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        The originally planned WEC show scheduled for tonight on Versus has been moved to 11/5, due to the Hurricane fear in South Florida 

 

        UFC Unleashed tonight on Spike from 9-11 p.m. has:

Din Thomas vs. Jeremy Stephens

Roger Huerta vs. John Halverson

Eric Schafer vs. Rob MacDonald

Stephan Bonnar vs. Mike Nickels

Anderson Silva vs. Nathan Marquardt

Roger Huerta vs. Leonard Garcia

Clay Guida vs. Marcus Aurelio

 

        MSG Classics tonight on the MSG Cable Network

3/24/80

Bruno Sammartino vs. Larry Zbyszko

Tito Santana vs. Hulk Hogan

Bob Backlund vs. Sika

9/21/87

Hulk Hogan vs. One Man Gang

Randy Savage vs. Honky Tonk Man

Rick Martel & Tito Santana vs. Bret Hart & Jim Neidhart 

 

        The life and times of Evan Tanner, the most details look at what happened to Ric Flair this past week, early business indicators on the Championship Scramble and UFC 88, a look at the most expensive punch in MMA history, Hulk Hogan's finances, the movie "The Wrestler," the final negotiations of Randy Couture and UFC and the demolition of what was at one point the No. 1 pro wrestling arena in the world are some of the stories in this coming Monday's issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.  The issue is available to premium subscribers of the web site today and you can sign up on the site and get one of the bigger news issues of the week.

 

        We look at the life and death of Evan Tanner in a detailed biography, starting from when he was growing up, the strange circumstances of his death, the funny story of how he got into fighting, as well as a look at his life over the past ten years.  We look at his career from the USWF days to the UFC, his title struggle with Rich Franklin and just how close he came to the brass ring of superstardom.  We look at his drifting, drinking, fighting and unique philosophy with a lot of comments he made on all of them in retrospective.

 

        We also look at a television deal that may change the very landscape of pro wrestling.  It got little publicity, and the ramifications got almost none, but it may lead to major changes in the industry as we know it.

 

        We have a story on what happened with Ric Flair, his daughter and her boyfriend, with several different accounts of what went down, how the police handled it, and Flair's reactions.

 

        We have a look at the UFC's deal with Randy Couture and what went down in the final days and final hours leading to it.

 

        We've got a look at the Championship Scramble show, as well as early business indicators, a look at the show's storyline, match-by-match coverage with star ratings and poll results.

 

        We also have a look at the future of Chuck Liddell, how much that Rashad Evans punch cost the UFC, where Liddell goes from here, some major UFC matches coming up, as well as business and poll notes on the show.

 

        We've got a look at Kurt Angle's DUI case being ended, and Hulk Hogan and his wife's divorce case continuing, with a look at the family financials from court documents.

 

        We look at the reaction from Venice to Toronto to the movie, "The Wrestler," starring Mickey Rourke, including a review, its planned release and its realism and inspirations.

 

        We also have a blow-by-blow of botched spots edited off Raw last week due to it being on tape, WWE developmental news, WWE signing a former WCW star, WWE going to Japan, plus house show reports from the past week.

 

        We also have a look at the NOAH show from Budokan Hall from the weekend with business notes and the finals of the biggest action tournament of the year.

 

        We have notes on the demolition of one of the most famous wrestling arenas in the world, that may have been the arena that drew more fans to wrestling than any in the world in the 80s.

 

        We have updates on WWE buy rates, as well as our regular weekly look at the ratings from all the major shows,  including segment-by-segment on Raw and Impact, as well as the major TV reviews.

 

        We also have update on WWE DVD sales, and notes on the No Mercy show.

 

        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:

 

--Former WWF & WCW star makes debut at Arena Mexico

 

--A look at the CMLL traditional biggest event of the year and what match scheduled won't be on it and why

 

--Top 90s star says retirement is less than two months away

 

--Update on the health of Scorpio Jr.

 

--Mil Mascaras works NWA show

 

--Huge personality conflict among main eventers including a near backstage fight and it getting way out of hand

 

--AAA Verano de Escandalo big show news

 

--More U.S. wrestlers headed to Mexico

 

--Battle of two major promotion world champions coming

 

--NOAH star gets foe as world champion from another sport for MMA match in a few weeks

 

--Update on New Japan booking situation

 

--Former TNA star gets shot at New Japan title

 

--Ric Flair's wife talks about their relationship and what went wrong

 

--Lots of updated Flair business

 

--Dragon Gate's U.S. debut

 

--Dwayne Johnson update

 

--Former WWE star gets hit by a truck while jogging

 

--New Japan stars headed to U.K. show to work with ROH wrestlers

 

--Mick Foley talks future and past

 

--Update on Gail Kim

 

--Update on Team 3-D's contract situation

 

--Kevin Nash contract update

 

--TNA house show news

 

--Plans for Randy Couture vs. Brock Lesnar promotion

 

--Urijah Faber talks postponing of his fight

 

--Crazy UFC schedule between now and the end of the year

 

--Betting on Couture vs. Lesnar

 

--UFC in Japan update

 

--Strange presidential endorsement

 

--New UFC matches

 

--Next Dream show

 

--K-1 Grand Prix

 

        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)

 

August 11, 2008 (Ric Flair leaves WWE; Updated history of pro wrestlers and MMA fighters who went to the Olympics)

 

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.

 

--After postponing the 10/11 PPV, Michael Cohen, the COO of Affliction told MMArated.com that there will be a public announcement made and "this annnouncement is truly going to change the world of mixed martial arts."  He said this announcement would be made within two weeks.  "I assure you, that after the press announcement things will change as far as the UFC is concerned."

--Due to election coverage and football, USA was down to No. 4 for this week in cable with a 2.1 prime time average.  Spike was No. 16 at 1.0 and Sci-Fi was No. 18 at 1.0  Raw was not even in the top 25 shows for the week on cable last week.  Most were election related shows on Fox News and CNN.  ESPN had two college football games doing a 5.1 and 4.8.  The second hour of Raw was No. 10 in 18-34 behind mostly Video Music Awards related shows, The Hills and College football as none of the election coverage made top ten.  In 18-49  

 

--For the U.K. for the week ending 8/31, Raw did 69,000 on the Thursday replay and Smackdown did 77,000 on Friday night, while Vintage Collection had 48,000 (thanks to Ian Hamilton)

 

--Poll on what upcoming show are you most interested in seeing

UFC 91 Lesnar vs. Couture 71.9%

WWE No Mercy 9.1%

Elite XC 10/4 Kimbo vs. Shamrock 6.3%

TNA Bound for Glory 5.7%

TNA No Surrender 2.9%

Affliction Barnett vs. Arlovski 1.3%

UFC 90 Anderson Silva vs. Cote 1.3%

UFC 89 Bisping vs. Leben 0.9%  

 

 

--WWE announced these dates for a summer tour of Australia/New Zealand

7/3 Auckland

7/4 Sydney

7/5 Brisbane

7/6 Adelaide

7/7 Melbourne

7/8 Perth  

 

--There is a story on Dawn Marie's Wrestlers Rescue organization fund raiser on Sunday in Piscataway, NJ at http://www.longislandpress.com  The event is at the Radisson Hotel from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and appearing include Mick Foley, Ashley Massaro, Torrie Wilson, J.J. Dillon, Greg Valentine, Sandman and Jimmy Snuka.  For more info you can call 732-980-0400 or e-mail to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

 

--On yesterday's Yahoo buzz index, UFC was No. 11 and WWE was No. 12.  WWE is always top 20 overall while UFC only is after a major event.

 

--UFC will be airing its Best of 2007 special head-to-head with Raw on Monday night.   

 

--An TNA Impact game review, which predicts the game will be unsuccessful is at http://ps3.ign.com/articles/908/908525p2.html

 

--David Loiseau vs. Solomon Hutcherson headline 9/13 in Montreal at the Claude-Ribillard Sports Complex for the XMMA promotion and it will air live on The Fight Network in Canada.  Aaron Riley vs. Steve Claveau is second from the top.

 

--Mick Foley appears on the Fox Network's "Kitchen Nightmares" show tomorrow night at 9 p.m. 

 

--Darren Aronofsky talks "The Wrestler" at http://www.slashfilm.com/2008/09/10/interview-darren-aronofsky-part-1/ 

 

--Roger Ebert on "The Wrestler" at http://rogerebert.suntimes.com  He said Mickey Rourke could win an Oscar nomination for a career best performance (thanks to Keith Lipinski) 

 

--Chuck Liddell and Forrest Griffin both appeared on last night's taped telecast of the World Series of Poker.  Liddell was on for much of the second hour.  He didn't know what he was doing, but won a few hands but ended up busting.  He came off like a nice guy but an inexperienced player.  Griffin was shown less, with his face looking like hell since it was taped two days after the Quinton Jackson fight.  He noted he was inexperienced as well but said inexperienced poker players are hard to play against because, like inexperienced fighters, they are unpredictable.  (thanks to Craig Rondinone)

 

--Former WCW performer Midnight (Ann-Marie Valerie) is looking for DVDs or CDs of her time in the promotion.  You can e-mail her at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

 

--The Public Broadcasting Channel in Australia had a 30-minute documentary called Roller Derby Dolls about Brisbane women who attempted to revive Roller Derby in that city (thanks to Graeme Cameron)

 

--Daivari will appear in the next issue of the Headlocked comic book at www.visionarycomics.com

 

--Compound Pro Wrestling on 9/13 in Tulsa at the Sheridan Avenue Christian Church

 

--Impact Zone Wrestling on 9/13 at the Impact Arena in Lawton, OK

 

--Mid South Wrestling on 9/13 and 9/14 in Midwest City, OK at the Golden Goose Flea Market

--Tito Santana, Doink the Clown and E.Z. Money appear for the National Wrestling League on 10/4 in Martinsburg, WV

 

--Liberty Wrestling Organization on 9/19 at the American Legion in Elmwood Park, NJ

 

--NWS on 9/12 and 9/13 in Edison, NJ at the city's fall family spectacular with shows on Friday night at 7:45 p.m., Saturday at 4 p.m. and Saturday night at 7:45 p.m..  Greg Valentine and Iron Sheik will be there for both Saturday shows.

 

--Turnbuckle Promotions has a fan fest on 9/27 at the Sheraton Bucks County Hotel with Tommy Rich, Tracy Smothers, Joy Giovanni, Midajah, Jon Heidenreich, Kristal Marshall, Dawn Marie, Rocky Johnson, Bobby Lashley, Lance Storm, Rick & Scott Steiner and Leticia Cline.  For more info go to www.turnbucklepromotions.com

 

--Raven appears 9/19 and 9/20 at the SAW Mill in Millersville, TN.  Also on the shows are Kid Kash, Chase Stevens and David Young

 

--Monday night in Puebla:  Legionario & Toro Bill Jr. b Fuerza Chicana & Mr. Rafaga, India Sioux & Lady Apache & Marcela b Amapola & Princesa Sugei & Raven Hiroka, Euforia & Nosferatu & Policeman b Asturiano & Flash & Stuka Jr., La Mascara & Sagrado & Volador Jr. b Averno & Dragon Rojo & Mephisto, Atlantis & Mr. Niebla & Ultimo Guerrero b Blue Panther & Dr. Wagner Jr. & La Sombra

 

--Sunday in Naucalpan:  Anubis b DVD, Epidemia & Heavy Boy b Miss Gaviota & Super Halcon Jr., Capitan Muerte & Cyborg & Xibalba b Emilio Charles Jr. & Septiembre el Terrorista & Veneno, Mascara Ano 2000 Jr. & Toxico & Zumbido b Aeroman & Hijo del Anibal & Ultraman-DQ, Black Terry won three-way over Fuerza Guerrera and Multifacetico and with the stips, Terry pinned Guerrera to win his IWRG welterweight title.  Terry had put up his hair and Multifacetico had put up his mask

 

--El Hijo del Santo vs. Super Parka headlines Friday night at the Auditorio in Tijuana     

 

--CMLL tonight in Guadalajara has Blue Panther vs. Dr. Wagner Jr. vs. Negro Casas vs. Ultimo Guerrero in a four-way.  Arena Mexico TV tonight has Marco Corleone & La Sombra & Volador Jr. vs. Atlantis & Lizmark Jr. & Rey Bucanero.  (thanks to Kris Zellner)

 

--IWC on Saturday night in Elizabeth, PA at the Court Time Sports Center with Dennis Gregory & Sara Del Rey vs. Delirious & Daizee Haze and Jerry Lynn vs. Johnny Gargano

 

--Tracy Smothers headlines on 9/11 in Louisville, TN at the Green Acres Flea Market

 

--Joey Mercury and Eugene appear for East Coast Pro Wrestling on 9/28 in North Sydney, NS      

 

--Jimmy Valiant was added to the 9/27 WrestleReality show in  Voorhees, NJ at the Flyers Skate Zone

 

--Absolute Intense Wrestling and CHIKARA have a doubleheader on 9/21 in Cleveland at the West Park Party Center.  AIW at 7 p.m. has Tyler Black vs. Mike Tolar as the main event

 

--Superstar Billy Graham (65), Don Muraco (59) and Greg Valentine (57) all celebrate their birthdays today.  Fritz Von Erich passed away 11 years ago today at 68 and Enrique Torres passed away one year ago at 85

 

--Rich Tate's Atlanta wrestling nostalgia:

60 years ago today:  Lou Thesz beat Ray Vilmer to retain the NWA world heavyweight title

54 years ago:  Argentina Rocca beat Hans Hermann in the main event

43 years ago:  Buddy Fuller beat Southern champ Bob Orton via DQ

37 years ago:  Georgia champ Buddy Colt beat Bobo Brazil

34 years ago:  Ann Gunkel's world champion Ernie Ladd beat Crazy Luke Graham while Carlos Colon & Assassin #2 & Missouri Mauler beat Rock Hunter & Crusher Verdu & Super Soul Davis

34 years ago in Macon:  Jack Brisco retained the NWA title beating Buddy Colt and Bob Armstrong kept the North American title beating Harley Race via DQ

32 years ago:  NWA champion Terry Funk went to a 60:00 draw with Dick Slater

29 years ago in Augusta:  Dick Slater & Tommy Rich beat Georgia tag champs Ole Anderson & Ivan Koloff via DQ

 

--Jeff Sheridan at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it is looking for a tape of the E! Canada "True Hollywood Story" special on Chris Benoit's death

     

--CHIKARA Pro is sending Solider Ant & Fire Ant, Chuck Taylor & Icarus, Ophidian & Amasis to the Tag Team World Grand Prix on 11/8 and 11/9 in Oberhausen, Germany

 

--Ringside Live celebrates its first anniversary on 9/12 with Ian Hamilton and Adam Firestone at www.theringsidelive.com

 

--Impact Zone Wrestling from last night in Tempe:  Paid Daily b Lucha Reigns, Mike G b Tyson Tyler, Skull & Bones & Erica D'Erico b 602 Wrecking Crew & Sergio Vega, John Williams b Dean Radford-DQ, Jay Garland b Ryan Lynch, G.Q. Gallo b Tommy Drake.  Rellik appears 9/23 and Octagoncito, Piratita Morgan and Mystico on 9/28