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        Today is the final day of our poll on Ultimate Fight Night, 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 tonight's ROH show in Philadelphia at the Alhambra (Bryan Danielson vs. Katsuhiko Nakajima for the GHC jr. title, Austin Aries & Briscoes vs. Delirious & Jimmy Jacobs & Tyler Black in a cage, Nigel McGuinness vs. El Generico for ROH title, Kensuke Sasaki vs. Claudio Castagnoli, Brent Albright vs. Adam Pearce for the NWA title, Go Shiozaki vs. Kevin Steen for the FIP title, Jerry Lynn vs. Kenny King, Erick Stevens vs. Rhett Titus and Chris Hero & Eddie Edwards vs. Ruckus & Jigsaw.  We're also looking to hear from anyone in Canada who is watching tonight's Strikeforce show on The Score.

 

        We're also looking for reports on tomorrow's Smackdown & ECW tapings from Columbus, OH.  Matches announced so far are Curt Hawkins & Zack Ryder vs. Carlito & Primo for the tag titles and Vladimir Kozlov vs. Great Khali.  They need to save that match for the time capsule.

 

        Raw is Monday in Cincinnati and Dream runs Tuesday in Japan with a middleweight tournament and Mirko Cro Cop vs. Alistair Overeem even Masakatsu Funaki vs. Minowa Man.

 

        This coming Monday's issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter will be a special issue devoted to the career of Walter "Killer" Kowalski.  It will be an in-depth look at 30 years of traveling all over the world, most of the time was one of the top attractions in the business.  We've already gotten some incredible feedback on the issue, which will be one of the classic issues listed here.  The issue is available online today if you are a premium member and you can sign up on the site.  For a print subscription, there are details here.

 

        We look at the beginnings of HHH's career, the scene at his funeral as well as a look back at how Killer Kowalski was thought of during his heyday.  We look at the beginnings of his ring career, his complete title history and major awards, the first Bruno Sammartino vs. Kowalski match, Sammartino looks back at Kowalski, and his unique eating habits.

 

        We look at his career ups and downs, his first retirement and why it happened.  We look at his thoughts on the health problems of protege John Studd, his return to wrestling and the top stars of the late 50s in wrestling.

 

        We look at his career in Montreal, including the famous match with Yukon Eric and what happened, the story behind it getting so much publicity as well as the first televised wrestling match in Canada, and his heyday as a national star.  We look at his interaction with Jack Dempsey as well as him doing the remnants of one of the most famous wrestling angles in history but before the angle was famous.

 

        We look at his various world championship runs as well as his international travel.  We look back at the night he sort of won the NWA title and the embarrassing situation it put the alliance in.  We look at his debuts in both Japan and Australia and why he was so important in both country's wrestling history.

 

        We look at his matches with Giant Baba and Rikidozan, and his role in the angle that led to the most watched pro wrestling match in modern times.

 

        We look at his various WWWF runs, including wrestling Sammartino, teaming with Gorilla Monsoon and John Studd, and traveling with Bill Watts. 

 

        We look at how he became a household name in Australia, and his eventual babyface turn.  We look at his tag team with Sammartino, his run in Los Angeles, the promotional war in Montreal, his run as The Masked Destroyer, and his final WWWF tour.

 

        We also have more on the Affliction/Golden Boy boxing/wrestling tie-in and what the plans are, and what the problems are as well as whether it's a good idea in theory and practice.

 

        We have a look at No Mercy, an update on the WWE move to MyNetwork TV and other changes in the fall.  We look at a situation that got major heat and shows how hard WWE, almost to the point of hilarity, that WWE is looking to protect a certain performer.  We look at why probably the most talented of the younger wrestlers isn't succeeding.  We look at how new characters are doing, as well as WWE misleading facts on its bumpers.  We look at DVD releases for the rest of 2008, more on the championship Scramble, an update on Freddy Prinze Jr. as a WWE writer and Smackdown's writing.  We also look at WWE signing Naofumi Yamamoto, a wrestler getting an award from a college and another opening a store.  We've got a look at the best selling DVDs and two more potential third generation pro wrestlers, one of whom was signed and another of whom looks to be after finishing college. 

 

        We also have developmental notes including the company overhauling many names and why, an update on the next tour of Mexico as well as notes and highlights from all the weekend house shows.

 

        We also look at the TNA No Surrender show, with poll results, match-by-match coverage and star ratings.

 

        We also have a rundown on AAA's second biggest show of the year, as well as reaction to WWE getting on major network TV in the country.

 

        We also have a blow-by-blow of Jake Roberts falling off the wagon including comments from the people who worked with him on what exactly happened.

 

        We have our usual detailed look at the ratings of all the national shows, including segment-by-segment for Raw and TNA.  We also have major TV 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:

 

--Update on CMLL's traditional biggest show of the year and possible negative signs going into the show

 

--How AAA is trying to deal with its locker room problems

 

--Vampiro talks about the problems and his things being stolen

 

--Head Hunter talks about AAA after leaving

 

--A look at the ROH Japanese tour

 

--Mick Foley talks about his value

 

--Kurt Angle talks more on Vince McMahon, deaths of wrestlers, injuries and being on the death watch list

 

--Angle predicts Lesnar vs. Couture

 

--TNA debuts in California

 

--Earl Hebner talks "You Screwed Bret" chants

 

--Wrestler who says he's the opposite of his gimmick

 

--Funny Sting story

 

--Contradictory stories on the death of Evan Tanner

 

--UFC plans to honor Tanner

 

--UFC fires fighter for a unique set of circumstances

 

--Mir and Nogueira predict Lesnar-Couture

 

--UFC star arrested

 

--Amir Sadollah's debut

 

--Updated Dream lineup

 

--Updated financial info on Elite XC

 

--Notes from Shamrock-Kimbo press conference and funny stories

 

        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.

 

 

--Brock Lesnar vs. Randy Couture was by no means an instant sellout.  All the $75 and $150 tickets were gone a few days ago.  But tickets went on sale to the public today and tickets are available in all other price categories including second row elevated ringside.  Of course, those tickets will go for $1,000.  Clearly the price is scaring people away because there is no reason this shouldn't be a quick sellout even though Lesnar is more a PPV draw than high ticket price live draw.  But Couture has sold out nearly every fight he's had over the past several years.

 

--Ric Flair appears tonight at the Hunters Creek Middle School in Jacksonville, NC for an autograph session through Highspots

 

--Flair is booked on 10/4 in Robstown, TX at the RMB Fairgrounds for an autograph session in  fund raiser for the Boys & Girls Club of Corpus Christi and Robstown.  For more info you can call 361-387-9002

 

--Jackie Fargo did a phone interview on this morning's Memphis Wrestling TV show.  He challenged Jerry Lawler.  He meant it as a joke as it's not going to happen.

 

--Usually TNA characters aren't the ones sportswriters use for analogies, but at a Tampa Bay Devil Rays game earlier this week, when reporter Jayson Stark talked about a fight in the stands, they talked about security giving the unruly fan a "thunderous Samoa Joe body slam." (thanks to Jeff Bradley)

 

--Oriental and Chuck Taylor were pulled from this weekend's CHIKARA Midwestern shows.  Oriental has to work AAA shows this weekend and Taylor had a death in his family yesterday.  Shows are tonight in Streamwood, IL at 7 p.m. at the Streamwood Park District Community Center and tomorrow at 3:30 p.m. in Cleveland at the West Park Party Center

 

--Scientific Wrestling is moving its headquarters to Utah and is looking at selling a 14x14 5 rope MMA training ring.  If anyone is interested you can write This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

 

--MWF has pulled Jake Roberts from its 11/15 booking with him in Melrose, MA at Memorial Hall.  The promotion sent out a release saying that booking Roberts is a risk not worth taking.

 

--Donruss is marketing Red Alert 3 trading cards which include Randy Couture and Gina Carano.  At Game Stop, if you order Red Alert 3 for Xbox 360, you'll get two trading cards.

 

--Newsweek has a book review on the new Gorgeous George bio at http://www.newsweek.com/id/159621 

 

--Osamu Nishimura is doing another set of All Japan tryouts at the Dory Funk dojo on 10/4.  For more info you can call 352-895-4658    

 

--Southern Championship Wrestling on 9/20 in Sanford, FL at the Salvation Army Gym headlined by Matt Morgan

 

--Absolute Intense Wrestling on Sunday in Cleveland at the West Park Party Center featuring Tyler Black vs. Mike Tolar

 

--Darren Ho at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it is an extra pair of tickets to the 10/7 Smackdown tapings in Spokane that he's looking to sell at face value

 

--Tammy Sytch, Crowbar Devon Storm and Missy Hyatt headline for NWS on 10/10 in Bergenfield, NJ at the VFW Hall

 

--Alonzo Spellman, a former NFL star who later turned to MMA, was arrested for threatening a man with a knife last night outside a bar in Burlington Township, NJ.  Spellman, who played for the Bears, Cowboys and Lions, was charged with aggravated assault, unlawful possession of a weapon, possession of a weapon for unlawful purposes and terroristic threats.  He was put in the Burlington County Jail and held on a $100,000 bond. (thanks to Chuck Langerman)

 

--Brian Tramel of www.rasslinriotonline.com has the Memphis market ratings for the national shows this past week.  Smackdown did a 5.2, Memphis Wrestling did a 1.9, Impact replay did a 1.4 and Raw did a 5.2.

 

--The October issue of Sooner Illustrated has a list of the greatest athlete with every jersey number in the history of University of Oklahoma sports.  The greatest No. 76 in school history was Steve Williams, who was an all-league offensive guard in 1982 and an All-American heavyweight wrestler in 1980, 1981, 1982 and 1983. (thanks to Cory Van Kleeck)

 

--NWA Anarchy tonight in Cornelia, GA at the NWA Arena

 

--Chick Donovan works tonight in Ellaville, GA for AWA World 1 South at Buck's Place on Highway 19 South

 

--Global Championship Wrestling tonight in Pell City, AL at the Civic Center has Buff Bagwell, Eugene and Traci Brooks

 

--Raven headlines tonight for Showtime All-Star Wrestling at the SAW Mill in Millersville, TN

 

--Rich Tate's Atlanta Wrestling Nostalgia:

76 years ago today:  Jim Londos retained he NWA title beating Jim Clinstock

51 years ago:  Kurt & Fritz Von Brawner beat Fred Blassie in a handicap match with Blassie vowing to leave town if he didn't win.  He left town for 60 days

48 years ago in Macon:  Johnny Weaver beat Southern champ Mighty Yankee via DQ in 26:00

45 years ago:  Tarzan Tyler & Lenny Montana beat Ray Gunkel & Joe Scarpa (Jay Strongbow) in the main event

40 years ago:  Alberto & Ramon Torres beat Stan & Butcher Vachon to win the Georgia tag team titles

34 years ago at the Omni:  Jack Brisco beat Harley Race to retain the NWA title in the main event, plus Ole & Gene Anderson beat Mr. Wrestling I & II to win the Georgia tag team titles, North American champ Bob Armstrong beat Buddy Colt and Dusty Rhodes & Don Muraco beat Ron & Terry Garvin

32 years ago in Augusta:  Jos LeDuc beat Pak Song in a chain match

31 years ago in Macon:  Tommy Rich & Tony Atlas beat Pak Song & The Executioner via DQ

 {plug}