This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
 
        We're looking for your thoughts on both Friday night's Dragon Gate USA PPV and Saturday 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 This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

 

        We're also looking for live reports on tonight's WWE Raw show in Portland, with Superstars matches, dark matches, and anything else not on the live show at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it   We're also looking for reports on the Saturday night house show in Pullman, WA and yesterday's house show in Boise, ID.

 

        The Monday Night Wars return tonight 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.

 

        TNA goes live head-to-head at 9 p.m. Eastern from Orlando.  Hulk Hogan & Abyss vs. Ric Flair & A.J. Styles is the only thing announced.  Jeff Hardy, Sting and Rob Van Dam are all scheduled tonight, and Scott Hall's remarks on the web say he and Syxx-Pac face Kevin Nash and some guy whose name he doesn't remember (Eric Young) tonight.  And if you can't believe Scott Hell, who can you believe?

 

        Tuesday has Smackdown & NXT both being taped in Seattle, while the 3/15 Impact will be taped on Tuesday in Orlando.

 

        UFC Unleashed airs 7-9 p.m. tonight on Spike before Impact.

 

        ROH tonight at 8 p.m. on HDNet has:

Skullcrusher Rasche Brown vs. Caleb Konley

Chris Hero & Claudio Castagnoli vs. Bravado Brothers

Kevin Steen vs. Rhett Titus in a TV title tournament match 

El Generico vs. Kenny King in a TV title tournament match

 

        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 right now 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.
 
    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 28th 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 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

 

--New TV commercial with MMA star

 

--Update on states that do not regulate MMA in the U.S.

 

--Latest Chael Sonnen comment

 

--A look at the price tag for the WEC PPV and what our poll shows about the best price point

 

--Tons of new UFC and WEC matches either signed or in the process of discussion

 

--Update on negotiations for interpromotional angle

 

--Unique look at a legend to be honored at a show in a few weeks because of what he did to screw with the ruling family that is still in power

 

--TV ratings for Mexico

 

--Complete lineup for AAA's first major show of the year including TNA star challenging for the world title

 

--New tournament taking place patterned after legendary tournaments of the past

 

--NOAH talking about big show plans for the summer

 

--New Japan instituting its Hall of Fame equivalent

 

--Hall of Famer comes out of retirement to team with son in his pro wrestling debut

 

--Different title vs. title matches signed

 

--A big promotion vs. promotion main event takes place this week

 

--Two wrestling theme songs played at Olympic closing ceremonies

 

--Two pro wrestlers get roles in upcoming major movie

 

--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

 

        New subscribers ordering 24 or 40 issues can get free issues from the
last 18 years.  You can get 2 free back issues by ordering 40 or more
issues and one for 24.  Let us know which stories 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.
 
 

--We want to express our condolences to Todd Martin, a member of the Observer family who does the Raw reports, whose mother passed away this morning.

 

--The Rob Simmons campaign put out another press release regarding the ten questions to Linda McMahon, claiming she has dodged the questions now for six days.  They have a running clock up on their web site.  The release lists reaction to the ten questions leading off with and including a lot of stuff from this coming Wednesday's Observer Newsletter story. 

 

--David Hasselhoff will be the guest host of the 4/12 Raw show in London, England.

 

--A Shawn Michaels/Undertaker confrontation is scheduled to start Raw tonight at 9 p.m.

 

--Al Snow is getting a tryout for a job as an agent with TNA at the tapings this week. 

 

--Mickie James was released from the hospital over the weekend after undergoing surgery to treat a staph infection in her foot. 

 

--We will have Observer radio tonight covering both Impact and Raw late tonight.  If you've got any questions on the show, send them to the address on the front page and we'll try and get to them.

 

--Rob Van Dam on the death of Umaga:  "Umaga's toxicology report came back and to the surprise of no one, he was quite medicated.  The one that gets them every time is a muscle relaxer called soma...or technically referred to as carisprodol  Oh, the boys are hating read this, but I'm not giving up any secret to success.  I'm just telling it like it is, like I always do.  I'm not rehashing old news that was just bad publicity and better off left alone.  I'm talking about current life.  It's really good and I'd like my friends to continue enjoying it, so please stay the fuck away from soma abuse.  If anyone does the research on the dozens of my deceased brethren, and finds that my claim that 75% or more of the drug-related deaths is inconsistent with the truth, please tell me.  I bet you'll learn something during the research."

 

--Jesse Ventura will be a guest on Larry King Live tonight at 9 p.m. talking about more government lies.

 

--Bubba the Love Sponge and Hulk Hogan tried to set Ventura up, as Ventura was a guest on the show, but Ventura went and signed off himself before they could get to him.

 

--Bubba said he wanted Hulk Hogan to talk to Dixie Carter about doing a Bubba Night.  Hogan said they need to get out of the studio (Impct Zone). 

 

--The Charlotte Observer has a note on Ric Flair wrestling tonight at http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2010/03/08/1299317/flair-returns-to-wrestling-tonight.html  Just a five paragraph story that doesn't really say much other than Flair coming out of retirement for the match.

 

--TNA contacted Harley Race to appear at its Fan Fest before Bound for Glory in St. Louis.  Race told them he would only do it if Vince McMahon gives him permission because he won't do anything to hurt his relationship with McMahon.

 

--Poll on Smackdown from Friday night:

Excellent 17.3%

Good 52.0%

Average 15.6%

Fair 5.2%

Poor 9.8%

        30.8% of those responding didn't see the show

 

--Who do you consider the biggest star in wrestling or MMA?

Brock Lesnar 29.7%

Hulk Hogan 25.5%

John Cena 14.8%

Undertaker 7.3%

GSP 6.6%

Shawn Michaels 4.9%

Chris Jericho 4.6%

Jeff Hardy 3.2%

Randy Orton 1.8%

HHH 1.0%

Rey Mysterio 0.4%

B.J. Penn 0.3% 

 

--TNA will be doing house shows this weekend after on Friday night in Erie, PA, Saturday in Pittsburgh and Sunday in Wheeling.

 

--UFC TV schedule on Spike this week has Unleashed tomorrow from 8-10 p.m. with Wanderlei Silva vs. Keith Jardine, Yoshiyuki Yoshida vs. future porn star nut case Jon Koppenhaver, Thiago Silva vs. Antonio Mendes, Tito Ortiz vs. Lyoto Machida, Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira vs. Heath Herring, Marcus Davis vs. Paul Taylor, Matt Serra vs. Kelly Dullanty and Wanderlei Silva vs. Tony Petarra.  Wednesday will be a replay of UFC 108, headlined by Rashad Evans vs. Thiago Silva,. from 7:30 - 10 p.m., followed by the debut of UFC Prime Time, building up Georges St. Pierre vs. Dan Hardy. The show airs at 10 p.m. and will be replayed at 10:30 p.m.  It will be the first of a three week series leading up to the 3/27 fight.

 

--Versus will be airing a replay of Saturday night's show from Columbus, OH at 9 p.m. on Wednesday or head-to-head with UFC on Spike./

 

--Dragon Gate USA has tickets on sale starting today for the 5/7 show in Windsor, Ontario, the 5/8 show in Mississauaga, ONT and the first anniversary show on 7/24 in Philadelphia.  Naruki Doi, BxB Hulk and Pac are booked on the Canadian shows.

 

--Punks International Wrestling drew 1,100 fans on Saturday night in Cedartown, GA:  Simon Sermon b John Arden, David Young b Shaun Banks, Tracy Taylor b Velvet Sky, Nigel Sherrod b Too Talll Shortts in a loser leaves town match, Alexander the Great & Terry Lawler & Bobby Hayes b Chris Ganzer & Chris Lightning to win the tag team titles, A.J. Styles NC Air Paris in 22:24.  Styles was about to win when Ron Simmons came out, and they argued, with Styles called Simmons, "Boy" and Simmons decked him.  (thanks to Larry Goodman)

 

--Jim Ross noted on his blog at http://www.jrsbarbq.com that yesterday was the date Paul Boesch died at the age of 76 and was also the birthday of Bruce Prichard, who got started in wrestling working as an office assistant for Boesch when he was a teenager.  Ross noted about the arguments between Boesch and Bill Watts when Watts ran Mid South and Boesch's city, Houston, was the largest market they ran in and both had very different ideas about booking.  He also noted doing commentary with Boesch was not one of his favorite things to do.  Boesch and Ross had very different commentary styles.  By how I would judge an announcer, Boesch was not very good, but in Houston, he was the local institution on television.  He talked folksy to the people while Ross was high intensity trying to get over the storylines as he was taught by Watts and it was a contrast that wasn't comfortable for either.

 

--The ESPN sports anchor who called Winthrop College's Matt Morgan "The Blueprint" over the weekend is Robert Flores, and it's not the first time he's made a pro wrestling reference during highlights (thanks to Robert Miqueli)

 

--Grant Zwarych has a History of WCW Slamboree special with the eight issues (1993-2000) of the Observer covering Slamboree for $34 in the U.S. or Canada or $57 overseas.  You can order via paypal to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it   You can also get a $2 discount on orders via U.S. postal money order which have to be peach international money orders to Grant Zwarych, 151 Hart Ave., Peterborough, ONT K9J 5C5

 

--Joe Bithayathll, a feature reporter for Good Day Oregon on KPTV in Portland, who did a segment with MVP to promote tonight's Raw in the city, wrote a story on why he will never interview a WWE performer on the show again at http://www.kptv.com/joey/index.html 

 

--Kofi Kingston will be signing autographs at the FCW show on 3/31 in Fort Myers, FL at the Charlotte Harbor Event and Conference Center.  The first 500 fans get a free beach ball and there will be a Big Wiggle contest with the ten finalists getting to do the Big Wiggle in the ring with Norman Smiley, an FCW coach.

 

--ESPN in the U.K. announced its schedule for 3/27.  MMA Live will air at 11:45 p.m., followed by an All Access with Quinton Jackson special at 12:30 a.m.  The Countdown to UFC 111 airs at 1 a.m. and the live show starts at 2 a.m.  

 

--NWS from Saturday night in Point Pleasant, NJ:  Joey Janella & Rocco Dorsey b Mikey Pacifica & Judas Young, Illegal Outer Space Alien & Gee-Had DCOR Manual Manny Moore & Slayer, Nigerian Nightmares b J.D. Smoothie & A.C. Kewl, Ryan Blackheart & Ray-Ray Marz b Corey Havoc & Nicky Oceans, Snitsky & The Equalizer b Baghdad Bullies

 

--WSU before a sellout on Saturday night in Union  City, NJ for a DVD taping:  Angelina Love b Sassy Stephanie, Amber & Lexxus b Tina San Antonio & Marti Belle, Alere Little Feather b Rick Cataldo, Cindy Rogers b Allere Little Feather, Jana b Lathasha in a submission match, Angel Orsini won three-way street fight over Sumie Sakai and Amy Lee, Brittney Savage b Alicia, April Hunter b Traci Brooks (the two after the match announced they were becoming a tag team), Amber O'Neal b Jazz, Mercedes Martinez b Rain to keep their world title with Molly Holly as referee in 35:00.  They also did a Hall of Fame ceremony with Alicia inducting Dawn Marie, Orsini inducting Molly Holly and Martinez inducting Jazz.

 

--The Sporting News web site had a note about Lamar Odom of the Lakers comparing Matt Barnes of the Orlando Magic to Ric Flair.  Odom

noted how Barnes got the crowd into the game just like Ric Flair would do in a match. 

 

--CZW on Saturday night in Philadelphia at the Arena has Jon Moxley defending the CZW title against Nick Gage, Thumbtack Jack vs. J.C. Bailey, B-Boy vs. Sami Callihan, The Best Around vs. Ryan McBride & Rich Swann and more.  There is also a 2:30 p.m. wXw show at the Arena headlined by Drake Younger vs. Thumbtack Jack, B-Boy vs. Chris Hero and American Wolves vs. Moxley & Callihan

 

--Dynamic Championship Wrestling on 3/13 in Piqua, OH at the National Guard Armory       

 

--Classic Championship Wrestling on 3/27 in Marysville, PA at the Lion's Club 

 

--EWF from last night in Covina, CA:  Ray Rosas b Brandon Parker, Maxx Damage (big guy from New Zealand training here for a WWE tryout) b El Gran Maravilla, Scorpio Sky b Jeremey Jaeger, David Jones & Ryan Stone b SoCal Crazy & Espiritu Infernal, Tim Lovato b Jarek Matthews, Extreme Loco b Chris Kadillak, Ryan Taylor b Mondo Vega in a street fight to keep EWF title 

 

--Cage Wars in the U.K. will be airing in the U.S. on Sun Sports in Florida

 

--Irv Muchnick, author of Chris & Nancy:  The True Story of the Benoit Murder-Suicide and Pro Wrestling's Cocktail of Death will appear at the Borders in Stamford, CT on 3/25 at 7 p.m. and in Farmington on 3/27 at 1 p.m.

 

--Al Snow, Greg Valentine and Roni Jonah appears this weekend at Monster Mania in Cherry Hill, NJ at the Crowne Plaza Hotel.  For more info go to http://www.monstermania.net

 

--Showtime All-Star Wrestling on Saturday night in Nashville at the Fairgrounds features a cage match with Chase Stevens vs. Andy Douglas for the International; title, Hammerjack vs. Mark Anthony in a street fight, PG-13 defending the tag titles against Derrick King Enterprises and Brian Christopher vs. Rick Santel, plus Downtown Bruno.  

 

--Former Elite XC promoter Gary Shaw's father passed away a few days ago.  One thing from a historical standpoint is that if it wasn't for Shaw's belief in Gina Carano as a star in 2007, women's MMA would have never gotten the exposure it did.  Showtime was negative about allowing Carano to fight, and he was insistent, and it came down to a deal where Showtime gave Carano one shot, and she and Julie Kedzie stole the show and it was never an issue again.

 

--All Star Wrestling on 3/20 in Abbotsford, BC at the Abbey Arts Centre headlined by Disco Fury vs. Christopher Ryseck

 

--Jim Duggan headlines a 4/30 show for WWA in Melbourne, FL at the County Line Saloon.  Also on the show are Jesse Neal and Kizarny

 

--Ed Loredo and Cutrer talk about women's wrestling on the Drunkcast at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/Edward-Loredo

 

--A Bay Bombers vs. Brooklyn Red Devils Roller Derby game on Saturday night nearly sold out Kezar Pavilion (about 3,500 seats).  70s star Little Richard Brown, who is older than Ric Flair, skated on the show.  The line to get into the building was two blocks down the street.  The next game is 5/1 and they are bringing in Judy Arnold, a legend from the 70s, as well as Mike Flaningam, who in the 80s was an unreal performer, as well as former RollerJam stars Sean Atkinson and Denice Loden.

 

--Greg Valentine headlines for NWS on 3/12 in Long Branch, NJ at the Seashore Broadway Gym and 3/13 in Sayreville, NJ at the Knights of Columbus Hall

 

--Jonny Fairplay interviews Larry Zbyszko and Tajiri about Survivor at http://www.geekweek.com/2010/03/jonny-fairplays-survivor-heroes-vs-villains-4.html

 

--Michael Blanton wrote that he tried to purchase tickets for the Mick Foley comedy show the night before WrestleMania in Phoenix today, but Ticketmaster had no tickets on sale.  They were at first supposed to go on sale today.

 

--Time Warner on Demand has a UFC 111 preview in its Events Free preview section covering the two main events, GSP vs. Dan Hardy and Frank Mir vs. Shane Carwin

 

--Maria Kanellis has started a web site at www.mariakanellis.net talking about her release. She said she's not mad and she understands.