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        We're looking for reports tonight on the Raw house show in Lake Charles, LA, the Smackdown house show in Tyler, TX, as well as the shows late tonight/early tomorrow at the Tokyo Dome and Saitama Super Arena from New Japan and Sengoku at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

 

        Weigh-ins for Sengoku and lineup for tonight, which is a network prime time special on TV Tokyo:

Hidetake Irie (203.9) vs. Minoru Kato (202.6)

Maximo Blanco (154.0) vs. Seigo Inoue (153.8)

Dave Herman (242.7) vs. Choi Mu Bae (260.3)

Eiji Mitsuoka (153.8) vs. Sergey Golyaev (153.6)

Antonio Silva (260.0) vs. Yoshihiro Nakao (225.3)

King Mo (204.2) vs. Yukiya Naito (202.0)

Hidehiko Yoshida (204.4) vs. Sanae Kikuta (201.1)

Kazuo Misaki (181.9) vs. Jorge Santiago (180.8) to create Sengoku middleweight title

Takanori Gomi (153.8) vs. Satoru Kitaoka (154.0) to create Sengoku lightweight title

 

        The biggest pro wrestling event of the year is late tonight (technically Sunday in Japan) at the Tokyo Dome:

*Minoru & Taichi Ishikari & Milano Collection A.T. vs. Mitsuhide Hirasawa & Kazuchika Okada & Nobuo Yoshihashi

*Mistico & Ryusuke Taguchi & Prince Devitt vs. Gedo & Jado & Averno

*Jushin Liger & Takuma Sano vs. Wataru Inoue & Koji Kanemoto

*Yujiro & Tetsuya Naito defend IWGP jr. tag titles against Chris Sabin & Alex Shelley

*Low Ki defends IWGP jr. title against Tiger Mask

*Riki Choshu & Masahiro Chono & Kurt Angle & Kevin Nash vs. Giant Bernard & Takashi Iizuka & Tomohiro Ishii & Karl Anderson

*Yuji Nagata vs. Masato Tanaka for Zero-One world title

*Jun Akiyama vs. Manabu Nakanishi

*Togi Makabe & Toru Yano vs. Team 3-D in a hardcore match for IWGP heavyweight tag titles

*Keiji Muto vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi for IWGP heavyweight title

        Some of these matches are being taped for a TNA Global Impact special, which will pretend the eight-man match is the main event on this show  

 

 

 

        With a feature on WWE booking leading to Wrestlemania, including current Smackdown plans for two of the key matches penciled in and looking at both sides of the arguments as to the title situation as well as coverage of UFC 92 and the Japanese New Year's Eve K-1 and Hustle shows are among the features in the two issues of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter that will be out next week.  We also have an article on the death of Justin Eilers and where every promotion is most popular both internationally and domestically. 

 

        The first issue is already available to web site premium subscribers today and the second will be available later this week.

 

        We also have an update on Batista and questions regarding the booking when he is ready to return.

 

        The story on the first house shows with Jeff Hardy as champion, how he's been received, what the current plans going forward are including the wrestler not yet under contract who is being considered for a major Wrestlemania match.  We look at how the booking at Wrestlemania always changes and what the key arguments on the Smackdown main event side are.

 

        We also talk about the realities of Darren Aronofsky's feeling that wrestlers should be part of the Screen Actors Guild and what steps would need to happen for that to be a reality.  We also look at how the difference in the type of people in wrestling today as opposed to 20 years ago also affects this process.

 

        We look at a newcomer who has been pushed on TV and is already being soured on, as well as future of MVP, and just how big John Cena is and why a heel turn isn't being considered.  We also have a look at a wrestler not yet in WWE who has told people he will debut at the Royal Rumble as well as what crackdown has been privately complained about by many in WWE and looking at the arguments on that crackdown.

 

        We also have full coverage of UFC 92, as well as what lessons and the long-term realities of MMA when it comes to generational stars.  We look at what happened with Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira, including what may have been the cause for his poor performance.  We look at what Frank Mir said to Brock Lesnar after his win and potential business of that match.  We look at how the crowd reactions at weigh-ins differed from the live event.  We look at plenty of other matches now being talked about coming off what happened at UFC 92.  We look at future matches for Quinton Jackson and Chuck Liddell.

 

        We also have business notes from UFC 92 including some early indications on how the show did overall.  We look at both the positives and negatives of the show, match-by-match coverage, base pay, bonuses and more.

 

        We also have a huge feature on the death of Justin Eilers, and the person that he was.  We look at the circumstances, what led to the circumstances, and what charges are against the person who shot him. 

 

        We've also got full coverage of the K-1 New Year's Eve show as well as notes on the biggest event in ROH history with the Final Battle card, including eye witness accounts of the Austin Aries incident with a fan.

 

        We've got a feature on the most popular performers in pro wrestling and MMA in 2008 based on web interest, which turned out to yield some very surprising results.  We look at old guard like Hogan, Flair, Austin and Rock compared with the current stars like Cena, HHH and more, including a few major surprises on the list and being as high as they were.  The story also looks at the differences in popularity level of wrestlers, boxers and MMA fighters in the U.S.

 

        We also look at UFC vs. WWE, where each is more popular when it comes to states and major cities, and how its similarities and lack of similarities with pro wrestling affect UFC's attempt to go national.  We also look at the value of network vs. cable in 2008, what three WWE stars are under pushed, and what major drawing cards are not near the top 25 when it comes to popularity.

 

        We've also got a look at WWE house shows in what is traditionally the best week of the year to draw, the week after Christmas.  In particular, we look at the Madison Square Garden show, and how it differed from other shows this past week.

 

        The Wrestling Observer ranges from 25,000 to 40,000 words covering pro wrestling and MMA all over the world.

 

        Each issue has coverage and analysis of all the major news, plus every issue breaks major news stories before the Internet sites and has the most complete look at the business as a whole anywhere.  The Observer is now in its 27th year of being the leading insider pro wrestling publication in the world. The biggest and most influential names in the pro wrestling industry as well as the MMA industry, from bookers, to promoters to Hall of Fame wrestlers and fighters to the biggest current names, both on camera, and behind the scenes, along with thousands of readers in all 50 states and 30 countries subscribe.  Many have subscribed as long as 20 years or more straight. They get the most detailed and inside coverage of what is going on all over the world and an accuracy from having the most inside sources that can't be found on the web.  Everyone from Wall Street to the major offices to the TV networks in U.S. and Japan turn to the Observer for what is going on in the business. If you are a new subscriber ordering 24 or more issues, you can get one free classic issue of your choice sent to you today. With a 40 issue subscription, you can get two free classic issues sent to you today. Just send your Visa or Master Card order with your name, address, phone number, Visa or Master Card number and an expiration date to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or you can order by faxing that information to 408-244-3402. You can also subscribe via paypal at www.paypal.com and using the This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it address or subscribe via check, cash or money order, as well as credit card, by mail, by sending to Wrestling Observer Newsletter, P.O. Box 1228, Campbell, CA 95009-1228.
 

        We also have more awards including the biggest fan voting awards in Japan, so you can see who the Japanese audience felt was its MVP this year, as well as a listing of winners in previous years, as well as match of the year and other major awards.  We also have a look at MMA's biggest television show and its awards for this year.

 

        We've got full coverage of the craziest promotion in wrestling, with Hustle Mania, a network prime time New Year's Eve special that went head-to-head with the K-1 show.  We look at who were the key people on the network special, including how the two networks counter programmed their strong points against each other.

 

        We also have our regular features including all the TV ratings from the past week, results from the major league house shows and major TV show reviews.

 

        Also in this week's issues:

 

--Coverage of Dragon Gate's year-end show including a longtime unit breaking up and a new champion being crowned

 

--Winner of the Rikidozan award as Pro Wrestling NOAH's MVP

 

--Who is expected to get a major push in NOAH next year

 

--Update on Kenta Kobashi

 

--Death of a wrestler in training in Japan

 

--A look at the life of Rollin Hard

 

--The miracle experience of a member of one of wrestling's most famous families

 

--Update on trial of the doctor who treated Chris Benoit and which wrestlers he was said to be associated with

 

--Mick Foley complains to Sports Illustrated about what was written about him in the article on "The Wrestler"

 

--New match for Genesis

 

--TNA PPV schedule for 2009

 

--Update on the UFC 95 lineup

 

--Update on Matt Hughes vs. Matt Serra

 

--Update on UFC fundraising efforts coming from The Fight for the Troops show

 

--Update on the next season of Ultimate Fighter

 

--UFC headliner complains about fighter pay

 

--Update on WEC plans for 2009

 

--Interesting idea Dana White has talked about for Satoshi Ishii

 

--What market that UFC was planning on hitting in 2009 that looks to be out

 

--What top star just did a fight while needing knee surgery and when he's getting it

 

--Best selling MMA and pro wrestling DVDs

 

--A look back at Hulk Hogan vs. Terry Funk

 

--ECW getting a replay showing

 

--Regal talks about a WWE star who needs work in the ring

 

--Lance Storm talks about why C.M. Punk's matches are sometimes considered inconsistent and his thoughts

 

--WWE signs some wrestlers let go in the past

 

--A look at the movie "Behind Enemy Lines 3"

 

--Promotion making a major ticket price change that could be a big mistake

 

--NWA and CMLL talk about the longtime NWA titles that have been based in Mexico

 

--Former WWE star and U.S. indie guys get a look by an international promotion this past week

 

--Two wrestlers miss AAA Christmas party in protest and their issues

 

--Puerto Rico wrestling awards for 2008

 

--Note on Team 3-D in Japan

 

--One of biggest indie events of the year

 

--Promoter claims Hogan came to him for an idea of promoting Hogan led house shows

 

--Update on Dwayne Johnson and his next movies

 

--Update on Perry Saturn

 

--Lots more on the Wrestler including WWE private and public reaction

 

--Business notes on the movie "The Wrestler"

 

--Former tag champs open a wrestling school

 

--Looking back at "Wrestling with Shadows"

 

--Several wrestlers filming a movie in China including four ex-WWE performers

 

--80s star talks boxing match he's scheduled in

 

--Future of MMA on CBS and Showtime

 

--Current biggest drawing fighter in Japan and it's a name virtually unknown in wrestling or MMA circles

 

        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.

 

 

--We will be doing the weekend version of Wrestling Observer Live this afternoon, largely discussing the interviews that came out and Henry Waxman's letter to John Walters, the director of the Office of the National Drug Control policy, largely on the issue of drug usage and pro wrestling.  If you've got questions on the subject, we'll open up to phone calls so this is probably the best time for it.

 

--For U.K. ratings for the week ending 12/14, nothing from TNA or UFC made the cut.  Raw did 40,000 viewers live and 31,000 in a Friday replay.  Smackdown did 46,000 on the first run and 25,000 in a replay.  An Armageddon countdown show did 29,000. 

 

--Interviews with Ernest Miller, Roddy Piper, Greg Valentine and Chyna from The Wrestler premiere are at www.theringsidelive.com  

 

--Alex Marvez has an interview with Chris Jericho up at http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2009/jan/01/

 

--Butterbean is looking at moving into pro wrestling and is taking bookings at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

 

--There is a note about last night's WWE show in Fort Lauderdale at http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/other/story/835907.html  The author criticized fans who criticize John Cena.  Look, if people complain that Cena shouldn't be on top because they don't like him, then they don't see the big picture.  If people complain because they don't like Cena, that is their right as fans.  

 

--Tickets go on sale today for Smackdown at the Von Braun Center Arena in Huntsville for a 2/1 afternoon house show

 

--Lance Storm's latest Q&A is up at http://www.stormwrestling.com/010309.html

 

--Jersey All Pro Wrestling on 1/24 in Rahway, NJ has Hernandez vs. Necro Butcher as the main event (thanks to Mike Omansky)

 

--Poll on who wins Mir vs. Lesnar

Lesnar 76.6%

Mir 23.4%

 

--Who do you consider the biggest wrestling star in history?

Hulk Hogan 44.5%

Steve Austin 14.1%

Ric Flair 13.6%

The Rock 9.8%

El Santo 6.1%

Bruno Sammartino 2.8%

Rikidozan 2.8%

Andre the Giant 2.4%

Lou Thesz 1.5%

Antonio Inoki 1.4%

Giant Baba 0.8%

Buddy Rogers 0.3%

 

Who do you consider Japan's biggest foreign star?

Stan Hansen 31.3%

Bruiser Brody 12.7%

Terry Funk 12.1%

Bob Sapp 10.9%

Andre the Giant 9.4%

Hulk Hogan 8.2%

The Destroyer 6.0%

Fred Blassie 2.8%

Lou Thesz 2.6%

Mirko Cro Cop 2.2%

Mil Mascaras 1.4%

Fritz Von Erich 0.4% 

   

--This is actually for Jan. 1, but since we didn't get it in time for the report and that was historically a big night of wrestling in the heyday of Georgia wrestling, here were some of the highlights from Rich Tate:

79 years ago:  Jim Londos beat Milo Steinborn

74 years ago:  Orville Brown beat Dorv Roche via DQ in 48:00

49 years ago:  Ray Gunkel beat Mike Paidousis in a Texas death match, but an interesting semifinal had Babs Wingo defending the "Colored Women's title" beating Kathleen Wimbley.  Looking back today it is amazing they actually had such a thing.

46 years ago:  Choo Choo Lynn beat world champion Fred Blassie via DQ

43 years ago:  Eric & Karl Von Brauner and manager Saul Weingeroff no contest Ray Gunkel & Buddy Fuller & Sputnik Monroe

38 years ago:  Ray Gunkel & Fred Blassie & El Mongol beat Buddy Colt & The Assassins

32 years ago at the Omni:  Ricky Steamboat beat Bill Howard; Bob Backlund beat El Gaucho; Black Atlas (Tony Atlas) beat Bill White); Susan Greene won a women's Battle Royal, Killer Tim Brooks beat Raymond Rougeau; Cowboy Bill Watts beat Mongolian Stomper; Thunderbolt Patterson beat The Sheik; Dick Slater kept the Georgia title beating Dusty Rhodes via DQ; Abdullah the Butcher beat Mighty Igor via DQ; Ole & Gene Anderson kept the world tag team titles over Mr. Wrestling I & II

31 years ago at the Omni:  In top matches, Raymond Rougeau & Tommy Rich beat Randy Savage & Jacques (Rene) Goulet; Bob Armstrong kept the TV title beating Mongolian Stomper; Dick Slater & Tony Atlas & Mr. Wrestling II beat Ole Anderson & Pak Song & Ox Baker, Ernie Ladd & Abdullah the Butcher no contest Andre the Giant & Thunderbolt Patterson, Dusty Rhodes beat Georgia champ Stan Hansen via DQ with Dick Slater and Ole Anderson as referees

30 years ago at the Omni:  Thunderbolt Patterson beat Crazy Luke Graham to keep the TV title; Wahoo McDaniel beat Angelo Mosca; Dusty Rhodes & Tommy Rich beat Ernie Ladd & Stan Hansen; Mr. Wrestling II beat Georgia champ Masked Superstar via DQ; Jack & Jerry Brisco beat Dory & Terry Funk to win the Georgia tag team titles; World champion Harley Race no contest Andre the Giant

28 years ago at the Omni:  Bobby Eaton beat The Assassin; Jos LeDuc beat Jerry Oates; Steve Keirn drew Kevin Sullivan; Les Thornton beat Steve O to keep the NWA jr. title; Tony Atlas beat Alexis Smirnoff to keep the Georgia title; Mr. Wrestling II beat National champ Mongolian Stomper via DQ; Robert Fuller & Ted DiBiase beat National tag champs The Freebirds via DQ; Andre the Giant beat Hulk Hogan; Dusty Rhodes beat Ole Anderson in a no DQ main

27 years ago at the Omni:  Stan Hansen no contest Terry Gordy; Buzz Sawyer beat Mr. Wrestling II in a Texas death match; Bob & Brad Armstrong kept National tag titles over Dory & Terry Funk; Dick Slater pinned Great Kabuki; Andre the Giant beat Ricky Harris (Black Bart); and Tommy Rich & Bad Leroy Brown beat Superstar & Super Destroyer (Scott Irwin)

 

--Marc Warzecha, a former Observer reader has gotten some pub in Detroit for writing a directing a play for Second City in Novi, MI called "Kwame a River" spoofing former Detroit mayor Kwame Kilpatrick.  He used a ring announcer for various Michigan indie groups in the 90s. (thanks to Jake Koch)

 

--Supreme Wrestling Alliance on 1/11 in Huntington, WV at the Fairfield East Community College featuring Mark Canterberry as Shanghai Pierce and Gypsy Joe, who has to be closing in on 70

 

--Val Ferrel at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it is looking for New Japan DVDs 

 

--Bang from New Year's Eve all cage match show:  Dory Funk & Johnny Magnum & Elvis Sharpe b Blain Rage & Shane Chung & Biff Whitman, Claudia Reiff b Melissa Coates, Shane Chung b Blain Rage, Elvis Sharp won three-way over Biff Whitman and Johnny Romano  

--CWE on 1/16 in Youngstown, OH at the Wedge Nightclub

 

--Ed Loredo at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/Edward-Loredo has an interview with Brent Albright up

 

--Big Vito is doing a lot of European bookings in the next few months.  On 1/31, he's working for German Stampede Wrestling in Gysenberg, Germany.  He's doing a 2/12 to 2/22 tour of the U.K. and Ireland for Irish Whip Wrestling and IPW, and he's doing 3/25 to 4/3 for Nu Wrestling Evolution in France.  He's taking bookings at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it