By Dave Meltzer

 

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        TNA Impact tonight on Spike has:

*Hernandez vs. Robert Roode

*Eric Young & B.G. James vs. Chris Sabin & Alex Shelley

*Matt Morgan vs. Frankie Capone

*Booker T vs. Rhino with the winner getting into a four-way title match at the next PPV

*Gail Kim vs. Awesome Kong in a street fight in Kim's last match with the company

*A.J. Styles vs. Kurt Angle in a ladder match with the gold medal at stake

 

        Unleashed tonight after Impact has Renato Sobral vs. Jason Lambert, Houston Alexander vs. Keith Jardine, Brandon Vera vs. Justin Eilers and a match with Frank Mir.

 

 

        Our annual SummerSlam issue will be coming out Monday of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, but is available to premium members of the site today.  The issue not only includes coverage of the show, a look at WWE booking going forward, as well as updates on Bobby Heenan, and Killer Kowalski's fiercest battle.

 

        SummerSlam coverage includes a look at the changes in the mind set of Vince McMahon and how this has affected the show, as well as the change in audience, the company's new goals to improve its image, as well as the direction, decisions, match-by-match coverage, poll results and star ratings.

 

        We also have news on Hulk Hogan's divorce proceedings, with news on his worth, how the assets were split and the temporary rulings, as well as a look at how important everything from house shows, PPVs, merchandise and TV are to the WWE when it comes to profits.  There have been some interesting changes in the business, including one aspect that has not been a priority for years, but for WWE and TNA, is becoming more important.  We also look at what is now the most profitable part of the WWE business.

 

        We've also got notes on the attempts to unify the rules of MMA, the various committees that have been put together as well as people asked for feedback, and my own thoughts when it comes to judging and scoring fights.

 

        We also have an update on Randy Orton, the quiet departure of Mick Foley, a surprise over who is training to do some pro wrestling, as well as a detailed look at all the recent WWE cuts, reasons why, and some interesting stories about why some get in but didn't make it.  We look at a company injury update, the story behind Takeshi Morishima and WWE, the rise of C.M. Punk, what WWE figure did a secret MMA match a few years ago under a fake name and what happened.  We also look at a newcomer who is rising fast, HHH mad at some of the younger wrestlers, plus developmental and house show news.

 

        We also have thoughts on TNA's short-term business, the reason behind Sting's angle going the way it did, as well as lots more on the future of Sting in TNA.

 

        We also have a feature on the Olympics, including U.S. and Japanese coverage of athletes which may end up in MMA, or even pro wrestling.  We look at the people already approached for pro wrestling, what Olympic star is already talking about facing what MMA legend, and a look back at internal talks WWE had with someone in the recent Olympics that Vince temporarily green-lighted but it then fell apart.  We also look at one of our long-term readers and his Olympic story.

 

        We also have notes on the next season of Ultimate Fighter, with the beginning cast members, who to look out for, and two former pro wrestlers who will be on the show this coming season and a third who at one time considered pro wrestling, as well as the guy Dana White is claiming will be another Anderson Silva, the All-American wrestler and the BJJ champion all on the show this coming season.

 

        We have complete coverage of the G-1 Climax tournament for 2008, which is one of the biggest events annually in Japan.  We look at the business, the booking, the last few days, Kurt Angle and A.J. Styles going to Japan and how the business went.

 

        We also have a look at one of the strangest pro wrestling promotions, the Inoki Genome Federation, featuring a unique mix of former WWE stars and MMA stars in a very different and dated vision of what Inoki thinks pro wrestling should be.

 

        We also have thoughts on what is becoming a very touchy subject in society, MMA and children.  We look at some recent TV features and how it came across, some media manipulations but also a realistic look at the subject.

 

        We have all our regular weekly features, including TV ratings, including how every segment on Raw and Impact did, plus results of the biggest shows of the past week and the major TV show reviews.

 

        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 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:

 

--TNA stars headed to Arena Mexico again

 

--One of the biggest mask vs. mask matches in recent years gets signed

 

--Juventud Guerrera update

 

--A unique gimmick match promoted by Kensuke Sasaki which went 55 minutes and involved many top stars

 

--Former TNA booker debuts with Japan group

 

--Notes on the Mid Atlantic convention with plenty of Flair, Ole Anderson, Scott Hall and more

 

--Dwayne Johnson's next project update

 

--Notes on the new Memphis wrestling TV show and what legend of the area was on the phone for the first show

 

--The son of a Hall of Famer just starting that everyone seems to be raving about

 

--Brother of one of WWE's stars takes up boxing

 

--Highlights from the ROH house shows

 

--Thoughts on the TNA fall season

 

--TNA TV show news

 

--Update on  St. Pierre-Penn talks and why some in UFC don't want it to happen

 

--Update on ticket sales for all the next UFC events

 

--What they are hoping to do to salvage November

 

--Thoughts on the worth of  Randy Couture vs. Fedor Emelianenko and a realistic look at what he can get paid for it, as well as his thoughts and if they are viable

 

--Lesnar talks about why he did what he did on the show

 

--Media coverage of the last UFC

 

--Fedor's injury update

 

--Elite XC business notes and thoughts on the company's future

 

--Thoughts on what was missing in the CBS broadcast

 

--What Bob Arum claims about UFC that is crazy

 

--Older U.S. former MMA stars fight in Japan

 

--MMA legends fight in Japan

 

        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)

 

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

 

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.

 

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.

 

--Gail Kim's TNA contract expired and she's leaving, presumably to take a better offer from WWE

 

--John Cena vs. Batista was taken off Saturday's Madison Square Garden house show and changed to Cena vs. Chris Jericho and Batista vs. Kane.  Main event of C.M. Punk vs. JBL in a cage match is the same.  This lineup changed roughly 20 times since it was first announced.  Jericho was scheduled to do a Highlight Reel, but I guess they wanted to live up to the stipulation a few weeks back when he said no more Highlight Reels.

 

--UFC officially contacted Cheick Kongo about fighting Brock Lesnar in either November or December (thanks to Ariel Helwani of MMArated.com)

 

--Poll on what upcoming show you are most looking forward to:

9/6 UFC Liddell vs. Evans 32.3%

9/7 WWE Unforgiven 26.0%

9/10 WEC Faber vs. Mike Brown 7.7%

9/14 TNA No Surrender 4.9%

10/4 Elite XC on CBS with Kimbo and Gina Carano 15.8%

10/11 Affliction Andrei Arlovski vs. Josh Barnett 13.2%

        That's a 69-31 split 

 

--There was another drug test positive for Elite XC, from Friday night's Showtime card, William Jacobsen, who was in a dark match, refused to take a drug test and has been suspended indefinitely.  

 

--JBL's latest business venture is a drink called "Drank," what he is calling an extreme relaxation drink.  It's a grape soda like drink with what is billed as prescription-strength cough syrup power but instead of cough syrup it's valerian, rose hips and melatonin (an algae hormone).

 

--Memorial services for Patrick Miller of NWA Main Event, who passed away earlier this week in an auto accident, will be Saturday at 1 p.m. at the Neal Tarpley Funeral Home in Clarksville, TN

 

--In the U.K. for the week ending 8/10, Raw live had 42,000 viewers at 2 a.m. and the replay on Thursday did 41,000.  Smackdown drew 62,000 for the first airing, 45,000 for Saturday morning and 40,000 for Saturday night. (thanks to Ian Hamilton)

 

--Steve Yohe at 660 S. Taylor Ave., Montebello, CA 90640 is selling a two volume gigantic publication with the record book and newspaper clippings of Jim Londos for $100.  These books were the results of eight years of research.  Londos was the biggest wrestling star as far as drawing power, and by a wide margin, in the pre-television era.    

 

--Colin Delaney is looking for bookings at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it  

 

--Rob Van Dam appeared last night at the Improv in Ontario, CA doing some stand-up in introducing the main comedians for Championship Comedy from Tim Chizmar, a wrestling promoter who does comedy shows.  Human Tornado also did a comedy routine on the show.

 

--The Bay Bombers vs. Chicago Pioneers in old school Roller Derby takes place at Kezar Pavilion in San Francisco this coming Saturday night which is the first Bay Bombers TV taping in something like 22 years

 

--Karl Stern of this site has relaunched his web site at www.karlstern.com  

--Ben Miller and Todd Martin have a podcast up at http://web.me.com/ben_miller/Ben_Millers_Website/Media/BenTodd080819.m4a

 

--2CW on Saturday night in Frankfort, NY at the Herkimer County Fairgrounds features Spike Dudley

 

--Kofi Kingston will be appearing Saturday from Noon to 2 p.m. at the Queens Center Mall in Elmhurst, NY at the Time Warner Cable Store

 

--Buckeye Pro Wrestling's fifth anniversary show will be Sunday at Club Destiny in Middletown, OH featuring Shark Boy, Nick Dinsmore, Irish Airborne and Cody Hawk

 

--IWA Tri State Fear No Evil on 9/20 at the Jersey Star Elite All-Stars and Rec Academy in Sewell, NJ

 

--Shawn Bias, who got a lot of attention in January after suffering a heart attack and kidney failure when he ran from police, investigating a disturbance, is back in the ring fighting Marcus Blood tonight in Lemoore, CA at the Taichi Place Hotel.  Bias went through dialysis for a month and was told to take things slow

 

--Monday night in Puebla:  Asturiano & SWAT & Toro Bill Jr. b Aguila Guerrera & Espiritu Maligno & Karissma, Bronco & Semtenal & Siki Osama b Angel Azteca jr. & Black Tiger & Hijo del Faraon, Grey Shadow & Mictlan & Sagrado b Ephesto & Misterioso II & Sangre Azteca, Negro Casas & Mr. Niebla & Rey Bucanero b Dr. Wagner Jr. & Marco Corleone & Shocker, Blue Panther b Ultimo Guerrero

 

--ENESMA TV taping on Friday night in Neza:  Bracito de Plata & Coquito Negro b Mascarita Sagrada & Voladorcito-DQ, Insecto & Principe Celeste & Sobredosis b Luis & Manny & Tony, Black Thunder & Cazador & Skayde b Black Spirit & Metal Boy & Turbo, Kung Fu Jr. & Principe Azteca & Soberano Jr. b King Haku & Macabro & Semental, Enfermero Jr. & Gran Markus Jr. & Hijo del Gran Markus b Dos Caras Sr. & Hijo del Canek & Huracan Ramirez, Mil Mascaras & Tinieblas Jr. & El Hijo del Solitario b Cien Caras Jr. & Dandy & El Hijo de Mascara Ano 2000

 

--Mascaras also worked Saturday night in Monterrey teaming with Hijo del Anibal & Super Nico over Hator & El Hijo del Solitario & Toscano

 

--Monday night in Nuevo Laredo:  Alan Stone & Elegido & Pimpinela Escarlata b Escorpion Negro Jr. & Rio Bravo & Tito Santana, Jack Evans & Teddy Hart b Ultimo Gladiador & Crazy Boy, Antifaz del Norte & Electroshock & Dark Escoria b Chessman & La Parka & Cibernetico (thanks to Kris Zellner)

 

--MWF on 9/6 in Brooklyn at the Saint Francis of Paolo's Schoolyard

 

--Shark Boy headlines on Saturday night in Muncie, IN at the Delaware County Fairgrounds for Pro Wrestling Renaissance

 

--The final EWF show at the EWF Arena in Marion, IN is 8/30 with a Rumble 

 

--Kid Kash vs. Jerry Lynn tomorrow night for SAW in Millersville, TN, plus Chase Stevens and David Young.  Arena is at 1214-B Louisville Highway

 

--Al Snow, Tito Santana and Doink the Clown appear for House of Pain Wrestling on 9/6 in Martinsburg, WV