By Dave Meltzer

 

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        We're doing polls on both the ROH Respect is Earned II PPV and last night's WEC show, so you can leave a thumbs up, thumbs down or thumbs in the middle along with a best and worst match to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  

 

        We're looking for live reports from the Raw taping in Knoxville tonight with dark matches, attendance and anything else that wouldn't be evident from the live show.  We're also looking for reports on the Smackdown house show tonight in Macon, as well as last night's WWE house show in Chattanooga and the Saturday night in Johnson City, TN.

 

        Raw tonight has Ted DiBiase & Cody Rhodes defending against Batista & John Cena.  The top Raw matches for SummerSlam should be finalized tonight since it's only two Raw shows left until the second (or third) biggest PPV of the year.  Right now, SummerSlam is feeling like No. 3 to me, but tonight is key if they turn up the heat on Cena vs. Batista.  Shawn Michaels returns on tonight's show so it should be clear whether Michaels vs. Jericho is at SummerSlam or not.  WWE has printed up SummerSlam T-shirts which mention C.M. Punk vs. JBL as the World title match, and whatever match Punk is in will be announced tonight.  JBL is the most likely match but as we've seen, they can change their mind until the announcement (and sometimes even after).

 

            The Smackdown & ECW tapings are Tuesday in Atlanta.  Announced for ECW are Tommy Dreamer vs. Armando Estrada (yes, announced ahead of time) plus The Dirt Sheet on WWE.com is now going to be a regular feature on the ECW TV show.

 

        A look at the decisions regarding hiring Mike Adamle, Freddy Prinze Jr, the reaction to Prinze Jr. on the first day, and updates on SummerSlam is our lead story in today's issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.  You can read the issue today on this site by signing up for a web site membership.  The membership will also include our traditional biggest issue of the year, the upcoming Wrestling Observer Hall of Fame issue and all the audio shows, as well as Observer back issues from 1991.

 

        The lead story gives some of the background of the Prinze hiring, notes on his first day, reaction by people in and around the company as well as thoughts by those who have been in the position of whether he can survive in the role and what it would take. We look back at the other new Hollywood writer brought in that didn't get as much coverage, as well as look at the best known celebrity wrestling writer and how it worked out for him, and how he differs from Prinze Jr.

 

        We also talk about the Adamle hiring, the always changing  SummerSlam and teases of the entire card.

 

        We also have a look at Elite XC's second show on CBS, the good, the bad, the ugly and what lessons were hammered home.  We also look at how and why Elite XC is changing, its future, where it dropped the ball.  We look at ratings, ratings compared to UFC, what can be learned from ticket sales as well as coverage of the matches themselves.

 

        We also have notes on this week's Saturday Night's Main Event, as well as this coming week's Ring of Honor PPV show as well as notes on the next PPV show.

 

        We have notes on changes coming to ECW, the selling of the Shawn Michaels injury angle, updates on the latest in house show bookings, who is responsible for the ECW shows with the ratings turnaround.  We also look at the C.M. Punk title reign, including why it happened, how it changed from the original plan, and where things stand with it.  We look at a major celebrity who once had a tryout for an on camera role on WWE television, notes on a major contract expiring, update on Jonathan Coachman, lots of thoughts on Smackdown today and WWE & TNA doing essentially the same type of angle and how each one is faring.

 

        We have Hector Guerrero notes on Vickie Guerrero, a WWE star whose home was damaged by a hurricane, where WWE ranks on TV among the most watched sports programming as well as update on DVD sales, a former WCW star expected to be hired for a non-wrestling position, background on Jamie Noble, all the developmental news, as well as a dubious distinction of a WWE Films project.  We've got an update on Mysterio, as well as one of WWE's Fan Facts on TV which was blatantly dishonest.  We've also got business notes from the past week as well as highlights from all the house shows.

 

        We also have the monthly business charts with house shows, TV ratings and PPV numbers.     

 

        We also look at AAA's coming to the U.S., and what can be learned about how the shows did as compared to the more famous early 90s shows.  We look at the difference in the U.S. culture, as well as differences in the promotion of the events.

 

        We also have a look at the CMLL World Grand Prix, filled with TNA stars, a major event leading to a possible major stipulation event involving a TNA wrestler vs. CMLL wrestler, as well as update the working relationship between the two, and the latest Mistico vs. Perro Aguayo Jr. meeting.

 

        We also have notes on the major Dragon Gate show of this past week.

 

        We've also got our regular weekly detailed look at the ratings of the major shows, results from the major league arena events, as well as major TV show reviews.

 

        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 27th year of being the leading insider pro wrestling publication in the world. The biggest and most influential names in the industry, both 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 the issue:

 

--Crowds changing for a promotion

 

--A look at the Carlos Colon retirement ceremony

 

--A wrestler who announced this past week he is running for Governor

 

--The well-known wrestler whose wedding was on prime time network TV and why

 

--More on the NTV Jr. tag team tournament

 

--Hall of Fame wrestler announces promoting two major shows

 

--Several legends return to a promotion for a big show in a few weeks

 

--A look at the death of former wrestling announcer Brian Teigland

 

--Update on The Sandman

 

--International promotion running a U.S. show in a few weeks

 

--Notes on the beginning of the career of the son of a wrestling legend

 

--Two readers headed to work at the upcoming Olympics

 

--Update on Killer Kowalski

 

--Crazy Jesse Ventura stories

 

--Notes on a new promotion that is getting local TV and names that look to be part of it

 

--Update on the career of Stacy Keibler and leaving wrestling 

 

--Wrestling star from 80s almost has catastrophic accident

 

--Former WWE wrestler debuts in MMA this weekend, and the crazy fight that took place after the show was over, complete with a lying promoter about the incident

 

--Funny explanation by ex-WWE wrestler about his name showing up on the steroid list

 

--Brooke Hogan and attempting to get publicity

 

--One of the most famous wrestling landmarks is expected to be torn down and some of the famous matches in the city

 

--Retired Hall of Fame candidate has been talking about coming back

 

--Canadian major star of the territorial days and health notes

 

--Update on Bret Hart

 

--Update on Mark Madden

 

--Update on Tony Schiavone

 

--A look at the man who makes the belts

 

--Notes on the murder trial of a man who killed a former pro wrestler

 

--A look at the ROH debut in Canada and future plans

 

--Wrestlers, including two major international stars, who are about to make their ROH debuts

 

--Update on TNA Hard Justice PPV

 

--Tons of Kurt Angle comments as well as a look at the pilot of his new reality show

 

--Wrestler gets broken nose from stiff punch

 

--Larry Zbyszko talks current TNA

 

--TNA house show reports

 

--New York sanctioning update

 

--More drug test failures

 

--UFC business updates

 

--Changes to the next UFC PPV show and a look at newcomers to the promotion

 

--Notes on lots of major matches being talked about between now and the end of the year

 

--What fight could UFC put on now that would likely to the most buys in almost two years

 

--More on why certain fighters are unlikely to be booked on the same show

 

--Quinton Jackson update

 

--Anthony Johnson update and his protect about the finish and where it'll go from here

 

--What a lot of people don't understand about overturing decisions

 

--What city every promotion is looking at and why

 

--Michael Bisping talks WWE

 

--UFC title contender inks new deal

 

--Urijah Faber talks about avenging his only loss

 

--Update on Tito Ortiz

 

--More on the second Affliction show

 

--What deals are being proposed to some of the highest paid fighters

 

--TV special coming soon on major MMA star

 

        New subscribers ordering 24 or 40 issues have to let us know what major story (ies) of the past 11 years 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 11 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)

 

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 now 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'll talk a lot more about Ric Flair leaving tonight on the show.  WWE did acknowledge Flair leaving on the web site but it's practically buried, without even a with him best in future endeavors.  Flair's agent sent out a brief note saying:  "WWE and I parted on the best of terms.  This gives me the chance to pursue new opportunities, corporate speaking engagements, product sponsorships, autograph shows for my loyal fans (who made me what I am today) and film and television roles.  My agent and I are very excited about what the future holds"  You can listen to last night's Wrestling Observer Live and we have a lot on the story as well.  Flair is taking bookings at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it   As you can imagine, all kinds of offers are coming in right now.

 

--Ric Flair did an interview on the FOX affiliate in Charlotte last night at http://www.youtube.com/v/HTHK8ws8Z0M  Even though it aired last night, Flair mentioned he was working with WWE, but the interview was taped on Thursday

 

--Andrei Arlovski vs. Josh Barnett will headline the second Affliction show on 10/11 in Las Vegas and Fedor Emelianenko is off the show due to a hand injury. 

 

--A note regarding California law on what was discussed last night, vehicular manslaughter in California does not apply to unborn fetuses (thanks to Mike Rome and Todd Martin) 

 

--The Smackdown angle with Mick Foley may be interesting since Foley's contract expires shortly and his long-term as a Smackdown announcer is in question.  It was expected he would be off tomorrow's show in the guise of selling the angle but that wasn't certain.

 

--At the show yesterday in Bowling Green, they had a stand asking for fans to vote for a design for SummerSlam T-shirts.  The four matches on the shirt were Edge vs. Undertaker, Cena vs. Batista, HHH vs. Khali and Punk vs. JBL 

 

--Wrestling Observer Live on the Sports Byline radio network hosted by Bryan Alvarez is moving from to a 6 p.m. Eastern time and 3 p.m. Pacific time start, up two hours, starting this comiing Sunday

 

--ROH announced for 9/14 at Differ Ariake in Tokyo Nigel McGuinness vs. Jimmy Jacobs, Yoshinobu Kanemaru vs. Bryan Danielson for the GHC jr. title (this would make sense to change it here, not knowing if that's the plan), Naomichi Marufuji & Katsuhiko Nakajima vs. KENTA & Kota Ibushi (dear God what a great match), Kensuke Sasaki vs. Roderick Strong, Austin Aries vs. Tyler Black, Mark & Jay Briscoe vs. Davey Richards & Takeshi Morishima, Taiji Ishimori vs. El Generico and Eddie Edwards vs. Kazushi Miyamoto.

 

--The ROH PPV will be replayed on Saturday at 4 p.m.

 

--Tito Ortiz is now officially a free agent

 

--There is an article on WWE stock at http://www.schaefferresearch.com/commentary/observations.aspx?ID=86737&c=obsfeed  The thing to look for in tomorrow's earnings report is whether the company's profits for quarter two beat 12 cents per share (roughly $8.4 million).  If they do, it's good for the stock.  If not, it won't be.  Right now Wall Street is bullish on WWE

 

--There is a story on JBL's wife, Meredith Whitney, at http://money.cnn.com/2008/08/04/magazines/fortune/ who is a prominent financial analyst and the news isn't good for us.  She said the economic tunnel is about to collapse.  She said banks are facing much bigger credit losses than have come out so far, and she predicts a recession that will devastate 10% of the population.  "It feels like I'm at the epicenter of the biggest financial crisis in history."  Whitney predicted the Citigroup collapse which hurt the market bad in October, but turned out to be accurate.  Since that time her word moves stock prices.  Still, it noted that so far this year when it comes to picking stocks, out of 1,917 equity analysts surveyed, she only ranked No. 919.

 

--Shark Boy injured his knee and it is being looked at over the weekend at the Saturday night show in Laredo, but is expected to be okay for TV this coming week. 

 

--Paul Heyman has a story on Brock Lesnar's fight with Heath Herring at http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/wrestling/heyman/article1511264.ece  We have a Lesnar story on the fight at www.yahoo.com

 

--Strongest Hall of Fame candidates from yesterday's list and poll

Gene & Ole Anderson 25.9%

Fit Finlay 24.0%

Carlos Colon 20.5%

Jun Akiyama 14.8%

Atlantis 4.7%

Red Bastien 4.3%

The Assassins 4.1%

Hector Garza 1.7%

 

--Publishers Weekly has a review of Bret Hart's book at http://www.publishersweekly.com/article/CA6583336.html?industryid=47159  Very nice review.     

 

--Elite XC:  Uprising which is the card headlined by Robbie Lawler vs. Murilo Ninja Rua, Nick Diaz vs. Mike Aina and Gina Carano vs. Tonya Evinger will be released tomorrow on DVD  

 

--UFC on Spike this week has Unleashed on Wednesday at 9 p.m. headlined by Tito Ortiz vs. Forrest Griffin.  That's interesting, putting their light heavyweight champ in a match against a guy who is about to sign with an opposition promotion since Ortiz won that match, plus a second hour features Frank Mir vs. Antoni Hardonk and Keith Jardine vs. Chuck Liddell.  The Countdown to UFC 87 (good show) airs Thursday night after Impact, then again Thursday at 1 a.m. and Saturday at 6 p.m. which on the West Coast is the hour before the PPV starts.  There is also one hour of Unleashed on Friday night with Anderson Silva vs. Travis Lutter

 

--Insanity Pro Wrestling has a junior heavyweight tournament on 9/6 in Indianapolis at the Salvation Army Community Center

 

--NWA Anarchy from Saturday night in Cornelia, GA with a TV taping before 190 fans:  Adrian Hawkins won over Kyle Matthews, Chip Day and Bo Newsome, Don Matthews b Jay Clinton, Slim J & Shadow Jackson b Jeremy Vain & Rob Adonis, Shatter & Kimo b Scott McKenzie & Danny Matthews, Sal Rinauro won three-way hair match over Chad Parham and Seth Delay (Delay lost the fall and got his head shaved), Chris King b Tyler Smith, Mikal Judas b Todd Sexton, Truitt Fields & Don Juan & Chris Marval b Caleb Konley & J.T. Talent & Drew Pendleton III, Derrick Driver & Steven Waltes b Azrael & Shaun Tempers, Brodie Chase b Daffney, Iceberg b Ace Rockwell  (thanks to Larry Goodman)

 

--Yesterday's New York Daily news talked about "theft of service" cases in New York, basically lying about calling in sick, and listed the five most famous cases in recent years.  Matt Stryker made the cut noting he called in sick in 2005 when he was actually doing pro wrestling matches.  He even called in sick while doing a Smackdown taping as well as a tour of Japan.  Because that got a lot of pub at the time, that is actually how he got hired by WWE, and they first cast him as a babyface, trying to make it a sympathy thing how he got fired from his job.  But soon enough he was a heel.  And how he's a magician, given that he's disappeared. 

 

--John Cena will be at GNC Herald Square at 1372 Broadway in Manhattan on Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. and again from 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.  If you buy anything at the store, you can get your photo taken with Cena.  Cena is apparently endorsed by Team Ultimate Nutrition. (thanks to Jeff Bradley)

 

--In Your Face Wrestling on 8/23 in Rutland, VT at the Holiday Inn

 

--A San Francisco Bay Bombers vs. Chicago Pioneers game is taking place on 8/23 at Kezar Pavilion in San Francisco.  They also will be in Southern California for a September game at the City of Industry, CA

 

--Kid Sister, a female protege of Kanye West, released an album called Koko B. Ware. The program for Lollapalooza noted it was named after a pro wrestler.  Well, it couldn't have very well been a coincidence with that name. (thanks to Matthew Schereiner)

 

--On Bell Express Vu's on screen guide for Saturday Night's Main Event, it listed Cena & HHH vs. Rey Mysterio & Randy Orton & Kurt Angle as the match.  I think that was on an SNME in 2006 (thanks to Tyler McMurchy)

 

--Want to send our best wishes to Jerry Palmer, the promoter of NWA Anarchy in Cornelia, GA.  His wife, Tabitha, gave birth to their first child, Griffin, ten weeks early.  He's two pounds and six ounces, but it said to be doing well.  Griffin probably won't be able to go home for two months.

 

--Dean Malenko turned 48 today and Frankie Kazarian turned 31

 

--Rich Tate's Atlanta wrestling nostalgia:

58 years ago today:  Southern champ Art Nelson beat Eddie Gossett, who later became Eddie Graham

47 years ago:  Ray Gunkel no contest The Sheik in the main event

41 years ago:  Lou Thesz & Alberto & Ramon Torres beat El Mongol & Stan & Butcher Vachon via DQ

36 years ago:  Argentina Apollo beat Nick Bockwinkel via DQ in the main event

30 years ago:  Ric Flair retained the U.S. title going to a draw with Thunderbolt Patterson and Mr. Mystery beat King Kong Mosca, while Ivan Koloff beat Stan Hansen

26 years ago in Columbus:  Mr Wrestling II beat Don Muraco via DQ with Roddy Piper managing Muraco, while Paul Orndorff beat Ole Anderson, Tommy Rich beat Masked Superstar and The Freebirds beat Buzz Sawyer & Super Destroyer (Scott Irwin)

 

--Taub's Cast on Fox Sports in San Luis Obispo at http://www.foxsportsradio1340.com/podcast/davidtaub.xml has interviews with Irv Muchnick and Larry Zbyszko    

 

--AAW on Saturday in Berwyn, IL at the Eagles Club has Tyler Black vs. Josh Raymond for the AAW title 

 

--Irv Muchnick at http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/GuestColumn/2008/08/04/6348491.html