UFC 156 live coverage from Las Vegas Reem gets reamed millions of dollars, millions of dollars gone

Welcome to our live coverage of UFC 156 from the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas.  We're looking for your thoughts on tonight's show so you can leave a thumbs up, thumbs down or thumbs in the middle along with a best and worst match to dave@wrestlingobserver.com

EDWIN FIGUEROA VS. FRANCISCO RIVERA JR., WELTERWEIGHT

First round: Rivera out with a low kick. The two were trading punches, both swinging wildly. Figueroa dropped him with a punch. Rivera recovered and took Figueroa down. High kick by Figueora landed. Another takedown by Rivera. Rivera pounding on him on the ground late. Rivera kicking his leg while Figueroa was down. 10-9 Rivera good round.

Second round: Figueroa caught a kick and got him down and is on top. Rivera up and now landing punches. Rivera landing solid shots as Figueroa is tired. Now Rivera going for the finish. He landed about 11 solid shots, knocked Figueroa down and it was stopped by ref Kim Winslow. Good opener.

CHICO CAMUS VS. DUSTIN KIMURA, WELTERWEIGHTS (WELL SORT OF AS KIMURA DIDN'T MAKE WEIGHT)

First round: Kimura missed weight by 3 ½ pounds. Camus dropped him with a right immediately but Kimura right back up and landed a hard right himself. Camus with a takedown. Kimura on the bottom used an uma plata sweep to get up. He threw a bomb down and jumped on Camus’ back. Camus swept to get to the top and Kimura using a rubber guard from the bottom. Camus got some punches from the top as the round ended. 10-9 Camus.

Second round: Camus with a low kick. Hard low kick by Camus. Kimura landed a right. Now they are struggling against the fence. Knee by Camus while clinching and another knee. Takedown by Camus may clinch him the round. Kimura bleeding from the mouth. Kimura working for an armbar but Camus escaped and now Kimura working for a triangle with seconds left. I’d actually give the round by Kimura for the last few seconds but I could see it going either way. 19-19.

Third round: Camus tried a takedown but Kimura blocked it and ended up top and then Kimura got Camus’ back. He’s throwing punches and working for a choke. He got the choke and Camus tapped.

ISAAC VALLIE-FLAGG VS. YVES EDWARDS, LIGHTWEIGHTS

First round: Vallie-Flagg a lot bigger. They are in a clinch and VF with an uppercut. High kick by Edwards. Knee by VF. High kick by Edwards landed. Low kick by Edwards. Body kick by Edwards. Hard right by VF. Both in a clinch. Good body kick by Edwards as VF held the leg Edwards did a flying knee with the other leg which was cool. Back in a clinch as the round ended. Edwards 10-9.

Second round: Edwards tried a knee but VF grabbed the leg. Now they are against the fence. VF with a few shots to the ribs. Back to the clinch and VF with shots to the ribs. Body kick by VF. More punches by VF. Edwards back landing. VF with a good right. Back to the clinch and VF landed a knee. Now VF pushed him against the fence. Edwards got the takedown with 2:32 left. Edwards moved to full mount with 1:30 left. He tired to escape but Edwards caught him half way and now has his back. Edwards 20-18.

Third round: VF moving forward. Low kicl by Edwards. Another low kick by Edwards. Edwards landing some counter shots and went high with a kick. VF now landing punches. Knee by Edwards and VF was missing punches. VF landed a right. VF moved Edwards against the fence. VF landing rigths and a front kick. Knee by VF. Edwards shot in for a takedown but VF escaped. VF landed several to the body and shoved him against the fence and working the body and landed uppercuts. Edwards with a kick by to the back. VF landing more. Body kick by VF. Edwards with a left to the jaw. Front kick by VF. Overhand right by VF. VF moved him against the fence and roughing him up. They traded front kicks as time ran out. Crowd not much into it but fight was good. VF’s round so I’ve got Edwards 29-28.

Scores: 29-28 Vallie-Flagg 29-28 Edwards 29-28 Vallie-Flagg. Crowd booed the decision a lot.

JACOB VOLKMANN VS. BOBBY GREEN, LIGHTWEIGHTS

First round: Green is called King Bobby Green because he looks like a smaller version of King Mo. Actually he doesn’t all that much but doesn’t stop him from having the nickname. Body kick by Green. Another body kick by Green. Now he’s throwing low kicks. Body kick by Green. Volkmann shot in, got behind Green and took him down. Now he’s got Green’s back. He’s working for a choke. He doesn’t have it and the round ended. Volkmann 10-9. Kind of a nothing round.

Second round: Volkmann took him down right away but Green got up. He went for another takedown but couldn’t get it. Now they are against the fence. Volkmann shot in and didn’t get the takedown. Green ended up on top. Green is dropping elbows. Ref Kim Winslow ordered a standup. That made no sense. Volkmann is bleeding from the right ear and I think the right eye. Body kick by Green. Volkmannn got behind him. Volkmann got Green to the ground and has his back. He’s trying for a choke. Green’s round, 19-19. Crowd booed this one.

Third round: Volkmann shot in, Green sprawled and landed a knee. Body kick by Green. Knee by Green and Green got the takedown into side control. Green got back up. He’s trying to finish him standing. Volkmann shot in, Green sprawled and landed a knee. Volkmann go the takedown but Green immediately swept and then Volkman got up, and got his back. Green trying to turn to the top and did so. He’s in full mount and throwing punches. Volkmann’s nose is bloody. Green landing a lot of punches. Crowd clearly pro-Green. Green with elbows from the top and now going for a choke and finished Volkmann. Crowd popping pretty big. 4:25

Volkmann had promised a major announcement in his post-match interview provided he won. 

TYRON WOODLEY VS. JAY HIERON, WELTERWEIGHTS

First round: Woodley dropped him with a punch and swarmed all over him with hard punches on the ground and it was over. An overhand right caught Hieron, he got behind Hieron on the ground and threw hard punches. Hieron turned and Woodley kept firing, landing four four solid punches to the head before it was stopped. Woodley really made a statement here. If you’re keeping score, this is three straight wins for Strikeforce. :36

No Flair tonight after all. 

GLEISON TIBAU VS. EVAN DUNHAM, LIGHTWEIGHTS

Tibau always comes out to "Iron Man" and the place had an initial pop. Go figure. Not a Road Warrior reference, just the folks who flew in from Brazil.

First round: Both swinging wildly. Tibau landed, Dunham smiled and Tibau took him down and has a guillotine. Dunham out of the hold but Tibau on top. Dunham back up. Now in a clinch. Trading knees. Not much happened after the early minutes. 10-9 Tibau

Second round: Both were trading punches. Dunham got a takedown. Nothing happening at all early in the round. Dunham went for a takedown and couldn’t get it. Dunham landed a few punches. Another trade and Dunham’s landing cleaner shots. Tibau landed a hard right in a late exchange. Crowd cheered both guys after this round. Dunham’s round close so 19-19 after two.

Third round: Dunham got the takedown and Tibau going for a guillotine but it was never dangerous. Tibau landed a left. Dunham dropped him to a knee with a punch. Dunham keeps shooting for takedowns and not getting them. Hard left by Dunham. Tibau going for a takedown and not getting it. Dunham with a knee. Both throwing a lot of punches late. Dunham with a hard knee. Another hard knee by Dunham. Another knee by Dunham as time rna out. Crowd gave them a standing ovation. Dunham’s round and should win 29-28 but second round was close.

Scores: 29-28 Dunham 29-28 Tibau 29-28 Dunham. Mostly cheers

No huge reactions in the open, not to Ovreem or Evans or the main eventers.  Edgar and Aldo both cheered, Aldo louder bedcause of the Brazilians in the crowd.

JOSEPH BENAVIDEZ VS. IAN MCCALL, FLYWEIGHTS

First round: Yes, it’s Joseph Benavidez coming out which means more of the night of 1980s entrance music. Cowboy Lang going for the takedown. McCall landed a left. Body kick by McCall. Benavidez landed a flurry of punches and a head kick. McCall smiled at him . Benavidez with an accidental kick to the groin. Benavidez hurt him with a right. Left by Benavidez. Right and knee by Benavidez. Big right by Benavidez. He’s gaining confidence. Benavidez landed another right. More punches by Benavidez. Both were swinging and McCall landed. Benavidez bleeding down the center of his forehead. 10-9 Benavidez.

Second round: Both out trading punches. Body kick by Benavidez. Body kick by McCall. Right by Benavidez. Benavidez landed good punches now. Benavidez has him pinned against the fence. Righ uppercut by Benavidez. McCall landed a right. Benavidez shot and McCall sprawled. McCall ended up on top in side contorl and throwing punches. McCall has his back now. Benavidez back to his feet. Knee by McCall while he’s pinned Benavidez against the fence. Another knee by McCall. 10-9 McCall so we’re even after two rounds.

Third round: Both swinging and Benavidez landing big punches while McCall laughed. McCall landed a counter. Benavidez going for a takedown. Body kick by Benavidez. Body kick by Benavidez. Benavidez landing more punches. Takedown by McCall and he moved to side control. Benavidez right back up. Benavidez with two punches and moved in with two more punches. Another trade. Body kick by Benavidez.

All three have it 29-28 Benavidez. Right call. More booing than I’d expect.

JON FITCH VS. DEMIAN MAIA, WELTERWEIGHTS

First round: Maia shot in for a takedown right away. And he got it and has Fitch’s back. Fitch back up. Maia in the piggy back position with a body triangle punching. Maia going for a choke but doesn’t have it. The Brazilians are taking over the crowd. Maia piggy backing him for two minutes now. Maia punching from that position. Now the crowd is booing. Maia took him back down and has his back. Fitch back up. Maia tried a suplex but Fitch blocked it. Maia took him down again. Maia throwing knees from back position. or back poitsio. Maia still working for a choke on the ground. Maia punching the body. Fitch has done zero offense this round. 10-8 Maia.

Second round: Fitch with a punch and body kick and low kick. Fitch with a punch and head kick. Maia with another takedown but this time Fitch is back up quickly. Maia with two lefts and took Fitch down and has his back again. Maia again trying for a choke. Maia throwing more punches. Fitch working for a choke. Fitch out of it again. Maia gave it up before burning out his arms. Fitch can’t get position on him when Maia can’t get the submissions which is the key to the fight. Maia keeping back position. Fitch trying to turn the corner and can’t. Maia continues to rough him up from back position. Fitch again trying to turn and can’t. Fitch simply can’t escape the body triangle. Maia’s round dominant, 20-18 and again you could make a case for a 10-8 round here as well.

Third round: Maia in and has his back immediately and working for a takedown. Fitch trying to get away. Maia has his back, has him down and going for a choke. Crowd booing the fight. Me, I think Maia is awesome at this weight to be able to do this for three rounds to Fitch. Fitch back up. Maia shot in. Fitch going for a guillotine. No chance he gets this and gave it up. Fitch on top now but he needs a finish. Maia back up. This fight really showcased how Maia is at another level as a grappler. Fitch up but Maia shooting and got another takedown. Crowd booing. Fitch just had no answers for him as a grappler and it’s something to see. 30-26 Maia.

Scores: All three had it 30-27 for Maia

ALISTAIR OVEREEM VS. ANTONIO BIGFOOT SILVA, HEAVYWEIGHTS

First round: This is not a hot crowd tonight, tho aside from Woodley and the opener no real standout stuff. Both cheered equally. They are in a clinch. Overeem backed out of it and then moved back into the clinch. Overeem with knees and Silva with punches while Overeem held the bearhug. Silva went for the clinch. Overeem with some knee and Silva with punches from the clinch. Overeem landed some punches and then Silva threw a front kick. Left by Overeem and body kick. Low kick by Silva. Overeem pushed him into the cage. Nothing round Overeem very slightly but you could call it even if you wanted 10-9 Overeem.

Second round: Low kick and front kick Silva. Traded punches in a clinch and Overeem powered him down with a belly-to-belly. Silva with elbows from the bottom. Overeem landed a punch from the top. Overeem landing punches to the body. Overeem landed more punches . Silva kicked him off. Overeem landing more punches from the top. Herb Dean considering standing them up. Silva kicked him off. Silva landed an uppercut and missed big punches. Knees by Silva late. Silva came on strong late but Overeem’s round so up 20-18, but Overeem is tired at this point and he’s a frontrunner.

Third round: Crowd into the size of these huge guys as they charged at each other like rams. Silva landed punches and has hurt him. Now Silva teeing off and Overeem is about to go. He’s down and out. This place has gone crazy. Silva was yelling at Overeem after beating him when he was knocked out. Overeem must have said something to Silva during this fight because he was pissed like you wouldn’t believe. 10 hard punches at the end by Silva, all landing solidly.  Spectacular knockout finish. :25

RASHAD EVANS VS. ANTONIO ROGERIO NOGUEIRA, LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHTS

First round: Body kick by Evans. Another body kick by Evans. Crowd booing abouit 90 seconds in becuase it’s a slow open. Another body kick by Evans. Nogueira landed a right. Good left by Nogueira. Another left by Nogueira. Evans moved in and landed a right. Evans got the takedown but Nogueira right back up. Both landed punches. Body kick by Evans. Very close round 10-9 Evans.

Second round: Nogueira landed two lefts. Good left by Nogueira. Body kick by Nogueira. Evans back with punches. Low kick by Evans. Two big punches by Nogueira. Nogueira landed several more punches. Evans went for the takedown and couldn’t get it. Now both trading punches. Nogueira outboxing Evans badly. Evans fired back with big punches. Nogueira landed another left. Evans with a right. Head kick by Evans and Nogueira reacted like "that’s all you got." 10-9 Nogueira so we’re tied 19-19 after two.

Third round: Nogueira landed the left. Body kick by Nogueira. Evans landed three shots. Noguera back with punches. Evans poked him in the eye. They are taking him to see the doctor. Now he’s back. Nogueira with a body kick. Nogueira landed lefts and some more. Evans went for the takedown and couldn’t get it. Another left by Nogueira. Both landing single punches but Nogueira landing cleaner. Crowd booing as time is running out and no fireworks. Nogueira, but this round was very close 29-28.

Scores: All three have it 29-28 Nogueira. Evans was pissed but it was the right call. Nobody is booing the decision. Evans walked out of the cage immediately like he was pissed. No interview for Nogueira.

A lot of questions will be asked about the Blackzillians after this show.

JOSE ALDO JR. VS. FRANKIE EDGAR, FEATHERWEIGHTS 

First round: Edgar mixed reaction, the Brazilians are making the most noise tonight. Steve Mazzagatti is the ref. Always comforting. Loud Frankie chants now for the American fans. Now Aldo chant back. Aldo chants are loud now. Now super loud Frankie chants. Aldo landed an uppercut. Also landed another left. Big right by by Aldo. Edgar getting some blood coming from the nose. Aldo with a left. Edgar moving in, threw a spin kick but missed. Edgar hasn’t been able to hit Aldo yet. Really loud Aldo chant. Now loud Frankie chant back. Cool atmosphere but not much happening this round. Aldo landing some more. Edge chasing but not connecting with anything. Low kick by Aldo followed by a punch. A series of punches by Aldo. Aldo 10-9

Second round: Edgar landed a few early. Aldo fired back. Edgar thought takedown but didn’t come close. Both landed. Edgar went for a takedown but didn’t get it. Great low kick by Aldo staggered Edgar. Edgar in landed a right. Low kick knocked Edgar down. Edgar’s left leg is all welted. Another low kick. Edgar moved forward but Aldo nailed him with a flying knee. Edgar has him pinned against the fence. Low kick by Aldo, Edgar tackled him down but Aldo was right up. Frankie chant. Aldo snapped his head back with two jabs. Spin kick by Aldo missed. Good round, Aldo up 20-18.

Third round: Edgar took him down to start the round but Aldo back up. Aldo chants. Great front kick to head by Aldo. Edgar stayed right in there. Edgar’s nose bleeding. Edgar in with more punches. It appears Edgar is fresher at this point. Edgar went for a takdown but couldnt’ get ti. Edgar landed a right. Edgar’s round so 29-28 Aldo after three.

Fourth round: Edgar starting to land low kicks. Edgar is the one faster. Aldo witha spin kick to the body. And a low kick but Edgar fired back quickly. Spin kick by Edgar didn’t land. Edgar going for a takedown, didn’t get it, but landing punches. Frankie chats. Edgar’s face looks like hell, particularly the left eye. Aldo landed a few. Big takedown by Edgar. He’s behind him throwing knees. Tried a suplex but blocked. USA chant. Edgar’s round so 38-38 going into the fifth.

Fifth round: The doctor is looking at Edgar’s left eye. They are letting him continue. He’s in better shape than Aldo at this point. Fans definitely appreciate this fight. Aldo landed a few jabs. Edgar moving in for a takedown but didn’t get it. Aldo landing jabs but Edgar landed a spin kick to the body. Aldo landed more. Edgar went for a takedown, didn’t get it but landed a knee. Edgar landed a right. Edgar landing more punches. Body kick by Edgar. Another body kick. Trading punches, Aldo withe the best punch. Edgar landed. Edgar tried a takedown and couldn’t get it. Both landing . Edar with a left. Trading punches back and forth. Big punches by Aldo. Both celebrating. Very close fifth round, I’ve got it 48-47 Edgar, we’ll see, could be 48-47 the other way..

Scores: 49-46, 49-46, 48-47 Aldo. Almost everyone at press row where I’m sitting had the last three rounds for Edgar. I could see the fifth going to Aldo, it was that close and him getting the decision, but not rounds three and four. The crowd was chocked by those scores and lots of boos.

VIDEO: THE ROCK'S SUPER BOWL AD FOR MILK

2/2 ROH TV TAPING RESULTS FROM BALTIMORE, MD

Here are the results from the Du Burns Arena.
In the opener, while Caprice Coleman and Cedric Alexander were working, Rhino came out and gored them both.
Jay Lethal beat Jimmy Jacobs. Rhino came out to attack Lethal but Kevin Steen made the save.
Tadarius Thomas defeated QT Marshall in a Top Prospect Tournament semifinal match.

Matt Taven beat Silas Young in a Top Prospect Tournament semifinal match.

Matt Taven then beat Tadarius Thomas to win the Top Prospect Tournament.  Truth Martini helped Taven win.
Roderick Strong, Bobby Fish and Kyle O’Reilly beat Michael Elgin and The American Wolves.
Steve Corino and Rhino won a squash.
Grizzly Redwood and Vinny Marseglia went to a no-contest when Steen interfered.

Steen then beat Redwood.

The Briscoes beat Charlie Haas and Shelton Benjamin to retain the ROH Tag Titles. The match stip was that if Haas and Benjamin lost, they wouldn't be allowed to team again.  Haas turned causing the loss.
Eddie Edwards beat Rhett Titus.

MsChif beat Mia Yim.

Michael Elgin beat Matt Hardy, Roderick Strong and Davey Richards in a Fatal Four Way to become No. 1 contender for the ROH TV Title.
Really good show.

RING OF HONOR TELEVISION REPORT: TAG TEAM GAUNTLET; TOP PROSPECT TOURNAMENT CONTINUES; RODERICK STRONG AND MICHAEL ELGIN IN ACTION; AND MORE

Last week, Jay Lethal got his title match against Kevin Steen, but I don’t think he expected it would be so easy. We also saw Adam Cole successfully defend the Television Title against BJ Whitmer, but Matt Hardy is not giving up in his quest for a title match.

We are in Baltimore, Maryland and your announcers are Kevin Kelly and Caleb Seltzer.
Truth Martini is with Kevin and Caleb at the announce table.
Match Number One: Antonio Thomas versus Tadarius Thomas in a Top Prospect Tournament First Round Match
Antonio attacks Tadarius before the bell rings. Tadarius with chops but Antonio with an Irish whip. Antonio with a belly-to-back suplex for a near fall. Antonio punches Tadarius and chokes him. Antonio sends Tadarius into the turnbuckles. Antonio with an Irish whip into the turnbuckles and hits a fisherman suplex and gets a near fall. Antonio with a rake of the eyes and he applies a reverse chin lock.
Antonio with an abdominal stretch but Tadarius with an elbow. Antonio returns to the abdominal stretch. Tadarius goes to the apron and Antonio chokes Tadarius in the ropes. Tadarius with a triangle choke in the ropes.
Tadarius with a rollup for a near fall. Tadarius with a round kick to the head. Antonio misses a kick and Tadarius with a series of kicks and a leaping punch and more kicks to Antonio followed by a wrap around flying clothesline by Tadarius. Tadarius goes up top but Antonio crotches him.
Antonio with a European uppercut but Tadarius with a swinging neck breaker from the turnbuckles and both men are down. Antonio punches Tadarius but Tadarius punches back. Tadarius with a forearm but Antonio with another abdominal stretch. Tadarius with a back heel kick and he gets the three count.
Winner: Tadarius Thomas (Advances to face QT Marshall in the semi-finals)
We go to commercial.
We are back and Mike Mondo is with Kevin and Caleb at the announce table. Kevin asks Mike about his rehabilitation and he says that he will be back sooner than later. He has a doctor’s appointment in the next few weeks to get an update on his condition.
We have a video package about Grizzly Redwood, including footage of Redwood’s preshow victory over QT Marshall at Final Battle.
Match Number Two: Roderick Strong versus Grizzly Redwood
Strong backs off before locking up and Strong tells Grizzly that he knows that Grizzly knows that him facing Roderick tonight is a big deal. He knows that Roderick facing him is a small deal. He tells everyone he did not mean it like that. Not just in wrestling, but in life, Grizzly will always come up short.
Redwood with punches but Strong with a knee and punch. Strong with punches in the corner. Strong with a belly-to-back suplex for a near fall. Redwood avoids Strong and Redwood with a drop kick to the knee. Redwood with an abdominal stretch and he gets a near fall with a rollup. Strong sends Redwood to the apron and Strong with a knee.
Strong with a butterfly back breaker for a near fall. Strong with an Irish whip but he misses a charge into the corner and Redwood with a chop. Strong runs into an elbow and boot followed by a seated splash.
The suspenders are down and he goes to the turnbuckles but Strong catches Redwood and hits a power slam for a near fall. Strong tries for a half nelson back breaker but Redwood counters and tries for a crucifix driver but Redwood cannot get Strong over. Redwood with a sunset flip for a near fall.
Redwood with an inside cradle for a near fall. Redwood with a tornado DDT for a near fall. Redwood with a sleeper but Strong gets to his feet and he throws Redwood into the turnbuckles. Strong with a running knee into the corner followed by a running forearm and a gutbuster from the fireman’s carry for a near fall.
Redwood with a rollup for a near fall. Strong with a knee and a half nelson back breaker followed by the Strong Hold and Redwood taps out.
Winner: Roderick Strong
After the match, Strong refuses to release the Strong Hold. Michael Elgin comes to the ring and Strong leaves the ring unscathed.
We go to commercial.
Match Number Three: Michael Elgin versus Mike Bennett (with Maria Kanellis and Bob Evans)
Evans gets on the apron at the start of the match and Elgin knocks Evans off the apron and Bennett goes for the leg. Elgin tries for a crossface but Bennett escapes. Elgin with a power slam for a near fall. Bennett retreats to the corner and Elgin misses a charge and Bennett with a rollup for a near fall. Bennett suggests that he is going to hit a cradle piledriver but Elgin with a back body drop that sends Bennett over the top rope to the floor.
Elgin with a running shoulder tackle off the apron. Elgin chops Bennett and then Elgin sets for a running power slam into the ring post but Elgin escapes and he hits a spinebuster onto the apron. Bennett gets a near fall when they return to the ring. Bennett with a quarter nelson and chin lock. Elgin with an overhead belly-to-belly throw.
Elgin with a running clothesline into the corner and he does the same on the other side of the ring. Elgin with a spinning side slam for a near fall. Bennett gets Elgin on his shoulders but Michael escapes. Elgin with forearms and an enzuigiri. Bennett with a TKO to Elgin but Elgin kicks out at two. Bennett sets for a power bomb but Elgin escapes and he kicks Bennett in the head and then hits a forearm to the back of the head.
Elgin with a running Death Valley Driver into the turnbuckles and Elgin gets a near fall. Elgin goes up top for the delayed superplex but Maria grabs Elgin’s leg. Elgin tries to superplex Maria but Bob holds on. Bennett with a forearm to the back and then he hits a Box Office Smash from the turnbuckles but Bennett can only get a two count.
Bennett sets for the cradle piledriver but Elgin runs Bennett into the turnbuckles. Bennett with a kick and he goes to the turnbuckles but Elgin with a clothesline to Bennett. Elgin with a buckle bomb followed by a spinning sit out power bomb for the three count.
Winner: Michael Elgin
We go to commercial.
We are back with Inside Ring of Honor. This week, we take a look at Jay Lethal versus Kevin Steen as well as BJ Whitmer.
Jay Lethal has been seeking a match against Kevin Steen even though he could not get a title match against Steen. Two weeks ago, Jay Lethal was given an ultimatum to behave. Jay was told what he had to do in order to get a title match. He found out that he had to get Kevin Steen to give the okay for the match.
That happened last week when Kevin told Jay ‘I Accept’ and left.
The match will take place at the 11th Anniversary Show on March 2nd.
BJ Whitmer came close to winning the Television Title last week. After the match, ROH cameras caught up with him. Whitmer says that Adam has a hell of a future. BJ says that he was not at 100% but he probably hasn’t been at 100% since 2001. Going through the table will probably cost him a neck surgery sooner or later.
As long as he can walk he will be out there. The best is yet to come.
Next week, we will look at the Top Prospect Tournament, look at the show in Cincinnati and a look at the 11th Anniversary Show.
We go to commercial.
Match Number Four:Tag Team Gauntlet to Determine the Number One Contenders for the Tag Titles
Team Number One: Davey Richards and Eddie Edwards
Team Number Two: Harlem and Lancelot Bravado
Davey and Harlem start things off and Charlie Haas goes to ringside and then goes to the announce table. Harlem slaps Richards but Richards with a drop kick. Edwards with a power slam to Harlem and Richards with a diving head butt from the turnbuckles for a near fall. Edwards tags back in and he chops Harlem. Harlem with a forearm and chop to fight Edwards’ offense. Harlem with a knee and he tags in Lancelot.
They hit a double back elbow on Edwards and hit a double elbow drop for a near fall. Lancelot with a front face lock but Richards tags in and hits a head butt. Richards with a clothesline and then he knocks Harlem off the apron. Davey with a cloverleaf with his arm trapped and Eddie adds extra pressure while the referee deals with Harlem.
Richards with a boot and then he tags in Edwards. Eddie with a suplex and he gets a near fall. Harlem tags back in and he chops Eddie. Harlem sends Eddie into the turnbuckles and kicks him. Richards tags back in and he kicks Harlem and then knocks Lancelot off the apron. Edwards misses a splash into the corner and he goes into the ring post. Richards kicks Lancelot and then sends Harlem to the apron.
Harlem with a slingshot stunner on Richards followed by a running clothesline by Lancelot. Richards with knees to escape a double suplex and then he hits an enzuigiri on Lancelot. Harlem with forearms to Davey but Edwards with a super kick and a back heel kick from Richards. Richards with a kick while Edwards chops Harlem. Richards with an ankle lock but Lancelot tries to break it up with forearms but Richards holds on.
Richards spits in Lancelot’s face and Lancelot comes off the ropes but he is cut off by Edwards who hits a Maple Leaf into an Achilles Lock. Both Bravados with rollups on Edwards and Richards for a near fall. Harlem with forearms to Richards but Edwards sends Harlem into the air for the Alarm Clock but Harlem blocks it and he sends Richards’ leg into Edwards’ chest. Richards blocks an enzuigiri and he applies an ankle lock on Harlem and Harlem taps out.
Harlem and Lancelot Bravado Eliminated
Team Number Three: Steve Corino and Jimmy Jacobs
Corino and Jacobs go after Richards and Edwards after discussing strategy. Jacob works over Edwards while Corino goes after Richards. Richards and Edwards send Jacobs and Corino over the top rope to the apron. Richards and Corino with kicks to the back that send Jacobs and Corino to the floor. Richards and Edwards with stereo suicide dives onto Jacobs and Corino.
Richards sends Jacobs back into the ring and Edwards Irish whips Richards into Jacobs but Jacobs sends Richards to the apron. Eddie and Davey with kicks to the front and back of Jacobs’ head. Edwards with a belly-to-back Falcon Arrow and Richards goes up top for a missile drop kick and Eddie gets a near fall.
Jacobs with an Irish whip but he misses a charge into the corner. Corino with a clothesline from the apron. Richards kicks Corino off the apron and he follows with a back heel kick to Jacobs. Richards goes to the apron and tries for the running kick to Corino, but Steve blocks it. Jacobs with a spear on the apron. Edwards chops Corino and Corino with a low blow to Edwards. Corino goes for the sliding clothesline but Edwards counters with a rollup for the three count.
Steve Corino and Jimmy Jacobs Eliminated
After the fall, Jacobs attacks Edwards’ injured shoulder but Davey returns to the ring and he punches Jacobs. Corino hits Richards in the head with the ring bell and Jacobs with a running cutter on Edwards. Corino hits Edwards with the roll of quarters.
Team Number Four: Bobby Fish and Kyle O’Reilly
Fish and O’Reilly kick Edwards and Richards. The referee gains control and it is Fish and Edwards. Fish with a kick and knee to Edwards in the corner. Fish with an elbow drop and Kyle tags in and he drops a knee on Edwards’ chest. Kyle gets a near fall. Fish tags back in and he kicks Richards off the apron. Fish and O’Reilly with a double irish wihp. Edwards with a boot to Kyle followed by a kick to Fish.
Edwards with a dragon screw leg whip on O’Reilly. Eddie struggles to make the tag and he succeeds. Richards takes Fish into the turnbuckles and he kicks Bobby. Kyle charges into the corner to attack Richards from behind but Davey moves and then he kicks Kyle in the chest. The referee warns Richards. Davey with an Irish whip and running forearm to Kyle followed by a running drop kick into the corner on Fish.
Kyle with a bicycle kick to Davey but Richards with a round kick and German suplex on Kyle. Kyle pops up and runs into a clothesline from Davey and Davey gets a near fall. Kyle slaps Davey but Davey slaps back. They go back and forth until Davey connects with a back heel kick. Fish holds Richards in the ropes. Kyle with a forearm to Fish but a knee from Kyle to Davey.
Edwards sends Kyle into the air for an Alarm Clock from Richards. Eddie with a belly-to-back Falcon Arrow. Davey with the running kick to Fish. Richards and Edwards go up top and Edwards with a double stomp to the back and then Davey with one to the chest. O’Reilly is able to kick out.
Fish kicks Richards in the leg and Kyle with a kick to Eddie. Kyle with a kick to the back of the head followed by a forearm. Fish and O’Reilly with a high low combination but they can only get a near fall. Kyle gets Edwards up for a brainbuster but Fish kicks Edwards in the head before O’Reilly drives Eddie into the mat. Kyle gets the three count on Edwards.
Davey Richards and Eddie Edwards Eliminated
Winners: Bobby Fish and Kyle O’Reilly
We go to credits.

KID KASH DOES A 180 ON WHETHER HE IS STILL WORKING FOR TNA

After initially denying our report that he was released from TNA, Kid Kash has posted the following on his Twitter account: "As of today I'm no Longer with TNA Wrestling. I'm available for all worldwide bookings. Contact me on twitter or @pwabookings for info".  Today, when he was actually released, what's the difference!

ONE FC 7 results: Banario wins title in bizarre finish, Kojima earns title shot

In the headliner of today's "ONE FC 7: Return of Warriors" event, Banario stopped the fight with a fourth-round punch, though Kelly complained of an eyepoke after the blow landed. The ref, though, quickly waved off the bout and awarded Banario the TKO victory.

The event took place at Putra Indoor Arena in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. It streamed in North America as part of an online pay-per-view.

The first round of the title saw a bit of a feeling-out process. Banario fired off numerous kicks, but little landed as Kelly used a conservative plan to spend little energy.

Kelly briefly came to life in the second round as he connected on a big overhand right, but it was one of his few highlights in the fight. He briefly dragged his opponent to the mat but couldn't keep him there, and Banario then continued with leg and body kicks, as well as a brief barrage of ground and pound after a drag-takedown.

As the fight entered later rounds, Kelly never really came to life. Banario remained the more active fighter and landed kicks often at will. Then, early in the fourth round, he connected with a looping left that caught Kelly right under the eye. After hitting the mat, Kelly, who immediately began bleeding from a cut right under his eye, waved to the ref and appeared to signal he had been poked.

Replays, though, showed what appeared to be a close fist from Banario. Regardless, the ref halted the fight and awarded the TKO victory 61 seconds into the fourth round.

Banario (8-1), who looked sharp despite struggling to make weight for the fight, picks up his eighth stoppage in eight career wins.

Kelly (9-1), meanwhile, suffers the first loss of his career, which had included a 3-0 run with ONE FC.

Kojima earns No. 1 contender's status

In the day's co-headliner, Japanese veteran Shinichi "B.J." Kojima (13-5-5) earned No. 1 contender's status and a guaranteed title shot with a second-round submission victory over previously unbeaten Filipino flyweight Rey Docyogen (10-1).

The first round proved a close. Kojima scored an early takedown and popped his opponent with knees as he got back to his feet, but Docyogen ultimately escaped. However, Docyogen was briefly wobbled with a right hand to the ear before he ultimately reset, shook it off, and unloaded a nice high-, low- and mid-kick combo. He then scored a flash knockdown with a right hand as the round ended.

The second round seemed as thought it'd belong to Docyogen, who connected with loud low kicks and some heavy punches during a brief slugfest. However, though Docyogen was able to fend off an initial guillotine-choke attempt, he couldn't shake one late in the round. Kojima slapped on the choke, secured a body lock and torqued the hold to force a frantic tap-out at the 4:47 mark of the round.

Kojima, whose post-fight interview consisted of little more than screaming and bowing, was once considered one of the world's top flyweights. Since his return from a two-year layoff, the former Shooto champion has won three of four fights in his return to relevancy.

The full "ONE FC 7: Return of Warriors" results included:

• Honorio Banario def. Eric Kelly via TKO - Round 4, 1:01 - wins inaugural featherweight title
• Shinichi Kojima def. Rey Docyogen via submission (guillotine choke) - Round 2, 4:47
• Lowen Tynanes def. Vuyisile Colossa via submission (rear-naked choke) - Round 3, 4:37
• Peter Davis def. Leo Krishna via TKO (doctor's stoppage due to cut) - Round 1, 2:01
• Adam Kayoom def. Zuli Silawanto via submission (rear-naked choke) - Round 1, 3:41
• Thanh Vu def. Ryan Diaz via TKO (punches) - Round 1, 1:03 - bantamweight grand-prix quarterfinal
• Melvin Yeoh def. Raymond Tiew via submission (triangle choke) - Round 2, 3:29 - Malaysian featherweight-tourney opening round
• Jian Kai Chee def. A.J. Lias Mansor via unanimous decision - Malaysian featherweight-tourney opening round
• Saiful Merican def. Gianni Subba via submission (armbar) - Round 2, 4:08
• Jake Butler def. Antoni Romulo via TKO (strikes) - Round 1, 2:46

One FC 7 - Return of Warriors Card!

Fight card

Main event

Versus

Honorio Banario

yet to come 7 - 1 - 0 (Win - Loss - Draw)

Eric Kelly

yet to come 9 - 0 - 0 (Win - Loss - Draw)

Match 10

Method

Referee N/A

Round 0

Time 0:00

Match	Fighters			Method	Round	Time
9	Shinichi Kojima yet to come	vs	Rey Docyogen yet to come	N/A	0	0:00
8	Vuyisile Colossa yet to come	vs	Lowen Tynanes yet to come	N/A	0	0:00
7	Leo Krishna yet to come	vs	Peter Davis yet to come	N/A	0	0:00
6	Zuli Silawanto yet to come	vs	Adam Shahir Kayoom yet to come	N/A	0	0:00
5	Thanh Vu yet to come	vs	Mohamed Fouzi yet to come	N/A	0	0:00
4	Raymond Tiew yet to come	vs	Melvin Yeoh yet to come	N/A	0	0:00
3	A.J. Lias Mansor yet to come	vs	Jian Kai Chee yet to come	N/A	0	0:00
2	Gianni Subba yet to come	vs	Saiful Merican yet to come	N/A	0	0:00
1	Jake Butler yet to come	vs	Antoni Romulo yet to come	N/A	0	0:00

VIDEO: UFC 156 - ALDO VS. EDGAR WEIGH-IN

WWE Wrestlemania 30 possible location!

As of today, the front runner for being the location hosting Wrestlemania 30 is New Orleans.

WWE Smackdown TV report

Report from tonight's Smackdown show taped Tuesday in San Diego:

Alberto Del Rio is in the parking lot with a stick.

Booker T and Teddy Long are in the ring with Kane, Daniel Bryan, Great Khali, Randy Orton, Sheamus and  Dolph Ziggler, Big E Langston and A.J. are outside the ring.  He noted that all the guys are former world champions and now have a shot to win the world title if they can win the elimination chamber match.  There are six spots available.  Jack Swagger returned.  He's changed his look, slicked back hair and a beard.  He noted that he's a former world champion and he wants to be in the elimination chamber.  Booker T told him he has to earn it.  Ziggler noted he could compete in the most barbaric match or sit back and win this.  He said he knows he can win the world title if the champion is Alberto Del Rio.  Booker said you can chicken out of the elimination chamber match but you can't chicken out of your match with Alberto Del Rio.  Booker said everyone in the ring will have a match and they have to impress him and Teddy Long.  Booker then announced the opener as :

Kane & Daniel Bryan vs. Rey Mysterio & Sin Cara:  The finish saw Mysterio use the 619 and splash on Daniel Bryan.  Kane and Bryan argued after the match. 

They pushed Mysterio & Sin Cara as contenders for the tag team title.

Alberto Del Rio is still in the parking lot.  Matt Striker asked him if he was waiting for the Big Show.  He said he was just outside trying to get some fresh air.

Great Khali vs. Jinder Mahal

Khali won with a chop and tree slam.  Khali had chopped Drew McIntyre off the apron when he was doing pelvic thrusts at Natalya.  Real bad but at least it was short.

Booker T and Teddy Long said that Khali looked impressive.  Did so with a straight face even.  Booker said he was blindsided by the return of Jack Swagger.  Long said that was his idea since Swagger was a former world champion.  Cody Rhodes & Damien Sandow told them they were dissolving the tag team, they were pursuing singles action but they were remaining friends.  They said they were best friends.  Booker then told Sandow he's got a singles match with Sheamus.  Booker said it looks like Sandow went from Rhodes Scholars to Roadkill and he and Long started laughing about it.

Monday on Raw will be Miz TV with Miz interviewing Paul Heyman.

Sheamus vs. Damien Sandow

Sheamus was beating on Sandow in a short match when The Shield showed up.  Sheamus got the early edge giving Seth Rollins a Brogue kick and then throwing Roman Reigns out of the ring but they eventually got the better of him and laid him out with a triple power bomb.  Sandow just disappeared while this was going on.

Randy Orton vs. Wade Barrett

Barrett gave the elbow to the ringpost when Orton moved.  Orton gave Barrett and draping DDT and RKO in a short match.

Wade Barrett was doing an interview when he saw Bo Dallas and jumped him from behind.  Barrett beat hi down rather quickly.

Kofi Kingston vs. Jack Swagger

Kingston went for a Trouble in Paradise outside the ring but Swagger moved and Kingston kicked the announcers table, injuring his ankle.  Swagger used an ankle lock for the clean submission.

Alberto Del Rio was still in the parking lot.  Big Show arrived in his tour bus.  Del Rio went after him.  He tried to hit Show but smashed a window of a car that Show was running around.  Show climbed to the top of  car.  Del Rio took out his leg with the club and he took a bump on the roof of he car.  Del Rio was pounding on him.  Del Rio went for an armbar, but Show got out and Del Rio rolled off the roof.  Show ran away into another car. Somehow Del Rio couldn't catch him running after him.  Show got in the car and peeled away.

Alberto Del Rio vs. Dolph Ziggler

Before the match, Del Rio told Ricardo Rodriguez, who was wearing a neck brace, to stay in the back because he was hurt.  The San Diego crowd was hot for Del Rio unlike most of the cities since his turn.  Good match, particularly the last two minutes.  Midway through the match, the ref tossed Big E Langston out.  Del Rio won clean with the armbar. 

After the match Big Show was on the screen with Rodriguez.  Show said if you ever attack me again, I will hurt him, I will hurt you.  Rodriguez was begging.  Show told him he'd let him go.  then he knocked him out.  Del Rio ran to the back.  Del Rio was screaming for the doctor.  Then the show ended.

Notes from the UFC 156 weigh-in

Weigh-ins for tomorrow night's show at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas:

Facebook at 7 p.m.

Francisco Rivera (8-2, 1 no contest, 137) vs. Edwin Figueroa (9-1, 137.5) - Rivera had to strip and try a second time.  And he was still 137.  Lots of commotion because these guys weigh in backstage before and both expected to make it.  Looks like the backstage scale may be off in which case lots of guys are going to miss.

Dustin Kimura (10-0, 139.5) vs. Chico Camus (12-3, 134) - Kimura has no excuse missing by that much.  Camus making it says scale couldn't be that off.

FX at 8 p.m.

Isaac Vallie-Flagg (13-3-1, 156) vs. Yves Edwards (42-18-1, 155) - Vallie-Falgg when he took off his socks, they are some nasty looking socks.  Edwards was eating a candy bar coming to the scale.  What a nice guy.  He offered Vallie-Flagg a bite but he declined.

Bobby Green (19-5, 155) vs. Jacob Volkmann (156)

Jay Hieron (23-6, 168) vs. Tyron Woodley (10-1, 170) - Woodley looks in excellent shape.

Evan Dunham (13-3, 155) vs. Gleison Tibau (35-8, 155)

PPV at 10 p.m.

Ian McCall (11-3-1, 125) vs. Joseph Benavidez (16-3, 126)

Demian Maia (170) vs. Jon Fitch (171)

Antonio Silva (17-4, 262) vs. Alistair Overeem (36-11, 1 no contest, 264) - Overeem huge, but not anywhere near as muscular as against Brock. 

Antonio Rogerio Nogueira (20-5, 206) vs. Rashad Evans (22-2-1, 206)

Jose Aldo Jr. (145) vs. Frank Edgar (144) for the featherweight title - Edgar does look smaller at this weight. 

TNA and Bellator ratings

Impact did a 1.2 rating.

The 1/31 edition of Impact did 1,580,000 viewers.  That is up slightly from last week.

Bellator did a 0.6 rating

NXT TV tapings 1-31 Winter Park, FL

Notes from tonight's tapings

Dark match

Natalya b Charlotte (Ashley Fliehr-Johnson, the former Nature Girl in the Volleyball Magazines)

Show No. 1

Axl Keegan vs. Mike Dalton were about to start when Paige attacked ring announcer Summer Rae (former lingerie football league star).  Dusty Rhodes tells Paige to get out of the ring but she refuses.  Summer Rae came back and challenged her.  They did a pull-apart and Rhodes made the match for later in the show.

Corey Graves b Alex Riley

Summer Rae b Paige

Adrian Neville (formerly Pac) & Oliver Grey b Rowan & Luke Harper (Brodie Lee) in the finals of the tournament to crown the first NXT tag team champions when Neville pinned Harper after a shooting star press.

Damien Sandow interview building up Sandow vs. Rnady Orton at the tapings on 2/21

Show No. 2

Bray Wyatt b Yoshi Tatsu

Xavier Woods b El Local (Ricardo Rodriguez under a mask)

Audrey Marie b Sasha Banks

Tyson Kidd interview.  Leo Kruger comes out and kicks Kidd's ctuch away and hit him with his crutch until Justin Gabriel made the save

Big E Langston b Conor O'Brien to retain the NXT title

Corey Graves attacked Langston after the match and stole the belt.

Show No. 3

Justin Gabriel b Leo Kruger

Kruger stole Kidd's crutch after the match and hit Gabriel with it.

Aksana b Emma

Bo Dallas was injured by a mystery person or persons

Conor O'Brien NC Corey Graves when The Shield interfered and laid out both men with triple team power bombs.  The Shield cut a promo saying they are everywhre and talked about laying out John Cena, Ryback and Sheamus.

Alberto Del Rio did an interview with Ricardo Rodriguez (without the mask of ocurse).  Antonio Cesaro came out to challenge Del Rio to a title match.  Dusty Rhodes instead said Cesaro was wrestling Big E Langston next.

Langston b Cesaro via DQ when Graves & O'Brien hit the ring and attacked Langston

Graves & O'Brien were both beating Langston down but he made his own comeback and laid both of them out with his finisher and counted five while pinning both of them.

TNA Impact TV report - First of four shows from England

1.31 Impact Wrestling
by Jeff Hamlin ( hamlin37@hotmail.com) Twitter: @hamlin37

The Big News: A newsworthy trip to England. A taped show, but the big news is Impact will go on the road permanently starting March 14th, leaving the Impact Zone. In storyline news, Bully Ray was reinstated by Hulk Hogan, who feelings has softened for Ray and his daughter. The long-anticipated heel turn of Wes Brisco and Garrett Bischoff finally happened, after Kurt Angle defeated Mr. Anderson in the main event. Joseph Park earned his first Impact victory over Robbie E. Even with Hulk Hogan and Sting, the biggest star of the show came off as Magnus.

Bad Influence came out wearing kilts and dressed like a poor man's Mel Gibson from Braveheart. Then again, considering how things have gone with his career, that should read a modern day Mel Gibson. They got heat since they paid tribute to Scotland and the crowd was from England. Kazarian introduced Christopher Daniels as the man who will be king. Daniels blamed his loss to Jeff Hardy last week on Hardy's face makeup being toxic. He also called Kazarian "Francois." Magnus, who was played up like a big star, showed up to interrupt. It was his first appearance since being laid out by Aces and Eights, and he got a very good reception. Magnus called them disrespectful and said they could fight him. Kazarian and Daniels jumped him, but Magnus made his own comeback and clotheslined both of them from the ring. Magnus did a strong pro-company promo about how Aces and Eights took him out, then challenged Devon for the first Open Fight Night match.

Magnus defeated Devon by DQ in 5:11. It started with a brawl around ringside, where Magnus punched Devon with a cup of beer. Devon got the advantage back with an elbow and several clotheslines, but missed a headbut off the second rope. Magnus hit a Michinoku Driver when Doc ran in for the DQ, but Magnus easily dispatched of him and Mike Knox. Unlike last year, they kept Magnus looking strong in his home country. Christy Hemme's voice was dubbed in for the ring introductions since she missed this show due to illness. *1/2

Bully Ray talked with Sting and Brooke Hogan. Ray said he hadn't heard from Hulk Hogan about possibly being reinstated. Sting told him that Hogan said he would be in England. Brooke gave Bully her phone so he could text Hulk again. Maybe Brooke has 'Sand Sharks" on that phone, as well.

Joseph Park was about to make his challenge for Open Fight Night when Robbie E. and Robbie T. came out. Robbie E. thought it was a joke that Park was even wrestling, and called him a hamster, like everyone else in the U.K. That earned him a nasty look from Robbie T, so Robbie E. said everybody but Robbie T. Robbie E. said he was basically from America anyway, which Robbie T wasn't happy about either. Robbie E threw down Park's book, which was filled with notes after reviewing tape and scouting, and Park agreed to fight him on the spot.

2. Joseph Park defeated Robbie E in 3:30. Park was great doing spots that you would expect from someone three weeks out of wrestling school. Robbie E. hit a flying clothesline, but missed a crotch dive and Park did some spots similar to Abyss during his comeback. Park caught a belly-to-belly suplex and pinned Robbie E. after a second-rope splash. Park acted like he had won the World title, while Robbie E. argued with Robbie T. like he had hit rock bottom in his career. Good for what it was designed to be.  *1/2

Hulk Hogan arrived to the building.

Austin Aries and Bobby Roode were in the ring. Aries called them the two most valuable members of the Impact roster, while the rest of the roster was out to steal money from the company. Too bad he wasn't around in 2009. Aries said they were going to take every title in the company, and they were going to start with the World Tag Team Championship, which would be easiest. Roode said Chavo Guerrero and Hernandez were nothing but a couple of wankers. This brought out Guerrero and Hernandez. Guerrero said they hadn't even earned a tag team victory yet, so they hadn't earned a title shot. Guerrero suggested they fight. Aries said if he or Roode win, they get a shot at the tag belts. Roode could be overheard saying he was just going to suggest that. Guerrero stepped in for the champions, and Aries agreed to wrestle, though Roode wanted to.

3. Austin Aries defeated Chavo Guerrero in 10:29. Aries hit a hot shot right away, but Guerrero came back with a con hilo. Later, Guerrero gave Aries a baseball slide into Roode, and Guerrero hit Roode with a pescado. But Aries quickly flattened Guerrero after a tope. Crowd had dueling chants as Aries missed a frog splash,and Guerrero started his comeback with a drop kick and a Koppo Kick. Guerrero hit the Three Amigos to set up the frog splash. Guerrero had Aries pinned when Roode ran in the ring. For some reason, it wasn't a DQ as the referee stopped Roode from going any further. Hernandez ran in to stop Roode while Guerrero had Aries pinned. As Hernandez went after Roode, Aries hit Guerrero with a drop kick and finished him with the brainbuster. Crowd wasn't as hot for this match as you would think. Roode and Aries argued about who truly won the match going to the back. ***

Brooke told Ray that her father had showed up. I bet if they watched the show, they would've known that sooner.

Kurt Angle was in the back with Samoa Joe, Wes Brisco and Garrett Bischoff. Angle couldn't believe that Mr. Anderson joined Aces and Eights, and Angle said all he wanted was Anderson one-on-one in a cage tonight. Joe vowed he would get that chance, then snubbed Brisco and Bischoff. Angle told them Joe was just being Joe, but he needed him tonight. Brisco and Bischoff left while Angle warmed up.

Ray and Brooke came out. It should be mentioned that Taz was on commentary, but it was never explained why Ray wasn't looking for him. Of course, the announcers didn't make the trip, so they couldn't. Taz would've been better off taking the night away. Brooke, in high heels, was taller than her husband. Ray said he loved Brooke, and it was that love that got him suspended. Ray told Hulk they had a common enemy, and he  should lift Ray's suspension. Ray urged the crowd to chant for Sting, who I guess would plead Ray's case, as well. Sting came out wearing one of his robes from 1992, which would've been the time WCW toured England. He got a great reaction. Sting basically got the crowd ramped up for Hogan's entrance. Ray opened the ropes for Hogan. Hogan announced he always does the right thing, so he reinstated Ray. He then announced that next week, Ray and Sting would face two members of Aces and Eights in a tables match. Hogan and Ray shook hands. Ray sold it like it was the biggest moment of his career, and Brooke added "showing joy" under her range of facial expressions. The list is now comprised of "looking annoyed, showing joy" and.....well, that's it.

Dixie Carter then appeared in a taped promo for the major announcement. The television taping for Impact would go on the road full-time starting March 14th in Chicago for the Sears Center. Shortly after this announcement went live, David Lagana tweeted "Bye-bye Orlando," which tells you that the Impact Zone will likely go the way of the Asylum in Nashville.

Velvet Sky came out and challenged Tara and Jesse Godderz. Sky said she didn't want a handicap match, and had her own partner in mind. James Storm came out. Taz wondered why would Storm want to tag with Sky. The answer was: because he doesn't have a program.

4. James Storm and Velvet Sky defeated Tara and Jesse Godderz in 3:48. Storm hit the Back Stabber on Godders before making the tag to Sky, who reeled off the Satellite Head Scissors on Tara. Mike Tenay mentioned Super Bowl-wrestling tie-ins at this point, including Stacy Keibler as a former Baltimore Ravens cheerleader. I was waiting for Brandon Jacobs being a member of the 49ers until getting released late in the season, but that was never mentioned. Of course, Jacobs made an appearance last spring for Impact, and may have been the best celebrity athlete performer in company history. To the point where I wouldn't be surprised if the company has already reached out to him in case he never sees the gridiron again. Oh yes, the match. Sky got the pin on Tara with In Yo Face. Just time filler. *
           
Mike Tenay explained Hardy's injury was to his left knee and further updates would be made available next week.

Hogan explained that Ray earned his respect after standing up to Aces and Eights at the wedding that went awry. That's the reason Hogan lifted Ray's suspension, and said they were on the same side.

Anderson said Aces and Eights had made him feel more welcome than anyone ever had n TNA. He said Angle wouldn't be leaving the same way he arrived here.

Angle found Joe laid out in the back. Exactly how he was laid out wasn't explained, but Angle left for his match and told Bischoff to get a doctor. Better attention to detail here because the show closing angle would've made less sense with Joe healthy.

5. Kurt Angle defeated Mr. Anderson in a steel cage match in 15:18. Brisco had the key to the cage door at ringside. Anderson doesn't do his ring entrance shenanigans anymore. That makes sense, but without that, what else does he do? Rules were you could pin your opponent, make him tapout or climb over the cage to win.  Angle turned it on again, and this was the best match on the show. Since this was the first match taped at the show, the crowd was fresh and hot. Angle hit a German suplex right away, but Anderson escaped the Olympic Slam and hit the Lambeau Leap and sent Angle's shoulder into the cage. Angle reversed an Irish Whip into the cage and caught the Olympic Slam for a near fall. They fought on the top rope for awhile before Anderson crotched Angle and covered him for another two count. Anderson went to the top, but Angle followed him up for an Angle Slam off the top for a two count. Anderson hit Angle low and caught his finisher, the Mic Check, but Angle kicked out. Anderson tried to scale the fence again, but Angle grabbed him and gave him a stiff power bomb, then transitioned to the ankle lock. Angle grapevined the leg and Anderson tapped. About as good as you can expect with Anderson in there. ***3/4

Postmatch, a masked Aces and Eights member climbed into the ring. Meanwhile, Brisco unlocked the cage door to get in, as well. Angle ordered Brisco to lock the cage door, supposedly to keep any other Aces and Eights members from entering. The masked Aces and Eights member unmasked, revealing Garrett Bischoff. Angle asked Brisco if he knew anything about this. As Angle charged after Bischoff, Brisco turned on Angle with a chop block. Brisco took off his suit to reveal an Aces and Eights vest, then let his hair down to reveal he had been the long-haired blonde all along. Bischoff gave whatever his finisher is to Angle. They really missed an opportunity to get some major heat with the turn. There were no babyfaces trying to scale the cage trying to go after the heels. No screaming announcers emphasizing this could be in the end of Angle's career. Brisco and Bischoff didn't really do any major damage to Angle to begin with.

SUMMARY: Considering last year's British shows, this was somewhat disappointing. It wasn't a bad show by any means, but the crowd wasn't as hot for Storm and the tag champs. There were missed opportunities in the main event. And Bad Influence should have had a more prominent role on the show. Match quality was fine, and Magnus always looks like a star whenever he visits England. In fact, it's a reminder of how match the company is missing out on him.

Bellator live coverage from Mt. Pleasant, MI - lightweight tournament

The TV show features four matches in the first round of the lightweight tournament:

ALEXANDER TIGER SARANAVSKIY (21-1) VS. THIAGO MICHEL (11-3)

First round: Big right by Sarnavskiy knocked him backwards. Another hard right by Sarnavskiy. Michel missed a spin kick. Sarnavskiy is landing overhand rights. Michel’s shots are mostly being blocked. Sarnavskiy landed a left. Front kick by Sarnavskiy. Sarnavskiy caught his kick and used it to throw Michel down. Michel got a takedown in the waning seconds and went for a guillotine but time ran out. 10-9 Sarnavskiy.

Second round: Sarnavskiy took him down. Michel got up and was taken back down. Sarnavskiy just holding him down. The ref warned him to work. He’s trying to take Michel’s back. Now he’s got it and working for a choke. He got it and Michel tapped out.  3:43

Sarnavskiy faces the winner of Lloyd Woodard vs. David Rickels in the second round.

GUILLAUME DELORENZI (10-1) VS. SAAD AWAD (12-4)

First round: Awad was a late replacement for Patricky Pitbull Freire who is out of the tournament due to a knee injury. Awad hurt him and knocked him down and out. He hurt him with an overhand right and a left hook put him down and out.  :31

WILL BROOKS (10-0) VS. RICARDO TIRLONI (15-3)

First round: Low kick by Brooks. Right by Brooks and a body shot. Knee by Brooks. Tirloni got the single leg takedown. Brooks then took Tirloni down. Tirloni tried a triangle from the bottom. Brooks getting a few shots in. Brooks landed a few punches. Brooks now doing little from the top. Brooks landing a few shots from the top late. He did just enough to win the round 10-9.

Second round: Good high kick by Tirloni. Brooks landed a right. Knee by Brooks . Brooks moved in and got the takedown. Brooks landing punches. Brooks with a kick. Brooks threw Tirloni down. Brooks with another takedown but Tirloni going for a guillotine. Brooks popped out. Tirloni working for a leglock but Brooks out and to his feet. Both trading punches. Tirloni with a left hook and right to the body. Tirloni swelling under left eye. Body kick by Brooks. Tirloni landing shots as well. Knee by Tirloni. Second knee by Tirloni right to the groin. The ref called a time out. Brooks was hurting. Tirloni went or a takedown but Brooks right up. 20-18 Brooks.

Third round: Brooks with an uppercut. Tirloni landed to the body. Tirloni firing but not landing. Nice left right combo by Brooks. Brooks got another takedown. Brooks continuing to land punches for the top, Brooks let him up. Brooks going for a takedown. Knees by Tirloni. Brooks got another takedown with 48 seconds left to pretty much ice the round. Tirloni went for a triangle. It wasn’t dangerous and Brooks pulled out. Brooks’ round 30-27.

All three judges have it 30-27.  Only score possible the way this fight went.

Brooks was in tears after the match.  His adopted mother recently died and he talked about the sacrifices she and his adopted father made for him.

DAVID RICKELS (11-1) VS. LLOYD WOODARD (12-2)

First round: Woodard already has his back. Back suplex by Woodard. He got his back again. Krickels tried a triangle. Woodard slammed him down and broke out of it. Woodard moved to side control. Woodard landing lefts. Rickels punching up. Rickels working for an armbar. Didn’t get it. Woodard continues to ride him. Rickels going for a heel hook but Woodard pulled out. Now Woodard is going for a heel hook. Then he went for a toe hold and Rickels escaped and got up. This allowed Rickels to get punches but Woodard trying a leglock. Rickels on top with punches, bloodied Woodard’s nose. Nickels used a giant swing. Maybe a half rep. 10-9 Woodard

Second round: Rickels with a body kick and punches. Good left by Rickels. Body kick by Rickels. Woodard is tired. Rickels much bigger. Knee to the body by Rickels. Woodard landed a left. Rickels with a right. Woodard dropped him with a left jab. Big momentum change as Woodard now jumped on him on the ground. Rickels is working for an armbar. . He lost it. Big right by Rickels. Rickels landed good shots but Woodard took him back down. Rickels looking for a Kimura but doesn’t have it. Up kick by Rickels. Woodard’s round up 20-18, but this round was close.

Third round: Body shot by Rickels. Rickels landing more punches. Rickels landed hard shots. More big puches by Rickels. Right by Rickels. Left by Woodard. Hard punches by Rickels. Rickels landing a low kick. Front kick didn’t land strong by Rickels. Hard right by Rickels. Rickels continuing to land. Good left by Woodard. Woodard with another counter left. Woodard with a series of punches. He’s hurting Woodard. Just a question if he can finish because the second round was close. Richels hurting him now with a series of punches. Woodard working for a takedown. Rickels went for a guillotine but Woodard popped out. Good fight. Now Rickels is going for a triangle with a few seconds left. Woodard out and on top. Rickels round for sure. I have 29-28 for Woodard but second round was close so wouldn’t surprise me to see it go the other way.

Scores: All three have it 29-28 Rickels. Can’t argue it.

UFC to implement rankings

The UFC and Fightmetric.com, the official stasticians of UFC, announced today they would be starting actual rankings of fighters.

Rankings will be voted on by media and be updated after every live event.  Fighters will be voted both in weight classes as well as pound-for-pound rankings.

The champion will be No. 1 in each weight class.  If there is an interim champion, they will be No. 2 in the weight class they are in.

BRET HART BREAKS DOWN TRIPLE H AS A PERFORMER, SAYS HE'S NEVER BEEN 'GREAT'

In a pretty interesting discussion with Fighting Spirit Magazine in Europe, Bret Hart discussed Triple H as a worker in the ring, noting he's not "great" and even stated that the Hell in A Cell match with Undertaker at Wrestlemania 28 was nothing special as a match.