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        We're looking for your thoughts on Saturday night's UFC 92, 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're looking for reports from tonight's WWE tapings in Manchester, NH, which is sold out.  They will be taping ECW first, and then Raw, featuring Shawn Michaels vs. JBL vs. Chris Jericho vs. Randy Orton with the winner facing John Cena at the Royal Rumble.  Cable guides also list they will be announcing the participants in the Royal Rumble on tonight's show.  There will be a women's Battle Royal with Candice Michelle, Melina, Mickie Jams, Kelly Kelly, Jillian Hall and Katie Lea Burchill with the winner getting a shot at Beth Phoenix at the Royal Rumble.  We're looking for any dark matches, ECW plus anything else that doesn't go on the air live at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it   

 

        We're also looking for reports on the Saturday night  Raw house show in Trenton.

 

        Tuesday is the Smackdown tapings for both 1/2 and 1/9 at the Izod Center in East Rutherford, NJ.  Main event for show #1 is Matt & Jeff Hardy vs. Edge & Big Show.  There will also be a Raw house show in Portland, ME on Tuesday.

 

        Very late Tuesday/early Wednesday is the annual K-1 Dynamite New Year's Eve show.  The show will not air on TV in the U.S., but is considered the most important MMA show of the year in Japan.

 

        Our 2008 business year in review issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter is out today.  The issue has a rundown of the biggest shows of 2008, the biggest live event drawing cards and who drew the most big crowds in 2009 as well as a three-year total of the biggest draws over the past three years.

 

        We also have a complete 2008 PPV rundown of every event from wrestling, MMA and boxing in North America on PPV and how it did.  We also have a listing of the biggest money live events of the year, as well as a chart on how WWE, FEG, CMLL, AAA, NOAH and UFC all did as far as big shows in 2008 as compared with the previous two years, as well as a breakdown of the top 15 PPV events of the year and how the events broke down by promotion.

 

        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 also have a look at what UFC needs out of the 12/27 event to set the all-time annual PPV record, as well as a look at the value of both Brock Lesnar and Randy Couture to that record.  We also look at the three year totals and what they mean regarding future Hall of Fame candidates.

 

        We look at the two promotions which are clearly weakening going into 2009 and why, as well as what aspects of WWE business looks good and not so good.  We compare WWE big shows of 2008 with those in 2007 including why the big shows were up or down, as well as how the range of shows changed.  We compare PPV numbers in both years, as well as what WWE wrestler was the biggest PPV draw based on non-major show average for 2008.

 

        We also look at the big show prospects for the next year in WWE and UFC, as well as the most watched TV match of the year in Japan and the U.S.

 

        We also have an update on Wrestlemania, and how the injury to Dave Bautista impacts booking.

 

        We also have a look at a legitimate brawl that took place at the Christmas party of one of the major promotions.

 

        We've got more on the future of Pro Wrestling NOAH, which is going to have a rough 2009, with more about the loss of network TV.

 

        We also have a major story on the death of Justin Levens, including comparing and contrasting with situation with that of Chris Benoit.  ]

 

        We also have a major story on the history of pro wrestling at Texas Stadium.  We look back at all eight shows held in the stadium between 1972 and 1988, and talk about the buildup, the personalities, and the stars who appeared on all of those major events.  We look at how one of the legendary all-time rivalries in wrestling history had a chapter long before it was famous at the old Turnpike Stadium.  We look at Dory Funk Jr.'s thoughts about what was probably the biggest title defense of his four-year NWA title reign at Texas Stadium.  We look at the politics behind the Ric Flair-Kerry Von Erich title change.  We look at the Fritz Von Erich retirement show, Kerry Von Erich's rise and fall from superstardom, as well as the decline and fall of the Von Erich spectacular.

 

        We also have more on the WWE's new TV deal, an update on the Raven lawsuit, an update on Tomko and WWE, more on Jeff Hardy, the destruction of the site of a famous Wrestlemania event and an interesting note about the WWE championship belt. 

 

        We also have a look at a unique pro wrestling show held this past week, where everyone on the card except for two people were more than 50 years old, where the spectators were also old, and what happened, including showing films of some of the legendary matches.

 

        We also have our weekly rundown of the ratings in more detail than anywhere else, as well as results from the major league house shows during the week and the major TV show reviews.

 

        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 issues:

 

--A major promotion world title changes possibly due to champion leaving for WWE

 

--More tribute shows for a 70s and 80s promotion using the top stars from that period as the main eventers

 

--A major feud idea falls about over money issues

 

--A mayor promotes a wrestling show and draws one of the biggest crowds of the year

 

--Former WWE stars gets a look in a new major promotion while another is having people try and get him in

 

--Early 90s star debuts under a mask with a new name

 

--Update on high paid indie guys and whether promoters are making money with them

 

--U.S. names appearing on the big season opening shows in Puerto Rico

 

--Biggest show in Dragon Gate history

 

--What pro wrestler appears on two different networks on New Year's Eve

 

--Update on New Japan finances

 

--More talk about the New Japan Tokyo Dome show

 

--Notes on TV of the show

 

--A look at New Japan's last show of the year

 

--Multi-promotional show

 

--Sports Illustrated makes several references to wrestling and MMA

 

--Lots more on the movie "The Wrestler":

 

--Mick Foley and Ric Flair talk the movie

 

--Stars at the premiere

 

--What happened with Mickey Rourke and Ric Flair

 

--Update on Flair business

 

--Current stars TV show gets canceled

 

--New TV deal announced for a famous pro wrestler

 

--TNA stars sign new contract

 

--Update on Suicide in TNA

 

--What TNA star did an MMA match a few years ago against a person who was in one of the biggest matches of this past year

 

--New award for Georges St. Pierre

 

--Next Anderson Silva title defense

 

--Update on business of last UFC show

 

--Lots of new UFC lineups

 

--UFC changing ticket price structuring significantly and why

 

--Update on UFC injuries

 

--UFC star named Coolest Man in the country

 

--Update on next season of Ultimate Fighter

 

--Who Chuck Liddell wants to fight next

 

--Tito Ortiz talks contract

 

--Brock Lesnar talks about his UFC experience

 

--Lesnar turns down major offer

 

--Updates on the New Year's Eve show

 

--What pro wrestling Hall of Famer recruited Bob Sapp's next opponent

 

--More on Affliction pay

 

--Update on Affliction PPV

 

--Update on Gilbert Yvel and his licensing procedure

 

--More on the next Sengoku show

 

--A pro wrestler enters grappling world championships and several MMA stars medal

 

--Saturday Night Main Event DVD notes and what famous matches are on it

 

--Kofi Kingston's childhood wrestling hero

 

--More on JBL's company

 

--Best selling DVDs

 

--Main matches for next Mexico tour

 

--Update from developmental

 

--Who are considered the top people in developmental

 

--What two roles were a current WWE TV newcomer considered for in 2007 and why they fell through

 

        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.

 

 

--It wasn't obvious how the Maryse injury happened last night in Raleigh.  She was making a tag out to Natalya in a tag match against the Bella Twins and just went down, holding her knee.  She dislocated her kneecap.  Nothing has been said about the status of the Divas title.  Since they don't know how long she'll be out of action, the decision on stripping her of the title or not probably will be made when word on that gets back.

 

--There is visitation all day today for Rollin Hard, who passed away on Friday after a long battle with cancer, at the Owen Funeral Home, 5317 Dixie Highway in Louisville.  The funeral is at noon tomorrow.  You can send monetary donations to the funeral home to help pay for funeral costs, instead of sending flowers, which would be of greater help to his wife and children.  You can send a card to his wife by sending to the Funeral home c/o Roland Montgomery's Family.

 

--Naruki Doi beat Shingo Takagi last night in Fukuoka to win the Dragon Gate Open the Dream Gate title in the company's last big show of the year.

 

--SummerSlam will be held on August 23, 2009 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles

 

--Mickey Rourke blasted Sean Penn as a homophobe and average actor at http://www.thedailybeast.com/blogs-and-stories/2008-12-29/rourke-trashes-penn/ 

 

--Gabriel Ramirez, who uses Rey Misterio and El Hijo de Rey Misterio noted to us that he has never tried to mislead people into thinking one of them is the WWE star.  He said it's unfair to him for what other promoters have been doing, and has even had Misterio Sr. talk at his shows saying who his son is and who his nephew (Rey Mysterio in WWE) is.  He also noted Rey Sr. is not on the 2/21 show in King City, but El Hijo de Rey Misterio and Blue Demon Jr. are the headliners on that card. 

 

--WAMMA announced today that Wednesday's Eddie Alvarez vs. Shinya Aoki match would decide the "first ever undisputed lightweight champion."  Undisputed?  The belt will be awarded to the winner at a ceremony at a later date.  Alvarez is 15-1, and 4-0 as a lightweight and was in two of the best matches of the year already with Joachim Hansen and Tetsuya Kawajiri.  Aoki is 18-3 and is probably the current most popular MMA fighter of the Japanese hardcore fan base.  WAMMA's press release mentions that in WAMMA's own ratings, B.J. Penn is the No. 1 ranked lightweight.  The explanation by Michael Lynch, CEO of WAMMA is that Penn hasn't fought since 5/24 and his next fight is at welterweight so his future in the division is in question, and noted Alvarez and Aoki are ranked No. 2 and No. 3.  This would be the second WAMMA title awarded, with the first being Fedor Emelianenko as heavyweight.

 

--Innovative Beverage Group Holdings announced today a deal with Layfield Distribution to distribute JBL's drinks in 34 counties in Tennessee.

 

--We got e-mails about more problems from Rogers Cable, including in Toronto, as far as getting UFC on PPV.  Since we have a lot of feedback usually from Toronto, were there problems throughout or just isolated?

 

--Which of these prospective events do you think will do the most PPV buys?

Lesnar vs. Mir 35.6%

Wrestlemania 25 34.0%

Mayweather vs. Pacquiao 30.5% 

 

--Poll on Impact from Thursday

Excellent 15.2%

Good 22.8%

Average 17.7%

Fair 10.1%

Poor 34.2%

        50.3% of those responding didn't see the show

 

--Poll on Smackdown from Friday

Excellent 18.4%

Good 33.0%

Average 27.2%

Fair 6.8%

Poor 14.6%

        35.6% of those responding didn't see the show

 

--Quite strange note in today's New York Daily News gossip section on Vince McMahon, just saying "WWE honcho Vince McMahon in an uber-tight T-shirt eyeing a pretty lass in a Florida airport so hard, she got up and left."  A bodybuilder in a tight T-shirt staring at a woman is suddenly newsworthy, even if he's wealthy.  (thanks to Joe Puccio)

 

--The Buffalo News has a short item about Rashad Evans winning the light heavyweight title at http://www.buffalonews.com/sports/story/535077.html

 

--The 2/8 Smackdown house show in Barstow, CA has been canceled.  The 2/9 show in Bakersfield has been moved to the 2/8 date. (thanks to Devin Cutting)

 

--Steve K when talking about the ESPN.com headline from a few days ago which claimed Forrest Griffin was African-American, noted the Cheers & Jeers TV Guide deal ripping on WWE for Steve Austin whipping an African-American on TV.  The African-American in question they mentioned was Tazz.

 

--A note on yesterday's mention of RDS in Canada.  It's not a Quebec station per se.  It's a national French language TSN station which is watched predominately in Quebec (thanks to Adam Lebow)

 

--We will be doing a new Wrestling Observer radio show tonight after Raw.  We'll be talking mostly pro wrestling including the build to Wrestlemania and Royal Rumble.  If you've got any questions on pro wrestling or MMA you can send them to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it and we'll try and get to as many as we can.

 

 

--For those in Sweden, TV4Sport has UFC programming every day this week and Viasat Sport has Elite XC programming every night this week.  Among the things being shown are the first Elite XC show on CBS, UFC 80, 81, 82, 83, 89, 90 and 91.

 

--NWA on 1/3 in Birch Run, MI at the Birch Run Expo with Shannon Moore vs. Bull Pain plus Tyson Dix and Silas Young

 

--Lanny Poffo works 1/24 in St. Thomas, ONT and 1/25 in Tillsonburg, ONT

 

--Geza Kalman Jr., a former UFC fighter, appears for Pure Wrestling Association on 1/4 in Hamilton, ONT

 

--AWA is not on tonight on ESPN Classics, but will be on at midnight the rest of the week.  They also have an AWA marathon from 2-7 p.m. on Friday on ESPN Classics (thanks to Jeff Sheridan) 

 

--On Jimmy Fallon's web site, a fan asked him a question about HHH and he admits to being a fan at http://www.latenightwithjimmyfallon.com in the 12/26 Q&A.  Fallon will be moving to the Conan O'Brien time slot.

 

--Rampage Pro Wrestling from yesterday in Warner-Robins, GA before 275 fans:  Oko Nono b Kyle Matthews, A.J. Steele won three-way over Rob Adonis and Kodiak, Colt Derringer b Chip Day, Tracy Taylor & Sumie Sakai b Melissa Coates & Genni Right, Cru Jones & Sal Rinauro & Frankie Valentine b Micah Taylor & J-Rod & Johnny Gayton.  Ron Simmons managed the babyfaces in the main event (thanks to Dustin Robinson)

 

--I Believe in Wrestling on 1/3 in Orlando at the Downtown Rec Center featuring Chasyn Rance, Larry Zbyszko, Becky Bayless and more    

 

--NWS in Long Branch, NJ on 12/27 before 150 fans:  Zack Novack & Travis Blake b Nate Mustang & Antonio Malave, Wild Breed b J.D. Smoothie & Bobby Firehawk, Vicious Vinny d Corey Havoc, TNT & Saddam Insane & Prince Cameltoe & Hasheem Ali b Romano Gualao & Dan Rageous & Wasted Youth & B.Fehrm, Mikey Pacifica won four-way over Nicky Oceans, Golden Lynx and Nikko the Monkey Man, Crowbar b Julio Dinero in a tables match.  Next shows are 1/23 in Sayreville, NJ with a tag team tournament, 1/24 in Ridgefield, Park, NJ and 1/25 in Christiana, DE

 

--Pro Wrestling Fusion on 1/9 in Davie, FL at the PAL and 1/10 in Fort Pierce, FL at the PAL. Steve Madison and Jerrelle Clark work the first night and Prince Iaukea, Roderick Strong and Bruiser Bradley work the second night

 

--USWO from Friday night in Nashville before 83 fans:  They did a ten count for Rollin Hard to open the show and L.T. Falk spoke about him:  Shawn Hoodrich b Convict Clown, Lee Cross b Psycho Medic, Jason Xavier b Petey Wright and Chris Norte, Super Delirious Black Ninja b Jeremiah Plunkett, Saint & Tim Renesto b Shane Eden & Derrick Neal and Damien Payne & Josh Crowe, Michael Jablonski b Mitch Ryder (thanks to Jimmie Daniel)   

 

--Division 1 Pro Wrestling on 1/23 in Hollywood, FL at the Boulevard Heights Community Center

 

--Gary Graham at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it is looking for anyone who has a VHS tape of the FCW TV show that Randy Orton was on, as well as looking to hear from anyone who attended one of the Raw house shows this weekend for his Orton career record book.