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        We're looking for reports on tonight's WWE house shows, with the Raw show in Elmira, NY and the Smackdown show in State College, PA.  Tomorrow has Raw in Reading, PA and Smackdown in Johnstown, PA.

 

        Raw will be live and ECW will be taped on Monday night in Washington, DC.  No TNA shows this weekend, nor ROH, nor Smackdown tapings on Tuesday. 

 

        We look at the fallout of the Survivor Series as well as a feature on the history of Starrcade as the two lead stories in Monday's issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.  The newsletter, as well as a classic issue from 1991, were just put up today on the web site and can be accessed with a web site membership.        

 

        You can sign up for a membership which includes more than a dozen audio shows per week, usually ten different issues of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter each month as well as Figure Four Weekly.  You can also get a print subscription to the Observer by following the instructions below.

 

        We look at the Survivor Series, including what happened, people's reactions to it, the business numbers, what WWE did and didn't do with the show, and more on the Jeff Hardy angle.  We also have match-by-match coverage with star ratings and poll ratings on the event.

 

        We also look at the history of Starrcade, which debuted 25 years ago this week in Greensboro.  We look at the match that inspired Starrcade, lessons learned by that program and the ironic end one of the most forgotten but most successful babyface tag teams of the modern era.

 

        We look at the history that led to Starrcade, the angle that built the first show, the business of the first show, the history of pro wrestling and closed-circuit prior to Starrcade, and the match that was supposed to happen coming off a Starrcade that would have gotten national publicity for Crockett Promotions when it fell through.  We also look at one of the best matches in Starrcade history that seems to have been forgotten.

 

        We look at the politics behind Starrcade expanding to Atlanta and what was happening at the time in wrestling.  We look at the final years of Crockett promotions and which Starrcade historically played the most important role in the end of the company, largely due to actions by Vince McMahon.

 

        We look at how Vince McMahon destroyed what would have been the most important of all the Starrcades up to that point in time, and the story of how he tried to sabotage the first Starrcade even before there was a wrestling war that had started, Ric Flair's version of what killed the Carolinas, what did kill Chicago as well as memories of some of the most important matches in the 18-year history of the event, with some behind-the-scenes stories of what led to the matches, what came out of them, and why several of them almost didn't happen.

 

        We look at the decisions being made regarding taping two Smackdowns in one night, the reasons behind them, and the business notes on how it affects company expenses as well as how it will affect the pay of the Smackdown crew.  We've got early notes on the Armageddon matches.

 

        We also look at Vince McMahon going on the warpath against a wrestling TV show and what he has said in recent weeks as well as the legal actions he's threatened and Eric Bischoff's reaction.  We look at some of the legal arguments on both sides, as well as the first true victim and how this ended up being completely unfair to him.

 

        We also have exactly how much Vince McMahon earns annually in stock dividends, as well as the total dividend payout that the company's goal is to achieve in profits.

 

        We also look at the status of several former TNA wrestlers and WWE, including several who have signed and others who are in serious talks.    

 

        We also have some interesting comments by Ric Flair as he rips on several people that he worked with in WCW.

 

        We also have a look at Vince McMahon's new philosophy when it comes to announcing wrestling, an update on Jeff Hardy, as well as Bret Hart talking about the only things left he would do on WWE television, and why one of them is unlikely to happen.  Hart also talks about the wrestlers he wishes he could work with.  

 

        We also have more business numbers on the Brock Lesnar vs. Randy Couture fight, as well as a look at the 15 most lucrative live events in pro wrestling and MMA history in North America.  We also look at the only shows on the list that had to be papered to get a full house, as well as who has headlined the most shows of the big 15.

 

        We also have a look at the ROH PPV taping in Chicago, as well as news regarding ROH negotiations to get television, notes on the current storylines, the current business and the first major event since the booking change.

 

        We also have the 2008 Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards ballot in this issue.

 

        We also have ratings of all the national shows over the past week including details behind who is watching.

 

        We also have our regular features including results and attendances of the major league arena events over the past week and reviews of the major TV shows. 

 

        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.

 

        Also in this week's issue:

 

--Update on Pierroth's fight for his life

 

--New prices being charged for biggest names in Mexico

 

--New promotion trying to run a huge show in a few weeks at a 15,000 seat arena

 

--Wrestler returns his version of the world title so he can go to WWE

 

--Cibernetico talks leaving AAA

 

--Next AAA big show and final major show of the year

 

--Update on Abdullah the Butcher retirement show

 

--Two Olympic medalists visit big pro wrestling shows this week

 

--First ever meeting of 80s Hall of Famers in a singles match held quietly

 

--Wrestling's longest lasting annual event starts off sadly this year

 

--Updates on New Japan Tokyo Dome show regarding Mistico and Kevin Nash

 

--First ever battle of the first two Tiger Masks

 

--A one time thing for a promotion where all but two headline wrestlers are over the age of 50

 

--Another popular MMA fighter does an angle on a major wrestling show this past week

 

--Former WWE star nominated for TV award

 

--Former WWE developmental wrestler now a major market TV news anchor

 

--Hulk Hogan and Ric Flair together and what is behind all this

 

--More on "The Wrestler"

 

--Wrestler gets legal threat forcing a name change

 

--Notes on a recent election in which a famous pro wrestler ran against a guy whose campaign manager was a not so famous former pro wrestler

 

--ROH future shows

 

--Update on TNA Final Resolution PPV

 

--TNA updated thoughts on the Christian Cage situation

 

--TNA cutbacks being made

 

--More on TNA wrestlers and contracts expiring

 

--Behind the change of names to TNA Front Line

 

--Angelina Love rips on WWE's talent evaluation

 

--Next few weeks of TNA television

 

--Shakeup in the booking at Zuffa, what happened, what changes will be made

 

--Huge night of television for Zuffa with big shows on competing networks

 

--Updates on tickets sales to upcoming UFC major events

 

--Notes on the start of the next season of Ultimate Fighter

 

--Preliminary notes on UFC 91 buys

 

--Where Lesnar stands on all-time one year draws

 

--Update on Randy Couture and his career

 

--Talk of different matches for Couture's future

 

--More frustrations among fighters in regard to UFC management and allowable sponsorships

 

--Tons of new matches being made for the next several shows

 

--Another reason UFC is so strong on getting sponsorships signed

 

--Update on UFC in Germany

 

--Why UFC has decided against running in the market where their TV ratings are the highest and where they once planned on running a gigantic event in 2009

 

--Another MMA book coming from a Sports Illustrated reporter

 

--Lots of Brock Lesnar news

 

--Mike Brown's first WEC title defense

 

--Name to watch out for

 

--Booking logic and stupidity

 

--More on the decision to cut Fabricio Werdum

 

--Lots more MMA on free television in 2009 with a new deal that starts up next week

 

--Update on Cung Le and his fighting future

 

--Coverage of the last Strikeforce show

 

--Fedor agrees to a new competition 

 

        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.

 

 

--Charles Buffong, who wrestled in the early 80s for Stampede Wrestling, passed away on Thursday night in Calgary from a heart attack after the funeral of his 22-year-old son, who had died a few days earlier after a possible suicide.

 

--The match talked about Spiegel (German magazine) article on UFC, translated into English, is at http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/0,15118,593387,00.html  This would be the equivalent of if Time Magazine did a story on UFC in the U.S. 

 

--Jackie Gayda Haas has been added to the lineup for the convention on 12/6 and 1/7 in East Hanover, NJ at the Rama Inn

 

--Matt Randazzo, who wrote "Ring of Hell," is looking for any readers of the book who have any suggestions on corrections or improvements to write him at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

 

--Great Muta will be coming to the U.S. and appear for BANG in Ocala, FL sometime in 2009.  Date is not confirmed yet.  They have shows on 12/21 with Awesome Kong, New Year's Eve with an all cage match show and 1/18 with Nosawa from All Japan

 

--Actor Robert Downey Jr. was knocked out cold during a fight scene filmed for the new movie "Sherlock Holmes," from a potato shot by Robert Maillet, who was known as Kurrgan in WWF.  Downey Jr. needed six stitches in his mouth from a punch to the chin that sent him flying and put him out cold.

 

--Poll on Thursday night's Impact

Excellent 19.8%

Good 26.1%

Average 17.1%

Fair 8.1%

Poor 28.8%

        49.8% of those responding didn't see the show

 

--Hottest woman poll

Kelly Kelly 19.3%

Mickie James 18.6%

Gina Carano 15.5%

Maryse 7.2%

Maria 7.1%

Layla 6.7%

Velvet Sky 6.7%

Melina 5.7%

Beth Phoenix 4.3%

Rachelle Leah 4.1%

Arianny Celeste 3.8%

Michelle McCool 1.0%

 

--Which of these shows are you most looking forward to

UFC 92 Nogueira-Mir, Evans-Griffin, Silva-Jackson 37.6%
WWE Royal Rumble 27.2%

UFC 94 Penn-St. Pierre 17.5%

WWE Armageddon Cena-Jericho, Edge-Hardy-HHH 6.6%

Affliction Fedor vs. Arlovski 4.6%

TNA Genesis Angle vs. Jarrett 2.0%

UFC 93 Henderson-Franklin 1.3%

Japan New Year's Eve Sakuraba-Tamura 1.0%

UFC Ultimate Fighter finals 0.8%

WEC Torres-Tapia 0.8%
WEC Faber-Pulver 0.5%

TNA Final Resolution 0.3%    

 

--Mitch Constanza at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it is giving away a lot of wrestling tapes.  You can e-mail him for more info but you have to go to Oakland to pick them up

 

--Hoosier Pro wrestling on 12/6 in Columbus, IN at the HPW Arena at the 4-H Fairgrounds headlined by Mitch Ryder vs. Flash Flanagan

 

--Irish Airborne and Mark & Jay Briscoe have been added to Brent Albright & Erick Stevens in what will be a four-team match on Friday night in St. Louis.  The winning team will face Kensuke Sasaki & Katsuhiko Nakajima on 12/27 at the Hammerstein Ballroom in New York  

 

--CZW Cage of Death X on 12/13 in Philadelphia last the Alhambra features a tournament with Drake Younger, Brain Damage, Danny Havoc, Devon Moore and Sami Callihan, plus Nick Gage & Nate Hatred vs. Ruckus & Sabian, a ladder match with Pinkie Sanchez, Ryan McBride, Drew Blood and one more for the vacant jr. title and more

 

--Wolverine Pro Wrestling on 12/14 in Westland, MI at Skateland West at 6 p.m..  All those in attendance will be asked to donate a gift for Toys for Toots to help children of Michigan military families.    

 

--Summit Wrestling Association on 12/13 in Blue Ridge Summit, PA at the Fire Hall

 

--AWA on 12/6 in Ozark, AL has Ricky Landell (billed as AWA champion) vs. Chris Masters, Kirby & T.J. Mack (as AWA tag champs) vs. Andy Douglas & Chase Stevens, plus Too Cold Scorpio

 

--WWE Smackdown vs Raw 2009 in Australia for this past week was the No. 10 selling game in the country.  It was no. 1 on PSP and No. 2 on PS2 (thanks to Jereme Warneck) 

 

--Prime Time Pro Wrestling from last night in Columbus, GA before 140 fans:  Simon Sermon & Thomas Britain b Iceberg & Deathrow to keep tag titles, Frankie Valentine b Josh Stone, Genni Wright b Tracy Taylor, Mike Stratus & Jake Slater b Chip Day & Kyle Matthews, Micah Taylor b Travis Sawyer, Bulldog Raines b Colt Derringer, David Young b Sonny Siaki-DQ (thanks to Larry Goodman)