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        We're still looking for reports on the WWE house shows on Friday night in Salisbury, MD and Saturday night in Wildwood, NJ, as well as the Friday night TNA house show in Monroe, LA.

        Tonight on Spike will be the April 2, 2008 Fight Night show replayed from 9 p.m. until midnight, featuring Kenny Florian vs. Joe Lauzon, Karo Parisyan vs. Thiago Alves and Matt Hamill vs. Tim Boetsch.

        With the fall of Affliction and what transpires from it, along with a piece on the biggest drawing cards in history, with a unique look by comparing them with their eras to get a somewhat surprising look at who the most dominant long-term drawing cards have been in the history of the industry, we've got two issues of the Observer coming out next week.  We also have a piece on what may have been the most hated tag team in pro wrestling history, full coverage of the WWE Night of Champions show, a look at the debut of Dragon Gate USA on PPV and an update on the TNA internal situation involving Kurt Angle and Jeff Jarrett.

        The first issue is available right now on the web site to premium members.  The second issue will be available tomorrow on the site.

        The lead story goes in-depth with the folding of the Affliction promotion, how it unraveled, the Josh Barnett test failure, background of drug testing fighters dating back to the original test failures and the irony of that.  We look at the talks for a new opponent for Fedor Emelianenko, comments from Barnett on the test failure, and where four different pro wrestlers fit into the talks.

        We look at a lot of the Affliction contracts, a look at the different fighters whose futures are in play and the matches from the Affliction show that have already been picked up by UFC and Strikeforce.  We look at the different fighters.

        We look at the possibilities for Fedor Emelianenko going forward with both UFC and Strikeforce, the reports of a UFC deal, and the ramifications of Josh Barnett testing positive even though not being licensed.

        We look at what caused Affliction to fail, when talks began with UFC, and how this affects UFC, where the Affliction fighters go, its affect on Strikeforce, and a look at the future of both Emelianenko and Barnett.

        Our other lead story is the most in-depth look at the biggest drawing cards over the last 100 years of history in pro wrestling.  We look at what pro wrestlers were the biggest drawing card in the world the most number of years, including the surprising No. 1.  We also look at the two most overlooked historical figures when it came to drawing big crows.  We look at the biggest drawing tag teams in history, the biggest draws not in the Hall of Fame, as well as the wrestlers with the most number of years as top ten draws, and the biggest draws in history.

        We also have more on the TNA behind-the-scenes issues and the fallout of Jeff Jarrett being sent home, how it has affected creative, more on Jeff Jarrett and Karen Angle, and what would happen if TNA were to change the type of product it presents.

        We've got full coverage of WWE's Night of Champions, with a look at the title changes, decisions made and changed the day of the show, business notes on the show, match-by-match coverage with star ratings as well as poll results on the show.

        We look at the WWE talent situation, the death of former WWE developmental wrestler Damian Steele, a new tag team being talked about, confusing booking as well , an update on Gerald Brisco, and the story behind a commercial that is still airing.  We also have a lot of developmental notes.   

        We've got a feature on what may have been the most hated tag team in pro wrestling history, and a look at their actions and the gimmick in several territories where they became famous.

        We also have a look at the 2009 edition of the G-1 Climax tournament including the lineups for every show.

        We also have more on Ring of Honor moving to Monday night, as well as the first Dragon Gate USA PPV taping.  We've got a look at the next two shows planned, how the first show did from a business standpoint, as well as match-by-match coverage and details of when and in what form the first PPV show will air.

        We also have a feature on AAA's second biggest show of the year.

        We have a look at what could be the final weekend of the career of Lance Storm, as well as his thoughts on it.

        We have all of our usual regular features including results of the major arena events over the past week, details on the television ratings of all the national shows as well as the major television show reviews.   

        All subscriptions to the newsletter and web site for more than one month will include what is traditionally our most talked about and best selling issue of the year, the 2009 Hall of Fame issue.  Starting this coming week in the Observer we are doing an historical look at the biggest draws in history and in looking at those numbers, a number of names come up as potentially overlooked candidates.  We'll have more in that direction over the next few weeks as well as a Hall of Fame preview issue after all the ballots are cast but before the Hall of Fame issue itself.  So several special issues are coming over the next six weeks.      

          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 spam bots, 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 spam bots, 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 issue:

--The settlement of the Hogan family divorce case

--A newcomer starting imminently with TNA with a new name

--Notes on TNA's claims about Bobby Lashley

--Update on A.J. Styles

--Notes on the best-of-three Styles vs. Matt Morgan series

--Funny note on Taz's first interview

--Notes on the Foley/Nash segment on the go-home show

--Updated plans on the Hard Justice PPV

--Notes on the next TNA European tour

--TNA at the San Diego Comic Con and what transpired

--Update on Lashley plans including his next fight

--Notes on TNA weekend house shows

--Notes on the most recent TNA television tapings

--Update news on UFC 100 buy rate

--Comparisons to Wrestlemania

--Most successful markets for UFC 100

--UFC and ESPN

--Update on the Rich Franklin vs. Dan Henderson fight

--Thoughts on Internet response to fights and changing booking over it

--Update on Tito Ortiz and UFC

--White gets awarded

--Portland ticket sales

--Potential new rules and regulations in Nevada that will be discussed at the next commission meeting

--Notes on the next season of The Ultimate Fighter reality show

--Notes on UFC financials

--How the UFC video game has affected THQ's financial fortunes

--How many units have been shipped thus far and where it ranks in the U.S. and U.K.

--Lots of new UFC fights being talked about

--Update and details of new MMA regulations being discussed in Massachusetts and what the timetable is for a Boston debut

--Michael Bisping talks the last punch from Dan Henderson

--Miguel Torres talks money and Brock Lesnar, and marketing of fighters

--Fallout of UFC 100 being on television in Mexico

--World title change in Mexico

--Notes on Arena Mexico show

--Former ECW, WWE and WCW star heads to Mexico to face L.A. Park

--A look at the annual wrestling expo in Mexico

--A look at the Hustle Aid with the reuniting of a tag team that was on 1979's biggest show

--The supposed retirement of a Hall of Famer, as well as a new actor being brought in as a regular character in a Japanese promotion

--Update on All Japan and Pro Wrestling NOAH's junior heavyweight tournaments

--Akira Taue talks his first tour as President of Pro Wrestling NOAH

--Notes on the two Misawa Memorial shows planned

--Pro wrestling star places in bodybuilding contest and a look back at pro wrestling superstars who competed in bodybuilding while active

--Ric Flair talks Bret Hart

--New Ric Flair TV commercial being filmed

--A look at the biggest wrestling convention ever in the Carolinas and one of the biggest ever

--Details of ICP's 10th annual Gathering of the Juggalos featuring a ton of former WWE and WCW wrestlers

--Torrie Wilson talks about appearing on the network reality show

--Former headline pro wrestler talks running for mayor of Tampa

--Update on ROH shows in Toronto

--Updates on the Strikeforce show on 8/15

--A look at the big boxing vs. UFC showdown

--Fallout of the made up story on Kimo's death, who created it, legal action planned and TV pundits talk about the viability of such a lawsuit

        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:

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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.

--At today's Fedor Emelianenko press conference, nothing really new was said other than Fedor will be a headliner in the new EA Sports video game.  They also announced both Renato Sobral and Gegard Mousasi were in the game.  Dana White had said that anyone who is in the EA game with the exception of Randy Couture, will never fight in UFC.  Just by how everything sounded, it seemed like nothing had changed regarding UFC negotiations.  They insisted Fedor would not fight unless it was a co-promotion with M-1 Global.

--Regarding Lance Pugmire's report, Pugmire wrote that the UFC and Fedor negotiations are dragging and will likely not finish by Friday.  He later wrote "second source close to Fedor Emelianenko confirms intense negotiations between fighter and UFC, declines to say it'll be done by Friday.

--The only thing we can say on the subject is that two different sources have told us negotiations between UFC and Fedor have fallen through again.

--ECW last night did a 1.3 rating. 

--CNBC will have a one-hour feature on the business of UFC at 10 p.m. tonight

--USA blew away the competition last week in the cable ratings with a 2.7 prime time average to 1.8 for Fox News Channel.  Raw was No. 7 and No. 9 for the week.  Top rated shows were The Closer, Burn Notice, NASCAR Spring Cup, Royal Pains, Law & Order CI and an episode of NCIS.  In 18-34, Raw was No. 4 and No. 6.  In 18-49 it was No. 2 and No. 5.

--WWE announced a business partnership with 7-11 and Pepsi Max.  SummerSlam will be promoted at 7-11 stores with cups with five cups with five different WWE stars on them in a campaign at more than 5,400 locations starting on Saturday.  A Kelly Kelly TV ad will air throughout August and WWE is buying time on various sports events.  Pepsi Max will have its FANtasy tour truck at the Fan Axxess in Los Angeles and give people free Pepsi Max drinks.

--Lineup for Superstars tomorrow night is John Morrison vs. Tyson Kidd (said to be great), Randy Orton vs. Primo Colon and Yoshi Tatsu vs. William Regal

--Brooke Hogan was on Howard Stern today.  Mostly talking about the first time she did it with her boyfriend (she admitted to doing it earlier than when they were marketing her as a virgin) and her getting breast implants, as well as her relationship with mom.  

--U.K. ratings for the week ending 7/19 saw Raw do 36,000 viewers live and 48,000 in the Thursday prime time replay.  Smackdown did 54,000 in the first Friday night airing and 29,000 in the Saturday replay (thanks to Ian Hamilton)

--Another note that tomorrow's Impact will go about five minutes past the two hour mark so if you are setting up a DVR, make sure to record an extra five minutes.  They are advertising this heavy on MMA web sites around Bobby Lashley doing an interview.

--Spike will be replaying the Countdown to the 100 greatest UFC matches of all-time next week, leading to UFC 101.  The Penn vs. Florian/Anderson Silva vs. Griffin Countdown show will air on Tuesday night at 11 p.m.   

--This is a story, regarding cancer experts noting tanning bads are a major cancer risk, that everyone in the wrestling community should at least be aware of, not that it will change anything.  An analysis of 20 different studies shows skin cancer risk jumps 75% on people who start using tanning beds before the age of 30.  They say tanning beds are equal to use of tobacco and Hepatitis B as far as cancer risks.  Story is at http://m.apnews.com/ap/db_8559/contentdetail.htm?contentguid=kYtz3OgA

--WEC has announced a live Internet broadcast for $9.99 worldwide for the 8/9 Miguel Torres vs. Brian Bowles show at WEC.tv and UFC.com web sites.  They are gearing this largely for MMA fans in Japan and the U.K., where the show is not available on television.

--ROH announced that the first Monday night show on 8/17 will be headlined by Tyler Black vs. Nigel McGuinness.  This coming Saturday's main event is Jay Briscoe vs. Roderick Strong vs. D-Lo Brown.  The 8/8 main event is El Generico vs. Davey Richards. And the 8/24 TV main event is Austin Aries vs. Roderick Strong.  (thanks to http://twitter.com/ROHonHDNet)  

--There is a C.M. Punk interview at http:www.thesun.co.uk in the pro wrestling section.  He says little of note, although mentioned he and Samoa Joe hung out together at Joe's house in Florida recently, that Joe, A.J. Styles and Christopher Daniels would be welcome in the WWE locker room, that he was confused why Mr. Kennedy and Umaga were let go and that he's happy in WWE, saying there is no competition and if you want to be a top class pro wrestler in the U.S., you have to be working for WWE.        

--Matches on the new Batista DVD will be:
Leviathan vs. Doug Basham in OVW

Batista vs. Kane (2002 Armageddon)

Batista vs. Shawn Michaels (2003 Armageddon)

Batista & Ric Flair vs. Dudleys (2004 Royal Rumble)

Batista vs. Chris Jericho (2004 Vengeance)

2005 Royal Rumble

Batista vs. HHH (2005 Wrestlemania)

Batista vs. HHH Hell  in a Cell (2005 Vengeance)

Batista vs. JBL No Holds Barred (2005 SummerSlam)

Batista vs. Eddie Guerrero (2005 No Mercy)

Batista vs. King Booker (2005 Survivor Series)

Batista vs. Booker vs. Finlay (2006 Smackdown TV match)

Batista vs. Undertaker (2007 Wrestlemania)

Batista vs. Edge cage match (2007 One Night Stand)

Batista vs. Undertaker (2007 Cyber Sunday with Steve Austin as referee)

Batista & HHH & Ric Flair vs. Randy Orton & Edge & Umaga (2007 Raw)

Batista vs. John Cena (2008 SummerSlam)

Batista vs Randy Orton (2008 Armageddon)

--John Cena continues to get mentioned on WSCR radio in Chicago since very time Alfonso Soriano hits a home run and does the "You can't see me" deal with his hands, they bring it up.  He was doing it as he ran the bases when he hit a game winning grand slam home run earlier this week.  Most of the time Cena is brought up, it is to make fun of him, with lines like, "What does you can't see me?" mean and retorts like "What does that mean?  I can see you and your steroids just fine."  Most of the callers are negative about it, saying it looks stupid, but others say they don't really care. (thanks to Aaron Joseph)

--Jeff Hardy vs. C.M. Punk in a cage match is being advertised (likely as the dark match) for Tuesday's Smackdown tapings at the Nassau Coliseum.

--Poll on Raw

Excellent 8.6%

Good 34.2%

Average 26.8%

Fair 9.8%

Poor 20.6%

        15.1% of those responding didn't see the show

--Who do you expect to win this fight?

B.J. Penn 59.1%

Kenny Florian 40.9%

--Is there a relationship between the decline in interest in WWE and the ascent of UFC?

There is a significant relationship between the two 23.2%

There is a relationship, but it's not the primary reason for WWE's decline in popularity 60.9%

No relationship at all 15.8%    

--EWF on 8/15 in Converse, IN at the Borderman Gym headlined by Brutus Beefcake and Rosey

--Pro Wrestling Riot on 8/15 in Mississauaga, ONT at the Tempo Auditorium

--CHIKARA on Friday night in Reading, PA features Mike Quackenbush & Jigsaw vs. Gran Akuma & Icarus and The Colony vs. The Order of the Neo Solar Temple at the Riverside Beneficial Association

--Insanity Pro Wrestling on 8/1 in Indianapolis at the Fountain Square Salvation Army Corps headlined by C.J. Otis vs. Jesse Emerson and Jimmy Jacobs vs. Aaron Williams

--HPW in Columbus, IN on 8/1 at the 4-H Fairgrounds headlined by Diceman Ronnie Vegas vs. Pastor Pain, plus the return of Flash Flanagan

--A.J. Wolven at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it is selling his collection of wrestling tapes

--XPW's 10 year anniversary show on 8/22 in Los Angeles has announced Supreme vs. Angel in a King of the Death match title match as the main event. Angel said that if he loses, he will never do another death match.  More matches will be announced this week.  The show is at 2 p.m. at 6655 Santa Monica Blvd.

--Pro Wrestling Fusion on Saturday night in Temple Terrace, FL headlined by Steve Madison vs. The Sheik.  They also have the Beach Street Bash on 8/22 in Daytona Beach at the Coliseum headlined by Steve Madison vs. Francisco Ciatso, which also includes Awesome Kong vs. Sumie Sakai, To Cold Scorpio, The Dark City Fight Club and The Shane Twins.     

--IWC No Excuses 5 on 8/1 in Elizabeth, PA at the Court Time Sports Center featuring appearances of Ivan Putski, Jimmy Snuka and Paul Orndorff.  Snuka & Michael Facade & Jimmy Vegas face Lord Zoltan & Shane Taylor & Logan Shulo.  Main event is Shiima Xion back from Mexico vs. John McChesney.  Ricky Reyes, who had been advertised, will not be appearing due to visa issues.

--IWC promoter Norm Connors announced that he will be retiring as a promoter at the end of this year.

--Perros Del Mal have a show on 8/30 at 6 p.m. in Chicago at the Congress Theater featuring Perro Aguayo Jr. & Damian 666 vs. L.A. Park & Blue Demon Jr.

--FMLL on 8/9 in Stockton at the Civic Auditorium featuring L.A. Park, Atlantis, Super Porky, Felino, and Huracan Jr. for a 6:30 p.m. start.  Figures it's a weekend I'm on the road. 

--Frank Shamrock has a book signing for his "Mixed Martial Arts for Dummies" book on 8/11 at Borders Book Store at 356 Santana Row in San Jose from 7-9 p.m. 

--Mick Foley and Trina Michaels are building to their first meeting at a wrestling show on a Saturday night indie event for River City Wrestling in San Antonio. A Michaels promo is at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UtAORQwcKbA