Bryan Alvarez: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
Dave Meltzer: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

ECW tonight has:
* Christian & Shelton vs. Zeke & Koslov
* Regal vs. Goldust
* Another Abe Washington Show with Zach and Rosa
* Some new debuts

What the Hulkamania tour has shown about the pro wrestling business as it is today is the lead story in this coming Monday's issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter. We look at both the positives and negatives of the first two shows, the promotion of the shows, and the end result of that promotion, as well as the shows themselves.

The issue is available right now to premium subscribers on the web site. You can also get the Observer mailed to your home with details below.

We look at what this means for the idea of doing a long-term or even a short-term promotion, where the touring idea started and what has delayed it, promoters expectations, television coverage of the event, and what type of crowd the show drew.

We've got a complete rundown of the first night, as well as the first Hogan vs. Flair match since 2000.

We also have a look at WWE's attempts to elevate new talent, the philosophy behind who is getting the push, the track record and how the booking is going. We look at the build for the TLC PPV, business of Survivor Series, updates on Rey Mysterio and Big Show when it comes to interviews, poll results of the show, and match-by-match rundowns with star ratings.

We also have a look at the aftermath of UFC 106, including Tito Ortiz as a drawing card, Forrest Griffin as a drawing card, the many different things that hurt the buy rate of this show as well as the lesson of it. WE also look at all the business numbers of the show. We also look at the promotional mentality that WWE, K-1 and now UFC have done that has ended up hurting all of them in the long run.

We also look at flaws in the scoring system as well as the end of Karo Parisyan in UFC.

We've also got match-by-match coverage as well as how much everyone got as far as base pay for the show.

We also look back at the old Southern California wrestling territory with the death of longtime promoter Mike LeBelle. We look at how LeBelle got into wrestling, the heyday of the promotion, a look back at the Coliseum show and why Fred Blassie and John Tolos remained bitter about it until each man's death. We look at LeBelle's feelings on pro wrestling. We look at the glory period, as well as the 70s period and the two stars that carried the promotion to the Hispanic audience, how the promotion closed, and the relationship of LeBelle with Vince McMahon. We also look at why LeBelle left the business bitter and never looked back, as well as the end of the WWA and its world title.

We also have notes on the 2012 WrestleMania, Vince & Linda McMahon's personal finances, more on what Linda is willing to spend to win a senate seat, Tribute to the Troops show for 2009, Jim Ross contract update, dropping of a ring announcer, Mark Cuban's plans for Raw and what wrestler should be back at TV imminently.

We've also got a feature on Jose Aldo Jr., the newest MMA superstar, who he is, his background, as well as business numbers on the last WEC show, the booking of WEC in early 2010 including building what should be the biggest match in company history of things go right, as well as a rundown of all the matches and payoffs on the most recent show.

We also have a feature on an MMA fighter who is the suspect in multiple murders.

We also have a look at the ratings for all the major pro wrestling and MMA shows on television over the past week.

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 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.

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 spam bots, 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.

-- Jeff Hardy's probable cause hearing is tomorrow. Coincidentally, his DVD came out today. You can check it out here.

-- Massachusetts became the 42nd state to legalize MMA this week, and Dana White has promised a huge show in Boston most likely by the summer of 2010.

-- Brian Elliot in the UK Mirror writes regarding the TUF 10 Finale not airing live: Whereas ESPN UK is the home of UFC "numbered" events (eg. UFC 105) and Fight Night specials, TUF has been available this season only on the Five USA channel. Therefore, despite apparent confusion on the UFC.com website and the Sky Television EPG (programme guide), the show will not air on UK television until December 10, when it will be broadcast on Five USA. Having read all of the aforementioned messages, may I suggest that if you want to contact Five USA to let them know of your frustration that the finale will not air live, e-mail them at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it Please state clearly your disappointment that the show will not be airing live on Five USA, and - contrary to almost half of e-mails I received - do not complain to Five USA that you expected ESPN UK to air this season's show.

-- Little People's Court is still scheduled for Raw, but has been postponed.

-- Matt Hughes on his site says he's looking to fight again April 10th.

-- Impact did an 0.9 on Thanksgiving and 1.3 million viewers.

-- WWE announced today the launch of WWE COMICS, which will launch issue number one ("WWE HEROES") on March 23, 2010 in association with WrestleMania. The issues are being written by Keith Champagne, who has written Justice Society of America, Green Lantern Corps, World War III and more. Get this description: "Issue #1 reveals an eternal rivalry set against the backdrop of the history of WWE. Why is the ruthless Shadow King so obsessed with WWE? What is the reason for his eternal and supernatural war with the Firstborn? And could his ancient opponent really be a member of the WWE roster?" Yeah. Andy Smith is doing the artwork, and more info is up at wwecomics.com.

-- Rey Mysterio has an interview here that is really interesting in that he talks about how the pain pills caught up with him and he put himself into rehab in 2008. Of course, the obvious question is if he was so bad, how did the WWE system not catch it?

-- There is a pre sale for the Jan 26th Smackdown Taping in Cincinnati starting Dec 4th. Password: WWEUSBA

-- I'll be wrestling Christopher Ryseck this Saturday night at the Pacific Rim in Marysville, WA. Bell time 5:00 PM. More info is up at tulalipchampionshipwrestling.com. Hope to see some of you there. I'll also keep people updated on Facebook and maybe (no guarantees) Twitter.

-- Jeff Cohen writes: Howard Stern briefly discussed MMA/UFC on his show on Monday morning. They were talking about Oprah Winfrey's decision to end her talk show (and move to her own network in 2011). FOX and Friends commentator Brian Kilmead said, in a clip, that her audience would not follow her to cable, much like Howard Stern's audience didn't follow him to satellite radio. Howard said, "This guy Brian Kilmead used to be an Ultimate Fighter announcer. He's a jealous prick and I'd like to get into the ring (Octagon) with him." Stern and company did a brief imitation of what Kilmead's commentary for UFC would "probably" be like: "Oh two guys are fighting. One of them hit the other one." Howard was told that Brian Kilmead works there at SiriusXM. Stern said that if they want him (Howard) to stay at Sirius when his contract is up, they have to get rid of Kilmead. Later in the show, a fan had twittered Kilmead and asked why he made the comments about Stern not bringing an audience back. Kilmead tweeted back to the guy and said that Howard has lost his profile over the years since he moved to Sirius. Stern said Kilmead isn't a fan because he didn't answer the question honestly.

-- The Smackdown & ECW taping on March 9th, 2010 will be held at the Key Arena in Seattle, Washington. Tickets go on sale December 19th, 2009 at 10 AM. Thanks to Devin Cutting.

-- The Masked Republic store is giving a free DVD and entry to win a custom and autographed Rey Misterio Sr mask with every order through December 15th (guaranteed delivery by December 22) and the official Masked Republic logo T-shirt is on sale for $10. That means a T-shirt, a DVD, and a chance to win the custom and autographed mask for only $10. More info here.

-- Filsinger Games will be releasing a Limited Edition playing card as part of our Legends of Wrestling Card Game series. More here.

-- Regarding last night's Observer Radio discussion on shark cages, Brian Thomas writes: Chyna was suspended above the ring at Unforgiven '98, for HHH vs. Owen Hart. Jerry Lawler was in a cage above the ring and suffered some nosebleeds, during Isaac Yankem, D.D.S. (Kane) vs. Bret Hart on RAW on 10.16.95.

-- Also, regarding the M-1 press release, Russia has 53.5 million television homes and the Fedor fight drew a 3.8 rating, or 2 million homes.

-- That edition of Observer Live is FREE, by the way, so you can sample it (and our other free shows) by scrolling down the right-hand side of the front page. There is one new free sample show posted every week.

-- Statement From Winky Wright On Cancellation Of December 11 Pay-Per-View Show In San Juan, Puerto Rico: Amid conflicting reports regarding reasons for the cancellation of the Winky Wright vs. Grady Brewer Pay-Per-View show scheduled for December 11, Winky Wright has issued the following statement. "I am really disappointed the show can't happen as I was training very hard and really wanted to get back in the ring. I was so looking forward to fighting in Puerto Rico in front of all the Puerto Rican people who are boxing fanatics and really know and appreciate the sport. "I still am a bit shocked the show was cancelled by the promoter in Puerto Rico, but I want to make it perfectly clear it was not because I asked for millions of dollars to fight. We had done everything possible to make this show come together and I knew the financial considerations I needed to make in order for it to happen. Unfortunately now this is not the case, and I will look to find another alternative so I can fight as soon as possible. I hope that we can work something out so that I will be fighting in the early part of 2010, as I am anxious to use all the hard work and training I have already put in for this show. I just hope everyone has a great holiday season, and look for me to fight again soon after the New Year."

-- Take a bite out of El Santo.

-- Lexi Pillman's obituary is up here. The stepdaughter of Brian Pillman, she passed away last week in a car accident.

-- An interview here with the former Kizarny. He said he was probably released because he didn't fit into the company's image of its workers being Ken Dolls.

-- The Hogan/Linda divorce remains messy with allegations of stolen light fixtures.

-- And TMZ has video here of Hogan and his new girlfriend, who he just bought a huge ring for.

-- Dave has a big story on BONES JONES here

-- Yahoo did a Year in Review here, and the number-three most-searched term for 2009 was "WWE". They were beaten only by Michael Jackson and Twilight.

-- Kenny Florian interview up here.

-- There is a story here on Robbie Ellis. A documentary on his life, Canvasman, is about to debut at the Maine Jewish Film Festival.

-- Jim Ross has a new blog up here with thoughts on Dr. Death and an update.

-- Who do you expect to win this match?
Houston Alexander 61.2%
Kimbo Slice 38.8%

Who was the most successful Japanese wrestlers when it comes to working the U.S?
Great Muta 61.7%
Jushin Liger 9.6%
Ultimo Dragon 9.0%
Masa Saito 5.6%
Killer Khan 3.7%
Giant Baba 3.3%
Great Kabuki 3.3%
Masahiro Chono 1.2%
Hiro Matsuda 1.0%
Jumbo Tsuruta 1.0%
Tiger Mask 0.8%

What do you see as December's biggest event?
UFC 107 Sanchez vs. Penn 31.3%
UFC Ultimate Fighter finals with Kimbo 27.2%
WWE Tables, Ladders and Chairs PPV 12.9%
K-1/Sengoku/Dream New Year's Eve 7.4%
TNA Final Resolution 6.6%
WWE Tribute to the Troops 6.3%
ROH Final Battle 3.6%
K-1 World Grand Prix finals 1.9%
NOAH Budokan Hall show on 12/6 1.4%
Strikeforce Melendez vs. Thomson 1.4%

-- Brian Thomas is looking for footage of "Iron" Mike DiBiase in any format. Can be contacted at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

-- Tully Blanchard is on the Drunkcast this week here.