Bryan Alvarez:
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Dave Meltzer:
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 reports on the Saturday night house show in Pullman, WA and Sunday's house show in Boise, ID.
Tonight has Smackdown & NXT both being taped in Seattle, while the 3/15 Impact will be taped 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.
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.
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'll have Raw and Impact ratings info up on the site as soon as we get it. We won't know until then whether this correlates, but based on our own stats it appears interest in last night's battle was down significantly from January 4th. One would presume that would impact TNA more than Raw, and if that's the case, I think last Thursday's show did more damage than people probably expected at the time. Regardless of the numbers, it's going to be tough for Impact next week as they're running a taped show head-to-head with the return of Steve Austin and three WrestleMania rematches.
-- TNA was trending on Twitter last night, but based on Google stats they were still down significantly in interest from January 4th.
-- Kenn Doane is at Impact right now. The former Spike Dudley, aka Matt Hyson, is as well.
-- Jericho's tweet on RVD's debut: "The beat down of RVD 20 seconds into his debut in TNA was mind boggling. I dont understand how so many talented people can be so clueless "
-- RVD's Alumni page has been removed from WWE.com.
-- Scott Steiner was at Impact last night.
-- Tonight's Smackdown/NXT tapings dark match is Edge & Rey Mysterio vs. Chris Jericho & CM Punk. I'll hopefully be there live so we'll have ongoing results on the front page.
-- Full UFC on Versus 1 line-up for March 21st:
1. Jon Jones vs. Brandon Vera
2. Junior Dos Santos vs. Gabriel Gonzaga
3. Paul Buentello vs. Cheick Kongo
4. James Irvin vs. Alessio Sakara
5. Shannon Gugerty vs. Clay Guida
6. Eliot Marshall vs. Vladimir Matyushenko
7. John Howard vs. Daniel Roberts
8. Chase Gormley vs. Brendan Schaub
9. Julio Paulino vs. Mike Pierce
10. Jason Brilz vs. Eric Schafer
-- Wrestler's Rescue is now offering health insurance coverage to all current and former pro wrestlers. They have a variety of different packages available. For more info click here.
-- WWE: Shawn Michaels - My Journey
-- WWE has a supershow planned for Madison Square Garden on June 19th at 7:30 PM. There is a pre-sale tomorrow at Ticketmaster with the password code of WRESTLEMANIA.
-- Tickets for the Foley/Cabana Total Extreme Comedy deal on March 27th in Phoenix have been delayed due to a programming issue. The reason for the delay has to do with a 15% discount code assigned to ROH which was not plugged into the system. They hope to have it take care of within the next 24 hours.
-- Tommy Dreamer is now accepting personal appearance & wrestling bookings through Bill Behrens and www.sbibookings.com. Tommy Dreamer flies out of La Guardia Airport.
-- Just a quick note that the March 10th Observer was missing for about a day as it accidentally got archived off-site. It's back now.
-- Jesse Ventura is on Neil Cavuto tonight. Don't forget he's got a new book out, American Conspiracies: Lies, Lies, and More Dirty Lies that the Government Tells Us
-- Regarding Hunter's promo on Sheamus last night, Jereme writes: In actuality, just facing Triple H at WrestleMania guarantees you a major world championship, with 1 exception. Since, WrestleMania XVI every person but one Triple H has faced at WrestleMania has gone on to win a major world championship. At WrestleMania XVI, Triple H defeated Mick Foley, The Rock and Big Show. Mick Foley had to go to TNA to get his World Championship, but they all would get another run with the world championship. At WrestleMania XVII, Triple H lost to Undertaker, who has had numerous runs with the title since then. At WrestleMania XVIII, Triple H defeated Jericho, a current World Champion. At WrestleMania XIX, Triple H defeated Booker T, who would go on to win a world championship. At WrestleMania XX, Triple H lost to Benoit in what would be Benoit's only world title reign in a match with Shawn Michaels. Michaels is the lone "failure" among the list of opponents Triple H has faced in the last 11 years. Michaels has not won a major world championship since WrestleMania XX. At WrestleMania XXI, Triple H lost to Batista, a reigning world champion. At WrestleMania XXII, Triple H lost to John Cena who has held the world championship many times. At WrestleMania XXIV, Triple H lost to Randy Orton in a match with John Cena. Cena is less then 1 month removed from his last title reign. Orton has also held a world title multiple times since that match. At WrestleMania XXV, Triple H defeated Orton, who in the past year has held a world title multiple times since that match.
-- What was the best TV show of the past week?
Impact 27.6%
Raw 19.2%
Smackdown 15.7%
NXT 13.4%
ROH 6.5%
WEC 6.2%
CMLL 3.5%
Superstars 2.7%
Countdown to Vera vs. Jones 2.5%
AAA 1.5%
Inside MMA 1.2%
Predict the ratings differential between Raw and Impact
Less than 1.3 points 7.7%
1.4 or 1.5 6.0%
1.6 or 1.7 5.0%
1.8 or 1.9 6.5%
2.0 or 2.1 14.5%
2.2 or 2.3 18.9%
2.4 or 2.5 20.0%
2.6 or 2.7 9.4%
2.8 or 2.9 4.6%
3.0 or 3.1 2.2%
3.2 or 3.3 0.8%
3.4 or more 4.4%
Will WrestleMania and UFC 111 on the same weekend affect purchasing decisions regarding the shows?
Yes 58.3%
No 41.7%
Do you sense UFC is declining in popularity?
Yes it has, business will get better with stars coming back but won't reach last year's level 54.4%
Yes it has declined but it will come back strong 24.1%
I don't sense a change either way 13.3%
There hasn't been a decline, and it will start getting stronger 8.2%
-- Next Pro Wrestling Respect (ROH training school promotion) show runs March 14th at the National Guard Armory in Burlington, NJ at 4:00 PM. The capacity is 300 and they sold out last time, and plan to have more seats for this coming weekend's show. Delirious headlines.
-- Germany's wXw The Vision runs 13 March 2010 at The Arena, 7 W Ritner Street, Philadelphia, PA 19148, USA. Belltime: 2pm (Doors Open: 1:15 pm)
-- NWA Pro Wrestling Fusion Presents: Carpe Diem - A Benefit Show for the American Cancer Society, Saturday March 13, 2010, Bartram Trail High School, 7399 Longleaf Pine Parkway, St. Johns, FL 32259. Doors at 7:30 • Bell time 8pm. Tickets $10 in Advance, $15 At the Door
-- Vinny and I are wrestling this weekend at the Pacific Rim in Tulalip, WA in a Parejas Incrediblas (Incredible Partners) match with Vinny & Ideal Protection vs. Chris Ryseck & I. More at tulalipchampionshipwrestling.com.
-- VCCW Quest for the Crown Tournament 2010 Stage 3, Friday March 19th 2010,doors 7:30pm bell time 8:30pm, Fort Worth, TX at the Ridglea Theater, 6025 camp bowie Blvd, Ft Worth ,TX 76116
Send us a news tip: newstips@wrestlingobserver.com
Note to webmasters/reporters: When recapping news from this site or from our newsletters, please include a link to www.wrestlingobserver.com
For the most in-depth and detailed news and analysis on pro-wrestling and MMA, always turn to Wrestlingobserver.com/Figure Four Weekly Online, the #1 website of its kind on the Internet. Members receive online access to both the Wrestling Observer and Figure Four Weekly newsletters and growing archives, Wrestling Observer Radio with Bryan Alvarez and Dave Meltzer three times per week, the popular Bryan and Vinny Show twice per week, additional radio shows including Figure Four Daily with Alvarez, Mike Coughlin's Five Star Radio, the Dr. Keith Lipinski Show, The Adam and Mike Big Audio Nightmare, Tough Talk and the Karl Stern Wrestling History Show, the infamous BOARD, and more! Members also have full access to the thousands of hours of audio in our radio show archives which date back to 2005. For your convenience, we offer secure online payments using your VISA, Mastercard, American Express, Discover card or PayPal account. Don't miss out on the fun, sign up now! Don\'t miss out on the fun, sign up now!
Want full access? QUICK AND EASY $10.99 SIGNUP!
