WED, UPDATE: UFC in Toronto takes step backwards; Ratings; Hogan talks move; Ross talks ECW


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        We've got an exclusive look at major WWE plans for the future, both regarding long-term plans for television, the establishment of their own network and the type of programming they are looking at as one of the lead stories in this coming Monday's issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.  
 
        The issue, with an in-depth look at WWE business, as well as where TNA stands right now, is our second largest issue so far this year.        
 
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        Our lead story talks about the formation, start up plans and goals of the new WWE television network.  We look at Vince McMahon's history with outside ventures, how the economics work on this, as well as the future of Smackdown.
 
        We also have a detailed look at the current WWE business, including why most categories are down in business but profits are up company-wide, why the company is so bullish on 2010 even with a 10% decline in revenue in 2009 and one category they are already getting a turnaround in and a second where they believe a new decision that was heavily criticized is already paying off.
 
        We look at McMahon's business projections over the next three years, his view on 2009, his view on creative, how the company has benefited from Obama's policies, and McMahon's thought and my thought on what is the real barometer as to have creative is doing.
 
        We look at where the revenues declined, both in categories and in each part of the world, including what part of the world the trends are completely different than the rest of the world.  We look at every major business category, including changes in TV, changes in PPV, changes in the philosophy in home video, merchandise as well as what percentage of total revenue each category brings to the table.
 
        We also have a year-by-year chart of the ups and downs of WWE business.
 
        We also have a look at the PPV business, looking back at how every show over the past two years did.  We look in particular at the pluses and minuses of the new philosophy of gimmick match PPVs and whether it has or hasn't worked.  We look again at the UFC influence on PPV, the elimination of the Survivor Series and McMahon's thoughts on it, and why you have to look long-term at the 2009 changes in PPV.
 
        We also look at the price increase, which gimmicks worked, as well as a look at eight new gimmick ideas for PPV in 2010 the company is looking at, why some have no chance, and why others may have a chance and why.
 
        We also have a look at the NXT show, with McMahon's quotes, a look at Tough Enough and Ultimate Fighter, the two shows this is somewhat based on, as well as a look at all eight newcomers that will be introduced with their backgrounds, strengths and weaknesses.  We look at who were the last cuts as well.
 
        We also look at TNA moving to Monday nights permanently, the decision to go with 9 p.m., what the initial goals are, the real vs. perceived growth of the TNA product, what Hogan has said, upcoming PPV shows, as well as early indicators of how Against All Odds did.  We also have coverage of the show including match-by-match rundown with star ratings and poll results.
 
        We have more on the life and times of Jack Brisco, including notes from his funeral last week, what Jim Ross said, Brisco's first pro wrestling match, among those who attended, Brisco's life after wrestling, as well as a more detailed look at the selling of Georgia Championship Wrestling to Vince McMahon in 1984.  We look at what a big deal that was in the business at the time, the reaction to it, why Brisco made the move and Brisco's thoughts years later on all the criticism he took for it.
 
        We also have a complete list of Brisco's main events in St. Louis against the biggest names of the 70s, as well as a listing of his championship matches in Japan.
 
        We also have coverage of the New Japan show at Tokyo Sumo Hall, including what major tag team title match is coming up, the building of a feud from Mexico into a New Japan main event, and the latest signs of where the Japanese business stands.
 
        We also have more on WrestleMania, a new member of the WWE Board of Directors, lots more on Linda McMahon getting grilled on CNBC and how it was covered as far as her campaign, and a history of WWE drug testing.  We also look at the reaction to Jerry Springer, another WWE major star looking at taking time off, as well as WWE vs. UFC web activity and how things have turned around this year.
 
        We have notes on Mickie James attempting to become a country singer, lots of developmental news, firing of a Diva, the best selling WWE DVDs of the year, what WWE star is in a current issue of Playboy with old shots, WWE's album sales, a milestone of Mae Young, former WWE woman wrestler announces engagement, as well as notes on the WWE's Latin American tour and its domestic house shows this past week.
 
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biggest matches of the week and rundown of the major television shows.

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Also in this week's issue:

--Major title changes in Mexico
 
--How the Mistico vs. Volador Jr. feud has impacted business
 
--A new wrestling program being pushed at international conventions
 
--Updating the Mexico ratings over the last three weeks
 
--Lots of American newcomers coming to Mexico in the next few weeks
 
--Major star jumping ship in Mexico
 
--More on the Dragon Gate USA shows in Phoenix
 
--What Hall of Fame legend is headed to Dragon Gate for its Sumo Hall show
 
--First cage match in the history of All Japan Pro Wrestling
 
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--Hall of Famer and son will be forming a tag team for son's debut match, and renewing 1980s rivalry
 
--Update on Sandy Scott
 
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--Former WWE star in lead role in a movie
 
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--Lots of new wrestling books coming out
 
--A look at the ROH 8th anniversary show
 
--Notes on ROH television
 
--Future of Jeff Hardy
 
--TNA ratings in the U.K.
 
--New mentality regarding women wrestlers in TNA
 
--RVD talks and updates on TNA
 
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--Update on Bobby Lashley
 
--Notes on TNA house shows and a look at TNA television over the next several weeks
 
--Update on Vitor Belfort
 
--New UFC experiment regarding its major shows starting the day before Mania
 
--Notes on UFC 109 business numbers and thoughts on UFC 110 and its full card
 
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--Some minor trouble regarding UFC overseas
 
--Lots of new fights signed and under discussion, as well as notes on newcomers that have been signed
 
--MMA fighter wedding garners major overseas attention
 
--More on the boxing Kameda brothers and ratings drawing power
 
--Longtime WCW promoter does first MMA show
 
--A look at a number of great wrestlers doing MMA events       

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--UFC's attempts to run in Toronto took a step backwards today when Ontario Premiere Dalton McGuinty told reporters this morning regarding bringing UFC to the province that "It's just not a priority for us right now."  The story has gotten a lot of play in Canada.  One story is at http://network.nationalpost.com/np/blogs/postedsports/archive/2010/02/17/ mma-not-coming-to-ontario-any-time-soon-says-dalton-mcguinty.aspx  and http://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/ontario-not-ready-for-ufc/article14 71065/  McGuinty said he is looking at other ways as opposed to bringing in MMA to stimulate the economy.

 

--In storyline, they are claiming Bret Hart suffered a broken leg and ligament and tendon damage in his left leg.

 

--Raw did a 3.4 rating, clearly hurt by competition from the Olympics.
 
--USA won the prime time cable race for last week with a 2.0, barely over the 2.0 by TNT, even though TNT had the NBA All-Star game.  Syfy was No. 17 at 0.8 and Spike was No. 22 at 0.7.  The All-Star ratings were down by a decent amount from last year due to competition from the Olympics, which is doing significantly bigger numbers than the last Winter Olympics.  The All-Star game did a 4.4 rating for first place on cable, while the second hour of Raw last week was in second, the NBA All-Star Saturday night was third (both at 3.6) and the first hour of Raw at 3.4 was in fourth place.  Raw's second hour was No. 5 in 18-34 behind three shows associated with the All-Star game and Keeping Up With the Kardashians.  Second hour wasn't in the top ten.  In 18-49, they were No. 3 and No. 5.
 
--We still don't have a Raw rating but the final number for Monday night's Olympic coverage was a 14.2 rating and 25.2 million viewers, up 11% from the first Monday of the 2006 Olympics.  Including last night, they are up 15% in ratings points and 25% in viewers when comparing the same period to the 2006 games.
 
--Frankie Martinez, who wrestled all over the world, mostly as a prelim wrestler in the 60s and 70s, passed away on Sunday in Tampa.  Martinez was 81.  I remember Bill Watts like Martinez a lot.  His funeral will be Friday in Tampa at the Adams and Jennings Funeral Home at 11 a.m.  
 
--A political cartoon and article negative to Linda McMahon is at http://blogs.courant.com/bob_englehart/2010/02/february-17-2010.html#more
 
--The UFC Countdown show airs 11 p.m. tomorrow night after Impact.
 
--Brian Fritz talks more to Hulk Hogan about the move to Mondays at http://www.fanhouse.com/2010/02/17/hulk-hogan-plugged-in-with-new-role-at -tna-wrestling/
 
--A story on Eve Torres is at http://www.timesdelphic.com/2010/02/15/are-you-ready-to-rock

--An interview with Hall of Fame legend Don Leo Jonathan is at http://www.examiner.com/x-22249-Columbus-Pro-Wrestling-Examiner~y2010m2d1 7-Bell-Time-with-Don-Leo-Jonathan  Jonathan was arguably the most agile 300 pounder in pro wrestling history, who was a worldwide headliner in the 50s, 60s, and 70s.
 
--Floyd Mayweather and Shane Mosley go on tour with press events on 3/2 in New York at the NOKIA Theater Times Square, 3/3 in Washington, DC at the Lincoln Theater and 3/4 in Los Angeles at the NOKIA Plaza L.A. Live to promote their 5/1 fight
 
--A look at Evolve wrestling at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HfcU1qXNc2-l
 
--Jim Ross at http://www.jrsbarbq.com writes about the end of ECW, Paul Heyman, RVD, Bret Hart and UFC on PPV
 
--Tickets for UFC 113 on 5/8 in Montreal, headlined by Lyoto Machida vs. Shogun Rua go on sale to UFC Fight Club members at 10 a.m. Eastern time tomorrow.  They go on sale to the general public at 10 a.m. on Saturday.  Tickets are priced from $600 down to $50.  The first two events in Montreal were quick sellouts, although the second saw scalpers have a very difficult time unloading tickets.   
 
--Poll on Monday's Raw
Excellent 4.3%
Good 7.8%
Average 16.2%
Fair 10.9%
Poor 60.8%
        11.8% of those responding didn't see the show.  Quite the turnaround from the past few weeks.
 
--Poll on Monday's ROH TV show
Excellent 26.1%
Good 33.3%
Average 14.5%
Fair 2.9%
Poor 23.2%
        68.6% of those responding didn't see the show
 
--Who would you consider the best all-around athlete among recent generation pro wrestlers?
Kurt Angle 64.1%
Danny Hodge 13.8%
Steve Williams 5.1%
Ron Simmons 3.4%
Bill Goldberg 2.6%
Ernie Ladd 2.1%
Wahoo McDaniel 2.1%
Doug Furnas 1.7%
Steve McMichael 1.6%
Jack Brisco 1.4%
Ken Patera 1.3%
Dick Beyer 0.7%
 
--What do you think of TNA's time slot move?
Best move the way things are going in March 20.6%
Should have moved to 8-10 p.m. on Mondays 56.6%
Should have stayed on Thursday 22.8%
 
--Six months from today, do you believe Impact ratings will be:
Up 38.6%
Down 23.0%
The same 38.3%
 
--Who do you expect to win this match?
Wanderlei Silva 67.2%
Michael Bisping 32.8%
 
--After the Ohio Athletic Commission refused to sanction a Tim Sylvia vs. Wes Sims fight on 3/20 in Youngstown, the new matches planned for the Monte Cox Adrenaline show are Sylvia vs. Brandon Lee Hinkle (which the commission approved) and Sims vs. Kerry Schall  
 
--Alex Marvez talks to Colt Cabana about doing stand up comedy at http://www.scrippsnews.com/node/51546
 
--CWE on 3/7 in Glenwood, Manitoba at the Community Center features Bushwhacker Luke vs. Bobby Jay  
 
--VPW on Saturday night in Basingstoke, UK:  Rob Holte b Chris Andrews, Bob Holly b Jake McCulskey, Chris Andrews b Christopher Starr, UK Kid b Billy Gunn, Billy Gunn & Chris Andrews & Jake McCluskey b Bob Holly & UK Kid & Rob Holte (thanks to Ross Williams)
 
--Chasyn Rance walked off of the VH-1 show "Show Tool Academy" in the first episode that just aired so he's now able to take bookings at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it   They did what appeared to be a staged wrestling deal built off the Kurt Angle/Daniel Puder thing where he wrestled a girl, went to his back to do a submission and they claimed he was pinned, and then he quit over it.
 
--An interview with THQ's Brian Farrell at http://ds.ign.com/articles/106/1069732p1.html talks about the WWE video game
 
--Championship Wrestling Alliance on 3/6 in Kingsport, TN at the Civic Auditorium with Ricky Morton and a mystery partner vs. Chris Richards & Jason Kincaid
 
--Sad to her about boxer Robert Guerrero, who is from this area, vacating his IBF jr. lightweight title and putting his career on hold to be with wife Casey as she battles leukemia.  Casey Guerrero is recovering from a bone marrow transplant and undergoing chemotherapy.  We hope to hear good news on her treatment.  Golden Boy promoter Oscar De La Hoya said that they will do everything in their power to get him a title shot when he is ready to return.
 
--AIW Gauntlet for the Gold on 2/19 in Cleveland at the West Park Party Center with a 30 man gauntlet match
 
--New Era Wrestling on 4/10 in Shelbyville, IN at the Boys Club
 
--Insanity Pro Wrestling on 3/6 in Indianapolis at the Fountain Square Salvation Army Corp
 
--Joe Rogan plays on 3/5 at the Bronson Centre Theater in Ottawa for an 8 p.m. comedy show  
 
--WXW from Germany plays on 3/13 in Philadelphia at the Arena at 2:30 p.m., before a 7 p.m. CZW show.  The WXW show has Drake Younger vs. Thumbtack Jack, B-Boy vs. Chris Hero and Eddie Edwards & Davey Richards vs. Jon Moxley & Sami Callihan
 
--NWA DAWG on 4/24 in Ocean Township, NJ at the Ocean Sports Academy is headlined by Nunzio
 
--Greg Oliver talks to Whipper Watson Jr. in an interesting article on working territories around the world at http://slam.canoe/ca/Slam/Wrestling/2010/01/04/12338701.html
 
--Tito Santana headlines for IWF on Friday night at 8 p.m. and Saturday night at 7:30 p.m. at the IWF Centre in West Paterson, NJ
 
--Former WEC fighter Mike Campbell faces Marc Stevens in the main event on 2/26 in Wilmington, MA for World Championship Fighting at the Shriner's Auditorium
 
--Pro Wrestling Respect on 3/14 in Burlington, NJ at the Armory with Delirious vs. Andy Ridge, Daizee Haze, MsChif, Bobby Dempsey, Ricky Reyes, Shane Hagadorn, Alex Payne and more
 
--Pro Wrestling Phoenix on 3/13 in Council Bluffs, IA at the National Guard Armory
 
--Paul London and Brian Kendrick have a seminar on 2/26 in Burlington, NC at the Mid Atlantic Sportatorium for $25 per person.  For more into e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
 
--Big Time Wrestling on MyTV New England moves to 10 p.m. on Friday nights, right after Smackdown  

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