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        We're looking for reports on tonight's Raw and ECW tapings in Washington, DC, as well as the Saturday night WWE Raw house show in Elmira, NY at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it   For tonight, we're looking for ECW reports (show being taped for tomorrow) as well as any other notes that wouldn't be evident from watching the live TV show.

 

        John Cena vs. Kane will be one of the Raw main events tonight.  The show will also be based on promoting next week's three-hour show with the Slammy Awards, as well as IC title contender tournament matches with Miz vs. Rey Mysterio and John Morrison vs. Fit Finlay.  So much for brands being kept separate when three of the four people vying for a Raw title are from ECW. 

 

        We have a Christmas season special good until 12/25 where you can get a free month of premium service on the web site, or a free month of print Observers if you order a three month or longer subscription for a friend who has never subscribed in the past.  You can order as many gift subscriptions as you like and get as many months free for all subscriptions.  You can order a one year subscription for a friend and get four months free for yourself.  If you are ordering a premium subscription, make sure to put your friend's e-mail address  and when you get your purchase receipt, contact Admin Tony at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it and include a note in the body of the e-mail or subject line noting you've ordered a gift subscription.

 

        If you are doing this for a mail subscription, make sure to contact me at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  

 

        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.

 

 

--WWE has released Bruce Prichard, a long-time TV producer who has been with the company for most of the past 22 years except for a couple of years absence after a blowup with Vince McMahon in the early 90s.  For what it's worth, Bruce has at least in the past been close with Jeff Jarrett as both have had similar tragedies in their personal lives with each man's wife having cancer.   We were told Prichard hasn't been at TV over the past two weeks and that people had been told he was on vacation.

 

--Best wishes to Bret Hart who underwent a successful right knee replacement operation earlier today in Calgary.  If anyone wants to send best wishes to him you can go to his web site at http://www.brethart.com

 

--WWE has lost its television, at least temporarily, in Germany.  German pay-tv provider Premiere announced today on its web site that it was pulling WWE programing starting next week after a six-year run.  The two sides are working on a new deal. (thanks to www.wrestling-revolution.de)  

 

--The key WWE stars will be leaving directly after the conclusion of Raw to Iraq to tape the Tribute to the Troops annual special, which will air on NBC on 12/20.  The show will be taped over the next few days  

 

--Donald Trump is now having financial problems, as Trump Entertainment can't afford its $53.1 interest payment scheduled for today, but has a 30-day grace period to pay and is trying to work a deal out with its creditors.  Donald Trump is the largest shareholder in the company which runs three Atlantic City casinos, and also has a stake in the Affliction promotion.  The company lost $139.1 million in the last quarter.

 

--For this coming week on Spike, there will be UFC Unleashed shows tomorrow night from 9-11 p.m. including Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira vs. Tim Sylvia, Georges St. Pierre vs  Matt Serra and Michael Bisping vs. Jason Day.  Wednesday has four hours of Unleashed from 6-10 p.m., including Roger Huerta vs. Leonard Garcia, a Royce Gracie one hour special, Ken Shamrock vs. Tito Ortiz and St. Pierre vs. Matt Hughes leading up to the final two episodes of Ultimate Fighter from 10 p.m. to midnight.  The Unleashed episodes go against the live WEC from 8-10 p.m. on Versus.  There will also be an hour of Unleashed on Friday and a tape of the season three Ultimate Fighter final from 9-11:30 p.m. on Friday night against Smackdown.

 

--Will Saturday night's De La Hoya vs. Pacquiao fight outdraw Lesnar vs. Couture

Yes 59.0%

No 41.0%

 

Who do you expect to have the most successful drawing PPV event in 2009

UFC 36.7%

WWE Wrestlemania 36.0%
Boxing 27.3%

        Honestly, if De La Hoya doesn't retire and faces either Hatton or Mayweather (provided he wins Saturday), I don't see anything that could touch him.  If not, not sure boxing will offer anything that can be No. 1

 

Predictions on popularity of WWE and UFC in 2009

UFC up 69.5%

UFC down 30.5%

 

WWE up 27.8%

WWE down 72.2%

 

--How come he can't promo like this in real life?  Jeff Hardy at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VnTxPv34jpM

 

 

--Mark Canterbury aka Henry Godwinn is back wrestling and looking for bookings at http://www.myspace.com/henrygodwinn

 

--WWE has a Raw house show set for 2/27 at the Nassau Coliseum in Uniondale, NY

 

--There are still tickets left for the Saturday night show in Charlotte at Vance Zebulon High School featuring both Hulk Hogan as a referee and Ric Flair as a manager as Reid & David Flair wrestle the Nasty Boys  

 

--Mrs. JBL has more bad news for our economy and the future at http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20081201/bs_nm/us_finance_research_oppenheimer  Meredith Whitney is considered now one of the most influential women in America and expects the credit card industry to cut way back on credit lines, which will limit consumer spending  

 

--Anthony Johnson cuts a promo on Kevin Burns for their upcoming UFC match.  If Burns pokes him in the eye, he will not get out of the cage alive at http://wwizzlesworld.blogspot.com/2008/11/ufc-fighter-anthony-rumble-johnson.html

 

--Lance Storm does a Q&A where he talks about Alex Shelley, WWE Hall of Fame, Kane, working in Japan, Johnny Devine, why he believes he had fewer injuries than most even though doing a high flying style for years as well as the person in wrestling he admires most at http://www.stormwrestling.com/120108.html

 

--Todd Martin talks about the changing landscape of the MMA business and negotiating with UFC at http://mmapayout.com/2008/12/martin-reflections-on-a-changing-mma-financial-landscape/  Good article.

 

--El Hijo del Santo is doing a meet and greet on Thursday at the Forbidden Planet Megastore in Picadilly, London, billed as the biggest comic shop in Europe.  Santo has been wrestling in Spain this past week.   (thanks to Geoff Johnston)

 

--World Women's Wrestling from yesterday in Quincy, MA:  Nikki Valentine b Jennifer, Mistress Belmont DCOR Elektra Arion, Taler Hendrix b Jana, Sammi Lane b Roxxie Cotton, Alexxis Nevaeh b Luscious Latasha, Ariel b Malia Hosaka.  Next NECW show is 1/10 in Quincy. (thanks to Chris Hickey and Jim Baker)

 

--NWA Anarchy from Saturday night in Cornelia, GA before 150 fans:  Azrael b Bo Newsome, J.T. Talent & Drew Pendleton III b Steven Walters & Derrick Driver, Kyle Matthews b Andrew Alexander, Mikal Judas DCOR Shatter, Austin Creed (Consequences Creed) won Mega Rumble, Truitt Fields b Azrael.  12/6 has Judas vs. Shatter and Melissa Coates vs. Crystal Rose (thanks to Larry Goodman) 

 

--USWO from Friday night in Nashville before 79 fans:  Nazi Terror b J.D. Fluffy, Petey Wright b Damien Payne, Jeremiah Plunkett b Psycho Medic, Shane Eden & Steven Green b The Saint & Tim Renesto-DQ, Nazi Terror won Rumble (thanks to Jimmie Daniel) 

 

--Rampage Pro Wrestling from last night in Warner, Robins, GA before 250 fans:  Jason Cross b Kurosukaji, Kodiak b Velvet Jones, A.J. Steele b Mike Stratus, Frankie Valentine b Dr. Johnny Gayton-DQ, Sal Rinauro b J-Rod in a cage match.  Next show is 12/7 headlined by Rinauro vs. Orion Bishop (thanks to Dustin Robinson) 

 

--Great Canadian Wrestling from yesterday in Oshawa, ONT for a women's show before 100 fans:  Deanna Conda b Charlotte Lamothe, Anna Minoushka b Karen Brooks, Jamie D b Sabrina Kyle, Mary Lollypop b Mercy, LuFisto b Phil Latio (who is a male wrestler), Deanna Conda b Anna Minoushka, Jamie D b Mary Lollipop, Jennifer Blake won three-way over Miss Danyah and Cat Power with Tammy Sytch as referee, Deanna Conda b Jamie D to win the WILD championship tournament (thanks to Steven Ashe)

 

--Power and Glory Wrestling on Friday night in East Haven, CT features Stevie Richards vs. Ron Zombie plus Eddie Kingston, Antonio Thomas and more at the East Haven Academy

 

--IWF from yesterday in West Paterson, NJ:  Mad Dawg Jenkins b Antonio Rivera, Kareem West b Tony Torres, Kevin Knight b Damian Adams

 

--Story on Winnipeg indie wrestler Ainsley Mosienko, whose grandfather was an NHL legend (Billy Mosienko) is at http://www.winnipegsun.com/Sports/OtherSports/2008/12/01/7588306-sun.html 

 

--Greg Valentine and George Steele will be doing an appearance on Friday for the debut of a comedy movie called "Somethin' Fishy" about fishing.  The premise is Valentine and Steele by a fishing camp in the back woods at Central Florida.  It plays at the Darden Theater at the Orlando Science Center at 8, 8:45 and 9:30 pm. Friday night.

 

--USA Today has a story on Miguel Torres, who headlines the WEC show on Wednesday night at http://www.usa.today.com/sports/boxing/default.htm

 

--I've got a story on his challenger, Manny Tapia, at http://www.yahoo.com

 

--NWS on 12/5 in Kenilworth, NJ at the Veterans Center with Jimmy Snuka and Sal Sincere and 12/6 in Dunellen, NJ at the Knights of Columbus with Snuka headlining

 

--Even with losing Smackdown, CW has stayed even in the 18-34 age group in the November sweeps, largely due to a 21% increase in women, and a similar drop in men.  MyNetwork is up from an 0.4 to 0.6 prime time average in 18-49.

 

--Samoa Joe appears for Firestorm Pro Wrestling on 12/13 in Lakewood, OH at the Phantasy Theater facing Raymond Rowe and Starless