WED. UPDATE: 2 WRESTLERS APPARENTLY KILLED; UFC IN U.K. UPDATE; LAWSUIT OVER WWE LICENSE;CARANO;ECW


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        We're looking for reports on tonight's Smackdown and ECW tapings in Bakersfield, which are for next week.
 
        UFC Fight for the Troops from December 10, 2008, airs 9 p.m. to midnight tonight on Spike.  This was one of the most brutal shows as far as people getting hurt, including a scary Josh Koscheck knockout of Yoshiyuki Yoshida.
 
        Our lead story in Monday's issue of the Observer looks at the WWE mid-card shakeup, plans for the next WWE PPV, next week's Raw TV show, a look at the newcomers to WWE and how they are being viewed right now, as well as coverage of The Bash, with poll results, match-by-match coverage and star ratings.
 
        We also have a look at changes in UFC policy that has made a lot of people unhappy and looks to cut into the income of fighters as well as the latest shot fired in the video game wars.
 
        We've got a ton of stuff from the Raw tapings, including how the crowd was different, the reactions to different wrestlers, and where the angles are going.
 
        We also have an updated look at Bobby Lashley, his fight with Bob Sapp, as well as the Ultimate Chaos PPV show.
 
        The issue is available today for subscribers to the web site.

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        We look at the match Lashley had to turn down scheduled for this summer with another former major pro wrestling star, Lashley's promo ability, Lashley's goals for the next year, as well as Tom Atencio's fighting and talking.
 
        We also have a feature updating Lee Murray, as well as a detailed look at The Ultimate Fighter reality show, who watches the show, and how the audience has changed in every major demo since season one.  We look at the TUF season and does that make it easier to sell PPV shows, paradoxes about the rating and who watches, as well as how rival coaches fighting on PPV after the season is helped by the show.
 
        We've got an update on the condition of Gerald Brisco, more on Lilian Garcia leaving WWE and possible replacements, first word on Wrestlemania tickets and scalping, PPVs being dropped, TV show changes   
 
        We've also got a detailed look at the ratings, including segment-by-segment on Impact and Raw and lots more on the biggest Raw number in years.  We also look at how USA's quarter was affected by the big Raw number, as well as an updated look at DVR's and their effect on ratings.  We also look at how each segment on the commercial-free Raw did, including a few surprises as far as what was the highest rated segment, and what key segment actually lost viewership.
 
        We also have our regular weekly features including results of the major league arena shows held around the world, as well as the major TV show reviews.

        Also in this week's issue:
 
--What WWE wrestler named his son after what MMA champion
 
--Edge on ladder matches
 
--Discussion of drug testing, Jeff Hardy and Umaga
 
--Who HHH pushed as the company's best new stars
 
--Why Smackdown is so much better than Raw
 
--WWE vs. UFC on the web, where each one has the advantage over the other
 
--Several new WWE signings
 
--New WWE international tours
 
--New PPV names being discussed
 
--Best selling MMA and wrestling DVDs
 
--Developmental notes
 
--WWE house show note
 
--Wrestlers brought back to arena they headlined 50 years ago this week
 
--Former WWE developmental wrestlers heading to Mexico
 
--AAA video game news
 
--Update on a major show with both current WWE and TNA stars on the same show, as well as two recently fired WWE stars on the show
 
--Update on debut of Dragon Gate in Philadelphia
 
--Hall of Famer says he will retire in a few weeks
 
--NOAH business post-Misawa
 
--Hall of Famer with 25th anniversary show coming soon
 
--TNA stars headline next New Japan show
 
--Affliction star doing major pro wrestling show a week after the next card
 
--How networks carrying MMA and pro wrestling are doing
 
--Famous wrestling arena about to be torn down
 
--Former Stampede wrestlers pass away
 
--Former wrestler and MMA fighter sentenced to life in prison
 
--Update on Brian Lawler
 
--Former wrestling headliner going on tour with the circus
 
--Wrestlers invited to the White House
 
--ECW nostalgia show notes
 
--24 man tournament coming
 
--Father of pop star fights pro wrestler turned gimmick celebrity
 
--Indie wrestler on VH-1 reality show
 
--ROH weekend notes
 
--TNA Victory "Road lineup
 
--Update on TNA video game license
 
--Update on Raven and Shane Douglas
 
--80s star now on TNA TV
 
--New TNA signing this past week
 
--Notes on upcoming TNA TV shows
 
--UFC 99 early buy rate trending patterns
 
--Live business for the last UFC show
 
--UFC stars nominated for major sports awards
 
--Lineup for next WEC show as well as 8/29 UFC show
 
--Notes on first issue of UFC magazine
 
--Update on business of WWE magazine
 
--Magazine listing of best UFC matches in history
 
--How UFC's magazine list differs from the list UFC gave Spike and who is obviously excluded
 
--Top UFC star sued over auto accident
 
--Update on Indiana regulating MMA
 
--Guida vs. Sanchez thoughts
 
--What happened with Limp Bizkit and UFC 100
 
--New title match signed
 
--More on rating for Joe Rogan special
 
--A few UFC cuts including a popular fighter
 
--Update on Jens Pulver
 
--Bas Rutten rips on Kimbo
 
--Lots of new UFC fights signed
 
--Update on CBS and MMA
 
--Strikeforce schedule for the rest of the year
 
--Boxing vs. MMA head-to-head on PPV
 
--ESPN looking at giving MMA more visibility
 
--Japanese MMA star sentenced to prison time
 
--Tito Ortiz talks his future
 
--College wrestling legend gets outwrestled and loses in UFC fight
    
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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)
 
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--Brothers Roberto and Alejandro Mejia, who wrestled as La Parkita (I think the original from AAA 15 years ago, not the one on AAA in recent years) and Espectro II, were both found dead near Arena Coliseo yesterday in a hotel room.  The police believe they went to Room 52 of Hotel Moderno with two prostitutes at 6 p.m. Sunday night.  The manager went to the room on Monday when they hadn't checked out, nobody answered the door, and when they opened the door to clean the room, both bodies were found in bed and were dead.  The belief is they were drugged and robbed by the prostitutes, as none of their belongings were found.  Both were 35.  They are both younger brothers of the original Espectrito, who was the superstar mini with Mascara Sagrada from the early days of AAA.  La Parkita had wrestled in the U.S. with CHIKARA.
 
--The cast of Ultimate Fighter will be at the UFC Fan Expo in Booth #149 at 10 a.m. on 7/10
 
--UFC has offers from two different U.K. stations for live airing of UFC 100, so it will air live.  A decision on which carrier will be made very shortly.
 
--Jakks Pacific and THQ, which own the WWE video game license that expires at the end of this year, are claiming they are exercising their option to renew for five years.  Part of this is based on a legal action between Jakks Pacific and THQ over publishing any video games based on wrestling during the current contract.  It's an interesting interpretation as to whether or not that would include the UFC game and if it was based on wrestling.
 
--Adam Lash on The Daily Show had Mike Kim, author of escaping North Korea, and he mentioned government excesses including spending $15 million to bring pro wrestling to the country (that would be the two 1995 New Japan shows at May Day Stadium in Pyongyang, which drew the two largest crowds in pro wrestling history, including 170,000 for Ric Flair vs. Antonio Inoki and 150,000 for Shinya Hashimoto vs. Scott Norton). (thanks to Adam Lash)
 
--A review of the 12 Rounds DVD is at http://www.thefilmyap.com/?p=1260
 
--Gina Carano and Cris Cyborg will at a Strikeforce press conference on 7/14 at 2:30 p.m. at the Theater in Madison Square Garden
 
--ECW next week will be airing at 7 p.m. Eastern time on Sci-Fi on Thursday night instead of the usual Tuesday.  It airs the hour before Superstars.
 
--Former pro wrestling promoter Rob Black of XPW and wife Lizzy Borden (real names Rob Zicari and Janet Romano) were sentenced to 366 days in prison after the two pleaded guilty to obscenity charges.  The two were also given two years of probation.
 
--The Countdown to the greatest fights in UFC history air from 8-10 p.m. on Monday night, 9-10 p.m. Tuesday night, 9-10 p.m. Wednesday night and the final episode airs 9 p.m. Eastern and 6 p.m. Pacific time on July 11th.  
 
--Countdown to UFC 100 airs Tuesday night at 10 p.m., Friday night at midnight and Saturday at 4 p.m. Eastern and 1 p.m. Pacific, built around Frank Mir, Brock Lesnar, Georges St. Pierre and Thiago Alves
 
--In cable ratings for this past week, USA was first at 2.5 with ESPN at 1.8 and TNA at 1.7  Sci-Fi was No. 19 at 0.8 while Spike fell out of the top 25 for the first time probably since the late 90s.  The commercial free Raw was No. 4 and No. 6 in 18-34 and No. 3 and No. 6 in 18-49, behind Jon & Kate Plus 8 an BET Awards in both demos.
 
--The Manila Standard has an article on the movie "Wapakman" featuring Manny Pacquiao, Dave Batista and Nichole Szcheringer of the Pussycat Dolls.  Batista plays lead heel while Pacquiao is top face, and it'll be a Kung Fu style movie.  Story is at http://www.manilastandardtoday.com/?page=sports4_july1_2009       
 
--U.K. ratings for the week ending 6/21.  The live commercial free Raw did 48,000 viewers and a replay did 26,000 viewers.  The highest Smackdown did 41,000 viewers.  Nothing for Impact or UFC. (thanks to Ian Hamilton)
 
--Wanderlei Silva will be the guest on TSN's Off the Record on Friday (thanks to Steve Khan)
 
--Poll on Monday's Raw
Excellent 11.0%
Good 33.0%
Average 19.9%
Fair 12.8%
Poor 23.4%
        15.3% of those responding didn't see the show
 
--What was the best of these UFC fights?
Griffin vs. Bonnar I 52.7%
Huerta vs. Guida 21.2%
Sanchez vs. Guida 19.1%
Scott Smith vs. Pete Sell 3.7%
Sanchez vs. Nick Diaz 3.3%
 
What was the best of these knockouts?
Scott Smith vs. Pete Sell 33.5%
Rashad Evans vs. Sean Salmon 26.3%
Josh Koscheck vs. Yoshiyuki Yoshida 14.4%
Tank Abbott vs. Steve Nelmark 13.8%
Vitor Belfort vs. Wanderlei Silva 10.2%
Diego Sanchez vs. Joe Riggs 1.8%      
 
--Headlocked Comics announced Jerry Lawler has signed on to be the permanent cover artist for the book.  For more into you can e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for details on a free shipping sale the next two weeks.
 
--TuffNUff is doing an all women's MMA show the night before UFC 100 at the Orleans Arena in Las Vegas at 8 p.m.  
 
--MWF Night of Champions from Sunday in Melrose, MA:  Slyck Wagner Brown over Brian Fury Rick Fuller, Eddie Edwards, Scott Reed and Max Bauer, ODB & Roxxi b Awesome Kong & Jamie D, John Cena Sr. b J-Busta, Edwards d Reed, Brown b Antonio Thomas, Bauer b Beau Douglas, Fury b Luke Robinson, Fuller b Brian Milonas
 
--Pro Wrestling Phoenix on Saturday night in Council Bluffs, IA:  David Clark b Rebelucha, Jeremy Wyatt b Chris Havius, Ricky Kwong b Matty Starr, Mike Sydal b Stephen Saint-DQ, Jimmy Rockwell b Zac James, Abu Colossus b Tony Cortez, Jaysin Strife & Vic Victory & Donnie Peppercricket b Mark Sterling & Brett Young & Joey Daniels.  Next show is 8/22 at the National Guard Armory.
 
--EAW from Sunday in Salamanca:  Gallito Colorado & MatriXXX b America & Terror Negro, Dinnastia & Ragde & Pequeno Angel b Pesadilla & Siniestro & Talaxys, Dralion & Erick Snake b Nightmare & Skam 13, Tracy Taylor b La Diabolica, Alebrije & Don Pollo b El Hijo del Pirata Morgan & Pirata Morgan Jr., Brazo de Plata & Dr. Wagner Jr. b El Hijo del Solitario & Pirata Morgan-DQ
 
--CMLL Sunday in Guadalajara:  Acertijo & Angel del Mal b Astaroth & Hierro, Azazel & Rafaga b Palacio Negro & Virgo, Mr. Trueno & Rey Trueno b Magnum & Metatron, Casanova & Metro & Stuka Jr. b Dr. X & Escandalo & Satanico, Negro Casas & Felino & Mr. Niebla b El Hijo del Fantasma & La Mascara & Mistico-DQ
 
--Sunday in Merida:  Halcon Rojo Jr. & Proverbio b Panther Boy Jr. & Tormenta Negra Jr., Equinoccio & Halcon Rojo b Angelito Vengador & Tormenta Negra, Caballero Galactico & Duende Magico & Torinito b Monsther & Neurosis & Rebelde Punk, Sagrado & Volador Jr. b Lizmark Jr. & El Texano Jr., Ultimo Dragon & La Sombra b Atlantis & Ultimo Guerrero
 
--Saturday night in Celaya:  Pequeno Damien 666 & Pierrothito b Bam Bam & Tzuki, Dark Angel & Lady Apache b Amapola & Princesa Sugei, Hector Garza & Shocker b El Terrible & Mephisto, Mistico & La Sombra & Volador Jr. b Negro Casas & Felino & Mr. Niebla (thanks to Kris Zellner)
 
--Mistico defends the Mexican national light heavyweight title on Sunday in Guadalajara against Felino
 
--The Wrestling Agency, looking to become a booking agency to get wrestlers into TV, film, charity events, parties and more is looking for wrestlers and you can send a head shot, resume and bio to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
 
--Courtney Marshall at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it is looking for tapes of the dying days of Bruiser's WWA off Ch. 26 in Toledo and episodes of Bruiser Bedlam
 
--Lance Storm has Q&A on Paul Heyman and Jim Cornette getting along, thoughts on Misawa, HHH, Michaels, Randy Savage in the Hall of Fame and more at http://www.stormwrestling.com/063009.html
 
--Jack Lepisto at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it is looking for tapes of this past Thursday night's Impact as well as Superstars
 
--A story on former pro wrestler Bill Kazmaier, the one-time world's strongest man is at http://www.thepittsburghchannel.com/news/19908486/detail.html 

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