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        Also in this week's issues:

 

--A women's head shaving coming up featuring top names

 

--More on AAA's next major arena U.S. tour

 

--One of the biggest drawing cards of a few years ago comes four hours from death and will be out of action for one year, and his career future is threatened significantly

 

--Behind Dr. Wagner Jr.'s latest moves

 

--Return to the ring of Kenta Kobashi

 

--Former ROH star getting a major push in Japan

 

--Son of Hall of Famer makes debut for NOAH this past week

 

--MMA promotion adds pro wrestling matches to its next show

 

--Lots more on the movie "The Wrestler"

 

--Pro wrestler does double-cross in worked match on boxing PPV

 

--Former pro wrestler battles with horrible disease

 

--Attempts to revive an 80s wrestling TV show

 

--European legend to make U.S. debut

 

--Jim Cornette talks pro wrestling and UFC

 

--Details of TNA's European tour

 

--More on UFC going into the gym business

 

--Update on ticket sales for UFC shows as well as updated PPV estimate for UFC 93

 

--More on upcoming UFC matches and why they've happened along with several recent changes

 

--More on death of Justin Eilers

 

--How Jack Swagger got into pro wrestling

 

--Jonathan Coachman talks his days in WWE

 

--Best selling pro wrestling DVDs

 

--WWE developmental notes

 

--WWE house show notes 

 

         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.

 

 

--Mike Knox was added to the Raw Elimination chamber match along with John Cena, Rey Mysterio, Kofi Kingston and Chris Jericho.  The final entrant will be added tonight.

 

--An update on the Vaseline scandal involving Georges St. Pierre and his corner from Saturday night's match.  As of press time, B.J. Penn's camp had not filed a complaint with the Nevada State Athletic Commission.  According to Keith Kizer, Executive Director of the Nevada State Athletic Commission, what happened was one of the commission inspectors saw Phil Nurse, as he rubbed Vaseline on St. Pierre's face after the first round, touch his back without wiping the Vaseline off.  Several commissioners were aware as the second round went on, and were watching closely after the second round, where they saw a person they identified as Greg Jackson (most stories say it was Nurse again), do the same thing.  If was between rounds two and three that the commotion took place with the commission reacting immediately and they wiped off St. Pierre's back.  They also wiped off St. Pierre's back again after round three.  Penn himself told an inspector on his side of the ring after round two that he thought St. Pierre was greased.  Kizer said both Lorenzo Fertitta and Dana White after the match and questioned whether Nurse or Jackson should ever be allowed to corner again.  White, who saw the incident between rounds two and three and was also alerted to the round one incident at some point in round two, said that he thought the guy (s) who did it, without mentioning any names, should be banned by the athletic commission from every cornering again.  Kizer said it was not gobs of Vaseline on St. Pierre's back, but the back was touched after the Vaseline was rubbed on his face, and before the hands were wiped clean with a towel.  Jackson told MMAweekly.com yesterday saying Nurse was doing a ritual  taught to him by a "witch doctor" named Steven Friend, who has worked with St. Pierre for years.  "We told our side of the story, we said we didn't mean to put any grease anywhere," said Jackson.  "If we were trying to grease the back,we'd be greasing up and down.  We would make it count.  We wouldn't do a little tiny spot in the back.  The whole thing doesn't make any sense, so they were fine with it once we gave our explanation."

 

--The fast nationals for the Super Bowl was a 42.5 rating and 65 share.  Last year's game was 45.3 and 67 share. 

 

--There was a WWE cameo in yesterday's Super Bowl as the USA Network took out an ad showing characters from all of their leading TV shows, including showing John Cena giving the "there it is" (at least, that's what Michael Cole called the former FU on Raw last week) on a guy through a park bench. (thanks to many) 

 

--Bryan and I will be back tonight for Wrestling Observer radio after Raw, covering tonight's show, weekend fallout and taking questions.  You can write in questions for tonight's show on pro wrestling or MMA, past, present or future, to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

 

--UFC television this week on Spike has a taped Fight Night from 2005 headlined by Evan Tanner vs. David Loiseau on Wednesday night at 9 p.m.  Saturday is a marathon day from 7-11 p.m. with two hours of Unleashed with random matches leading into the Fight Night from Tampa from 9-11 p.m. headlined by Joe Lauzon vs. Jeremy Stephens.  Sunday will be a UFC marathon of old fights from 4-10 p.m., including a new Ultimate Knockouts special from 9-10 p.m.  Among the Unleashed matches scheduled in the first five hours are Nick Diaz vs. Robbie Lawler, Tim Sylvia vs. Tra Telligman, Georges St. Pierre vs. Jay Hieron, Sylvia vs. Ricco Rodriguez, Frank Mir vs. Petey Williams, Randy Couture vs. Mike Van Arsdale, Mir vs. Tank Abbott and Chuck Liddell vs. Jeremy Horn.

 

--WWE sent out a press release citing that Smackdown has been the No. 1 show for Males under 50 among the networks on Fridays, that Raw is the No. 1 entertainment (in other words, not sports or news) show on cable for men and ECW is the top rated show on Sci-Fi among men.  The idea is to push that they are a good target market for sponsors aimed at men.

 

--TNA announced a European tour with tickets going on sale Wednesday for dates:

9/25 in Nuremberg, Germany

9/26 in Chemnitz, Germany

9/27 in Linz, Austria

9/29 in Dortmund, Germany

9/30 in Hannover, Germany

10/2 in Basel, Switzerland (thanks to Tim Graefe)

 

--The Wrestler was No. 16 at the box office this weekend, taking in an estimated $2.35 million, leaving it at $13.1 million

 

--Those drug tested after the show on Saturday night were St. Pierre, Penn, Lyoto Machida, Thiago Silva, Clay Guida, Nate Diaz, Stephan Bonnar, Johnny Jones, Jake O'Brien, John Howard, Thiago Tavares and Karo Parisyan 

 

--Poll on Smackdown

Excellent 14.5%

Good 29.9%

Average 29.9%

Fair 7.7%

Poor 17.9%

        34.6% of those responding didn't see the show

 

--If there was no Helio Gracie

There would be no MMA, pro wrestling would be the same in the U.S. but in Japan it would be more popular 16.4%

There would be no MMA in the U.S. and pro wrestling in both the U.S. and Japan would be more popular 9.4%

There would be a UWFI form of MMA in U.S. and Japan that would be popular 8.2%

There would be an original Pancrase form of MMA in the U.S. and Japan 7.6%

There would be a Pancrase form of MMA in Japan, but not U.S. 19.9%

There would be no MMA in the U.S. and Japan 6.4%

Nothing would change, MMA would be exactly where it is now 24.6%

 

--If you watched Impact on Thursday, who got over the most during the show that you'd want to spend money to see:

Georges St. Pierre (appeared in a few TV commercials) 46.1%

Kurt Angle 18.4%

Samoa Joe 14.1%

Sting 10.2%

Cain Velasquez 5.8% (several commercials)

Booker T 5.3%

    

 

--And in today's insanity, Kimo sent out a press release saying he is applying for the currently vacant position of the Executive Officer of the California State Athletic Commission.  Then again, Linda McMahon is up for a spot on the Connecticut Board of Education.

 

--Nigel McGuinness vs. D-Lo Brown for the TOH title has been announced for 2/7 in Orlando

 

--The first ROH TV tapings for HDNet will be from the Alhambra in Philadelphia on 2/28 and 3/1 

 

--Blood, Sweat & Ears Wrestling from yesterday in Brampton, ONT before 300 fans:  Cody 45 won elimination match, Bang Bang Pete & Christy Hemme b Curry Man & So Cal Val, Marcus Marquez b Brad Martin, Traci Brooks & Taylor Wilde b Cat Power & Xandra Bale, All-Starters b Assault & Battery-DQ, Xtremo won six-way over Frankie the Mobster, Ash, Tyson Dux, Joe Doering (All Japan) and Christopher Daniels.  Next show is 4/17

 

--Fighting Spirit Pro Wrestling from Saturday night in Welland, ONT before 100 fans:  Anthony Darko b Corey Mason, Gary Gambino & Atlantis & Ninja Assassin b Italianos & Chris Chaos, Mike Rollins & Josh Alexander b Andrew & Bruno Davis, Crazy Steve b Kris White, Jennifer Blake & Phil Latio b Sabrina Kyle & Jessy Jones, Kris Chambers b Joe Doering, Phil Atlas b Brad Martin (thanks to Steve Ashe)     

 

--We had a mistake on the Gold Coast Hotel phone number for special rates for those looking to attend the Cauliflower Alley Club activities.  The number to call is 888-402-6378

 

--POWW from Saturday night in Oswego, IL before 75 fans:  Great Malaki won three-way over Warm Carlos and Nick Cutler, Great Cheyenne b Melanie Cruise, Dehok b Donnie Dynamite, Warm Carlos won Battle Royal, Kanoa b Matt Mayhem, Jimmy Blaze & Black Iron & Trevor Blanchard b Ruff Crossing & Scott Spade & Chris Cairo (thanks to Rob Myers)

 

--NWA Underground from Saturday night in Goshen, IN:  Andrew Phelps b Adam Reynolds, Johnny Lawless b Great Makua, Tyson Judge b Russ Jones, Jake Omen won elimination match, Jack Verville b Gam Boy, Ian Rotten b Doink the Clown, Mickie Knuckles b Cameron Starr to win women's title, Blue Inferno b Travis Vendetta, Scotty Young & Ryan Rage won four-way, Jimmy Shalwin b Ian Rotten-DQ (thanks to Jeremy Parsons)

 

--JBL and Matt Striker were guests Saturday at the opening of Charlie and Jackie Haas' new Custom Muscle shop in Frisco, TX.  JBL was there representing Layfield Entertainment.

 

--USWO from Saturday night in Nashville before 99 fans:  Travis Starr & rakan Mathias b Dominator & Chris Norte, Stevie King b Otis Bass, Harold Knight & Lightning Bolt Kid & Chris Bomb b Convict & Dominator & Loco Uno, Saint b Anthony Wayne, L.T. Falk b Rudy Switchblade, Psycho Medic & Derrick Neal b L.A. Players & D'Angelo-DQ, Shane Eden & Steven Green & Cody Weatherby b Damien Payne & Josh Crowe & Kevin James, Nick Dinsmore b Chris Michaels (thanks to Jimmie Daniel)

 

--FCW runs 2/21 at the Lake County Fairgrounds in Eustis, FL with a Battle Royal

 

--Jerry Lynn headlines for IWF Premier Pro Wrestling on 2/22 in Golden, CO at the Buffalo Rose Saloon with a championship tournament

    

--Insanity Pro Wrestling on 2/7 in Indianapolis at the Fountain Square Salvation Army Community Center headlined by Jon Moxley vs. Drake Younger

 

--Chris Masters appears on 3/6 in Newark, CA for Big Time Wrestling

 

--NWS drew sellouts, with Kevin Nash as the top draw, on 1/30 in Manville, NJ and 1/31 in Brick, NJ.  However, with Nash's elbow infection, he didn't appear.  So Big Daddy V, Balls Mahoney and Little Guido were all contacted as late additions and refunds were offered.  First night:  J.D. Smoothie & Shadow b Nikko the Monkey Man & Paco Libro, Danny Demanto & Trixie Lynn b Antonio Malave & Brooke Carter, King Nagumbo & Draven b Jack Spade & Jersey Cowboy, Dr. Lamar Braxton Porter NC Little Guido, The Patriot & Nate Mustang & Rich Lowinski b Corvis Fear & Nicky Oceans & Shane Taylor, Mike Quest d Fright Mare, Big Daddy V & Balls Mahoney & Little Guido b Braxton & Sal Sincere & The Equalizer.  Kevin Sullivan managed the ECW team.  Second night:  Wasted Youth b J.D. Smoothie, Nicky Oceans & Shane Taylor b Nikko the Money Man & Slayer, Danny Demanto & Nagumbo b Ryan Blackheart & Cameron Shaft, Equalizer NC Guido, Antonio Malave & Steve Zapf b A.C. Kewl & Sole Assassin, Myke Quest NC Travis Blake, Big Daddy V & Balls Mahoney & Little Guido b Sal Sincere & Equalizer & Braxton.  Next shows are 2/6 in Middletown, NJ at the VFW Hall and 2/7 in Edison, NJ at the St. Matthew's School gym featuring Jay Lethal and Bushwhacker Luke

 

--Genichiro Tenryu turned 59 today, making him one of the oldest active full-time wrestlers.  Becky Bayless turned 27. 

 

--Rich Tate's Atlanta wrestling nostalgia:

49 years ago in Macon:  Freddie Blassie beat Joey Maxim in the third round of a wrestler vs. boxer match.  Fabulous Moolah beat Fran Gravette to keep the women's title

47 years ago:  The Assassins beat Tojo Yamamoto & Taro Myaki via DQ so The Assassins kept the U.S. tag team titles

41 years ago:  Mr. Wrestling & Enrique & Alberto Torres beat Tarzan Tyler & Dr. M & El Mongol

38 years ago in Macon:  Bob Armstrong & Bob Griffin beat Buddy Colt & Skandor Akbar.  A young Jose Gonzalez as Sabu Singh, beat Nick Adams, who was a bear wrestling trainer

36 years ago:  Cowboy Bill Watts & Fred Blassie beat Jack Crawford & Norvell Austin & Tarzan Tyler

35 years ago in Griffin:  Robert Fuller beat Mr. Wrestling II on top

33 years ago in Augusta:  The Spoiler beat Dick Slater in a cage match

31 years ago in Rome:  Dusty Rhodes beat Abdullah the Butcher via DQ

30 years ago at the Omni:  Ole Anderson & Ivan Koloff beat Dusty Rhodes & Cowboy Bill Watts via DQ to keep the Georgia tag titles, Masked Superstar kept the Georgia title losing via count out to Thunderbolt Patterson, Ernie Ladd beat Mr. Wrestling Tim Woods to keep the North American title, The Sheik beat Tony Atlas, Blackjack Lanza beat Tommy Rich, and Stan Hansen & Angelo Mosca beat Jack Brisco & Mr. Wrestling II 

26 years ago in Columbus:  Tommy Rich & Paul Orndorff & Ray Candy beat Ole  Anderson & Ivan Koloff & Buzz Sawyer

 

--Former WWE wrestler Maven Huffman was on the Home Shopping Network selling Super Bowl memorabilia yesterday (thanks to Joshua Sims)

 

--PWA from Friday night in Hamilton, ONT:  Moondog Buddy b Kingdom James, Mr. Atlantis b Lak Siddartha, Tommy Ryder b Jessy Jones, Scotty O'Shea won four-way over Colin Delaney, Ethan Page and Rip Impact, Easy E & Sabrina Kyle b Reck & NRC, Eddie Osbourne b Gurv Sirha, Robbie McAllister b Geza Kalman-DQ.  Next show is 2/22 with The Highlanders on top

 

--Scott Whitt in Houston said yesterday when he clicked on WWE 24/7 under Big Events, it had the Affliction PPV show from last week    

 

--NWA MSW TV taping on 2/7 in Hinton, WV at the Summers County Memorial Building

 

--John Cena was shown on TMZ.com. today.  Nothing much to it.  They tried to play it up like he said Chyna was really a guy, but he was ambushed at the airport, asked who would win a fight between Vince McMahon and Chyna, said Vince and joked Chyna had a fruit basket and then said he was only kidding, and then he plugged his movie.  Pretty lame.

 

--BANG from yesterday in Ocala, FL:  Dory Funk & Johnny Magnum & Osamu Nishimura b Blain Rage & Shane Chung & Jumbo Elvis, Biff Whitman  b Bruno Marciano, Wahoo McDaniel Jr. b Blain Rage, Jumbo Elvis b Johnny Romano, The Claw over Miss Charlotte and Miss Rachel.  Next show is 3/1 featuring Awesome Kong 

 

--Ric Flair appears Saturday night for a peaking appearance at the Myer Horowitz Theater in Edmonton.  There is a story on this at http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2009/01/30/8211656.html

 

--An issue of New York magazine from December talked about James Oladipo Buremoh, a tour bus driver in New York.  He claimed in the story to be a king in Nigeria, was a pro wrestler as Ladi the African Tiger, that he was picked out of a crowd by Ernie Ladd to wrestle, worked with Jim Duggan, Andre and Dr. Death (?) and promoted in Nigeria where he was the Hulk Hogan of Nigeria (apparently not meaning the biggest wrestling star, but the guy who tells the most made up stories). (thanks to C.M. Geller)