ROH has announced that its sixth anniversary show will take place on February 23 in Manhattan, with Bryan Danielson challenging for the ROH World Title. Of course, the current champion is Nigel McGuinness, who was subject of an interesting letter posted today on WrestlingObserver.com about his recent injuries. Nigel responded to the criticism passionately here. Click on “Ring of Honor” above to read our coverage of this past weekend’s events in NYC.
In other news:
– Brian Fritz makes wrestling predictions for 2008, including Flair and Foley’s retirements, two stars he feel will win titles and more at OrlandoSentinel.com.
– Former WWE Cruiserweight Champion Kid Kash was interviewed by Wrestle-Complex.com, saying his goal is to come back to WWE.
– There’s an article about WWE developmental territory FCW’s plans for TV here.
– WrestlingObserver.com reported that TNA on Thursday did a 1.1 cable rating, according to Nielsen Media Research.
– All Japan announced that they will be having a Dory Funk Jr. farewell tour with a retirement match on 3/1 at Sumo Hall in Tokyo. Here is the press release sent to us by Funk:
All Japan Pro-Wrestling’s Osamu Nishimura announced from the center of the ring before a sell out crowd in Korakuen Hall, Tokyo Japan that Dory Funk Jr. would have his “Sayonara Tour with All Japan Pro-Wrestling beginning February 17th and finishing up with his final wrestling match Saturday March 1st in Tokyo’s Ryogoku Sumo Hall.
The schedule of events is as follows:
Dory Funk,Jr. “Sayonara Tour”
2/17(Sun) 12:00 Korakuen Hall,Tokyo
2/18(Mon) 6:30 Shirakawa, Fukushima
2/19(Tue) OFF
2/20(Wed) OFF
2/21(Thu) 6:30 Shizuoka City, Shizuoka
2/22(Fri) 6:30 Yaita, Tochigi
2/23(Sat) 6:00 Hasuda, Saitama
2/24(Sun) 5:00 Maebashi, Gumma
2/25(Mon) OFF
2/26(Tue) 6:30 Matsumoto, Nagano
2/27(Wed) 6:30 Hitachi-naka, Ibaraki
2/28(Thu) 6:30 Tsukuba, Ibaraki
2/29(Fri) OFFDory Funk Jr.’s Final Match
3/1(Sat) 5:00 Ryogoku Sumo Hall, Tokyo (PPV)Photo of Osamu Nishimura speaking from from the center of the ring in Tokyo’s Korakuen Hall is at www.dory-funk.com.
– PWInsider.com has reported that, despite DIRECTV’s previews indicating WWE RAW will be in HD next week, the launch will actually take place at the Royal Rumble, with RAW debuting on USA HD the next day.
– Also from PWInsider.com: John Cena’s recovery “is said to be going well and … slightly ahead of schedule.” He’ll be back latest this summer, but there is hope he’ll be back just after Mania.
– Ring of Honor announced that they would tape their sixth PPV on March 15 in Philly.
– Unfortunately, KENTA’s work visa wasn’t renewed and he isn’t scheduled for ROH in 2008, according to PWInsider. Takeshi Morishima and Naomichi Marufuji are however in ROH’s plans, and the promotion is apparently trying to bring Go Shiozaki over as well.
– TNA’s upcoming 2008 PPV and TV taping dates are:
January 6: Final Resolution
February 10: Against All Odds (Greenville, South Carolina)
March 9: Destination X
April 13: Lockdown
May 11: Sacrifice
June 8: Slammiversary
July 13: Victory Road
August 10: Hard Justice
September 14: No Surrender
October 12: Bound for Glory
November 9: Genesis
December 14: Turning Point
TNA Impact Tapings:
January 7
January 8
January 21
January 22
February 11
February 12
February 25
February 26
March 10
March 11
March 24
March 25
– In Jim Ross’ latest blog entry, he writes about the Mitchell Report, matches that end in DQs, wanting to see more 2/3 falls matches and more.
– Speaking of blogs, here are the latest MySpace entries from Torrie Wilson (who’s recovering from a hurt back), Bill DeMott, Shelly Martinez (the former Ariel, including video from her debut on Rock Nation TV), Matt Hardy, Ashley Massaro (who apparently has a big secret to share), Christy Hemme (who has a new band), Victoria, RO’Z and Homicide. Most are Happy Holidays wishes, but some interesting tidbits in there, so click around.
– PWInsider.com has reported that TNA Talent Relations head Terry Taylor is currently recovering from double knee replacement surgery, so Pat Kenney (Simon Diamond) ran the recent Canadian house shows in his place. PWInsider also reports that one of its sources said the Oshawa, Canada, show drew 4,300 fans, which if accurate is a TNA record.
– Finally, and also from PWInsider, former TNA X Division Champion The Amazing Red is training to make a comeback after several knee surgeries.
