By Dave Meltzer

 

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        We're looking for your thoughts on both UFC 87 and tonight's TNA Hard Justice PPV, 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 reports on Friday night's Raw show in Wildwood, NJ, last night's Smackdown show in Syracuse as well as yesterday's show from Venice Beach, and today's WWE shows from Salisbury, MD (Raw) and Binghamton, NY (Smackdown).

       

        TNA Hard Justice lineup for tonight:

*Taylor Wilde & Gail Kim & ODB vs. Angelina Love & Velvet Sky & Awesome Kong

*Black Tie Brawl & Chain match:  Jay Lethal vs. Sonjay Dutt - basically a chain match with both guys wearing tuxedos

*Petey Williams vs. Consequences Creed for the X division title

*New Jersey Street fight:  Christian Cage & Rhino vs. Team 3-D

*Tag titles:  LAX vs. Beer Money

*Last man standing:  A.J. Styles vs. Kurt Angle

*TNA title, weapons cage match:  Samoa Joe vs. Booker T

        A few notes on the show.  Sting will be there.  The rappers (Ice-T, Grandmaster Caz and F.I.L.T.H.E.E.) will open the show and I think they'll just get that over with.  With seven matches in three hours, there won't be the need to rush matches.

 

        Live Raw is Monday in Richmond, VA, with some sort of a challenge match with C.M. Punk vs. JBL in a contest JBL will pick, plus Smackdown & ECW are taped in Norfolk on Tuesday.

 

        TNA will be taping on Tuesday and Wednesday of this week in Orlando.

 

        Thanks to Michael Grimaldi for the WWE report from Newark, DE. 

 

        Based on the response we've gotten, tomorrow's issue, already available on the web site, will be one of our special issues listed below with the coverage of the Ric Flair departure from WWE and the history of pro wrestlers and MMA fighters in the Olympics, which is our biggest history piece in months.  It also should be noted that everyone signing up today will also get what is traditionally our most talked about issue of the year, the 2008 Hall of Fame issue that comes out late this month.

 

        Full coverage of Ric Flair's departure from WWE, featuring a lot of exclusive items not yet reported anywhere including reasons why this happened and discussion of his future relations with the company is the headline story of Monday's jumbo-sized issue of the Wrestling Observer.  You can get the new issue mailed to you immediately with a new subscription, or order through the web site and read it right now.

 

        The issue also contains a feature story on the history of pro wrestlers and MMA fighters and the Olympic games.  We look at both who was in, how they did, and tons of great stories regarding many individuals.  This is especially for people who are into pro wrestling history.

 

        We look at the Flair/WWE split, including how far in advance this was coming, who knew ahead of time and the things that caused it to happen.  We also look at things in Flair's life that likely played a part in his making the move.  We look at a lot of his options, as well as look at whether this is a good or bad move for him short and long-term. 

 

        As part of this story, we also look at the situation with Mick Foley and WWE and where it stands, as well as what the issues involved are.

 

        We also look at where TNA fits in to all this.  We look at how permanent the Flair departure is.  We look at the Flair relationship with Jeff Jarrett and the viability of TNA as an option for him.  We look at Flair's interest when it comes to wrestling, and what many think would make the difference.  We look at Flair's background growing up, and what was expected post-retirement and what didn't happen in regard to his future as a character.

 

        We also look at the Tito Ortiz/Affliction deal, as well as Ortiz's comments on his prospective new deal.

 

        We have one of our biggest history features in a long time with a look at pro wrestlers who have been in the Olympics, as well as MMA fighters.  We note the change in the industry as a whole which, and it's right there when you look at the piece, how MMA's viability has changed aspects of pro wrestling.

 

        We look at one active pro wrestler, one big name from the recent past and another current MMA star who going to be in Beijing and their respective roles in the upcoming games, as well as another pro wrestling superstar who attempted to have a role in the games.

 

        We look back with a feature on arguably the biggest name pro wrestler in history who was scheduled to compete in the Olympics, and the unique reason why he didn't.  We look at his background, including one of the most famous NCAA heavyweight championship matches that featured two future pro wrestling major world champions going against each other.  We look back at the college days of some of the bigger pro wrestling stars.

 

        We look at some of the greatest wrestlers ever produced in the U.S.  We also look at no less than nine pro wrestling Hall of Famers and how each of them did in the Olympics, as well as looking back at arguably the two most influential of them when it comes to pro wrestling.

 

        We also have more on the legend of Danny Hodge, including a fact about his career that has been largely forgotten.  We take a look back 52 years at his gold medal match.  We also look at the pro wrestling legend who was in the Olympics at 19 and why he never competed in the Olympics late in his prime.  We look at a couple of more major world champions who came from an Olympic background in wrestling, as well as another star who competed in the sport of rowing.

 

        We also look at a second pro wrestling star who was top ten in the world as a pro wrestler in his prime, and was in the Olympics at 19.  We look at the politics that kept him out of making what would have been a unique comeback, where one of the best active pro wrestlers in the world was attempting to get into the Olympics. 

 

        We also look back on what kept Gorilla Monsoon out of the Olympics (yes, he was a candidate), as well as look at people like Ken Patera, Badnews Allen, Chris Taylor, Baron Von Raschke, as well as perhaps the most famous Olympic wrestling photo ever and the background of probably the most famous single move in the history of Greco-Roman Olympic wrestling--that involved two future pro wrestlers.

 

        We look at the many pro wrestlers, including one of the sport's all-time legends and another of its top workers who had qualified for Olympic games but due to the worldwide politics of the time, never competed.

 

        We also look at this year's U.S. Olympic team, and what member of the team has in the past talked of going into pro wrestling after these games, and another who has talked of possibly doing MMA.  We also look at the end of the career of a Japanese Olympian who attempts to win gold some 14 years after appearing on one of the most famous pro wrestling events of all-time.  We also look at another medal favorite who WWE had tried heavily to recruit in recent years.

 

        We also look at the four active full-time pro wrestlers besides Kurt Angle and how each of them did in the Olympics, as well as a part-time pro wrestler.

 

        We look at every pro wrestler who has ever won an Olympic medal which include some famous and not so famous.

 

        We also look at the sport of MMA and the competitors in that sport who had previously been in the Olympics, as well as two new ones who are expected to start before the end of this year.

 

        We also have the quarterly WWE business report.  We look into some huge costs that are in a sense hidden in the report because they aren't figured into the profit and loss, and why the company has considerably less money right now than they did three months ago.  We look at how much money went to the McMahon family and other stockholders.

 

        We've got an update on the company movie business including some new projects.  We look at Linda McMahon's explanation for the change in how they are doing television as well as comments on the new MyNetwork TV contract.  We look at why Wall Street was disappointed even though the company continues to be profitable and grow.

 

        We have more on the McMahons Millions including its effect on other aspects of company business.  We look at what percentage of WWE business comes from outside North America, as well as which countries are key in the company's revenue streams.

 

        We look at Linda McMahon's comments about the potential of adding another touring brand.

 

        We look at how the house show business is doing.

 

        We've got an update on PPV including buys for One Night Stand and Night of Champions, as well as a look at comparisons to last year in-depth that tell a little different story than just straight releasing worldwide numbers do.

 

        We also look at the merchandise business, the TV business, the home video business including an update on the best selling WWE videos so far this year, as well as how the McMahons Millions promotion cost the company money as well as how it affected the web business.

 

        We have a lot more on the Mike Adamle decision, how it went down, who Vince McMahon is comparing Adamle with as far as being an effective TV personality as well as some on the original reaction of people.  We look at who knew and didn't know during the show, and who most people backstage thought the new G.M. was going to be.

 

        We look at the new writers initiative in WWE and more behind  it.  We look at a long-time company vet on the endangered specifies list.  We look at the company's working on signing Dos Caras Jr. and El Sicodelico Jr. and how it's going, plans for both, and why they were picked and not others.

 

        We also look at what appears to be a change in both booking and announcing philosophy.

 

        We also have notes on a long-time company star honored in a way few wrestlers ever have been, best selling current DVDs as well as a look at the company's weekend house shows.

 

        We have an update on Quinton Jackson.

 

        We also have notes coming out of the WWE's Saturday Night's Main Event show and the surprise regarding the ratings and where the audience fell so badly. 

 

        We've got poll results from both the ROH and WEC shows, as well as a look at the last WEC show including pay records for the fights.

 

        We've got our usual weekly in-depth look at the television ratings, including how each segment of the major shows did, as well as what segment showed incredible growth among teenagers, and where TNA is now growing its television audience.  We also look at the experiment of main eventing TNA with a women's match.

 

        We also have major TV show reviews and results from the major league arena events held around the world.

 

        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:

 

--Serious injury puts one of the industry's biggest drawing cards on the shelf

 

--Another of the most valuable people to any promotion in the world will be out at a crucial time for a company that needs immediate success or they will be in trouble

 

--Has one of pro wrestling's biggest stars of the past 25 years priced himself out of the market?

 

--What wrestler scheduled for a push has had a large section of fans reject it and why

 

--Top star puts bad mouth on those leaving his company

 

--Update on major Japan matches

 

--Daughter of pro wrestling star starting in another pro sport

 

--Kenta Kobashi faces new crisis

 

--Dragon Gate tag team tournament

 

--American goes for five championships in Japan

 

--More on the death of a member of the cast of "Wrestling with Shadows"

 

--Update on Dragon Gate running a show in Los Angeles

 

--Update on the attempt to bring back Memphis wrestling

 

--A look at the ROH shows in Japan as well as coverage of the Hammerstein Ballroom show

 

--Lots of TNA business news

 

--New hiring with WWF & WCW background

 

--A look at the grumblings regarding creative

 

--Notes on Tomko leaving

 

--More to the story of what happened with Kevin Nash at the last taping

 

--Booking of Samoa Joe

 

--Update on Sting in TNA

 

--Major contract about to expire in TNA

 

--More on the Kurt & Karen Angle reality show TV pilot

 

--Update on TNA house show business

 

--More details on the Randy Couture court case

 

--Marketing of Lesnar's second fight

 

--Update on UFC trying to get into New York and Massachusetts

 

--Behind UFC's problems with Roger Huerta

 

--Updated UFC advances and the message they send

 

--The amazing story of a UFC employee

 

--A look at the UFC countdown show and push of Jon Fitch and Roger Huerta

 

--Update on many matches between now and the end of the year

 

--WEC signs new TV deal

 

--Steve Mazzagatti talks about his decision in the Anthony Johnson vs. Kevin Burns fight

 

--Update on UFC show in Chicago

 

--The future of the Dream promotion

 

--Update on the next Affliction show and Fedor's injury

 

--More disappointing ratings news

 

--Background on the new man in charge of Elite XC and what happened with Gary Shaw and Doug DeLuca

 

--Next Showtime card

 

--Gina Carano's next opponent and what does it say

 

--Announcers for one promotion on PPV will be the TV announcers for a different group looking to occupy the same position

 

        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.

 

--Latest update on Killer Kowalski as of Noon Eastern time is that his heart is beating on its own.  He is by no means out of the water right now but he is fighting.

 

--Is it funny or what to see a subtle heel move by Brock Lesnar last night and people reacting to it like they are pro wrestling fans in 1975 

 

--Mike Mooneyham has quotes from Ric Flair about leaving WWE at http://www.charleston.net/news/2008/aug/10/ric_flair_finally_my_own_two_feet/  Flair basically saying that he can't leave that much money on the table for offers he's been getting but not being allowed to accept due to his WWE contract.

 

--At last night's Smackdown house show in Syracuse, the main event was Big Show vs. Edge.  Edge tried to run away but Zack Ryder & Kurt Hawkins came out and threw him back into the ring.  After show won, they tried to celebrate with Show but then Show turned on them.

 

--According to ticketmaster the 9/6 TNA house show in New York City at the Manhattan Center has been canceled, however TNA officials have told us that is a Ticketmaster error and the show is still on.

 

--Flair will be appearing on 8/23 in Pell City, AL (near Birmingham) for GCW Pro Wrestling at the Cepa Center in an event to benefit the family of fallen Pell City Officer Greg Surles

 

--Smackdown poll for Friday night's show

Excellent 33.8%

Good 39.4%

Average 6.6%

Fair 6.1%

Poor 14.1%

        27.1% of those responding didn't see the show

 

--The wrestling comic Headlocked by Michael Kingston is right now the seventh most downloaded comic at the wowio.com site

 

--Added to Saturday night's ROH show in Chicago is a tag team scramble with Mark & Jay Briscoe vs. Ruckus & Jigsaw vs. Delirious & Pelle Primeau vs. Tweek & Dash Phoenix

 

--There is a special Toryumon TV taping in Mexico City at Arena Coliseo today featuring a one-night trios tournament with Atlantis & Ultimo Guerrero & Rey Bucanero, Ultimo Dragon & Marco Corleone & Alex Koslov, Shigeo Okumura & Hajime Ohara & Loco Max and Arkangel de la Muerte & Nitro & Escandalo (thanks to Steve "Dr. Lucha" Sims)

 

--Low Ki is back from knee surgery as he was announced for 8/30 and 8/31 for PWG at American Legion Post 308 in Reseda.  New matches are: 

8/30 with Scott Lost & Joey Ryan vs. Phoenix Star & Zokre, Vin Gerard  vs. Scorpio Sky and T.J. Perkins & Hook Bomberry vs. Mark Davis & Ash riot

8/31 with Low Ki vs. Rocky Romero, Scott Lost & Joey Ryan vs. Vin Gerard & Chuck Taylor, T.J. Perkins vs. Scorpio Sky (thanks to Kevin Lyon, Keith Lipinski and Daniel Short) 

 

--Empire Wrestling from Friday night in Covina, CA:  Extreme Loco b Icarus Eagle, Back Metal b Extreme Loco, Country Bear b Terex, Blackstar b Jeremy Jaeger in a street fight, Ryan Taylor & Hook Bomberry b Maximo & Espiritu Infernal, Liger Rivera & T.J. Perkins b Charles Mercury & Johnny Paradise, Mikey Nicholls b Scorpio Sky-DQ

 

--Rest of today's major Mexico City stuff.  Arena Coliseo TV taping has Dos Caras Jr. & Marco Corleone & Shocker vs. Black Warrior & Lizmark Jr. & Rey Bucanero.  Guadalajara has La Sombra defending the NWA welterweight title against Sangre Azteca.  Tultitlan has Intocable & Rayo de Jalisco Jr. & Rayman vs. Mascara Ano 2000 & Scorpio Jr. & Zumbido.  Tulancingo has Abismo Negro & Brazo de Plata & Mascara Divina vs. Electroshock & Pirata Morgan & Kenzo Suzuki.  Ciudad Juarez has Chessman & Cibernetico vs. Konnan & Mesias.  Aguascalientes has Vampiro & Abismo Negro & Elegido vs. Dark Cuervo & Dark Escoria & Dark Ozz.  Saltillo has La Parka & Silver King & Super AAA vs. Joe Lider & Nicho & X-Fly.  Naucalpan has Dr. Wagner Jr. & Rayo de Jalisco Jr. vs. Mascara Ano 2000 & Mascara Ano 2000 Jr.  Monterrey has Mil Mascaras & Huracan Ramirez & Super Nico vs. Astro Negro Jr. & Gerzon & Herodes plus another show has La Parka & Silver King vs. Joe Lider & Nicho in Monterrey.  Mistico is in Beijing announcing at the Olympics (thanks to Kris Zellner)

 

--Exodus Wrestling Alliance from last night in Charlotte:  Mike Lee b Ethan Cage, Jason Jones b George South Jr., Bobo Brazil Jr. b Jimmy Jack Funk Jr., Richie Steamboat b Mr. Florida to win the Florida heavyweight title in what was promoted as Steamboat's first main event match of his career.  Jim Darrell (Boris Zhukov) and David Isley were also at the show (thanks to Michael Carpenter)  

 

--Former World Class announcer Bill Mercer will be honored at the IHW show on 9/13 in Fort Worth.  Chico Torres will also have his farewell match on that show.

 

--CHIKARA Pro before a sellout 200 fans last night in Reading, PA:  Player Uno & Player Dos b Amasis & Ophidian, Brodie Lee b Ultimo Breakfast, Fire Ant b Jimmy Olsen-DQ, Shane Storm b Mike Quackenbush, Chuck Taylor & Icarus & Gran Akuma b Los Chivas & Lince Dorado, Buck Hawke b Claudio Castagnoli, Worker Ant b Vin Gerard, Delirious & Hallowicked b Tim Donst & Hydra 2-0 (thanks to Mark Coale)

 

--USWO from Friday night in Nashville before 58 fans:  Lee Cross b Rob C, Bryan Casey b Derrick Neal, Shane Smalls & Josh Crowe b Petey Wright & Eric Ecstasy, Cousin Jason X b Justin Spade, Andy Douglas DCOR Tim Renesto, Quinton Quarisma & J.C. Crowe b Psycho Medic & White Tiger, Jeremiah Plunkett b Gary Valiant (thanks to Jimmie Daniel)

 

--GOUGE from last night in Apex, NC:  Johnny Atlas b Log Man, The Goat b Jay Odyssey, Krazy Killer Klowns b Anthony Sean Sharp & The Mommas Boy, Otto Schwanz b Prince Kofi Jabba, Seymour Snott b Trailer Park Model, Wallabee Joe b Sean Cruise, Exotic Alousius Street b Leroye Greene-DQ.  Next show is 8/22 in Raleigh    

 

--Peachstate Wrestling from Friday night in Bremen, GA before 176 fans:  Ace Rockwell b Shaun Tempers, El Mexicano b Sonny Siaki, Mike Jackson b Ultimate Dragon-DQ, Scotty Riggs b Johnny Swinger, Elix Skipper b Sal Rinauro-COR, Rumble Battle Royal had no winner

 

--Fred "Typhoon" Ottman turns 52 today 

 

--Rich Tate's Atlanta wrestling nostalgia

78 years today:  Milo Steinborn, one of the strongest men in the world, beat Olympic wrestling gold medalist John Spellman in 52:30

57 years ago:  Art Nelson beat Don McIntyre to win the Southern title

55 years ago in Augusta:  Buddy Rogers won 2/3 falls from Johnny Valentine

52 years ago:  Fred Blassie kept the Southern title beating Rocky Columbo and Argentina Rocca headlined beating Zebra Kid (former NCAA champ George Bollas) via DQ

46 years ago:  Fred Blassie beat Mr. Moto in the main event

35 years ago:  Jack Brisco beat Harley Race via DQ to keep the World title just a few weeks after Brisco had beaten Race in Houston for the title, plus Dory Funk Jr. over Mr Wrestling II and Bobby Duncum & Stan Vachon beat Bob Armstrong & Ricky Gibson

29 years ago:  Cowboy Bill Watts & Dusty Rhodes no contest Ole Anderson & Ivan Koloff, plus Bob Armstrong & Wahoo McDaniel beat Masked Superstar & Bobby Heenan and Tony Atlas beat Blackjack Lanza

27 years ago in Augusta:  Terry Gordy & Jimmy Snuka kept the National tag titles over Ted DiBiase & Tommy Rich

 

--NWA SoCal Pro Wrestling from last night in Oceanside:  LTP d Chimaera, SoCal Crazy b Scott Lost, Ballard Brothers NC Hector Canales & Ricky Mandel, Tommy Wilson won 2/3 falls from Adam Pearce, Jason Redondo b Johnny Goodtime.  Next show is 9/13 with Crazy & Wilson vs. Redondo & Pearce (thanks to Cory Van Kleeck)

 

--I Believe in Wrestling from last night in Orlando:  Nooie Lee b Austin Amadeus, Heartbreak Express b Nick Holler & Drew Vaughn, Jaison Moore b Demon Toro, Larry Zbyszko b Tommy Vandal to keep AWA title, Thomas Mass b Gus Money, Team Vision (Mister Saint Laurent & Chasyn Rance) b Team Macktion to keep AWA tag titles (thanks to Ari Goldstein)