Pro Wrestling Illustrated June 2017
Pro Wrestling Illustrated June 2017
Pro Wrestling Illustrated June 2017
Founder
(1919-2002)
S
Bethany Lawler
ART DIRECTOR
UGAR RAY LEONARD and Roberto Duran had no problem getting together for Julia Tran
a photo shoot in 1980 for our boxing magazine, KO, prior to their second ght. SENIOR WRITERS
Dan Murphy
They despised each other, but they understood the public relations value of going Harry Burkett
Al Castle
nose-to-nose on the cover of a national magazine prior to a huge ght. CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Mike Bessler
When I asked WWE to arrange a similar such photo session featuring Charlotte Flair Matt Brock
and Sasha Banks, I had no idea of what trouble lay ahead. Elizabeth A. Hunter
Brady Hicks
Sashas response: Tell PWI I unfollowed them on Twitter for a reason. Not interested! Gerry Strauss
Louie Dee
Charlottes response: They didnt put me on the cover of their Female 50 issue. Is Kevin McElvaney
CONTRIBUTING EDITOR
this an attempt to make it up to me? Let them put Kevin Owens on the cover again. Jennifer Orehowsky
I was told by WWEs public relations people to sit tightthis type of thing happens all CONTRIBUTING ARTIST
Jason Conlan
the time. Ive learned in my years dealing with WWE P.R. that when they say no, they CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
George Napolitano
mean no, but when they say sit tight, that means Im likely to get what I want. Duane Long
George Tahinos
I got what I wanted, but not without heartache. Timothy A. Walker
Mike Lano
The two arrived at WWEs mobile backstage photo studio at the Laredo Energy Arena Koichi Yoshizawa
Wayne McCarty
before the January 30 Raw. I greeted both. They offered a handshake but not their pearly Matt Roberts
Scott Finkelstein
whites. At rst I thought they were still angry with meand they may well have been. John Smolek
Steve Argintaru
What really had them upset was the prospect of sharing space with each other not only Andrea Kellaway
on the cover, but anywhere other than a wrestling ring. Zachary Tarrant
PamElla Winslow
The last thing these women shared was last years PWI Achievement Award for Feud
of the Year. Nuff said. PRESIDENT
Despina McNulty
As unhappy as they both appeared, neither seemed to want to give the other a reason SENIOR VP FINANCE/NEW BUSINESS
not to follow through with their commitment. If the shoot wasnt going to come off, both Bill Siebert
SENIOR CIRCULATION DIRECTOR
wanted to be able to blame the other. This stalemate worked to my advantage. David Tyler
RETAIL SERVICES DIRECTOR
I asked the women if they were familiar with the classic boxing faceoff photos. Briana Coppola
ADVERTISING INFORMATION
Of course, they said simultaneously. Stu Saks
Well, thats what Im looking for here. (215) 643-6385
[email protected]
They shot each other a glance, and when their eyes made contact, they both looked
to the oor.
Ready?
Its not going to happen! Charlotte responded.
I dont want to be in the same room, let alone have to look at her! shouted Sasha.
I brought up Leonard and Duran. No mas, Sasha said, cleverly. She wouldnt be born
PRO WRESTLING ILLUSTRATED (ISSN: 1043-7576),
until 12 years after that ght, but she was aware that it was in that encounter that Duran Vol. 38, No. 3, 2017 is published bi-monthly by Kappa
Publishing Group Inc., 6198 Butler Pike, Suite 200,
had surrendered to Leonard with that infamous Spanish phrase. But she was not just Blue Bell, PA 19422. Periodicals postage paid at Blue
Bell, PA 19422, and additional post offices. Postmaster:
showing off her cultural literacy. Her real message was that I should stop right there and Send change of address notices to: PRO WRESTLING
ILLUSTRATED, P.O. Box 433120, Palm Coast, FL
not even try to convince her to do something she had no intention of doing. 32143. Single copy price $6.99 U.S./Canada (5.50
in U.K.). Annual subscription price $41.94 in the U.S.,
Yup, Charlotte agreed. $56.94 in Canada and Mexico, and $86.94 in other
countries. Not responsible for the loss or non-return
Well, at least they had found common ground. But what about the photo shoot? of unsolicited articles or photographs, which will not
They both shrugged. Thats your problem, said Charlotte. be returned unless accompanied by a self-addressed
envelope bearing the proper amount of postage. The
I have things to do, said Sasha. Unless you have any ideas, Im outta here. entire contents of this magazine are copyright 2017
Kappa Publishing Group, Inc. No part of this magazine
Me, too, said Charlotte, who took a few steps toward the dressing area before I said, may be reproduced without the written permission
of the publisher. All rights reserved. Publisher is
How about this? not responsible for the accuracy or content of any
advertisements appearing in this magazine, nor the
For the moment, I had both womens attention. What I didnt have was an idea. I felt delivery or quality of merchandise or services offered.
No endorsement of any such advertisement is intended
a bead of sweat drip from my face. I think they both sensed my dilemma and were or implied. Advertisers and agencies assume liability for
claims arising from the content of their advertisements.
actually enjoying my pain. Finally, I blurted out, How about if you stand back-to-back? All WWE trademarks, logos and copyrights are the
exclusive property of WWE and its subsidiaries. All other
I didnt expect them to say, Great idea! and neither did. trademarks, logos and copyrights are the property of
their respective owners. 2017 WWE, Inc. All Rights
Lets just get this over with, said Charlotte. They both stepped in front of the backdrop Reserved. FOR ADVERTISING INQUIRIES AND RATES:
(215) 461-0583.
and backed toward each other. There would be no eye contact. Backbone contact would
have to do. Printed in U.S.A.
Stu Saks
Publisher
JUNE. 2017 3
Asuka
Charlotte Flair and Sasha Banks get the bulk
of the attention, but NXT Womens champion
Asuka quietly and effectively goes about her
business. Charlotte and Sasha were both strong
NXT champs, but its the native of Osaka, Japan,
who has the longest reign in the companys
history. Asuka received an A in the annual PWI
Report Cards.
10. Despite a flurry of online speculation, Kenny After adamantly denying that he had copied the
Omega does not appear at this years Royal WWE CEO in any shape or form, McGregor con-
Rumble. cluded his comments by declaring himself the ECW
champion and demanding that Trish Stratus bark
Responding to criticism that he skipped the big like a dog.
event, Omega pointed out that he also skipped all of
the presidential debates, the NHL finals, and the last 3. Karl Anderson and Luke Gallows defeat Shea-
seven years of Wheel Of Fortune. mus and Cesaro for
the Raw tag title.
9. Dixie Carter steps down from her role as presi-
I was very nervous that there would be crickets ,WV WKH VDPH WKLQJ WKDW KDV EHHQ WKH FDVH
when I walked out. I was wrong, thank God. WKURXJKRXW WKH SURFHVV DQG WKURXJKRXW WKH MRXU-
AJ Styles, discussing his 2016 WWE debut with QH\ZKHQ,YHEHHQDVNHG:KDWDUH\RXJRLQJWR
Yahoo! Sports GR",YHEHHQDVNHGPRUHVLQFHZLQQLQJWKHWLWOH
DW:UHVWOH.LQJGRPDQGEHFRPLQJ5LQJRI+RQRU
,KDYHWRFRQWLQXHZUHVWOLQJ,PQRWGRQH\HW FKDPSLRQIRUWKHWKLUGWLPH7KHUHDUHDORWRISRV-
,GRQWNQRZZKHQ,OOEHGRQHEXW,MXVWNQRZWKDW VLELOLWLHV,GRQWNQRZZKDW,PJRLQJWRGR
,PQRW Adam Cole on whether or not he will sign with WWE
ECW Original Sabu, discussing his career with Sports in the future, from an interview with USA Today
Illustrated
ONE TO WATCH: JOEY JANELA
A
s the self-described King Of Car-Crash Wres- big spot.
tling, Joey Janela presides over an empire of I have only done three or four deathmatches,
twisted metal and broken bodies. In the course Janela said. I dont want to be defined by that, but I
of his 10 years between the ropes, Janela has estab- do love the art of it.
lished himself as one of the sports most notorious Now the subject of a mini-documentary by EVOLVE
loose cannons, garnering a throng of devoted fans filmmaker Kenny Johnson, Janela has seized upon
who cheer his high-risk behavior with the cautionary the opportunity to tell his story on his own terms.
plea, Please dont die, Joey Janela! Released via YouTube in February 2017, Please
Hailing from Asbury Park, New Jersey, the birth- Dont Die Joey Janela combines Janelas personal
place of legendary grappler Bam Bam Bigelow, reminiscences with archival footage to present the
Janela would have been right at home on the roster evolution of indy wrestlings infamous bad boy. The
of WCWs bygone cruiserweight division or in the film is part retrospective, but also a glimpse of whats
heyday of TNAs X division. The 59, 190-pound grap- yet to come for a young but seasoned wrestler who
pler has thrilled audiences in a host of independent still aspires to lock up with the likes of John Cena as
promotions, including Pro Wrestling Syndicate, World part of WWEs roster someday.
Xtreme Wrestling, and Combat Zone Wrestling, Its coming to me, Janela said. Its taken 10 years,
blending agility and a diverse skill set with a defiant but its finally coming round.
and headstrong attitude.
My style is unique in this day and age, Janela
explains. Im kind of like an underground cult-classic
when it comes to taste and stylekind of like punk
rock.
To be sure, a good amount of Janelas appeal
stems from his eclecticism. He fancies himself as a
self taught all-arounder who gained important early
experience as a backyard wrestler. He eventually
began helping out with set-up at local shows as a
teenager, occasionally hitting the ropes before bell
time. He drew inspiration from some of wrestlings
stars of his childhood, including Hulk Hogan, Ted
DiBiase, and Honky Tonk Man.
Much like his larger-than-life heroes, Janela is
driven by an urge to speak his mind and play upon
the emotions of his audience. Adept at harnessing
social media to raise the ire of his fans and peers,
Joey has called out a number of individuals and
organizations via Twitter, including President Donald
Trump and the entire writing staff at PWI.
In fact, it was Janelas public challenge to former
CZW owner John Zandig in 2016 that led to one
of the most infamous moments of his career. After
clashing via Twitter, Zandig and Janela met for a
hardcore showdown at a Game Changer Wrestling
event last summer. The harrowing finale of the match
saw Zandig and Janela plunge some 30 feet off the
roof of the venue and through a platform of light
tubes and fire. Video of the spot went viral online
PHOTO BY CHRIS GRASSO
M
ost folks might hesitate to stray from their protect myself and have my fate in my own hands.
respective comfort zones in life, especially Thats when I started MMA training and I loved it. It
when the choice of a new and different path was so much fun and so much less painful than the
will almost certainly lead to getting punched in the training in wrestling.
face. But for veteran grappler Jazzy Alpha Female Despite her enthusiasm, Gabert still experienced
Gabert, the decision to test her mettle in the world of a learning curve during her foray into combat sports.
MMA marked a new and intriguing stage of evolution During her initial training, she stayed at UFC fighter
in her life as an in-ring performer. Peter Sobottas Planet Eater MMA camp, where she
The idea of becoming a mixed martial artist came had to cut over 20 pounds to qualify for a weight class
up in Japan when I worked with old-school wrestlers with an adequate pool of opponents.
such as Nanae Takahashi and Kimura, Gabert A standout in Japans all-female Stardom promo-
said. Their training was very strict and hard, the tion as well as an alumnus of TNA, Alpha Female
matches were hard hitting, and we ended up injured made her MMA debut in her native country of Ger-
with broken eardrums, black eyes, loose teeth, and many in October 2016, defeating Manuela Kuhse via
concussions. I thought that in MMA, I could at least TKO. According to Gabert, the fight was watched by
a worldwide audience of 100,000,
including fans that had followed
her exploits in pro wrestling.
Gabert kept things rolling in her
budding MMA career a few months
later, showing up at a Rizin event
in Japan and issuing a challenge
to Brazilian jiu-jitsu champion Gabi
Garcia. She jumped in the ring at
the show and delivered a shoot-
style promo on Garcia, inciting
criticism from some MMA purists.
Whether people like it or not,
MMA is sports entertainment, too,
Gabert explained. Its more sport
than entertainment, but you cant
be successful and keep people
interested without a story. I think
it also gained so much interest
not just because I did a wrestling
promo on Gabi, but because
people dont know what to expect
from me.
Still invigorated from her first big
win and the range of responses
from old and new fans alike, Gabert
is ready for forthcoming opportuni-
ties in the world of MMA. Still, she
remains prominent in Europes in-
dependent wrestling scene, holding
top womens titles for Swiss Wres-
tling Entertainment and Germanys
Champions of Wrestling.
I really love wrestling, Jazzy
said. It will be always something
that makes me happy, but I feel it
is time to do other things as well.
I
AM FAR from retiring, I feel were all eliminated previously. Sasha Banks), taking the Raw
like Im at my physical best, That, at least initially, set up Wyatt Womens title from Charlotte
a defiant John Cena told the vs. Royal Rumble winner (and fel- Flair. It was also Bayleys first title
U.K.s Sky Sports only days be- low family member) Randy Orton since being promoted to the main
fore this years Elimination Cham- for WrestleMania. roster last year.
ber pay-per-view. I dont think its That result actually gave Cena a That same balance appears to
any secret to anybody that this is golden opportunity: the chance to be lacking in NXT, where Asuka
what I love to do the most and I win an unprecedented 17th world passed Paige as the longest
am far from over. championship in 2017. Besides reigning womens champ at 309
Cena was on an emotional facing The Undertaker at Wres- days on February 4. Asuka has
high when those words were tleMania, thats the only real goal to keep a close eye on Ember
spoken, as he had defeated AJ for Cena to pursueand he could Moon, who has been impressive.
Styles for the WWE champion- make a compelling case for being Seth Rollins grudge match
ship at The Royal Rumble only the greatest wrestler of all-time. against Triple-H was put on hold
three weeks earlierhis record- A lot of folks in WWE say that in the weeks leading up to Wres-
tying 16th world title to be exact. maybe I am past my prime and tleMania due to an injury he suf-
Not since Harley Race beat Ric have lost a step and that creates fered at the hands of Samoa Joe
Flair for his seventh NWA World a giant chip on my shoulder, re- on Raw. Joe yanked Rollins leg
championship in 1983, surpass- marked Cena. I want to show- to take him down, catching Seths
ing Lou Thesz record of six world case to everyone watching that I foot on the mat and twisting his
title reigns, has this type of an
achievement been met with such
fanfare. Flair, who had been rec-
ognized as the only 16-time world
champion in the industrys his-
tory, embraced Cena backstage
at the Rumble.
I got to share a heartfelt mo-
ment with Ric immediately after
the match, Cena said in the Sky
Sports interview. He was very
congratulatory and it was very
humbling. It was fantastic, a way
to let everything truly sink in.
Although Cena was outnum-
bered five to one inside the Elimi-
PHOTO BY BRIAN MINSON
FENCES
Its legitimacy may always be
BY AL CASTLE up for debate, but one thing is for
certain: the WWE Hall of Fame
has gone a long way toward heal-
ing many of wrestlings oldest,
B
eing a wrestling fan and and dedication by the Winnipeg, deepest wounds.
a movie buff, the first few Manitoba, native, who ground out From Bruno Sammartino to
months of a year are load- on the Canadian and U.S. indy Bret Hart to Randy Macho Man
ed with quality entertainment. On scene for years before making Savages surviving family mem-
the cinema side, Hollywood stu- the life-altering decision to pur- bers, the WWE Hall of Fame has
dios tend to put forth their best sue a career in Japan. time and again over the past de-
films in the months leading up to With Omega on the radar of cade served as the initial olive
the Oscars. Similarly, between
New Japans big Tokyo Dome
show, The Royal Rumble, and the
rest of the Road to WrestleMania,
there have been plenty of match-
es early in 2017 that could be
considered high-art.
With so much to choose
from, whats the best use of my
time? Penning my annual Oscar-
themed edition of Quick Counts,
of course. Action!
ARRIVAL
Showbiz great Eddie Cantor
once said, It takes 20 years to
become an overnight success.
Those words must ring especial-
ly true for oneKenny Omega.
Coming off his performance in
what Wrestling Observer editor
Dave Meltzer said may have been
2017 NEW JAPAN PRO-WRESTLING, LTD.
I
T PAINS ME to say this about Orton eliminated Roman Reigns Shawn Michaels and win from that
an event Ive considered to be to a tepid reaction from the fans unenviable position. Less than 10
one of my favorite wrestling in attendance and an outcry from minutes later, Cass was hitting the
shows of the year, but I have come fans online. Orton was the latest showers. But that was much bet-
to the conclusion that its time to in a four-year string of unpopular ter than his buddy, Enzo Amore,
declare a moratorium on the Royal Rumble winners, starting with fared. Amore lasted 18 seconds
Rumble match. Batista in 2014, Reigns in 2015, before being unceremoniously
The Rumble has been unsat- and Triple-H in 2016. dumped by Lesnar. Just like that,
isfying for the past few years, The big surprise entrants this one of WWEs most popular tag
and the 2017 version was no year were Tye Dillinger (which is teams was made to look like a
different. In the past, it has been terrific; Dillinger has been mired complete joke.
easier to overlook the disappoint- in developmental for far too long), Lesnar also manhandled both
ing results because of a handful James Ellsworth, Mark Henry, Dean Ambrose and Dolph Ziggler,
of memorable moments and sur- Enzo Amore, and Reigns. Thats a making it look like they had no
prise entrants, but the formula far cry from the likes of Shinsuke business being in the same ring as
has grown stagnant and needs to Nakamura, Kurt Angle, Samoa him. In fact, Lesnar, Goldberg, The
be overhauled. Joe, or even Kenny Omega, all Undertaker, and Braun Strowman
The fundamental weaknesses of whom had been rumored to be combined for 17 of the 29 total
in the Rumble match were glar- participating in the match. eliminations. The match may have
ingly apparent this year, as Randy Once again, reality fell far short come down to Orton and Reigns,
but it was apparent that the afore- of winning. The fans quickly seconds to make it to the ring.
mentioned four were positioned lose interest in those wrestlers, Its entirely possible that the only
as the big stars of the match. so after about a minute-and-a- reason Under taker magically
Lesnar, Goldberg, and Taker half, they are looking toward the appeared in the ring is that he
are par t-timers, and none of entranceway waiting to see the couldnt handle that walk down
them seem to have the stamina next entrant. Each entrance has the aisle without a Hoveround.
needed for a Mania main event become more entertaining than I m n o t s ay i n g t h e Roya l
match, while Strowman is still the match itself. Rumble should be eliminated
very green and limited. Why in the A n d w i t h t h a t s t a g g e re d entirely, just that its time to
world were those four the focal entrance structure, the wrestlers change it to a biennial format,
points of the match and allowed in the ring tend to slow down or or have it every four years like
to steamroll through more talent- completely stop and look up the the Olympics. Lets re-tool the
ed competition? For all of the talk ramp to see whos coming in. concept and make it special
about how far the cruiserweights Maybe they figure they might as again. If WWE is going to adver-
have come, Vince McMahons well, because none of the fans tise surprise entrantsor not
big man obsession was ines- are looking at the ring anyway. advertise the entire list of partici-
capable. The only cruiserweight It creates a disjointed dynamic pants, which is the same thingit
in the match was Jack Gallagher, where a wrestler enters, hits a should deliver at least a big name
who was treated literally like a few signature moves, then gets or two. It needs to stop sacrific-
clown with his umbrella shtick. tied up in a corner as every- ing the lifeblood of the company
While WWE always preaches one waits for the next guy to to make short-term or part-time
that anyone in the Rumble can come in. And once the ring gets attractions look good. Develop
win the match, in reality there are too cluttered with bodies, a big some more innovative elimina-
just a handful of likely winners. guy comes out and eliminates tions and avoidances.
There has never been a true dark a bunch of guys like nothing, But most of all, stop trying to
horse winneran undercard guy which makes everyone in the ring fit a round peg in a square hole.
or tag team wrestler that pulled look bad. When it comes to determining the
off a miracle and won. The fans The Alamodome highlighted winner, the key thing is listening
have become accustomed to this inherent flaw with the ridicu- to what the fans want instead of
knowing that 80 percent of the lously long entrance ramp. It took telling them what to want and then
competitors have zero chance some wrestlers more than 30 wondering why it didnt work.
T
WENTY YEARS AGO, revolution was well underway. Page 18: Rey Mysterio Jr.
I had the privilege of fil- It was a golden age, compa- was named the best pound-
ing my first story for Pro rable only to the boon of the mid- for-pound wrestler in the 1997
Wrestling Illustrated. A number 1980s. With the Internet still in its PWI Poll, followed by Shawn
of my match reports and letters infancy, it was a fantastic era to Michaels, Eddie Guerrero, Mitsu-
had been published in PWIs sis- earn a living as a full-time maga- haru Misawa, Bret Hart, Jushin
ter magazines as early as 1986, zine writer. Liger, and Dean Malenko. Only
but it wasnt until 1997the I usually dont look at back two of them remain active. Mys-
June issue, to be exactthat I issues unless Im doing research terio has appeared in Lucha
was actually paid for submitting for the current one. Right now, Ill Underground and AAA in recent
a story to the industrys premier take the opportunity to peruse years, and Liger still has a full-
magazine of record. Fortunately that June 1997 issue of PWI, and time schedule in New Japan and
for me, Ive contributed to every offer some random thoughts as I is the only wrestler to place in all
issue since, either as a freelanc- literally turn the pages: 26 editions of the PWI 500.
er or an in-house editor. Page 5: Theres Dave Lenker, Page 21: In that same poll, 63
In 1997, the NWO dominated Bill Apter, and Brandi Mankie- percent of respondents felt WCW
WCW. The Bret Hart-Shawn wicz listed as editors in the staff was winning the Monday Night
Michaels rivalry captivated the box. I miss them all, as well as War, compared to 33 percent
WWF. The Monday Night War was talented writers such as David choosing the WWF. Four percent
at its peak, and ECWs hardcore Rosenbaum, Andy Rodriguez, weren't sure. Fans didnt know
Bryan Ethier, and Steve the Steve Austin-Vince McMa-
Anderson. And theres hon feud would ignite the WWF
the publisher, Stu Saks. the following year, resulting in a
Im looking forward to his reversal of fortunes.
40th anniversary column Page 22: Kimberly, wife of
in a couple of years. Diamond Dallas Page, beat
Page 7: Bill Apter out Sunny (Tammy Sytch) to
reported that New Japan be named wrestlings sexiest
officials were concerned woman. Who would win today?
about Masa Chono, Charlotte? Nikki Bella? Lana? Or
Hiroyoshi Tenzan, and would Stephanie McMahon think
other members of NWO the whole thing is sexist?
Japan running roughshod Page 23: Keeping with the
in the Orient. Sounds a PWI Poll, the WWFs Jim Ross
lot like The Bullet Club, edged out WCWs Mike Tenay
doesnt it? to be named the best television
Page 10: In another commentator in wrestling. My
Ringside item, Apter pick for that honor today is Mauro
revealed that Barry Wind- Ranallo, with Michael Cole, Kevin
ham and Justin Hawk Kelly, Corey Graves, and JBL
Bradshaw were thinking getting honorable mentions.
about forming The New Page 38: Savio Vega, who had
CODY RHODES
AN
T
he bottom seemed to fall out of Cody Rhodes life on
June 11, 2015, when his dad, Dusty Rhodes passed
PHOTO BY SCOTT FINKELSTEIN
" ONE thing I didnt expect after leaving WWE is that my man-
agement has booked me for so many flights, its been really
aggressive ... I didnt expect the travel to be tougher than
WWE. But I aint complainin. Its cool to be wanted."
21
O JUNE. 2017 O
people not getting paid, I was
taken care of and everybody else
I knew in the locker room seemed
to be also. During my most recent
trek, I had some of the most fun
experiences of my career, so
I cant wait to see some of the
upcoming episodes of Impact.
I have a lot of respect for Jeff
Jarrett, I have a relationship with
Dutch [Mantel] already, and Josh
Mathews and I are close friends.
I hope TNA, with or without me
hopefully with mereally contin-
ues to climb, because theres no
PHOTO BY SCOTT FINKELSTEIN
23
O JUNE. 2017 O
become rather hard to handle.
Im about to have a match against
Dalton Castle in Columbus at
The ROH Experience. Obviously,
the tough spots on that list would
be Shibata and also Roderick
Strong, now that hes kicking ass
in NXT. Hey, man, the List lives
forever on social media, so hope-
PHOTO BY GEORGE NAPOLITANO
reason I know is because he his ashes and his family wasnt and I felt my identity in the indus-
literally told me that while we consulted, as far as I know. tryas Dustys sonwas
were watching the Rey Mysterio- Then, just in the past year, Paige equally compromised. I already
Randy Orton stuff. When I came brought up Reid Flair to Charlotte. had these personal problems,
to work for WWE in 2005, people Im also thinking about Dustin in so I didnt want any work-related
said, Eddie [Guerrero] would that role. How sympathetic are problems. I knew the moment
have loved this. And Ill never you to performers in that posi- that I got any pushback on any
forget it. My dad asked, How do tion? Do they have much power suggestions I was making, about
you know? to say no? the direction I wanted to go, then
Youre talking about Magnum Rhodes: Everybody has the it would be an easy out for me. I
and Nikita. Magnum was alive, so power to say no, but its a big no. had a great time there, I met my
there was a way to know. I gave up Gallows and Anderson are rela- wife there, and I spent 10 years
talking about it on social because tively new, and they want to keep of my life there, but leaving the
its bizarre that somehow I dont rolling and stay strong, so I dont company was the easiest thing I
have a say. When it comes to think thats the hill they want to ever did.
the wrestling world, hes just as die on. My brother is happy to be Burkett: At the time, I thought
much their father as he is mine, I in WWE and show Goldust to a about how challenging that period
guess, so I just shut my mouth. I whole new generation. At the must have been for you, losing
know my dad wouldnt have liked end of the day, it was just a teddy your dad, leaving WWE, and,
it. As Cody Rhodes the son, that bear to 99 percent of the people gee-whiz, you also got married. I
situation is real to me. He was my watching. To the other one per- guess Brandi really helped stabi-
dad and he was my best friend, cent, which happened to include lize you during that time.
and I cant talk to him about this me, it was a little bit more. Rhodes: Brandi has been
situation. The only thing I can do Burkett: I know youve ad- everything to me, and supports
is try to put a positive spin on it, dressed this in various ways, but everything I do. Shes a lot more
and thats what were doing at a how did the death of your father hotheaded than me. I like that
show in February, giving away play in your decision to leave about Brandi, and shes been very
free Dusty bears to the first the company? understanding of the situation.
50 people in line, with the Rhodes: Somebody told me She was close to Dusty, too. She
heads attached. recently, Dealing with death was at the Performance Center
Burkett: What surprises me is teaches us to live, and I think every day for a year and would sit
how often they do it. After Paul thats essentially what happened. in his office and talk. They became
Bearer died, CM Punk dumped I lost my best friend unexpectedly, friends. Im very, very blessed and
25
O JUNE. 2017 O
storyteller. Both of them, actually.
Im really glad he did that, even at
an older age.
Burkett: Steve Corino couldnt
wait to run into the Dusty elbow.
He seemed eager!
Rhodes: And Steve, good for
him, by the way. Hell be a real
asset to NXT. Im glad we got the
chance to square off one time.
Burkett: I cant imagine what it
was like for you to grow up in a
wrestling family. What wrestler
of your fathers generationdid
you have great appreciation or
affection for?
Rhodes: The more I watch
wrestling, whether it be on the
PHOTO BY STU SAKS
27
O JUNE. 2017 O
Bate required less than 17 minutes of ring
time to eliminate Tucker (opening round),
Jordan Devlin (quarterfinals), and Wolfgang
(semifinals) in WWEs U.K. Tournament.
O
n a gloomy night in the Some 411 years later, in the ally be crowned the first WWE
fall of 1605, Thomas historic Empress Ballroom, a United Kingdom champion is a
Bate of Warwickshire, Victorian-era structure about crazy good achievement, and to
England, joined a gang of radi- 240 miles northwest of the think that its going to now be in
cals led by the notorious Guy House of Parliament, the direct the history books of WWE forev-
Fawkes in a bold attempt to blow descendant of Thomas Bate, a er, its a big honor.
up the House of Parliament and 19-year-old pro wrestler named Adding to that historic honor
assassinate King James I. Their Tyler Bate, gave the Brits anoth- is the fact that Bate can also
infamous Gunpowder Plot er special date to commemorate. lay claim to being the youngest
failed, and Bate joined his fellow Except this time it wasnt through competitor to ever hold a singles
conspirators at the gallows. The failure, but success, when on title in WWE. His rise has been a
incident was immortalized in a January 15, 2017, he defeated somewhat meteoric one, starting
poem by John Milton that reads, Pete Dunne in a hard-fought a mere four years ago in Oxford,
Remember, Remember The tournament final to become the where Bate had his very first
Fifth of November, The Gunpow- first-ever WWE United Kingdom match at the tender age of 15.
der Treason and Plot, I know no champion. But unlike in the United States,
reason why the Gunpowder Trea- It was a ridiculous feeling, in starting out that young in the ring
son should ever be forgot. To this a good way of course, Bate told is not too uncommon in the hard-
day, the anniversary of the foiling PWI. Just two months before the scrabble world of British wres-
of that plot is celebrated in Britain tournament, we didnt even know tling, characterized for genera-
each year on November 5, other- it was going to happen. Every- tions by its toughness and grit.
wise known as Guy Fawkes Day. thing happened so fast. To actu- And yet Bate himself is far too
JUNE. 2017 29
enter the ring. Shortly after his
14th birthday, he discovered that
a new training center had opened
up just down the road from his
home in the town of Dudley, in
central Englands West Midlands.
In less than a year, he was receiv-
ing training from young grapplers
like Trent Seven and Pete Dunne,
who would later go on to become
both partners and opponents.
Along with Seven, Dunne, and
others, Bate became a propo-
nent of what came to be known
as the British Strong Style, born
in the underground circuit Fight
Club Pro, based out of the West
Midlands city of Wolverhampton.
A combination of the old school
British techniques and the hard-
hitting shoot style made popular
in Japan, it was certainly a far cry
from the more glitzy WWE prod-
uct Bate had grown up watching.
I didnt have any awareness
that British wrestling was even a
thing, he recalls. It wasnt until
later on when I started training,
that I wanted to pick up as many
different styles as possible. That
was when I discovered British
Pete Dunne has squared off wrestling. Guys like Johnny Saint,
against Bate numerous times, but
that doesnt mean hes developed Mal Sanders, Mick McManus,
a counter to the 19-year-olds even Catweazle, who was one of
aerial arsenal. After disposing of the comedy wrestlers back then.
Roy Johnson, Sam Gradwell, and
Mark Andrews, Dunneonly 25 I was immediately drawn to that
himselfwas pinned by Bate after style more than anything, be-
15:10 of action. cause there wasnt really anybody
doing it well when I was training.
young to recall the glory days of superheroes, as well. I wanted to And the Japanese style, guys like
World Of Sport, the beloved TV be a Batman or a Superman, like Misawa, Kawada, Kenta Kobashi,
program that brought wrestling every other kid, I guess. So I was I was a big fan of those when I
into British homes during the naturally attached to wrestling started wrestling. I tried to make
1960s, 70s, and 80s. Rather, straightaway. The closest thing my style as much of a hybrid of
like most of his American coun- to becoming Batman or Super- those two styles as possible, and
terparts, Bate grew up watch- man is becoming a professional I think Im so far doing pretty well
ing WWE, which took hold in wrestler. You get to become this at that.
the United Kingdom in the late- larger-than-life character in front Bate had found himself at the
1980s and quickly overshad- of all these people, and its a forefront of a grassroots revolu-
owed the local wrestling scene. great feeling. tion in British wrestling, and it was
Born at the dawn of the Attitude By the age of 12, Bate already only a matter of time before that
Era, Bate thrilled to the exploits knew what he wanted to do with movement caught the attention of
of Rey Mysterio, The Undertaker, his life. Unfamiliar with the British the biggest wrestling company in
and his all-time favorite, Kane. wrestling scene, he began scour- the world. Rumors had been swirl-
I was always a fan when I was ing the Internet in search of local ing that WWE was interested in
younger, he said. I was a fan of schools that would train him to potentially setting up a new tour-
ing brand exclusive to the U.K., a the Blackpool crowd with his diz- his waist. In his very first title de-
market where the company had zying airplane spin and surefire fense, Bate took on his own tag
spent a generation building a Tyler Driver 97 finisher, not to team partner Trent Seven, relish-
loyal fan base. The crown jewel mention his very English and ing the opportunity to show the
of that possible new brand, the very polite smile-and-wave. Bate NXT crowd at Full Sail University
rumors said, would be a brand- steamrolled through Northern exactly what British Strong Style
new U.K. championship. British Irelands Paul Tucker Gallagh- is all about. Its been a whirlwind
wrestling legend and Triple-H er in the opening round, tough of excitement for the young man
consigliere William Regal began Irishman Jordan Devlin in the just on the verge of 20, but hes
scouting talent in his native land, quarterfinals, and Scottish sen- taking it one day at a time.
with the intention of putting to- sation Barry Wolfgang Young in Theres always pressure, he
gether a tournament. the semis, before finding himself said. Even if I wasnt the WWE
While on his scouting mission, across the ring from none other United Kingdom champion,
Regal encountered Bate at a than the man who had played a there would still be pressure to
show put on by Progress Wres- key role in his earliest training, live up to the hype and buzz
tling, a London-based group Birminghams Pete Dunne. there is around me, since Im
among the buzzworthy indies I honestly dont think I only 19 years old. But I feel like
helping to put British wrestling wouldve wanted to share that Im ready to live up to the hype
back on the map. Impressed by experience with anybody else, and the buzz, and deal with that
what he saw, Regal added the Bate said. Petes had such an pressure in the best way pos-
teen sensation to the group of impact on my career. Weve sible. Everyone that gets into
U.K. grapplers he was bringing worked with each other a ton of this sport dreams of working for
to the States for tryouts. Before times, so we know each others WWE and being a WWE cham-
long, Bate became one of the styles very well. Were very eas- pion. And to be there now and
most talked-about competitors in ily adaptable to each other, and to be treated like a WWE Super-
the mix. we click very well when were in star is fantastic.
The young man was turning the ring. Like his historic ancestor set
heads with his plucky attitude, With his victory over Dunne, out to do all those centuries ago,
squeaky-clean charisma, and Bate instantly became one of Tyler Bate has set off a blaze of
the ability to get the job done WWEs hottest sensations, car- his own in Britain. Only this fire
between the ropes in a big way. rying the prestige of a brand doesnt look to be snuffed out
At the tournament, he won over new championship belt around anytime soon.
JUNE. 2017 31
Believe it or not, one of the top stars in Ring of WTEXT BY RICHARD MULHALL
PHOTOS COURTESY OF RING OF HONOR
Honor once almost gave up his wrestling career
to work for an hourly wage at Target. Read about
B
that stunning fact and more as PWI brings you EFORE BOBBY FISH became a Ring of
Honor star, he found himself at a personal
crossroads. His target for most of his
A
adult life had long been to be a wrestling
star. Now, he had to wonder if his new target would
be, well Target.
Dare we say, it was time to fish or cut bait. On
AL
one hand, he could continue to pursue his dream
R E
of earning a living as a pro wrestler, hoping against
hope that he could graduate from the grueling, low-
paying weekend gigs and land a full-time spot with
a quality wrestling company. On the other hand, he
could become an adult and get a job.
Wrestling wasnt paying the bills, man, Fish said.
H
One of Fishs friends urged him to apply for a
IS
position at a Target distribution center near his
F
home. Fish gave it serious consideration. If he took
the Target job, he would make enough money to
support himself, and he could continue wrestling
as a hobby on weekends. But Fish wanted more.
When faced with the option to sink or swim, Bobby
did what any self-respecting Fish would do.
R Y
I could either jump in head-first and take a risk
STO
or put one foot in haphazardly, he said.
Fortunately, fate interceded and he never really
had to make that choice. Fish was sitting at his
desk in his home in Albany, New York, dissecting
wrestling moves on the Internethis Target
application within reachwhen the phone rang. It
JUNE. 2017 33
Wrestling in ROH meant possible redemption for
Fish because he considered his first runs with the
company, in 2004 and 2009, unfinished business.
I knew I needed to go back and make some
kind of a mark at that place, he said. Its all about
the journey. You dont know where the ending will
be, but youre along for the ride.
And what a wild ride it has been. The one-time
indy journeyman, who just turned 40 this past
October, has treaded water at times, but hes
always managed to rise from the depths.
I purposely didnt place limitations on myself in
the beginning, he said. You can plot out a bunch
of points on a timeline that told you the likelihood
doesnt seem all that good, so to be here now
knowing that pro wrestling is the only means of
supporting my family is confirmation that starting
out the way that I did was the right move.
2014 NEW JAPAN PRO-WRESTLING, LTD.
JUNE. 2017 35
O R A S E X Y STAR
LUCHAD VEALS WHY
RE
S C O M P E L LED
SHE E MEN
TO WRESTL
It also proves to men that they
There are those who are have no reason to think of women
of the belief that Lucha in any way, shape, or form less
Undergrounds Sexy Star sport came through abuse I suf- than men, but as equals.
has a death wish. Why else fered at the hands of a man, she Star may be relatively new to
would she put her 125-pound revealed to PWI. Not physical American audiences, but her
body on the line against abuse, but psychological abuse, quest to vanquish male oppo-
some of the toughest men which is much worse. Most phys- nents is anything but. Prior to
in the sport? The luchadora ical injuries can be healed, but joining Lucha Underground, Star
explains her motives in this psychological injuries can leave had developed a reputation for
you scarred for life. wrestling men in her native Mex-
PWI exclusive!
Though Star declined to give ico, capturing mixed tag titles in
further details about the nature both AAA and FILL.
W TEXT BY KEVIN McELVANEY of that relationship, she did make Of course, the situation north
PHOTOS COURTESY it very clear that shes deter- of the border was a bit differ-
EL REY NETWORK mined to show menall men ent. Rather than competing
R
that they will pay for the crimes in mixed tags, Star found
ANKED NUMBER NINE of their unnamed brother. herself in one-on-one
in the 2016 PWI Fe- Every time I face a man in a matches with the likes of
male 50, the Monterrey, match, I relive the memories, Chavo Guerrero, Pen-
Mexico-born Sexy Star and it reminds me of why I am tagn Jr., and Johnny
has long been turning heads in the sport, she said. I want Mundo. While no one
with her undeniable charisma, to prove to myself, and to prove would have blamed
acrobatic ability, and technical to the whole wide world, that no her for backing out
skill. More notably, shes made a one has a right to put their hands of such encounters,
name for herself by boldly chal- on me or on any woman. she bravely stood
lenging some of the toughest This revelation from Stars past her ground.
men in pro wrestling. While Star helps explain why shea suc- Outside the ring, in
hinted in Lucha Undergrounds cessful luchadora who held mul- the real world, women
2014 series premiere that don- tiple womens championships in need to be prepared to confront
ning a lucha mask had saved Mexicois seemingly hell-bent any affront, and defend them-
her from going down a dark on competing against the oppo- selves against any attack, Star
path, its only now that shes site sex. said. Wrestling reflects reality in
revealed the deep connection Fighting against men makes this respect.
between her traumatic past and me more self-confident, stronger, While Sexy Stars courage
her unconventional career path. and reaffirms that I am not in any made her an instant hit with fans,
My historical journey into this way less than any man, she said. her first big break didnt come
Sexy Star taunts Johnny Mundo with the Lucha Underground title belt
before their match last April (above). Though Star took a tremendous
amount of punishment (below), she may well have left the ring with the belt
had Mundo not received assistance from a masked female fan, who revealed
herself to be Taya.
TOP 10
T
HEYVE COME TO be Bret Hart, and Shawn Michaels
known as WrestleMania historic ladder match with Razor
moments. They are the WRESTLEMANIA Ramon, its easy to forget the
highlightsand some-
times lowlightsthat
SLEEPER HITS excitement of this falls-count-
anywhere WrestleMania 10
help define The Show-
case Of The Immortals.Often they
KALISTO vs. RYBACK grudge match, which marked
Savages last Mania appearance.
If ever there was a clash of
come in the shape of matches
styles, it was this WrestleMania
that were far better than anyone
could have expected. Other times
32 pre-show match between LAWRENCE TAYLOR vs.
they are cant-miss matches that,
the massive U.S. champ and
his pint-sized challenger. But
BAM BAM BIGELOW
somehow, miss by a mile. And, LTs name value elevated this to
the Big Guy proved that,
sometimes, the most magical the main event position of 1995s
despite his size, he could keep
moments of wrestlings annual WrestleMania 11, but nobody
up with the fastest of flyers, and
biggest show transcend the could have expected that a clash
Kalisto never took a backward
boundaries of a wrestling match. between a retired NFL star and
step against the monstrous
The Pro Wrestling Illustrated a rotund WWE mid carder could
champion.
staff helped narrow down have been anything less than
the best, and worst, of those dismal. With the mainstream
moments over the previous 32 RANDY SAVAGE vs. CRUSH media looking on, both men
WrestleManias into these Top In between the first epic battle worked hard to make this match
10 lists. between brothers Owen and more than watchable.
JUNE. 2017 41
HULK HOGAN vs. of Andre the Giant vs. Hulk The King deserved better than
THE ULTIMATE WARRIOR Hogan. What they left talking
about was a match that remains
this ill-conceived battle of Raw
broadcast partners at Mania
But for his 1989 bout against
on the shortlist of the greatest 27. Even special guest referee
Randy Savage, Hogan didnt
WM matches ever. Steve Austin could not save
exactly have a great track re-
this comedic stinker, which
cord for quality matches at
WrestleMania. And against the TOP 10 immeasurably damaged Coles
credibility as the voice of WWE.
limited Warrior, there was little
hope the main event of Wrestle- WRESTLEMANIA
Mania 6 would be any different. FLOPS BRET HART vs.
But, with some help from mas-
VINCE McMAHON
ter matchmaker Pat Patterson,
the two powerhouses delivered
HULK HOGAN vs. PSYCHO SID Nearly two decades after the
Its hard to believe that, with the Montreal Screwjob, Harts
a suspenseful, dramatic, and
dream match of Hulk Hogan return to WWE should have
unlikely classic.
vs. Ric Flair at their dispos- been all about forgiveness
al, WWE matchmakers went and grace. At WM 26, WWE
RANDY SAVAGE vs. with this as the main event of chose to revisit this tarnished
RICK STEAMBOAT WrestleMania 8. In what was
teased as Hogans retirement
chapter of its history in the
ugliest way possible.
Its not that expectations werent
match, the two heavyweights
high for this WrestleMania 3 I-C
title clash, but the fact is that
delivered a sloppy, forgettable
performance.
BIG BOSS MAN vs.
most of the 93,000 people that
packed the Silverdome in 1987
THE UNDERTAKER
came to see the epic main event JERRY LAWLER vs. This Hell in a Cell bout at Wres-
tleMania 15 was plenty rotten,
Hulk Hogans disqualification victory
MICHAEL COLE even before the needlessly grue-
over Sid (Vicious) Justice did little In his first WrestleMania match in some and bizarre climax. Heres a
for the 62,000-plus fans at the the 27-year history of the event, good rule for wrestling promoters:
Hoosier Dome in Indianapolis or those Whenever possible, try to avoid
who purchased WrestleMania 8 pay- ending matches with lynchings.
per-view.
O
NCE AGAIN, ITs time for the annual PWI worths B grade. (He may want to frame this issue;
Report Cards, where our editorial staff we dont see him earning another B anytime soon.)
breaks out the gradebooks and evalu- In 2016, WWEs womens division took center
ates 100 of the top stars in the sport stage as Charlotte Flair and Sasha Banks battled
today. Some superstars, like AJ Styles, Sasha over the Raw Womens championship for most of the
Banks, and Charlotte, made the Deans list. Oth- year, elevating that championship to main events
ers, like Darren Young and The Ascension, might on both Raw and the Hell in a Cell pay-per-view.
want to consider hiding these report cards from If Charlotte and Sasha fought 100 times, its en-
their parents. tirely possible they would split the series 50-50,
In the PWI Report Cards, we look at 100 wres- which is why both women earned an A+.
tlers or teamsboth male and femalefrom all over Our other teachers pet was AJ Styles, who be-
the wrestling world, including WWE, TNA, ROH, Ja- came the new Champ That Runs The Camp, de-
pan, and the independents, and issue them a letter feating Dean Ambrose for the title and turning
grade based primarily on their performance dur- back the formidable challenge of John Cena at
ing the 2016 calendar year. Performance markers SummerSlam. Cena avenged that loss at the 2017
include championships won and won-loss records, Royal Rumble, but that event occurred after our
as well as more intangible criteria, such as qual- gradebooks were closed.
ity of opposition faced and career momentum. While we handed out a fair number of Ds, Fs,
We also consider where a wrestler was at the and Incompletes, its important to remember that
start of 2016 compared to where that same wres- the wrestlers we selected to grade are among the
tler was at the end of the year. For example, while top wrestlers in the world. Even a wrestler re-
James Ellsworth certainly didnt set WWE on fire ceiving a failing grade in our Report Cards is an
in 2016, he managed to climb from complete obscu- elite wrestler competing on the national stage.
rity (having never so much as cracked the PWI However, a poor grade indicates that a wrestler
500) to scoring non-title wins over WWE cham- desperately needs to make some changes in 2017.
pion AJ Styles on Smackdown. Thats some pretty Time to separate the scholars from the class
impressive career growth, resulting in Ells- clowns Here are the annual PWI Report Cards!
JUNE. 2017 45
ING ILLU
TL
+
ST
A
ES R
WR
AT
ED
O
REPORT CARDS
PR
CHARL OTTE
PR
ED
O
FLAIR
AT
W
R R
ES
ST
ING ILLU
TL The Queen had her hands
full with Sasha Banks,
but when the dust set-
tled, Charlotte was still
proudly wearing the Raw
Womens title. Charlotte
raised the bar for wom-
ens wrestling and made
history by headlin ing
a WWE pay-per- view and
defeating Banks at Hell
in a Cell. She is the most
dominant female WWE has
seen in a generation.
PHOTO BY WAYNE McCARTY
A-
O WRESTLI
PR NG
IL
BOBB Y
LU
STRATED
STRATED
LASH LEY
It was a turbulent year for
LU
picture. In addition to
holding the title for most
of the year, Lashley won
the X division and King
of the Mountain titles.
He finally fulfilled his
PHOTO BY JEAN MARIE BIELE/IMPACT WRESTLING
superstar potential.
JUNE. 2017 47
REPORT CARDS
ESTLING I
B
WR L
+
O L
R
U
P
ST
RA
TED
ED
RAT
ST
P
U
R
L O
IL WR
RIC H
ESTLING
SWA NN
For years, Swann has been one of the
most charismatic and entertaining
acts on the independent circuit.
The Cruiserweight Classic and
205 Live have given him a chance
to shine on a national stage. His
B+
PRO WREST Knockouts division in the near future.
LI
in the indies and they finally hit pay dirt in NXT, where they
IL
LUSTRAT
DIY
of Pain in the Dusty Rhodes Classic tag tourney was a lowlight
in an otherwise spectacular year.
IL
D
G
N
LI
PRO WREST
2016 WWE, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
JUNE. 2017 49
REPORT CARDS
B+ WILL OSPREAY
The Londoner won the prestigious Best of MARTY
the Super Juniors Tournament in 2016 and SCURLL
signed with ROH, where he won the TV title Scurll immediately found his spot in Ring of
in his first match. He held that title for Honor, winning the TV title during the companys
only two days, however. He also instigated tour of his native U.K. With his unique look and
a match against Vader and came out on the style, Scurll quickly became a player in a
losing end. company that was in dire need of new stars.
B
WR LL
+
Lucha Underground has featured dozens of R
O
U
P
impressive luchadors since its debut, but
ST
RA
none has captured the imagination quite
TED
the way Pentagon Dark has. As Pentagon
ED
Jr. in AAA, won the Rey de Reyes tournament
RAT
in March and beat Prince Puma for the LU
ST
heavyweight title in June.
P
U
R
L O
IL WR
ESTLING
B+ SEXY STAR
Sexy Star became the first female to hold
the top mens heavyweight title in a
national promotion when she won the Lucha
Underground title in April. Rumors of
retirement and a sporadic schedule in the
second half of the year (highlighted by an
appearance in SHIMMER in October) weakened
what otherwise may have been an A year.
B CESARO
Cesaro managed to eke out an uneasy peace
with Sheamus and ride it all the way to
the Raw tag team title, but such a skilled
superstar with such a passionate fan base
should be accomplishing more. He needs to
take that next step and assert himself as a
Universal title contender.
B SHEAMUS
Like Cesaro, Sheamus deserves credit
for capturing the tag title, but its
unquestionably a step down for the four-
time World champion. Hes been in a rut
ever since he fell in with the League of
Nations. He can either use the tag title as
a needed career boost or he can allow it to
push him further down the card.
B RUSEV
The Bulgarian brute never backs down
PHOTO BY ZIA HILTEY/RING OF HONOR
IL
LU
STRATED
STRATED
LU
IL
NG PR
O WRESTLI
PHOTO BY STU SAKS
Less than five months after debuting on the Smackdown roster, the former
ALEXA gymnast and bodybuilder upset Becky Lynch for the blue brands womens
BLISS title. Bliss is still a widely unproven commodity, however. She may turn out to
be a fluke champion, but shes a champion nonetheless.
B HEAT H SLAT ER
Slater went from the unemployment line to
the Smackdown tag team title. He was humbled
by Brock Lesnar, Rhyno, and others, and had
to resort to begging to get reinstated. But,
in his quest to feed his family, he won over
the fans and got a new lease on his career.
B KALI STO
Sin Caras injury proved to be just the thing
Kalisto needed for a surprise singles run.
The luchador captured the U.S. title on two
occasions, but he also developed a bad habit
of provoking powerhouses like Ryback and
Baron Corbin. The cruiserweight division is
a better fit for him.
b
E LU scene altogether.
WR S
TR
O
PR
B ROSE MARY
AT
ED
PR
S
shes fallen in with Decay, shes more
WR
LU ES
TLING IL
dangerous than ever. She spent much of the
year as a valet, but she excels when shes
TREVOR LEE vs. EDDIE EDWARDS competing on her own.
BRAUN
STROWMAN
In another era, a wrestler of Strowmans
stature would be thrust into the world title
picture simply by virtue of his pure power.
Strowman was unremarkable in his run as
Bray Wyatts pet monster, and a series of
squash matches on Raw did little to help.
Sure, he beat Sami Zayn, but its about time
we see him face off against another super
heavyweight.
B JAY LETHAL
Lethal is at a crossroads. He has been ROHs
MVP for the past few years, but hes ready
for new challenges. So many of his peers from
ROH, TNA, and the indies have moved on to ESTLING I
B
WR L
-
O L
NXT, whereas Lethal is growing stagnant in R
U
P
ST
ROH. We appreciate loyalty, but its time for
RA
Lethal to test himself in a new environment.
TED
ED
B DOLPH ZIGGLER
RAT
One again, Ziggler appeared to be on the
ST
P
verge of a major push and, once again, it all
U
R
L O
IL WR
fizzled out. His highlight of the year was ESTLING
JUNE. 2017 53
REPORT CARDS
B RHYNO
The veteran made a big impact in NXT and
was called up to Smackdown, where Shane
McMahon called him wrestlings hottest
free agent. Well, that might have been
a bit of an exaggeration, but it didnt
take long for the former ECW champ to win
gold, carrying Heath Slater to the tag
title. Even more impressive, he was also
campaigning for a spot in the Michigan
House of Representatives all year.
B BOBBY ROODE
If the two-time TNA heavyweight champion
felt slighted by being signed to NXT
instead of debuting on the main roster (as
his old TNA running buddy AJ Styles did), he
never let it show. Instead, Roode developed
a glorious persona and set out to prove
himself all over again. Last year was a step
backward; 2017, beginning with his NXT RANDY ORTON vs. KANE
title win over Shinsuke Nakamura, will be
a big step forward.
TLING IL
B SIENNA ES
-
WR S
Sienna made an immediate impact in Impact
O
TR
PR
AT
ED
shortly after her debut in the company.
However, she made a tactical error by
ED
WR
LU ES
best when shes kicking tail, not playing RANDY TLING IL
politics.
ORTON
The Viper missed several months with a
B- ETHAN CARTER III shoulder injury. When he returned, he was
At the start, ECIII (with help from his team brutalized by Brock Lesnar at SummerSlam. In
of attorneys) had a virtual stranglehold terms of momentum, Orton never recovered from
on the TNA heavyweight title. What he that bloody loss. A subsequent move to Smackdown
didnt have was respect. Well, he earned and a forgettable (and inexplicable) tag title
that respect in his battles against Mike with the Wyatts was a huge step backward for
Bennett and Drew Galloway. Still, the title the 12-time World champion. Perhaps his Royal
remained out of his reach. Rumble victory is a portent of good things to
come in 2017.
B- MOOSE
The 2015 PWI Rookie of the Year made a big
gamble when he left ROH for TNA, but with
big gambles sometimes come big rewards. In B- KYLE OREILLY
ROH, he stood out because of his sheer size OReilly had the biggest win of his career
and athleticism. In Impact, hes had to dig in December, when he bested former partner
a bit deeper. After an uneven few months, he Adam Cole for the ROH title at Final Battle.
found his groove, beating Aron Rex for the Though his reign was brief, OReilly proved
Grand title. himself as a viable singles competitor
after years of tag team experience. His
title run may have been his swan song, as
rumors run rampant that he is WWE-bound.
C+ SAMI ZAYN
Zayn had several highlights during the
past year, but he was never quite able to
string them together in a meaningful
way. He wrestled a classic match against
Shinsuke Nakamura and scored a PPV win
over Kevin Owens, but at the end of the year
he was still locked in the same role as the
plucky underdog looking for his break.
C+ BRAY WYATT
While Wyatt is consistently entertaining,
were still waiting to see him definitively
win a major feud. He talks a great game,
but a brief tag team title reign is all he
has to show for it. Yes, hes dangerous, but
his energy needs to be focused in some
clear direction.
RICOCHE T
Widely considered to be the best
aerialist in the game, Ricochet has been
building his name in Japan, the indies,
and Lucha Underground (as Prince Puma),
PHOTO COURTESY OF EL REY NETWORK
B
WR LL
Juniors win in 2015, and hes still in
-
O
R
U
ST
RA
JUNE. 2017 55
P
R
L O
IL WR
ESTLING
REPORT CARDS
C
O WRESTL
PR IN
G
IL
D
LU
TRATE
STRATED
LUS
IL
G
IN PR
O WRESTL
PHOTO BY STU SAKS
Ryder stunned the world when he won the I-C title ladder match at
Mania. Dolor His exuberant celebration with his dad was one of the
ZACK great emotional moments of the year. But 24 hours later, the title was
RYDER with The Miz and Ryder was left with nothing but memories. A knee injury
he sustained in December is expected to sideline him well into 2017.
NAOMI
Okay, the Day-glo ring attire
was an interesting change and
a fresh look, but Naomi needs
to remember that this isnt
dancing its wrestling. Her
move set has been stagnant for
the past few years. Her signature
move (the Rear-View) is actually
a liability in that it forces her
to turn her back on an onrushing
opponent. She needs to re-assess
her game plan.
ING ILLU NAOMI vs. PAIGE
TL
-
ST
C
ES R
R
AT
W
O
ED
PR
PR
ED
R
R
ES
ST TL
ING ILLU
JUNE. 2017 57
REPORT CARDS
C- ERIC YOUNG D PAIGE
E.Y. made a surprise appearance in NXT, Suspensions. Tabloid gossip. Injuries.
where he unsuccessfully challenged Samoa Paige drew plenty of controversy in 2016
Joe for the heavyweight title. After that and spent most of the year out of the ring.
loss, he regrouped to build the Sanity Its a shame because Paige could thrive
stable. Hes laying the groundwork for in the current womens division. Her
Sanity to become WWEs next faction. relationship with Alberto Del Rio has
become a nightmare for her professionally.
C- ERICK ROWAN
Well technically he co-main-evented D MOJO RAWLEY
WrestleMania, right? Rowans greatest Its important to get hyped. Its more
moment was taking a Rock Bottom in an important to learn how to pace yourself,
impromptu match at the biggest event of to be a ring general, and to keep your
the year. While it likely earned him a nice wits about you. Rawley is impressive
payday, it didnt do much for his aura of in short bursts, but his impetuousness
intimidation. Between that embarrassment and inexperience are major weaknesses.
and injuries, Rowan was largely invisible. Hopefully, Zack Ryder can provide some
veteran advice.
D GOLDEN TRUTH
R-Truth and Goldust are in a marriage D ROCKSTAR SPUD
of convenience, but thats doesnt make Look we just cant overlook the fact that
them a pushover of a tag team. They are two Spud was pinned by a toddler in 17 seconds,
seasoned veterans who are also adept at can we? Spud is a terrific promo guy and,
playing comic relief. Theyre so good at pound-for-pound, one of Impacts top
clowning around, they allow themselves to talents, but he was largely underutilized
get lost in the shuffle. last year. The two-time X division champion
spent the year as a stooge.
D SIN CARA
When the original Sin APOLLO CREWS vs. ELIAS SAMSON
Cara debuted in WWE, he
was supposed to be a game-
changer, the next Rey
Mysterio. Well that didnt
go quite as planned. A new
wrestler is wearing the mask
now, but the Sin Cara persona
has been badly tarnished by
injuries, lackluster matches,
and the eponymous Sin Cara
botches. Its time to retire
the mask.
APOLLO
CREWS
In retrospect, the bar was set
impossibly high for Crews.
As soon as he debuted in WWE,
people looked at his physique
and his agility and pegged
him for superstardom. A few RESTLIN
PHOTO BY GEORGE NAPOLITANO
D
disappointing performances in O W G
PR I
the ring quickly took the bloom
L
LU
RATED
STR
LU
I PR
G O
WRESTLIN
PRO WRESTLING ILLUSTRATED
D MAHABALI SHERA
TITUS ONEIL vs. ENZO AMORE Impact had big hopes that Shera could develop
into a bona fide international superstar,
but so far, his claim to fame is having the
goofiest dance since Vince McMahon performed
Stand Back. Hes still extremely raw and
inexperienced, and his daffy smile and dance
arent doing him any favors at all.
F THE ASCENSION
Konnor and Viktor did not win a single
standard tag team match during the entire
calendar year of 2016 (they did have one
eight-man tag victory teaming with The Usos
in September). Not only do they get a failing
grade, but they failed in spectacular fashion.
F THE VAUDEVILLAINS
Remember when The Vaudevillians defeated
Blake and Murphy for the NXT tag title at
TakeOver: Brooklyn? Remember the ovation
they received from the 15,000 fans at the
Barclays Center? What in the world happened?
Simon Gotch and Aiden English laid an egg on
the big stage.
F DARREN YOUNG
Not even Bob Backlund could make Darren
Young great again, and if Backlund cant do
it, we dont think anyone can. Young failed
to capitalize on a unique opportunity to
distinguish himself. At this point, he needs a
complete makeover to salvage his WWE career.
F
W IL
RO to be in great shape, but he still has to show
P
US
TR
INC GOLDBERG
TR
RO
IL
ESTLING
WR year. His win over Lesnar was impressive,
but it may also have been a fluke. As Buster
TITUS Douglas showed us years ago, anyone can get
lucky once.
ONEIL
ONeils most memorable moment of
2016 was when he playfully grabbed INC EVA MARIE
Vince McMahons arm, earning himself The sultry redhead got more heat by not
a suspension and costing him a spot at wrestling than most rulebreakers get
WrestleMania. It actually went downhill swinging chairs and insulting the local
from there. Instigating a feud with The sports teams. Eliciting a reaction is
New Day only reinforced the fact that LPSRUWDQW EXWVRLVDFWXDOZUHVWOLQJVNLOO
ONeil is bland by comparison. :H UH ZDLWLQJ WR VHH ZKDW HOVH (YD 0DULH
brings to the table.
JUNE. 2017 59
and online entities throughout
the U.S., Nordholm knows how
to produce and market combat
sports.
The new Impact president
(theyve unofficially done away
with the TNA acronym) hired for-
mer owner Jeff Jarrett and Dutch
Mantell, who will influence the
companys creative presentation
and in-ring product more than
by HARRY BURKETT
anyone.
Nordholm, Jarrett, and Mantel
lcomprise the new power struc-
ture, in addition to Chief Execu-
tive Officer Jason Brown, Chief
I
mpact Wrestlings latest new LLC, and is in charge of Impacts Financial Officer Dean Broad-
beginning Anthem Sports day-to-day operations. His direct head, Chief Marketing Officer Al
& Enter tainment, formerly experience with pro wrestling is Ovadia, and television producer
a minority stakeholder in TNA limited: When Anthem bought John Big Gaburick.
Wrestling, finalized the purchase its minority stake in October Firmly in the cold are former
of majority interest in the com- 2016, Nordholm became a board President Dixie Car ter, who,
pany in early-January, creating member of Impact Ventures, LLC, despite her five-percent stake,
new winners and losers, return- the entity created when Smash- was broomed upstairs to become
ing power players, and a fresh ing Pumpkins front man Billy part of Fight Media Groups ad-
cast of corporate characters. Ed Corgan began funding TNA last visory board, and Billy Corgan,
Nordholm is the most important year. But, considering Anthem whom Anthem has promised to
name to know. is majority owner of Canadas reimburse for all the money he
The Anthem executive vice Fight Networkwhich already loaned TNA since last summer.
president is now the president carries Impact Wrestlingand As much as the company needed
of Anthem Wrestling Exhibitions, has invested in sports channels Corgans financial support, insid-
ers suggest that his eagerness
to take creative risks was equally
importantand will be missed.
And that should be factored
into Impacts upside. Creatively,
Impact Wrestling has received
critical acclaim over the past year,
particularly for its unconventional
Broken Hardys storyline, which
included a full episode emanating
PHOTO COURTESY OF IMPACT WRESTLING
WWE STOCKWATCH
relationship between Trump and
the McMahons, WWE squashing
independent territories (i.e. small
[FOR THE PERIOD OF DECEMBER 10, 2016, TO FEBRUARY 12, 2017] businesses) in the 1980s, WWEs
questionable classification of tal-
60-DAY HIGH: 22.11 on February 10
60-DAY LOW: 18.00 on January 3 ent as independent contractors,
52-WEEK HIGH: 22.11 on February 10, 2017 the steroid scandals, and the
52-WEEK LOW: 14.27 on February 12, 2016 Chris Benoit family tragedy.
Senator Chris Murphy (D-CT),
What can the critics say now? Wall Street analysts said the WWE who defeated McMahon for an
Network business model would have a cannibalistic effect on net profits, open seat in 2014, said McMahon
and Internet pundits criticize WWEs creative direction at every turn, but is unquestionably qualified to
heres the real bottom line: In the fiscal year of 2016, revenue increased by run the SBA.
11 percent to $729.2-million, the highest in the companys historyhigher
than the Rock n Wrestling Era of the 1980s and the Attitude Era of the late-
1990s and early-2000s.
Lucha Underground returns
WWE has developed three major drivers of stable growth: the Network, The first half of Lucha Under-
lucrative television agreements, and steady international expansion. grounds third season ended on
According to thestreet.com, WWEs revenue of $729-million in 2016 is likely January 11, but the second half
only the beginning, and company profits should increase by 20 percent will resume on May 31, according
each year for at least the next half-decadethats more than twice the rate to prowrestling.net. That will con-
projected for the S&P 500. clude a four-month hiatus for the
One reason why analysts are suddenly so high on the WWE Network is show, although these episodes
the Networks ability to deliver original content. In 2016s final quarter, 205 were taped nearly a year ago.
Live and WWE Story Time premiered on the Network, in addition to Total The episodic nature of the se-
Bellas debuting on E! and The Bella Twins appearing on YouTube. Netflix
ries, however, has somewhat miti-
and Amazon are changing the entertainment industry with their original
programming on the Web. As usual, WWE was the pioneer.
gated the long lag time between
Also of note, WWEs Board of Directors declared the companys regular tapings and eventual airdates.
quarterly dividend of 12 cents per share for all Class A and B shares That likely helped Lucha Under-
of common stock. The record date for the dividend is March 15 and the ground land a deal with Netflix,
payment date will be March 27. with the show being available
both in the U.S. and Canada.
O JUNE. 2017 O 61
TV BREAKDOWN
RAW [USA]
--VIEWERS IN MILLIONS
December 12: 3.11 Analysis: Raw scored its highest rating in six months on January 30, the night after The Royal
December 19: 2.96 Rumble. WWEs flagship program usually experiences a steady surge throughout the month of
December 26: 2.86 January, thanks to the build toward the Rumble coinciding with the lag time between the NFL
January 2: 3.05 playoffs and the Super Bowl. Raw scored above the three-million-viewer mark in the final four
January 9: 2.91 weeks of our evaluation period, and did so two other times, on December 12, when The New
January 16: 3.27 Day sought to surpass Demolitions 478-day tag team title reign, and on January 2, when Bill
January 23: 3.29 Goldberg confronted Kevin Owens, Chris Jericho, and Braun Strowman. Nevertheless, Raws
January 30: 3.62 ratings are down slightly from a year ago. Raws decline is just as much a factor in the newly
February 6: 3.12 competitive Raw-Smackdown ratings race as Smackdowns ascendance on USA.
SMACKDOWN [USA]
--VIEWERS IN MILLIONS
December 13: 2.36 Analysis: For the first time in its 17-year history, Smackdown reached more viewers than its
December 20: 2.36 big sister program, Monday Night Raw. A couple of unusual factors were at work on December
December 27: 2.89 27, however. Raws rating always drops significantly during the period between Christmas and
January 3: 2.60 New Years Day, and Smackdown Live had a special boost: the return of John Cena, who had
January 10: 2.53 been off TV for several weeks. Smackdown is clearly rejuvenated by the move from Syfy to
January 17: 2.65 USA, the switch from Thursday to Tuesdays, going from taped to live, the brand extension, and
January 24: 2.56 Mauro Ranallos excellent play-by-play. The program has been on a significant streak, achieving
January 31: 2.82 at least 2.5 million viewers every week since that fateful turnaround date of December 27. Will
February 7: 2.63 the blue brands numbers remain impressive after WrestleMania? We shall find out.
IMPACT
--
[pop]
VIEWERS IN MILLIONS
LUCHA
--
UNDERGROUND [el rey]
VIEWERS IN MILLIONS
December 15: .34 Analysis: The special Total January 11: .13 Analysis: El Rey aired the
December 22: .21 Nonstop Deletion episode of January 4: .14 mid-season finale of Season 3
December 29: .22 Impact Wrestlingwith the entire December 28: .14 on January 11, with Matanza
January 5: .29 card emanating from the Hardy December 21: .15 Cueto defeating El Dragon
January 12: .28 compound in Cameron, North December 14: .11 Azteca Jr., and there will be a
January 19: .31 Carolinaattracted 340,000 four-month hiatus before the
January 26: .31 viewers on December 15, Im- season resumes. This season contains 40 episodes
February 2: .30 pacts strongest number in sev- the highest number yetand El Rey remains committed
February 9: .25 eral weeks. Impact routinely drew to the show despite the ratings drop since the beginning
that kind of figure after moving to of Season 2. But to understand the true value of Lucha
Pop last year, but its average viewing number has slipped in Underground to its owning company, the United Media
the months following Bound for Glory. Is that an indictment Group, one must look beyond a single airings num-
Eddie Edwards, who reigned as Impact champ during this pe- bers. Each episode that is first-run at 8 p.m. Eastern
riod? It could be, considering his title defense against Bobby is repeated not just in the 10 p.m. time slot, but again
Lashley on February 9 drew an anemic average of 250,000 the following week and throughout the year. Its also a
viewers, preventing Impact from even breaking the top 150 regular on-demand feature for most cable systems. Now
for original cable shows that day. Impacts Greatest Hits Of its available on iTunes and Netflix. The program also airs
2016 program drew only 210,000 viewers on December 22. overseas, on TNT in Germany and KIX in Southeast Asia.
presents...
H E
T
PW I D C A S T
P O o v e r s ial.
ontr i t sc
live l y .
!
t s
e
. i
its inf
o r m a t ive
it s f r e
The pages of your favorite wrestling
magazine come to life as Senior Writers
Al C astle & Dan Murphy host
Pro Wrestling Illustrate d Presents: The PWI Podc ast.
Their guest list has included Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins, Adam
Cole, Drew Galloway, and Rey Mysterio, as well
as current and former PWI contributors Craig Peters,
Harry Burkett, Mike Bessler, Louie D, Kevin McElvaney,
Kris Zellner, and Stu Saks.
I
T WAS A meteoric fall from an NWA Smoky Mountain show Pro debut at the promotions Janu-
grace when Chris Hero was in Kingsport, Tennessee. Twenty ary 28 show in Summit, Illinois,
unceremoniously released from minutes into their no-time limit, no- challenging Cobra for the heavy-
WWE NXT in 2013. Almost 3 disqualification brawl, Owens got weight title. Williams impressed
years later, the celebrated grappler the three-count on Kincaid after fans, almost scoring the victory,
once again bade farewell to the in- hitting his rival with a package pile- but a timely distraction by Co-
dependent scene at EVOLVE 77, driver. Gracious in defeat, Kincaid bra Dynasty crony Justin King
his final appearance before return- took to social media in the hours provided Cobra with an opportu-
ing to NXT as Kassius Ohno. At following his loss, thanking fans nity to snatch a pinfall victory. At
the January 28 event, Hero battled for their support and encourage- the same event, RPro Womens
Zack Sabre Jr. in a 23-minute ment. While holding the top title for champ Rachael Ellering retained
contest, ultimately tapping out af- NWA Smoky Mountain, Kincaid her title, fending off a challenge by
ter getting caught in the Brits Ode also performed in Ring of Honor, Kiera Hogan.
to Jim Breaks submission hold. Af- EVOLVE, and TNA.
ter the bell, fans chanted Thank
you, Hero! and Chris eventually
took to the mic, expressing grati- The Space Monkey pinned
tude to his fans and peers. The Baddest Man Alive Aaron The Whisper in the final round
If I sat here and thanked ev- Williams made his Resistance of the Young Lions Cup tourna-
eryone who truly deserved the
thanks, wed be here until next
Chris Hero is back in NXT as
year, probably, Hero said as he Kassius Ohno after once
leaned against the turnbuckles in again saying so-long to his
the corner of the ring. You dont fans in EVOLVE. Might we
see a Kings of Wrestling
go 18 years as a pro wrestler with- reunion with Cesaro at some
out getting a hell of a lot of help point in the future?
along the way, so I appreciate ev-
erybody.
During his most recent stint in
the indies, Hero returned to old
stomping grounds like Ring of
Honor and Pro Wrestling Guer-
rilla and he won championships in
EVOLVE and All Pro Wrestling.
D
ESPITE RUMORS TO the ute thriller at New Japans signa- to WWE when he Tweeted he
contrary, Kenny Omega is ture event, held January 4th at would be stepping away from
remaining with New Japan the Tokyo Dome. The match was Japan to reassess (his) future,
Pro Wrestling for the foreseeable hailed as an instant classic, with prompting some fans to specu-
future. The 33-year-old Canadian Wrestling Observer Newsletter late that he might follow in the
became wrestlings hottest free Publisher Dave Meltzer giving it footsteps of AJ Styles and debut
agent following his epic battle six stars on his five-star grading at The Royal Rumble.
with Kazuchika Okada at Wres- system. However, after lying low for
tle Kingdom 11. Despite losing the bout, Ome- almost a month, Omega an-
IWGP heavyweight champion ga came off as a breakthrough nounced that he was re-signing
Okada successfully defended the sensation. He sparked rumors with New Japan, effectively quell-
title against Omega in a 46-min- that he might be ready to jump ing the Omega-to-WWE rumors
for the time being.
A rematch against Okada
seems to be a given, but former
IWGP champion Tetsuya Naito
(who defeated Hiroshi Tana-
hashi at Wrestle Kingdom 11) is
also poised for a title shot, and
NEVER openweight champion
Hirooki Goto and Tanahashi are
also on the periphery. Okadas
win at Wrestle Kingdom 11 was
fantastic, but if he can manage
to hold off those contenders over
the next few months, it will be
even more impressive.
NJPW followed up the wildly
successful Wrestle Kingdom
event with New Beginning, which
WWE fans hoping to see took place in Osaka on Febru-
Kenny Omega follow the path
paved by AJ Styles from ary 11. That event was headlined
Japan to America will be dis- by a match that saw Naito retain
appointed to learn that he the IWGP Intercontinental title
has re-upped with New Japan
Pro Wrestling. against former ROH heavyweight
champion Michael Elgin and
PHOTO COURTESY RING OF HONOR
jime Ohara defeated Taiji Ishi- Englands own Knight family AAA Latin America champion
mori for the Pro Wrestling NOAH Rowdy Ricky Knight, Sweet Johnny Mundo defeated Penta-
GHC junior heavyweight title on Saraya, WWEs Paige, and broth- gon Jr. in the main event of the
January in Tokyo, and Kenoh ers Zak and Roy Knight. In his Guerrera de Titanes event, while
and Masa Kitamiya defeated Go announcement on Facebook, The Garza Jr. was defeated by AAA
Shiozaki and Maybach Tanigu- Rock said he was inspired to make cruiserweight champion El Hijo
chi for the GHC tag team title on the movie after stumbling upon the del Fantasma. Pentagon, Gar-
January 21 in Osaka. documentary The Wrestlers: Fight- za, and Daga appeared the fol-
WWE made a huge splash ing With My Family that featured lowing night on an independent
in the United Kingdom with its the Knight clan while he was film- card in Mexico. Pentagon Jr. is
United Kingdom Championship ing in London in 2012. now going by the name Penta El
Tournament, which took place on The family element I saw in the Zero M, as AAA owns the rights
January 14-15 in Blackpool, Lan- doc, no matter how dysfunctional to the name Pentagon Jr.
cashire. The 16-man tournament our families can sometimes be Mike Mendoza became a
was won by 19-year-old Tyler and especially regardless of how two-time World Wrestling Coun-
Bate, who defeated tourney favor- much we fightwere also there cil Puerto Rico champion on
ite Pete Dunne in the final round for each other. Thats what families January 7 in Bayamon by win-
(see feature story on page 28). do, said The Rock, who himself ning a nine-man battle royal to
Prior to the tournament, WWE was born into a wrestling family. claim the title. Meanwhile, the
Chief Operating Officer Triple-H The film will be written and WWC Universal title remains va-
said he believed it was kind of in- directed by Stephen Merchant. cant after being held up following
evitable that WWE would devel- Game Of Thrones star Lena a controversial match between
op a weekly television show in the Headey has reportedly been Carly (Carlito) Colon and Al-
United Kingdom, but that such a signed to play Saraya and Shaun berto Del Rio last December.
show would be contingent on the Of The Dead star Nick Frost has Up in Canada, Quebecs
fan interest in the tournament. reportedly been signed to play NSPW promotion kicked off a
There is still a lot of talent that I Knight family patriarch Ricky new weekly television show on
would love to work with in the U.K. Knight. Queen Cersei may be the MATV Quebec network in
[who are not in the tournament], evil, but she cant hold a candle January. The first set of tapings
so when it comes to a weekly to Saraya Knight! generated so much buzz that
show and you bring more people Mexicos AAA promotion drew the mayor of Quebec City, Regis
in, its going to be fresh and excit- a sellout crowd of 5,000 fans to Labeaume, attended the event.
ing, Triple-H said. the Gimnasio Juan de la Barrera Also in Quebec, IWS Canadian
In an another surprising U.K. in Mexico City for Guerrera de Ti- champion Scott Parker defeat-
story, it was announced that The tanes on January 20, but the com- ed IWS heavyweight champion
Rocks production company, pany was left reeling when top Black Dynamite in Montreal on
Seven Bucks Productions, will be stars Pentagon Jr., Daga, and February 4 to become the first
partnering with WWE Studios to Garza Jr. announced they had left double-champion in the history of
make a movie based on Norwich, AAA the day after the event. that promotion.
[email protected]
Please try to utilize the exact format
you see in the Arena Reports.
Also, please distinguish between
handicap matches and three- or four-
way matches. And, when reporting
the result of a handicap match, indi-
cate the number of competitors and
who was the last man eliminated.
Finally, please note pinfall finishes.
Following these guidelines will help
us greatly and make it more likely
that your report will be used.
FLORIDA
FT. PIERCEWWE NXT at the Havert L.
Al Haft
defeated Buddy Murphy Liv Morgan
& Aliyah beat Kimberly Frankel & Dori
Prange Wesley Blake defeated Dan
Finn Center: Aleister Black pinned Patrick ORLANDOOrlando City Wrestling at Matha The Revival (Scott Dawson &
Clark Mandy Rose pinned Heidi GILT Nightclub: Axx Clover pinned Gio Dash Wilder) beat Angelo Dawkins &
Lovelace Brennan Williams pinned Faria Jason Cade beat Nick Nero, Gil Montez Ford.
Kishan Raftar The Revival (Dash Quest, Richard Delicious, and Troy Hol- (01-14-17)
Wilder & Scott Dawson) beat Angelo lywood in a ve-way Chasyn Rance
Dawkins & Montez Ford, Otis Dozovic & pinned Richie Peppereld Alexx Todd Duane Long
Tucker Knight, and Alexander Wolfe & & Derick Grayson beat Vertigo Rivera &
Killian Dain in a four-way elimination match Rome Braydon Knight & Ronnie Ladd LAKELANDWWE NXT at the Lakeland
Elias Samson pinned Oney Lorcan beat Chico Adams & CT Brown Jesse Armory: Jack Gallagher defeated Wesley
Daria Berenato pinned Macey Estrella Neal pinned CJ ODoyle Seth Petru- Blake Adrian Jaoude defeated Kona
Johnny Gargano, Tommaso Ciampa, & zelli & Josh Woods beat Michael Patrick Reeves Daria beat Dori Prange
Tye Dillinger defeated Akam, Rezar, & & Leon Brien Su Yung pinned Raegan Cedric Alexander beat Steve Cutler
Wesley Blake. Fire Johnny Knockout pinned Main Liv Morgan & Aliyah defeated Sarah
(01-21-17) Man Malken Aaron Epic pinned Snoop Bridges and Macey Estrella Akira
Strikes Shannon Moore & Lindsay Tozawa defeated Buddy Murphy The
Duane Long Snow beat Maxx Stardom & Angel Rose. Revival (Scott Dawson & Dash Wilder)
(01-19-17) beat Angelo Dawkins & Montez Ford.
JACKSONVILLEWWE NXT at the Max- (01-13-17)
well Snyder Armory: Aliyah and Ember Al Haft
Moon won a 12-woman battle royal Duane Long
Aleister Black pinned Wesley Blake ORLANDOWWE NXT at the Englewood
Steve Cutler pinned Cezar Bononi Neighborhood Center: Jack Gallagher YBOR CITYShine Wrestling at the Or-
Oney Lorcan pinned Kona Reeves defeated Tony Nese Lana beat Kim- pheum: Su Yung beat Jayme Jameson,
Alexander Wolfe & Killian Dain beat berly Frankele Steve Cutler beat Jessie Belle Smothers, and Angel Rose
Angelo Dawkins & Montez Ford Rod- Adrian Jaoude Angelo Dawkins & in a four-way Malia Hosaka beat
erick Strong pinned Patrick Clark Montez Ford defeated Riddick Moss & Brandi Lauren by submission Xandra
Ember Moom pinned Aliyah Otis Tino Sabbatelli Roderick Strong de- Bale pinned Ariel Monroe Candy Cart-
Dozovic, Shinsuke Nakamura, & Tucker feated Elias Samson Bille Kay & wright pinned Leva Bates Rachael
Knight beat Dash Wilder, Scott Dawson, Peyton Royce beat Aliyah & Liv Morgan Ellering pinned Chelsea Green Tag
& Elias Samson. Aleister Black defeated Patrick Clark team champions Santana Garrett &
(01-20-17) Shinsuke Nakamura, Johnny Garga- Raquel beat Thea Trinidad & Amanda
no, & Tommaso Ciampa beat Wesley Carolina Rodriguez and Amber ONeal
Duane Long Blake, Akam, & Rezar. & Kennadi Brink in a three-way Lu-
(01-19-17) Fisto beat Mercedes Martinez and Allysin
MIAMIMiami Pro Wrestling at the Dun- Kay in a three-way for the vacant SHINE
geon: Jonny Vandal pinned Axx Clover Duane Long championship.
J-Dawg Brooks pinned Tracer X (01-13-17)
Flex Magnum pinned CT Brown Amber COCOAWWE NXT at the Cocoa Armory:
Nova pinned Chasyn Rance Aaron Daria Berenato beat Macey Estrella Al Haft
KENTUCKY
MONTICELLOKentucky Zone Wrestling Shinsuke Nakamura & Roderick Strong MELVINDALEPro Wrestling All Stars at
at the Aspire Center: The Super Assassin beat Bobby Roode & Samoa Joe. Play Atlantis: Movado & El Ridiculoso
defeated Matty B. by countout Krutch (01-13-17) defeated Zachary Main & Alexander
beat Repik and Mason Alexander in a tri- Beardslee Justin Pilgrim vs. Frank
ple-threat Tag team champions Con- Aisley Porter Isaac Anderson ended in a no-contest
trolled Chaos (Wes Howard & Crash
Jaxson) beat Bad Attitude (B.W. Ander-
son & Sully Larkin) Johnny Suede
LOUISIANA
LAKE CHARLESWWE Smackdown at
Chuck Stein, Matt Hagen, & Justin Pil-
grim beat Paul Bowser, Frank Isaac An-
derson, & The Unknown Chris Moore
pinned Chief Tomahawk Heavyweight the Lake Charles Civic Center: Kalisto beat Jsin Allen Buddy Hanlon pinned
champion Fiji Wildman pinned Austin pinned Curt Hawkins James Ellsworth Downriver champion Zach Gowen for the
Harness. pinned Curt Hawkins Heath Slater, Jack title El Mano Del Diablo beat Jack
(01-07-17) Swagger, Mojo Rawley, Rhyno, & The Thriller, Blake Acumen, Atlas Hytower,
Usos beat Fandango, Tyler Breeze, Kon- Maltese Tiger, and Malcom Monroe III
Frank Hobbs nor, Viktor, Aiden English, & Simon in a six-way Tag team champions The
Gotch Nikki Bella pinned Natalya Soul Shooters defeated Jay Maynard &
SHOPVILLEKentucky Zone Wrestling at Intercontinental champion Dean Ambrose Creep Cruisercore champion N8 Matt-
the Old Shopville Gym: The Super Assas- defeated Dolph Ziggler Womens cham- son pinned El Mano Del Diablo Heavy-
sin pinned Matty B Austin Harness pion Alexa Bliss defeated Becky Lynch weight champion The Great Akuma vs.
defeated Sully Larkin by DQ Bad Atti- Apollo Crews, Chad Gable, & Jason Breyer Wellington ended in a no-contest.
tude (B.W. Anderson & Sully Larkin) beat Jordan beat Bray Wyatt, Luke Harper, & (02-03-17)
Bill Rich & Austin Harness Krutch Randy Orton WWE champion AJ Styles
pinned Terry Alan Dark Insanity (Dark beat Baron Corbin and John Cena in a Leonard Brand
Suede & Repik) beat tag team champions three-way.
Controlled Chaos (Bad Henry & Crash (01-09-17) WALDRONChampionship International
Jaxson) for the title Johnny Bad beat Wrestling at the Waldron Area Schools: Matt
Tony Corral by DQ Chief Tomahawk & Andre Gossage Hagen pinned Christopher Saint Miss
Michelle Meyers defeated Fiji Wildman & Hannah pinned Shayla Hyde Alex
Lady Inferno.
(01-14-17) MASSACHUSETTS
WOBURNChaotic Wrestling at Woburn
Jordan defeated Colt Daniels & JJ Cas-
tillo Ray Orndorff pinned Sam Beale
Gary Dawson pinned Mr. Main Event
Frank Hobbs Elks #908: Anthony Greene pinned Mike The Soultaker pinned Alexander Beard-
Graca Adam Booker pinned Ace slee Chuck Wagon pinned Andy Chene
BOWLING GREENUPW at the National Romero Christian Casanova & Tripli- Jack Price pinned Aaron Orion Tag
Guard Armory: Shoot 2 Thrill defeated cious beat Kris Pyro & Davey Cash team champions Denzel Titan & Dymond
Dyron Flynn & Chad Stallings Seth Demon Ortiz beat Brandon Locke by Kouture defeated Nitro & Malice.
LeDuc beat Avispo Scott Sexton de- submission JT Dunn pinned Travis (01-28-17)
feated Eric Benjamin Derek Neal de- Gordon Brick Mastone pinned Cam
feated Rob Conway Jeff Crowe beat Zagami Chase Del Monte & Bryan Leonard Brand
Trent Ware Avispo won the Rumble for Logan beat tag team champions Donovan
the Gold battle royal Carlito defeated Dijak & Mikey Webb for the title. DETROITDetroit Style Wrestling at the
Chris Michaels. (01-13-17) Tireman Flea Market: Willie Watts pinned
(01-14-17) Ben Boone Kef Sweat pinned David
David Ratty Shaw Dougie the Creep, Chuck
Josh Mackey
SAGINAWWWE Smackdown at the Wrestling at the City Market: Chuck BIRCH RUNPure Pro Wrestling at the
Dow Event Center: Rhyno & Heath Wagon pinned Andy Chene Arella Expo Center: Father Time pinned Xavier
Slater beat Breezango (Tyler Breeze & Angel pinned Shayla Hyde Travis Justice Palmer Cruise & Xavier
Fandango) Baron Corbin pinned Aero pinned The Maltese Tiger Ray Walker defeated James Alexander & Jeff
Kalisto Kalisto defeated Curt Hawkins Orndorff & Xavier Justice defeated The Brooks Cody Manning beat Malcolm
Mojo Rawley & Jack Swagger de- Great Akuma & Ace Evans Palmer Monroe III, Blake Acumen, Billy Ray
feated The Vaudevillains (Aiden English Cruise vs. Rod Street ended in a double- Daniels, and Alex Weir in a ve-way
& Simon Gotch) Tag team champions DQ Abyss, Nitro, & Malice defeated Zach Gowen pinned Cody Manning
Chad Gable & Jason Jordan beat The Denzel Titan, Dymond Kouture, & The CMLL Reina International champion
Ascension, The Usos, and Bray Wyatt Soultaker. Heidi Katrina pinned Sybil Starr Ace
& Luke Harper in a Fatal 4-Way Becky (01-15-17) Evans & CJ Anderson defeated Michigan
Lynch, Nikki Bella, & Naomi defeated champion Cobra TA, Nitro, Ray Orndorff,
Carmella, Alexa Bliss, & Natalya The Leonard Brand Denzel Titan, and Dymond Kouture re-
Miz pinned Apollo Crews Interconti- sulting in Evans winning the title.
nental champion Dean Ambrose pinned CLINTON TOWNSHIPXtreme Intense (01-06-17)
AJ Styles. Championship Wrestling at the Imperial
(01-23-17) House: Palmer Cruise & Xavier Walker Leonard Brand
Leonard Brand
defeated Zach Main & Alexander Beard-
sley Lightweight champion Johnny
Devine pinned Jaimy Coxxx Movado
MISSISSIPPI
JACKSONWWE Smackdown at the
FLUSHINGPure Pro Wrestling at the & Jeff Brooks defeated Dr. Replica & El Mississippi State Fair: Tag team champi-
Flushing Sportatorium: Arella Angel Mano Del Diablo Chris Moore pinned ons Chad Gable & Jason Jordan beat
pinned Billy Ray Daniels Grizzly Willie Watts Joe Coleman pinned Dre Konnor & Viktor, Heath Slater & Rhyno,
House Jones defeated Malice by coun- Jacobs Intense champion Jake Some- Fandango & Tyler Breeze, Aiden Eng-
tout Cobra TA pinned Cory Lyon thing pinned Cody Deaner CMLL lish & Simon Gotch, and the Usos in a
Malcolm Monroe III pinned Blake Acu- Reina International champion Heidi Ka- Tag Team Turmoil match Kalisto pinned
men Cody Manning pinned Solaris trina pinned Joseline Jack Price Dolph Ziggler Womens champion
Beefcake Andrews pinned The Maltese pinned Matt Hagen Midwest champion Alexa Bliss pinned Becky Lynch In-
Tiger Xavier Justice & Father Time Gavin Quinn pinned Idris Abraham tercontinental champion Dean Ambrose
defeated Michigan tag team champions Tag team champions The DBA & Malcolm pinned The Miz Naomi & Nikki Bella
Ace Evans & Prospect Zero for the title. Monroe III defeated Headbangers Mosh defeated Carmella & Natalya Bray
(01-21-17) & Thrasher and Zach Gowen & Gregory Wyatt, Luke Harper, & Randy Orton beat
Iron in a three-way. Apollo Crews, Jack Swagger, & Mojo
Leonard Brand (01-14-17) Rawley World champion AJ Styles
defeated John Cena and Baron Corbin
COLDWATERPrice of Glory Wrestling Leonard Brand in a three-way.
at the Coach Eby Youth & Family Center: (01-15-17)
Sean Tyler defeated Deputy Dave by DQ MELVINDALEPro Wrestling All Stars at
Mike Musso beat Frank Isaac Ander- Play Atlantis: Cruisercore champion N8 Hank DeCalvin
son, Chris Moore, BD Smooth, and Kipp
Mackey in a ve-way Shark Boy pinned
The Maltese Tiger Fabuzio pinned
Mattson vs. Downriver champion Zach
Gowen ended in a no-contest N8 Matt-
son & Buddy Hanlon defeated Zach
MISSOURI
TROYWorld League Wrestling at the
Bam Heavyweight champion Louis Gowen & Atlas Hytower Justin Pil- Race Wrestling Arena: Leland Race de-
Lyndon pinned Jack Thriller Womens grim pinned The Unknown Dougie feated Jayden Fenix by DQ Karim
champion Sybil Starr beat Betty Battles the Creep & Jay Maynard beat Zachary Brigante pinned Rex Fults Superstar
by submission Max Morrison, Lance Main & Alex Beardslee The Great Steve Fender beat Brandon Espinosa
Manion, & Alexander Beardslee de- Akuma won a 12-man gauntlet match Stacey OBrien vs. Heather Patera
feated CJ Otis, Jack Verville, & Jimmy Tag team champions The Soul Shooters ended in a double-countout Junior
Shalwin. As a result Manion & Beardslee defeated Movado & El Ridiculoso heavyweight champion Jon Webb pinned
won the tag team belts from Verville & CMLL Reina champion Heidi Katrina beat Kyle Roberts Karim Brigante beat
Shalwin. Thunder Kitty by submission The Superstar Steve Fender and Leland
(01-21-17) Great Akuma pinned heavyweight cham- Race in a three-way for the vacant heavy-
pion Breyer Wellington for the title. weight title.
Leonard Brand (01-13-17) (02-04-17)
FLINTChampionship International Leonard Brand Patrick Brandmeyer
NEW MEXICO
HOBBSWWE Raw at the Lea County
thing in a barbed-wire cage match for
the title.
(02-04-17)
Events Center: Sin Cara beat Curtis Axel
Dustin Rhodes, R-Truth, & Big Show Leonard Brand
beat Primo, Epico, & Titus ONeil
Enzo Amore & Big Cass defeated Karl CANTONWWE Smackdown at the Can-
Anderson & Luke Gallows and The New ton Civic Center: Rhyno & Heath Slater Alexander Wolfe takes down Angelo
Day in a triple-threat Seth Rollins beat beat Breezango (Tyler Breeze & Fan- Dawkins hard with a German suplex
Braun Strowman by DQ Sasha dango) Baron Corbin beat Kalisto as he and Killian Dain prevail over
Banks, Alicia Fox, & Bayley beat Char- Kalisto defeated Curt Hawkins Mojo Dawkins and Montez Ford. Under
lotte Flair, Dana Brooke, & Nia Jax Rawley & Jack Swagger defeated The the tutelage of former TNA champ
Roman Reigns defeated Universal cham- Vaudevillains (Aiden English & Simon Eric Young, the Sanity stable is
pion Kevin Owens in a non-title match. Gotch) Tag team champions Chad becoming quite a force in NXT.
(01-27-17) Gable & Jason Jordan beat The Ascen-
sion, and Bray Wyatt & Luke Harper in a LANCASTERPremier Wrestling Alliance
Rene Oswault triple-threat Becky Lynch & Naomi de- at the PWA School of Pro Wrestling: Will
NEW YORK
BINGHAMTONWWE Raw at the Floyd
feated Carmella & Alexa Bliss The Miz
defeated Apollo Crews Intercontinental
champion Dean Ambrose beat AJ Styles.
Sims pinned Juan Crazy Hillbilly U.S.
champion Outlaw Tony James defeated
JT Hogg by DQ Heavyweight champ
L. Maines Veterans Memorial Coliseum: (01-22-17) Chris Cruit pinned Morgan Taylor
Tag team champions Cesaro & Sheamus Mace Young pinned Bryan Blade
defeated Big E & Ko Kingston, Luke Skip Masley Jimmy Fahrenheit pinned King Pain.
Gallows & Karl Anderson, and Enzo (01-07-17)
Amore & Big Cass in a four-way DAYTONWWE Smackdown at the Nutter
Cruiserweight champion Rich Swann Center: Rhyno & Heath Slater beat Bree- Tony Ashbrook
defeated Neville and T.J. Perkins in a
three-way Big Show, Sin Cara, Gold-
ust, & R-Truth defeated Primo, Epico,
zango (Tyler Breeze & Fandango)
Baron Corbin pinned Kalisto Kalisto
pinned Curt Hawkins Mojo Rawley &
OKLAHOMA
TULSACompound Pro Wrestling at Per-
Curtis Axel, & Titus ONeil Seth Rol- Jack Swagger defeated The Vaudevillains fect Practice Athletic Center: Chris Morri-
lins pinned Rusev Bayley, Sasha (Aiden English & Simon Gotch) Tag son defeated Mr. Chale Trey Cole de-
Banks, & Alicia Fox beat Charlotte Flair, team champions Chad Gable & Jason feated Riker Duke Swellington
Dana Brooks, & Nia Jax Braun Strow- Jordan beat The Ascension and Bray defeated Samedi Steven Cruze beat
man pinned Sami Zayn Roman Wyatt & Luke Harper in a triple-threat Terry Montana Gavin Dixon beat Gra-
Reigns defeated Universal champion Becky Lynch & Naomi defeated Carmella ham Bell Phoebe defeated Erica
Kevin Owens in a non-title streetght. & Alexa Bliss The Miz pinned Apollo Michael Wolf defeated Double D Mas-
(01-20-17) Crews Intercontinental champion Dean cara Purpura defeated Nathan Estrada
Ambrose pinned AJ Styles. Heavyweight champion Brian Breaker
Todd Finley (01-21-17) beat Aaron Anders.
(01-14-17)
ROCHESTERUpstate Professional Danny Dawes
Wrestlings WrestleBowl 2017 at the Ea- Kel Varnson
gles Club: Cloudy pinned Lionel Knight TOLEDONorthwest Ohio Wrestling at the
Jason Savior, Bam Bam, & LaDiva Believe Center: Jayson Sykes pinned Big WAGONERWrestling For A Cause at
defeated The Wet Bandits & Rae Rae the Fish Rembrowski Mavis pinned Alex the Wagoner Civic Center: Tim Rockwell
Ram KDW champion Jeremy Jensen Cassidy Big Cass Keith pinned Tez defeated Barrett Brown Prince Ma-
pinned Boz in a non-title match De- Jason Franchise pinned City Wide cham- halli defeated Dusty Gold HomeTown
ance beat Wrecking U by DQ Carter pion Daniel Winchester for the title Heroes champion Paul Puertorico de-
Mason pinned Colin Delaney Tag team Louie Perez pinned Tyell Kenneth feated Duke Swellington, Drake Gal-
champions The Eh Team defeated The Dante, The Black Angel, Tim Lutz, & lows, Dutch Hagen, and Americos in a
Interstate Educational System Icon Malcom Monroe III defeated Riot City ve-way C. J. Ward defeated Fuel
Ace won the WrestleBowl Rumble, beating CMLL Reina International champion Heidi Tag Team champions Simply the Future
Jordan Falco, Charlie Locke, Victor Katrina pinned Shayla Hyde Natural (J. D. & Alex) defeated Lone Star Inc.
Lord, Rysk, and Anarchy Ashe Aubrey Aces & Alex Jordan defeated The Nomads (Cody Burns & Trey Cole) Matt Dur-
in a scramble match Heavyweight Jontae Keith pinned cruiserweight den beat Riker Skyler Fayden de-
champion Mattick beat Cheech, Nick champion Eli McFly for the title Bryan feated Dimitri Alexandrov in a loser-
Ando, and HC Loc in a four-corners Castle pinned Jack Price Johnny leaves-WFC match Heavyweight
match. Carassy defeated Alan Graves by DQ. champion X-Cal beat Mr. Nasty.
(01-14-17) (01-07-17) (01-07-17)
Todd Brantley Leonard Brand Mike Iles
PENNSYLVANIA
POTTSVILLEAmerican X Wrestling at
Chaos and Rob Danger in a triple-threat
Matt Storm defeated Jack Diamond by
DQ Tag team champions Quiksilver &
Nikki Bella beat Alexa Bliss, Mickie
James, & Natalya Karl Anderson &
Luke Gallows beat Raw tag team cham-
the Humane Fire Company: Brock Hyde Tommy Angel beat Capt. Spalding & pions Cesaro & Sheamus for the title
vs. Dominick Monroe ended in a double- Living Dead Girl Alex Cross & Dallas Nia Jax pinned Sasha Banks Raw
countout Sammi Pandora defeated defeated Cody Chaos & Rob Danger Womens champion Charlotte Flair pinned
Vanity Motley Tue beat The Kings of Wildcard champion Ethan Steele beat Car Bayley Universal champion Kevin Ow-
Mustachery Yams the Working Man Crash Kid. ens pinned Roman Reigns in a no-DQ
defeated Dennis Reaper Drew Bron- (01-07-17) match Neville beat Cruiserweight
son beat Andy Header, Andy Harner, and champion Rich Swann by submission for
Drew Chaos in a Fatal 4-Way Extreme Wayne Camp the title John Cena pinned WWE cham-
Rednecks defeated The Classics by DQ
Blue Meanie won a battle royal, last
eliminating Sean Silence.
TEXAS
DALLASROH at Gilleys Dallas: Dalton
pion AJ Styles for the title Randy Orton
won the 30-man Royal Rumble, last elimi-
nating Roman Reigns.
(01-28-17) Castle pinned Donovan Dijak Hanson (01-29-17)
& Raymond Rowe defeated Andy Dalton
Jocelyn Valentin & Rhett Titus Adam Cole & Cody Jerry Villagrana
Rhodes beat The Addiction
WEST NEWTONRWA at the West New- (Christopher Daniels & Frankie
ton Gym: The Great Akuma beat Bronco Kazarian) Hangman Page
McBride, Jon Rodin, Danimal, and The pinned Jay Lethal Will Ferr-
Doctor of Destruction in a ve-way Big ara beat Jax Dane, Jonathan
Lenny pinned Zubov Womens cham- Gresham, and Sho Tanaka in a
pion Jessie Belle Smothers beat Angel Four-Corners Survival Match
Dust by submission Sonjay Dutt de- Bobby Fish defeated Lio Rush
feated cruiserweight champion Bobby Six-man tag team champions
Shields in a ladder match for the title Matt Taven, T.K. ORyan, &
Daniel Eads pinned Regional champion Vinny Marseglia beat Alex
C.A. Elliott for the title Generation Shelley, Chris Sabin, & Jay
Dead (Gory & G-Raver) defeated The White Tag team champions
Alliance (Marshall Gambino & Super The Young Bucks (Matt & Nick
Hentai) in a tables match Heavyweight Jackson) beat Jay & Mark
champion Shane Andrews pinned Nick Briscoe.
Estaban The Mempho Mofo pinned (02-04-17)
Chris Taylor in a Fans Bring The Weap- After the tag team
ons match. Regis Modesta match, Sanity issued
(01-21-17) a challenge to the
SAN ANTONIOROH at the entire NXT locker
Derek Widziszewski Austin Highway Events Center: r o o m a n d T y e
Will Ferrara beat Jonathan Dillinger answered
INDIANAWWE Raw at the Kovalchick Gresham Sho Tanaka & t h e c a l l . A f t e r
Complex: Big Cass beat Rusev Big Yohei Komatsu beat The Ad- Dawkins and Ford
Show, Sin Cara, Goldust, & R-Truth de- diction (Christopher Daniels & cleared the ring of
feated Primo, Epico, Jinder Mahal, & Titus Frankie Kazarian) Dalton W o l f e a n d D a i n ,
ONeil Cruiserweight champion Rich Castle beat Bobby Fish and The Perfect 10
Swann defeated Neville and T.J. Perkins Jay Lethal in a three-way BJ
was able to handle
in a triple-threat Braun Strowman pinned Whitmer defeated The Roman-
Sami Zayn Tag team champions Cesaro tic Touch Jay & Mark Bris- Young one-on-one.
Steve Beyer
handicap match Tag team champions
Rickey Shane Page & Gregory Iron de-
feated EYFBO (Angel Ortiz & Mike Draz-
ENGLAND
BLACKPOOLWWE U.K. Championship
McALLENNWA Wrestling Revolution at tik) Dominic Garrini defeated Gavin Tournament: Non-Tournament: Saxon
Cine El Rey: Shooter Roberts defeated Quinn, Alex Daniels, Joey Janela, Eric Huxley & Tucker beat Dan Moloney &
Richard Reason in an I Quit match to win Cairnie, Joey Kings, Josh Rogen, and Nathan Cruz Neville pinned Aleister
the vacant Grand Warrior title Jim Jus- Dr. Dan in a Buck Wild ladder match. Black Quarternals: Pete Dunne
tice defeated Jay Williams in a chain (01-22-17) pinned Sam Gradwell Mark Andrews
match Jodan & Rob Love beat tag team pinned Joseph Conners Wolfgang
champions Colt Caliber & Kon Hawk for JP Zammit pinned Trent Seven Tyler Bate pinned
the title Colt Caliber & Kon Hawk de- Jordan Devlin Seminals Pete Dunne
feated Bandana Joe & Coven James MISSISSAUGA, ONDestiny World Wres- pinned Mark Andrews Tyler Bate pinned
Dante defeated Erik Shadows Tiger tling at Don Kolov Arena: Karou pinned Wolfgang Final: Tyler Bate pinned Pete
King II & Michael Autumn defeated Jodan Sheldon Jean Rene Dupree pinned Dunne.
& Rob Love. Randy Reign Travis Gordon pinned (01-15-17)
(01-16-17) Brent Banks Alexia Nicole pinned
Stacy Thibault John Atlas & RJ City Clive Miller
James Dante defeated Mike Dorosti & Stone Rockwell
WEST VIRGINA
HARPERS FERRYPrimal Conict Wres-
Tyson Dux defeated Dustin Quicksil-
ver, Phil Atlas, and Tarik in a four-way
ladder match Ryback pinned Moose
BLACKPOOLWWE U.K. Championship
Tournament: Non-Tournament: Chris Ty-
ler & Jack Starz beat Ringo Ryan & Tiger
tling at the KOA: Fenix Fury pinned Alex- Heavyweight champion Mike Rollins Ali Opening Round: Trent Seven
ander James Los Hermanos de San- pinned Kongo Kong. pinned H.C. Dyer Jordan Devlin pinned
gre beat Clay Reynolds & Chazz Rockwell (01-22-17) Danny Burch Sam Gradwell pinned
Nui Toga beat Ken Doll by DQ Dirty Saxon Huxley Pete Dunne pinned Roy
Money vs. Logan Easton LaRoux ended Chris DeCarvalho Johnson Wolfgang pinned Tyson T-
in a time-limit draw Punk Rock All-Stars Bone Joseph Conners pinned James
defeated tag team champions Napalm CAMBRIDGE, ONPure Wrestling Asso- Drake Mark Andrews pinned Dan
Bomb & Chuck Lennox for the title Ken ciation at the Beehive Hall: Brandon Ja- Moloney Tyler Bate pinned Tucker.
Dixon defeated Hoss Hagood in a bullrope cobs pinned Super Kamikaze Tag team (01-14-17)
match Doug Delicious pinned heavy- champions Modern Day Warriors (Jimmy
weight champion Drolix for the title King & Joey Allen) defeated Lenny Lilac Clive Miller
www.pwi-online.com
What did he ever do that was so ROGER POWELL
bad that he earned the wrath of Cheyenne, WY
79
O JUNE. 2017 O
FOR PERIOD ENDED
FEBRUARY 12, 2017
1 KEVIN OWENS
266, Marieville, QC
(2) WWE Universal champion
1 CHAD GABLE & JASON JORDAN
Combined weight: 448 pounds
() Smackdown tag team champions
2 KAZUCHIKA OKADA
240, Tokyo, Japan
(4) IWGP heavyweight champion
2 NICK & MATT JACKSON
Combined weight: 350 pounds
(2) ROH tag team champions
3 BRAY WYATT
285, Brooksville, FL
() WWE heavyweight champion
3 KARL ANDERSON & LUKE GALLOWS
Combined weight: 548 pounds
(8) Raw tag team champions
4 JOHN CENA
251, West Newbury, MA
() No. 1 contender WWE heavyweight title
4 TORU YANO & TOMOHIRO ISHII
Combined weight: 474 pounds
() IWGP tag team champions
5 AJ STYLES
218, Gainesville, GA
(1) No. 2 contender WWE heavyweight title
5 MATT & JEFF HARDY
Combined weight: 449 pounds
(7) TNA tag team champions
6 DEAN AMBROSE
225, Cincinnati, OH
(8) WWE Intercontinental champion
6 ROCKY ROMERO & BERETTA
Combined weight: 373 pounds
() IWGP junior heavyweight tag team champions
7 ADAM COLE
205, Panama City, FL
() ROH heavyweight champion
7 CESARO & SHEAMUS
Combined weight: 499 pounds
(1) No. 1 contenders Raw tag team title
8 CHRIS JERICHO
227, Winnipeg, MB
() WWE U.S. champion
8 BIG E & KOFI KINGSTON & XAVIER WOODS
Combined weight: 702 pounds
(5) No. 2 contenders Raw tag team title
9 BOBBY ROODE
235, Toronto, ON
() NXT heavyweight champion
9 ENZO AMORE & BIG CASS
Combined weight: 476 pounds
(9) No. 3 contenders Raw tag team title
10 BOBBY LASHLEY
273, Denver, CO
() TNA heavyweight champion BOBBY ROODE
10 AKAM & REZAR
Combined weight: 620 pounds
() NXT tag team champions
EAST COAST WRESTLING ASSOCIATION: CHAMPIONSean Carr; NWA SUPREME: CHAMPIONRob Conway; 1Eric Draven; 2Van
1Azrieal; 2Chris Wylde; 3Breaker Morant; 4Damian Adams; Martigan; 3Josh Lewis; 4Johnny Justice; 5Lars Umlaut; 6Angus
5Howie Timberche; 6Chuck Payne; 7Joe Gacy; 8 Zombie King; Barnett; 7Timmy Danger; 8Roger Malcolm; 9Deonta Davis; 10
9Ty Awesome; 10Johnny Galindo Apollo Garvin
EVOLVE: CHAMPIONTimothy Thatcher; 1Zack Sabre Jr.; 2Fred OLDE WRESTLING: CHAMPIONMatthew Cross; 1Dr. Jacob Omen;
Yehi; 3ACH; 4Matt Riddle; 5Ethan Page; 6Tracy Williams; 7 2Felino de Rojo; 3Hugo Lexington Black; 4Jeff King; 5Gavin
Drew Galloway; 8Keith Lee; 9Jaka; 10Darby Allin Volstead; 6Chuck Taylor; 7Jock Samson; 8Jervis Cottonbelly;
9Marion Fontaine; 10Gregory Iron
NATIONAL INDEPENDENT CHAMPIONSHIP WRESTLING:
CHAMPIONKen Steel; 1Scott Lee; 2Thunder Morgan; 3Barry PLATINUM PRO WRESTLING: CHAMPIONMartin Stone; 1Jason
Hardy; 4Jeffery Irons; 5Ricky Morton; 6Jimi Love; 7Sinn Cade; 2Gangrel; 3Romeo Quevedo; 4Chasyn Rance; 5Kahagas;
Krowley; 8Wolf; 9Kalis Miller; 10Court Montgomery 6Maxx Stardom; 7CJ ODoyle; 8ERA; 9Sean Maluta; 10Axx Clover
NATIONAL WRESTLING ALLIANCE: CHAMPIONTim Storm; 1 PREMIER WRESTLING ALLIANCE: CHAMPIONChris Cruit; 1Outlaw
Tyson Dean; 2Rob Conway; 3Matt Riviera; 4Damien Wayne; Tony James; 2Rowdy Randy; 3JT Hogg; 4King Pain; 5Jimmy
5Mustang Mike; 6Rob Terry; 7Rodney Mack; 8Seth Allen; 9 Fahrenheit; 6Mace Young; 7Bryan Blade; 8 Juan Crazy; 9Morgan
Josh Lewis; 10Andrew Anderson Taylor; 10Irish Hitman Lafferty
NORTHEAST WRESTLING: CHAMPIONTK ORyan; 1Kurt Angle; SHINE WRESTLING: CHAMPIONLuFisto; 1Ivelisse Velez; 2Su
2Brian Anthony; 3Warbeard Hanson; 4Matt Hardy; 5Cody Yung; 3Santana Garrett; 4Raquel; 5Allysin Kay; 6Mercedes
Rhodes; 6Dijak; 7Jerry Lawler; 8Vinny Marseglia; 9Travis Martinez; 7Amber ONeal; 8Thea Trinidad; 9Malia Hosaka; 10
Gordon; 10Wrecking Ball Legursky Rachael Ellering
YOU l
STYLES
WRESTLER OF
THE YEAR
IN A LANDSLIDE
2016
2016
THE YEAR IN
WRESTLING
INCLUDING
APRIL 2017
$6.99
2016 ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS
display until APRIL 4
www.pwi-online.com
INTERESTED IN A BIGGER DISCOUNT & FASTER DELIVERY? GO TO WWW.PWI-ONLINE AND SUBSCRIBE TO OUR DIGITAL EDITION
(See ad elsewhere in this issue)
Send to: Kappa Publishing Group Inc., P.O. Box 433133, Palm Coast, FL 32143-3133