SUN. UPDATE: TNA newcomer, Pulver promo, Hogan, HHH a father again, Goldberg, Gail Kim, Big indies

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We're looking for your thoughts on both Friday night's Dragon Gate USA PPV and last night's WEC 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 on last night's WWE house shows with Raw in Salt Lake City and Smackdown in Pullman, WA. We're also looking for reports on today's WWE house shows with Raw in Boise and Smackdown in Yakima, WA, as well as reports from the ROH TV tapings over the weekend.
The Monday Night Wars return tomorrow with Raw from Portland, OR, with John Cena vs. Vince McMahon and Randy Orton vs. Ted DiBiase & Cody Rhodes as the main matches. Criss Angel will be the guest host. Impact will be taped in Orlando with Hulk Hogan & Abyss vs. Ric Flair & A.J. Styles.
Tuesday has Smackdown & NXT both being taped in Seattle, while the 3/15 Impact will be taped on Tuesday in Orlando.
Between unique wrestling shows, crazy promos, legal actions, more on WWE's business year in review, the most updated analysis of the chess game between UFC and Strikeforce, the death of Umaga, more on the Ric Flair situation with his wife, where MMA stands on CBS as well as the next planned show, we've got two issues of the Observer coming out this week.
Both issues are now available on the web site.
We look at the Frank Mir reaction to his own apology, and his reaction to his reaction, as well as comments by Brock Lesnar, and then the story behind Marcus Davis wishing a death of AIDS to Dan Hardy and why this stuff is more dangerous in UFC right now then if it was to happen in pro wrestling or boxing.
We also look at the UFC vs. Strikeforce promotional war regarding April, how the signing of James Toney fits in, proposed opponents for Toney, and a look at how ratings and buy rates could be affected depending on when the head-to-head battle takes place. We also look at Toney going in, his unique contract, his background as a boxer, the first time Toney was talked with about coming to UFC and his opponent scheduled at the time and more.
We also have as part of our business year in review, live attendance for WWE arena dates averaged for the last 18 years, ratings comparisons for the last several years, as well as TNA's numbers for the past few years.
We have more on the death of Edward "Umaga" Fatu, looking at his cause of death, his career, his getting fired by WWE and post-WWE.
We also look at the 10 questions for Linda McMahon, the reality of the situation and what questions are easy and difficult for her to answer.
We also have a look at the audience that watches, UFC, Strikeforce, WWE, TNA along with the NBA, NFL, boxing, NHL and baseball and compare and contrast, both in ages, ethnicity, education and earnings. This is some very interesting information that relate to advertising as well as showing the major differences in UFC vs. Strikeforce, UFC vs. WWE and TNA vs. WWE.
We also have more on the Ric Flair situation with the release of the 911 call by Rene Beems about the incident with Flair and Jacqueline Beems, the content of the call and more information on the incident.
We also have a look at the situation regarding Awesome Kong and Bubba the Love Sponge, and the unique situation it has put TNA in. We look at her claims, his responses, and more on the original incident between the two.
We look at the next Strikeforce show on CBS, the Strikeforce/Dream relationship, matches planned for the company's next two major events, why this CBS special is important and if it's successful, how that impact the business going forward. We also look at how CBS is going to cross-promote the show with one of its major prime-time series, a look at the three CBS matches, who is Shinya Aoki, as well as more on Herschel Walker, as well as obstacles put forth in the path of the company's PPV idea of Fedor Emelianenko vs. Alistair Overeem.
We also have a complete rundown of the Dragon Gate USA show that plays throughout March, with notes on the show and coverage of all the matches and angles.
We also have more on WWE business in 2009, including more notes on live attendance throughout the year, the drop in North American PPV vs. the drop in international PPV and why, a look at the government incentives WWE has been able to take advantage of, the growth in some revenue streams and losses in others. We look at the profitability of every aspect of company business as well as a chart showing which revenue streams are the most and least important right now. We also look at how much WWE spent on an average PPV in 2008 and 2009, and it's quite the eye opener.
We also have a look at comparing now to 1995, as where WWE and TNA are now leading into the new Monday Night Wars, and where WWF and WCW were leading into the first Monday Night Wars.
We also have a WrestleMania update, more update on WWE changes in PPV in 2010 and why one of the weakest PPV shows of last year wasn't cut. We also have a rundown of WWE firings over the past week, who was and wasn't expected, why and notes on all involved including some comments from people on the firings. We look at each person's chances with TNA, a bio of Mad Dog Vachon, lots of more Hall of Fame notes, more on NXT and different ideas that were batted around and may or may not show up in future episodes.
We've got more on Jim Ross' future, probably the most-watched pro wrestling match on U.S. TV of the 70s, update on guest hosts and injuries, several new wrestlers signed, new DVDs, some new angles talked about, something about NXT and finishing moves that came up, more on comments by Shad Gaspard, developmental news as well as business notes and highlights from the weekend house shows.
We also have updates on the Linda McMahon senatorial campaign and how pro wrestling is being dragged more and more into the campaign.
We also have a rundown of the next season of Ultimate Fighter, with a complete look at the cast, who they are, their record, what they've done and personality notes.
We've got a rundown of two major Japanese events, the NOAH show at Budokan Hall and atmosphere of NOAH vs. New Japan, as well as the pro wrestling world champion vs. kickboxing world champion match and pro wrestler bench press contest held at a unique show 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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Also in this week's issues
--Hulk Hogan talks Vince McMahon
--Update on Rob Van Dam and Jeff Hardy
--Pro wrestling Hall of Famer gets shut down in run for major political office and why
--Ken Anderson talks about what happened the night he was fired by WWE
--Title with the longest history in the business may be taken from its hosting promotion after more than 70 years
--Wrestler claims wrestling icon threatened to legitimately kill him
--A look back at the name TNA and where it started
--TNA's new U.K. deal for PPV shows and the power of the station they are on
--Eric Bischoff talks the recent ratings
--More on the Chuck Liddell nude video as well as the woman in it with him
--UFC sets a company event business record
--More on recent PPV business
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--Update on states that do not regulate MMA in the U.S.
--Latest Chael Sonnen comment
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--Wrestler arrested in sexual assault case against a 12-year-old
--More on the death of Ron Martinez and the attempt in 1975 to build a national wrestling promotion with one of baseball's most well-known owners
--A look back at Jack Brisco vs. Billy Robinson as well as the first stadium Dory Funk Jr. vs. Jack Brisco match, when they were just in prelims
--The Thesz/Tragos Hall of Fame inductees for this year
--TV commercial featuring a former pro wrestling star banned by DirecTV
--Iron Sheik ruins a wedding
--A crazy indie lineup
--The next Dream show
--Man who drew second biggest buy rate of 2006 debuts in MMA
--WWE execs get huge money benefits this past week
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--Sting, RVD and Jeff Hardy are all scheduled for Impact tomorrow night. You would think they would want to promote that on television given they are in competition on Monday. TNA did a cute viral ad campaign trying to get people to watch the first five minutes of the show because something big is going to happen. To say this would have been so much more effective if it was done on the TV show Thursday in the understatement of the year.
--Jens Pulver cut maybe the best promo so far this year last night on the WEC show. That type of promo couldn't be duplicated in pro wrestling by anyone but probably Shawn Michaels, and then only if the circumstances were right, although God knows Tommy Dreamer tried enough times last year. After the show was over, several of the fighters including Javier Vazquez, who beat him, and Scott Jorgensen, were fighting back tears talking about Pulver. The gist of the promo was it being a farewell without quite saying it.
--Hulk Hogan personally loved the segments where they basically buried his match on Monday by taking him from being his return to television after years to portraying him as a broken down character who every friend of his and even heartless Eric Bischoff doesn't think should be wrestling anymore.
--He did a better job on WFAN, although claimed it was his first television match in ten years. On every radio show Hogan does, he brings up how Ric Flair's wife beat him up so he knows he can. (thanks to Brian Locke)
--TNA will debut a new theme song tomorrow.
--Stephanie McMahon is pregnant once again. Linda McMahon confirmed it today.
--Scott Coker and the folks at CBS are apparently having discussions this week regarding how to counter the UFC's counter of putting a live show on Spike on 4/17. The choice would be to stay on the date or move the date to 4/24. UFC has not announced a location for the show, but Vanderbilt University, in Nashville, the same city as the Strikeforce show, has at least been talked about.
--The Tulsa World today has a story on Bill Goldberg, since he's from Tulsa and will be on Celebrity Apprentice. It noted his wrestling career was "almost a decade." That was almost a quick decade. He also hosts Bull Run on The Speed Channel which airs on Thursday nights at 10 p.m., an airs on an episode of Garage Mahal on DIY at 9 p.m. Celebrity Apprentice starts a week from tonight on NBC. He said he has not even negotiated with TNA (there haven't been talks in a long time) and said he's 43 and doesn't want to be Ric Flair and Hulk Hogan running around in their underwear at their age. "Wrestling was a stage in my life, a wonderful stage. Do I ever see it happening again? You never say never, but I don't see it likely by any stretch of the imagination." He said he's moved on an is more into being a father than doing things for himself.
--Gail Kim's injury from Monday must not have been serious, since she worked last night in Salt Lake City. She says she wasn't injured in the first place in a message on her website, although those int he company said she was and those live noted she had to be helped out of the ring after the pillow fight match on Monday off camera. She said that she was not injured. (thanks to John Pettibone)
--TNA looks to be bringing in wrestling legends as part of its fan fest in St. Louis before Lockdown, as Dory Funk Jr. is booked to be part of the 4/17 festivities.
--Spike is presenting two hours of UFC tomorrow from 7-9 p.m. as the lead in for Impact. Some good action matches, Jon Jones vs. Jake O'Brien, Paul Daley vs. Martin Kampmann, Alan Belcher vs. Yoshihiro Akiyama, Ben Saunders vs. Marcus Davis, Amir Sadollah vs. Phil Baroni and Josh Koscheck vs. Anthony Johnson
--Baroni is leaving for two months for Thailand trying to up his kick boxing skill.
--Bret Hart will be appearing at the WWE Fan Axxess on 3/25 at 6 p.m.
--Poll on Impact from Thursday
Excellent 12.2%
Good 15.1%
Average 15.1%
Fair 8.2%
Poor 49.3%
28.6% of those responding didn't see the show
--Poll on Superstars from Thursday
Excellent 14.6%
Good 38.5%
Average 20.8%
Fair 5.2%
Poor 20.8%
61.1% of those responding didn't see the show
--Did watching Impact make you:
More interested in watching Monday's show 14.5%
Less interested in watching Monday's show 39.8%
Made no difference 45.7%
--What are your plans for Monday
Only watching Raw 26.5%
Only watching Impact 10.3%
Only watching ROH 2.3%
Watching Raw & Impact & ROH 6.9%
Watching Raw & Impact 35.0%
Watching Raw & ROH 4.2%
Watching Impact & ROH 2.0%
Not wrestling any wrestling shows on Monday 12.8%
--Colt Cabana headlines for EWF on 3/13 in Muncie, IN at the Ross Community Center
--There is an article on TNA's Ross Forman, who handles P.R., talking about when he was a sportswriter in Las Cruces, NM in 1989-1991 after graduating from Indiana, and became friends with local high school football coach Tom Essex, who died last year. Forman is running in the El Paso Marathon today with a bracelet in honor of his friend, given to him by Essex's wife. Today will be the seventh marathon Forman has run. Story is at
http://www.lcsun-news/Las_cruces-sports/ci_14509055
--On ESPN Sportscenter this morning, when showing college basketball clips of Matt Morgan from Winthrop University, he was called "The Blueprint Matt Morgan"
--The Herald-Sun in Australia had a story on Mark McGaw, who played on the Australian version of Gladiators, and how he spent the week training with The Miz. Apparently he just opened a new gym and invited Miz to train there when he found out he was coming because he has three kids and three step-kids who were wrestling fans.
--A group called Purks International Championship Wrestling last night in Cedartown, GA drew 1,100 fans on a show that included A.J. Styles wrestle old partner Air Paris, and that led to Ron Simmons, the babyface commissioner, decking Styles. Tracy Taylor pinned Velvet Sky on the show, which built for a 4/10 show with Kevin Nash & Air Paris vs. Bobby Hayes & David Young
--Next week in Orlando, Smackdown will air at 6 p.m. on Sunday
--CZW debuts on 3/27 in Indianapolis at 7141 E. 46th St. with Drake Young vs. Masada and Brain Damage & J.C. Bailey vs. Scotty Vortekz & Danny Havoc
--USWO from Friday night in Nashville before 114 fans: Crusher Eric Hodge b Convict, Seven b Psycho Medic. J.C. Ice (Jamie Dundee) b Buzz Dupp, Kevin Dunn & L.T. Falk & Cody Weatherby b Kevin Jones & Tony Bear & Bad Boy Dixon, Shawn Hoodrich over Dyron Flynn, Harold Knight and Steven Green, Chrisjen Hayme d Gary Valiant, Johnny Punch & Rudy Switchblade b Damien Payne & Jason Xavier, Jeff Daniels b Nore Havoc (thanks to Jimmie Daniel)
--Jersey All Pro Wrestling on 3/20 in Rahway, NJ at the Rec Center with Samoa Joe vs. Kazuchika Okada and Generation Me vs. Teddy Hart & Jack Evans. I hope whoever kidnapped Joe at least allows him to make his bookings.
--GCW on 3/25 in Oshawa, ONT at the Royal Canadian Legion Hall has Bushwhacker Luke, Honky Tonk Man, Virgil, Kamala, Robbie McAllister, Consequences Creed and Cody Deaner.
--NWS on Friday night in Dumont, NJ: Joey Janella b J.D. Smooth, Nigerian Nightmares b Nikko the Flying Monkey & Kong Go-Rilla, Manual Moore d Damian Adams, Tito Santana b Kevin Matthews, The Patriot & Pastor George & TV Clown b Danny Demanto & Nicky Oceans & Corey Havoc, Mo Sexton b Snitsky
--Jim Duggan was in Iowa this weekend to be part of the Variety Club telethon (thanks to Brian Henke)
--Big indie crowd on Friday night in Montreal with 1,500 fans: Iceman b Van Hawk, Prophet & Sexxxy Eddy7 won tag team gauntlet match, Steve Rush b Big Daddy V, Pierre-Carl Ouellet b Hernandez, Samoa Joe b Frankie the Mobster, Sylvan Grenier b Darkko & Dru Onyx in a casket match. The show was built around honoring local wrestling legend Edouard Carpentier. (thanks to Pat Laprade)
--3XW on 4/2 in Des Monies with Jeremy Wyatt vs. Tyler Black
--Mick Foley will be on WKKN in Keene, NH sometime between 5:30 a.m. and 10 a.m. tomorrow morning pushing Impact on The Morning Show with Parker and James at 101.9 FM. It can be heard at
http://www.keenerocks.com (thanks to Bradley Grover)
--Jimmy Valiant, Marty Jannetty and Scott Armstrong have been added to the Atlanta Legendsmania Convention on 3/12 and 3/13 at the Sheraton Atlanta Gateway Hotel. Others there include Paul Bearer, Warlord, Barbarian, Dutch Mantel, Doug Somers, Ricky Morton, Robert Gibson, Barry Darsow, Bill Eadie, Bobby Eaton, Dennis Condrey, Jim Cornette, Ivan Koloff, Nikita Koloff, Greg Gagne, Jim Brunzell, Ivan Putski, Tito Santana, Bob Armstrong, Brad Armstrong, Road Dogg, Tommy Rich, Thunderbolt Patterson, Mr. Hughes, Johnny Valiant and Erik Watts
--Wednesday night in Acapulco: Leon Dorado & Titere b Kuman & Saurom, Capitan Atomo & Darkness b Fenix & Pez Leon, Angel Azteca Jr. & Angel de Oro & Angel de Plata b Escandalo & Loco Max & Mosco de la Merced, La Mascara & Mascara Dorada & Maximo b Dragon Rojo Jr. & Misterioso Jr. & Sangre Azteca-DQ, Averno & Mistico b Volador Jr. & La Sombra
--Arena Coliseo today has Blue Panther & Porky & Volador Jr. vs. Taichi & Negro Casas & Mr. Niebla. Guadalajara has Hijo del Fantasma & La Mascara & La Sombra vs. Atlantis & Ultimo Guerrero & Rey Bucanero. Puebla tomorrow is headlined by Volador Jr. & Maximo & Mr. Niebla vs. Mistico & Atlantis & Rey Bucanero. Veracruz today haws Octagon & Marco Corleone vs. Electroshock & Ultimo Gladiador. Aguascalientes has Hector Garza & La Sombra & Tinieblas Sr (who is 70 years old) vs. Atlantis & Rey Bucanero & Ultimo Guerrero. Monterrey has Mistico & Maximo & Valiente vs. Averno & Mephisto & Ephesto. AAA in Monterrey has Black Warrior & Mesias & La Parka vs. Dr. Wagner Jr. & Dr. Wagner III & Silver King
--Today in Chicago at the Congress Theater has Blue Demon Jr. & Rayo de Jalisco Jr. vs. Canek & L.A. Park (thanks to Kris Zellner)
--NWA Pro Wrestling Fusion from last night in Tampa: Kazuchika Okada b Tommy Taylor, Dwayne James & Bobby Buthol b Michael Patrick & Mickey McCoy, Buck Quartermaine b Mike Sullivan, Chris Nelson & Vito DeNucci b Sean & Phil Davis, Francisco Ciatso b The Saint, Craig Classic b Christopher Gray, The Sheik b Big Vito-DQ, Mike Easom b Steve Madison in a lights out match (thanks to Alan Wojcik). Next show is 3/13 in Jacksonville
--Hoosier Pro Wrestling from last night in Columbus, IN before 240 fans: Tom Van Zant b Ricky Ruckas, Dylan Bostic b Cousin Cooter, Hillbilly Jed b Damien Cole, Troy Van Zant b Shawn Cook, Hillbilly Jed b Tom Van Zant, Donny Idol b Ox Harley, Ronnie Vegas & T.J. Powers won tag titles over Cruel Intentions so promoter Jerry Wilson cut the hair of heel manager Joe Dirt. Next show is 4/3
--Indiana Wrestling Alliance on 3/20 in Greentown, IN at the Howard County Fairgrounds
--A show to celebrate the memory of Dynamite D Darren McMillan takes place on 4/9 in Newhall, CA at the American Legion Hall featuring Joey Kaos, Supreme and more.