This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

 

        We're looking for reports on both Thursday night's TNA house show in Clovis, NM and Friday  night's show in Rio Rancho, NM.

 

        No WWE events this weekend. 

 

        Monday night has Raw in Worcester featuring Ozzy & Sharon Osbourne as guest hosts.  They also tape Impact in Orlando on Monday with Bobby Lashley vs. Homicide, Team 3-D vs. Matt Morgan & Hernandez and Tara vs. Daffney.

 

        Tuesday has ECW & Smackdown tapings in Providence with Batista vs. Matt Hardy, plus another set of Impact tapings in Orlando. 

 

        They also have a Showtime special at 9:30 p.m. Tuesday night building up the Fedor Emelianenko vs. Brett Rogers match. 

 

        With the full story on Hulk Hogan and Eric Bischoff going to TNA, including more on what the deal entails, what the deal is regarding television deals and a look at the biggest names in wrestling not with WWE and where they say they stand regarding the new TNA is our lead story of a double-issue coming out Monday. 

 

        The issue also includes a lengthy life and times piece on Lou Albano.  The issue is available right now to web site members and can be ordered via weekly mail deliver with details below.

 

        We talk about the Australia tours, Vince Russo, a new booker name that has surfaced, as well as a look at new talent and where they stand at press time.

 

        We also look at Brock Lesnar pulling out of UFC 106, including when Dana White got the word, details on the illness and his training camp, as well as UFC plans from January of next year.  We look at new matches coming up that will be main events, what top name is not interested in fighting right, and why new main events haven't been announced yet.  We also look at the mega-match they were trying to build for the spring, where and why, and how Lesnar's pulling out of UFC affects the timing of that plan.  We also update the situation with the Quinton Jackson vs. Rashad Evans match.

 

        We've got notes on the folding of a promotion that was once in the running for a long-term deal with Steve Austin, and had Bill Goldberg under contract after WCW.

 

        We have a major look at the life and times of Captain Lou Albano.  We look at his active career as a wrestler, how he became a manager, his first program as a manager and how it went including records set, we've got a list of all the men he managed to championships over his long career as well as awards.

 

        We look at the cause of his death, comments from friends, family, people from his city and fellow wrestlers.  We look at the Ivan Koloff title win over Bruno Sammartino and background of it, the emergence of the Grand Wizard and Fred Blassie as WWWF managers, violent fans, terrorizing Vince McMahon, the story behind the Cyndi Lauper angle and his importance in the rise of WWF.

 

        We look at the WWF national expansion, the story behind "The Brawl to Settle it All" and "The War to Settle the Score," why there were no more MTV specials after that point, interesting notes about the Moolah vs. Richter match, the rise of Hulk Hogan as a celebrity outside the wrestling audience, the beginnings of Saturday Night's Main Event, the glory period of pro wrestling at Madison Square Garden, Albano's frequent firings, acting, his parents, his days as a real athlete, his breaking into pro wrestling, the gimmick that got him run out of town at a time when wrestling was on fire in Chicago, the real story behind his winning the tag team title in 1967, his record as a wrestler and manager in MSG, what all his matches were like, his role in major turns, the change of the business in the 80s, Albano as the media go-to-guy, and his falling out with Bruno Sammartino in real-life.

 

        We also have more on the surprise resignation of Shane McMahon, including what happened, and why it appeared to happen, with thoughts from many in the company on his strengths and weaknesses and the Shane vs. Stephanie dynamic.  We look at his attempts to run various companies and how they fell through, the plans for international expansion and his role that fell through, as well as what recent happening showed just how much power he had lost.

 

        We've got full coverage of WWE building Survivor Series, thoughts on Bragging Rights both as a first show and doing forward, the Iron man match and what it told about Randy Orton and John Cena, a well as match-by-match coverage, business notes, star ratings and poll results on the show.

 

        We also have a look at the Machida vs. Rua decision, how the three judges voted, how the public reacted, reaction from Machida, judges and why Machida won, how it was as a live show, match-by-match coverage including how much the fighters earned, business notes and poll results on the show.

          

        We also have an update on the condition of Jim Ross, notes on the WWE announcing changes, notes about who attended WrestleMania this past year, notes on two WWE movies, notes on 2010 PPV shows, wrestler looking at a new career, plans to combat UFC, more on the Cena movie 12 Rounds, why the Smackdown team changed at Bragging Rights, a new angle idea, new WWE signing, Shad Gaspard talks about missing Smackdown, Bret Hart talks about his book, former WWE Diva rips on the company, notes on new giant that was signed, story behind Hornswoggle role on recent TV show, and house show notes.

 

        We've also got notes on the total unknown who was chosen to headline the biggest show of the year, and why that is now in danger, as well as coverage of both the K-1 World Max tournament final and the most recent Dream show.    

 

         We also have a look at the ratings for all the major pro wrestling and MMA shows on television over the past week.

 

    We also have our usual weekly features such as the results of the biggest matches of the week and rundown of the major television shows.

 

     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 sites and 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
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it 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 This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it 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.

 

Also in this week's issue:

 

--What American is getting a big push in Mexico

 

--Former WWE Diva at Arena Mexico this past week

 

--Mexico ratings

 

--Promotions threaten to sue each other

 

--Update on NOAH jr. tournament and New Japan tag tournament

 

--Hulk Hogan book promotion and story behind his suicide

 

--Update on Turning Point PPV plans including several matches not yet announced

 

--TNA star has surgery

 

--How Nigel McGuinness got his new ring name

 

--McGuinness talks about WWE, and signing with TNA

 

--What wrestler nearly got kicked off Bound for Glory at the last minute

 

--What TNA woman wrestler beat up a guy after Bound for Glory

 

--Story behind all the backstage turmoil in TNA

 

--Early Bound for Glory PPV numbers

 

--Mick Foley gets mad at Terry Funk roast

 

--Tara vs. Kim Couture notes

 

--TNA house show coverage from the past week

 

--Notes on TNA television and the problems of it

 

--UFC counters Strikeforce on CBS

 

--Update on Dan Henderson UFC negotiations

 

--Lot of new UFC matches

 

--Where Kimbo Slice goes next

 

--Dana White mad at fighters and why

 

--Promoting Fedor vs Brett Rogers

 

--Return of Cung Le

 

--Update on Herschel Walker in MMA

 

--Josh Barnett steroid test hearing

 

--Pacquiao-Cotto business news

 

--MMA and wrestling stars in world grappling championships

 

     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 in and
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 major star who fits
into those descriptions over the past 18 years, as well as our biggest
issue every year, the annual awards issue, and our most controversial
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 Series plus 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, but
everything 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 article
and 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 our
history)

 

*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 Hulk
Hogan)

 

*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 the
night 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 as
historical 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 and
Wrestlemania 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 ordered separately,
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 world wide 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 the
history 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 and
behind 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 working
in 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 him
tick 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 Hart signing 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 why
there 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 are
calling 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 original
Strangler 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 double issue, $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
for 4, $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 to
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . For the rest of the world, rates are $15.50
for 4, $41 for 12, $78 for 24, $126 for 40 issues and $163 for
52 .

 

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 also have available personally autographed copies of Tributes II, our
latest book, as well as a DVD that comes with it talking more about
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 best Observer
articles of the past several years in a hardcover, full-color format that
is 239 pages. There is also a foreword by Bret Hart. The book 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 North America. You
can order the book the same way you order the newsletter.

 

 

 

--It is now official that Anderson Silva's recovery from elbow surgery has been slower than hoped for and he's out of the 1/2 show, leaving Brock Lesnar vs. Shane Carwin and Rashad Evans vs. Thiago Silva as the two top matches.  One would expect Anderson Silva vs. Vitor Belfort to be on one of the two February shows, although Silva has not committed to a new date until he's farther along in healing.

 

--Even though WWE advertised no more John Cena vs. Randy Orton matches (as if), the main event for the 12/29 show in Manchester, NH is being advertised as Cena vs. Orton for the title

 

--The Irish Sunday Times today reported WWE has stopped Irish company Mideuro Imports of Dublin from importing 100,000 euros worth of counterfeit WWE merchandise.  WWE has requested that French customs destroy the toys and is seeking an injunction against the company from important any WWE intellectual property.  The goods came through France but were created in China. (thanks to Shane Browne)    

 

--Fedor Emelianenko and Brett Rogers were brought to Soldier Field in Chicago today for the Chicago Bears vs Cleveland Browns game and to be interviewed at the CBS Halftime show to push Saturday night's fight.  There is no better mainstream audience to put MMA fighters before than an NFL audience. 

 

--Bryan and I will be back talking Hulk Hogan in TNA tonight on Wrestling Observer radio tonight.  If you've got any questions, you can send them here and we'll get to as many as we can. 

 

--Poll on Smackdown

Excellent 10.5%

Good 40.0%

Average 25.7%

Fair 6.7%

Poor 17.1%

        35.2% of those responding didn't see the show

 

--Will UFC double WWE's domestic PPV buys on the weekend of 11/21 and 11/22

Yes 63.1%

No 36.9%

 

--What are your thoughts regarding the Dragon Gate PPV show on Friday?

Watched the first one, will watch this one 32.7%

Watched the first one, won't watch this one because I didn't like the first one 1.9%

Watched the first one, won't watch this one because of competition from other November shows 0.6%

Watched the first one, won't watch this one even though I liked the first show 3.1%

Didn't watch the first one, will watch this one because of word of mouth from the first show 5.0%

Didn't watch the first, won't watch this because there is too much wrestling and I'm not looking for something new 11.9%

Didn't watch the first, won't watch this because I don't now the stars 10.7%

Didn't watch the first, don't buy PPV wrestling shows 34.0%

        Based on this, 38.3% of the people bought the first show and 37.7% are planning on watching this show, so based on that, the buy rate number of the first and second shows should be pretty close.

 

--Do you think Hulk Hogan will be in TNA one year from today

Yes 29.1%

No 70.9% 

  

--K&S Wrestlefest on 12/12 in Cateret, NJ at the Radisson Hotel will feature Dory Funk Jr., Ron & Don Harris, Steve Williams, Bill Dundee, Danny Spivey, Moondog Rex, Jack Victory, Skandor Akbar, Clarence Mason, Outback Jack, Simon Diamond, Johnny Swinger, Brad Armstrong, Tim Horner, Mike Sanders and Lash LeRoux.  Plus appearing with vendors include Headbanger Mosh, Rick Martel, Tito Santana, Sheik Adnan Al-Kaissie, Spice & Chae (Nitro Girls), Johnny Rodz, David Sammartino, Sonjay Dutt, Jazz and SoCal Val.  For more info write to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

 

--Spike will be airing 17 hours of UFC programming in prime time this coming week.  Besides Ultimate Fighter, they are going to replay the Sam Stout vs. Spencer Fisher show Fight Night from June 12, 2007 tomorrow night at 9 p.m., they will replay the Fight for the Troops from December 10, 2008 headlined by Josh Koscheck vs. Yoshiyuki Yoshida on Friday night at 9:30 p.m., and they are running programming on Saturday night (against the CBS show) from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. straight.  From both 9-11 p.m. and replayed from 11 p.m. to 1 a.m. is four PPV main events, Rich Franklin vs. Vitor Belfort, Randy Couture vs. Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira, B.J. Penn vs. Kenny Florian and Anderson Silva vs. Forrest Griffin

 

--The correct link for the Where are They Now story listed yesterday is http://www.examiner.com/x-22249-Columbus-Pro-Wrestling-Examiner~y2009m10d29-Where-are-they-now-1980s-version   

 

--WWC from Friday night in Guayama before 300 fans:  Angel b Tommy Diablo, Rikochet b Ricky Reyes, Carlitos & Chicky Starr b Mr. X & Hiram Tua, Orlando Colon b Lightning, Ray Gonzalez b Noriega, Thunder b Bronco, Idol Stevens & Shawn Spears b B.J. & Abbad (thanks to Manuel Gonzalez)

 

--Insanity Pro Wrestling on 11/21 in Indianapolis at the Fountain Square Salvation Army Corp 

 

--C.W. Anderson interview at http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x=22249-Columbus-Pro-Wrestling-Examiner~y2009m11d1-Interview-with-CW-Anderson