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        We're looking for reports on both last night's ROH show in Dayton as well as tonight's PPV taping in Chicago featuring Nigel McGuinness vs. Bryan Danielson for the ROH title and Samoa Joe vs. Tyler Black at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

 

        Tonight's PPV lineup

*Nigel McGuinness vs. Bryan Danielson for ROH title

*Austin Aries vs. Jimmy Jacobs in an I Quit match

*Roderick Strong & Erick Stevens & Brent Albright vs. Chris Hero & Go Shiozaki & Davey Richards

*MsChif vs. Sara Del Rey for Shimmer title

*Rhett Titus vs. Delirious

        Joe vs. Black will be off PPV.  Expect some newsworthy stuff coming out of the show. ROH for the first time is scheduled to bring a production truck to the show.

 

        Survivor Series is tomorrow in Boston and we'll have a preview up in tomorrow's update.  We'll have live coverage of the show on the site and do our usual post-show poll afterwards.

 

        Lots of TV being taped on Monday and Tuesday.

 

        Raw & ECW are being taped on Monday in Providence.  ECW has a Tommy Dreamer vs. Jack Swagger Extreme rules match.  They are taping two episodes of Smackdown on Tuesday in Albany, NY, and with three weeks between shows, the main matches for Armageddon should be apparent after the Albany show.

 

        TNA tapes Impact on Monday and Tuesday in Orlando with the go-home shows for Final Resolution, which takes place on 12/7.  I would think on the first night they'll have to get the partners for A.J. Styles & Samoa Joe against Sting & Scott Steiner & Kevin Nash & Booker T.  They'll probably also have to get the names for the "Feast or Fired" match which has been added to the show as yet another Battle Royal type match, as if TNA doesn't have enough of them.

 

        We not only have a major feature on Brock Lesnar's UFC title win, what it means, where it's going, a look at the heavyweight division, potential style match-ups with Lesnar and future challengers, but also a history piece about people in the past who have dominated pro and amateur wrestling as well as amateur wrestling and MMA over the next week in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.  We look at some of the all-time American wrestling legends.  We also look at the biggest stars in one of the top promotions leaving and a balance of power change in the dressing room and how the product has changed.  We look at the highlights of Brock Lesnar's pro wrestling career and the politics behind the title changes he was in.

 

        Our lead story goes back to UFC I, and how this was the antithesis of the first show.  We analyze the fight and what it did and didn't prove.  We look at the reaction, the size difference, comments by Lesnar about the key moment in the fight, a look at Couture's future.  We've got early business notes on the show, pay records for the show, more on the WWE reaction and the match by match coverage.

 

        We'll also have a look at the problems between Dana White and AKA, which have led to the cutting of Jon Fitch and Christian Wellisch, possible cuts of Cain Velasquez and Josh Koscheck, and what led to this and where things go from here.  There will be a lot in this that is likely not going to be reported elsewhere, including the beginnings of the rift and dynamics of different contracts.

 

        We have two issues coming out over the next week.  The first issue will be available today for those on the web site and the second issue will be available later this week.

 

        You can sign up for a web site membership which includes more than a dozen audio shows per week, as well as Figure Four Weekly.  You can also get a print subscription to the Observer by following the instructions below.

 

        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 pro wrestling industry as well as the MMA industry, from bookers, to promoters to Hall of Fame wrestlers and fighters to the biggest current names, both on camera, and behind the scenes, along with thousands of readers in all 50 states and 30 countries subscribe. Many have subscribed as long as 20 years or more straight. They get the most detailed and inside coverage of what is going on all over the world and an accuracy from having the most inside sources that can't be found on the web. Everyone from Wall Street to the major offices to the TV networks in U.S. and Japan turn to the Observer for what is going on in the business. If you are a new subscriber ordering 24 or more issues, you can get one free classic issue of your choice sent to you today. With a 40 issue subscription, you can get two free classic issues sent to you today. Just send your Visa or Master Card order with your name, address, phone number, Visa or Master Card number and an expiration date to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or you can order by faxing that information to 408-244-3402. You can also subscribe via paypal at www.paypal.com and using the This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it address or subscribe via check, cash or money order, as well as credit card, by mail, by sending to Wrestling Observer Newsletter, P.O. Box 1228, Campbell, CA 95009-1228.

 

        We also have an update on Pierroth as he fights for his life, as well as a look at the craziness regarding the Couture family the week before the show, as well as two of the key people in the MMA business taking a major fall, with the departure of Affliction head Todd Beard and the SEC going after Mark Cuban.

 

        We also have more on the WWE's European tour, one of the most lucrative two-week house show periods in company history.  We look at the business for the week as well as highlights of the shows, as well as look at TNA's next trip to the same market and plans being made for that tour. 

 

        We also have our regular weekly coverage with a look at the ratings of every major show for the past week, results of the major league arena shows as well as TV show highlights.

 

        We also look at the good and the bad of WWE stock during the market crash, questions the Matt Hardy situation asks, update on this year's Survivor Series business, WWE released wrestler talks his future, his feelings after being cut and TNA, as well as more notes on Wrestlemania ticket sales and what percentage of Smackdown viewers these days are watching live vs. tape.

 

        We also have an interesting note regarding WWE's attempt to change the classification of the shows to "scripted entertainment."  We also look at a backup plan at Cyber Sunday, an update on Dos Caras Jr. and WWE, as well as a look more at the WWE stars of the future in Florida, talking about new names, new gimmicks, who is progressing, and how so many wrestlers are being characterized based on stars from another generation.  We also have notes on new WWE movies.    

 

        Also in this week's issue:

 

--1/4 Tokyo Dome main event official

 

--What TNA wrestlers are being talked about for the 1/4 Tokyo Dome show

 

--New Japan's final major shows of 2008

 

--NWA tapings

 

--What all-time legend the NWA has talked with and where things stand

 

--What challenges the NWA faces

 

--NWA's creative team for the tapings including well known names from different worlds

 

--New major ROH bouts

 

--Gabe Sapolsky talks about his departure from ROH

 

--Major TNA charity event goes well

 

--More news on next TNA PPV show

 

--More on the Sting characterization and what it is based on

 

--Update on Christian Cage

 

--More bad news from the TNA videogame side

 

--More Kurt Angle media interview greatness

 

--Talks about an international name for the next TNA PPV

 

--A look at the TNA U.K. tour

 

--Update on a proposed scripted TV series starring a TNA major name

 

--What major MMA star are they trying to get on an episode

 

--What 1981 match was studied for the backdrop of a TNA PPV match

 

--Update on Angle vs. Jarrett

 

--Foreign TV star signed by TNA

 

--A look at TNA weekend shows

 

--Ticket price changes for the first major UFC show in Las Vegas

 

--Buys in for Silva vs. Cote

 

--Notes on record setting UFC media coverage

 

--Notes on Fertittas casino business

 

--Dana White updates UFC on network TV

 

--What international MMA superstar was in Las Vegas over the weekend to talk with UFC

 

--Dana White changes his tune on women fights

 

--What White is most concerned with and how this affects international expansion, particularly Japan

 

--ESPN and UFC and where it stands

 

--Yet another new show added over the next two months

 

--German media comes to UFC, major magazine editor hates the show

 

--Update on New York legislation

 

--Ricky Hatton talks his UFC experience

 

--Couture talks Lesnar vs. Fedor

 

--New UFC big show matches

 

--Fedor's loss

 

--Documentary on major MMA star seemingly based on Wrestling with Shadows, who is Bret?  You know who is Vince.

 

--Cung Le update

 

--Bobby Lashley MMA update

 

--New Japanese group gets prime time network special and main event is announced

 

--A look at a new booking office and what they are charging for a Mexico dream match

 

--Horrible news when it comes to CMLL and Mistico's return

 

--A masked golfer

 

--Konnan takes over AAA in storyline, and when it comes to television, what moves are being done, changes made

 

--Pro wrestling gets New Year's Eve TV special going against K-1

 

--Dragon Gate has one of years biggest shows

 

--All Japan has major success outside Japan

 

--A look at upcoming NOAH tournaments

 

--Update on Japan legends show next month

 

--One of America's wrestling legends passes away

 

--Perry Saturn update

 

--Details of Hogan/Bischoff business that Linda Bollea is fighting

 

--The savior of Japanese MMA gives him timetable for a debut and timing is of the essence

 

--Latest on K-1 New Year's Eve show

 

--Scary PPV numbers

 

--Reports that MMA superstar is even more serious about doing pro boxing

 

--WWE star is 2005 champion in another sport

 

--Bill Watts to WWE TV

 

        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)

 

September 8, 2008 (2008 Hall of Fame double issue, $7 on its own, $8 overseas; part one of Killer Kowalski bio)

 

September 15, 2008 (Life and Times of Evan Tanner)

 

September 22, 2008 (The amazing career of Killer Kowalski, one of our most in-depth bios)

 

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.

 

 

--Former WWE diva and recent mother Kristal Marshall just minutes ago won Ms. Bikini America, both winning her height class and the overall championship, beating out more than 400 contestants. 

 

--Frank Trigg will be returning to TNA very soon

 

--The TNA babyface group, formerly called the TNA Originals, will be getting a new name since so many of the members aren't originals.  The name will be announced probably at Monday's taping, but if not, at Tuesday's taping.

 

--HBO has a boxing show with Ricky Hatton vs. Paulie Malignaggi as the main event tonight from the MGM Grand in Las Vegas at 10 p.m. Eastern

 

--7-Eleven stores have announced they will start carrying videogames, including Smackdown vs Raw 2009

 

--An interview with Mr. Kennedy is up at http://www.dailystar.co.uk/inthering/view/59529/Ken-Kennedy-sets-the-record-straight-/

 

--ROH results from last night in Dayton:

Alex Payne & Ninja Blue b Richard Matthews & ?

Bobby Dempsey b Ninja Yellow

Brent Albright b Davey Richards

Go Shiozaki over Rhett Titus, Grizzly Redwood and Sami Callihan

Mark & Jay Briscoe b Irish Airborne

Roderick Strong NC Chris Hero in a Lights Out match due to interference from Sweet and Sour Inc.

Kevin Steen & El Generico kept tag titles over Jimmy Jacobs & Delirious

Bryan Danielson b Claudio Castagnoli with a beat down by Castagnoli after

Austin Aires won a three-way over Tyler Black and Nigel McGuinness.  It was advertised as a title match but earlier in the show McGuinness said he changed his mind and wouldn't be defending the title

        We didn't get any detailed live reports other than one report of fans being unhappy with the no contest and the change of the title match to non-title

  

--Yesterday's Vancouver Sun had an article on Anderson Silva being turned back by border patrol trying to go to Canada for an autograph session in Kamloops, BC.  About 200 fans were at the Popeye's Supplement store to meet Silva, who was to stay in town for an appearance tomorrow in Vancouver.  They must have known enough ahead of time because Kenny Florian was flown in as a late replacement.  The paper had no details on why Silva wouldn't have been allowed into the country.

 

--Poll on Ultimate Fighter on Wednesday

Excellent 10.7%

Good 48.2%

Average 21.4%

Fair 3.6%

Poor 16.1%

        38.5% of those responding didn't see the show

 

--Poll on TNA Impact on Thursday

Excellent 18.8%

Good 21.9%

Average 16.7%

Fair 6.3%

Poor 36.5%

        37.3% of those responding didn't see the show  

 

--The Washington Post today had an article on entertainers going to Afghanistan, mentioning WWE Divas touring.  They said that both WWE Divas and NFL cheerleaders have been told that when they are not performing, their bodies have to be fully clothed, with shoulders covered, hips, buttocks and legs covered from the top of the knee.  Any photos to sign also have to be approved so they don't offend the nation the troops are stationed in and no profanity, racial remarks or anti-religious remarks are allowed.      

 

--Personalized messages from both Hulk Hogan and Steve Austin are being offered through www.LiveAutographs.com  You can order personal video messages by 12/12 to be delivered in time for the holidays.  For more info you can go to their site

 

--Former TNA announcer Leticia Cline announced she has to cancel her appearance this weekend at the Boston Mega Fest due to family issues.  She complained that Turnbuckle Promotions is threatening to sue her, even though they weren't paying her to be here and said because of it she wants nothing to do with the entertainment business any longer.  She said she will no longer do anything for TV, print or make any appearances.    

 

--The first annual Calvello Cup takes place tonight at the Alameda County Fairgrounds in Pleasanton, CA.  They will be taping two one-hour Roller Derby games for airing on KOFY Ch. 20 in San Francisco.  There is a story at http://PleasantonWeekly.com/story.php?story_id=4837 

 

--CW last night was down to 1.36 million viewers.  Smackdown was doing in excess of 4 million when the show was canceled.  I don't care how they try and spin it, in no way is that not a complete disaster of a move. 

 

--Pro Wrestling Riot on 12/12 in Port Richey, FL at the Regency Park Civic Center headlined by Roderick Strong vs. Bruce Santee

 

--WWE advertised in the Portland, ME market for its 12/30 house show during Impact on Thursday night (thanks to Dan Billings)

 

--MVP was at the Phoenix Suns game on Thursday night and gave out prizes to a kid who was at the game, and said, "Yo, Phoenix Suns fans, you are just like me, better than everyone else."  We heard real good reports about him from the local media as well.  He did a  Q&A at the game at http://www.nba.com/suns/news/newsroom_notes_081120.html  Nobody asked him about his current booking challenges.  (thanks to Justin Klump and others)

 

--There is a video of Dory Funk on his web site at www.dory-funk.com airing a video piece with mostly old Florida clips the WWE web site did on him.  They listed him as No. 49 among the best wrestlers of the 70s and 80s.  I'd have to see that list, but on the surface, that sounds awfully low.

 

--TNA on 1/9 in Wilson, NC at the Bill Ellis Convention Center headlined by Rhino, Beer Money, Abyss, Sheik Abdul Bashir, Eric Young, Petey Williams, Sonjay Dutt, Shark Boy, Traci Brooks and more.  The show will be promoted by Hermie Sadler, who appeared on Impact and will be doing a regular web site feature on the company's site next year.

 

--In Jacksonville, FL, Smackdown is now on HD on Ch. 436 (thanks to Cole Jackson)

 

--This stuff is taped in advance and the people who do the commercials no longer get any kind of advanced warning on booking changes so make their work obsolete by the time it runs, so WWE radio spots for 12/26 in Hershey, PA are announcing four-way title matches with "current World heavyweight champion" Batista vs. Jericho vs. Cena vs. Orton (thanks to Joshua Sites)

 

--Matthew Rodrigues, the Senior VP of Marketing and Creative at MyNetwork TV died last week from cancer at 39

 

--Shannon Moore appears on 1/16 for Echo Pro Wrestling in St. Cloud, MN

 

--On 12/6 in Mount Laurel, NJ, the local women's Roller Derby group is having the Atkinson Cup, named after Buddy Atkinson Jr., who will be there to present the award, and they will give the league's MVP the Judy Arnold award, named after, well, you know, who was the big female star in Philadelphia from 1967-75

 

--WWE is doing a media conference with John Cena, Batista, Chris Jericho, Randy Orton, Rey Mysterio, Big Show and C.M. Punk on 12/1 in Washington, DC before leaving to tape this year's Tribute to the Troops special, which airs on 12/20 on NBC at 9 p.m.

 

--The IWC show in November in Newville, PA was canceled and they are ending their year with a show on 12/20.  Ric Flair will be appearing at their 1/24 show in Elizabeth, PA at the Court Time Sports Center

 

--Koko Ware headlines on 11/29 in Hasbrouck Heights, NJ for an NWA On Fire TV taping, which also includes Danny Inferno, at the Pioneer Club 

 

--Showtime All-Star Wrestling from last night in Millersville, TN:  Tatt2 b Drew Haskins, Frank Malone b Chris Bomb, Hammerjack b Tatsu, Bad Boy Dixon b Harold Knight, Chris Michaels & Rick Santel b Gary Valiant & Arrick Andrews

 

--Henry Godwinn, Ricky Morton and Bobby Eaton appear for UWA on 11/28 and 11/29 in Huntington, WV. I haven't seen Henry Godwinn's name on an indie show in forever.

 

--Texas All-Star Wrestling tonight at the Humble, TX Bingo Hall  

 

--Jon Heidenreich headlines tonight for the Alabama Wrestling Federation in Richton, MS at the National Guard Armory 

 

--Jess McMahon, the grandfather of Vince McMahon, died on this day 54 years ago at the age of 72.  Former Japanese Olympic wrestler turned pro star Thunder Sugiyama passed away on this day six years ago, as did Billy Travis 

 

--Rich Tate's Atlanta wrestling nostalgia

62 years ago today:  Tex Riley beat Herb Welch to keep the world jr. title

51 years ago:  Reggie (Crusher) Lisowski & Stan Lisowski kept the world tag team titles beating Gorgeous George & Wild Red Berry

45 years ago:  Eddie Graham & Chief Little Eagle beat The Outlaw & Mighty Hercules.  This card went on as scheduled even though President Kennedy was assassinated earlier in the day

40 years ago:  The Assassins beat Alberto & Ramon Torres to win the Georgia tag team titles, plus Mad Dog Vachon beat Fred Blassie and Johnny Valentine beat Bob Armstrong

36 years ago today:  All of the wrestles from Georgia Championship Wrestling except for two or three quit the promotion earlier in the day.  A Thanksgiving card was scheduled for Columbus and only one match took place, with Bob Armstrong beating Rock Hunter.  Fred Ward told the fans there would be only one match, that all ticket money would be returned but that they could stay for the match.  He never explained what happened.  Hunter showed up only because he missed the meeting and didn't know he was supposed to boycott

34 years ago:  Harley Race beat Mr. Wrestling II in a chain match and Rocky Johnson beat Buddy Colt to win the Georgia title

33 years ago in Griffin:  Jerry Brisco beat Abdullah the Butcher and Mr. Wrestling II bet The Spoiler

32 years ago in Augusta:  Dick Slater beat Bob Armstrong to keep the Georgia title

29 years ago at the Omni:  Tommy Rich beat Bobby Heenan in a loser leaves town cage match, Austin Idol & Masked Superstar beat Jack & Jerry Brisco to win the annual Thanksgiving night tag team tournament and Ole Anderson & Thunderbolt Patterson won a lights out match over Ivan Koloff & Ernie Ladd

24 years ago at the Omni:  WWE held a Battle Royal won by Paul Orndorff, plus Sgt. Slaughter no contest Nikolai Volkoff, Mr. Wrestling II was given a charity local DQ win over Brutus Beefcake while Bret Hart in a prelim drew Les Thornton