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        Quiet weekend with no WWE, ROH or TNA house shows.   TNA has nothing until the first of the year.  ROH goes back next weekend with big shows in Philadelphia and New York.  WWE has its final event before Christmas on Monday night in Toronto with both Smackdown and Raw being taped.  Matches for Raw include Shawn Michaels vs. Kane, Batista vs. Randy Orton, JBL vs. Rey Mysterio and C.M. Punk vs. Chris Jericho.  The four winners move to the 12/29 show in Manchester, NH, where they meet in a four-way, with the winner going against John Cena on the Royal Rumble show on 1/25. 

 

        WWE has its annual Tribute to the Troops show from Baghdad, Iraq at 9 p.m. Eastern on NBC.  It's a one-hour show and Vince McMahon has said it was the company's most important event of the year. 

*R-Truth & Jeff Hardy & C.M. Punk vs. The Miz & John Morrison & JBL

*John Cena & Rey Mysterio & Batista vs. Chris Jericho & Randy Orton & Big Show

 

        This week's huge shock of the impending death of the longest running pro wrestling show in the history of television (and it's absolutely not Raw) is the headline story of this coming Monday's issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.

 

        We look back at the show, the reasons for the death, its heyday and fall from grace, and how it affects the future of the industry.  We look at a rival promotion that faced this same situation and still survives and a blue print for what will have to be done to change, and how it is one more step in the steep downgrade of what at one time was considered an impenetrable industry.

 

        We also have a note on the economy internationally and how both UFC and WWE are going to be substantially affected when it comes to revenue by something that has just taken place.

 

        We also have a feature looking back at the ups and downs of the life and career of Jeff Hardy in this jumbo-sized issue, including the exclusive story on the background of how he got his first WWE title run.  We talk about what the plans were, who made the call, how the call was received, current plans including what is the big blow-off plan they are, at least this week, building toward.

 

        This is an interesting look, looking back at Jeff Hardy's title quest over the past year, as to how WWE world championship booking is done, changed, as well as the thoughts on the controversial issue of Jeff winning and the message it sends to the locker room.  We look at Vince McMahon's past doctrines regarding the drug issue and the championship, where it stemmed from, and his thoughts on the issue today and where Jeff fits in.  We also have Matt Hardy's thoughts on where he and his brother stand in history, a number of firsts for Jeff Hardy as champion as well as the brothers, along with complete coverage of the Armageddon show.

 

        The issue is available today to premium members of the web site and you can order with a web site membership, which includes about 10 issues per month, usually six new ones and four or five back issues, as well as access to 15 or more radio shows per week including Wrestling Observer Radio and Figure Four Daily.  You can also order a print subscription with the info below.
 
        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 have our usual big show coverage of Armageddon, Fight for the Troops and the Ultimate Fighter finals, with match-by-match coverage, star ratings for Armageddon, poll results and more.  We look at the Michaels angle with JBL.

 

        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.
 

        In our coverage of Fight for the Troops, we update all the injuries that happened on the show, as well as an update on the money raised by the promotion and where the money is going, celebrities involved and for both UFC shows, we have the most detailed breakdown of who watched, what matches people turned on to say and what matches they turned off, and how the audiences on Wednesday and Saturday differed.

 

        We also have an update on how the wrestling business is doing in Puerto Rico, a look back at the heyday of Puerto Rican wrestling and the career of Abdullah the Butcher, who was the focal point of the last big show of the year, including whether or not Abdullah is really retiring.

 

        We have backgrounds on Ryan Bader and Efrain Escudero, their wins in the Ultimate Fighter finals, how the show did head-to-head with De La Hoya vs. Pacquiao on HBO and other boxing shows, as well as a look at how boxing did this weekend on Showtime and Versus as compared to MMA events.  We also talk about what members of this season's cast have the best chance of sticking with UFC and those who are likely never to be seen again.

 

        We also have a feature on Bobby Lashley as an MMA fighter, talking with him about his career and goals, a look at his first fight, a detailed look at his training, as well as lots more about his pro wrestling career, who he still talks with, and his thoughts of going back at some point.

 

        We have a story behind the tag team title change at the house show, what happened to Lilian Garcia on the trip to Iraq, a lesson involving the use of Steve Austin going forward, and the firing of Snitsky. 

 

        We have a look at the life of Mike Bell, a former ECW regular, best known to people who saw the movie, "Bigger, Faster, Stronger," talking about his life, career and what exactly happened.

 

        We also have notes on perhaps the most athletic female newcomer WWE has signed in years.

 

        We also have what may be the answer to the 2009 trick question of what will be the most watched pro wrestling match of the year on television.  While not a sure thing, the most likely answer will shock you, particularly because it will involve one of three wrestling Hall of Famers who have not wrestled in more than a decade, and a look back at the career of one of the most influential wrestler/promoters who ever lived.

 

        We also have the major TV show reviews from the past week.

 

        We also have our 2008 awards ballot.

 

        We also have our detailed look at the weekly TV ratings of the major pro wrestling shows.

 

        Also in this week's issues:

--Update on the promotional war in Mexico and where Los Perros Del Mal fit in

 

--L.A. Park talks about which side he's leaning toward and why

 

--Belts with 50 years of history are now disputed and may be recalled

 

--Attempts to do nostalgia shows going forward in Mexico

 

--TNA stars working for both sides of a promotional war

 

--Hustlemania main event

 

--Dragon Gate tournament update

 

--Keiji Muto faces a female senator in the main event of All Japan's last show of the year

 

--Update on Kenta Kobashi

 

--ROH stars heading to NOAH for the new year

 

--Official announcement of what is likely to be the top drawing match at the Tokyo Dome show

 

--Pro wrestler entering world submission fighting championships in Switzerland

 

--Popular TV actor in highly rated drama show set to make a pro wrestling debut

 

--Tons of news on "The Wrestler"

 

--Mick Foley talks the movie

 

--Wrestler honored with a non-wrestling international Hall of Fame induction

 

--Bill Goldberg back on television

 

--Update on Paul London

 

--ROH booking situation updated and how things are changing

 

--Philosophical changes expected to be implemented in 2009

 

--Biggest crowd in history expected soon

 

--Updated TNA Genesis lineup

 

--Update on plans to tape Tokyo Dome show

 

--Kurt Angle in a major movie role

 

--Identity of international newcomer who is being plugged for TNA

 

--Former Undertaker rival in WWE signs with TNA and will debut shortly

 

--Update on Suicide character

 

--Lots of news on TNA videogame

 

--Dixie Carter interesting info

 

--Update on Al Snow in TNA

 

--When Lesnar vs. Couture will air on Spike TV

 

--Zuffa event draws poorly

 

--Update on ticket sales to all the upcoming UFC events 

 

--Notes on betting odds for upcoming big shows

 

--Notes on possible UFC return to Canada

 

--Fighter who was in line for title shot in a coma

 

--Olympic gold medalist says he wants to fight MMA for UFC or WEC in 2009

 

--Update on the next season of Ultimate Fighter

 

--Frank Mir complains about Junie Browning's treatment and why he wouldn't let his son watch him on TV by the end of the season

 

--Other fighters talk Browning and if it's a work or shoot

 

--Couture in movie role

 

--More new UFC fights signed and several fighters signed to new deals

 

--U.S. Olympic team wrestlers about to start in MMA, and one nearly was set to debut at the New Year's Eve show in what would have been a gigantic match, and why it fell through

 

--Update on the New Year's Eve show in Japan

 

--Update on the Affliction PPV show

 

--Final numbers for De La Hoya vs. Pacquiao

 

--Notes on the return of Pat Miletich

 

--Ken Shamrock announces taking another fight

 

--Former Olympic gold medalist who recently lost to TNA star in shoot match announces retirement

 

--Olympic bronze medalist announces debut in January

 

        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.

 

 

--This 1/1 episode of Impact, will be a "best of" show that will include the first free TV airing of the Kurt Angle vs. Samoa Joe shoot style match from Lockdown in April.

 

--While not finalized, it is likely that Shane Carwin vs. Gabriel Gonzaga in a key heavyweight match (particularly to see what Carwin has) will be on the 3/7 PPV from Columbus, OH

 

--Mick Foley talks "The Wrestler" at http://www.slate.com/id/2207076/?from=rss  Foley wasn't happy about the Sports Illustrated mention that kind of acted like he was the living embodiment of Randy the Ram.  I guess, because he's not.  

 

--The Boston Herald has a story on John Cena and his most recent trip to Iraq at http://news.bostonherald.com/entertainment/television/general/view/2008_12_20  He put over the soldiers, said he's never felt safer in his life.  Cena put over that the wrestlers don't have to go if they don't want to.  RVD I guess didn't go at the end, so you don't have to go if you don't want to, but you get heat for turning it down.  He joked about how Big Show decided to have the soldiers crowd surf with him, which I think will be show on tonight's show.

 

--Tribute to the Troops will air in the U.K. at 2 a.m. on Sky Sports Xtra and on Sunday at 3 p.m. on Sky Sports Xtra and 6 p.m. on Sky Sports 3. (thanks to Ben Jordan Kerin) 

 

--The RCA Dome in Indianapolis, which housed Wrestlemania 8 when it was called the Hoosier Dome, with Hulk Hogan vs. Sid Justice, Ric Flair vs. Randy Savage and Bret Hart vs. Roddy Piper as the top matches, was demolished this morning.  The Indianapolis Colts moved into Lucas Oil Stadium this season, and the former stadium was demolished to make room for expanding a convention center.  A trivia note is that Wrestlemania gave away more tickets (more than 15,000) than any Wrestlemania in history.  This year's would have been second with more than 11,000.     

 

--Do you think TNA Genesis with Foley and Jarrett wrestling will do

Bigger than any PPV in 2008 5.0%

As big as the best PPV number of 2008 2.4%

An increase of 10,000 buys over usual 10.0%

An increase of 5,000 buys over usual 30.0%

No increase over usual TNA PPV numbers 52.5%

        All I can say is I'm very confident 82.5% if not more are wrong on this one.  It's going to do significantly bigger than most TNA PPVs

 

Who will be UFC heavyweight champion on January 1, 2009

Brock Lesnar 53.3%

Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira 31.5%

Cain Velasquez 3.7%

Frank Mir 2.8%

Randy Couture 2.6%

Junior Dos Santos 1.2%

Shane Carwin 1.0%

Other 3.8%  

 

--Mickey Rourke got the Best Actor award by the Chicago Film Critics Association.   

 

--Updated gambling odds for the next few major MMA fights as of yesterday

 

UFC 92

Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira ranges from -325 to -375 (best odds at Sportsbook)

Frank Mir ranged from +225 to +326 (best odds at Pinnacle)

 

Forrest Griffin ranges from -125 to -140 (best odds at Sportsbook)

Rashad Evans ranges from -110 to +120 (best odds at SBG)

 

Quinton Jackson ranges from -120 to +109 (best odds at Pinnacle)

Wanderlei Silva ranges from -115 to -140 (best odds at SportsBet)

 

UFC 93

 

Dan Henderson ranges from -125 to -140 (best odds at Sportsbook)

Rich Franklin ranges from -105 to +121 (best odds at Pinnacle)

 

Mark Coleman ranges from +250 to +305 (best odds at 5Dimes)

Mauricio Rua ranges from -365 to -450 (best odds at 5Dimes)

 

Affliction

Fedor Emelianenko ranges from -400 to -450 (best odds at 5Dimes)

Andrei Arlovski ranges from +275 to +335 (best odds at BetCris)

 

UFC 94

B.J. Penn ranges from +155 to +170 (best odds at 5Dimes)

Georges St. Pierre ranges from -185 to -215 (best odds at BetCris)

 

Lyoto Machida ranges from -295 to -300 (best odds at 5Dimes)

Thiago Silva ranges from +235 to +240 (best odds at BetCris)  

 

--K&S Promotions on 1/10 in Carteret, NJ at the Radisson Hotel will have Abdullah the Butcher, Jody Hamilton (The Assassin), Nick Patrick, Del Wilkes, Ivan Koloff, Nikita Koloff, Raymond Rougeau, Ernest Miller, Sonny Onoo, Shannon Moore, Jim Neidhart and Barry Horowitz, plus also appearing are Paul Ellering, Road Warrior Animal, Big Van Vader, Jackie Moore, Gorgeous George, Dean Malenko, Francine, George Steele, Big Daddy V and Missy Hyatt

 

--Paul Bradley faces former UFC fighter Roan Carneiro on 2/6 at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City for the World Cagefighting Alliance's debut show.  Boardwalk Hall holds 12,000. 

 

--The German free TV channel DSF, a sports channel, begins airing WWE Bottom Line on 1/13 in a Tuesday at 10 p.m. time slot.  It's one of two German free TV stations that airs almost all sports programming.  Smackdown is already on the station (thanks to Sebastian Klussman)

 

--There is a comedy article on JBL up at http://www.forbes.com/2008/12/18/JBL-fake-real-oped-fictional15-cx_mm_1218jbl.html  It's a debate whether JBL should have been included as one of the richest fictional character in entertainmenta story on the best fictional characters in the economic world.  The author argues JBL is fictional while his editor said JBL is not fake enough.  I side with the editor, I don't think JBL is at all fake enough.  Look, if you're having the argument, it should be about Mr. McMahon.

 

--IWA Mid South had a fund raiser for the Hartman Center after school programs tonight at the Hartman Rec Center in Joliet, IL with Jason Hades vs. Prince Mustafa Ali, plus the return of Mickie Knuckles

 

--Chris Nowinski was on the TSN Daily show "That's Hockey" doing a story on head trauma and brain damage among hockey players.  The story noted head shots are on the rise in hockey and talked about a minor league hockey player who is on life support after his head, without a helmet, hit the ice.  Nowinski noted it's very strange to ask adults to donate their brains after they die, and that only one NHL player has agreed to do so. (thanks to Steve Khan) 

 

--CZW on 1/10 at the Alhambra in Philadelphia

 

--CMLL on Monday in Puebla:  Centella de Oro & Legionario b Karisma & Sauron, Asturiano & Hijo del Faraon & Pegasso Xtreme b Policeman & Semental & Toro Bill Jr., Mascarita Dorada & Pequeno Olimpico & Ultimo Dragoncito b Pequeno Black Warrior & Pequeno Violencia & Pierrothito, Black Warrior & Dragon Rojo & Sangre Azteca b Blue Panther & Mictlan & Valiente, Atlantis & Ultimo Guerrero & Rey Bucanero b Dos Caras Jr. & Marco Corleone & Shocker

 

--BANG tomorrow night in Ocala, FL at the Funking Conservatory has Dory Funk, Awesome Kong and Hack Myers appearing      

 

--The Wall Street Journal has an article on indie wrestling based off the movie "The Wrestler" at http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122963256639519363.html?mod=googlenews_wsj

 

--The Los Angeles Times has an article on how pro wrestling saved UPN (evidently didn't save it well enough) and it's doing the same for MyNetwork at http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/news/la-et-channel19-2008dec19,0,2260579.story

 

--Rob Van Dam is booked on 3/14 in Newcastle, England at the Lightfoot Centre for Superstar Wrestling.  David Taylor appears for the group on 1/24

 

--There is a Jeff Hardy interview at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3o-c5_FcAZE  Nothing like interviewing a guy giving complete body language like he doesn't want to be filmed, but doesn't want to be rude either.

 

--Gregory Conley said that on last night's Smackdown show in Philadelphia, Matt Striker did a segment pushing a local area house show, plugged tickets for the Bash coming this summer, and Miz & Morrison did a localized promo making fun on Philadelphia.

 

--FIP from last night in Melbourne, FL:  Rhett Titus b Grizzly Redwood, Heartbreak Assassins b British Lions, Brad Attitude b Chasyn Rance, Erick Stevens & Roderick Strong b Sal Rinauro & Jason Blade, Gran Akuma b Sean Osborne and Jigsaw, Dark City Fight Club b Lifeguards, Chris Jones b Kenny King, Go Shiozaki was DQ'd and kept the FIP title in three-way against Erick Stevens and Roderick Strong.  Tyler Black, scheduled on the show, had a weather delay and couldn't make it to town in time.  They run tonight in Crystal River, FL at the National Guard Armory with Shiozaki vs. Black and Kenny King & Jason Blade defend the tag titles against Stevens & Strong

 

--NWA Anarchy's Season Beatings show tonight in Cornelia, GA at the NWA Arena

 

--Pro Wrestling Xtreme tonight in Orlando at the Central Florida Fairgrounds Pavilion with Sabu vs. Sandman in a TLC match, Demolition Ax & Smash vs. Heartbreak Express plus Balls Mahoney

 

--Armando Estrada turned 30 today

 

--Rich Tate's Atlanta wrestling nostalgia

51 years ago today:  Ray Gunkel beat Gorgeous George in the main event

48 years ago in Macon:  Fred Blassie beat Tiny Evans to win the Southern title in a cage match and Darling Dagmar beat Baby Cheryl for the Midget women's world title

47 years ago in Columbus:  The Assassins kept the Southern tag titles beating Nick & Jerry Kozak

45 years ago:  Eddie Graham beat Mighty Hercules

40 years ago:  The Assassins put up their masks and won the world tag team tiles from Ray Gunkel & Buddy Fuller

34 years ago at the Omni:  Rocky Johnson beat World champion Jack Brisco via DQ in the main event, plus Mr. Wrestling II beat Buddy Colt in a Texas death match, Jerry Brisco beat Crusher Blackwell and Robert Fuller & Jimmy Golden beat Bob Orton Jr. & Ronnie Garvin

33 years ago in Griffin:  Bobo Brazil beat Moondog Mayne in the main event plus The Spoiler beat Mr. Wrestling II