SUN UPDATE: PPV preview, Sheik movie, UFC change, ROH results, Still real to WWE outside N. America
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We're looking for your thoughts on tonight's TNA Against All Odds show, so you can leave a thumbs up, thumbs down or thumbs in the middle along with a best and worst match to
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We're also looking for reports from last night's Raw show in Madison, WI, last night's ROH show in New York as well as today's Raw show in Philadelphia and Smackdown show in Guadalajara.
Tonight's Against All Odds show is based around an eight-man one-night tournament, with the winner getting a title shot on 4/18 in St. Charles, MO in a cage match at the Lockdown PPV.
*A.J. Styles vs. Samoa Joe for the TNA title - If nothing else, this should be a great main event as these two know each other, usually have good matches and both as a general rule turn it up on PPV.
*Team 3-D vs. Nasty Boys - A weapons brawl. You know what you're getting. Not sure how much the Nasty Boys, who are close to 50, and Knobs is in real bad shape these days, are going to be able to bring
*The rest is a tournament with these first round matches:
*Desmond Wolfe vs. The Pope - They had a good match on PPV already
*Kurt Angle vs. Mr. Anderson - Angle rarely has bad matches on PPV. And for all the faults of Mr. Anderson, he's not Mark Henry
*Mick Foley vs. Abyss - Probably will be short. I can't see Foley winning only because he really shouldn't be doing more than a few matches in a year, let alone two of the same show.
*Matt Morgan vs. Hernandez
The show largely depends on how the tournament is built since it's going to encompass seven matches.
Monday has Raw live from Des Moines with Jerry Springer as guest host, and a triple main event of John Cena vs. HHH, Kofi Kingston vs. Ted DiBiase and Randy Orton vs. Sheamus. TNA will also be taping Monday in Orlando.
Tuesday has Smackdown in Kansas City headlined by Edge's first singles match back against Batista, as well as Smackdown matches of Christian vs. Ezekiel Jackson in an Extreme rules match for the ECW title and Miz & Big Show vs. Goldust & Yoshi Tatsu for the tag titles on the final episode of the show.
One of the biggest biographies in the history of the Observer, a look at the life and career of Jack Brisco, is the subject of one of two issues of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter coming out this coming week.
A look at WrestleMania this year, how it's shaping up, the top matches, the Elimination Chamber preceding it and how the past several years shows have performed is among the other lead stories.
For those into wrestling history, we have one of our biggest features ever on the career of Jack Brisco. In particular, we look at one of the greatest feuds in pro wrestling history with Jack Brisco vs. Dory Funk Jr. over the NWA world heavyweight championship, the psychology behind it and go back to when that was considered the classic wrestling match worldwide. We also talk with some of the greatest wrestlers in history on Jack Brisco, as well as look back at comments about the feud, Brisco, and what was going on from other major power players in the industry at that time.
Both issues are available today for web site subscribers. For those interested in getting the Observer mailed to your home, ordering details follow.
We look at the night Dory Funk Jr. won the NWA title, the process of becoming world champion, Jack Brisco growing up, his early interest in pro wrestling, his heroes growing up, the night he teamed with his idol to win his first major title, his thoughts on Funk Jr. becoming world champion and how that day changed his career.
We look back to the first Funk Jr. vs. Brisco world title match, and how the program heated up including a record setting sellout streak, Terry Funk establishing himself as a top draw, the length and breath of the feud, his background, his personal standards, the announcing of Gordon Solie, Brisco vs. Billy Robinson, the night he was originally supposed to win the title and what happened, his debut in St. Louis, the first Brisco vs Funk Jr. match in that city, the Brisco Brothers vs Funk Brothers, setting the all-time Florida record gate, the longest matches in modern wrestling history and the setting up of his world title run.
We look at the build for Brisco vs. Funk Jr. in Houston, the title change to Harley Race, the win over Harley Race and how it was covered at the time, as well as comments from people like Dory Jr., Ric Flair, Terry Funk, Jerry Lawler, Jim Ross, Bill Watts and many others.
We also have major career record rundowns on Brisco, life outside of wrestling, health issues, the hotel story with Billy Robinson, outside the ring stories, behind the selling of WCW, Black Saturday, Jack's final NWA title match, how he first got over, his leaving wrestling and so much more.
This is, size wise, one of the biggest biographies in the history of the Observer, and really couldn't be fitting because Brisco was a consensus all-time great.
We also have tons more on the WWE NXT show, including different ideas talked about, as well as a reaction of someone close to the situation regarding thoughts on the currently planned direction.
We also have notes on the 2010 schedule for Shawn Michaels.
We also have a look at the end of the careers of Ron Simmons and Mark Coleman.
We've got full coverage of UFC 109, with business notes, why the TV ratings were up, early buy rate indicators, the debut of Phil Davis, plus match-by-match coverage, poll results and payoff records for the night.
We also have a detailed look at step-by-step, what happened with Davey Richards, ROH and Dragon Gate USA.
We've got a look at Ron Simmons, noting his college football success, how he got into pro wrestling, his early days in Florida, the tag team of Doom, the story behind his WCW title win and his tenure in WWE, plus a look at the first African-American stars to have held world titles.
We've got an update on WWE video game sales. We've got more on WWE WrestleMania week plans, how Serena Deeb made it to the main roster, an update on the Linda McMahon campaign for the senate, attempts for Vancouver too get WrestleMania, future of ECW talent, Fozzy and WWE new CD record sales, more on the Marella sitcom, Royal Rumble all-time records, PPV site change, Mickie James' first record, Cena knocks Hogan, update on developmental, new WWE guest hosts and house show rundowns.
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.
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Also in this week's issues:
--Talent for Dragon Gate's WrestleMania weekend shows and big show main event
--Unlikely Sumo Hall main title match
--2010 Champion Carnival tournament
--Unique pro wrestling show coming in a few weeks including world champion from rival organizations, one worked and one shoot, doing a match as well as top stars from rival organizations forming a tag team
--Wrestling Hall of Famer's governor election coming this week
--Crazy match-ups on Inoki's next show including brawler of the year against cult MMA favorite, legends match
--Dreamer goes to Japan and draws advanced sellout
--Notes on Against All Odds PPV
--What happened with Scott Steiner
--RVD in TNA update
--Notes on Foley's comedy show in Las Vegas
--Injury to TNA star
--Injury to WWE star
--Update on Bobby Lashley
--More on major lawsuit against Hogan
--New businesses Ric Flair looking to open
--Update on Honky Tonk Man in TNA
--Flair talks about his return to the ring as a wrestler in TNA
--Notes on weekend TNA house shows
--Details of WEC's first PPV
--Notes on UFC Undisputed video game for 2010
--White talks future of Ultimate Fighter
--Earliest start for a UFC PPV show coming up
--Notes on upcoming UFC schedule of events
--Pride ratings
--Tons of new matches added to upcoming shows
--Notes on Herschel Walker's Strikeforce payday
--Business notes on the show including how much the main fighters earned, how much Showtime paid for the show, and who has challenged Walker to a fight
--Former gold medalist announces retirement match at Budokan Hall
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and Sex, Lies and Headlocks)
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*October 22, 2001 (why the adult audience has left pro wrestling in such
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*July 8, 1991 (Ric Flair leaves WCW as world champion/Zahorian steroid
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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
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*August 25, 2003 (2003 Hall of Fame issue with huge profiles on the
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*September 22, 2003 (Part 3 of the history of the WWF vs WCW war with the
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*October 27, 2003 (The fascinating life of Stu Hart plus the story of
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Lesnar)
*March 1, 2004 (History of WWF continues with the period that brought the
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*July 5, 2004 (A look behind the scenes and Ric Flair's book and his
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--Want to thank everyone for their comments on the Observer with the Jack Brisco biography. If you're into learning about history, this one is the best issue in a long time. We also have a story in the MMA section of www.yahoo.com on Danny Hodge.
--A trailer for a documentary being put together on The Sheik is at http://www.youtube.com/marknowo I don't know about them saying that with the exception of Ali that The Sheik was ever the most recognizable sports figure in the world.
--Mike Mooneyham on the end of ECW, with the final episode on Tuesday, at http://www.postandcourier.com/news/2010/feb/14/ecw-only-ashes-remain
--TNA will announce its move to Mondays tomorrow.
--Anthony Johnson suffered a knee injury in training so his 3/21 match in Broomfield, CO on the first UFC show on Versus against John Howard is out. Daniel Roberts (9-0, making his UFC debut) will be Howard's new opponent. The decision was made by Dana White to move Spencer Fisher vs. Duane Ludwig to the live show instead of Clay Guida vs. Shannon Gugerty.
--ROH results from last night in New York: Roderick Strong b Brian Kendrick, Chris Hero & Claudio Castagnoli b The Bravado Brothers, Necro Butcher & Eddie Kingston b Joey Ryan & Erick Stevens in an unsanctioned brawl. Gypsy Joe, the world's oldest wrestler, was in the corner of Butcher & Kingston. Davey Richards b El Generico, Mark & Jay Briscoe b Dark City Fight Club to keep tag titles, Delirious over Steve Corino, Rasche Brown and Kenny King, Colt Cabana b Kevin Steen-DQ very quickly, Tyler Black b Austin Aries to win the ROH title. Black superkicked Roderick Strong and Jim Cornette, then used a sky twister on Aries to win the title. Strong challenged Black. Next show is 5/8.
--Poll on Smackdown
Excellent 44.4%
Good 39.3%
Average 5.2%
Fair 2.2%
Poor 8.9%
25.8% of those responding didn't see the show
-Most important MMA fighter of all-time
Royce Gracie 46.4%
Ken Shamrock 16.9%
Chuck Liddell 9.4%
Randy Couture 9.1%
Kazushi Sakuraba 4.7%
Georges St. Pierre 4.4%
Fedor Emelianenko 3.9%
Tito Ortiz 2.5%
Mirko Cro Cop 1.4%
Don Frye 0.8%
Wanderlei Silva 0.6%
--ECW aired at 3 a.m. this past night on Global TV in Canada. Raw replays also air on Global from 2-4 a.m. late Wednesday/early Thursday) and Smackdown 2-4 a.m. late Friday/early Saturday (thanks to Bob Johnson)
--Tooth Fairy starring Dwayne Johnson is being estimated at doing $5.6 million this weekend for the No. 6 slot for the weekend in its fourth week out. The movie didn't have a great first week, but is showing exceptional legs and doing great on the international front. It's per screen average was almost identical to last week. It'll probably be near the $70 million mark worldwide by Monday.
--AAA from Friday night at Arena San Juan Pantitlan: Tonina Cirio & Johnny Velita b Chicolin & Confetti, Mohicano & Nino de Ebano & Super Brazo & Super Tarin & La Caricia b Colombiano & Tony Cirio & M-1 (Vadim?) & Miserable & Ricky Ricon, Aero Star & Fabi Apache b Billy Boy & Sexy Star, Psycho Circus b Histeria & Infinito & Super X, Extreme Tiger & La Parka & Super Dizzy b Psicosis & Silver King & Ultimo Gladiador, Mesias & Electroshock b Chessman & Cibernetico
--The Mistico vs. Volador Jr. feud continues tonight in Guadalajara. Arena Mexico today has El Hijo del Fantasma defending the CMLL middleweight title against Negro Casas. Puebla tomorrow has Mistico still on the face side with Strongman & Porky vs. Atlantis & Ultimo Guerrero & Mr. Niebla. Naucalpan has Mascara Ano 2000 & Mascara Ano 2000 Jr. vs. Pirata Morgan & Pirata Morgan Jr. (thanks to Kris Zellner & Steve "Dr. Lucha" Sims)
--Friday night's Arena Mexico Mistico vs. Volador Jr. match for the Mexican national light heavyweight title
http://www.youtube.com/user/armagadosdelmal#p/a/u/2/ILjbJhBt2Bo
http://www.youtube.com/user/armagadosdelmal#p/a/u/1/ucynrI4wvtc
http://www.youtube.com/user/armaagadosdelmel#p/a/u/0/F5Gb96lHH2g
--Today's Bakersfield Californian at http://www.bakersfield.com/news/sports/csub/x2022667362/Fitting-farewell ran a story on the final Cal State University Bakersfield home wrestling meet, since on Thursday the college announced they were dropping the sport, the most successful at the college. The team came out in new all black sweats and costumes without the name or initials of the school on their uniforms as a protest against the school, that was made clear considering school president Horace Mitchell was at mat side. Many former national champions and all-americans from the school came to the final meet. Bakersfield beat UC-Davis 39-4, and there was a long standing ovation and the place was still packed 45 minutes after the last match. Mitchell said that if boosters can raise $1.4 million, they would save the wrestling team as well as men's and women's golf teams and women's tennis, for two years. Before the meet started, ring announcer Ed Thomas said, "This is the last dual meet ever." Coach T.J. Kerr came out wearing a 1996 team ring, commemorating the year the Division II school actually was ranked No. 3 in Division I.
--NWS on 2/19 in Woodbridge, NJ at the Elks Lodge with the 2010 Lou Albano Memorial tag team tournament. Giant Silva appears.
--Maximum Fighting Championship on 2/26 at the River Cree Resort in Edmonton for a show airing on HDNet for Fan Appreciation night. They are inviting fans to bring video cameras and film the matches themselves.
--CZW from yesterday afternoon at the Arena in Philadelphia:
Sami Callihan b Necro Butcher
Devon Moore b Eddie Kingston
D.J. Hyde b Joe Gacy
Zero Gravity b Spanish Armada
Drew Gulak & Ryan Slater b Tyler Veritas & Adam Cole
Drake Younger b Drew Blood
Evening show
Ryan McBride & Rich Swann b Sami Callihan & Joe Gacy
The Best Around b Team Macktion to keep tag titles
J.C. Bailey b Drake Younger
Sabian won the jr. title over champ Greg Excellent, Drew Blood, Adam Cole, Devon Moore and Egotistico Fantastico
Brain Damage & Thurteen b Danny Havoc & Scotty Vortekz
Nick Gage won Battle Royal to earn a title shot
Jon Moxley b B-Boy to win CZW title. Nick Gage challenged Moxley for the title after
They announced Alex Shelley on the 3/13 show
--There is a story on Rosa Mendes previewing last night's WWE house show in San Jose, Costa Rica at http://insidecostarica.com/dailynews/2010/february/14/costarica-10021406. htm Mendes is of Costa Rican descent. Interesting in the story is WWE's current policy is that when they are overseas, they still claim wrestling is real.
--More on the Lawrence O'Donnell/Linda McMahon thing on MSNBC at http://www.ctmirror.org/story/tense-cup-morning-joe-linda-mcmahon
--Jim Ross talks his future at http://www.jrsbarbq.com/blog/saturday-updatedozens-qas-updatedrandom-thou ghts He said Ric Flair wasn't at the Jack Brisco funeral due to travel reasons but questioned why more of the wrestlers who live in Tampa didn't attend. "My career will take whatever direction it's meant to take when contract negotiations commence. Once never knows how that process will go until it begins. I do expect it to go well." He said his health at this point is the top priority. "I will not compromise my overall health for any business opportunity as I have had enough friendly reminds that I need to slow down and I plan on heeding the last warning."
--Michael Bisping and Elvis Sinosic are guests on Tough Talk at http://heavytoughtalk.hipcast.com/deluge/779007c6-6fef-e865-6268-a08b4b39 7168.mp3
--Tyler Black is doing a pro wrestling seminar on 2/19 in Davenport, IA at 3:30 p.m. at the Central Rec Center for $30. For more info you can e-mail
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--Ricardo Almeida and Frankie Edgar are doing a BJJ and MMA seminar in Orangeburg, NY at Thomas Clifford's Martial Arts from 6:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. on Wednesday night. The seminar is $50. This is a fund raiser for Haiti victims.
--In Your Face Wrestling on 3/20 in Ballston Spa, NY at the Community Center. They also run 4/17 in Amsterdam, NY at the Elks Lodge.
--TCW from last night in Marysville, WA: Nick Price b Mike Santiago, Lylah Lodge b Sunni Daze, Cole Bishop b Dash Venture, Christopher Ryseck & Ideal Protection b Bryan Alvarez & Vinny V, WildCard b Ethan HD, Nicole Matthews b K.C. Spinelli, Aaron Bolo & Azul Angel b Caden Mathews & Exile. Next show is 2/27 with Bryan & Vinny vs. Ryseck & Ideal Protection plus a screening of the movie Ultimate Death match after the show. (thanks to Charles Short)
--FWA from last night in Broxbourne, UK: Leroy Kincaide over Jonny Storm and Bubblegum, Joey Hayes & C.J. Banks b Zack Sabre Jr. & Marty Scrull, R.J. Singh b El Ligero, Sha Samuels & Terry Frazier b Dave Moralez & Joel Redmond, Rockstar Spud b Derrice Coffee, Martin Kirby & Kriss Travis b Stixx & Paul Malen, Martin Stone b Andrew Simmonz. Next show is 3/21 in Wolverhampton (thanks to Michael Fitzgerald)
--A story on the Lucha Va Voom promotion is at http://www.scpr.org/news/2010/02/12/lucha-vavoom-brings-wrestling-and-bur lesque-togeth/ The group runs Friday night in San Francisco at the Fillmore
--ACE Wrestling from last night in Union City, NJ before 200 fans: Killa S b Wes Draven, Pinkie Sanchez and Giovanni Marranca, Alicia b Jana, Stockade & Brolly b Monsta Mack & Havok, Bruno Marciano b Mike Donovan, Tom Scanlon b William Wyeth, Andrew Johnson & Vince Steele b E.C. Negro & Shawn Walker, Rob Vegas b Dan Maff-DQ, Benny Martinez b Crowbar, Neeeno Capone & Envy b Chris Rockwell & Sam Shields, Mo Sexton b Tommy Dreamer to keep ACE title
--Jersey All Pro Wrestling on 3/20 in Rahway, NJ at the Rec Center has Samoa Joe, Kazuchika Okada, Teddy Hart and Generation Me
--NWA East on 2/20 in McKeesport, PA at the Jacob Woll Pavilion
