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        We're looking for your reports on tonight's Survivor Series, 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'll have live coverage of the show starting at 8 p.m. Eastern time. 

 

Tonight's card:

*Chris Jericho vs. John Cena for the World title - We pretty much know this goes into a three-way program, involving Batista.  Two most likely finishes are either a Cena win, possibly with Batista involved in the finish, which is the home town guy wins, or more likely, Batista involved, trying to get at Jericho, screwing up and nailing Cena and costing him the title.  That is better because Cena vs. Batista gets an added dimension that way.  Of course, you could do it the other way and have Batista claim Cena never would have won without him

*HHH vs. Jeff Hardy vs. Vladimir Kozlov - Since HHH vs. Kozlov was at least scheduled as the next program, that means Hardy is most likely to lose the fall.  As noted earlier, Edge is in Boston so one would expect his involvement in some form.

*Undertaker vs. Big Show casket match - Except that you don't want three finishes identical, this could be a place for Umaga to debut

*Team HBK - Shawn Michaels & Rey Mysterio & Cryme Tyme & Great Khali vs. Team JBL - JBL & The Miz & John Morrison & Kane & MVP)

*Team Dave - Batista & Matt Hardy & Kofi Kingston & C.M. Punk & R-Truth) vs. Team Orton (Randy Orton & Shelton Benjamin & Mark Henry & Cody Rhodes & William Regal)

*Team Raw (Beth Phoenix & Jillian Hall & Kelly Kelly & Mickie James & Candice Michelle) vs. Team Smackdown (Michelle McCool & Natalya & Maryse & Maria & Victoria) - Suspect dissension on both sides in this one

        The three ten-person matches are all elimination rules, you know, Teams of Five Strive to Survive (which is far superior to some of the bad years where it was Teams of Four end up as a Bore).

 

        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.

 

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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.

 

 

--Regarding the Jeff Hardy by WWE today.  Faking injuries to build storylines goes back to whenever it was that angles first started.  Making them believable is the goal.  In 1995, after Shawn Michaels was beaten up by several marines, WWE did an angle on a live Raw where he collapsed in a match with Owen Hart and trotted out a friendly doctor to say that Michaels' career was over, to set up a comeback which at the time got Michaels over more than he ever had been during his career.  It was tasteless to have fans thinking he may die on live television, knowing he was coming back from a serious concussion, but from a business sense, it was a big success.  Michaels never really was a drawing card before, and when he came back, he was.

 

Still, this one was sleazy.  WWE said it took place in the hotel.  WWE has had two wrestlers die in hotel rooms and others found passed out due to apparent overdoses.  And of all the people to do it with, considering the company publicized Hardy's problems, there would not be, probably both with the general public and even friends, be anyone in WWE right now who people would believe would OD and pass out in a hotel room more than Hardy, particularly coming into a big show, given that he missed a SummerSlam and a Wrestlemania in the last 18 months from drug test failures.

 

The problem is, if this had been done with HHH, everyone would have smelled angle from the beginning, which is one of the reasons why it wouldn't have been.  Obviously the company has booked Hardy too many times in the challenger situation and his failing has led to extreme measures (having wins over Undertaker and HHH on TV the last two weeks) to try and keep him from having fans give up on his chase.  If the plan is for him to win, and they change finishes regularly the last day so anything is possible, it's a way to add drama.  More likely it's a plan for him to lose and have an excuse, rather than just come up short one last time.

 

The company did what wrestling companies always do.  Sometimes the sleaziness ends up working for business, and sometimes it works against business.  But given the guy, and the place they said it happened, it was classless.  Not the most classless thing I've seen (Ric Flair worked a heart attack on a live Nitro and they tried to work the boys and his friends; and the Fritz Von Erich deal the way it was handled was far worse), at least up to this point because we'll have to see how it gets handled on the broadcast tonight, but when you think about the mentality that went into the storyline, knowing about the death of Eddie Guerrero three years ago, none of this could have been coincidental. 

 

That said, I even heard from friends of his in wrestling who were mad about this one, and they knew pretty quickly it was probably a work, but just felt the Hardys have a different type of fan base as most of the wrestlers and are more likely to take this too seriously.  Then again, the company knew that full well, and that was probably part of the mind set.

 

It's not like this isn't a company that ran an obituary for Paul Wight Sr. on its web site which was written not as comedy but was pure storyline at the time.  Wrestling has always been about blurring the lines of fiction and reality.  This time, they picked a very believable subject.  Wrestlers ODing in a hotel room, and picked the most believable candidate, and attempted to pass it off as real news.  It speaks volumes for their own perception of what they believe is believable about their product and the person they chose to use. 

 

--Some are thinking in Canada, Survivor Series buys will be down with the Grey Cup (their biggest football game) taking place tonight.

 

--We'll be back after the show with Wrestling Observer radio and we will be taking questions so if you've got any questions on the show tonight, wrestling or MMA, you can send them to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

 

--WWE will be doing another double Smackdown taping on 1/27 in Indianapolis, with ECW being taped with Raw in Cleveland the night before (thanks to Devin Cutting)

 

--Jim Ross will be very happy tonight given that Oklahoma beat Texas Tech last night.  Then again, he'll be the one who has to sell the Hardy angle, which could be bad depending on how the company plays it.

 

--For those not watching, the De La Hoya/Pacquiao 24/7 part two airs tonight at 8:30 p.m. Eastern, and will be also airing at 8:30 p.m after the PPV on the West Coast

 

--What is the top drawing match tonight

John Cena vs. Chris Jericho 71.6%

HHH vs. Jeff Hardy vs. Vladimir Kozlov 13.2%

Undertaker vs. Big Show 6.4%

Team Dave vs. Team Orton 5.0%

Team HBK vs. Team JBL 3.8%

 

--Poll on Smackdown

Excellent 17.2%

Good 37.9%

Average 28.7%

Fair 10.3%

Poor 5.7%

        34.6% of those responding didn't see the show

 

--Tammy Sytch and Brutus Beefcake appear on 11/30 for Great Canadian Wrestling in Oshawa, ONT at the Royal Canadian Legion Hall

 

--Gene Kiniski turns 80 today and Juventud Guerrera turns 34

 

--It was also 14 years ago today that Art Barr passed away at his home in Portland.  He was one of the biggest stars in the world at the time as part of a tag team with Eddy Guerrero in AAA  

 

--Regarding yesterday's story on Anderson Silva not being allowed in Canada and missing the autograph appearance, reader Ed Ludwig was there.  He said most of the people in line for hours didn't even know Silva wasn't there.  It wasn't until you got close to the entrance did the staff let you know that Silva wasn't there.  They told people Silva would be rescheduled and were looking at bringing in more MMA stars.  Ludwig said Kenny Florian was very classy in his role as replacement.

 

--Tuesday night in Guadalajara:  Plata b Valentin Mayo, Evola  Carlo Roggi, Magnum b Exterminador, Super Maquina & Toxico b Casanova & Leon Blanco, Metal Blanco b Dr. X, Arkangel de la Muerte & Olimpico b La Mascara & Maximo-DQ, Dos Caras Jr. & Marco Corleone b Cien Caras Jr. & Lizmark Jr.

 

--Thursday night in Monterrey:  Principe Rebelde & Shaquira b Eddie Pitbull & Maldito, Golden Boy  & Rey Demonio & Simbolo 2000 b Gato Volador & Principe de Oro & Rey Bangel Dorado, Difunto II & Diluvio Negro I & Rey Hechicero NC Diluvio Negro II & Tigre Universitario & Vaquero Romo, Mascara Dorada & Maximo b Dragon Rojo & Sangre Azteca, Atlantis & Ultimo Guerrero & Rey Bucanero b Hijo del Fantasma & Marco Corleone & Volador Jr.

 

--Wednesday night in Mazatlan:  Conquistador & Forcado & Serpiente Marina b Brujo Mayor & Los Marakamis I & II, Metal Blanco & Palacio Negro b Mr. Trueno & Rey Trueno, Casanova & Maximo b Malefico & Misterioso II, Mistico & Mascara Dorada b Atlantis & Ultimo Guerrero      

 

--Today in Mexico has Mistico & La Sombra & Mascara Dorada vs. Averno & Mephisto & Ephesto at the Arena Coliseo TV tapings.  Guadalajara has a Torneo Cibernetico for the Diablo Velasco Cup.  Silver King & Chessman vs. Jack Evans & Teddy Hart headline in Monterrey.  Mistico & Volador Jr. vs. Atlantis & Ultimo Guerrero headline in San Bartolo Cuatlapan.  Mesias vs. Konnan vs. Zorro headline in Tultitlan.  Dr. Wagner Jr. & Intocable vs. Mr. Niebla & Zumbido are in Atlamira.  (thanks to Kris Zellner)

 

--Get Smart is No. 1 on the DVD rental charts in Australia this week (thanks to James Stanios) 

 

--The Jersey All Pro Wrestling 13th anniversary show on 12/13 in Rahway, NJ has Kenny Omega vs. Low Ki for the JAPW title, Tracy Smothers & Little Guido defend the JAPW tag titles against DNA, LAX vs. Briscoes, Rhino vs. Dan Maff plus Super Crazy, Amazing Red and Taylor Wilde (thanks to Mike Omansky)

 

--3X Wrestling from Friday night in Fayette, IA:  Jimmy Rockwell b Aaron Masterson, Kraig Keesaman over Dinn T. Moore and Ricky Kwong, Malia Hosaka b Katie Syren, Casanova b Mad Dog McDowell, Gage Octane & Mark Sterling b Mike Sydal & Zach Thompson, Devin Carter b Ryan Slade, McDowell won Battle Royal

 

--In yesterday's update, that top 250 wrestlers of the 70s, 80s and 90s was just something a fan who posts on old-school message boards put together and had nothing to do with WWE (thanks to Ted Leavey)

 

--On Nashville NWA Main Event TV show, there was a commercial featuring Jimmy Hart for "Free At Last" Bail Bonds

 

--SECW from last night in Bremen, GA before 240 fans:  Colt Derringer & Rob Adonis NC Bulldog Raines & Josh Stone, Frankie Valentine b Billy Knight-DQ, Tracy Taylor won three-way over Daffney and Genni Wright, Nightmare & Kyle Matthews b Chip Day & Caleb Konley, Micah Taylor b Dustin Powers

 

--NWA Prime time from Friday night in Columbus, GA before 152 fans:  Simon Sermon & Thomas Britain b Chip Day & Kyle Matthews, Jimmy Rave b Josh Stone, Frankie Valentine & Ace Rockwell b Jake Slater & Mike Stratus, Sal Rinauro b Bulldog Raines, Micah Taylor NC Colt Derringer, David Young & Chris Stevens b Deathrow & Iceberg.  Next show is 11/28 with Young vs. Sonny Siaki (thanks to Rich Tate)

 

--Rich Tate's Atlanta wrestling nostalgia

52 years ago today:  Bobby Weaver beat Fred Blassie to win the Southern title

46 years ago:  Ray Gunkel beat Fred Blassie in what was billed as a 20 round boxing match while Len Montana & Gypsy Joe beat Grizzly Smith & Luke Brown to win the Southern tag team titles

35 years ago:  Bob Armstrong & Robert Fuller beat the Super Infernos to keep the Georgia tag team title

32 years ago in Macon:  Robert Fuller & Haystacks Calhoun & Mr. Wrestling II beat Gene & Ole Anderson & Dick Slater

30 years ago at the Omni in the Thanksgiving tag team tournament:

Rick Martel & Tommy Rich b Afa & Sika

Assassin & Masked Superstar b Rufus Jones & Bugsy McGraw-DQ

Jack & Jerry Brisco b Pak Song & Angelo Mosca

Dory & Terry Funk b Haystacks Calhoun & Klondike Bill

Ernie Ladd & Stan Hansen b Mr. Wrestling I & II

Funks b Martel & Rich

Briscos b Assassin & Superstar

Dusty Rhodes & Dick Slater b Ladd & Hansen

Funks b Rhodes & Slater

Funks b Briscos to win tournament

27 years ago in Augusta:  Ric Flair retained the NWA title beating Tommy Rich via DQ while Ray Stevens & Masked Superstar beat Bob & Brad Armstrong

 

--Velocity Pro Wrestling has already had a falling out with Rob Feinstein so Steve Corino, Stevie Richards, Kenny Omega, Amazing Red, B.J. Whitmer and Dan Maff are off the Philadelphia show.