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        We're looking for reports on Thursday night's Raw show in Guatemala City, Thursday night's Smackdown show in Madrid, Spain, Friday night's Raw show in Leon, Guanajuato, Mexico, last night's Raw show in Guadalajara, Mexico, as well as today's Smackdown brand house show in Paris at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

        The Raw crew returns for a Monday night show in Albany, NY with Rev. Al Sharpton as guest host, plus John Cena must run the gauntlet with singles matches in a row against Chris Jericho, Big Show and Randy Orton.

        The 10th anniversary episode of Smackdown will be taped on Tuesday night in Boston with Undertaker & DX & John Cena vs. Legacy & Randy Orton & C.M. Punk in the all-star main event, plus a taped appearance by Dwayne Johnson and a scheduled live appearance by Vickie Guerrero.  TNA has a show on Tuesday in Dortmund, Germany.

        The 2009 Hall of Fame issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, one of the largest issues in our history and what is traditionally the best selling issue of the year, will be out Monday to print readers and is available right now on the web site.
 
        The main focus of the double issue is a look at the six new members of the Hall of Fame as voted by reporters, historians, and people both in the current business and people with long histories of being in the business.  Because of the size of the bios, we only have bios of three of the six new acts in this week's issue, and there will be bios in upcoming weeks of the other three new members which span periods from the 1930s through modern times.
 
        We look at what the Hall of Fame is, how people get in, a complete rundown not only of the final voting but also the top ten in each different category and an explanation as to how each guy got voted in, as well as a detailed look at why others who came close didn't reach the magic 60% mark.  We also have notes on people who will not be on next year's ballots, as well as who will be added to next year's ballot.
 
        We look at the close calls, including three top active stars who almost made it and what kept them from getting in.  We look at who made the biggest strides as well as the biggest drops, as well as look at the first year on for Edge.
 
        We evaluate all the new members and talk about those on next year's ballot for the first time.
 
        The highlight is our lengthy bios which talk about three very different and distinct eras in wrestling and some very unique individuals that made it in.
 
        We also have the updated list of everyone in and the year they were put in, divided into several different categories.
 
        We also look at Saturday night's UFC 103, the head-to-head battle with boxing and different numbers that are out there.  We look at the business of the show, what came out of the show, and full coverage of the event.
 
        We also have an update on the first week of Linda McMahon's run for the U.S. Senate.  We look at her strategy in running, as well as in the first week what stories have come out regarding pro wrestling and her candidacy.  We look at financing her campaign, as well as a political strategist evaluates her chances.
 
        We also look at the retirement of Quinton Jackson, the ratings of the first episode of Ultimate Fighter and how they rank among other
big shows in the history of the show.  We look at Jackson's complete statement, an update on other fighters who have said similar things
and what has happened, and perhaps a reason why these things happen.
 
       We look at how the show fared in Males 18-34 this past week, as well as how the Fight Night show did, and a look at how season 10
is stacking up.
 
        We also look at the return of MMA to CBS with the Fedor vs. Brett Rogers Strikeforce match, as well as a look at the signing of Herschel Walker to an MMA deal, his expected debut, and more on plans for the CBS show.
 
        We've got the most detailed look at what is going down politically in TNA, including the departures of Jim Cornette and B.G. James, the hiring of Ed Ferrara, and how everything is intertwined, including reactions from many in the company.
 
        We also look at Batista's move to Smackdown and the move being rushed, the return from suspension of Rey Mysterio, one of the biggest
stars in company history in talks, feelings on the booking of three Hell in a Cell matches on one show, Hardys update, Lilian Garcia's future, Jim Ross pushes for someone who is a surprise to get into the WWE Hall of Fame, Miami bidding for Wrestlemania, notes on the 10th anniversary Smackdown show, Injury updates, Jericho talks his character, Pat Patterson's 50th anniversary of being in the business, a new signee as well as details on the WWE weekend shows.
 
        We've got a rundown of TNA's No Surrender show, including why it doesn't look like it will do well on PPV.  We look at the wrestling, the booking, and match-by-match coverage with star ratings.
 
        We also have a look at CMLL's biggest event of the year, the 76th anniversary event at Arena Mexico with the Mistico putting his mask up against the hair of Negro Casas main event.
 
        We also have tons of updates on Hulk Hogan's promotion and Hogan promoting the events.
 
        We also have a look at the ratings for all the major pro wrestling shows on television over the past week, including the Batista return to Smackdown and Cedric the Entertainer on Raw battling against Monday Night Football.
 
        We also have our usual weekly features such as the results of the biggest matches of the week and rundown of the major television shows.
 
         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
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     Also in this week's issues:
 
--Jushin Liger in Mexico including his first singles match with Mistico and what it is building to
 
--A somewhat major star jumping promotions
 
--A major star who announces he is leaving just days before he was supposed to be in a big show major stipulation match
 
--GHC tag team title change
 
--Former WWE star disappears
 
--Update on TNA's Bound for Glory show
 
--Update on members of the TNA creative team
 
--Tons of news from the next few weeks of TNA television tapings
 
--Randy Couture's contract
 
--Chuck Liddell on Dancing with the Stars
 
--Anderson Silva's elbow injury
 
--Several new UFC matches
 
        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 18 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.
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We also have available personally autographed copies of Tributes II, our latest book, as well as a DVD that comes with it talking more about
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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.


--No major news coming from the two WWE tours going on this weekend, one in France and the other in Mexico.  Huge business at both ends, particularly yesterday's show in Paris, and today's show in Paris sold out well in advance.
 
--Shinsuke Nakamura beat Togi Makabe earlier today in Kobe to win the vacant IWGP heavyweight title that Hiroshi Tanahashi vacated.  Nakamura makes his first title defense on 10/12 at Tokyo Sumo Hall against Shinjiro Otani
 
--Jim Cornette's official role with ROH is not as booker although most expect he'll have a lot of input once he gets familiar with everything.  He will be television executive producer. Both Adam Pearce and David Lagana will retain their roles.  
 
--Dwayne Johnson made a surprise appearance last night at an indie wrestling show in Mineola, FL.  It was a WXW show promoted by Afa, and he came to promote the debut of Sarona Snuka, Jimmy's daughter, who has been training at Afa's school.
 
--A story on Jerry Lawler's struggles running for mayor of Memphis is at http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2009/sep/27/lawlers-love-for-city-is -no-joke/
 

--In yesterday's report, on the Sky Sports UFC story, Sky misread UFC publicity info.  UFC claims that their TV show is available to 500 million people worldwide.  That is a far cry from meaning that 500 million people actually watched UFC 100, which would be ridiculous.  Basically 250 million people in the U.S. would have access to the UFC 100 PPV, but the number actually watching was maybe 8 million to 9 million.  What Dan Hardy actually said was not that weightlifting was more dangerous than fighting, but that he gets hurt more in training for fights than in the actual fight itself.  The story also claimed UFC is now bigger than boxing in the U.K.  I don't know whether that would be the case, although without Ricky Hatton fighting, and there is question as to his future in the ring, I don't know how many boxing shows are doing the live attendance numbers UFC is doing in that country.

--A story on a TV show in Hamilton, Ontario that talks about the history of pro wrestling in the city is at http://www.thespec.com/article/642345  They talks about the days when the Toronto TV was taped in Hamilton
 
--We will be back tonight with our weekend radio show updating lots of news and taking e-mail questions so you can send to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it today and we'll get to as many questions as possible
 
--Mistico defends the IWGP jr. title in Mexico tomorrow night in Puebla against Jushin Liger
 
--Poll on Smackdown
Excellent 19.1%
Good 46.6%
Average 22.9%
Fair 6.9%
Poor 4.6%
        31.1% of those responding didn't see the show
 
--Who do you expect to win this match
Anderson Silva 88.9%
Vitor Belfort 11.1%
 
--Best wrestler of these Hall of Famers
Dynamite Kid 62.6%
Antonio Inoki 20.5%
Killer Kowalski 8.3%
Don Leo Jonathan 5.3%
Gene Kiniski 3.3%  
 
--Joe Mangiaracina at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it is looking for a ticket, as close to ringside as possible, for tomorrow's Raw show in Albany
 
--M-1 Challenge TV taping results from Saturday night in Rostov on don, Russia in the semifinals of the year-long tournament
 
Team USA East 4, Team USA West 1
154 - Ivan Jorge (E) b Steve Magdaleno via decision
167 - Delson Heleno (E) b Fabio Nascimento via decision
185 - Gerson Dos Santos (E) b Joao Asis TKO strikes 3:50
205 - Chuck Grigsby (E) b Spencer Hooker via decision
HWT - Shane Del Rosario (W) b Lloyd Marshbanks TKO 1:34
 
Team Russia Legion 4, Team England 1
154 - Yura Ivlev (R) b Scott Hewitt strikes :54
167 - Magomed Shikshabekov (R) b Simon Phillips reverse heel hook submission :15
185 - Ansar Chalangov (R) b Matt Thorpe reverse heel hook submission :41
205 - Besiki Gerrenava (R) b Lee Austin via unanimous decision
HWT - Rob Broughton (E) b Akmed Sultanov via keylock 4:31
 
Team USA East faces Team Russia in the finals later this year
 
--Sonny Gutierrez at the Mr. Olympia yesterday (Jay Cutler won for the third time) noted that Brock Lesnar had the longest lines for autographs of anyone, including bodybuilders as well as Steve Austin or Hulk Hogan.  Although Austin and Lesnar were taking photos and signing for free while Hogan was charging $50 a pop.
 
--Mike Mooneyham laments the lack of blood in today's WWE at http://www.postandcourier.com/news/2009/sep/27/crimson-masks-thing-past-w we/
 
--At last night's EWF show in Muncie, IN, before 150 fans (Scotty 2 Hotty vs. Jimmy Jacobs main event), Kevin Thorn brought local wrestler Matt Columbine, held his arms back, and let 10-15 fans give the guy titty twisters. (thanks to LeAnn Neel)
 
--Wednesday in Celaya for AAA:  Mini Histeria & Mini Psicosis b Mascarita Sagrada & Octagoncito, Gato Eveready & Mari Apache & Pimpinela Escarlata b Decnis & Tiffany & Pasion Kristal, Jack Evans & Rocky Romero b Dark Cuervo & Dark Ozz, Chessman & Cibernetico & Electroshock b Elegido & Mesias & Octagon
 
--Arena Coliseo TV tapings today have Blue Panther & Hector Garza & Volador Jr. vs. Black Warrior & Felino & Ultimo Guerrero.  Guadalajara today has Mistico & Shocker & Toscano vs. El Texano Jr. & Jushin Liger & Yujiro.  Oaxaca has El Hijo del Santo vs Blue Demon Jr.  Saltillo is listed as Charly Manson (not sure about that) & La Parka vs. Electroshock & Zorro.  Villahermosa has Marco Corleone & Mesias vs. Cibernetico & Silver King. (thanks to Kris Zellner)     
 
--IHWE from last night in Fort Worth:  Bryan Lewis b Thomas Baker-DQ, Chico Torres b Nick Guidry, Brent Masters b Texas Red, Establishment b Team IV, Khris Haiden NC Nobe Bryant, Carlos Esquivel b Jason Silver-DQ, SB1 b Seth Shai-DQ, SB1 & David Fuller & Nobe Bryant & Arcane & Chico Torres & Donovan Morgan b Seth Shai & Eric Kincaid & Brent Masters & Balls Ryder & Chris Richter & Khris Haiden.  Next show is 10/4 at 1 p.m.
 
--TCW from last night in Tulalip, WA:  Dash Ventura b Damon Jones, Derek Drexl & Quiz b Paul Raze & J-Sin Sullivan, Nick Price b WildCard, Becca Stoner (from MTV's Made) & Azul Angel b Christopher Ryseck & Lylah Lodge, Enid Urkhart b K.C. Spinelli, Caden Mathews & Aaron Bolo b Dr. Kliever & Exile.  Next show is 10/10 in Marysville, WA at the Pacific Rim Ballroom (thanks to Charles Short)
 
--Today's Sydney Morning Herald had a story about Libnan Ayoub, the son of wrestler Sheik Wadi Ayoub, doing a documentary on World Championship Wrestling (the Australian promotion that ran from 1964 to 1978, the early years by Jim Barnett where it was considered the No.1  territory in the world at the time).  There was a photo of Spyros Arion, Mario Milano and announcer Jack Little (thanks to James Stanios)
 
--Blake Norton is the guest with Ed Loredo at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/Edward-Loredo
 
--National Wrestling Superstars from Friday night in Edison, NJ:  Manny Moore b Mikey Pacifica, J.T. Highlander b Joey Janela, Corey Havoc & Nicky Oceans b Neko the Monkey Man & Indian Chief Draven
 
--PCW from last night in Arlington, TX:  Nobe Bryant b Cody Knight, Wally Darkmon b Matt Palmer, Apoc won three-way over Aaron Eagle and Franco D'Angelo, Li Fang b Carrion Arcane, Kristopher Haiden b Air-Non, Danny Saint b Regrub, Robert Evans b Action Jackson, Thomas Bussey & B.J. Turner b James Johnson & Mace.  Next show is 10/17 in Arlington at the Warrior Warehouse (thanks to Rob Moore)  
 
--FWA from last night in Dorset, UK:  C.J. Banks b Marty Scrull, Stixx & Malen b Daredevil Dragons, Dave Rayne over Jack Toxic and Matt Taylor, Joel Redman b Sha Samuels, Andy Simmonz b Nick Griffin, Jonny Storm b Rockstar Spud (thanks to Michael Fitzgerald)
 
--JAPW on 10/17 in Jersey City is headlined by a Rumble with the winner getting a title shot at JAPW champ Dan Maff, plus Necro Butcher & Brodie Lee defend the tag titles against the Garden Street Gods in a street fight. Val Venis debuts on the show.
 
--WWE runs 4/7 in Vienna, Austria
 
--TOW from Friday night in Montreal before 1,500 fans:  Darkko b Don Paysan, Titans b McGoths, Prophet b Samson, Farmer Pete (midget) b Simon Dean, Honky Tonk Man b Jay Phenomenon, Matt Morgan b Franky the Mobster, Al Snow & Pierre-Carl Ouellet b Sylvan Grenier & Rob Conway to win tag titles.  The show was to honor Pat Patterson on 50 years in pro wrestling (thanks to Patric Laprade and Thomas Cometx)
 
--Dynamic Championship Wrestling on 10/3 inGreenville, OH at the National Guard Armory
 
--Missy Hyatt is selling some things at http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendID=36704974 &blogID=511838510
 
--Wrestling Supershow three day tour in Ontario with shows on 10/2 in Cornwall, 10/3 in Renfrew and 10/4 in Ottawa.  Jim Duggan headlines the shows.  Pierre-Carl Ouellet will wrestle Duggan in Ottawa.