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The post Florence Freedom Wrestling Night Live Report (Photos Included) appeared first on WrestlingRumors.net.


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A Sign Of Things To Come? What Was Bray Wyatt Up To This Weekend?

Posted: 09 Jun 2019 06:35 PM PDT https://wrestlingrumors.net/tommyhall/sign-things-come-bray-wyatt-weekend/


When he comes out of the Fun House. Bray Wyatt has been a major bright
spot for WWE in the last few months. His Firefly Fun House vignettes have
been a highlight for the company with some of the most talked about
segments on any WWE show in recent memory. While Wyatt has not wrestled in several months, he is building momentum in his absence. At the same time though, he’s getting to do something cool in the process.

On Sunday, Wyatt visited horror makeup and costume legend Tom Savini’s studio. Savini recently worked on Wyatt’s Fiend character mask, though it
is not known if this trip was related to either the Fiend mask or something else that Wyatt has coming up. At the moment, there is no word on when
Wyatt will be back in the ring or how the Fiend character will be used
going forward.

Had a wonderful surprise this morning. @WWE @WWEBrayWyatt stopped by the
studio today. pic.twitter.com/aPbyuxIofE

- Tom Savini (@THETomSavini) June 9, 2019



Wyatt certainly has something in mind with the Fiend. Check out the
character in the Funhouse:
[This post contains video, click to play]


Opinion: While it’s possible, it’s kind of hard to imagine that this wasn’t
related to Wyatt’s Fiend mask in some way. There’s too much of a coincidence there, and that could mean that Wyatt’s in-ring return could be happening sooner rather than later. While I’ve liked the vignettes, I’m almost afraid of what is going to happen when he gets back in the ring as
WWE may mess things up quite a bit.

Do you want to see Wyatt back in the ring? What should he do first? Let
us know in the comments below.

Thomas Hall has been a wrestling fan for over thirty years and has seen
over 50,000 wrestling matches. He has also been a wrestling reviewer since 2009 with over 5,000 full shows covered. You can find his work at kbwrestlingreviews.com, or check out his Amazon author page with 28
wrestling books. His latest book is the History Of In Your House.

Get the latest and greatest in professional wrestling news by signing up
for our daily email newsletter. Just look below for GET EXCLUSIVE UPDATES
to sign up. We are proud to offer our popular Wrestling Rumors app and encourage you to download it for an optimized user experience. It is
available for Android and also on iOS. Thank you for reading!

The post A Sign Of Things To Come? What Was Bray Wyatt Up To This Weekend? appeared first on WrestlingRumors.net.


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Ouch. Backstage Reaction To Super ShowDown.

Posted: 09 Jun 2019 05:45 PM PDT https://wrestlingrumors.net/tommyhall/ouch-backstage-reaction-super-showdown/


The thing didn’t go well. Earlier this week, WWE went back to Saudi Arabia for their latest show from the country with Super ShowDown. As usual, the
show was not the best received in the world and there was little positive
to be said about the show. The wrestling was not the strongest in the
world and as it turns out, there were some negative reactions to the show behind the scenes as well.

According to the WrestleVotes Twitter account, two WWE sources were asked
about the Saudi Arabia trip. The sources described the trip as a “disaster” and a “train wreck” respectively. The show was controversial
before the trip was made, with several wrestlers either declining to go or
not being allowed to perform due to a variety of reasons. Then the main
event itself was not well received, with Goldberg being injured during the match.

Thought you guys might like this: texting with 2 different sources who were
on the Saudi trip. Asked how everything went. One said it was a “disaster” & the other described it as a “train wreck”. So that’s that.

- WrestleVotes (@WrestleVotes) June 9, 2019



There might have been a few highlights. Check out one of the better things
on the show:
[This post contains video, click to play]


Opinion: Based on the reaction to the show, it’s hard to imagine the
reaction being anything but this. The show was not good on its own and
with all the headaches and the rather bad position the company as a whole
is in at the moment, what was good out of this? I mean other than the huge payday for the company of course. WWE is in a bad place right now and this made things even worse.

What did you think of the show? Are you surprised by the reaction to it?
Let us know in the comments below.

Thomas Hall has been a wrestling fan for over thirty years and has seen
over 50,000 wrestling matches. He has also been a wrestling reviewer since 2009 with over 5,000 full shows covered. You can find his work at kbwrestlingreviews.com, or check out his Amazon author page with 28
wrestling books. His latest book is the History Of In Your House.

Get the latest and greatest in professional wrestling news by signing up
for our daily email newsletter. Just look below for GET EXCLUSIVE UPDATES
to sign up. We are proud to offer our popular Wrestling Rumors app and encourage you to download it for an optimized user experience. It is
available for Android and also on iOS. Thank you for reading!

The post Ouch. Backstage Reaction To Super ShowDown. appeared first on WrestlingRumors.net.


///////////////////////////////////////////
New Japan Dominion Results: Chris Jericho vs. Okada, Jon Moxley Competes, Former WWE Star Debuts, More

Posted: 09 Jun 2019 05:09 PM PDT https://wrestlingrumors.net/tomclark/new-japan-dominion-results-chris-jericho-vs-okada-jon-moxley-competes-former-wwe-star-debuts/


New Japan Pro Wrestling Dominion,

Osaka Japan, June 6 2019


JON MOXLEY DEFEATED SHOTA UMINO

Jon Moxley is the latest westerner to ride into New Japan and he did so at
the end of a lighting bolt. The former WWE champion is experiencing true freedom for the first time in years and he’s not hiding the intensity that’s returned as a result. Mox has a fresh start in a company that wants him to display every ounce of that intensity and he’s delivering much more than fans expected.

Shota Umino has the distinction of being Moxley’s second post-WWE opponent, but the popular Young Lion wasn’t looking for a handout. Shota is
considered by many to be the top star of his class and every time he steps
into the ring, he has the opportunity to take another step forward. He did
just that against The Death Rider.

Jon Moxley wants in the G1 CLIMAX 29!?
Stay tuned to https://t.co/Tj7UBJ4PjP

????????? @JonMoxley ?G1 CLIMAX
29?????????#??????????? ???????https://t.co/Tj7UBJ4PjP#njpw #njpwworld #njdominion #G129 pic.twitter.com/JUySuQhxrc

- njpwworld (@njpwworld) June 9, 2019



Mox gave Shota just enough offense to help his cause, but not so much that
Jon looked weak. The match was relatively short and was a great way to
kickoff the event. But it was what happened after the match that generated
a buzz, though it was not altogether unexpected.

Jon announced his entry into the upcoming G1 Climax Tournament. The G1
begins in Dallas on July 6 and Mox will now be on the card. After his announcement, Moxley surprised the Osaka crowd by helping Umino up and
walking him backstage. As New Japan lead commentator Kevin Kelly would say, “don’t put Moxley in any kind of box. Moxley does what he wants to do.”


SHINGO TAKAGI DEFEATED SATOSHI KOJIMA

Shingo Takagi continued to prove that while he’s been a tremendous asset to the juniors division, he belongs with the heavyweights. The Los
Ingobernables member had one of the best first-year runs that NJPW has ever seen and he’s gaining momentum with every match. But if he’s to make an impact in the next division, Shingo must begin amassing a positive win/loss record against some of the company’s best.

A man that perfectly fits that description is Satoshi Kojima. The veteran
star and former IWGP champion was a welcome addition to NJPW and Ring of Honor’s recent War of the Worlds tour, as well as the NWA Crockett Cup. But he’s in his element in Japan, where the fans are extremely familiar with
his Hall of Fame career.

DOMINION 6.9 in OSAKA-JO HALL?
?2???@cozy_lariat VS @Takagi__Shingo???
VS ???????????????????????????????????
??????https://t.co/tNy4SbBeuy#njpw #njdominon #njpwworld pic.twitter.com/Dr0DKPxswM

- njpwworld (@njpwworld) June 9, 2019



Kojima brought all of that credibility to this match with Takagi and Shingo gave everything he had. The Dragon has emerged as one of the best in the company, especially when it comes to adjusting his style to fit his
opponent. Takagi can have a great match with anyone because of this and he
had a very solid outing against Kojima. After the match ended, Shingo, like Moxley before him, also announced his entry into the G1.


JYUSHIN THUNDER LIGER AND YOSHI-HASHI DEFEATED MINROU SUZUKI AND ZACK SABRE
JR

2019 marks Jyushin Thunder Liger’s last year in professional wrestling. The insanely popular legend’s 35-year career has made a lasting mark on the industry, as he’s inspired countless stars that came after him. Even though the wrestling landscape continues to change around him, Liger is the one constant. He’s ageless, he’s selfless and his departure from New Japan will leave a hole that will not be filled.

But of all the men that could possibly step up to end Liger’s career,
Minoru Suzuki’s name was perhaps the last on the list. No one is safe from The King of course and evidently that includes the living legend. Suzuki
has targeted Liger and the two continue to have issues every time they’re under the same roof. This match was yet another chapter in that rivalry
which could end in Liger’s final match at Wrestle Kingdom 14 in 2020.

DOMINION 6.9 in OSAKA-JO HALL??3?????????@Liger_NJPW & @YOSHIHASHICHAOS VS @suzuki_D_minoru & @zacksabrejr?????????????????????????????? ??????https://t.co/tNy4SbBeuy#njpw #njdominon #njpwworld pic.twitter.com/C5WKVILJNb

- njpwworld (@njpwworld) June 9, 2019



Their participation in this match somewhat overshadowed Yoshi-Hashi and
Zack Sabre Jr, who each brought something different to the bout.
Yoshi-Hashi may not be the critics’ favorite, but he’s come a long way and he’s definitely improved. Of course when he squares off with Sabre, the differences between the two become evident. 

But this match was meant to further the heat between Liger and Suzuki,
which it did perfectly. It was a good addition to the Dominion card and
fans continue to look ahead to the war that’s brewing between two of New Japan’s most respected stars.


HIROSHI TANAHASHI, JUICE ROBINSON AND RYUSKE TAGACHI DEFEATED JAY WHITE,
CHASE OWENS AND TAIJIRI ISHIMORI

This match was little more than a filler to further the heat between The
Ace and The Switchblade, but it was entertaining nonetheless. Tanahashi and White clashed on the final night of the Best of the Super Juniors and the leader of The Bullet Club was once again too much for the veteran star.

But the problems between them will likely take a backseat thanks to events
that unfolded following the main event. However this particular match also featured Juice Robinson, who is now at something of a restart point. The
former IWGP United States champion lost his title to Jon Moxley and now the
two men will likely meet at some point in the G1 Climax.

DOMINION 6.9 in OSAKA-JO
HALL??4?????????????????????????@tanahashi1_100 ?????????????????????…?? ??????https://t.co/tNy4SbBeuy#njpw #njdominon #njpwworld pic.twitter.com/lkWhWkODHR

- njpwworld (@njpwworld) June 9, 2019



Taguchi had a great showing during the BOSJ tournament, reminding everyone
that he’s still one of the best junior heavyweights in the company.
Ishimori would perhaps be a prime opponent for Taguchi in the future,
thought it’s unknown how soon the two men will mix it up again. 

The only man in this match without a current direction is Chase Owens,
whose last real run came against Juice for the U.S. title. Owens is a
talented hand and as long as he’s in The Bullet Club, he continues to have
a valuable spotlight. But what happens from this point on is anyone’s guess.


TOMOHIRO ISHII DEFEATED TAICHI TO WIN THE NEVER OPENWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP

Ishii once again became the NEVER Openweight champion in a match that truly showcased his talent. The Stone Pitbull continues to be the most deserving
star in New Japan that’s yet to be IWGP champion. But with this match,
Ishii once again proves why he should have a run at the top.

Taichi, much like Yoshi-Hashi, is not exactly a critically acclaimed
favorite. But when he really steps up, he’s a very capable hand in the
ring. The fact that he worked Ishii only helped his cause of course. In
fact many would say that Taichi looked like a top star in this match,
thanks to Tomohiro Ishii.

DOMINION 6.9 in OSAKA-JO HALL??5??NEVER??????????@taichi0319
VS ????????????????????????????
??????????????????????????????
??????https://t.co/tNy4SbBeuy#njpw #njdominon #njpwworld pic.twitter.com/UvrU18EBay

- njpwworld (@njpwworld) June 9, 2019



Ishii is now the five-time NEVER Openweight champion. But what happens next
is unknown. It seems that the feud between the two has wrapped up now,
which means each man can move on to the next challenge. 


THE GUERRILLAS OF DESTINY DEFEATED EVIL AND SANADA TO RETAIN THE IWGP TAG
TEAM CHAMPIONSHIPS

This match was not an instant classic and it wasn’t one of the best between The G.O.D and Los Ingobernables. But every time Tama Tonga and Tanga Loa
clash with Evil and Sanada, it’s always a sold match. These two teams have great chemistry together and that was once again on display here.

The Guerrillas of Destiny have been preoccupied recently thanks to their
heat with The Briscoes in Ring of Honor. Tama and Tanga are currently the
IWGP and ROH World tag team champions, so their focus does indeed seem
split at the moment, though that could change at any time. Evil and Sanada
have gelled as a tag team, so it’s likely they will remain together for the foreseeable future.

DOMINION 6.9 in OSAKA-JO HALL??6??IWGP??????????@Tama_Tonga & @TangaloaNJPW
VS @151012EVIL & @seiyasanada?
??????????????????????????????????????
??????https://t.co/tNy4SbBeuy#njpw #njdominon #njpwworld pic.twitter.com/niM5GzTSGG

- njpwworld (@njpwworld) June 9, 2019



However many NJPW fans are surely wondering when the tag team division in
New Japan will get some new blood. Indeed, it’s obvious that both the heavyweight and junior heavyweight divisions have an ample amount of
talent. But the tag team scene in New Japan does seem to be extremely thin right now.


SHIBATA INTRODUCES KENTA TO NEW JAPAN 

In a truly shocking moment on the night, Katsuyori Shibata came down to the ring and introduced Kenta to the New Japan crowd. The audience immediately
knew who he was of course, but they didn’t know what he was going to say.
The last time pro wrestling fans saw him, he was known as Hideo Itami. But
what came next had nothing to do with WWE.

Kenta told the Osaka crowd that he was entering the G1 Climax Tournament.
The audience roared its approval, as the upcoming tournament gained yet
another massive star. It’s interesting to note that Kenta was wearing a
shirt with the word “Takeover” emblazoned on the front. Whether this was a not-so-subtle nod to his former NXT brand in WWE, is unknown.

?6.9??????????6????
??????????????????????KENTA????
??G1?????????????G1 CLIMAX????????? ?????????????????????https://t.co/Ywg9h8oI8g #njpw #njdominion pic.twitter.com/Nkn7uk5Q7E

- ?????????????? (@njpw1972) June 9, 2019




WILL OSPREAY DEFEATED DRAGON LEE TO BECOME THE NEW IWGP JUNIOR HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION

Will Ospreay and Dragon Lee put on an amazing show at Dominion and it was a battle for the ages. Will delivered his usual high-flying barrage, while
also balancing his attack with mat-based power offense. Lee proved once
again why he’s one of the company’s top breakout stars and he surely has much more to come. 

But Ospreay s arguably the best pro wrestler in the game today. His work
during the Best of the Super Juniors was some of the most impressive of his career and he’s showing no signs of slowing down now.

He’s added muscle to his physique, but he’s lost no speed in the ring. Ospreay has combined both power and quickness to gain the main event
reputation he’s currently establishing. Ospreay has made it known he
intends on rising to the top of the company and he’s recently announced
that he’s moving to Japan. 

So it’s obvious that Will is in this for the long haul. But Dragon Lee’s status s unknown at the moment. Lee lost his title in this match but it’s entirely possible that he will remain in title contention. But if he
doesn’t, what will New Japan do with him next? His run in The Land of the Rising Sun has only just begun, so there’s still plenty of time for NJPW to decide how to use him.

DOMINION 6.9 in OSAKA-JO HALL??7??IWGP Jr. ?????????@dragonlee95 VS @WillOspreay?????????????????????????????????? ??????https://t.co/tNy4SbBeuy#njpw #njdominon #njpwworld pic.twitter.com/N0gnF7Y8Pm

- njpwworld (@njpwworld) June 9, 2019




TETSUYA NAITO DEFEATED KOTA IBUSHI TO BECOME THE NEW IWGP INTERCONTINENTAL CHAMPION

Natio and Ibushi have an undeniable connection in the ring and they also
share many career similarities as well. But the most common trait that
links them together is their willingness to take death-defying moves and
it’s getting scarier every time.

Ibushi was dropped on his head several different times throughout the
course of this match. Thankfully, Kota kept getting back up, though he
seemed to slow down after each move. Ibushi’s matches have taken this tone more than once during his carer but it does to appear to be happening more frequently now.

Tetsuya’s body has gone through an incredible amount of punishment as well and it shows in the way he moves. But Naito has found his perfect opponent
in Ibushi, which means these two could conceivably continue their rivalry
well beyond Dominion.

DOMINION 6.9 in OSAKA-JO HALL??8??IWGP?????????????????@ibushi_kota VS @s_d_naito????????
?????????????????????????
??????https://t.co/tNy4SbBeuy#njpw #njdominon #njpwworld pic.twitter.com/7qHY77TsDK

- njpwworld (@njpwworld) June 9, 2019




KAZUCHIKA OKADA DEFEATED CHRIS JERICO TO RETAIN THE IWGP HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP

The highly anticipated main event match between Okada and Jericho brought together the past and present of the pro wrestling business. On one side
was the man that’s consistently been regarded as the best pro wrestler in
the world. On the other side was the man that held that very moniker at one time.

Jericho brought his best to this one and surprisingly kept the match in the ring for the bulk of the time. Chris met Okada on his own terms: as a pro wrestler. The Rainmaker delivered his usual performance, carrying himself
as the highly confident top guy that he is. It was a definite clash of personalities, as well as pro wrestling styles.

The match did spill outside of the ring of course, just as fans knew it
would. Jericho was the holy terror he’s been since the day he first debuted in New Japan and Okada kept up with him as much as he could. It was much different match than what Okada has worked in the past, but he’s proven
many times before that he can adapt his game to fit any style.

DOMINION 6.9 in OSAKA-JO HALL(6/9)????????IWGP??????????@rainmakerXokada VS @IAmJericho?#RainmakerVSPainmaker???????????????????????????????????????????? ??????https://t.co/MFS6W4mlKO#njpw #njdominon #njpwworld pic.twitter.com/6amgzCXcp7

- njpwworld (@njpwworld) June 9, 2019



But this bout was less about the two men in the ring, as much as it was
about setting up the future. Okada walked away with the IWGP Championship
of course, but he did so thanks to a sudden three-count. The win was good
for Okada, because he outsmarted Jericho. But it was also good for Jericho, because he didn’t lose a step. Chris is on his way to the top of AEW, which means his character must be protected along the way and that was more than satisfied at Dominion. 

However when Jericho snapped after the match and began to brutalize Okada outside of the ring, it was Tanahashi that made the save. This sets up heat between Tana and Chris, which will most likely lead to a match at some
point in the near future. Jericho can continue to budget his time between
New Japan and AEW, while Okada moves on to the next opponent. 



Tom Clark can regularly be seen on Wrestling Rumors. His podcast, Tom
Clark’s Main Event, is available on iTunes,YouTube, iHeart Radio, boinkstudios.com and live every Friday at 12pm EST on Wrestling Rumors
Facebook Live

The post New Japan Dominion Results: Chris Jericho vs. Okada, Jon Moxley Competes, Former WWE Star Debuts, More appeared first on
WrestlingRumors.net.

--- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05
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