Penny Banner. Photo credit: inyourheadonline.com

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We're still looking for any reports on Monday night's Smackdown house show in Toledo at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Tonight on Spike will be Unleashed at 9 p.m. with tapes of Rich Clementi vs. Melvin Guillard (if you are a pro wrestling fan, you will love this one, as it was old school territorial wrestling crowd reactions and new school antics), Jorge Rivera vs. Kendall Grove, Lyoto Machida vs. Sokoudjou and Georges St. Pierre vs. Matt Hughes, all from the December PPV show. Ultimate Fighter at 10 p.m. with the last three first round fights, including one of the fights causing a Forrest Griffin vs. Quinton Jackson angle.

\ We've got a major feature on WWE business in this week's issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter. We also have what is the biggest long-term concern for UFC, and some really fascinating stuff as more people who were there front and center talk about Michael Hayes, Vince McMahon and the current controversy.

We have the background of the decision to strip Undertaker of the title, and what booking changes made it happen, plus more on WWE drug testing as well as how seriously wrestlers are really taking testing as well as what is being used significantly.

We not only go through the business results for the company for the first three months of the year, but break down what they mean in each category. We also have a breakdown on Wrestlemania including a look at the expense vs. drawing power of Floyd Mayweather. It doesn't answer the question directly if he was worth it, but it gives you a breakdown to look at it.

We look at why WWE had its most successful quarter as far as revenue and yet the stock price dropped greatly. We look at where the quarter profit went, and what aspects of the business are growing, as well as what aspects of the business aren't growing, including factoring out Wrestlemania.

We look at why certain types of talent are likely to be favored in hiring and a thing that many of the wrestlers should learn that they don't teach in wrestling school to make themselves more valuable in the coming years, and it's not something most wrestlers would think of.

We look at the international business, as well as a look at the domestic business for Wrestlemania and a very interesting comparison number. We look at the difference in profitability between Mania this year and last year even with similar revenues. We look at the amount Mania did on PPV, live gate as well as merchandise sales the past two years, as well as overall profit., plus the first word on the real paid attendance for this year's show.

We look at the Mayweather factor and look at questions regarding promoting the show, as well as a look at where WWE profits the greatest right now. We look at hidden expenses for movies and upgrades, as well as a look at the domestic house show business as well as overseas, the part of the world that is on fire and the market WWE is really looking at because of its perceived incredible long-term potential.

We have a look at WWE PPV shows so far this year, including what every show is projected to do, along with first notes on the new MyNetworkTV deal for Smackdown, an update on WWE 24/7, the best selling DVDs of the year as well as company projections on DVD sales for the summer season. We also look at how the web site has done since the recent changes have been implemented, as well as an interesting note about web site hits vs. web site sales.

We follow up last week's much-talked about story on the suspension of Michael Hayes, perceived racism, racial slurs and more in WWE with feedback from three people on the subject. We have a lengthy letter from a WWE writer with many years on the staff talking about agendas, the role of Mark Henry and more reactions within the writing room today of what happened. It's a great portrayal of Hayes that is well balanced, more on his proclivity for racial jokes and this will help people better understand the real situation. It's also an in-depth look and where Mark Henry was coming from, and what it appears was a mistake the company made that brought this all to a head. It also looks at pushes of certain African-American talent, where Stephanie McMahon fits into the story, as well as the husband of a former WWE Diva who is also a pro wrestler has a very interesting note about Hayes.

We also have another writer checking in regarding his tenure with a story that hasn't been told before regarding a suggestion for the world title (one I'm shocked was ever made since I couldn't imagine Vince approving it) that was turned down.

We also have another in what will be a series of features all year on the greatest wrestling memory culturally in different cities. Because New York is probably the No. 1 city for pro wrestling in North America, we this week devote a story on actually three events, one from the 50s, one from the 70s and one from the 80s, that shaped pro wrestling history on a local, regional and even worldwide basis. We look at the most famous riot, the most famous show, and a match in New York that nobody attending will ever forget, as well as the buildup of those events and what they meant historically after the fact.

We also talk about the long-term future of UFC, noting how good things appear to be right now, but why there is a very significant unanswered long-term question. We look at something that is overemphasized in pro wrestling when it comes to importance that is really far more important to the future of UFC. We look at the lessons of the death of WCW that UFC needs to heed, as well as look at Spike's deal, plans long-term for UFC and Spike as far as future programming.

We also have an update on the finances of one of the most expensive shows in history that is being put together.

We also have more on the Ashley Massaro case including some pretty staggering information that hasn't gotten out on a national basis.

We also have our weekly rundown of television ratings for the major shows, results from the major league arena events held around the world, as well as notes from all the major TV shows.

Each usual weekly issue of the Observer ranges from 25,000 to 35,000 words covering pro wrestling and MMA all over the world.

Every weekly 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 industry, both 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 the issue:

--HHH rumored for a huge out of pro wrestling gig

--Mick Foley and Smackdown announcing, who he as an announcer is trying to pattern himself after

--A look at different television projects Foley was working on that he had to pull out of as well as one that was nixed by a network for an interesting reason

--More on Jonathan Coachman going to ESPN

--Notes on a bar fight arrest involving a WWE star

--Lots of thoughts on Mr. Kennedy's public statements of late

--More on Bret Hart speaking with WWE talent as well as TNA talent this past week

--Update on Rey Mysterio and his injury

--Great Khali as a superstar in his home land

--Current WWE star listed as one of the best in another field of all-time

--Highlights of the first Canadian house show tour in one year

--A look at the winners of the longest lasting annual tradition in pro wrestling dating back 49 years

--One of the industry's biggest international stars of the past 15 years talks retirement

--A look at huge international events over the past week

--One of WWE's biggest stars attends a non-WWE show and it results in a standing room only crowd

--Lots more news on TripleMania including U.S. stars talked with about appearing including one of the best wrestlers in the world

--Update on plans for the show

--Update on X-Pac

--Health updates on Yuji Nagata and Hiroshi Tanahashi

--Hall of Famer officially comes out of retirement at 50

--Line-up for this year's Best of the Super Junior tournament

--A look at one of the biggest shows in Dragon Gate history

--Former TV boxing star and pro wrestler in match Inoki trying to put together

--Update on Bobby Heenan

--Lots more on Hulk Hogan's Celebrity wrestling TV show idea including lots of celebrities talked about and one confirmed

--A look at what is considered the No. 1 wrestling museum in the U.S.

--Wrestling announcer passes away

--Former WWE star set to debut in June in MMA at the age of 36

--What dream match for Japan of Hall of Famers who are big names in both U.S. and Japan almost took place and how one pulled out because they thought it was a fraud booking and it wasn't

--Lots of news regarding Matt Morgan and American Gladiators

--Hulk Hogan creates more fiction abut his past

--What current star tried out for Tough Enough and never even made it to the house

--Lots of news on TNA World X Cup

--Updates on TNA talking with two of the biggest wrestling stars in the world

--Why a wrestler TNA wants badly, who would like to appear in TNA, can't be coming back

--A look at the changing physique of Kurt Angle

--Another international star expected to get a look from TNA

--Major executive from another company signs up with TNA

--Tremendous line written by Vince Russo

--Explaining a very inside term used by Jim Cornette on Impact that most wouldn't know

--What former WWE star was up for a major role in TNA and why it's looking unlikely

--Update on Georges St. Pierre vs. Matt Serra buy rate

--Randy Couture talks Anderson Silva vs. Roy Jones Jr.

--Why I disagree strongly with his viewpoint

--More new UFC matches

--Preview of TV show indicates how UFC will handle a controversial issue on the next show

--Lots of news regarding Dream middleweight and lightweight tournaments

--Rickson Gracie with some comments about Fedor Emelianenko

--Industry TV show gets praised by CEO of Viacom

--MMA star arrested this past week

--Local newspaper comments on wrestler running for public office

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 Bower, 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)

You can also order any of these issues on their own for $4 in North America or $5 overseas.

We have special rates for new subscribes for this week only. Existing subscribers should use the rates in the current issue of the newsletter:

For the United States, it is $14 for 5 issues, $31 for 13, $57 for 25, $93 for 41 and $120 for 53. In Canada and Mexico, rates are $15.50 for 5, $35 for 13, $63 for 25. $103 for 41 and $133 for 53. 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 $18 for 5, $44 for 13, $81 for 25, $129 for 41 issues and $166 for 53 . 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.

--I want to thank Bryan Alvarez for filling in yesterday. On our front, things are a lot better. We are at the hospital all afternoon and evening last night but things have turned around for the better. Also want to thank everyone for sending so many nice messages. It's very appreciated.

--Penny Banner funeral info: The wake is Friday at Forest Lawn East in Matthews, NC from 6-9 p.m. Funeral is at St. Vincent DePaul Catholic Church at 6828 Old Reid Rd., in Charlotte at 6:30 p.m.

--Pro wrestling viewing habits of late
The same as they have been for a long time 28.2%
Watch less WWE because I find it less interesting 37.1%
Watch less WWE because I don't have the time 10.9%
Watch more WWE because it's better 4.7%
Watch less TNA because I find it less interesting 11.3%
Watch less TNA because I don't have the time 1.0%
Watch more TNA because it's getting better 6.0%

Not very positive results. 48% said they watch less WWE and 4.7% watch more. 12.3% said they watch less TNA and 6.0% say they watch more. Key reason in both cases is people find the product less interesting, so putting blame on time or outside forces as opposed to the product for declining ratings looks like more of an excuse

--Poll on Monday's Raw
Excellent 15.4%
Good 31.6%
Average 28.9%
Fair 10.3%
Poor 13.8%
28.3% of those responding didn't see the show .

--In the tournament for the ROH tag titles on 6/6 in Hartford, the eight teams will be Nigel McGunness & Go Shiozaki, Roderick Strong & Davey Richards, Kevin Steen & El Generico, Jimmy Jacobs & Tyler Black, Austin Aries & Bryan Danielson, Ruckus & Jigsaw, Chris Hero & Adam Pearce and Delirious & Pelle Primeau

--Affliction's debut show will have a press conference on Tuesday at the Westfield Mall in Los Angeles at the Food Court in Century City and a week from tomorrow at Trump Tower in New York. Matches announced as official are Fedor Emelianenko vs. Tim Sylvia, Josh Barnett vs. Pedro Rizzo, Matt Lindland vs. Fabio Nascimento and Renato Sobral vs. Mike Whitehead

--In cable ratings for last week, TNT was first at 2.3 while USA is second at 2.1 Spike is No. 12 at 0.9. SciFi is No. 17 at 0.9. The two hours of Raw were No. 6 and No. 8. Four of the top five were NBA playoff games and No. 3 was Raiders of the Last Ark. Raw was No. 6 and No. 9 in 18-34 as No. 7 and No. 9 in 18-49

--UK ratings for the week ending 5/4 saw Backlash do 90,000 viewers, Raw on Thursday did 66,000, ECW did 35,000 and Smackdown on first airing did 49,000 (thanks to Ian Hamilton)

--Mick Foley appears on the Ch. 11 Morning News at 6:45 a.m. tomorrow in New York, and on Opie & Anthony at 7:30 a.m. tomorrow

--Roddy Piper will be on Jimmy Kimmel live Friday night, while John Cena will be on Conan O'Brien on Friday night

--WWE announced a show on 8/30 in Peoria

--ROH debuts in Toronto on 7/25 at the Ted Reeve Hockey Arena

--ECPW on Saturday night in Brooklyn at St. Patrick' Parish features Brutus Beefcake, Jimmy Snuka, Masted Superstar, plus Tito Santana's nephew Jay Santana and Baron Scicluna's son Malta the Damager

--Axl Rotten appears for NWA East on 5/31 in Uniontown, PA and 8/2 in the same city

--Monday's Wall Street Journal had an article on Osaka Pro Wrestling. I didn't see the article other than the beginning of it.

--Genius Products, which markets WWE DVDs, while showing an 18% increase in revenue, showed bigger losses than at the same time last year. For the first quarter they had $98.2 million in revenues and a $15.4 million loss, as compared with $83.1 million in revenue and $2.4 million in losses at this time last year. They have laid off 15% of their work force to try and save $1.1 million per quarter.

--"Emmure" a Connecticut metal band, released their new album "The Respect Issue" yesterday with Kurt Angle on the album cover

--Yesterday morning on Howard Stern, they played a clip of David Wills and "It's still real to me" and Stern started making fun of how unstable wrestling fans are. Throughout the show they talked about having no respect for wrestling fans. A funny story on Wills is that a major talk show found out about the clip, which was a big deal on the Internet last year, and wanted him on the show, but when they found out he was actually a pretty smart guy, they lost all interest. Robin Quivers was on talking about how she used to attend Wrestlemania parties on Thanksgiving night. That would have been difficult. Artie noted the quote in "Hannah and her sisters" about "Can you imagine the level of a mind that watches professional wrestling?" (thanks to Kevin MacKenzie, Jeff Cohen, Jeff Sheridan, Chris Cooper and many others)

--People who have ordered the Wrestlemania 24 DVD from wweshop.com started getting them in the mail yesterday. Actual release date is this coming Tuesday.

--Monday night in Puebla: Lestat & Blue Center & SWAT b Siki Ozama II & Aguila Guerrera & Zigma, Escandalo & Siki Ozama & Karissma b Astro Boy & Centella de Oro & Tigre Rojo, Vangelis & Misterioso II & Diamante Negro Jr. b Axxel & Stuka Jr. & La Mascara-DQ, Police Man b Cerebro Negro in a hair vs. hair match, Shocker & La Sombra & Volador Jr. b Averno & Mephisto & Ephesto-DQ (thanks to Steve "Dr. Lucha" Sims)

--BWO on Saturday night in Hasbrouck Heights, NJ at the Pioneer Club

--Jon Heidenreich & Ro-Z appear for Ultimate Wrestling Federation on 5/24 in Arabi, LA

--Rikishi, Jimmy Snuka and Nick Bockwinkel appear for Fog City Wrestling on 7/5 in San Francisco

--There is an article at www.novanews.now.com on Atlantic Grand Prix Wrestling, the promotion that has run summer months in the Maritimes dating back decades. They talked about Robert Maillet (Kurrgan) as possibly being on the summer tour

--Steel City Wrestlefest on 5/24 in Belle Vernon, PA at the Rostraver Ice Gardens features appearances by Kurt Angle and Bruno Sammartino, as well as Chris Masters, The Heart Throbs, Christian York, Joey Mercury Blue Meanie and more

--NWA on 6/13 in Ridgefield Park, NJ with Sid Vicious and Mr. Hughes

--There is an interview with Shad Gaspard of Cryme Tyme at www.lansingstatejournal.com talking about his favorite wrestlers growing up. Warlord, Zeus, Nash. Not promising.

--Dixie Carter is card No. 68 in the 69-card set of TNA trading cards that will be released next month by TRISTAR Productions out of Houston.

--On 24/7 in June, they will do a legends feature on Nick Bockwinkel, plus the panel of Dusty Rhodes, Pat Patterson, Mick Foley and Michael Hayes talk about the worst characters in wrestling history. The Gobbledy Gooker, Red Rooster, Shockmaster and Mantaur are talked about. Plus 1992 Great American Bash with Jushin Liger vs. Brian Pillman and the 1984 MSG show where Hogan beat Iron Sheik

--Heyman Hustle this week interviews Duff McKagan of Guns N Roses, Scott Weiland formerly of Velvet Revolver, model Lydia Hearst, Miss USA Crstial Stewart and model Susan Holmes at www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/wrestling/heyman/article1159951.ece

--First round of the CZW Tournament of Death 7 on Saturday at 2 p.m. in Smyrna, DE at Bulldozer's Saloon has Nick Gage vs. Drake Younger, Danny Havoc vs. Necro Butcher, Pinkie Sanchez vs. Danny Demanto, Whacks vs. Brain Damage, Scotty Vortekz vs. Mickie Knuckles and Andy Sumner vs. D.J. Hyde

--WJZ TV in Baltimore has a feature on MMA at http://wjz.com/local/mixed.martial.arts.2.722099.html

--Heidenreich appears 9/17 in Poplarville, MS for Southland Promotions

--FPWA on Saturday night in Pinellas Park, FL at the Boys & Girls Club

--Great Championship Wrestling tomorrow night in Phenix City, AL at the Great Skateplex with Johnny Swinger

--Mr. Hughes headlines for Prime Time Pro Wrestling on Saturday night in Manchester, GA

--Vader (52) and Steve Williams (48) have birthdays today

--Rich Tate's Atlanta wrestling nostalgia 45 years ago today in Augusta: Jack & Jim Dalton beat Pat Patterson & Mad Dog Vachon in the main event 43 years ago: Mario Galento beat Tarzan Tyler in a cage match to keep the Georgia title 37 years ago: El Mongol drew Buddy Colt to keep the Georgia title and Ray Gunkel & Klondike Bill beat The Assassins via DQ 34 years ago: A double main event saw Ernie Ladd beat Mighty Yankee via DQ and Ron Pritchard beat Crusher Verdu via DQ 29 years ago in Augusta: Blackjack Lanza beat Bob Armstrong to win the TV title and Wahoo McDaniel beat Masked Superstar to win the Georgia title 28 years ago in Columbus: Tommy Rich no contest Ivan Koloff and Austin Idol no contest Baron Von Raschke in the main events

--Al Snow, Spike Dudley and Crowbar appear for East Coast Pr Wrestling on 5/30 in Wayne, NJ

--Over this past weekend, former UFC fighter Josh Haynes lost a decision to local fighter Mojo Horne in the main event for MMA Big Show. Mike Whitehead beat Zak Jensen via armbar in 2:06 for Beatdown at 4 Bears in North Dakota (thanks to Anthony Sullivan)

--Jake Roberts headlines for Championship Wrestling Experience on 6/6 in Austintown, OH at The Wedge

--Hybrid Pro Wrestling on Friday night in Schoolcraft, MI a the Year Round golf Dome with Jimmy Jacobs & Tyler Black

--There is footage of the night a few weeks back Sandman showed up loaded and fell asleep during a match at www.youtube.com/watch?v=4sJ)vm0jzpA

--Sunday in Guadalajara: Thunder Boy b Milenio, Golden b Impostor, Depredador & Guero Loco b Carlo Roggi & Nube Roja, Exterminador & Jeque & Super Maquina b Lider & Metalik & Metatron, Mr. Aguila & Cien Caras Jr. b Gallo & Leon Blanco, L.A.Park & Negro Casas b Villanos III & V-DQ

--GWP in Roth, Germany on Saturday night: Bad bones b Bernd Fohr, Ahmed Chase & Sexy Mike b Jose Lopez & Marc Roudin, Absolute Andy b Sam Slam, Doug Williams b Ares, Jonny Storm & Steve Douglas b Azrieal (U.S. wrestler) & Thumbtack Jack, Murat Bosporus b Kid Kash, Joe Legend b Orlando Jordan-DQ, Ruckus b Jody Flesich in falls count anywhere (thanks to Sebastian Klussman)

--Ikuto Hidaka of Zero-One Max will appear on 6/2 in Maple Shade, NJ against Ricky Reyes and 6/13 in Limerick, PA

--Terry Funk will be on www.inyourheadonline.com tonight at 8 p.m.

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