Bryan Alvarez:
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We're looking for your thoughts on Sunday night's WWE Elimination Chamber PPV as well as Saturday night's UFC 110 PPV, so you can leave a thumbs up, thumbs down or thumbs in the middle along with a best and worst match to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Tonight is the Smackdown tapings from Milwaukee with Mickie James vs. Michelle McCool for the women's title with Vickie Guerrero as referee.
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.
The issue is available right now to web site subscribers. For those interested in getting the Observer mailed to your home, ordering details follow.
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.
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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-- WWE.com has deleted its list of upcoming pay-per-views after WrestleMania 26. This could mean that the new pay-per-view names were posted prematurely or that more changes are coming. Thanks to Devin Cutting.
-- NXT debuts tonight on Sci-Fi in the old ECW time slot of 10 EST. The WWE press release pushing it reads: WWE NXT features 8 WWE Superstar "Pros" mentoring 8 NXT "Rookies" who are learning the ropes. The NXT Rookies are athletes who epitomize pop culture and personify strong attributes - they are opinionated and aggressive - which means conflict between Pros and Pros, too? I couldn't have written a worse paragraph if I tried. The official pairings are Daniel Bryan and Miz, Darren Young and CM Punk, David Otunga and R-Truth, Heath Slater and Christian, Justin Gabriel and Matt Hardy, Michael Tarver and Carlito, Skip Sheffield and William Regal, and Wade Barrett and Chris Jericho. Expect some squash matches tonight.
-- UFC announced today a deal with NCM Fathom that will bring UFC events to over 300 movie theatres nationwide in HD throughout 2010, starting with UFC 111 on March 27th. I've watched WWE PPVs on the big screen before and it's awesome. You can check out a full list of participating theatres here. This is a pretty big deal.
-- It is believed that next week's Hall of Fame announcement will be Stu Hart. Will be interested to see how they make sense of that one given the storyline. Presumably it'll be a peace offering from Vince after crippling Bret Hart in the car crash storyline.
-- Speaking of Bret, Midwest Ambulance Service has an important message for all of you.
-- From Jewel's Twitter: "I clocked [Jillian] hard! My hand hurt! Shes tough! Gotta say, it was fun!" Jillian responded with, "you don't hold back... Awesome time!!"
-- They pyro for Undertaker last night wasn't within about 10 feet of him during his entire entrance. There was talk Sunday night of tweaking his entrance for WrestleMania to avoid another issue like the one at Elimination Chamber.
-- The Taker story has made a number of mainstream news outlets today including the AP, CNN, AOL, etc.
-- Last night's main event was supposed to be Cena vs. Sheamus with the winner getting Batista at WrestleMania, but Sheamus suffered a concussion in the Chamber match and wasn't allowed to wrestle.
-- The April 26th three-hour Raw will be the annual Draft show.
-- Dave has a look at the UFC heavyweight division here.
-- Ric Flair's agent sent this out yesterday in regards to his domestic dispute and his wife's subsequent arrest: “Ric and his wife had an unfortunate disagreement late last night, which led to his wife being arrested and charged with assault. Ric has done nothing wrong. The important thing to remember here is that we have some very exciting professional announcements in the near future. Ric finds this incident unsettling and is committed to correcting any issues in his personal life".
-- The story got more press today, including this story from Australia.
-- Justin Belot writes: They spoke to the Victorian Sports Minister and Premier John Brumby on Channel Ten's late news last night regarding the UFC coming to Melbourne, Australia. The Sports Minister called it barbaric, and they both said they have no interest in it coming to Melbourne. As noted in this week's new Figure Four Weekly, the TV viewership for UFC 110 in Melbourne was the highest of any major city in Australia by more than double.
-- MVP on Capitol Hill this week
-- WWE event attracts third-biggest crowd in recent PCCC history
-- A story on Tiger Raj Singh here, who recently signed a WWE developmental deal.
-- Jimmy Hart talks music and his time with the Gentrys here
-- Shad Gaspard talks his trying out for the role as the lead heel in the new Conan movie here.
-- HGH test leads to ban of rugby player
-- Best TV show of the past week?
Impact 31.0%
Smackdown 28.3%
Raw 20.3%
ROH 7.6%
Inside MMA 4.5%
CMLL3.4%
ECW 2.8%
AAA 1.4%
Superstars 0.7%
-- There is a Strikeforce Challengers show this Friday from the Civic Auditorium in San Jose. Weigh-ins are Thursday at the Hilton San Jose at 5:30 Pacific and open to the public and free of charge.
-- Kayfabe Commentaries signed a deal with HybridENT.tv to stream select DVDs online for $9.99 each. They've got five DVDs available right now with more to come.
-- CMLL announced this weekend that Ray Mendoza would be joining Salvador Lutteroth as the legends honored this year at Dos Leyendas on 3/19 at Arena Mexico. Thanks to Kris Zellner.
-- An injury late in training for the MFC 24: Heat XC co-main event has dropped David Heath from Friday’s card, but his teammate Ryan McClain has stepped up to challenge Dwayne Lewis in a light heavyweight fight.
-- W.A.R. Wrestling "UNLEASHED", Saturday March 6th, UAW Hall 1440 Bellefontaine Ave., Lima, Ohio 45804. Doors 6:30pm / Bell Time 7:30pm. Advance Tickets $10 or 4 for $30 / $12 at the door.
-- Jimmy Jacobs vs. Johnny Gargano has been added to the March 13th EVOLVE Wrestling show in Rahway, NJ.
-- Power Trip Wrestling's 3rd Birthday Show - 'Chasing Dreams', Saturday 6th March 2010, Challney School For Girls, Stoneygate Road, Luton, Bedfordshire, LU4 9TJ. Doors Open, 7.00pm. Show Starts, 7.30pm.
-- The Iron Sheik, Kamala, The Honky Tonk Man, Bushwhacker Luke, Virgil and others will be attending the Rethink Breast Cancer fundraiser on March 25th at The Factory (34 Futurity Gate in Vaughan, Ontario, Canada).
-- NWA Main Event has a TV taping on February 25th at 413 Veritas St off Nolensville Rd in Nashville. 8PM Belltime
-- From the promoter: This Sunday, Feb 28th, FutureStars of Wrestling, in Las Vegas will be hosting a seminar with former Pro Wrestling NOAH and WCW star, Michael Modest. Modest, has been credited with training, Great Khali, Cheerleader Melissa/Alissa Flash, Spike Dudley, Crash Holly, John Morrison, and more. The 3 hour seminar will start at Noon, and is open to anyone interested in getting into the wrestling business. The cost is $40, and more information is available by contacting This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Following the seminar FSW will run its next event at the Silver Nugget. Bell time is 5pm, Doors open at 3:30pm. Former WWE Superstar The Godfather, is scheduled for an autograph session at 4pm. See Disco Inferno, Michael Modest, FSW Champ Kenny King, Derick Neikirk, The Godfather, and a 4 team ladder match, to crown the 1st, FSW Tag Team Champs. Tickets available at www.eventbrite.com.
-- NWA-MSW Pro Wrestling event, Saturday February 27th, Alderson,WV Community Building. Showtime: 7:30 pm est.
-- The New York Wrestling Connection returns to Port Jefferson Station on Saturday, February 27, 2010 with "When the Smoke Clears". Elks BPOE Lodge # 2138, 1141 Route 112, Port Jefferson Station, New York 11776
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