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
A couple of big events in the next few days. The only major shows tonight are the final of the week of TNA tapings in Orlando, including taping for January 6, 2011, the go-home show for Genesis. ROH also tapes tonight in Louisville at the Davis Arena.
Also late tonight on HDNet, at midnight Pacific and 3 a.m. Eastern in the K-1 World Grand Prix from Tokyo. This is a one-night tournament and among the biggest events of the year there.
First round matches have:
Semmy Schilt (odds on favorite) vs. Kyotaro (Japanese hope)
Peter Aerts (aging legend) vs. Mighty Mo (300 pound Samoan with a big punch)
Alistair Overeem (big heel outsider - Strikeforce heavyweight champion) vs. Tyron Spong (good technical fighter, maybe too small but better movement)
Daniel Ghita (huge guy with nasty low kicks) vs. Gokhan Saki (strong technical fighter but also giving up a lot of size in a tournament with so many big guys).
Saturday is UFC 124 from Montreal. There will be the largest crowd in UFC history for the GSP vs. Josh Koscheck fight, which is expected to do big PPV numbers.
WWE touring starts on Sunday with a Raw show in Biloxi and a Smackdown show in Monroe.
Monday is the Slammy Awards three-hour Raw, yes another three-hour Raw, from New Orleans.
Smackdown and NXT is taped on Tuesday night in Lafayette, LA.
We've got a special from now until Christmas for subscribers to get free issues extending their subscriptions. If you order a gift subscription for a friend who is not a subscriber of three months or more, you get one free month added to your subscription. If you order a one year gift subscription, you get two months added to your subscription. This is both for print subscribers and web site subscribers. In addition, everyone subscribing for three months or more will get the biggest issue of 2011, the annual awards double issue.
We've got a look at the year-end international shows held around the world, the Japanese awards, the legend of Curtis Iaukea, lots of WWE injury notes and the Chael Sonnen hearing all in this coming Monday's issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.
The issue is currently on the site for members. You can also subscribe and get the printed copies with the details on print subscriptions below. We will also have a back issue from 1993 up later this week.
We have the most detailed look at the Chael Sonnen case from every aspect. We look at how his suspension got halved, the rumors and realities regarding what he can and can't do right now, his doctor's testimony, reactions of commissioners, loopholes in the system, what fighters have been approved for testosterone replacement and what fighters have not, despite their names being bandied about publicly. We also look at the reaction from Keith Kizer, many behind the scenes things about the case, things that don't seem to hold together, as well as a look at the Josh Barnett case.
We also have notes on WWE creative plans, story behind MVP's release, the origins of his gimmick and why that will be interesting going forward, and where he's looked at going. We also look at the ups and downs of his WWE days and what seemed to end his push. We also look at some of the other talent that was cut of late.
We've got a WWE injury update including a star still on the road headlining who was told to take a few weeks off, notes on Goldust's needed surgery and the return of another competitor after a concussion.
We also have more on Brock Lesnar and WrestleMania, as well as a look at a lot of other talent that WWE officials hoped would be at Mania this year and where things currently stand on them.
We've got notes on Vince McMahon's trip to Afghanistan, new feuds, a wrestler who was about to get called up and then blew out his knee, as well as new talent being taken on the road and debuting.
We look at comments from a recent cut, as well as a unique way a former ECW wrestler who has been long gone from the company is trying to get back. We also have business notes from all the WWE house shows this past week as well as the experimental weekend, how it did, and highlights from both tours.
We also have notes on the biggest television deal struck in a long time, as a nearly unknown promotion now actually has the best station and the best time slot of any show with the exception of Raw on USA. We look at the ultimate feast or famine deal which, if it hits, makes a company instant major league, and the odds of it hitting.
We look at the career of King Curtis Iaukea, and why he's been a well known figure in Hawaiian culture for more than a half century. We go back to his football days, his drug experience, his pro wrestling start, as well as his first breaks as a pro wrestler and what he was best known for as an international star.
We've got notes on the plans for the biggest UFC event in history in Toronto, as well as updates on predictions for Saturday's show in Montreal and all-time business records for the sport. We look at why it took so long to get into the province, and how the deal got put together.
We also look at the 2010 Japanese wrestling awards.
We've got complete coverage of the first live head-to-head battle on television between Strikeforce and UFC. We look at the controversy coming out of the Phan vs. Garcia fight, past bad judging calls, analyzing the judging, problems with the system and why in this fight people making calls about judges vs. system will never know which is the real problem here. We look at the comments by Joe Rogan, round-by-round analysis and why Phan didn't get the decision in the end.
We also have a look at the ratings, including the unique UFC ratings pattern, and how the UFC and Strikeforce audiences differ greatly, as well as a look at the overlapping audience. We've got how every UFC fight performed on television, as well as match-by-match coverage for both shows and payoff records for the UFC show.
We also look at where Strikeforce goes from here when it comes to main matches, as well as fighters who upped their stock in losing over the weekend.
We also have coverage of the TNA Final Resolution show, more on Jeff Hardy, update on the Genesis show, poll results and star ratings.
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.
-- The Talk on CBS today did a segment on John Cena granting his 200th wish for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. He presented a belt to a little girl who is battling leukemia and said he was donating 1,000,000 Delta frequent flier miles to the foundation.
-- Josh Koscheck is on Inside MMA tonight on HDNet talking tomorrow's GSP fight.
-- Weigh-in results from the afternoon. GSP after weighing in promised to "kick his ass" tomorrow, which had the people going nuts.
1. Georges St-Pierre (170) vs. Josh Koscheck (169)
2. Sean McCorkle (264) vs. Stefan Struve (253)
3. Mac Danzig (156) vs. Joe Stevenson (155.5)
4. Thiago Alves (171) vs. John Howard (171)
5. Jim Miller (155) vs. Charles Oliveira (153.5)
6. Joe Doerksen (185.5) vs. Dan Miller (184.5)
7. Mark Bocek (155.5) vs. Dustin Hazelett (155)
8. Jesse Bongfeldt (185.5) vs. Rafael Natal (185)
9. Sean Pierson (170.5) vs. Matthew Riddle (170.5)
10. Ricardo Almeida (170.5) vs. T.J. Grant (170)
11. Pat Audinwood (156) vs. John Makdessi (155)
There are no Spike prelims for this show, but UFC will be airing a few of them free on UFC.com.
-- While not official, it is believed USA Network will be picking up Tough Enough. They were the ones who pushed for the show in the first place, wanting to get more heavily involved in reality television.
-- Smackdown tonight has Edge & Rey vs. Kane & Alberto Del Rio, Santino & Koslov vs. Chavo & Mystery Partner, Natalya vs. Layla, Kaval vs. Jack Swagger which feature a legit injury to Kaval's ankle, Cody vs. Chris Masters Masterlock challenge, and, yes, the Eagle vs. Hornswaggle.
-- MVP is facing Matt Hardy in the main event of WrestleFest 15 at Mid-Hudson Civic Center in Poughkeepsie on Jan. 15. Thanks to Phil Strum.
-- DGUSA runs April 1st in Burlington, NC. Tickets go on sale Monday at dgusa.tv. They also announced Naruki Doi & Mystery Partner as the first team in the tag tournament that runs January 28th-January 30th. The rest of the teams and all the matches will be announced Monday on the website.
-- A quick look at Tribute to the Troops here
-- Al writes: I’m watching the pre-game show for tonight’s Colts vs. Titans game in Nashville on NFL Network, and they showed Ric Flair on the sidelines. Interesting that the graphic under Ric’s name read “Former Wrestling Great”.
-- TNA signed indy worker Tommy Mercer after he impressed them in the Gut Check Challenge tryout deal. He'll be on Impact in a few weeks.
-- Neal writes: TMZ has a wrestling slideshow on it's website. About 30 photos, mostly promotional portraits, but some old action shots with Billy Graham v Bruno and Mr Fuji v (I think) Victor Rivera
-- This Sunday, December 12, CollectorFest Monthly will continue to run at The Webster Columbus Center (a.k.a. The Knights of Columbus) at # 70 Barrett Drive in Webster, NY 14580. Dick Beyer (A.K.A. The Destroyer / Doctor X) will make a rare appearance, meeting the public and signing autographs at the only monthly sports cards and collectibles show in Western New York, with free admission and a gift at noon. Throughout 2010, several members of the Buffalo Bills Alumni, wrestlers and other celebrities have been signing for the public. This will continue throughout 2011. This signing session is from 1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. while the show/sale runs from 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
-- In a follow-up to the story Tuesday about CZW doing a Toys for Tots drive in association with their Cage of Death show (and don't get me wrong, wrestling shows working to help kids is one of the great things about this business and CZW should be commended for it, but a TOYS FOR TOTS drive at a show called CAGE OF DEATH is something that could only happen in pro-wrestling), Insane Clown Posse is also doing a Super Live Toy Drive on December 22nd in Southgate, MI in association with their show called VIOLENT NIGHT.
-- Speaking of, CAGE OF DEATH XII! Saturday, December 11th, 2010 at The CZW Arena - South Philly, PA, 7 West Ritner Street - 8PM Belltime. For tickets and more: www.czwrestling.com
-- Saturday December 11, PWAN - PWA Niagara, "Holiday Heat", Welland, Ont, Club Social, 66 Empire St, All tickets $ 10.00 with a non perishable food item. All cash proceeds will go to the Blanchard Family. Call 905-246-2036 for more info
-- Tuesday December 28 The World Wide Wrestling and MMA Alliance Present "One and Done in London Town", London, Ontario, COWBOYS RANCH, Corner of Wharancliffe Road and Riverside, 7:00PM. Advance tickets only $10 dollars for adults, $8 dollars 12 and under, ages 5 and under are free! Have tickets delivered to your FRONT DOOR call 519-697-7824
-- Ed, Craig and Cutrer talk the best of HBK tonight here. They'll need more than 90 minutes for that one.
-- Chikara's last show of the year, "Reality is Relative", 12.12.2010 - Sunday Afternoon. Live at The Goodwill Beneficial Assoc., 100 Madison Ave in airy Reading, PA! The action starts at 4:00 pm!
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!
