWE is proud to expand its commitment to literacy initiatives through this new partnership with the Pearson Foundation and We Give Books,” said Michelle D. Wilson, Chief Marketing Officer, WWE. “Given that today’s youth are digitally connected at such an early age, the WrestleMania Reading Challenge will now reach more children than ever before.”
The Hart Legacy Wrestling promotion in Calgary held its first event on the 18th of January with a show titled Resurrection at the Victoria Pavilion, in Calgary, Alberta.
The sold out crowd at the Pavilion however was not aware what was going behind the scenes as during the intermission, the staff was informed that they would not be able to get paid that day.
After the show was over, the promoter, John Oniston, held a meeting and asked for everyone’s forgiveness and promised to pay with a $100 bonus on top of what everyone was owed by January 22. January 22 passed and the talent and staff has still not been paid.
Jeff Jackson, co-host of Wrestling News Live, was one of the members of the broadcast team who called the action during the inaugural event but has since resigned from the promotion and will not be associated with Hart Legacy Wrestling any further due to what happened.
“I wanna give kudos to the guys that went out in the main event and risked their lives to perform knowing that a payday would not be given at the end of the night and to Pete Wilson who was rushed to the ER after suffering a shoulder injury and who may not work for a while as a result,” Jackson said in an e-mail.
“Most of the talent work other jobs and a fair number of them took a day off to be a part of the show, myself included. Some even paid out of their pocket last minute for show necessities and of course were not reimbursed,” he added.
Jackson offered his apologies to the crowd who attended the show, saying that they all did their part and it’s a pity that they were led to believe that a new wrestling promotion out of Calgary could work.
“I find it disgusting that the Hart name is associated with this and it appears that stiffing your talent will be what Hart Legacy Wrestling leaves in its wake,” Jackson continued in his e-mail.
“HLW paid with broken promises. I only hope that those owed money get what they have coming to them, and to Stacy Angel and John Oniston, I really hope you get what’s coming to you.”
Jackson noted that none of the staff and wrestlers – except those who were paid beforehand – were given a cent for all their work and yesterday everyone was given another excuse saying that they would be getting paid the week after.
For the next movie featuring The Rock, you will be able to see the people’s champion as the largest you probably ever saw him – in IMAX 3D!
Paramount Pictures announced in a press release that the G.I. Joe: Retaliation movie will be digitally re-mastered into the IMAX 3D format and released to select IMAX theatres internationally starting March 28 and for a one week run in North America beginning March 29.
“Dwayne Johnson has resonated well with IMAX fans, and we believe his strong global appeal, coupled with the action spectacle of G.I. Joe: Retaliation in IMAX 3D is sure to excite moviegoers,” said Greg Foster, Chairman and President of IMAX Filmed Entertainment.
The Rock will play the role of Roadblock in the G.I. Joe movie which also has Bruce Willis.
Impact begins with a recap of Taz revealing himself as a member of Aces and Eights and ruining the wedding of Bully Ray and Brooke Hogan last week.
Tenay tells us that he was shocked by Taz’ betrayal and notes that Taz is not there at the announce table this week. Aces and Eights make their way to the ring, led by Devon, DOC, Mike Knox, and Taz.
Taz grabs a mic and walks to the ring. Taz tells us that all week long people have been asking him why. Taz responds that he could not pass up the opportunity to join a dominant group bent on revenge. He makes a vague reference to a higher power.
He also tells us that his contract with TNA is iron clad, making him, in his words, bulletproof. If anyone tries to mess with him, he’ll end up owning the place, because he’s “Teflon Taz.”
In the back, Jesse and Tara prepare for Tara’s title match with Velvet Sky by playing with a Velvet Sky action figure. The segment didn’t suck quite as much as it sounds like it probably did.
Commercial
Match #1: Tara with Jesse versus Velvet Sky.
Taz joins the announce team, and Tenay asks him who this “higher power” is that he mentioned earlier. (it’s Vince McMahon, I remember this storyline from years ago)
Taz laughs off the question and refuses to answer. Tara flexes at the start of the match and Velvet takes her down with a quick roll up attempt. Tara kicks out; Velvet applies a hammerlock and then tries to wrap her up again.
Velvet hits Tara with an armdrag and a couple clotheslines, and then follows up with a side Russian leg sweep. Tara rolls to the floor, but Velvet pulls her back in. Velvet hits Tara with a dropkick that sends Tara out to the floor.
Commercial
When we return, the two wrestler’s exchange kicks. Velvet hits Tara with a chop and a shoulder block and tries to follow up with a monkey flip but Tara blocks it.
Tara suplexes Velvet and then hits her with a standing moonsault. Tara always shakes her ass before executing the standing moonsault. I’m sure that makes the moonsault more effective in some way. Tara puts Velvet in a headlock and Velvet eventually fights out.
Tara grabs Velvet by the hair and slams her to the mat. Tara goes to the top rope and Velvet knocks her off. The two knockouts exchange punches and Velvet takes Tara down with a pair of clotheslines. Velvet follows up with a hurricanrana. Velvet sets Tara up for an inverted DDT, but then changes it to a face plant.
Jesse creates a distraction that keeps Velvet from getting the pin. Velvet goes for a suplex, but Jesse trips her. Tara lands on Velvet and gets the pin as Jesse holds Velvet’s leg down. Tara retains her title.
Commercial
In the back, Kenny King asks the mirror who is the fairest of all. Kenny is teaming up with Zema Ion tonight to face RVD and Christian York. They both seem more concerned with looking good than winning.
Joseph Park makes his way to the ring. Joseph tells us that his place is not in a court room, but here in the Impact Zone as a member of the TNA roster. Joseph is disappointed he didn’t win his match at the PPV, but he fought hard and wants to fight again.
Next week TNA will be in Manchester England for Open Fight Night and Joseph tells us he’s going to call out someone and make his Impact wrestling debut and get his first “W”, as the boys call it.
Match #2: Zema Ion and Kenny King versus RVD and Christian York.
Zema and RVD start the match off and Zema puts RVD in a headlock. RVD gets out and Zema hits him with a kick. RVD responds with an elevated drop kick and tags in York. York hits a kick and a knee lift and then tags in RVD.
RVD sends Zema into the corner and hits him with a monkey flip. RVD lands a kick and Zema goes to the floor. King grabs RVD by the hair to distract him, and Zema tags King in. King suplexes RVD and then grounds and pounds the X division champ. King tags in Zema.
Zema and RVD trade strikes and Zema rakes Van Dam’s eyes. Zema goes to the top and tries a 450 splash, but RVD rolls out of the way. RVD lands a kick and tags in York. York lands a couple kicks and a pair of clotheslines.
The partners come in to help and all 4 men start brawling in the ring. York knocks King to the floor and King pulls York out to the floor. RVD climbs to the top but King trips him up. Zema knocks RVD to the floor.
King hits York with a springboard blockbuster, and Zema tags himself in to make the cover and gets the win. King seems a little irritated at having the pin stolen out from under him.
Commercial
When we return, Samoa Joe is talking to Garrett Bischoff and seems a little irritated with them. They want to know how Kurt Angle is doing and Joe tells them to ask Kurt themselves. Kurt shows up and greets his friends. Angle says he’s not 100%, but he’s ready to kick ass.
Bully Ray and Brooke Hogan make their way to the ring. Bully Ray wants Taz, but Taz disappeared shortly before Bully arrived to answer an important phone call.
Bully calls Taz a coward. Bully is mad that his friend and the only man that trusted him, Sting, got hurt last week. He’s also mad Hulk got hurt, but he’s especially upset that Brooke, the woman he loves, was hurt last week when her wedding was ruined.
Bully Ray wants Hogan to lift his suspension so he can go after Aces and Eights for revenge. Sting comes out to tell Bully that Hogan will lift the suspension.
In the back, Bobby Roode and Austin Aries are arguing again. One of them has to face Hernandez tonight, and they’re trying to figure out who it should be. Roode says that since Austin is the fastest and most agile and has a great finisher, the brain buster, he should wrestle Hernandez.
Aries responds that with his power and technical wrestling skill, Roode should fight Hernandez. Aries also points out that Roode was the most dominant champion in TNA history for over a year. Roode points out that Aries beat him, and Aries reminds Roode that he actually beat him twice.
Roode thinks that means Aries should fight tonight. Aries reminds Roode that he called those wins “flukes”. Aries doesn’t agree, but says there may have been a tiny bit of fluketitude involved.
Roode triumphantly yells that Aries finally admitted it was a fluke, and Aries says he’ll back Roode up tonight against Hernandez. So I think Aries won the disingenuous ass kissing contest which means Roode has to fight SuperMex Hernandez tonight.
Commercial
Match #3: Bobby Roode versus Hernandez with Chavo.
Taz rejoins the broadcast team. Roode and Hernandez lock up and Hernandez pushes Roode away. They lock up again and Roode gets behind Hernandez and hits him with an elbow followed by a couple punches.
Hernandez backdrops Roode and then hits him with a LONG delayed vertical suplex. Roode rakes the eyes to break the momentum and then hits Hernandez with a neckbreaker. Roode lands a kick, a snapmare, and then snaps the neck of Hernandez again.
Hernandez hits Roode with a boot and Roode responds with a back elbow. Roode hits Hernandez with an elbow drop and then a knee drop. Roode puts Hernandez in a chin lock and supermex gets out by backing Roode into the corner. Hernandez hits Roode with a shoulder block and then follows up with a top rope shoulder tackle.
Hernandez hits Roode with a backbreaker. Roode starts to fight back, but Hernandez hits him with a he shoulder block that sends him out to the floor. Hernandez looks like he wants to hit Roode with a suicide dive but Aries runs down and pulls Roode out of the way.
Roode seems angered by Austin’s interference, but they don’t get much time to argue about it. Chavo goes after Aries outside the ring and they fight. Hernandez is distracted and Roode hits him with a bulldog for the win.
Aries and Roode continue arguing after the match. Aries says he saved Roode, Roode said he didn’t need any help. Aries raises his hands and says “we did it!” Roode raises his hands and says “I did it!”
In a few weeks, I would not be surprised if they started yelling “NO, I am the tag team champions!” at each other.
Commercial
When we return, Kurt Angle makes his way to the ring to call out Ken Anderson. Anderson eventually shows up wearing an Aces and Eights vest. Anderson asks Kurt if he wants to fight him next week. Kurt nods his head.
Anderson says, well I don’t want to fight YOU next week. I don’t want to. I want to fight NOW!” and hits Angle in the head. Angle responds with a clothesline and tries to put the ankle lock on but Anderson escapes and runs away.
Angle tells Anderson that he’s calling Anderson out next week on Open Fight Night to a match in a steel cage. Angle and Anderson had one of the best matches in TNA history a couple years ago in a steel cage.
Commercial
When we return, Anderson is in the Aces and Eights clubhouse yelling at the hookers to shut up. Ken is worried about his cage match with Angle next week. Devon tells Ken not to worry, that they’ll have a game plan for the match. In the meantime, relax, enjoy yourself.
Match #4: Christopher Daniels with Kaz versus Jeff Hardy for the world championship.
The two men lock up and Daniels pushes Hardy to the corner. Hardy puts Anderson in a headlock, but Anderson pushes him to the corner and hits him with several shoulder blocks.
Hardy hits Anderson with a hurricanrana and a pair of clotheslines. Hardy goes for a dropkick in the corner but Daniels dodges it and throws Hardy to the floor. Kaz comes in to congratulate his friend.
Commercial
During the break, Kaz hit Hardy with several cheap shots, giving Daniels the edge in the match. Daniels grinds his elbow into Hardy’s face, and then hits him with a suplex followed by a clothesline. Daniels repeatedly stomps on Hardy and then headbutts him.
Daniels drops Hardy with a slam that starts off looking like a neckbreaker. Daniels works on Hardy on the mat, pulling on his chin and arm. Daniels stomps on Hardy some more. Hardy hits Daniels with a clothesline and then they exchange punches.
Hardy hits Daniels with a clothesline and follows up with a double leg drop. Hardy hits Daniels with a kick, climbs to the top rope and hits him with a big splash. Daniels kicks out and hits Hardy with a Death Valley Driver, followed by a submission hold on the mat.
Daniels applies pressure to the head and neck of Hardy but Hardy makes it to the ropes, forcing a break. Daniels lands a couple punches and sets Hardy up on the turnbuckle for a superplex.
Hardy blocks the superplex and hits Daniels with a front suplex from the top rope. Hardy goes for the pin but Daniels gets his foot on the ropes. Daniels gets to his feet, hits Hardy with a chop and then plants him in the middle of the ring with Angel’s wings!
Hardy kicks out at 2 and Daniels climbs to the top rope. Daniels tries to hit Hardy with the BME (Best Moonsault Ever) but Hardy rolls out of the way. Hardy tries whisper in the wind, but Daniels gets out of the way and rolls Hardy up for a two count.
Daniels tries to wrap Hardy’s arms up in a double underhook, but Hardy slips out of it. Hardy lands a kick and the Twist of Fate, and then follows it up with the Swanton Bomb for the win.
After the match, Taz says he wants to do his job as an announcer and decided to get into the ring to interview Hardy. Taz asks Hardy what he’s going to do when Aces and Eights destroys everything around him?
Before Hardy can answer, a masked member of Aces and Eights runs in behind Hardy and hits him in the back of the knee with a hammer. Hardy writhes in pain on the mat as Impact goes off the air.
Las Vegas, Nevada – Matt Hughes, the legendary Ultimate Fighting Championship® (UFC®) Hall of Famer and former two-time welterweight champion, officially announced his retirement from UFC competition today. He has eagerly accepted a new role as he joins the organization’s front office, taking the newly created position of Vice President of Athlete Development and Government Relations.
To coincide with this appointment, UFC has also created a clear set of athlete guidelines, or Conduct Policy, memorializing the values long held by the organization. As ambassadors of the sport and the organization, UFC athletes have always been held to a high standard. The UFC recognizes that athletes face both professional and personal pressures, and with health and safety paramount, the Conduct Policy coupled with the new resource Hughes will provide in his role, best positions UFC athletes for a successful career and post-UFC future.
“Hughes will be an invaluable resource for UFC athletes,” Lawrence Epstein, UFC COO, said. “Leveraging the background and expertise he gained over a Hall of Fame career, Hughes will be dedicated to providing guidance on a wide range of issues athletes face inside and outside of the Octagon®. This includes understanding the heightened social responsibility that comes with being in the public eye, to best practices when dealing with endorsements or managing finances, to the basic daily challenges of staying healthy during training, as well as the need to steer clear of illegal and/or performance-enhancing drugs. In addition to his work with UFC athletes, Hughes will engage with state athletic commissions and international federations to provide regulatory insight from the perspective of a professional athlete.”
“This is something that the UFC is implementing because they really care about their athletes,” Hughes said. “I’ve experienced ups and downs in my career and found that the UFC has supported me every step of the way. I understand the pressures and responsibilities that go along with being a professional athlete. I look forward to using my knowledge and experience to provide insight and perspective on behalf of athletes and the organization.”
“Matt is one of those guys that was there from the early days and helped grow MMA to the modern, professional sport it is today,” UFC president Dana White said. “He has been in the sport since the late 1990s and really seen it all. Matt is a two-time world champion in the UFC, he’s coached The Ultimate Fighter® reality series twice, has fought all over the world and has been in every situation a fighter can be in. Matt’s expertise makes him highly qualified for this.”
As a two-time UFC welterweight champion (2001 to 2004, 2004 to 2006), Hughes brings a wealth of experience to the role. A graduate of Eastern Illinois University where he was a two-time All-American NCAA Division I wrestler, Hughes began his mixed martial arts career in 1998, and would go on to not only be the first man to regain the UFC’s welterweight championship, but also compete all over the United States as well as Japan, England, Abu Dhabi and Kuwait while cementing his reputation as one of the all-time greats. In recognition of his enormous contribution to the sport both inside and outside the Octagon, Hughes became the eighth man to be inducted in the UFC Hall of Fame in May 2010.
Hughes is also a successful businessman outside of the Octagon, having run an agricultural company parallel to his fighting career. His charitable and community involvement includes mentoring and helping young people of his hometown Hillsboro, Ill. travel for mission trips.
Monday Night RAW this week scored a 3.04 rating with an average of 4,320,000 viewers, down from the 3.2 rating it did the previous week and around 230,000 viewers less.
Hour one of the show did 4,370,000 viewers, hour two did 4,420,000 viewers, and hour three dropped to 4,160,000 viewers. (Ratings compiled by Nielsen Media Research and put online by PWInsider.com)
Rumors are flying around that Take-Two Interactive has purchased the WWE video game license from the now-dissolved THQ.
If the story checks out to be true, the sports arm of Take-Two, 2K Sports, will most likely be publishing the WWE ’14 video game.
Alan Lewis, Vice President of Corporate Communications & Public Affairs at Take-Two Interactive Software chose not to comment about the rumors when we contacted Take-Two today.
“We do not comment on rumors and speculation,” Lewis wrote in an e-mail.
The sale of the WWE video game license is believed to have been separate from the auction that was held on January 22 to dissolve the THQ assets.
THQ – the video game publisher for WWE – has been dissolved and the company is no more according to a letter to its employees by the CEO and President.
“If you are an employee of an entity that is not included in the sale, we regret that your position will end,” said the letter.
Different companies have acquired different assets of THQ, which filed for bankruptcy last year. The assets were sold yesterday in an auction and attracted companies such as SEGA, Take-Two, Ubisoft and others.
One thing which still there’s no news on is the WWE license. WWE is owed around $45 million as a creditor and is the single most valuable license that THQ was in possession of. The future home for WWE video games has yet to be disclosed and it’s not known if it was sold during the auction or will be sold separately.
There are several dates in professional wrestling which could be considered as being somewhat historic, but only a true handful defined the shape of the business.
29 years ago today, on January 23, 1984, professional wrestling got its biggest kick start when Hulk Hogan defeated the Iron Sheik at Madison Square Garden to win the WWF title. On that day, Hulkamania was born, and as they say, the rest is history.
On Twitter, the WWE Hall of Famer and now TNA personality Hulk Hogan mentioned the historic date.
“29yrs ago humbled the curley toed jabronie in MSG and changed the world of pro wrestling forever brother,let the entertainment begin HH4life,” Hogan wrote.
Sheik also took it to Twitter to respond to Hogan’s comment.
“29 year ago I make the hulkamania hulkamania. If no Iron Sheik they never be the Hulk Hogan,” he replied.
Sheiky then turned to his usual funny self, bashing Hogan for having a “rice crispy dick” and for being a “no good motherf!@#er.”
From WWE champion to wrestling on a pay-per-view pre-show match – and that is the story of the self proclaimed “must-see WWE champion” ever, The Miz.
WWE announced that The Miz will be taking on Antonio Cesaro for the United States title in the pre-show of the Royal Rumble, a free match that will air on WWE.COM, YouTube, and Facebook, starting at 7:30PM this Sunday.
So far, apart from the Rumble match itself, there will be three other matches on the pay-per-view: CM Punk vs The Rock for the WWE title, Alberto Del Rio vs Big Show for the World Heavyweight title in a Last Man Standing match, and Team Hell No vs The Rhodes Scholars for the Tag Team titles.
TNA Wrestling has signed a deal with Nippon Television Network Corporation in Japan to start airing TNA television in the Land of the Rising Sun.
Episodes of IMPACT will start airing every Saturday at 7:30PM on channel G+, a channel which is found on various cable networks across Japan as well as the satellite provider SkyPerfecTV. TNA pay-per-views will also be broadcast monthly on the channel.
“TNA IMPACT WRESTLING continues to build partnerships with the best broadcasters around the world. This agreement with Nippon Television’s G+ will allow TNA to deliver its exciting brand of professional wrestling to our ever growing Japanese fanbase. The history of wrestling in Japan is very long and very rich and everyone at TNA is thrilled that we’re now a full part of it,” said TNA Executive Vice President, Andy Barton.
29 year old James Curtin, who is known to TNA fans in the UK as Rockstar Spud, has won the TNA British Boot Camp television series, earning himself a TNA contract.
Spud was fighting for a contract on the reality-based television show with Marty Scurll and the Blossom twins, Holly and Hannah. Spud was chosen as the winner on the season finale which aired on Challenge TV in the United Kingdom.
British Boot Camp was the first non-game show commissioned for the station by its parent company BSkyB – which also airs all WWE shows. The show was taped last year under the supervision of Jeremy Borash.
TNA has already announced the dates for their yearly Maximum Impact tour in the United Kingdom for 2014.
The company will be visiting Glasgow, Scotland, on January 30 at the Glasgow Hydro; Manchester, England, on Friday, January 31 at the Manchester Arena; London, England, on Saturday, February 1 at the Wembley Arena; and Birmingham, England, on Sunday, February 2 at the Birmingham NIA.
“Everyone knows that the U.K. Tour is one of the highlights of the year for everyone in TNA Impact Wrestling, so I’m excited to announce that we’re coming back in 2014,” said TNA President Dixie Carter.
A limited seven day period pre-sale will kick off on Monday, January 28 at 8AM, at Gigsandtours.com and Ticketmaster.co.uk.
“We’re putting tickets on pre-sale for one week only so our most hardcore fans can beat the rush and get their seats early. I’m already counting down the days until we’re back in Glasgow, Manchester and London – and am delighted that we’re adding Birmingham to the schedule for 2014,” Carter added.
With just six nights before the Royal Rumble, what will go down in the “City of the Sharks?” (Yes, that is a sub-par hockey reference, but I also think just a cool name for San Jose!)
Hopefully, A LOT more than last week’s MAJOR disappointment of a show. In all honesty, why wait? Since we already know the main matches for the annual Pay-Per-View, let’s get right to it…!
Monday Night Raw Report for January 21st, 2013 – “Let’s Get Ready To…”
Introduction Segment: Memorial Video and Welcoming
In honor of Martin Luther King Day (in the United States), a short video of the late Dr. Martin Luther King’s famous “I Have A Dream” speech is played, followed by a quick greeting by Michael Cole.
Segment #1: Arena Promo
Vickie Guerrero, with Paul Heyman in arm, walks out and declares that she is all about doing the right thing. Even when it is not the most popular, in particular with The Rock as she states.
Mr. Heyman then takes the microphone and explains his alliance. He says that he is out in support of Guerrero, since last week Rock insulted both of them. A recap of Rock’s concert poking fun at a certain “appendage” of Paul’s replays. Following this is The Rock’s version of “Lovely Tonight” by Eric Clapton, about Vickie.
She announces that while Rock is in the city, Vickie has officially “banned him from my arena,” and he will be arrested by the San Jose police department. An assistant at ringside informs Guerrero that Rock is here, and being held backstage by the police.
They appear on the TitanTron, with San Jose’s finest enforcing the rule, unless he wants to get arrested. Rock tells them they should arrest C.M. Punk, Paul Heyman, and Vickie Guerrero for various reasons. (Especially Punk for impersonating a champion.) Rock profoundly proclaims that he will be in that ring at one point tonight.
Vickie restates that The Rock will go to jail if he “trespasses” on her arena.
Later tonight (and starting up next), there are “Beat The Clock” matches to determine a number picked by the overall winner. (Gee, I wonder what number they would pick! #30?)
Commercials.
Match #1: “Beat The Clock” Single – United States Champion Antonio Cesaro VS. Randy Orton (Non-Title)
Elbow/collar tie-up with a quick roll-up by Cesaro for a one-count. Orton reverses a corner run into a roll-up of his own but also only for one. Antonio clamps on a grounding side-headlock to wear down “The Viper.”
He pushes Randy into the ropes, who counters with a Lou Thesz press and punches. The U.S. Champion counters a suplex attempt with a small-package for two! On the outside, Orton clotheslines Cesaro to the floor and receives a near-fall following!
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Up on the turnbuckle, Antonio has Randy positioned for a suplex, but Orton pushes off. Antonio runs back and shoves Orton to the floor. He covers for two, then drops Randy with a gut-wrench suplex. 1 – 2 – Orton kicks out!
They now punch back and forth, until Cesaro turns Randy around with a powerslam and then clamps on the grounding rear chinlock. Orton counters another run with a clothesline and fires up. He is setup for the slingshot DDT, but Antonio reverses into a jack knife cover for two, then nails an uppercut for another very close fall!
He chucks Randy into the ring post, but quickly receives an R.K.O. to give Orton the victory!
Winner at 11:36, Randy Orton
The next opponents will have to beat 11:36 to qualify.
Segment #2: Hall-Of-Fame Promo
Mick Foley’s career retrospective is aired, as the “Hardcore Legend” is deservingly (and overdue) being inducted into the WWE Hall Of Fame this year!
Segment #3: Video Promo
“The Shield” proclaim that they will open the WWE Universe’s eyes forcefully. Dean Ambrose, Seth Rollins, and Roman Reigns declare they fight for justice, work for no one, and rectify for justice. “Believe in ‘The Shield,’ we’re just getting started.”
Commercials.
Match #2: Single – The Big Show VS. “Long Island Iced-Z” Zack Ryder
Do I even need to recap this? Nope, as one K.O. punch later, Show prevails. The biggest (no pun intended) noteworthy aspect of this bout was Brad Maddox interrupting and joining Cole and Lawler on commentary.
Winner via Pinfall: The Big Show
Post-match, Show stands over Ryder with one foot and begins to count to ten, symbolizing what he will do to World Heavyweight Champion Alberto Del Rio at Royal Rumble in their “Last Man Standing” rematch for the Title.
Up next, Ryback will face Heath Slater. (Again, will I need to in depth recap – me thinks not!)
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Segment #4: Locker Room Promo
Paul Heyman is talking on his cellphone when Brad Maddox interrupts. He uses the infamous manager as an example of someone who had dreams when he was young and never gave up until he gained them. Heyman agrees to help Maddox achieve those aspects.
Match #3: Single – Heath Slater (with “3.M.B.” members Jinder Mahal and Drew McIntyre) VS. Ryback
Again, one Shell-Shock Samoan drop slam later, Ryback takes it!
Winner via Pinfall: Ryback
Post-match, The Beast is excited for the Royal Rumble match, as it is his first and he is thriving it, so he can go to the main-event of Wrestlemania. “Feed me more!”
Segment #5: Backstage Promo
The Rock is trying to convince the police officers that he needs to get in the building and “electrify” the crowd. Before he can get his hands on one of the officer’s tickets, Vickie Guerrero interjects.
She demands they arrest him for “causing a disturbance,” but they will not since he is still technically not in the building. Guerrero informs him that WWE Champion C.M. Punk will be addressing the fans next, and if he wants to appear, all he has to is apologize to her. He “oh so politely” declines, and says he will get in that ring on his own terms.
Commercials.
Segment #6: Arena Promo
As promised, WWE Champion C.M. Punk is out now with Paul Heyman. The “Straight-Edge Superstar” holds his title prominently, saying that what he holds here is better than most people holding their families. He says that he has worked half his life to obtain the “most prestigious title the WWE has to offer and I will not allow The Rock or any man to take this from me.”
He removes his black-colored hood, then declares that while The Rock is here to sing songs and tell jokes, the “Second-City” Saint” is here to hurt people and be the champion. “This is important. It’s important because I have made it important. It’s prestigious because I have made it prestigious,” explains Punk.
“I will now allow The Rock to be WWE Champion because I’ve been in the ring with him. I’ve looked him square in the eye. I’ve seen all the way down into his soul and I’ve seen why he’s so proud of the people and being the people’s champion. It’s because he knows he can not be ‘this.'” (He shows the WWE Title)
“You can call him ‘electrifying.’ You can call him ‘The Great One.’ You can call him ‘The Brahma Bull,’ but what you can not call him is ‘Champion,’ because ‘this,’ ‘this’ belongs to me and ‘this,’ ‘this’ you earn with blood, sweat, and tears, and for 428 days I have done just that. I have earned ‘this.’ I have earned the right to be called ‘champion,’ I have earned the right to ‘be the man.'”
He tells The Rock that he is on a collision course for six days and enjoy it. Slap every hand, wink at “every hopeful look your ‘sheep-like’ fans give you.” “This is all that matters and in six days, Royal Rumble, it doesn’t matter if I smell what The Rock is cooking. All that matters is what these people cannot give you will remain rightfully around the waist of your undisputed WWE Champion, ‘Best In The World’ C.M. Punk.”
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Match #4: “Beat The Clock” Single – “The Showoff/Mr. Money In The Bank” Dolph Ziggler (with Big E. Langston and A.J.) VS. “The Awesome One” The Miz
Miz starts right away with a high dropkick and roll-up for two, as the clock counts down from 11:36. He runs off the ropes with a shoulder block and rolls-up Ziggler again, but eventually receives a dropkick from Dolph for a two-count.
Dolph in control now with a neckbreaker, who then locks on a grounding rear chinlock. He tries a sleeper hold, but Miz snapmares him over and pounds away with mount punches. Miz chop-blocks Dolph’s knee and drags him to the center.
He hammers down on Dolph’s left knee and goes for the Figure-Four, but Ziggler sends him flying to the outside, where Big E. Langston levels him against the apron. “The Showoff” gives chase and covers for another quick two-count prior to the break.
Commercials.
Back live, Ziggler has Miz against the mat in another rear chinlock submission, but “The Awesome One” battles out and counters a neckbreaker into a backslide for two! Sunset flip and big boot, also for two, then Miz punches away again in the corner. Miz is geared up and runs in the corner with a clothesline and dives with an axe handle! 1 – 2 – Dolph kicks out!
Ziggler reverses The Skull Krushing Finale” into a victory roll, but Miz counters that into another roll-through for two! Miz After more traded pin combos, Miz manages to lock in the Figure-Four submission, but A.J distracts the referee, allowing Langston to pull Dolph to the ropes. Miz turns his attention away and gets a Zig-Zag for it and the 1 – 2 – 3 goes to “The Showoff!”
Winner at 10:56 via Pinfall: “The Showoff/Mr. Money In The Bank” Dolph Ziggler (with Big E. Langston and A.J.)
Up next, “Team Hell-No” graduate from Anger Management! (Should be interesting!)
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Segment #7: Arena Promo
Dr. Shelby, appropriately donned in graduation garb, stands at a podium in the ring. He welcomes everyone to Kane and Daniel Bryan’s graduation ceremony. He brings out the graduates, the Tag-Team Champions “Team Hell-No.” They are also dressed in grad attire, which is quite a site to see with Kane, and Bryan’s hair is slicked down.
Dr. Shelby recalls how far they have come. Kane was first a “maniacal mask-wearing monster, who preferred hurting to hugging. And Daniel, when we first started, you were a tightly-wound little ‘man-child,’ and you would snap if anyone said anything about your ‘goat-face,’ or the fact that your beard looks like a ‘hotel for rats!” However, now they are “calm, peaceful, and ready to graduate.”
Dr. Shelby gives them their caps, with they actually put on, and he adjusts the string to one side, and then asks them who should be the valedictorian. They both say the other, and engage in an argument over who will be it.
Dr. Shelby gets them, and everyone, everywhere, to hug at the same time! Cole and Lawler are the first, as well as Dr. Sampson and Justin Roberts, then some male fans at ringside, as well as the entire arena basically! Finally, the three men in the ring hug to bring the graduation to completion.
Commercials.
Match #5: Single – Alicia Fox VS. Divas Champion Kaitlyn (Non-Title)
Alicia aggressive with a kick and smashing Kaitlyn into the turnbuckle. Kaitlyn reverses and tosses Fox to the outside and hits a baseball slide. She dives off the apron with a modified Lou Thesz press and punches, but Fox kicks her down again in the ring. Kaitlyn snapmares her way out of a rear chinlock and hits the spear out of nowhere for the W!
Winner via Pinfall: Divas Champion Kaitlyn
Segment #8: Backstage Promo
Paul Heyman and WWE Champion C.M. Punk are walking through the halls, where Heyman tells Punk that he will be sitting in a luxury box as Paul E. delivers a personal message for The Rock next!
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Segment #9: Arena Promo
Paul Heyman is in the ring, and calls himself the “voice of the voice of the voiceless,” and is the WWE Champion’s “friend, advocate, strategist, and advisor.” He calls C.M. the “most articulate, intelligent WWE Champion of all time.”
Heyman decides to act as an interpreter and “keep it simple” for the fans to explain what Punk talked about earlier. Heyman assures the fans that The Rock will not walk out with the title after Royal Rumble. Paul calls him “January’s flavor of the month,” and is fighting C.M. Punk, who is the longest-reigning WWE Champion of the last 25 years.
Just now, The Rock’s music blasts and “The Great One” walks out. He produces a ticket, which is legitimate reason to be in the arena. He immediately cuts Heyman off and orders him out of the ring before he forces him out.
Rock faces C.M. Punk in the sky-box and puts over his 428-day reign. He says that he is a “bad-ass” and knows it’s a historic reign. However, tonight will still be his last night on Raw as WWE Champion. Rock says that he will stand before him, anywhere, and “rip your face off!”
Much like the late, great Martin Luther King, The Rock says he has a dream too, to go back to the “mountain top” and become WWE Champion. He promises that at the Royal Rumble, everyone will be saying “free at last, free at last, thank God Almighty, we are free at last!”
The lights suddenly go out and when they come on again, “The Shield” is in the ring and they assault The Rock, beating him down and then triple-powerbombing him. They exit as Rock is laid out in the middle of the ring.
Punk gets back on the microphone, and tells him that “on top of that mountain, there’s only room for one man. ‘Free at last?’ You gotta pay a price for that freedom.” Punk says that Rock has to wake up from his dreams and realize he wasn’t great enough to beat the “best in the world.” The “Second-City Saint” holds his WWE Championship high.
Commercials.
Segment #10: Memorial Video
A second, inspirational (late) Martin Luther King video airs to commemorate this special day.
Match #6: “Beat The Clock” Single – Sheamus VS. Intercontinental Champion Wade Barrett (Non-Title)
Both brawlers lock up to begin, and Sheamus takes down Wade with a side headlock and shoulder block. Barrett sweeps up Sheamus into a quick cover, then clamps a front facelock. Sheamus kicks out of the corner, then rams his shoulder in Barrett’s gut.
Wade reverses an Irish whip, but Sheamus comes back with a clothesline and rolling fireman’s carry drop. Wade counters and sling-shots Sheamus’ arm over the ropes and then clotheslines him to the outside.
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Back live, Wade boots Sheamus in the stomach as he hung across the turnbuckle, then his locked in a Fujiwara armbar. Barrett continues to punch, but Sheamus ducks a run and smashes back with double axe-handles! Sheamus dumps Wade to the apron and hammers away on his chest with fists, then suplexes him back inside the ring.
1 – 2 – the I.C. Champ kicks out! Wade wiggles out of a White Noise attempt, then tries a pump-handle, but Sheamus gets out. Harsh kick to Sheamus’ face by Wade, for 1 – 2 – , no Sheamus kicks out!
Barrett hops to the second rope and flies with an elbow drop. 1 – 2 – again, Sheamus kicks out! “Wasteland” time, but Sheamus battles out and drops Wade with the Irish Curse. He looks at the clock, with 1:13 and counting down, then fires up for the Brogue Kick. All of a sudden, A.J. slides in the ring and distracts Sheamus! Wade hits a swinging side slam for two at 45 seconds!
Sheamus nails the Brogue kick at four seconds, but can’t get the cover in time! Sheamus doesn’t beat the clock and Dolph will get to select his Royal Rumble entry number!
Winner: None due to Clock Time-Out
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Segment #11: Office Promo
“The Showoff/Mr. Money In The Bank” Dolph Ziggler walks in and brags about his accomplishment to Vickie Guerrero, then makes out with A.J. in front of her! However, she retaliates by clarifying that it wasn’t ANY number that Dolph can pick, but either #1 or #2! She walks off pleased as Ziggler and company looked fooled and perplexed.
Segment #12: Backstage Promo
WWE Champion C.M. Punk and Paul Heyman are walking backstage when Mr. Vince McMahon approaches them. He calls them clever, to which they deny being involved with “The Shield.” Vince makes a stipulation that if “The Shield” interferes in the WWE Championship match at the Royal Rumble, then Mr. McMahon will strip Punk of the WWE Title anyway!
Commercials.
Match #7: Single – Tensai VS. World Heavyweight Champion Alberto Del Rio (with Ricardo Rodriguez)
Again, not going to really recap this one as the result is pretty evident! Alberto finishes off the “flop” with a running Enziguri and second-rope moonsault (which he totally missed!)
Winner via Pinfall: World Heavyweight Champion Alberto Del Rio
Post-match, Alberto agrees with Big Show that there will be another 10-count in their “Last Man Standing” match at Royal Rumble, however, it won’t be in English. Instead, it will be in Spanish, as Del Rio will be the one standing tall!
Segment #13: Hall-Of-Fame Promo
Another inductee is announced and they are … Mr. Bob Backlund. A video highlighting his career is aired. (More on this in “excellence”)
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Segment #14: Arena Promo
John Cena is out to cap of tonight’s broadcast. He talks about Sundays usually being a day of rest and talks to the fans about what they do. He finally gets to the point of talking about this Sunday, which is the Royal Rumble match.
He puts over the significance of this Sunday, as “all of the eyes of the WWE Universe fall on Phoenix, Arizona.” The world will find out what he already knows, that HE will WIN the Royal Rumble!
Short and sweet, until Sheamus cuts him off and of course, puts himself over as the repeat winner. Now, the “Primetime Players,” Randy Orton, Miz, and pretty much everyone involved in the classic match declare their desire to win, and then break down into a brawl in the ring to close the show!
End Of Raw.
Reporter’s Rumblings – By Moe Tapp
Much better Raw and much “go-home” show to a pay-per-view than the usual “going through the motions.” Onto the analysis…
Excellence: The concept of “Beat The Clock” to pick A number in the Royal Rumble. This was different, which was nice this time, and the “switch-a-roo” that Vickie pulled on Dolph about it only being #1 or #2, was a nice little twist.
A proper induction for Mick Foley – like I said last week, I felt it was rushed and “ho-hum,” but I knew that was because the N.Y. Post beat the WWE to the punch on announcing him as a candidate. The career highlights were awesome to see and brought back great memories. Now, who shall induct “Mrs. Foley’s baby boy?” How about the man who influenced him all-along – “Superfly” Jimmy Snuka? His most fiercest opponent, in my opinion, The Undertaker? His long-time on/off rival and now friend, The Rock? There are so many choices!
WWE Champion C.M. Punk’s promo in the ring – that was AMAZING! I think it was almost better (if not for sure, better) than is speech two weeks ago because he really put over the importance and significance of his championship reign AND the grandeur of the title itself. I only wish this was the last segment on the show and that would’ve have really psyched me up for their match.
No pun intended (again), but Miz and Dolph Ziggler had an AWESOME wrestling match! Miz tool, much like Alberto Del Rio, is really getting over as a face, and looks to now be one of the “go to” guys for longer and more clinically-wrestled contests.
Mr. Bob Backlund’s Hall Of Fame Induction. Another well-deserved spot in the class, especially on this his 40th year as pro. I have some great memories of his and Bret Hart’s storyline/matches from 1994/1995, and I sincerely thought he was crazy! (Course, I was only 8/9, but still, kudos to him for making me believe!) His speech and who will induct him will be a great guessing game!
Lastly, The Rock’s last promo in the ring was good too – overall his tone was serious and “ass-kicking,” all while also giving props to C.M. Punk’s WWE Championship reign. If they had molded this response with Punk’s first in-ring oratory tonight, then this should’ve finished off Raw and been a great closure/cliff-hanger going into the ‘Rumble!
Bogus: Rock’s “being left out of the arena/arrested if he enters/gets a ticket to enter.” Come on? Did anyone really believe would not find a way in or go to jail? This has been done numerous times and gets old. Plus, if he had a ticket, why was he allowed to enter through stage area and not general audience sections? Little bit of common sense/continuity please, people!
As I sort of stated above, I believe that Punk’s in-ring and Rock’s in-ring promo should’ve also closed the show. Those were meaningful enough in themselves and were satisfactory endings. The “skybox” and “Shield” beatdown, along with Mr. McMahon’s backstage segment were overdone (Vince’s stipulation could’ve been saved for the ‘Rumble), and I think The Rock should’ve been left looking just as equally strong as WWE Champ C.M. Punk did. Level playing fields = suspense!
The “filler” matches were just that – again, my how Ryder’s “star” has fallen. The “grad ceremony,” while funny enough, was a bit of a letdown. Thought they go a little further than what when down. Divas Champion Kaitlyn wrestled ok tonight, but time to bring up Paige from NXT for a challenge! (And then put the title on her and convert it back to the Women’s Championship. Ok, maybe I’m over-wishing, but that is one of my “little dreams” for this division, along with Lita and Trish returning!)
John Cena’s promo was really lame. Very, very, “routine” and back to happy Cena. Unfortunately, no real “die-hard” passion in there and the entire ending to the show was also just par-for-the-course. This is why I wanted The Rock and WWE Champion C.M. Punk to finish Raw, leaving the viewer wanting to buy the Pay-Per-View even more!
Speaking of which, my Royal Rumble predictions:
As much as I really, really want WWE Champ C.M. Punk to retain (and this would really sky-rocket him even more), it’s not gonig to happen, so I have to go with my head and say that The Rock will win his 8th Heavyweight Championship.
Titles will change though, and the Tag-Team Championships are due. I think the New Year rings in a new team, and “The Rhodes Scholars” will capture the straps.
Royal Rumble Winner – my dream pick, to seriously propel him and “save” his losses by Cena, is for Dolph to enter #1 and become the third man to go all the way! My reality pick is John Cena, for a second time, unfortunately.
Alberto Del Rio will keep his newly crowned World Heavyweight Championship over The Big Show
Enjoy the ‘Rumble for those who are watching – it actually looks like it will be a good one. As always, until next week, Be Excellent Wrestling-Online Readers and Wrestling Fans!
This season’s coaches are Chael Sonnen and Jon Jones. Jones and Sonnen will face each other at the end of the season for Jones’ Light Heavyweight Championship belt. Competitors and winning coach at the end of the season will both receive a custom Harley Davidson motorcycle.
For the first time the fighters get to bring family and friends to watch their fights to enter the house.
Adam Cella def. Jake Heun by arm bar at 1:22. After Heun tried to slam him Cella transitioned right to the submission.
Zak Cummings def. Nik Fekete by TKO at :08. Nik tried a front kick that missed and went for a overhand right and Zak countered with a short right hook to the chin that dropped him then pounded him out.
Kevin Casey def Eldon Sproat by RNC. Didn’t show full fight. Casey got a double leg and seemed to end it before they get back to their feet.
Tor Troeng def Scott Rosa by RNC. Troeng is from Sweden again not shown in full.
Clint Hester def Frasier Opie by decision. Chael said “Clint was flat out impressive.” Hester was a pro boxer showed good ground game. Jones considered him a top pick.
Bubba McDaniel def Ryan Bigler by TKO. McDaniel is a training partner of Jon Jones at Jackson’s MMA. Jones was shown given McDaniel advice between rounds. From what was shown McDaniels put pressure on the Guam native against the cage the first round but Bigler was able to get the take down and threaten a submission. Round 2 McDaniels pressed Bigler against the cage got the take down and ended up pounding him out.
Josh Samman def Leo Bercier by TKO. This is Samman’s fourth time trying out for the show. Samman gets the take down and pounds away on Bercier’s body particularly. Bercier gives up his back and Samman sinks in the body triangle asks the crowd if they are ready then and pounds away with both fist until Jones tells him not to waste his energy. Samman gives up on the double fist and picks his shots but Mazzigati had seen enough.
Kelvin Gastelum def Kito Andrews by judges decision. Gastelum is a bail bondsman and the youngest fighter in TUF history according to Dana. Once again full fight not shown. Andrews came looking good front kicks and hard punches to the body. Gastelum was pushing harder in the 2nd round. Close fight according to coaches.
Jimmy Quinlan def Mike Persons by TKO. Quinlan came out and took care of business got the take down and pounded away till the ref saw enough.
Uriah Hall def Andy Enz by decision. Hall with some great head movement gets a take down but Enz is good off his back gets back to his feet briefly before Hall gets another take down. Hall has some vicious kicks too. Enz gets the sweep but Hall goes for a kimura and turns it into an armbar/triangle. Enz gets freeand delivers some standing knees while trying to get a standing arm choke but the first round ends. Chael stands claps and hollers “Outstanding.” 2nd round saw Enz going for the take downs. Enz gets reversed and puts on a darce choke but Hall survives and ends the second on top. Hall looks to be front runner.
Gilbert Smith def Eric Wahlin by arm triangle. Smith gets the power take down and Wahlin threatens a gogoplata. Smith gets to side control then half guard and delivers some elbows till he locks in the arm triangle. He gets his body over to the side and Wahlin delivers a couple punches to the body but he was on his way out. Dean steps in and ends it.
Luke Barnatt def Nicholas Kohring by decision. The 6’6″ Englishman is in Jones eyes a top 3.
Dylan Andrews def Tim Williams by decision. Williams charges forward and Andrews drops him with a right but Williams grabbed him as he was going down. Williams pulled guard and Andrews takes mount. They didnt show the rest the fight but Dana says Williams is coming back if they need a replacement. Andrews is from a marijuana grow house in New Zealand
Collin Hart def Mike Jasper by RNC. Jones said “Hart dominated the fight with dirty boxing and reminds him of Randy Couture.”
Wild card is back this season. $5000 for finishes, $25,000 for best KO, $25,ooo for best Submission and $25,000 for best fight
Sonnen won the coin toss and wanted first pick and picks went as follows:
Team Sonnen: Luke Barnatt
Team Jones: Clint Hester
Team Sonnen: Uriah Hall
Team Jones: Josh Samman
Team Sonnen: Zak Cummings
Team Jones: Bubba McDaniel
Team Sonnen: Tor Troeng
Team Jones: Gilbert Smith
Team Sonnen: Jimmy Quinlan
Team Jones: Collin Hart
Team Sonnen: Kevin Casey
Team Jones: Adam Cella
Team Sonnen: Kelvin Gastelum
Team Jones: Dylan Andrews
Jones team made a list of who they wanted to fight and in what order to hand over to the coaches.
Jones picks first fight at that is Team Sonnen’s Luke Barnatt vs Gilbert Smith.
Josh Samman wanted to fight first and disagrees with his coaches choice.
Chael is happy with the picks and says he is going to take control but is not going to give it back.
This season you can go to fantasy.ultimatefighter.com to make your picks beginning 10pm PT.
Las Vegas, Nevada – The world’s longest running sports reality TV series is back as The Ultimate Fighter® returns for its exciting 17th season TONIGHT at 8 p.m. ET/PT on FX with a special two-hour premier show.
Featuring UFC® light heavyweight champion Jon ‘Bones’ Jones and Chael ‘the American Gangster’ Sonnen as coaches, the premier sees several breathtaking fight finishes – including one of the fastest KOs in the history of the series – as 28 of the world’s best unsigned mixed martial artists collide in 14 fight-in eliminators.
And, for the first time in the eight-year history of TUF™, the fighters’ families and friends will be in attendance for the fight-ins as the middleweights throwdown, desperate to earn a spot in the famed TUF House and pursue their dream of a six-figure UFC contract.
Who will be on Team Jones, and who will suit up for Team Sonnen – decisions are made tonight.
Also launching for the premiere is a fantasy bracket style tournament, a competition that challenges players’ skills and strategies. The TUF™ Tournament, the first of multiple fantasy games on UFC.com/Fantasy, will encourage interactivity between fans, rewarding those earning the most points with their picks, and introducing fans to upcoming fighters.
Many of today’s most recognizable names in the UFC have emerged from the TUF™ series, including, among many others, Forrest Griffin, Kenny Florian, Rashad Evans, and Michael Bisping.
Tune-in and watch who will become the next THE ULTIMATE FIGHTER on FX!
For more show information, bios, videos and photos, visit ultimatefighter.com and don’t forget to follow us on Twitter under our new name @TUFonFX or on Facebook.com/TUF.
