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        We're looking for your thoughts on last night's UFC 117 and tonight's TNA Hardcore Justice PPVs, so you can leave a thumbs up, thumbs down or thumbs in the middle along with a best and worst match at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

 

        We're also looking for reports on tonight's WWE Raw house show in San Bernardino headlined by Sheamus vs. Randy Orton.

 

        We'll have live coverage of the TNA show on the site tonight starting at 8 p.m. Eastern, and we'll be doing the third straight night of five straight nights of radio after the show here on the site.

 

        Tonight is TNA Hardcore Justice PPV from Orlando.  The only matches announced are Sabu (who will replace the injured Jerry Lynn) vs. Rob Van Dam and Tommy Dreamer vs. Raven with Mick Foley as referee, plus seven more matches.  We haven't heard an update on Rob Van Dam's new opponent.  While you wouldn't know any of this from watching TV, TNA has announced Team 3-D, Sandman, Axl Rotten, Rhino, Balls Mahoney, C.W. Anderson, Little Guido, Tony Mamaluke, Sal E. Graziano, Brother Runt (Spike Dudley), 2 Cold Scorpio, Al Snow, Simon Diamond and Johnny Swinger for the show.  Justin Credible, New Jack, Joel Gertner, ring announcer Stephen DeAngelis, Terri Runnels, Tracy Smothers, Danny Doring and Bill Alfonso are all there.

 

        WWE has a house show on Sunday in San Bernardino headlined by Sheamus vs. Orton.

 

        Monday will be TNA's Whole F'N Show from Orlando with RVD vs. Abyss for the TNA title in a ladder match with Janice the board the nails as the weapon at the top and Eric Bischoff as referee, Beer Money vs. Machine Guns 2/3 falls for the tag title, Mr. Anderson vs. The Pope vs. Matt Morgan in a three-way, Kurt Angle vs. A.J. Styles, Madison Rayne vs. Angelina Love for the Knockouts title and Ink Inc vs. Generation Me.  This will air in the regular Impact slot on Thursday.

 

        Raw will be from Sacramento with Chris Jericho & Edge vs. Bret Hart & John Cena with Nexus as lumberjacks as the main event.

 

        Tuesday will be Smackdown and NXT taped in San Jose, plus another Impact show taped in Orlando.

 

        Who are the most popular stars in pro wrestling, MMA and boxing is a study looking at the U.S., Canada as well as the world is our lead feature in this coming Monday's issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.

 

        We look at volume of searches for the top stars in all three genres and compare and contrast, as well as look at where the same people stood the past two years.  We look at who has improved their popularity the most over the past year, which new stars have cracked the top 50 and where they stand, as well as who is fading.  We look at who the breakdown from the different promotions, as well as the popularity of each major company in the U.S., Canada as well as worldwide so you can see the differences.

 

        We look at what has happened with Mayweather and Pacquiao when not fighting each other, is John Cena still No. 1, and even where the biggest pro wrestling star and biggest MMA star are the strongest. 

 

        We also have our 2010 TNA roster directory.  This is the same thing we did with WWE a few weeks ago, where we have everyone on the current TNA roster, list their names, age, years pro and real names, as well as the sports backgrounds of those who had sports backgrounds.  Who played football, basketball, were college or high school wrestling champions, as well as what TNA female just won a major bikini contest and who played in the lingerie bowl.

 

        This coming week's issue, as well as the back issue from May 1993, are available right now for web site subscribers in the Wrestling Observer listings on the top of the page.  You can also get the Observer delivered by mail, with details below.  For those who are web site subscribers, not only do we have issues once and in big news weeks, twice every week, but also release one back issue per week, covering 1993.  That was one of the most important year in wrestling history due to the emergence of new companies like UFC, Pancrase, ECW, Michinoku Pro and K-1 which all revolutionized the industry.

 

        We also have a look at a major story on Dana White.  We look at the person behind the scenes, what part of his lifestyle may be worrisome, makeup, the comparisons to other sports leaders, the swearing, gambling, his legendary tipping and how he turns slow ticket sales to a public relations positive.  We look at what he is outside of UFC, the ridiculousness of critics who say anyone could have had the same success with money backing, his background before UFC, how he got into the sport and how he became its most important figure.  We look at the scene in 2001 when they bought the company, the money losing years, and why Vince McMahon is partially responsible to the success of UFC.  We look at who the first fans were made by television and White's message to competitors.

 

        We also have an update on Linda McMahon running for Senate and what could have been the biggest scandal before Chris Benoit in the history of the company, and how they averted it.  We look at the famous episode of Phil Donahue with Vince McMahon, Bruno Sammartino, Superstar Graham, myself and others, and what scandal brought it there, and behind the scenes notes of what happened that day.  We also look at Tom Cole, and his ups and downs with the company, and what was at least a part in the darkest period of the wrestling business of the past 30 years.  We also look at where the Vince McMahon/Phil Mushnick issues heated up, the lawsuit, and the story of the ring boys and alleged sexual abuse.

 

        We also have an update on JBL, Chris Jericho talks his future as well as talks TNA, what Syfy is promoting for Smackdown and what major Raw star is in the promotions, an update on Shane McMahon including new company he's CEO of, why major Connecticut newspapers didn't endorse Linda McMahon and what they wrote about her, as well as where she ranks historically when it comes to spending money to win a senate seat.  We also have notes on the planned main event right now for both September and October, the next Monday where Raw will be taped, the return of a fixture of 70s wrestling after being gone for years and what newcomer is getting rave reviews by his coaches.

 

        We also have more background on Eli Cottonwood, as well as a former TNA tag team champion starting in WWE, as well as a former foreign national champion wrestler, a former MMA fighter from Xtreme Couture has been signed as well as the son of a 90s WCW and WWF star.  We also have business notes from both the domestic and foreign shows, as well as highlights of the house shows.

 

        We've also got coverage of UFC on Versus, including business notes on the show and what they mean, the future for Jon Jones, with match-by-match coverage including non-TV fights, as well as the poll on the show.

 

        We also have the ratings for every major national show, including what WWE show is now doing less than the network its on averages, how every segment on Raw and Impact did, as well as UFC Countdown numbers and Bellator numbers.

 

        We also have our usual weekly features such as the results of the biggest arena 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
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Campbell, CA 95009-1228.

 

Also in this week's issue:

 

--A major movie company is looking to bring back a genre that made wrestlers legendary cultural figures and what WWE star they are earmarking

 

--The CMLL Champion of Champions tournament

 

--Mistico vs. Jushin Liger feud

 

--Mexico ratings

 

--Update on Dr. Wagner Jr. and L.A. Park in AAA

 

--Notes on the AAA TV tapings

 

--Dragon Gate doing an interpromotional feud

 

--Names for the next Dragon Gate USA tour

 

--NOAH opens new tour

 

--Update on Bobby Heenan

 

--Another Hogan family member gets sued

 

--A wrestling marriage

 

--Two ex-WWE major names appear on same episode of a network prime time show

 

--Story behind a man whose death was major news in recent weeks and the pro wrestling legend he was partially named after

 

--What wrestler scored a major Burger King national TV ad

 

--Unique indie main event

 

--El Hijo del Santo debuts in Canada

 

--Major debacle at an indie show as wrestlers thinking they were in movie show up with no movie being shot

 

--MTV wrestling promotion signs former WWE star

 

--Former television star in the 90s does indies

 

--First match announced for TNA's September PPV

 

--More notes on the new TNA television show

 

--Ric Flair sued and details behind the suit from both sides

 

--Update on where Paul Heyman stands with TNA and what influential group was impressed by him

 

--Shane Douglas cuts a wrestling promo going in and out of character

 

--Behind the Samoa Joe suspension

 

--Thoughts on time cues

 

--Kurt Angle's latest movie and what MMA star is in it

 

--What international group is TNA talking with to expand working relations

 

--Styles complains about some of TNA changes

 

--Some TNA expansion notes

 

--Background of Jay Lethal

 

--Notes on TNA weekend house shows and business

 

--More on the behavior of Chael Sonnen

 

--What he said about Lance Armstrong and his denials

 

--Behind the latest UFC lawsuit against agent Ken Pavia

 

--Update on Shogun Rua

 

--UFC injury notes

 

--New UFC show

 

--Update on ticket sales to upcoming UFC shows including how the star performer is the most criticized lineup

 

--UFC show later this year with heavy competition that weekend and why a Spike show may be more loaded than usual

 

--Update on next week's WEC show

 

--Agent for two star fighters charged and fined over SEC fraud

 

--Lots of new matches announced

 

--Fighter says he's going to change weight classes

 

--Update on the Strikeforce woman's tournament this week

 

--What MMA champion credited Ric Flair and Arn Anderson as his inspirations

 

--Final next Showtime major card

 

--Former UFC star gets into much talked about street fight

  
       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.

 

--ROH champion Tyler Black has agreed to a developmental deal with WWE.  We don't have official word, but it's expected he would drop the title within the next five weeks since he starts in FCW in September.

 

--There was incredible post-show interest last night.  Five hours after the card had ended, references to the UFC 117 show made up 11 of the 20 most searched items on Google.  Even this afternoon, five of the top 20 searched for items were Silva vs. Sonnen (3), UFC 117 (6), Anderson Silva (7), Sonnen (9) and UFC post-fight press conference (11).  That is far more reaction than even a major show that does 1 million buys will get.  Dana White said the buy rate for the show based on early trending patterns indicates a number far beyond what they expected out of this show.

 

--Lots of talk regarding business and stories coming out of last night on the radio show Bryan and I did last night.  It was interesting that UFC sold less tickets (although the higher prices had a LOT to do with it) than Gina Carano did when she headlined here last summer.

 

--Chael Sonnen's 289 total strikes was a CompuStrike UFC record.  An interesting note is that Anderson Silva was hit more times last night than in his previous 11 UFC fights combined (208).    

 

--In a prelim fight last night with Rick Story vs. Dustin Hazelett, Story came up to C.M. Punk's Smackdown music and Hazelett came out to the Von Erichs early 80s ring music (although honestly, he may not have even known that).

 

--A story on Balls Mahoney who is on tonight's TNA PPV is at http://www.trentonian.com/articles/2010/08/07/sports/doc4c5e23aa0c97b573935578.txt  The story has a romantic view of the original ECW.  Mahoney was funny when asked if it was like a high school reunion.  "It's more like a reunion of all the delinquents in high school.  These are the guys who didn't do their homework, the rebels.  This is the real land of extreme and I'm looking forward to it beyond belief."  He said his time in ECW was the best time of his life, and regarding WWE philosophy of not wanting undercard guys to outshine headliners, "We always thought, if you can't follow me, you don't deserve to have that spot."  Mahoney said when he was called by Tommy Dreamer, Dreamer told him this was a chance to show the guys up North the middle finger. 

 

--"The Other Guys," which stars Will Farrell but also features Dwayne Johnson in a role early in the movie, debuted not only at No. 1, but at double No. 2 this week at the movies.  It's estimated right now to do $35.6 million in he first weekend to $18.6 million for Inception (in its fourth week).  "The Expendables," which features Steve Austin and Randy Couture, debuts on Friday and is expected to do a similar level first weekend.

 

--Crazy next two weeks in MMA with Bellator's season opening on Thursday, Strikeforce on Friday, a new promotion with a PPV on Saturday, and then WEC a week from Wednesday the 18th, followed by Bellator again on the 19th.

 

--Shawn Michaels is at Canyon Park Road, in Canyon Lake, TX today for the second annual Cardboard Boat Race benefiting St. Judes and New Life Children's Treatment Center.

 

--Michaels wrote today how happy he was about last night's WWE special on NBC.  Instead of doing a series of music videos, the one-hour special showed the Michaels vs. Undertaker WrestleMania match.

 

--The next Michael Schiavello interview show on HDNet will be 8/20, The Voice vs. Tito Ortiz

 

--The first MMA event ever in the state of Tasmania (Australia) took place last night, drawing 2,000 people using mostly first-time local fighters.  The local paper wrote a negative article on it at http://www.themercury.com.au/article/2010/08/08/164561_todays-news.html (thanks to Caleb Palmer)

 

--Ringside MMA from last night in Quebec:  Jason Saggo b David Lafond (triangle, 2:38 round two), Levis Labrie b aaron Bellermare (TKO 1:23), Tommy Cote b Keven Tremblay (armbar 1:19), Guillaume Vigneau b David Fraser (choke 1:46), Jesse Gross b kevin Morin (TKO 4:42 2nd round), Brent Franczuz b Guillaume Fortier (4:05, Fortier quit), Guillaume Lamarche b Tristan Johnson (TKO 2:36), Jonathan Road Warrior Goulet b Matt MacGrath (TKO 1:39)

 

--Tom Robinson will be promoted a birthday bash for Rev. Bob Levy at Tailgators in Clifton Heights, PA on 8/13 at 8 p.m., and will also be a benefit show from Dustin Walls, who is suffering from cancer.  Walls is a huge pro wrestling fan.  Robinson said that all area pro wrestlers are welcome to come and to call him at 267-602-6587 for details.

 

--Mike Mooneyham write about Howard Brody's book (really good book for a very different kind of insight into pro wrestling, really there is no book like it) at http://www.postandcourier.com/news/2010/aug/08/promoters-journey-cautionary-tale/

 

--In something that has got a lot of press in the Detroit sports scene, Mike Modano has signed with the Red Wings.  Modano is from Detroit but played his entire career for the Minnesota North Stars and Dallas Stars.  The connection is he's the husband of Willa Ford, who is a fairly well known singer who was on the first season of Ultimate Fighter and was later Chuck Liddel's girlfriend.  (thanks to Jake Koch)  

 

--M-1 results from last night in Atlantic City:  Byron Byrd b Sammy Collingwood :40 1st round TKO; Jose Figueroa b Josh Thorpe via unanimous decision; George Sheppard b Josh Baccallo via split decision; Len Bentley b Colin Schrader 1:45 2nd round KO; Daniel Vazcaya b Chris Sydnor 2:02 choke; Mike Geurin b Shane Primm via unanimous decison; Pat Bennett b Mehdi Hassan via unanimous decision; Tyson Jeffries b Plinio Cruz via split decisoin; Kenny Garner b Andrei Kapilou via unanimous decision; Tom Gallicchio b Aaron Mesienr via third round choke.  Next show will be 9/18 back at Bally's Casino in Atlantic City.   

 

--NWA Big Time Wrestling from last night in Waxahachie, TX:  Clayton Brooks b Ice-X, Max Muscles b Chad Hart (Gary's son), Scott Murdoch b Khris Germany, Doberman & Pablo Chuco b Li Fang & Russian Destroyer-DQ.  Next show is 9/4 (thanks to Rob Moore)

 

--A book review of Forrest Griffin's new book is at http://www.newsday.com/sports/mixed-martial-arts/fightin-words-1.811935/the-new-forrest-griffin-book-review-1.2166433  The review praises the book for being funny.

 

--Hoosier Pro Wrestling from last night in Columbus, IN before 228 fans:  Damien Cole b Gary Cherry, Ricky Ruckus b Cousin Cooter, Hillbilly Jed b T.J. Kemp, Donny Idol b Mr. Big, Ox Harley b Dylan Bostic, Kings of Capital City b Shawn Cook & Marc Houston, Diceman Ronnie Vegas NC T.J. Powers.  Next show is 9/4 in Columbus, IN (thanks to Jerry Wilson)