Top pro-wrestling and MMA headlines at F4Wonline.com http://www.f4wonline.com Fri, 03 Jul 2009 16:27:20 +0100 FeedCreator 1.7.2 http://www.f4wonline.com/content/view/9832/124/ Dave@wrestlingobserver.com Our lead story in Monday's issue of the Observer looks at the WWE mid-card shakeup, plans for the next WWE PPV, next week's Raw TV show, a look at the newcomers to WWE and how they are being viewed right now, as well as coverage of The Bash, with poll results, match-by-match coverage and star ratings. We also have a look at changes in UFC policy that has made a lot of people unhappy and looks to cut into the income of fighters as well as the latest shot fired in the video game wars. We've got a ton of stuff from the Raw tapings, including how the crowd was different, the reactions to different wrestlers, and where the angles are going. We also have an updated look at Bobby Lashley, his fight with Bob Sapp, as well as the Ultimate Chaos PPV show. The issue is available today for subscribers to the web site. The Wrestling Observer ranges from 25,000 to 40,000 words covering pro wrestling and MMA all over the world. Each issue has coverage and analysis of all the major news, plus every issue breaks major news stories before the Internet sitesand has the most complete look at the business as a whole anywhere. The Observer is now in its 27th year of being the leading insider pro wrestling publication in the world. The biggest and most influential names in the pro wrestling industry as well as the MMA industry, from bookers, to promoters to Hall of Fame wrestlers and fighters to the biggest current names, both on camera, and behind the scenes, along with thousands of readers in all 50 states and 30 countries subscribe. Many have subscribed as long as 20 years or more straight. They get the most detailed and inside coverage of what is going on all over the world and an accuracy from having the most inside sources that can't be found on the web. Everyone from Wall Street to the major offices to the TV networks in U.S. and Japan turn to the Observer for what is going on in the business. If you are a new subscriber ordering 24 or more issues, you can get one free classic issue of your choice sent to you today. With a 40 issue subscription, you can get two free classic issues sent to you today. Just send your Visa or Master Card order with your name, address, phone number, Visa or Master Card number and an expiration date to dave@wrestlingobserver.com or you can order by faxing that information to 408-244-3402. You can also subscribe via paypal at www.paypal.com and using the dave@wrestlingobserver.com address or subscribe via check, cash or money order, as well as credit card, by mail, by sending to Wrestling Observer Newsletter, P.O. Box 1228, Campbell, CA 95009-1228. We look at the match Lashley had to turn down scheduled for this summer with another former major pro wrestling star, Lashley's promo ability, Lashley's goals for the next year, as well as Tom Atencio's fighting and talking. We also have a feature updating Lee Murray, as well as a detailed look at The Ultimate Fighter reality show, who watches the show, and how the audience has changed in every major demo since season one. We look at the TUF season and does that make it easier to sell PPV shows, paradoxes about the rating and who watches, as well as how rival coaches fighting on PPV after the season is helped by the show. We've got an update on the condition of Gerald Brisco, more on Lilian Garcia leaving WWE and possible replacements, first word on Wrestlemania tickets and scalping, PPVs being dropped, TV show changes We've also got a detailed look at the ratings, including segment-by-segment on Impact and Raw and lots more on the biggest Raw number in years. We also look at how USA's quarter was affected by the big Raw number, as well as an updated look at DVR's and their effect on ratings. We also look at how each segment on the commercial-free Raw did, including a few surprises as far as what was the highest rated segment, and what key segment actually lost viewership. We also have our regular weekly features including results of the major league arena shows held around the world, as well as the major TV show reviews. Also in this week's issue: --What WWE wrestler named his son after what MMA champion --Edge on ladder matches --Discussion of drug testing, Jeff Hardy and Umaga --Who HHH pushed as the company's best new stars --Why Smackdown is so much better than Raw --WWE vs. UFC on the web, where each one has the advantage over the other --Several new WWE signings --New WWE international tours --New PPV names being discussed --Best selling MMA and wrestling DVDs --Developmental notes --WWE house show note --Wrestlers brought back to arena they headlined 50 years ago this week --Former WWE developmental wrestlers heading to Mexico --AAA video game news --Update on a major show with both current WWE and TNA stars on the same show, as well as two recently fired WWE stars on the show --Update on debut of Dragon Gate in Philadelphia --Hall of Famer says he will retire in a few weeks --NOAH business post-Misawa --Hall of Famer with 25th anniversary show coming soon --TNA stars headline next New Japan show --Affliction star doing major pro wrestling show a week after the next card --How networks carrying MMA and pro wrestling are doing --Famous wrestling arena about to be torn down --Former Stampede wrestlers pass away --Former wrestler and MMA fighter sentenced to life in prison --Update on Brian Lawler --Former wrestling headliner going on tour with the circus --Wrestlers invited to the White House --ECW nostalgia show notes --24 man tournament coming --Father of pop star fights pro wrestler turned gimmick celebrity --Indie wrestler on VH-1 reality show --ROH weekend notes --TNA Victory Road lineup --Update on TNA video game license --Update on Raven and Shane Douglas --80s star now on TNA TV --New TNA signing this past week --Notes on upcoming TNA TV shows --UFC 99 early buy rate trending patterns --Live business for the last UFC show --UFC stars nominated for major sports awards --Lineup for next WEC show as well as 8/29 UFC show --Notes on first issue of UFC magazine --Update on business of WWE magazine --Magazine listing of best UFC matches in history --How UFC's magazine list differs from the list UFC gave Spike and who is obviously excluded --Top UFC star sued over auto accident --Update on Indiana regulating MMA --Guida vs. Sanchez thoughts --What happened with Limp Bizkit and UFC 100 --New title match signed --More on rating for Joe Rogan special --A few UFC cuts including a popular fighter --Update on Jens Pulver --Bas Rutten rips on Kimbo --Lots of new UFC fights signed --Update on CBS and MMA --Strikeforce schedule for the rest of the year --Boxing vs. MMA head-to-head on PPV --ESPN looking at giving MMA more visibility --Japanese MMA star sentenced to prison time --Tito Ortiz talks his future --College wrestling legend gets outwrestled and loses in UFC fight New subscribers ordering 24 or 40 issues have to let us know what major story (ies) of the past 11 years you are most interested inand we'll send the issue with the best coverage of that story. We've got coverage of every major PPV event and world wide spectacular,every major star switching promotions, histories of companies like FMW, Rings and New Japan, retirement and obit issues of every majorstar who fits into those descriptions over the past 11 years, as well as our biggest issue every year, the annual awards issue, and our mostcontroversial issue of every year, the Hall of Fame issue. Our most requested issues in our history are: *November 17, 1997 (full details of everything leading to the most famous wrestling match finish of modern times at the Survivor Seriesplus a history of in-ring double-crosses) *December 21, 1998 (the complete Vince McMahon-Bret Hart conversation right before the Survivor Series match so you'll know exactly what was said--the conversation played in edited form both on the inaugural broadcast of Confidential as well as in Wrestling with Shadows, buteverything that was said between the two about the match that was going to take place that same night) *August 1, 1994 (the most detailed coverage anywhere of the Vince McMahon steroid trial, an issue praised in numerous newspaper articleand Sex, Lies and Headlocks) *March 26, 2001 (death of WCW and history of pro wrestling on the Turner networks) *October 22, 2001 (why the adult audience has left pro wrestling in such great numbers and what needed to have been done to save them)*July 8, 1991 (Ric Flair leaves WCW as world champion/Zahorian steroid trial) *February 8, 1993 (the life and times of Andre the Giant) *May 13, 2002 (the life story of the most incredible pro wrestling career ever, a look at Lou Thesz, in one of the largest issues of ourhistory) *January 27, 2003 (part one of the two-part series covering the career and life of The Sheik)*February 3, 2003 (Part two on The Sheik including thoughts from people who worked with him and where he stands historically) *March 24, 2003 (history of the WWWF title, inside behind the Sammartino, Backlund and Backlund era) *April 21, 2003 (history of WWF continues with the expansion nationally, the death of the regional territories and the rise of HulkHogan) *May 12, 2003 (The life and death of Elizabeth, and the rise of fall of Lex Luger) *June 9, 2003 (Part 1 of history of WWF vs. WCW wars and what many say was the greatest year in U.S. wrestling; plus a look at Fred Blassie) *June 16, 2003 (Freddie Blassie through the eyes of his biggest rivals and friends) *July 28, 2003 (Part 2 of the history of the WWF vs. WCW war and the plans to make new superstars in the early 90s, what happened, and thenight where the three biggest wrestling companies in the world combined for a joint show and what happened) *August 25, 2003 (2003 Hall of Fame issue with huge profiles on the controversial career of Shawn Michaels, Chris Benoit as well ashistorical features on Earl Caddock and Francisco Flores) *September 22, 2003 (Part 3 of the history of the WWF vs WCW war with the seeds that caused the collapse of the industry in the 90s,Zahorian trial, Gulf War controversy, Flair leaves WCW while holding world title and much more) *October 27, 2003 (The fascinating life of Stu Hart plus the story of Road Warrior Hawk) *January 19, 2004 (2003 Awards issue) *February 2, 2004 (History of Toronto wrestling, Jack Tunney life story, Royal Rumble and Battle Royal history) *February 23, 2004 (History of Guerrero family with Eddy's win over Brock Lesnar) *March 1, 2004 (History of WWF continues with the period that brought the company down in early 1992, the mistakes, the real stories and how the business changed) *March 8, 2004 (History of Wrestlemania, its greatest matches and best and worst shows as voted both by wrestlers and non-wrestlers andWrestlemania history books) *July 5, 2004 (A look behind the scenes and Ric Flair's book and his background with Eric Bischoff and Hulk Hogan) *July 12, 2004 (A look at more on Ric Flair's book and his comments on Bruno Sammartino, Bret Hart and Mick Foley) *August 16, 2004 (History of the Olympians in pro wrestling) *August 23, 2004 (2004 Hall of Fame issue and biggest issue of the year with huge profiles on Kazushi Sakuraba, Undertaker, Bob Backlund,Masahiro Chono, Ultimo Dragon, Kurt Angle and Tarzan Lopez--this counts as one issue if you are asking for a free issue, but orderedseparately, due to size, is $6 in North America and $7 overseas) *October 4, 2004 (the life and times of Big Bossman; as well as details of the life and times of one of the most influential men worldwide in pro wrestling history, Jim Barnett) *November 15, 2004 (the full story of what happened between Kurt Angle and Daniel Puder, plus coverage of the most important week in thehistory of TNA) *January 24, 2005 (2004 Awards issue, Rock and WWE part company) *March 14, 2005 (the 50 biggest money players in the history of WWF and a look at their Hall of Fame) *May 9, 2005 (the life and times of Chris Candido) *June 20, 2005 (The full story behind Paul Heyman and the death of ECW, as well as coverage of One Night Stand, Hardcore Homecoming andbehind the scenes of both shows) *July 18, 2005 (death of Shinya Hashimoto and his records with a look at the fall of New Japan, the Matt Hardy angle, tons of WWE firings,Cornette firing in detail as well as problems of a WWE developmental territory in our biggest news issue of the year which is a double-sized issue and would be $6 on its own and $7 overseas) *August 24, 2005 (2005 Hall of Fame issue with career profiles of Paul Heyman, HHH and Freebirds plus debut of MMA Hall of Fame) *September 12, 2005 (History of Mid South Wrestling) *October 10, 2005 (Life and Times of the Ultimate Warrior) *November 21, 2005 (Life and Times of Eddy Guerrero and Crusher, double issue $6 on its own and $7 overseas) *December 5, 2005 (The Eddy Guerrero special issue, double issue $6 on its own, $7 overseas) *January 9, 2006 (The life and times of Superstar Billy Graham, plus New Year's Eve 2005 coverage) *January 16, 2006 (2005 Awards double issue, $6 or $7 overseas) *April 3, 2006 (Story of Ann Calvello and the history of Roller Derby--many called this the best issue of the Observer ever) *April 10, 2006 (Behind the scenes at the 2006 Wrestlemania/Hall of Fame week) *July 24, 2006 (The History of the Von Erichs and World Class Championship Wrestling--the most unreal story ever in wrestling) *September 4, 2006 (The Rise and Fall of Kurt Angle; 2006 Hall of Fame inductions of Eddie Guerrero, Paul Bowser, Masakatsu Funaki, Aja Kong and Hiroshi Hase including tons of wrestling history around the world from the 20s through the 60s, the evolution of working to not workingin Japan, and a look at Guerrero in hindsight, double issue $6 or $7 overseas) *October 9, 2006 (A look back nine years later at the life and legacy of Brian Pillman with tons of inside information about what made himtick as his real objectives) *November 15, 2006 (History of WCW part one, Eric Bischoff's book and how the industry was changed forever) *November 20, 2006 (History of WCW part two, Why Jim Ross left WCW, How Bischoff changed the company, signing of Hulk Hogan, Beginning of Nitro, Jesse Ventura, Brian Pillman, Chris Jericho and signing Wrestlemania planned celebrity away) *November 27, 2006 (History of WCW part three, When Bischoff challenged McMahon to fight; Truth and fiction around Bret Hartsigning with WCW and why it didn't click) *December 6, 2006 (details behind Pride's offers to sell promotion and Part four of History of WCW part four, Hogan-Goldberg match and whythere was no rematch, WCW loses NBC network deal in 1999 and the real reasons the company fell apart) *January 22, 2007 (2006 Awards issue, double issue $7 on its own, $8 overseas) *February 14, 2007 (Life and Times of Bam Bam Bigelow) *March 5, 2007 (WWE begins plans that will change the business) *March 12, 2007 (Life and Times of Mike Awesome) *March 19, 2007 (Life and Times of Ernie Ladd) *April 4, 2007 (Life and Times of Badnews Allen Coage--which many arecalling one of the best issues in history) *July 2, 2007 (Part one of the Benoit double murder-suicide) *July 5, 2007 (Part two of the Benoit double murder-suicide) *July 10, 2007 (Part three of the Benoit double murder-suicide) *July 19, 2007 (Part four of the Benoit double murder-suicide) *July 23, 2007 (Part five of Benoit double murder-suicide) *July 25, 2007 (Part six of Benoit double murder-suicide) *August 15, 2007 (The legend of the God of Japanese wrestling and his influence on MMA, Karl Gotch) *October 15 (2007 Hall of Fame double issue, $7 on its own, $8 overseas including inductions of The Rock, Tom Packs and the originalStrangler Lewis) *November 12, 2007 (Life and times of Fabulous Moolah and history of U.S. women's wrestling) . *December 31, 2007 (History of Ric Flair and the heyday of wrestling at the Greensboro Coliseum) *January 21, 2008 (2007 Awards issue, double issue $7 on its own, $8 overseas) *March 17, 2008 (Life and times of Johnny Weaver) *March 24, 2008 (Life and times of Gary Hart) *April 10, 2008 (Farewell to Ric Flair; My thoughts, Shawn Michaels talks of Flair's meaning to him; Hall of Fame; Wrestlemania doubleissue, $7 on its own, $8 overseas) *August 11, 2008 (Ric Flair leaves WWE; Updated history of pro wrestlers and MMA fighters who went to the Olympics) *September 8, 2008 (2008 Hall of Fame double issue, $7 on its own, $8 overseas; part one of Killer Kowalski bio) *September 15, 2008 (Life and Times of Evan Tanner) *September 22, 2008 (The amazing career of Killer Kowalski, one of our most in-depth bios) You can also order any of these issues on their own for $4 in North America or $5 overseas. Rates are: For the United States, it is $12 for 4 issues, $29 for 12, $55 for 24, $91 for 40 and $118 for 52. In Canada and Mexico, rates are $13.50 for4, $33 for 12, $61 for 24, $101 for 40 and $131 or 52. In Europe, you can get the fastest delivery and best rates by sending tomoonsault@mediaplusint.com. For the rest of the world, rates are $15.50 for 4, $41 for 12, $78 for 24, $126 for 40 issues and $163 for52 . If you order by mail with a check, cash or money order (P.O. Box 1228, Campbell, CA 95009-1228), you can get $1 off in every price range. We now have available personally autographed copies of Tributes II, our latest book, as well as a DVD that comes with it talking moreabout the subjects in the book. The book covers the life stories of Lou Thesz, Wahoo McDaniel, Elizabeth, Fred Blassie, Road Warrior Hawk,Andre the Giant, Curt Hennig, Johnny Valentine, Davey Boy Smith, Terry Gordy, Owen Hart, Stu Hart, Gorilla Monsoon, The Sheik and Tim Woods. To get all of those biographies as back issues of the Observer would be a $60 value today. This is a collection of some of the bestObserver articles of the past several years in a hardcover, full-color format that is 239 pages. There is also a foreword by Bret Hart. Thebook price is $12.95 plus $3.50 for shipping costs in the U.S., $10 for shipping costs to Canada and $12 for shipping costs outside NorthAmerica. You can order the book the same way you order the newsletter. News - Plugs Fri, 03 Jul 2009 13:54:48 +0100 http://www.f4wonline.com/content/view/9831/124/ Dave@wrestlingobserver.com We're looking for reports on the WWE Smackdown crew shows last night in Palm Springs and tonight in San Diego (Punk vs. Mysterio for the title) and the Raw crew tonight in Auckland, New Zealand (HHH John Cena vs. Big Show Randy Orton) at dave@wrestlingobserver.com Smackdown has a travel day tomorrow for the 4th, runs in Honolulu on Sunday, and then runs Tuesday and Wednesday at Budokan Hall in Tokyo. Advances for the Japanese shows are weak. People are going to get really mad about this one, but what I was told is that aside from wrestling being cold, they are running at the same time that Simon Garfunkel are in Japan and they are 100 times bigger than WWE in Japan, with multiple Tokyo Dome dates and a Budokan Hall date, as well as a Nagoya Dome date in their coming out of retirement tour. We're also looking for reports on Saturday night's Raw show in Sydney, Australia, Sunday in Brisbane, Monday in Adelaide, Tuesday in Melbourne and Wednesday in Perth. Tonight's Smackdown lineup:*Fit Finlay vs. Ricky Ortiz*R-Truth vs. Dolph Ziggler*Rey Mysterio vs. Kane*Cryme Tyme vs. David Hart Smith Tyson Kidd*Maria Melina vs. Michelle McCool Layla*Jeff Hardy C.M. Punk vs. Edge Chris Jericho in a non-title match TNA and ROH are both off this weekend. There are no WWE TV tapings this week because everything is taped a week ahead so the creative team and production team gets to rest while the wrestlers go overseas. Our lead story in Monday's issue of the Observer looks at the WWE mid-card shakeup, plans for the next WWE PPV, next week's Raw TV show, a look at the newcomers to WWE and how they are being viewed right now, as well as coverage of The Bash, with poll results, match-by-match coverage and star ratings. We also have a look at changes in UFC policy that has made a lot of people unhappy and looks to cut into the income of fighters as well as the latest shot fired in the video game wars. We've got a ton of stuff from the Raw tapings, including how the crowd was different, the reactions to different wrestlers, and where the angles are going. We also have an updated look at Bobby Lashley, his fight with Bob Sapp, as well as the Ultimate Chaos PPV show. The issue is available today for subscribers to the web site. The Wrestling Observer ranges from 25,000 to 40,000 words covering pro wrestling and MMA all over the world. Each issue has coverage and analysis of all the major news, plus every issue breaks major news stories before the Internet sitesand has the most complete look at the business as a whole anywhere. The Observer is now in its 27th year of being the leading insider pro wrestling publication in the world. The biggest and most influential names in the pro wrestling industry as well as the MMA industry, from bookers, to promoters to Hall of Fame wrestlers and fighters to the biggest current names, both on camera, and behind the scenes, along with thousands of readers in all 50 states and 30 countries subscribe. Many have subscribed as long as 20 years or more straight. They get the most detailed and inside coverage of what is going on all over the world and an accuracy from having the most inside sources that can't be found on the web. Everyone from Wall Street to the major offices to the TV networks in U.S. and Japan turn to the Observer for what is going on in the business. If you are a new subscriber ordering 24 or more issues, you can get one free classic issue of your choice sent to you today. With a 40 issue subscription, you can get two free classic issues sent to you today. Just send your Visa or Master Card order with your name, address, phone number, Visa or Master Card number and an expiration date to dave@wrestlingobserver.com or you can order by faxing that information to 408-244-3402. You can also subscribe via paypal at www.paypal.com and using the dave@wrestlingobserver.com address or subscribe via check, cash or money order, as well as credit card, by mail, by sending to Wrestling Observer Newsletter, P.O. Box 1228, Campbell, CA 95009-1228. We look at the match Lashley had to turn down scheduled for this summer with another former major pro wrestling star, Lashley's promo ability, Lashley's goals for the next year, as well as Tom Atencio's fighting and talking. We also have a feature updating Lee Murray, as well as a detailed look at The Ultimate Fighter reality show, who watches the show, and how the audience has changed in every major demo since season one. We look at the TUF season and does that make it easier to sell PPV shows, paradoxes about the rating and who watches, as well as how rival coaches fighting on PPV after the season is helped by the show. We've got an update on the condition of Gerald Brisco, more on Lilian Garcia leaving WWE and possible replacements, first word on Wrestlemania tickets and scalping, PPVs being dropped, TV show changes We've also got a detailed look at the ratings, including segment-by-segment on Impact and Raw and lots more on the biggest Raw number in years. We also look at how USA's quarter was affected by the big Raw number, as well as an updated look at DVR's and their effect on ratings. We also look at how each segment on the commercial-free Raw did, including a few surprises as far as what was the highest rated segment, and what key segment actually lost viewership. We also have our regular weekly features including results of the major league arena shows held around the world, as well as the major TV show reviews. Also in this week's issue: --What WWE wrestler named his son after what MMA champion --Edge on ladder matches --Discussion of drug testing, Jeff Hardy and Umaga --Who HHH pushed as the company's best new stars --Why Smackdown is so much better than Raw --WWE vs. UFC on the web, where each one has the advantage over the other --Several new WWE signings --New WWE international tours --New PPV names being discussed --Best selling MMA and wrestling DVDs --Developmental notes --WWE house show note --Wrestlers brought back to arena they headlined 50 years ago this week --Former WWE developmental wrestlers heading to Mexico --AAA video game news --Update on a major show with both current WWE and TNA stars on the same show, as well as two recently fired WWE stars on the show --Update on debut of Dragon Gate in Philadelphia --Hall of Famer says he will retire in a few weeks --NOAH business post-Misawa --Hall of Famer with 25th anniversary show coming soon --TNA stars headline next New Japan show --Affliction star doing major pro wrestling show a week after the next card --How networks carrying MMA and pro wrestling are doing --Famous wrestling arena about to be torn down --Former Stampede wrestlers pass away --Former wrestler and MMA fighter sentenced to life in prison --Update on Brian Lawler --Former wrestling headliner going on tour with the circus --Wrestlers invited to the White House --ECW nostalgia show notes --24 man tournament coming --Father of pop star fights pro wrestler turned gimmick celebrity --Indie wrestler on VH-1 reality show --ROH weekend notes --TNA Victory Road lineup --Update on TNA video game license --Update on Raven and Shane Douglas --80s star now on TNA TV --New TNA signing this past week --Notes on upcoming TNA TV shows --UFC 99 early buy rate trending patterns --Live business for the last UFC show --UFC stars nominated for major sports awards --Lineup for next WEC show as well as 8/29 UFC show --Notes on first issue of UFC magazine --Update on business of WWE magazine --Magazine listing of best UFC matches in history --How UFC's magazine list differs from the list UFC gave Spike and who is obviously excluded --Top UFC star sued over auto accident --Update on Indiana regulating MMA --Guida vs. Sanchez thoughts --What happened with Limp Bizkit and UFC 100 --New title match signed --More on rating for Joe Rogan special --A few UFC cuts including a popular fighter --Update on Jens Pulver --Bas Rutten rips on Kimbo --Lots of new UFC fights signed --Update on CBS and MMA --Strikeforce schedule for the rest of the year --Boxing vs. MMA head-to-head on PPV --ESPN looking at giving MMA more visibility --Japanese MMA star sentenced to prison time --Tito Ortiz talks his future --College wrestling legend gets outwrestled and loses in UFC fight New subscribers ordering 24 or 40 issues have to let us know what major story (ies) of the past 11 years you are most interested inand we'll send the issue with the best coverage of that story. We've got coverage of every major PPV event and world wide spectacular,every major star switching promotions, histories of companies like FMW, Rings and New Japan, retirement and obit issues of every majorstar who fits into those descriptions over the past 11 years, as well as our biggest issue every year, the annual awards issue, and our mostcontroversial issue of every year, the Hall of Fame issue. Our most requested issues in our history are: *November 17, 1997 (full details of everything leading to the most famous wrestling match finish of modern times at the Survivor Seriesplus a history of in-ring double-crosses) *December 21, 1998 (the complete Vince McMahon-Bret Hart conversation right before the Survivor Series match so you'll know exactly what was said--the conversation played in edited form both on the inaugural broadcast of Confidential as well as in Wrestling with Shadows, buteverything that was said between the two about the match that was going to take place that same night) *August 1, 1994 (the most detailed coverage anywhere of the Vince McMahon steroid trial, an issue praised in numerous newspaper articleand Sex, Lies and Headlocks) *March 26, 2001 (death of WCW and history of pro wrestling on the Turner networks) *October 22, 2001 (why the adult audience has left pro wrestling in such great numbers and what needed to have been done to save them)*July 8, 1991 (Ric Flair leaves WCW as world champion/Zahorian steroid trial) *February 8, 1993 (the life and times of Andre the Giant) *May 13, 2002 (the life story of the most incredible pro wrestling career ever, a look at Lou Thesz, in one of the largest issues of ourhistory) *January 27, 2003 (part one of the two-part series covering the career and life of The Sheik)*February 3, 2003 (Part two on The Sheik including thoughts from people who worked with him and where he stands historically) *March 24, 2003 (history of the WWWF title, inside behind the Sammartino, Backlund and Backlund era) *April 21, 2003 (history of WWF continues with the expansion nationally, the death of the regional territories and the rise of HulkHogan) *May 12, 2003 (The life and death of Elizabeth, and the rise of fall of Lex Luger) *June 9, 2003 (Part 1 of history of WWF vs. WCW wars and what many say was the greatest year in U.S. wrestling; plus a look at Fred Blassie) *June 16, 2003 (Freddie Blassie through the eyes of his biggest rivals and friends) *July 28, 2003 (Part 2 of the history of the WWF vs. WCW war and the plans to make new superstars in the early 90s, what happened, and thenight where the three biggest wrestling companies in the world combined for a joint show and what happened) *August 25, 2003 (2003 Hall of Fame issue with huge profiles on the controversial career of Shawn Michaels, Chris Benoit as well ashistorical features on Earl Caddock and Francisco Flores) *September 22, 2003 (Part 3 of the history of the WWF vs WCW war with the seeds that caused the collapse of the industry in the 90s,Zahorian trial, Gulf War controversy, Flair leaves WCW while holding world title and much more) *October 27, 2003 (The fascinating life of Stu Hart plus the story of Road Warrior Hawk) *January 19, 2004 (2003 Awards issue) *February 2, 2004 (History of Toronto wrestling, Jack Tunney life story, Royal Rumble and Battle Royal history) *February 23, 2004 (History of Guerrero family with Eddy's win over Brock Lesnar) *March 1, 2004 (History of WWF continues with the period that brought the company down in early 1992, the mistakes, the real stories and how the business changed) *March 8, 2004 (History of Wrestlemania, its greatest matches and best and worst shows as voted both by wrestlers and non-wrestlers andWrestlemania history books) *July 5, 2004 (A look behind the scenes and Ric Flair's book and his background with Eric Bischoff and Hulk Hogan) *July 12, 2004 (A look at more on Ric Flair's book and his comments on Bruno Sammartino, Bret Hart and Mick Foley) *August 16, 2004 (History of the Olympians in pro wrestling) *August 23, 2004 (2004 Hall of Fame issue and biggest issue of the year with huge profiles on Kazushi Sakuraba, Undertaker, Bob Backlund,Masahiro Chono, Ultimo Dragon, Kurt Angle and Tarzan Lopez--this counts as one issue if you are asking for a free issue, but orderedseparately, due to size, is $6 in North America and $7 overseas) *October 4, 2004 (the life and times of Big Bossman; as well as details of the life and times of one of the most influential men worldwide in pro wrestling history, Jim Barnett) *November 15, 2004 (the full story of what happened between Kurt Angle and Daniel Puder, plus coverage of the most important week in thehistory of TNA) *January 24, 2005 (2004 Awards issue, Rock and WWE part company) *March 14, 2005 (the 50 biggest money players in the history of WWF and a look at their Hall of Fame) *May 9, 2005 (the life and times of Chris Candido) *June 20, 2005 (The full story behind Paul Heyman and the death of ECW, as well as coverage of One Night Stand, Hardcore Homecoming andbehind the scenes of both shows) *July 18, 2005 (death of Shinya Hashimoto and his records with a look at the fall of New Japan, the Matt Hardy angle, tons of WWE firings,Cornette firing in detail as well as problems of a WWE developmental territory in our biggest news issue of the year which is a double-sized issue and would be $6 on its own and $7 overseas) *August 24, 2005 (2005 Hall of Fame issue with career profiles of Paul Heyman, HHH and Freebirds plus debut of MMA Hall of Fame) *September 12, 2005 (History of Mid South Wrestling) *October 10, 2005 (Life and Times of the Ultimate Warrior) *November 21, 2005 (Life and Times of Eddy Guerrero and Crusher, double issue $6 on its own and $7 overseas) *December 5, 2005 (The Eddy Guerrero special issue, double issue $6 on its own, $7 overseas) *January 9, 2006 (The life and times of Superstar Billy Graham, plus New Year's Eve 2005 coverage) *January 16, 2006 (2005 Awards double issue, $6 or $7 overseas) *April 3, 2006 (Story of Ann Calvello and the history of Roller Derby--many called this the best issue of the Observer ever) *April 10, 2006 (Behind the scenes at the 2006 Wrestlemania/Hall of Fame week) *July 24, 2006 (The History of the Von Erichs and World Class Championship Wrestling--the most unreal story ever in wrestling) *September 4, 2006 (The Rise and Fall of Kurt Angle; 2006 Hall of Fame inductions of Eddie Guerrero, Paul Bowser, Masakatsu Funaki, Aja Kong and Hiroshi Hase including tons of wrestling history around the world from the 20s through the 60s, the evolution of working to not workingin Japan, and a look at Guerrero in hindsight, double issue $6 or $7 overseas) *October 9, 2006 (A look back nine years later at the life and legacy of Brian Pillman with tons of inside information about what made himtick as his real objectives) *November 15, 2006 (History of WCW part one, Eric Bischoff's book and how the industry was changed forever) *November 20, 2006 (History of WCW part two, Why Jim Ross left WCW, How Bischoff changed the company, signing of Hulk Hogan, Beginning of Nitro, Jesse Ventura, Brian Pillman, Chris Jericho and signing Wrestlemania planned celebrity away) *November 27, 2006 (History of WCW part three, When Bischoff challenged McMahon to fight; Truth and fiction around Bret Hartsigning with WCW and why it didn't click) *December 6, 2006 (details behind Pride's offers to sell promotion and Part four of History of WCW part four, Hogan-Goldberg match and whythere was no rematch, WCW loses NBC network deal in 1999 and the real reasons the company fell apart) *January 22, 2007 (2006 Awards issue, double issue $7 on its own, $8 overseas) *February 14, 2007 (Life and Times of Bam Bam Bigelow) *March 5, 2007 (WWE begins plans that will change the business) *March 12, 2007 (Life and Times of Mike Awesome) *March 19, 2007 (Life and Times of Ernie Ladd) *April 4, 2007 (Life and Times of Badnews Allen Coage--which many arecalling one of the best issues in history) *July 2, 2007 (Part one of the Benoit double murder-suicide) *July 5, 2007 (Part two of the Benoit double murder-suicide) *July 10, 2007 (Part three of the Benoit double murder-suicide) *July 19, 2007 (Part four of the Benoit double murder-suicide) *July 23, 2007 (Part five of Benoit double murder-suicide) *July 25, 2007 (Part six of Benoit double murder-suicide) *August 15, 2007 (The legend of the God of Japanese wrestling and his influence on MMA, Karl Gotch) *October 15 (2007 Hall of Fame double issue, $7 on its own, $8 overseas including inductions of The Rock, Tom Packs and the originalStrangler Lewis) *November 12, 2007 (Life and times of Fabulous Moolah and history of U.S. women's wrestling) . *December 31, 2007 (History of Ric Flair and the heyday of wrestling at the Greensboro Coliseum) *January 21, 2008 (2007 Awards issue, double issue $7 on its own, $8 overseas) *March 17, 2008 (Life and times of Johnny Weaver) *March 24, 2008 (Life and times of Gary Hart) *April 10, 2008 (Farewell to Ric Flair; My thoughts, Shawn Michaels talks of Flair's meaning to him; Hall of Fame; Wrestlemania doubleissue, $7 on its own, $8 overseas) *August 11, 2008 (Ric Flair leaves WWE; Updated history of pro wrestlers and MMA fighters who went to the Olympics) *September 8, 2008 (2008 Hall of Fame double issue, $7 on its own, $8 overseas; part one of Killer Kowalski bio) *September 15, 2008 (Life and Times of Evan Tanner) *September 22, 2008 (The amazing career of Killer Kowalski, one of our most in-depth bios) You can also order any of these issues on their own for $4 in North America or $5 overseas. Rates are: For the United States, it is $12 for 4 issues, $29 for 12, $55 for 24, $91 for 40 and $118 for 52. In Canada and Mexico, rates are $13.50 for4, $33 for 12, $61 for 24, $101 for 40 and $131 or 52. In Europe, you can get the fastest delivery and best rates by sending tomoonsault@mediaplusint.com. For the rest of the world, rates are $15.50 for 4, $41 for 12, $78 for 24, $126 for 40 issues and $163 for52 . If you order by mail with a check, cash or money order (P.O. Box 1228, Campbell, CA 95009-1228), you can get $1 off in every price range. We now have available personally autographed copies of Tributes II, our latest book, as well as a DVD that comes with it talking moreabout the subjects in the book. The book covers the life stories of Lou Thesz, Wahoo McDaniel, Elizabeth, Fred Blassie, Road Warrior Hawk,Andre the Giant, Curt Hennig, Johnny Valentine, Davey Boy Smith, Terry Gordy, Owen Hart, Stu Hart, Gorilla Monsoon, The Sheik and Tim Woods. To get all of those biographies as back issues of the Observer would be a $60 value today. This is a collection of some of the bestObserver articles of the past several years in a hardcover, full-color format that is 239 pages. There is also a foreword by Bret Hart. Thebook price is $12.95 plus $3.50 for shipping costs in the U.S., $10 for shipping costs to Canada and $12 for shipping costs outside NorthAmerica. You can order the book the same way you order the newsletter. --The Mitsuharu Misawa public funeral will take place tomorrow at Tokyo's Differ Ariake, the home arena of Pro Wrestling NOAH. The expectation is about 10,000 people will be coming. Everyone from New Japan, including the front office, is expected to be there as well as everyone from NOAH. All Japan has a house show in Mie so its wrestlers won't be able to appear, but there will be an office representative there. --I just saw the Countdown to UFC 100, which airs on Tuesday night in the usual ECW time slot (on Spike, ECW on Sci-Fi is on Thursday this coming week). Georges St. Pierre vs. Thiago Alves comes off as a distant third due to the work of Michael Bisping, Dan Henderson and Krzysztof Soszynski in building up Henderson vs. Bisping. They tell Soszynski everything Bisping says and he just laughs at everything. Frank Mir does an awesome job of building up Lesnar vs. Mir. So awesome that by the end he almost turned himself heel. There is a great scene when Lesnar decides the interview is over because he's sick of watching himself tap and wants to kill Steve Mazzagatti, walks down the hall, punches the wall, and the next door falls off the hinges into the hallway. --I've got a Bisping article at http://www.yahoo.com in the MMA section up today. Also, a Jon Fitch article this week. And there are Dana White and Dan Henderson articles up today. --UFC 100 best matches in history Countdown starts Sunday at 9 p.m. I am told the five-part show, which concludes an hour before UFC 100, is very good. As for the list, let's just say it's so petty that they didn't even allow fans to vote for the fight that was No. 2 (Frank Shamrock vs. Ortiz) in this web site's poll and even No. 7 in their own magazine. Basically, everyone on the outs (Ortiz, Frank Shamrock, Maurice Smith) were not allowed to be voted onto the top 100 by fans unless it's a match they lost, and since Shamrock never lost in UFC, he doesn't appear at all. Ortiz's losses will likely all crack the top 100 but none of his wins were allowed to be voted on. --Announcement of the new members to the UFC Hall of Fame will be at 6:30 p.m. on 7/10 at the Fan Expo on the Expo stage --UFC and Maxim are going to announce the new octagon girl on the afternoon of UFC 100 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center on the main stage of Bayside Hall B. The winner of the contest will get a UFC contract and be promoted by Maxim magazine. --Televisa in Mexico will be airing UFC 100 live. That is huge, equivalent of it airing on CBS in the U.S. One of the reasons Televisa is putting it on in prime time is because of its success with pro wrestling shows, particularly WWE, which does monster ratings on the network. As of a month ago, Raw was doing a 14 rating on Sunday late afternoons. --Chris Jericho talks about the show on Sunday in Honolulu at http://www.starbulletin.com/features/20090703_the_bad_guy_and_loving_it.h tml He's scheduled to face Ricky Steamboat and said that at 55, Steamboat is better than 80% of the wrestlers on the roster today. He's pushing it as a big deal since Steamboat was always billed from Honolulu. Actually, Steamboat was never from Honolulu and isn't Hawaiian, but when he got his first break, he was billed as the son of Sammy Steamboat Mokuahi, one of Hawaii's all-time most popular pro wrestlers. He compares wrestling Steamboat to getting to play hockey against Wayne Gretzsky. --Jim Cornette talks his theories of wrestling at http://www.jimcornette.com/Commentary.html --Who was the greatest champion in UFC history?Randy Couture 34.5%Chuck Liddell 14.5%Matt Hughes 10.9%Anderson Silva 10.6%Royce Gracie 10.6%Georges St. Pierre 7.3%Ken Shamrock 3.9%Tito Ortiz 3.6%Frank Shamrock 2.6%Pat Miletich 0.8%B.J. Penn 0.5%Andrei Arlovski 0.3% Who do you expect to win this match?Dan Henderson 61.8%Michael Bisping 38.2% --Who is the best active wrestler in the U.S?Chris Jericho 28.4%Bryan Danielson 18.3%Shawn Michaels 15.6%Edge 8.6%Kurt Angle 7.0%KENTA 6.4%A.J. Styles 4.4%Rey Mysterio 3.3%Christian 2.6%Randy Orton 2.4%Undertaker 2.2%HHH 0.9% --Affliction officially announced Gilbert Yvel vs. Paul Buentello for the 8/1 PPV show from the Honda Center in Anaheim headlined by Fedor Emelianenko vs. Josh Barnett --Alex Marvez talks to TNA's Jesse Neal at http://www.scrippsnews.com/node/44326 --BANG on 7/12 in Ocala, FL features Johnny Magnum vs. Chaos and Dory Funk vs. Blain Rage --WBO jr. featherweight champion Juan Manuel Lopez has established himself as at least a regional draw as there were 20,000 buys for his PPV on Saturday from Puerto Rico alone, as well as 100 commercial establishments buying closed circuit rights. --TNA announced a house show on 8/28 in San Angelo, TX at the Coliseum headlined by Kurt Angle and Mick Foley. Tickets go on sale 7/17 (thanks to Devin Cutting) --Mikey Whipwreck has asked if any wrestlers can donate autographed 8x10s for a young five-year-old girl in St. Louis named Kylie that he knows that is in bad shape from cancer and loves pro wrestling. The doctors are only giving her a few months and she's having a hard time with chemotherapy and has lost all her hair. Anyone who is interested can e-mail him at mikeywhipwreck@gmail.com and he'll give them the address to send it to. --There is an article on old Rock catch phrases at http://tv.ign.com/articles/100/1000668p1.html --Jim Neidhart Greg Valentine defend their PWO tag team titles on 8/9 in Cleveland as Nautica Hall for a 3 p.m. show. --M-1 is doing a TV taping on Saturday in Seoul, South Korea. It will air on an Internet PPV at http://www.M-1Global.com The show features USA West vs Russia Imperial team, Finland vs. Bulgaria and South Korea vs. Brazil Naja. The USA West team consists of Dave Jansen, Fabio Negao, Giva Santana, Tony Lopez and Shane Del Rosario. --wXw on 7/4 in Oberhausen, Germany has Absolute Andy vs. Colt Cabana for the wXw title, plus a three-way for the lightweight title with Tommy End vs. Mark Haskins vs. El Generico, and Doug Williams Martin Stone defend the tag titles against Sha Samuels Terry Frazier. Erick Stevens will be coming in September for a show in Troisdorf, Germany (thanks to Timo Knopf) --Joel Hunt at jhunt66157@aol.com is looking to sell his autobiography books of Missy Hyatt, Mick Foley, Jack Brisco and Harley Race, as well as 80s wrestling magazines --Shark Fight Promotions is doing a three show on 7/18 in Amarillo at the Gamboa's Outdoor Event Center. Main event will be former UFC fighter Doug Evans facing Douglas Frey to crown a featherweight champion. Because it's free, fans are encouraged to get tickets in advance at Westgate Mall in Amarillo starting Monday --Scoot Andrews vs. Billy Fives, a big indie feud of the late 90s, is revived on 8/1 in Temple Terrace, FL for Pro Wrestling Fusion, on a show that also includes Prince Iaukea and The Shane Twins News - WWE Fri, 03 Jul 2009 13:50:21 +0100 http://www.f4wonline.com/content/view/9830/124/ .Rob Van Dam joined the In Your Head crew to discuss his new film “Wrong Side of Town” and RVD TV on DVD. Hosted by Jack, One Inch Biceps and Barbie Richards.For information on The Best of RVD TV volume 1 on DVD please visit:http://wwww.bigvisionentertainment.com (http://wwww.bigvisionentertainment.com/)Rob Van Dam immediately started off the interview by squashing the rumour that he was not at the May 25th edition of Monday Night Raw.RVD says his movie “Wrong Side of Town” is in Post-Production and he is thinking about flying out to the studios to oversee some of the editing which is being done on the Movie, he says its one of four pictures for 2009 and that he’ll be flying out to the filming location to shoot “Wrong Side of Town Part 2” in June, RVD says the only stunt they made him use a Stunt double for was riding a motorcycle on a peer out to the Mississippi River.A caller asks what happened to Robbie V. RVD says that Bill Watts hired him in December 1992 and told him he should come up with a different name as he doesn’t want to be confused with the movie star guy, and they came with this name Robbie V, He says he already had a tripped booked to work for All Japan in February and WCW doesn’t work for All Japan they work for New Japan, they said he could honour the booking and in February 93 and he got over and he knew he had a job there as long as he wanted it, and he says he started making $2000 a week compared to $100 a match in WCW, he came back from Japan, Ole Anderson had taken over and Ole didn’t have as much interest in the Robbie V character as Bill Watts did.Jack asks if Bischoff and Hogan opened up an actual promotion for Hulk Hogan’s Celebrity Championship Wrestling would he be interested in it, RVD says he probably wouldn’t but he would definitely listen to what they have to talk about, as he didn’t think he would want to be a part of the training of celebrities but he says it took him an hour to explain the importance of having a finisher move, and RVD says he appreciates the fact that the celebrities worked their asses off and took it seriously.A caller asks what it was like with the crowd at ECW One Night Stand 2006 when he faced John Cena, RVD says it was a One of a Kind experience but not only could it now be repeated but because no one in their entire wrestling careers could of felt what he felt because all the conditions were unique, and he says he felt it very rewarding that all the fans were 100% behind him and 100% against John Cena.Jack asks if he feels it was the last true moment of ECW, RVD agrees with Jack and adds that there was still a lot of hope for the first few months, and before the One Night Stand there was ECW vs. WWE where he got to wrestle Rey Mysterio and he was able to be himself, and that there was still a moment even though it wasn’t as big of a PPV, but that whole Energy still carried on and slowly got taken away.This is only a small snippet of the interview, please head on over to http://www.inyourheadonline.com (http://www.inyourheadonline.com/) for the full interview where you can also check out the awesome 4 year archive including such names as Dave Meltzer, Vince Russo, Juventud Guerrera and many many more. Be sure to check out In Your Head’s official message board where you can leave your questions for upcoming guests, and also get all your official In Your Head news, http://www.inyourheadboard.proboards27.com/index.cgi (http://www.inyourheadboard.proboards27.com/index.cgi) and you can also subscribe to the IYH Blogspot for the latest In Your Head Podcasts at http://iyh.blogspot.com (http://iyh.blogspot.com/) future In Your Head guests include Bob Caudle and Magnum TA.By Andrew Pritchard Columns - Features and TV Reviews Fri, 03 Jul 2009 13:47:30 +0100 http://www.f4wonline.com/content/view/9829/124/ It's the WEEKEND BRYAN & VINNY SHOW~! And it's a fun one. How could it not be? We've got FCW ON SCI-FI with the AWESOME Tiffany, a bunch of dudes you've never heard of, and the greatness that is William Regal and Vlad Koslov. We've also got the second good Impact in a row featuring -- legit -- my favorite wrestler in the world and one of my favorite promos in this business today. Yes, both in TNA. Plus, Granny, new songs, old-school wackiness, and more! Check it out! F4W Radio Show - Bryan and Vinny Show Fri, 03 Jul 2009 01:19:12 +0100 http://www.f4wonline.com/content/view/9828/124/ Our second MSG Classics this week is the card from September 26, 1977. An overflow crowd of 22,102 in the Garden and Felt forum turned out to see WWWF World Champion “Superstar” Billy Graham defend against “The American Dream” Dusty Rhodes. Our announcer will be Vince McMahon. Michael Cole take notes. The show kicks off with Vince McMahon interviewing Bob Backlund in the ring. Backlund is less than a year away from his marathon world title run and is being billed as undefeated. I never got what Backlund’s appeal was, especially to cynical New Yorkers with his dopey personality. He’s got a Diego Sanchez-type of weirdness to him, but much dorkier. Backlund then faces “Pretty Boy” Larry Sharpe who looks like he could be related to Buddy Rose. Vince McMahon says the word “keester.” This was practically a squash as Backlund wins with an atomic drop (no really) in 9:04 to continue his undefeated streak. Sharpe wouldn’t do much in the ring during his career, but his Monster Factory wrestling school has trained the likes of Raven, Sonjay Dutt, Bam Bam Bigelow, The Godfather, The Big Show, Tony Atlas and King Kong Bundy among others. Our main event is next, with Graham defending against Rhodes. Rhodes is way over with the crowd. They tease lock ups and a few tests of strength to start things off. Dusty gets the early upper hand with a hip toss and some elbows and the crowd loves it. Graham is absolutely shredded but does a great job of selling for Dusty. Graham teases walking out before we get another WWWF test of strength. Dusty gets some elbows in and taunts Superstar some more. The crowd is so in to Rhodes I’m surprised he wasn’t used in New York more often, though that may have been his choice. Long headlock by Graham followed by a long bear hug. Dusty managed a brief comeback and back dropped Graham over the top rope and Graham just took the count out in 15:38. Pretty good match with tons of heat. The crowd loved Dusty. After the match, Rhodes celebrates with the belt until he’s informed the title doesn’t change hands on a count out. Dusty got on the mic and told Graham, Superstar, I came a long way to whip your ass!” 20 years before Steve Austin. Graham would beat Dusty in a Texas Death Match the following month before Rhodes settled into the midcard. They would feud again the following summer after Graham dropped the title to Backlund. Finally we have “High Chief” Peter Miavia vs. George “The Animal” Steele. You might have heard that Miavia is The Rock’s grandfather. This match is all stalling and Steele doing his comedy routine. Steele is supposed to be severely mentally challenged, however, he manages to use a foreign object repeatedly and conceal it from the referee. So what’s the diagnosis on the ref? Miavia won via count out in 13:19 because Steele was too stupid to get is foot untangled from the ropes. The Rest of the card: Cowboy Lang The Haiti Kid defeated Little John Little Tokyo 2 Falls to 0 Mr. Fuji defeated Lenny Hurst Baron Mikel Scicluna and Jack Evans fought to a Double Count Out Chief Jay Strongbow, Tony Garea, Larry Zbyzsko defeated Ken Patera, Stan Stasiak, Capt. Lou Albano via referee's decision in a Best 3 out of 5 falls match; fall #1: Strongbow pinned Stasiak with a double chop to the throat at 10:40; fall #2: Patera pinned Zbyzsko with a double axe handle off the top at 5:21; the match then went to an 11 pm curfew with the referee awarding the contest to Strongbow, Garea, Zbyzsko Attendance figures and undercard info courtesy of www.thehistoryofthewwe.com Chris Marullo Columns - Features and TV Reviews Thu, 02 Jul 2009 22:05:07 +0100 http://www.f4wonline.com/content/view/9826/124/ Dave@wrestlingobserver.com Our lead story in Monday's issue of the Observer looks at the WWE mid-card shakeup, plans for the next WWE PPV, next week's Raw TV show, a look at the newcomers to WWE and how they are being viewed right now, as well as coverage of The Bash, with poll results, match-by-match coverage and star ratings. We also have a look at changes in UFC policy that has made a lot of people unhappy and looks to cut into the income of fighters as well as the latest shot fired in the video game wars. We've got a ton of stuff from the Raw tapings, including how the crowd was different, the reactions to different wrestlers, and where the angles are going. We also have an updated look at Bobby Lashley, his fight with Bob Sapp, as well as the Ultimate Chaos PPV show. The issue is available today for subscribers to the web site. The Wrestling Observer ranges from 25,000 to 40,000 words covering pro wrestling and MMA all over the world. Each issue has coverage and analysis of all the major news, plus every issue breaks major news stories before the Internet sitesand has the most complete look at the business as a whole anywhere. The Observer is now in its 27th year of being the leading insider pro wrestling publication in the world. The biggest and most influential names in the pro wrestling industry as well as the MMA industry, from bookers, to promoters to Hall of Fame wrestlers and fighters to the biggest current names, both on camera, and behind the scenes, along with thousands of readers in all 50 states and 30 countries subscribe. Many have subscribed as long as 20 years or more straight. They get the most detailed and inside coverage of what is going on all over the world and an accuracy from having the most inside sources that can't be found on the web. Everyone from Wall Street to the major offices to the TV networks in U.S. and Japan turn to the Observer for what is going on in the business. If you are a new subscriber ordering 24 or more issues, you can get one free classic issue of your choice sent to you today. With a 40 issue subscription, you can get two free classic issues sent to you today. Just send your Visa or Master Card order with your name, address, phone number, Visa or Master Card number and an expiration date to dave@wrestlingobserver.com or you can order by faxing that information to 408-244-3402. You can also subscribe via paypal at www.paypal.com and using the dave@wrestlingobserver.com address or subscribe via check, cash or money order, as well as credit card, by mail, by sending to Wrestling Observer Newsletter, P.O. Box 1228, Campbell, CA 95009-1228. We look at the match Lashley had to turn down scheduled for this summer with another former major pro wrestling star, Lashley's promo ability, Lashley's goals for the next year, as well as Tom Atencio's fighting and talking. We also have a feature updating Lee Murray, as well as a detailed look at The Ultimate Fighter reality show, who watches the show, and how the audience has changed in every major demo since season one. We look at the TUF season and does that make it easier to sell PPV shows, paradoxes about the rating and who watches, as well as how rival coaches fighting on PPV after the season is helped by the show. We've got an update on the condition of Gerald Brisco, more on Lilian Garcia leaving WWE and possible replacements, first word on Wrestlemania tickets and scalping, PPVs being dropped, TV show changes We've also got a detailed look at the ratings, including segment-by-segment on Impact and Raw and lots more on the biggest Raw number in years. We also look at how USA's quarter was affected by the big Raw number, as well as an updated look at DVR's and their effect on ratings. We also look at how each segment on the commercial-free Raw did, including a few surprises as far as what was the highest rated segment, and what key segment actually lost viewership. We also have our regular weekly features including results of the major league arena shows held around the world, as well as the major TV show reviews. Also in this week's issue:--What WWE wrestler named his son after what MMA champion--Edge on ladder matches--Discussion of drug testing, Jeff Hardy and Umaga--Who HHH pushed as the company's best new stars --Why Smackdown is so much better than Raw--WWE vs. UFC on the web, where each one has the advantage over the other--Several new WWE signings--New WWE international tours--New PPV names being discussed--Best selling MMA and wrestling DVDs--Developmental notes--WWE house show note--Wrestlers brought back to arena they headlined 50 years ago this week--Former WWE developmental wrestlers heading to Mexico--AAA video game news--Update on a major show with both current WWE and TNA stars on the same show, as well as two recently fired WWE stars on the show--Update on debut of Dragon Gate in Philadelphia--Hall of Famer says he will retire in a few weeks--NOAH business post-Misawa--Hall of Famer with 25th anniversary show coming soon--TNA stars headline next New Japan show--Affliction star doing major pro wrestling show a week after the next card--How networks carrying MMA and pro wrestling are doing--Famous wrestling arena about to be torn down--Former Stampede wrestlers pass away--Former wrestler and MMA fighter sentenced to life in prison--Update on Brian Lawler--Former wrestling headliner going on tour with the circus--Wrestlers invited to the White House--ECW nostalgia show notes--24 man tournament coming--Father of pop star fights pro wrestler turned gimmick celebrity--Indie wrestler on VH-1 reality show--ROH weekend notes --TNA Victory Road lineup--Update on TNA video game license--Update on Raven and Shane Douglas--80s star now on TNA TV--New TNA signing this past week--Notes on upcoming TNA TV shows--UFC 99 early buy rate trending patterns--Live business for the last UFC show--UFC stars nominated for major sports awards--Lineup for next WEC show as well as 8/29 UFC show--Notes on first issue of UFC magazine--Update on business of WWE magazine--Magazine listing of best UFC matches in history--How UFC's magazine list differs from the list UFC gave Spike and who is obviously excluded--Top UFC star sued over auto accident--Update on Indiana regulating MMA--Guida vs. Sanchez thoughts--What happened with Limp Bizkit and UFC 100--New title match signed--More on rating for Joe Rogan special--A few UFC cuts including a popular fighter--Update on Jens Pulver--Bas Rutten rips on Kimbo--Lots of new UFC fights signed--Update on CBS and MMA--Strikeforce schedule for the rest of the year--Boxing vs. MMA head-to-head on PPV--ESPN looking at giving MMA more visibility--Japanese MMA star sentenced to prison time--Tito Ortiz talks his future--College wrestling legend gets outwrestled and loses in UFC fight New subscribers ordering 24 or 40 issues have to let us know what major story (ies) of the past 11 years you are most interested inand we'll send the issue with the best coverage of that story. We've got coverage of every major PPV event and world wide spectacular,every major star switching promotions, histories of companies like FMW, Rings and New Japan, retirement and obit issues of every majorstar who fits into those descriptions over the past 11 years, as well as our biggest issue every year, the annual awards issue, and our mostcontroversial issue of every year, the Hall of Fame issue. Our most requested issues in our history are:*November 17, 1997 (full details of everything leading to the most famous wrestling match finish of modern times at the Survivor Seriesplus a history of in-ring double-crosses)*December 21, 1998 (the complete Vince McMahon-Bret Hart conversation right before the Survivor Series match so you'll know exactly what was said--the conversation played in edited form both on the inaugural broadcast of Confidential as well as in Wrestling with Shadows, buteverything that was said between the two about the match that was going to take place that same night)*August 1, 1994 (the most detailed coverage anywhere of the Vince McMahon steroid trial, an issue praised in numerous newspaper articleand Sex, Lies and Headlocks)*March 26, 2001 (death of WCW and history of pro wrestling on the Turner networks)*October 22, 2001 (why the adult audience has left pro wrestling in such great numbers and what needed to have been done to save them)*July 8, 1991 (Ric Flair leaves WCW as world champion/Zahorian steroid trial)*February 8, 1993 (the life and times of Andre the Giant)*May 13, 2002 (the life story of the most incredible pro wrestling career ever, a look at Lou Thesz, in one of the largest issues of ourhistory)*January 27, 2003 (part one of the two-part series covering the career and life of The Sheik)*February 3, 2003 (Part two on The Sheik including thoughts from people who worked with him and where he stands historically)*March 24, 2003 (history of the WWWF title, inside behind the Sammartino, Backlund and Backlund era)*April 21, 2003 (history of WWF continues with the expansion nationally, the death of the regional territories and the rise of HulkHogan)*May 12, 2003 (The life and death of Elizabeth, and the rise of fall of Lex Luger)*June 9, 2003 (Part 1 of history of WWF vs. WCW wars and what many say was the greatest year in U.S. wrestling; plus a look at Fred Blassie)*June 16, 2003 (Freddie Blassie through the eyes of his biggest rivals and friends)*July 28, 2003 (Part 2 of the history of the WWF vs. WCW war and the plans to make new superstars in the early 90s, what happened, and thenight where the three biggest wrestling companies in the world combined for a joint show and what happened)*August 25, 2003 (2003 Hall of Fame issue with huge profiles on the controversial career of Shawn Michaels, Chris Benoit as well ashistorical features on Earl Caddock and Francisco Flores)*September 22, 2003 (Part 3 of the history of the WWF vs WCW war with the seeds that caused the collapse of the industry in the 90s,Zahorian trial, Gulf War controversy, Flair leaves WCW while holding world title and much more)*October 27, 2003 (The fascinating life of Stu Hart plus the story of Road Warrior Hawk)*January 19, 2004 (2003 Awards issue)*February 2, 2004 (History of Toronto wrestling, Jack Tunney life story, Royal Rumble and Battle Royal history)*February 23, 2004 (History of Guerrero family with Eddy's win over Brock Lesnar)*March 1, 2004 (History of WWF continues with the period that brought the company down in early 1992, the mistakes, the real stories and how the business changed)*March 8, 2004 (History of Wrestlemania, its greatest matches and best and worst shows as voted both by wrestlers and non-wrestlers andWrestlemania history books)*July 5, 2004 (A look behind the scenes and Ric Flair's book and his background with Eric Bischoff and Hulk Hogan)*July 12, 2004 (A look at more on Ric Flair's book and his comments on Bruno Sammartino, Bret Hart and Mick Foley)*August 16, 2004 (History of the Olympians in pro wrestling)*August 23, 2004 (2004 Hall of Fame issue and biggest issue of the year with huge profiles on Kazushi Sakuraba, Undertaker, Bob Backlund,Masahiro Chono, Ultimo Dragon, Kurt Angle and Tarzan Lopez--this counts as one issue if you are asking for a free issue, but orderedseparately, due to size, is $6 in North America and $7 overseas)*October 4, 2004 (the life and times of Big Bossman; as well as details of the life and times of one of the most influential men worldwide in pro wrestling history, Jim Barnett)*November 15, 2004 (the full story of what happened between Kurt Angle and Daniel Puder, plus coverage of the most important week in thehistory of TNA)*January 24, 2005 (2004 Awards issue, Rock and WWE part company)*March 14, 2005 (the 50 biggest money players in the history of WWF and a look at their Hall of Fame)*May 9, 2005 (the life and times of Chris Candido)*June 20, 2005 (The full story behind Paul Heyman and the death of ECW, as well as coverage of One Night Stand, Hardcore Homecoming andbehind the scenes of both shows)*July 18, 2005 (death of Shinya Hashimoto and his records with a look at the fall of New Japan, the Matt Hardy angle, tons of WWE firings,Cornette firing in detail as well as problems of a WWE developmental territory in our biggest news issue of the year which is a double-sized issue and would be $6 on its own and $7 overseas)*August 24, 2005 (2005 Hall of Fame issue with career profiles of Paul Heyman, HHH and Freebirds plus debut of MMA Hall of Fame)*September 12, 2005 (History of Mid South Wrestling) *October 10, 2005 (Life and Times of the Ultimate Warrior)*November 21, 2005 (Life and Times of Eddy Guerrero and Crusher, double issue $6 on its own and $7 overseas)*December 5, 2005 (The Eddy Guerrero special issue, double issue $6 on its own, $7 overseas)*January 9, 2006 (The life and times of Superstar Billy Graham, plus New Year's Eve 2005 coverage)*January 16, 2006 (2005 Awards double issue, $6 or $7 overseas)*April 3, 2006 (Story of Ann Calvello and the history of Roller Derby--many called this the best issue of the Observer ever)*April 10, 2006 (Behind the scenes at the 2006 Wrestlemania/Hall of Fame week)*July 24, 2006 (The History of the Von Erichs and World Class Championship Wrestling--the most unreal story ever in wrestling)*September 4, 2006 (The Rise and Fall of Kurt Angle; 2006 Hall of Fame inductions of Eddie Guerrero, Paul Bowser, Masakatsu Funaki, Aja Kong and Hiroshi Hase including tons of wrestling history around the world from the 20s through the 60s, the evolution of working to not workingin Japan, and a look at Guerrero in hindsight, double issue $6 or $7 overseas)*October 9, 2006 (A look back nine years later at the life and legacy of Brian Pillman with tons of inside information about what made himtick as his real objectives)*November 15, 2006 (History of WCW part one, Eric Bischoff's book and how the industry was changed forever)*November 20, 2006 (History of WCW part two, Why Jim Ross left WCW, How Bischoff changed the company, signing of Hulk Hogan, Beginning of Nitro, Jesse Ventura, Brian Pillman, Chris Jericho and signing Wrestlemania planned celebrity away)*November 27, 2006 (History of WCW part three, When Bischoff challenged McMahon to fight; Truth and fiction around Bret Hartsigning with WCW and why it didn't click)*December 6, 2006 (details behind Pride's offers to sell promotion and Part four of History of WCW part four, Hogan-Goldberg match and whythere was no rematch, WCW loses NBC network deal in 1999 and the real reasons the company fell apart)*January 22, 2007 (2006 Awards issue, double issue $7 on its own, $8 overseas)*February 14, 2007 (Life and Times of Bam Bam Bigelow)*March 5, 2007 (WWE begins plans that will change the business)*March 12, 2007 (Life and Times of Mike Awesome)*March 19, 2007 (Life and Times of Ernie Ladd)*April 4, 2007 (Life and Times of Badnews Allen Coage--which many arecalling one of the best issues in history)*July 2, 2007 (Part one of the Benoit double murder-suicide)*July 5, 2007 (Part two of the Benoit double murder-suicide)*July 10, 2007 (Part three of the Benoit double murder-suicide)*July 19, 2007 (Part four of the Benoit double murder-suicide)*July 23, 2007 (Part five of Benoit double murder-suicide)*July 25, 2007 (Part six of Benoit double murder-suicide)*August 15, 2007 (The legend of the God of Japanese wrestling and his influence on MMA, Karl Gotch)*October 15 (2007 Hall of Fame double issue, $7 on its own, $8 overseas including inductions of The Rock, Tom Packs and the originalStrangler Lewis)*November 12, 2007 (Life and times of Fabulous Moolah and history of U.S. women's wrestling) .*December 31, 2007 (History of Ric Flair and the heyday of wrestling at the Greensboro Coliseum)*January 21, 2008 (2007 Awards issue, double issue $7 on its own, $8 overseas)*March 17, 2008 (Life and times of Johnny Weaver)*March 24, 2008 (Life and times of Gary Hart)*April 10, 2008 (Farewell to Ric Flair; My thoughts, Shawn Michaels talks of Flair's meaning to him; Hall of Fame; Wrestlemania doubleissue, $7 on its own, $8 overseas)*August 11, 2008 (Ric Flair leaves WWE; Updated history of pro wrestlers and MMA fighters who went to the Olympics)*September 8, 2008 (2008 Hall of Fame double issue, $7 on its own, $8 overseas; part one of Killer Kowalski bio)*September 15, 2008 (Life and Times of Evan Tanner)*September 22, 2008 (The amazing career of Killer Kowalski, one of our most in-depth bios)You can also order any of these issues on their own for $4 in North America or $5 overseas.Rates are:For the United States, it is $12 for 4 issues, $29 for 12, $55 for 24, $91 for 40 and $118 for 52. In Canada and Mexico, rates are $13.50 for4, $33 for 12, $61 for 24, $101 for 40 and $131 or 52. In Europe, you can get the fastest delivery and best rates by sending tomoonsault@mediaplusint.com. For the rest of the world, rates are $15.50 for 4, $41 for 12, $78 for 24, $126 for 40 issues and $163 for52 .If you order by mail with a check, cash or money order (P.O. Box 1228, Campbell, CA 95009-1228), you can get $1 off in every price range.We now have available personally autographed copies of Tributes II, our latest book, as well as a DVD that comes with it talking moreabout the subjects in the book. The book covers the life stories of Lou Thesz, Wahoo McDaniel, Elizabeth, Fred Blassie, Road Warrior Hawk,Andre the Giant, Curt Hennig, Johnny Valentine, Davey Boy Smith, Terry Gordy, Owen Hart, Stu Hart, Gorilla Monsoon, The Sheik and Tim Woods. To get all of those biographies as back issues of the Observer would be a $60 value today. This is a collection of some of the bestObserver articles of the past several years in a hardcover, full-color format that is 239 pages. There is also a foreword by Bret Hart. Thebook price is $12.95 plus $3.50 for shipping costs in the U.S., $10 for shipping costs to Canada and $12 for shipping costs outside NorthAmerica. You can order the book the same way you order the newsletter. News - Plugs Thu, 02 Jul 2009 15:10:45 +0100 http://www.f4wonline.com/content/view/9825/124/ It's our bi-weekly afternoon chat with Buddy Wayne~! Got a fun show today as topics include jumaplines, ECW on Sci-Fi with the invasion of the FCW Crew, his latest round of injuries, the alleged DUI arrest of Roddy Piper, Piper's lackey's over the years, why he had problems getting into Canada for years, the death of Michael Jackson, the FDA potentially banning Percocet and Vicodin, plus your calls and a run-in by Bryan's Friend Craig! A fun time, so check it out~! F4W Radio Show - Figure Four Daily Thu, 02 Jul 2009 15:10:29 +0100 http://www.f4wonline.com/content/view/9824/124/ Dave@wrestlingobserver.com Impact tonight on Spike at 9 p.m.:*Amazing Red vs. Cody Deaner*Rhino vs. Eric Young*Angelina Love Velvet Sky vs. Awesome Kong Tara*Team 3-D vs. Scott Steiner Booker T - winners get tag title shot at Victory Road*Abyss vs. Jethro Holliday*Kurt Angle Samoa Joe vs. Jeff Jarrett A.J. Styles - Somehow the TNA heavyweight title is at stake in this match Superstars tonight on 8 p.m. on WGN America:*Santino Marella vs. The Brian Kendrick*Tyler Reks vs. Zach Ryder*John Morrison vs. Charlie Haas*C.M. Punk vs. Edge non-title Our lead story in Monday's issue of the Observer looks at the WWE mid-card shakeup, plans for the next WWE PPV, next week's Raw TV show, a look at the newcomers to WWE and how they are being viewed right now, as well as coverage of The Bash, with poll results, match-by-match coverage and star ratings. We also have a look at changes in UFC policy that has made a lot of people unhappy and looks to cut into the income of fighters as well as the latest shot fired in the video game wars. We've got a ton of stuff from the Raw tapings, including how the crowd was different, the reactions to different wrestlers, and where the angles are going. We also have an updated look at Bobby Lashley, his fight with Bob Sapp, as well as the Ultimate Chaos PPV show. The issue is available today for subscribers to the web site. The Wrestling Observer ranges from 25,000 to 40,000 words covering pro wrestling and MMA all over the world. Each issue has coverage and analysis of all the major news, plus every issue breaks major news stories before the Internet sitesand has the most complete look at the business as a whole anywhere. The Observer is now in its 27th year of being the leading insider pro wrestling publication in the world. The biggest and most influential names in the pro wrestling industry as well as the MMA industry, from bookers, to promoters to Hall of Fame wrestlers and fighters to the biggest current names, both on camera, and behind the scenes, along with thousands of readers in all 50 states and 30 countries subscribe. Many have subscribed as long as 20 years or more straight. They get the most detailed and inside coverage of what is going on all over the world and an accuracy from having the most inside sources that can't be found on the web. Everyone from Wall Street to the major offices to the TV networks in U.S. and Japan turn to the Observer for what is going on in the business. If you are a new subscriber ordering 24 or more issues, you can get one free classic issue of your choice sent to you today. With a 40 issue subscription, you can get two free classic issues sent to you today. Just send your Visa or Master Card order with your name, address, phone number, Visa or Master Card number and an expiration date to dave@wrestlingobserver.com or you can order by faxing that information to 408-244-3402. You can also subscribe via paypal at www.paypal.com and using the dave@wrestlingobserver.com address or subscribe via check, cash or money order, as well as credit card, by mail, by sending to Wrestling Observer Newsletter, P.O. Box 1228, Campbell, CA 95009-1228. We look at the match Lashley had to turn down scheduled for this summer with another former major pro wrestling star, Lashley's promo ability, Lashley's goals for the next year, as well as Tom Atencio's fighting and talking. We also have a feature updating Lee Murray, as well as a detailed look at The Ultimate Fighter reality show, who watches the show, and how the audience has changed in every major demo since season one. We look at the TUF season and does that make it easier to sell PPV shows, paradoxes about the rating and who watches, as well as how rival coaches fighting on PPV after the season is helped by the show. We've got an update on the condition of Gerald Brisco, more on Lilian Garcia leaving WWE and possible replacements, first word on Wrestlemania tickets and scalping, PPVs being dropped, TV show changes We've also got a detailed look at the ratings, including segment-by-segment on Impact and Raw and lots more on the biggest Raw number in years. We also look at how USA's quarter was affected by the big Raw number, as well as an updated look at DVR's and their effect on ratings. We also look at how each segment on the commercial-free Raw did, including a few surprises as far as what was the highest rated segment, and what key segment actually lost viewership. We also have our regular weekly features including results of the major league arena shows held around the world, as well as the major TV show reviews. Also in this week's issue:--What WWE wrestler named his son after what MMA champion--Edge on ladder matches--Discussion of drug testing, Jeff Hardy and Umaga--Who HHH pushed as the company's best new stars --Why Smackdown is so much better than Raw--WWE vs. UFC on the web, where each one has the advantage over the other--Several new WWE signings--New WWE international tours--New PPV names being discussed--Best selling MMA and wrestling DVDs--Developmental notes--WWE house show note--Wrestlers brought back to arena they headlined 50 years ago this week--Former WWE developmental wrestlers heading to Mexico--AAA video game news--Update on a major show with both current WWE and TNA stars on the same show, as well as two recently fired WWE stars on the show--Update on debut of Dragon Gate in Philadelphia--Hall of Famer says he will retire in a few weeks--NOAH business post-Misawa--Hall of Famer with 25th anniversary show coming soon--TNA stars headline next New Japan show--Affliction star doing major pro wrestling show a week after the next card--How networks carrying MMA and pro wrestling are doing--Famous wrestling arena about to be torn down--Former Stampede wrestlers pass away--Former wrestler and MMA fighter sentenced to life in prison--Update on Brian Lawler--Former wrestling headliner going on tour with the circus--Wrestlers invited to the White House--ECW nostalgia show notes--24 man tournament coming--Father of pop star fights pro wrestler turned gimmick celebrity--Indie wrestler on VH-1 reality show--ROH weekend notes --TNA Victory Road lineup--Update on TNA video game license--Update on Raven and Shane Douglas--80s star now on TNA TV--New TNA signing this past week--Notes on upcoming TNA TV shows--UFC 99 early buy rate trending patterns--Live business for the last UFC show--UFC stars nominated for major sports awards--Lineup for next WEC show as well as 8/29 UFC show--Notes on first issue of UFC magazine--Update on business of WWE magazine--Magazine listing of best UFC matches in history--How UFC's magazine list differs from the list UFC gave Spike and who is obviously excluded--Top UFC star sued over auto accident--Update on Indiana regulating MMA--Guida vs. Sanchez thoughts--What happened with Limp Bizkit and UFC 100--New title match signed--More on rating for Joe Rogan special--A few UFC cuts including a popular fighter--Update on Jens Pulver--Bas Rutten rips on Kimbo--Lots of new UFC fights signed--Update on CBS and MMA--Strikeforce schedule for the rest of the year--Boxing vs. MMA head-to-head on PPV--ESPN looking at giving MMA more visibility--Japanese MMA star sentenced to prison time--Tito Ortiz talks his future--College wrestling legend gets outwrestled and loses in UFC fight New subscribers ordering 24 or 40 issues have to let us know what major story (ies) of the past 11 years you are most interested inand we'll send the issue with the best coverage of that story. We've got coverage of every major PPV event and world wide spectacular,every major star switching promotions, histories of companies like FMW, Rings and New Japan, retirement and obit issues of every majorstar who fits into those descriptions over the past 11 years, as well as our biggest issue every year, the annual awards issue, and our mostcontroversial issue of every year, the Hall of Fame issue. Our most requested issues in our history are:*November 17, 1997 (full details of everything leading to the most famous wrestling match finish of modern times at the Survivor Seriesplus a history of in-ring double-crosses)*December 21, 1998 (the complete Vince McMahon-Bret Hart conversation right before the Survivor Series match so you'll know exactly what was said--the conversation played in edited form both on the inaugural broadcast of Confidential as well as in Wrestling with Shadows, buteverything that was said between the two about the match that was going to take place that same night)*August 1, 1994 (the most detailed coverage anywhere of the Vince McMahon steroid trial, an issue praised in numerous newspaper articleand Sex, Lies and Headlocks)*March 26, 2001 (death of WCW and history of pro wrestling on the Turner networks)*October 22, 2001 (why the adult audience has left pro wrestling in such great numbers and what needed to have been done to save them)*July 8, 1991 (Ric Flair leaves WCW as world champion/Zahorian steroid trial)*February 8, 1993 (the life and times of Andre the Giant)*May 13, 2002 (the life story of the most incredible pro wrestling career ever, a look at Lou Thesz, in one of the largest issues of ourhistory)*January 27, 2003 (part one of the two-part series covering the career and life of The Sheik)*February 3, 2003 (Part two on The Sheik including thoughts from people who worked with him and where he stands historically)*March 24, 2003 (history of the WWWF title, inside behind the Sammartino, Backlund and Backlund era)*April 21, 2003 (history of WWF continues with the expansion nationally, the death of the regional territories and the rise of HulkHogan)*May 12, 2003 (The life and death of Elizabeth, and the rise of fall of Lex Luger)*June 9, 2003 (Part 1 of history of WWF vs. WCW wars and what many say was the greatest year in U.S. wrestling; plus a look at Fred Blassie)*June 16, 2003 (Freddie Blassie through the eyes of his biggest rivals and friends)*July 28, 2003 (Part 2 of the history of the WWF vs. WCW war and the plans to make new superstars in the early 90s, what happened, and thenight where the three biggest wrestling companies in the world combined for a joint show and what happened)*August 25, 2003 (2003 Hall of Fame issue with huge profiles on the controversial career of Shawn Michaels, Chris Benoit as well ashistorical features on Earl Caddock and Francisco Flores)*September 22, 2003 (Part 3 of the history of the WWF vs WCW war with the seeds that caused the collapse of the industry in the 90s,Zahorian trial, Gulf War controversy, Flair leaves WCW while holding world title and much more)*October 27, 2003 (The fascinating life of Stu Hart plus the story of Road Warrior Hawk)*January 19, 2004 (2003 Awards issue)*February 2, 2004 (History of Toronto wrestling, Jack Tunney life story, Royal Rumble and Battle Royal history)*February 23, 2004 (History of Guerrero family with Eddy's win over Brock Lesnar)*March 1, 2004 (History of WWF continues with the period that brought the company down in early 1992, the mistakes, the real stories and how the business changed)*March 8, 2004 (History of Wrestlemania, its greatest matches and best and worst shows as voted both by wrestlers and non-wrestlers andWrestlemania history books)*July 5, 2004 (A look behind the scenes and Ric Flair's book and his background with Eric Bischoff and Hulk Hogan)*July 12, 2004 (A look at more on Ric Flair's book and his comments on Bruno Sammartino, Bret Hart and Mick Foley)*August 16, 2004 (History of the Olympians in pro wrestling)*August 23, 2004 (2004 Hall of Fame issue and biggest issue of the year with huge profiles on Kazushi Sakuraba, Undertaker, Bob Backlund,Masahiro Chono, Ultimo Dragon, Kurt Angle and Tarzan Lopez--this counts as one issue if you are asking for a free issue, but orderedseparately, due to size, is $6 in North America and $7 overseas)*October 4, 2004 (the life and times of Big Bossman; as well as details of the life and times of one of the most influential men worldwide in pro wrestling history, Jim Barnett)*November 15, 2004 (the full story of what happened between Kurt Angle and Daniel Puder, plus coverage of the most important week in thehistory of TNA)*January 24, 2005 (2004 Awards issue, Rock and WWE part company)*March 14, 2005 (the 50 biggest money players in the history of WWF and a look at their Hall of Fame)*May 9, 2005 (the life and times of Chris Candido)*June 20, 2005 (The full story behind Paul Heyman and the death of ECW, as well as coverage of One Night Stand, Hardcore Homecoming andbehind the scenes of both shows)*July 18, 2005 (death of Shinya Hashimoto and his records with a look at the fall of New Japan, the Matt Hardy angle, tons of WWE firings,Cornette firing in detail as well as problems of a WWE developmental territory in our biggest news issue of the year which is a double-sized issue and would be $6 on its own and $7 overseas)*August 24, 2005 (2005 Hall of Fame issue with career profiles of Paul Heyman, HHH and Freebirds plus debut of MMA Hall of Fame)*September 12, 2005 (History of Mid South Wrestling) *October 10, 2005 (Life and Times of the Ultimate Warrior)*November 21, 2005 (Life and Times of Eddy Guerrero and Crusher, double issue $6 on its own and $7 overseas)*December 5, 2005 (The Eddy Guerrero special issue, double issue $6 on its own, $7 overseas)*January 9, 2006 (The life and times of Superstar Billy Graham, plus New Year's Eve 2005 coverage)*January 16, 2006 (2005 Awards double issue, $6 or $7 overseas)*April 3, 2006 (Story of Ann Calvello and the history of Roller Derby--many called this the best issue of the Observer ever)*April 10, 2006 (Behind the scenes at the 2006 Wrestlemania/Hall of Fame week)*July 24, 2006 (The History of the Von Erichs and World Class Championship Wrestling--the most unreal story ever in wrestling)*September 4, 2006 (The Rise and Fall of Kurt Angle; 2006 Hall of Fame inductions of Eddie Guerrero, Paul Bowser, Masakatsu Funaki, Aja Kong and Hiroshi Hase including tons of wrestling history around the world from the 20s through the 60s, the evolution of working to not workingin Japan, and a look at Guerrero in hindsight, double issue $6 or $7 overseas)*October 9, 2006 (A look back nine years later at the life and legacy of Brian Pillman with tons of inside information about what made himtick as his real objectives)*November 15, 2006 (History of WCW part one, Eric Bischoff's book and how the industry was changed forever)*November 20, 2006 (History of WCW part two, Why Jim Ross left WCW, How Bischoff changed the company, signing of Hulk Hogan, Beginning of Nitro, Jesse Ventura, Brian Pillman, Chris Jericho and signing Wrestlemania planned celebrity away)*November 27, 2006 (History of WCW part three, When Bischoff challenged McMahon to fight; Truth and fiction around Bret Hartsigning with WCW and why it didn't click)*December 6, 2006 (details behind Pride's offers to sell promotion and Part four of History of WCW part four, Hogan-Goldberg match and whythere was no rematch, WCW loses NBC network deal in 1999 and the real reasons the company fell apart)*January 22, 2007 (2006 Awards issue, double issue $7 on its own, $8 overseas)*February 14, 2007 (Life and Times of Bam Bam Bigelow)*March 5, 2007 (WWE begins plans that will change the business)*March 12, 2007 (Life and Times of Mike Awesome)*March 19, 2007 (Life and Times of Ernie Ladd)*April 4, 2007 (Life and Times of Badnews Allen Coage--which many arecalling one of the best issues in history)*July 2, 2007 (Part one of the Benoit double murder-suicide)*July 5, 2007 (Part two of the Benoit double murder-suicide)*July 10, 2007 (Part three of the Benoit double murder-suicide)*July 19, 2007 (Part four of the Benoit double murder-suicide)*July 23, 2007 (Part five of Benoit double murder-suicide)*July 25, 2007 (Part six of Benoit double murder-suicide)*August 15, 2007 (The legend of the God of Japanese wrestling and his influence on MMA, Karl Gotch)*October 15 (2007 Hall of Fame double issue, $7 on its own, $8 overseas including inductions of The Rock, Tom Packs and the originalStrangler Lewis)*November 12, 2007 (Life and times of Fabulous Moolah and history of U.S. women's wrestling) .*December 31, 2007 (History of Ric Flair and the heyday of wrestling at the Greensboro Coliseum)*January 21, 2008 (2007 Awards issue, double issue $7 on its own, $8 overseas)*March 17, 2008 (Life and times of Johnny Weaver)*March 24, 2008 (Life and times of Gary Hart)*April 10, 2008 (Farewell to Ric Flair; My thoughts, Shawn Michaels talks of Flair's meaning to him; Hall of Fame; Wrestlemania doubleissue, $7 on its own, $8 overseas)*August 11, 2008 (Ric Flair leaves WWE; Updated history of pro wrestlers and MMA fighters who went to the Olympics)*September 8, 2008 (2008 Hall of Fame double issue, $7 on its own, $8 overseas; part one of Killer Kowalski bio)*September 15, 2008 (Life and Times of Evan Tanner)*September 22, 2008 (The amazing career of Killer Kowalski, one of our most in-depth bios)You can also order any of these issues on their own for $4 in North America or $5 overseas.Rates are:For the United States, it is $12 for 4 issues, $29 for 12, $55 for 24, $91 for 40 and $118 for 52. In Canada and Mexico, rates are $13.50 for4, $33 for 12, $61 for 24, $101 for 40 and $131 or 52. In Europe, you can get the fastest delivery and best rates by sending tomoonsault@mediaplusint.com. For the rest of the world, rates are $15.50 for 4, $41 for 12, $78 for 24, $126 for 40 issues and $163 for52 .If you order by mail with a check, cash or money order (P.O. Box 1228, Campbell, CA 95009-1228), you can get $1 off in every price range.We now have available personally autographed copies of Tributes II, our latest book, as well as a DVD that comes with it talking moreabout the subjects in the book. The book covers the life stories of Lou Thesz, Wahoo McDaniel, Elizabeth, Fred Blassie, Road Warrior Hawk,Andre the Giant, Curt Hennig, Johnny Valentine, Davey Boy Smith, Terry Gordy, Owen Hart, Stu Hart, Gorilla Monsoon, The Sheik and Tim Woods. To get all of those biographies as back issues of the Observer would be a $60 value today. This is a collection of some of the bestObserver articles of the past several years in a hardcover, full-color format that is 239 pages. There is also a foreword by Bret Hart. Thebook price is $12.95 plus $3.50 for shipping costs in the U.S., $10 for shipping costs to Canada and $12 for shipping costs outside NorthAmerica. You can order the book the same way you order the newsletter.--All charges were dropped against Brian Blair because after an investigation, State Attorney Pam Dondi said that Blair was acting in self defense. They noted when Bradley Blair called 911, he was saying that his brother, not his father, was going crazy. Toni Blair, Brian's wife, said that her sons both hit their father and Bradley said his brother Brett, was hitting his father multiple times. Brian's mother, who lives at the house but didn't see the fight, said things were going badly between Brian and his oldest son and she feared there would be a fight. More is at http://www.tampabay.com/news/publicsafety/crime/article1015206.ece (thanks to Mark Schreiner) --Roddy Piper was released on $5,000 bond this morning after his DUI arrest from 1 a.m. last night. --UFC has announced grappling matches for 7/10 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center, the day before UFC 100, with Rumina Sato vs. Ulysses Gomez, Vinny Magalhaes vs. TBA, as well as Saturday afternoon with Fredson Paixao vs. Jeff Glover and Joe Stevenson vs. Bill Cooper. --Dan Wentzel has a story on Dana White at http://sports.yahoo.com/mma/news?slug=dw-white070209 prov=yhoo type=lgns --Georges St. Pierre has an on-line auction going on ending tomorrow at 5 p.m. Eastern time at GSPFightClub.com St. Pierre also has a private after party after UFC 100 to benefit Georges' Foundation. --If you are a member of the site and you haven't checked out the Bruno Sammartino interview, make time for it today. Skip Impact, Superstars or whatever because it'll be far more entertaining. This was one of the best interviews we've ever had on the site. --WWE hired Jim Connelly of head of the licensing department. He at one point had the same position with the NFL. --Serena Deeb has officially put pen to paper on the WWE contract she was offered. --ECW on Tuesday did a 1.2 rating --Some notes from last night in Bakersfield. Creative team was relieved it's all over and they've got some time off. The production crew was thrilled to have 11 days off. --After Smackdown ended, they did another 1:00 cage match with Mysterio Jeff Hardy beating Jericho Edge with a double pin. --Guests on Inside MMA tomorrow night are trainers Shawn Tompkins, Ricardo Liborio and Greg Nelson. On 7/10, they have a pro wrestling theme on the show with Ken Shamrock, Josh Barnett and myself. --The chapters in the Rise Fall of WCW DVD will be Jim Crockett Promotions, Georgia Championship Wrestling, Mid Atlantic Championship Wrestling, Black Saturday, The Expansion, Crockett sells to Turner, Greatest Talent in the World, New Management, Bill Watts Era, Eric Bischoff hired, Hulk Hogan Arrives, Nitro debuts, NWO, Cruiserweights, Bill Goldberg, Rating streak, Celebrities, Goldberg vs. Hogan, Mistakes Begin (Mistakes began in the mid-80s), Vince Russo, Corporate Merger, Vince buys WCW, Legacy of WCW. That sounds like fun. Matches include Ric Flair vs. Magnum T.A., Sting Lex Luger Barry Windham vs. Flair Arn Anderson Tully Blanchard, Dusty Rhodes vs. Windham, Flair vs. Ricky Steamboat in Chicago (that's me with former Bears star Brad Muster in the front row and Steve Sims right behind me), Rock Roll Express vs. Midnight Express, Midnight Express vs. Southern Boys (an awesome match), Steiners vs. Sting Lex Luger, Sting vs. Vader, Rick Rude vs. Sting, Flair vs. Hulk Hogan from Orlando, Flair vs. The Giant (Big Show), Rey Mysterio Jr. vs. Dean Malenko, Syxx vs. Eddie Guerrero, Guerrero vs. Malenko, Chris Jericho vs. Juventud Guerrera, Steiners vs. Kevin Nash Scott Hall, DDP Karl Malone vs. Hogan Dennis Rodman, Goldberg vs. DDP and Booker T vs. Lance Storm. --A story at http://www.examiner.com/ is headlined 12 Rounds is quite possibly the worst action movie ever made. Seriously, it's not that bad. --Tommy Dreamer interview with the Philippine Star at http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=483239 publicationSubCateg oryID=70He talked about the 7/10 show in Manila is the first time ECW has ever been to the Philippines. Dear God. He noted he's working on a broken finger.--Gabe Sapolsky talks about ROH's first trip to the U.K., working for FWA and the Benoit tragedy at www.Myspace.com/rohgabe--Greatest match in UFC history1. Forrest Griffin vs. Stephan Bonnar 44.6%2. Frank Shamrock vs. Tito Ortiz 11.4%2. Randy Couture vs. Tim Sylvia 11.4%4. Roger Huerta vs. Clay Guida 10.7%5. Chuck Liddell vs Wanderlei Silva 5.5%5. Randy Couture vs. Tito Ortiz 5.5%7. Diego Sanchez vs. Clay Guida 4.8%8. Forrest Griffin vs. Quinton Jackson 3.8%9. Diego Sanchez vs. Karo Parisyan 2.1% --Greatest knockout in UFC history1. Gabriel Gonzaga on Mirko Cro Cop 43.0%2. Rashad Evans on Chuck Liddell 18.7%3. Scott Smith on Pete Sell 13.1%4. Quinton Jackson on Chuck Liddell 9.3%5. Wanderlei Silva on Keith Jardine 4.7%6. Petey Williams on Mark Coleman 3.7%7. Rashad Evans on Sean Salmon 3.3%8. Rich Franklin on Nate Quarry 2.3%9. Josh Koscheck on Yoshiyuki Yoshida 1.9% --Davey Richards Chris Hero vs. Kevin Steen Lance Storm takes place on the 7/24 ROH show in Toronto. Announced for 7/25 in Toronto is the Super Smash Brothers vs. Steen El Generico --Pro Wrestling Alliance on 7/9 in Parkin, AR --Patrick Smith (UFC 1 star) vs. Kevin Jordan headlines 7/31 in Salem, NH at the ICenter for American Steel Cage Fighting --The second hour of the commercial free Raw was the 18th most-watched cable show of the quarter. No other hour of Raw made the top 25, which included 13 NBA playoff games, three episodes of Jon Kate Plus 8, two episodes of Burn Notice and two episodes of Royal Pains. --Broadcasting Cable magazine on Tuesday ran a story about FX thinking it needs a sports franchise to challenge the top networks, noting how much it helps TNT to have the NBA. They talked about needing wrestling, baseball playoffs, NFL, NASCAR or something, saying they have looked at the BCS in football. --ESPN's web site put up an old story on Lee Murray at http://sports.espn.go.com/extra/mma/news/story?id=4289234 --There is a story on Cody Rhodes growing up a a fan of Marvel comics and promoting the WWE's Summer Reading program at http://marvel.com/ --Florida Championship Wrestling on 7/15 in Punta Gorda, FL at the Charlotte Harbor Event and Conference Center will include a Battle Royal, an autograph session with C.M. Punk, Maria and Layla, as well as Rosa Mendes, Alicia Fox, Ricky Ortiz, Tyson Kidd, Natalya, D.J. Gabriel, Sheamus and Yoshi Tatsu. --Sgt. Slaughter's agent, Paul Incerto of Norwalk, was arrested and being charged with operating an illegal gambling casino in Bridgeport, in the offices where he runs his True North Tickets.com agency. Story is at http://www.connpost.com/ci_12733120?source=most_viewed --Trailer for wrestler Matt Riviera for the show Megan Wants a Millionaire is at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_0yDQIba4u4 --Tuesday night in Guadalajara: Milenio b Meteoro, Thunder Boy b Skaxy Evola b Nube Roja, Drago b Saturno, Leon Blanco b Infierno, Gallo Metro Stuka Jr. b Dr. X Mascara Magica Vangelis, Felino Mr. Niebla b Sagado Toscano --Sunday in Monterrey: Lover Boy b Aguila Azteca, Epidemius b Sicario, Ejecutor Mr. Secuestro d Relampago TDN, Psycho Circus b Aero Star Super Fly Polvo de Estrellas, Charly Manson Mesias b Chessman Silver King --Monday night in Nuevo Laredo: Angel Dorado Angeluz Golden Boy b Black Mamba Rey Demonio Simbolo 2000, Jaque Mate May Flowers Polvo de Estrellas b Babe Rap Estrella Universal Hombre sin Miedo, Psycho Circus b Aero Star Gronda Super Fly, Chessman Teddy Hart Silver King b La Parka Jack Evans Charly Manson --Saturday night in Torreon for Wagnermania: Oso Negro Psycho b Dorado Jr. Maquina 27, Arana del Futuro Gran Jefe I Sexy Francis b Dorado Emperador Azteca Sexy Pisces, Chamaco Trevino Conflicus DCOR Stuka Jr. Espanto V, May Flowers Polvo de Estrellas b Aero Star Super Fly, Psycho Circus b Charly Manson Alex Koslov Elegido, Dr. Wagner Jr. Konnan b Mesias Silver King-DQ --Juventud Guerrera puts up his hair tonight in Naucalpan against the hair of Dr. Cerebro --Tonight in Tijuana has Cibernetico Intocable Olimpico vs. Perro Aguayo Jr. Damian 666 Halloween (thanks to Kris Zellner) --If you have a subscription to Netflix, there is a movie called Luchamania: La Batalla Pro Mexico with old Tijuana matches with Psicosis and Rey Misterio Sr. (thanks to Kurt Nicolai) --3XW on 7/17 presents its 50th event at the Des Moines Social Club --Showtime All-Star Wrestling starts Saturday night on KDCG in Lafayette, LA in an 11 a.m. time slot --If you saw the headline, you'd think this is a Ric Flair story, but it isn't at http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,529781,00.html --Christy Hemme's band Hemme plays Friday night in Orlando --Devastation University's Loco Wrestling on 8/1 in Pennsauken, NJ --Steve Boz and Austin Roberts on America's Got Talent is at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PF6dLkluBqk --Some funny lines in this piece at http://swmswm.home.att.net/SummerReading.htm ___________________________________________________________ News - WWE Thu, 02 Jul 2009 15:06:19 +0100 http://www.f4wonline.com/content/view/9823/124/ PLAYING WITH ANTITRUST FIRE By Ben Miller Randy Couture may not be explicitly saying it in mainstream sports media interviews the way he was two and a half years ago, but it’s clear none the less that UFC continues to see itself as an MMA version of NASCAR. Just as the France family openly recruits drivers from competing organizations, demands exclusivity of their contracted drivers and plays an aggressive hand in setting the rules for driver sponsorships, Dana White and the Fertitta family does the same for fighters. In both cases the organization has become bigger than the sport. There are far more NASCAR/UFC fans than auto racing/MMA fans in the United States. And in both cases the success of the organization has generated bad will among competitors, ex-employees, some media elites and people who just tend to be contrarian in nature. An occasional cry among these critics is the accusation of monopolistic practices. While words like, “monopoly” and “predatory” are rarely heard (unless you’re watching video of McMahon’s anti-Turner crusade from the mid-90’s), euphemisms like, “built-in advantage” and “control” relay a similar message. The message is that a lot of people in and around MMA think that UFC is too powerful and that the sport (or at least the fighters) would be better off if there were more than one organization that the public regarded as major league. My opinion on whether UFC’s dominance is good for fighters aside, the report in the July 6, 2009 Wrestling Observer Newsletter on UFC’s recent move to charge vendors a $100,000 maintenance fee every six months for the right to sponsor fighters has to be seen as a negative. It can be argued that instituting this requirement is fair. After all, the UFC name is what gives fighters life in collecting video game royalties, appearance fees and the like. But it can also be argued is that this is another shot aimed directly at UFC’s competitors, with the idea being that if a vendor has $200,000 in sunk costs per year sponsoring UFC fighters, that vendor is paying less per fighter if they exclusively sponsor UFC rather than divvying up money between UFC, Strikeforce, Affliction and whoever else comes along. This is where things get tricky. Antitrust law -- at least in the United States -- tends to be kind to large companies as long as they stay positive. For example, the dolts in Europe may fine Intel or Apple because they make great processors or great jukebox software that dominates the market, but American regulators tend to let great companies make great products and claim great market share. In the United States the problems tend to arise only after the big boys go on attack. As anyone who remembers the live Spike TV special that went head-to-head with Affliction’s first pay-per-view event a year ago knows, UFC has never been afraid to go on the attack. But with this sponsorship change and the rumored threats against fighters who might appear in a competing MMA video game from Electronic Arts (authors of the successful “Madden” NFL video game series), UFC may be playing with antitrust fire. Over the last year a couple of things have happened that may have ripened the environment for increased antitrust scrutiny: one of UFC’s competitors folded and a Democratic administration entered the White House. While Strikeforce gobbled up some of the market share formerly held by EliteXC, it has now been nine months since an MMA event aired on CBS. Affliction continues to operate, but with Trilogy being their third event and so many fighters being signed to three fight contracts, their future is uncertain. As it concerns the Obama administration, releasing the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) hounds on UFC is almost certainly not on their radar. But the fact is that Democratic administrations have historically had quicker antitrust trigger fingers. Witness Microsoft’s troubles with the law in the 90’s. That type of attack simply didn’t happen (for bettor or for worse) under the Bush administration. Sports organizations in general tend to be pretty safe from antitrust scrutiny. In baseball, basketball and elsewhere there are sports organizations that unreasonably restrain trade, produce artificial scarcities of product, create high barriers to entry and fix prices for both consumers and employees. But in all of those cases, the potential political backlash against an aggressive politician or bureaucrat should they mess with the beloved NFL, NBA, et. al. has always kept the FTC at bay. The question for UFC is whether they have generated enough goodwill to be able to play by their own rules or whether people start viewing these moves as monopolistic hubris that deserves the attention of Uncle Sam. ******************* Email: benjamiller@me.com (mailto:benjamiller@me.com) Twitter: http://twitter.com/benjamiller (http://twitter.com/benjamiller) Columns - Features and TV Reviews Thu, 02 Jul 2009 15:04:13 +0100 http://www.f4wonline.com/content/view/9822/124/ EY joined The Big Mosh, Blade, The Mayhem's National TNA Correspondent, Wild Bill Brown for his return appearance to Your Home Of Wrestling Radio. To begin, Eric educated The Mayhem Nation on whether Canadians actually celebrate the Fourth Of July holiday. Canadians don't actually celebrate Independence Day, we do that on the 1st (of July), which is Canada Day in Canada. TNA is starting to branch out into different markets, with the hometown of The Mayhem (Buffalo, NY) being one of them, and The Mayhem Crew wanted to know how excited is Eric to be coming to the Western New York area to see TNA stretch out all around the country. We're always excited to go into a new market new areas. Obviously iMPACT airs all around the United States around the world, but a lot of those people don't get a chance to see it live, unless they could make it to a Pay-Per-View or whatever. It's a opportunity for the real die-hard fans to come experience the show live, and if you've never been to a live wrestling event, especially a TNA live event, there's nothing like it. At this year's Lockdown PPV event in Philadelphia, Eric Young faced Danny Bonaduce (of The Partridge Family Hulk Hogan's Celebrity Championship Wrestling ) in the Six Sides Of Steel. Prior to the match, there was some build-up to the match, with Eric coming on Danny's radio show in Philadelphia a huge melee ensuing at his station. Mosh, Blade, Bill asked Eric how successful he thinks that experience was with Bonaduce. It kinda' started out has a small thing blew up to something completely big with the help of YouTube, TNAWrestling.com, stuff like that. It was just intended for me to go there, be on the show, be his opponent, have a regular wrestling match. There is a saying in wrestling that 'Things can get pretty real pretty quick.' I've never done anything like that, and it's the first time I've ever beat up someone that was close to being a senior citizen, and it was interesting from start to finish. Currently, Eric is having a bit of a mood swing in TNA, as he having weekly issues with some TNA stars, most importantly with TNA founder former TNA World Heavyweight Champion, Jeff Jarett. Eric explained the situation between the two why his sudden change of heart. Sometimes a change is good, and you could only get pushed around bullied so much, you could only get misused so much. I don't look at it has dastardly, I look at it more as necessity more than anything. I've been wrestling for a while now (13 years), and it's not that I don't have much to show for it, but I have a lot more to offer. And if they won't allow me to do it, I will have to take it. TNA has defied the odds (and the critics) now for over seven years, coming off the heels of their recent Slammiversary PPV at The Palace Of Auburn Hills in Detroit, MI. Based on the success of TNA to this point, The Mayhem Crew asked Eric what Eric what he foresees as the future for the company. He spoke about the humble beginnings with the Wednesday night PPV's at The Asylum in Nashville, to FOX Sports Net, and to Spike TV, how the company grew since he has been there. They have smart business people here making the right decisions. And from Day One here, it's always been forward, we've never taken a step back...which in business you have to do. The biggest feud arguably for Eric Young leading into his recent squabble with The King Of The Mountain was with Robert Roode (now of Beer Money Inc) with Traci Brooks, in which Eric fought for his job on a weekly basis. This took place around the time where the fans got behind Eric, and his star grew from that point on to the next level. That was the best I think I've done here: the most-memorable, most-exciting, the most fun. They gave us the time to get the characters in place, set up the story, make people care about what was going on. He goes on: Stuff like that is what wrestling fans will remember, because we gave them the time to really decide who they liked didn't like and really invest in what was going on between me, Robert, Ms. Brooks. They cared about me, they hated him, and it was Wrestling 101...and I loved it. A Canadian wrestling legend one of the true pioneers in the history of our business unfortunately passed away last week after a lengthy battle with cancer. The late Billy Red Lyons hosted Maple Leaf Wrestling north of the border also had the chance to compete with some of the biggest names in the wrestling industry. Eric has vivid memories of watching Lyons on television, but unfortunately never had the chance to get to know like several of Billy's long-time colleagues. It's not like I knew him personally, I had met him once briefly shook his hand. His voice was the voice of wrestling for me growing up in that area...watching 'Maple Leaf Wrestling' hearing his voice. Whenever I heard his voice, I thought of wrestling automatically. As a parting shot, Eric implores the fans the go to the TNA Live Events, not just the upcoming one in Buffalo, but in other cities/towns around the country the world. The show I guarantee, you will have a blast, and it would nothing like you've ever seen. Even if you're not a pro-wrestling fan, you just want a good time, go to a live event. They're great, and I hope to see you guys there. More is included in this exclusive EY interview, including Eric's candid thoughts/comments on if he sees more celebrity involvement in TNA in the forthcoming months ahead, his early beginnings in Border City Wrestling (with Scott D'Amore), his memories of the passing of the late Farrah Fawcett. Total Nonstop Action (TNA) Wrestling will bring TNA Live! to Buffalo, NY next Saturday night (7:30PM ET Bell Time) at the Erie County Fairgrounds Agri-Center before TNA’s Victory Road Pay-Per-View event. Appearing live in person will be TNA World Heavyweight Champion Kurt Angle, TNA Legend's Champion The Phenomenal AJ Styles, The Main Event Mafia's Samoan Submission Machine Samoa Joe, Team 3-D, Daniels, TNA World Tag Team Champions Beer Money, Inc. ( The Tennessee Cowboy James Storm Robert Roode), TNA X-Division Champion Suicide, TNA Knockout Women’s Champion Angelina Love, Sheik Abdul-Bashir, Lethal Consequences ( Black Machismo Jay Lethal Consequences Creed), Taylor Wilde, Homicide, Showtime Eric Young, more! Columns - Features and TV Reviews Thu, 02 Jul 2009 15:03:02 +0100 http://www.f4wonline.com/content/view/9820/124/ By Chris Marullo For starters, MSG Classics started at 11 EST this week and starts at 10 EST next week. The usual start time has been 8. The show seems to have run its course because I’ve been seeing a lot of reruns lately. I know, reruns of reruns. The first show this week is from December 30, 1988 which drew 16,000. Our announcers are Lord Alfred Hayes, Hillbilly Jim and Rod Trongard. True broadcasting excellence. First up is a grudge match between WWF Tag Team Champions Demolition and their fellow Road Warriors rip-offs, The Powers of Pain with Mr. Fuji. I’ve never quit seen Demolition the same way after the movie 8 MM came out. Just creepy. Demolition and The POP pulled a double switch the previous month at the Survivor Series when Fuji, who had been managing the champs, turned on them and aligned himself with Warlord and The Barbarian. Demolition had a much smaller level of Road Warrior-type appeal were the crowd wanted to cheer them so a face turn had been inevitable. The switch would have been more effective had Fuji’s betrayal occurred in a match that actually meant something and cost Demolition the titles but what can you do? The month before at MSG, the two teams fought to a Double DQ so this month we’re getting a No DQ Match. We get an interview with Fuji, Warlord and Barbarian before the match and almost half of what Fuji says is intelligible. As for the match, well, none of these four men were known for their selling. The story of the match is Fuji’s constant interference. POP get the heat on Ax and Fuji trips Smash with his cane off the apron after Smash broke up a pin attempt. Or, as Trongard put it, Fuji “smashed Smash.” But really he just tripped him. Smash finally gets tag in after Barbarian misses a flying head butt. All four men are soon in the ring and Fuji comes in and nails Smash with his cane. Just like TNA, he did so behind the ref’s back in a No DQ match. Finish came when the brawl went to the outside and Warlord got back in the ring just before the 10 count. The Powers of Pain win by Count Out in a No DQ Match in 6:55. Crowd doesn’t appreciate that too much. Next up is Ronnie Garvin, making his debut at the Garden, taking on Greg Valentine. It’s hard to believe that Garvin had been a World Champion just a year before as he has virtually no star presence and the crowd doesn’t react to him much. Lord Alfred Hayes didn’t do much to hype up the WWF’s hot new signing as he engaged Hillbilly Jim in a rather creepy conversation on who was prettier, Judy Martin or Rockin’ Robin. For the record, it’s Robin. Trongard tried to divert the attention to the match but Lord Alfred would have none of it as he thought Robin was “too skinny” for a man of Hillbilly’s “distinctive taste.” Where was Vince with his headset in 1988? The dream team of broadcasting continued to focus on the floundering women’s division and the upcoming Royal Rumble for the first few minutes of the match. Never mind that a guy who was a World Champion just a year ago was making his debut. Granted, McMahon never acknowledged outside accomplishments at the time and there wasn’t exactly a rocket under Garvin as far as a push goes but still. Garvin lasted barely more than a year in the WWF and his career was, for the most part, over shortly thereafter. It was your typical mid card WWF house show match with lots of lockups and rest holds. You have to give Garvin credit for some creative back racking and a precise head butt to the nose. Valentine gave Garvin a few chops that, had this been 10 years later, would have elicited “Whooos” from the crowd. Valentine had a shin guard gimmick called the “Hart Breaker” which, if turned just the right way, made his figure four leg lock exponentially more painful. However, Garvin took this shin guard from Valentine and was about to nail him with it before the ref jumped in and Valentine wrapped him up in a small package for the win in 17:09. Our main event this month is “Macho Man” Randy Savage defending the WWF World Title against Bad News Brown. Brown, the 1976 Bronze Medalist in Judo, had been brought in the WWF earlier in the year under the impression that he was going to get a run on top with Hogan. Hogan took a brief hiatus shortly thereafter to film “No Holds Barred” so Brown worked with Bret Hart instead. This program with Savage didn’t last very long and didn’t get too much play on TV as Savage and Hogan were in the midst of a program with The Big Bossman and Akeem. This was mostly a house show program. Bad News would have a similar program a year later with Hulk Hogan. Savage came out with Elizabeth and pounced on Bad News immediately and the action spilled outside before Bad News got the early advantage. Hillbilly’s brilliant analysis of the situation was the Savage needed to mount a comeback. Crowd was pretty hot for this as Savage and Elizabeth were way over at this point. Plus, there was more intensity and action in the first few minutes of this match than the rest of the card combined. Some occasional bad brawling but no long rest holds or stalling. Savage had a few dives, including a double ax handle into the crowd. The finish saw Savage win with a small package out of a body slam attempt to retain the title in 9:54. Finish came out of nowhere but the crowd was still in to it. Bad News came back to the ring and hit Savage with what Trongard described as a “disposal can” but it looked more like a trash can to me. Dave Hebner knocked the “disposal can” away from Bad News before he could get a second shot in as Savage knocked Brown out of the ring to send the crowd home happy. The Rest of The Card: The Blue Blazer fought the Red Rooster to a draw Mr. Perfect pinned Koko B. Ware The Bushwhackers defeated Nikolai Volkoff Boris ZhukovJim Duggan pinned Dino Bravo Tim Horner pinned Barry Horowitz Chris Marullo Time limits and attendance figures courtesy of www.thehistoryofthewwe.com Columns - Features and TV Reviews Thu, 02 Jul 2009 10:10:59 +0100 http://www.f4wonline.com/content/view/9819/124/ TMZ.com reported this morning that Roderick Toombs aka Roddy Piper, 55, was arrested at 1 a.m. in Hollywood, CA, for suspicion of a DUI.Toombs was stopped by police, given a field sobriety test, and then arrested. He was being held on $5,000 bond. News - WWE Thu, 02 Jul 2009 07:45:23 +0100 http://www.f4wonline.com/content/view/9818/124/ It's Five Star Mail Bag time here at Five Star Radio, one of our most popular features! Topics: Mike discusses the impact BJJ/MMA could have on troubled youths (really); Nick Diaz and Jake Shields in the UFC; 145 and 135 lb UFC classes; Superman punches; more on scoring; all time great strikers in MMA and K1; future of the welterweight division; and finally, BROTHER BRIAN returns for a very level-headed and straight forward discussion of the UFC video game. It's a nice little review, if we do say so ourselves... and we just did. F4W Radio Show - Five Star Radio Show Wed, 01 Jul 2009 23:12:47 +0100 http://www.f4wonline.com/content/view/9816/124/ Dave@wrestlingobserver.com Our lead story in Monday's issue of the Observer looks at the WWE mid-card shakeup, plans for the next WWE PPV, next week's Raw TV show, a look at the newcomers to WWE and how they are being viewed right now, as well as coverage of The Bash, with poll results, match-by-match coverage and star ratings. We also have a look at changes in UFC policy that has made a lot of people unhappy and looks to cut into the income of fighters as well as the latest shot fired in the video game wars. We've got a ton of stuff from the Raw tapings, including how the crowd was different, the reactions to different wrestlers, and where the angles are going. We also have an updated look at Bobby Lashley, his fight with Bob Sapp, as well as the Ultimate Chaos PPV show. The issue is available today for subscribers to the web site. The Wrestling Observer ranges from 25,000 to 40,000 words covering pro wrestling and MMA all over the world. Each issue has coverage and analysis of all the major news, plus every issue breaks major news stories before the Internet sitesand has the most complete look at the business as a whole anywhere. The Observer is now in its 27th year of being the leading insider pro wrestling publication in the world. The biggest and most influential names in the pro wrestling industry as well as the MMA industry, from bookers, to promoters to Hall of Fame wrestlers and fighters to the biggest current names, both on camera, and behind the scenes, along with thousands of readers in all 50 states and 30 countries subscribe. Many have subscribed as long as 20 years or more straight. They get the most detailed and inside coverage of what is going on all over the world and an accuracy from having the most inside sources that can't be found on the web. Everyone from Wall Street to the major offices to the TV networks in U.S. and Japan turn to the Observer for what is going on in the business. If you are a new subscriber ordering 24 or more issues, you can get one free classic issue of your choice sent to you today. With a 40 issue subscription, you can get two free classic issues sent to you today. Just send your Visa or Master Card order with your name, address, phone number, Visa or Master Card number and an expiration date to dave@wrestlingobserver.com or you can order by faxing that information to 408-244-3402. You can also subscribe via paypal at www.paypal.com and using the dave@wrestlingobserver.com address or subscribe via check, cash or money order, as well as credit card, by mail, by sending to Wrestling Observer Newsletter, P.O. Box 1228, Campbell, CA 95009-1228. We look at the match Lashley had to turn down scheduled for this summer with another former major pro wrestling star, Lashley's promo ability, Lashley's goals for the next year, as well as Tom Atencio's fighting and talking. We also have a feature updating Lee Murray, as well as a detailed look at The Ultimate Fighter reality show, who watches the show, and how the audience has changed in every major demo since season one. We look at the TUF season and does that make it easier to sell PPV shows, paradoxes about the rating and who watches, as well as how rival coaches fighting on PPV after the season is helped by the show. We've got an update on the condition of Gerald Brisco, more on Lilian Garcia leaving WWE and possible replacements, first word on Wrestlemania tickets and scalping, PPVs being dropped, TV show changes We've also got a detailed look at the ratings, including segment-by-segment on Impact and Raw and lots more on the biggest Raw number in years. We also look at how USA's quarter was affected by the big Raw number, as well as an updated look at DVR's and their effect on ratings. We also look at how each segment on the commercial-free Raw did, including a few surprises as far as what was the highest rated segment, and what key segment actually lost viewership. We also have our regular weekly features including results of the major league arena shows held around the world, as well as the major TV show reviews. Also in this week's issue: --What WWE wrestler named his son after what MMA champion --Edge on ladder matches --Discussion of drug testing, Jeff Hardy and Umaga --Who HHH pushed as the company's best new stars --Why Smackdown is so much better than Raw --WWE vs. UFC on the web, where each one has the advantage over the other --Several new WWE signings --New WWE international tours --New PPV names being discussed --Best selling MMA and wrestling DVDs --Developmental notes --WWE house show note --Wrestlers brought back to arena they headlined 50 years ago this week --Former WWE developmental wrestlers heading to Mexico --AAA video game news --Update on a major show with both current WWE and TNA stars on the same show, as well as two recently fired WWE stars on the show --Update on debut of Dragon Gate in Philadelphia --Hall of Famer says he will retire in a few weeks --NOAH business post-Misawa --Hall of Famer with 25th anniversary show coming soon --TNA stars headline next New Japan show --Affliction star doing major pro wrestling show a week after the next card --How networks carrying MMA and pro wrestling are doing --Famous wrestling arena about to be torn down --Former Stampede wrestlers pass away --Former wrestler and MMA fighter sentenced to life in prison --Update on Brian Lawler --Former wrestling headliner going on tour with the circus --Wrestlers invited to the White House --ECW nostalgia show notes --24 man tournament coming --Father of pop star fights pro wrestler turned gimmick celebrity --Indie wrestler on VH-1 reality show --ROH weekend notes --TNA Victory Road lineup --Update on TNA video game license --Update on Raven and Shane Douglas --80s star now on TNA TV --New TNA signing this past week --Notes on upcoming TNA TV shows --UFC 99 early buy rate trending patterns --Live business for the last UFC show --UFC stars nominated for major sports awards --Lineup for next WEC show as well as 8/29 UFC show --Notes on first issue of UFC magazine --Update on business of WWE magazine --Magazine listing of best UFC matches in history --How UFC's magazine list differs from the list UFC gave Spike and who is obviously excluded --Top UFC star sued over auto accident --Update on Indiana regulating MMA --Guida vs. Sanchez thoughts --What happened with Limp Bizkit and UFC 100 --New title match signed --More on rating for Joe Rogan special --A few UFC cuts including a popular fighter --Update on Jens Pulver --Bas Rutten rips on Kimbo --Lots of new UFC fights signed --Update on CBS and MMA --Strikeforce schedule for the rest of the year --Boxing vs. MMA head-to-head on PPV --ESPN looking at giving MMA more visibility --Japanese MMA star sentenced to prison time --Tito Ortiz talks his future --College wrestling legend gets outwrestled and loses in UFC fight New subscribers ordering 24 or 40 issues have to let us know what major story (ies) of the past 11 years you are most interested inand we'll send the issue with the best coverage of that story. We've got coverage of every major PPV event and world wide spectacular,every major star switching promotions, histories of companies like FMW, Rings and New Japan, retirement and obit issues of every majorstar who fits into those descriptions over the past 11 years, as well as our biggest issue every year, the annual awards issue, and our mostcontroversial issue of every year, the Hall of Fame issue. Our most requested issues in our history are: *November 17, 1997 (full details of everything leading to the most famous wrestling match finish of modern times at the Survivor Seriesplus a history of in-ring double-crosses) *December 21, 1998 (the complete Vince McMahon-Bret Hart conversation right before the Survivor Series match so you'll know exactly what was said--the conversation played in edited form both on the inaugural broadcast of Confidential as well as in Wrestling with Shadows, buteverything that was said between the two about the match that was going to take place that same night) *August 1, 1994 (the most detailed coverage anywhere of the Vince McMahon steroid trial, an issue praised in numerous newspaper articleand Sex, Lies and Headlocks) *March 26, 2001 (death of WCW and history of pro wrestling on the Turner networks) *October 22, 2001 (why the adult audience has left pro wrestling in such great numbers and what needed to have been done to save them)*July 8, 1991 (Ric Flair leaves WCW as world champion/Zahorian steroid trial) *February 8, 1993 (the life and times of Andre the Giant) *May 13, 2002 (the life story of the most incredible pro wrestling career ever, a look at Lou Thesz, in one of the largest issues of ourhistory) *January 27, 2003 (part one of the two-part series covering the career and life of The Sheik)*February 3, 2003 (Part two on The Sheik including thoughts from people who worked with him and where he stands historically) *March 24, 2003 (history of the WWWF title, inside behind the Sammartino, Backlund and Backlund era) *April 21, 2003 (history of WWF continues with the expansion nationally, the death of the regional territories and the rise of HulkHogan) *May 12, 2003 (The life and death of Elizabeth, and the rise of fall of Lex Luger) *June 9, 2003 (Part 1 of history of WWF vs. WCW wars and what many say was the greatest year in U.S. wrestling; plus a look at Fred Blassie) *June 16, 2003 (Freddie Blassie through the eyes of his biggest rivals and friends) *July 28, 2003 (Part 2 of the history of the WWF vs. WCW war and the plans to make new superstars in the early 90s, what happened, and thenight where the three biggest wrestling companies in the world combined for a joint show and what happened) *August 25, 2003 (2003 Hall of Fame issue with huge profiles on the controversial career of Shawn Michaels, Chris Benoit as well ashistorical features on Earl Caddock and Francisco Flores) *September 22, 2003 (Part 3 of the history of the WWF vs WCW war with the seeds that caused the collapse of the industry in the 90s,Zahorian trial, Gulf War controversy, Flair leaves WCW while holding world title and much more) *October 27, 2003 (The fascinating life of Stu Hart plus the story of Road Warrior Hawk) *January 19, 2004 (2003 Awards issue) *February 2, 2004 (History of Toronto wrestling, Jack Tunney life story, Royal Rumble and Battle Royal history) *February 23, 2004 (History of Guerrero family with Eddy's win over Brock Lesnar) *March 1, 2004 (History of WWF continues with the period that brought the company down in early 1992, the mistakes, the real stories and how the business changed) *March 8, 2004 (History of Wrestlemania, its greatest matches and best and worst shows as voted both by wrestlers and non-wrestlers andWrestlemania history books) *July 5, 2004 (A look behind the scenes and Ric Flair's book and his background with Eric Bischoff and Hulk Hogan) *July 12, 2004 (A look at more on Ric Flair's book and his comments on Bruno Sammartino, Bret Hart and Mick Foley) *August 16, 2004 (History of the Olympians in pro wrestling) *August 23, 2004 (2004 Hall of Fame issue and biggest issue of the year with huge profiles on Kazushi Sakuraba, Undertaker, Bob Backlund,Masahiro Chono, Ultimo Dragon, Kurt Angle and Tarzan Lopez--this counts as one issue if you are asking for a free issue, but orderedseparately, due to size, is $6 in North America and $7 overseas) *October 4, 2004 (the life and times of Big Bossman; as well as details of the life and times of one of the most influential men worldwide in pro wrestling history, Jim Barnett) *November 15, 2004 (the full story of what happened between Kurt Angle and Daniel Puder, plus coverage of the most important week in thehistory of TNA) *January 24, 2005 (2004 Awards issue, Rock and WWE part company) *March 14, 2005 (the 50 biggest money players in the history of WWF and a look at their Hall of Fame) *May 9, 2005 (the life and times of Chris Candido) *June 20, 2005 (The full story behind Paul Heyman and the death of ECW, as well as coverage of One Night Stand, Hardcore Homecoming andbehind the scenes of both shows) *July 18, 2005 (death of Shinya Hashimoto and his records with a look at the fall of New Japan, the Matt Hardy angle, tons of WWE firings,Cornette firing in detail as well as problems of a WWE developmental territory in our biggest news issue of the year which is a double-sized issue and would be $6 on its own and $7 overseas) *August 24, 2005 (2005 Hall of Fame issue with career profiles of Paul Heyman, HHH and Freebirds plus debut of MMA Hall of Fame) *September 12, 2005 (History of Mid South Wrestling) *October 10, 2005 (Life and Times of the Ultimate Warrior) *November 21, 2005 (Life and Times of Eddy Guerrero and Crusher, double issue $6 on its own and $7 overseas) *December 5, 2005 (The Eddy Guerrero special issue, double issue $6 on its own, $7 overseas) *January 9, 2006 (The life and times of Superstar Billy Graham, plus New Year's Eve 2005 coverage) *January 16, 2006 (2005 Awards double issue, $6 or $7 overseas) *April 3, 2006 (Story of Ann Calvello and the history of Roller Derby--many called this the best issue of the Observer ever) *April 10, 2006 (Behind the scenes at the 2006 Wrestlemania/Hall of Fame week) *July 24, 2006 (The History of the Von Erichs and World Class Championship Wrestling--the most unreal story ever in wrestling) *September 4, 2006 (The Rise and Fall of Kurt Angle; 2006 Hall of Fame inductions of Eddie Guerrero, Paul Bowser, Masakatsu Funaki, Aja Kong and Hiroshi Hase including tons of wrestling history around the world from the 20s through the 60s, the evolution of working to not workingin Japan, and a look at Guerrero in hindsight, double issue $6 or $7 overseas) *October 9, 2006 (A look back nine years later at the life and legacy of Brian Pillman with tons of inside information about what made himtick as his real objectives) *November 15, 2006 (History of WCW part one, Eric Bischoff's book and how the industry was changed forever) *November 20, 2006 (History of WCW part two, Why Jim Ross left WCW, How Bischoff changed the company, signing of Hulk Hogan, Beginning of Nitro, Jesse Ventura, Brian Pillman, Chris Jericho and signing Wrestlemania planned celebrity away) *November 27, 2006 (History of WCW part three, When Bischoff challenged McMahon to fight; Truth and fiction around Bret Hartsigning with WCW and why it didn't click) *December 6, 2006 (details behind Pride's offers to sell promotion and Part four of History of WCW part four, Hogan-Goldberg match and whythere was no rematch, WCW loses NBC network deal in 1999 and the real reasons the company fell apart) *January 22, 2007 (2006 Awards issue, double issue $7 on its own, $8 overseas) *February 14, 2007 (Life and Times of Bam Bam Bigelow) *March 5, 2007 (WWE begins plans that will change the business) *March 12, 2007 (Life and Times of Mike Awesome) *March 19, 2007 (Life and Times of Ernie Ladd) *April 4, 2007 (Life and Times of Badnews Allen Coage--which many arecalling one of the best issues in history) *July 2, 2007 (Part one of the Benoit double murder-suicide) *July 5, 2007 (Part two of the Benoit double murder-suicide) *July 10, 2007 (Part three of the Benoit double murder-suicide) *July 19, 2007 (Part four of the Benoit double murder-suicide) *July 23, 2007 (Part five of Benoit double murder-suicide) *July 25, 2007 (Part six of Benoit double murder-suicide) *August 15, 2007 (The legend of the God of Japanese wrestling and his influence on MMA, Karl Gotch) *October 15 (2007 Hall of Fame double issue, $7 on its own, $8 overseas including inductions of The Rock, Tom Packs and the originalStrangler Lewis) *November 12, 2007 (Life and times of Fabulous Moolah and history of U.S. women's wrestling) . *December 31, 2007 (History of Ric Flair and the heyday of wrestling at the Greensboro Coliseum) *January 21, 2008 (2007 Awards issue, double issue $7 on its own, $8 overseas) *March 17, 2008 (Life and times of Johnny Weaver) *March 24, 2008 (Life and times of Gary Hart) *April 10, 2008 (Farewell to Ric Flair; My thoughts, Shawn Michaels talks of Flair's meaning to him; Hall of Fame; Wrestlemania doubleissue, $7 on its own, $8 overseas) *August 11, 2008 (Ric Flair leaves WWE; Updated history of pro wrestlers and MMA fighters who went to the Olympics) *September 8, 2008 (2008 Hall of Fame double issue, $7 on its own, $8 overseas; part one of Killer Kowalski bio) *September 15, 2008 (Life and Times of Evan Tanner) *September 22, 2008 (The amazing career of Killer Kowalski, one of our most in-depth bios) You can also order any of these issues on their own for $4 in North America or $5 overseas. Rates are: For the United States, it is $12 for 4 issues, $29 for 12, $55 for 24, $91 for 40 and $118 for 52. In Canada and Mexico, rates are $13.50 for4, $33 for 12, $61 for 24, $101 for 40 and $131 or 52. In Europe, you can get the fastest delivery and best rates by sending tomoonsault@mediaplusint.com. For the rest of the world, rates are $15.50 for 4, $41 for 12, $78 for 24, $126 for 40 issues and $163 for52 . If you order by mail with a check, cash or money order (P.O. Box 1228, Campbell, CA 95009-1228), you can get $1 off in every price range. We now have available personally autographed copies of Tributes II, our latest book, as well as a DVD that comes with it talking moreabout the subjects in the book. The book covers the life stories of Lou Thesz, Wahoo McDaniel, Elizabeth, Fred Blassie, Road Warrior Hawk,Andre the Giant, Curt Hennig, Johnny Valentine, Davey Boy Smith, Terry Gordy, Owen Hart, Stu Hart, Gorilla Monsoon, The Sheik and Tim Woods. To get all of those biographies as back issues of the Observer would be a $60 value today. This is a collection of some of the bestObserver articles of the past several years in a hardcover, full-color format that is 239 pages. There is also a foreword by Bret Hart. Thebook price is $12.95 plus $3.50 for shipping costs in the U.S., $10 for shipping costs to Canada and $12 for shipping costs outside NorthAmerica. You can order the book the same way you order the newsletter. News - Plugs Wed, 01 Jul 2009 16:44:14 +0100 http://www.f4wonline.com/content/view/9815/124/ Wrestling Observer Radio returns today with our second interview in the last six months with the great Bruno Sammartino! We've got so much to discuss including battling apes for $50, sparring with Sonny Liston, buying a car for Giant Baba, stories of his weightlifting prowess both in his prime and today, getting shot on by Inoki and others, fans hitting the ring, getting blackballed and then returning to Vince McMahon Sr., and so much more. This show is just shy of two hours and is one of the best shows we have ever done, and a huge thank-you to Bruno again for his time. F4W Radio Show - Wrestling Observer Wed, 01 Jul 2009 16:33:07 +0100