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We're looking for reports on tonight's Raw house show in Texarkana, AR, which I was, in fact, once the CHAMPION of.

Tomorrow has a Raw house show in Little Rock, a Smackdown house show in Monroe, LA, an ROH show in Tokyo and a TNA house show in London, ONT.

Sunday has TNA's Non Surrender in Oshawa, ONT (yes, there is actually a PPV this weekend), plus ROH in Tokyo, Raw in Jackson, TN and Smackdown in Jackson, MS. What are the odds of that?

Raw will be live Monday from Memphis featuring Chris Jericho vs. C.M. Punk in a cage match for the World title and Rey Mysterio vs. Kane. There is also a rare Monday night Smackdown house show taping in Montgomery, AL.

Smackdown/ECW are taped Tuesday night in Nashville. TNA will be taping both Tuesday and Wednesday nights this week in Orlando.

Smackdown line-up for tonight:

* Shelton Benjamin vs. Jeff Hardy vs. MVP vs. The Brian Kendrick
* Edge Geeks for Carlito & Primo Colon (yes, now on Smackdown)
* R-Truth vs. Chavo Guerrero
* Michelle McCool & Maria & Brie Bella 1 vs. Maryse & Natalya & Victoria
* Vlad Koslov vs. Scotty Goldman (Colt Cabana) & Funaki

The life and times of Evan Tanner, the most details look at what happened to Ric Flair this past week, early business indicators on the Championship Scramble and UFC 88, a look at the most expensive punch in MMA history, Hulk Hogan's finances, the movie "The Wrestler," the final negotiations of Randy Couture and UFC and the demolition of what was at one point the No. 1 pro wrestling arena in the world are some of the stories in this coming Monday's issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter. The issue is available to premium subscribers of the web site today and you can sign up on the site and get one of the bigger news issues of the week.

We look at the life and death of Evan Tanner in a detailed biography, starting from when he was growing up, the strange circumstances of his death, the funny story of how he got into fighting, as well as a look at his life over the past ten years. We look at his career from the USWF days to the UFC, his title struggle with Rich Franklin and just how close he came to the brass ring of superstardom. We look at his drifting, drinking, fighting and unique philosophy with a lot of comments he made on all of them in retrospective.

We also look at a television deal that may change the very landscape of pro wrestling. It got little publicity, and the ramifications got almost none, but it may lead to major changes in the industry as we know it.

We have a story on what happened with Ric Flair, his daughter and her boyfriend, with several different accounts of what went down, how the police handled it, and Flair's reactions.

We have a look at the UFC's deal with Randy Couture and what went down in the final days and final hours leading to it.

We've got a look at the Championship Scramble show, as well as early business indicators, a look at the show's storyline, match-by-match coverage with star ratings and poll results.

We also have a look at the future of Chuck Liddell, how much that Rashad Evans punch cost the UFC, where Liddell goes from here, some major UFC matches coming up, as well as business and poll notes on the show.

We've got a look at Kurt Angle's DUI case being ended, and Hulk Hogan and his wife's divorce case continuing, with a look at the family financials from court documents.

We look at the reaction from Venice to Toronto to the movie, "The Wrestler," starring Mickey Rourke, including a review, its planned release and its realism and inspirations.

We also have a blow-by-blow of botched spots edited off Raw last week due to it being on tape, WWE developmental news, WWE signing a former WCW star, WWE going to Japan, plus house show reports from the past week.

We also have a look at the NOAH show from Budokan Hall from the weekend with business notes and the finals of the biggest action tournament of the year.

We have notes on the demolition of one of the most famous wrestling arenas in the world, that may have been the arena that drew more fans to wrestling than any in the world in the 80s.

We have updates on WWE buy rates, as well as our regular weekly look at the ratings from all the major shows, including segment-by-segment on Raw and Impact, as well as the major TV reviews.

We also have update on WWE DVD sales, and notes on the No Mercy show.

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:

--Former WWF & WCW star makes debut at Arena Mexico

--A look at the CMLL traditional biggest event of the year and what match scheduled won't be on it and why

--Top 90s star says retirement is less than two months away

--Update on the health of Scorpio Jr.

--Mil Mascaras works NWA show

--Huge personality conflict among main eventers including a near backstage fight and it getting way out of hand

--AAA Verano de Escandalo big show news

--More U.S. wrestlers headed to Mexico

--Battle of two major promotion world champions coming

--NOAH star gets foe as world champion from another sport for MMA match in a few weeks

--Update on New Japan booking situation

--Former TNA star gets shot at New Japan title

--Ric Flair's wife talks about their relationship and what went wrong

--Lots of updated Flair business

--Dragon Gate's U.S. debut

--Dwayne Johnson update

--Former WWE star gets hit by a truck while jogging

--New Japan stars headed to U.K. show to work with ROH wrestlers

--Mick Foley talks future and past

--Update on Gail Kim

--Update on Team 3-D's contract situation

--Kevin Nash contract update

--TNA house show news

--Plans for Randy Couture vs. Brock Lesnar promotion

--Urijah Faber talks postponing of his fight

--Crazy UFC schedule between now and the end of the year

--Betting on Couture vs. Lesnar

--UFC in Japan update

--Strange presidential endorsement

--New UFC matches

--Next Dream show

--K-1 Grand Prix 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.

-- There is an awesome Evan Tanner video interview that can be found here (part 1) and here (part 2).

-- Chris Jericho will receive the James Joyce Award as part of the 154th Session of the University College Dublin Law & Historical Society at some point this year. The award is given to people who achieve outstanding success in their chosen field, and previous winners including Jesse Jackson, JK Rowling and Will Farrell (?). Thanks to Breffni O'Sullivan.

-- From our Scramble poll:

Should the 3 Championship Scramble idea become an annual PPV event?
No 81.9%
Yes 18.1%

-- And this is awesome. There is a poll on WWE.com asking fans if they liked the Scramble matches, and so far the majority have voted no. I supposed that almost guarantees they'll do it again next year.

-- And the latest in our Brock vs. Randy poll. I should note you can vote once per day and we'll leave it up until fight time in case you change your mind about your pick. Brock is gaining a solid "lead", I guess.

Who would you predict to win this match if it takes place?
Brock Lesnar 51.3%
Randy Couture 48.7%

-- Strikeforce signed a deal with the Score in Canada to air live programming, beginning with the Playboy Mansion show on September 20th. They also started carrying weekly Strikeforce programming last Saturday.

-- Bubba the Love Sponge "gleefully" announced on his radio show today that he's being called to testify in the Hulk Hogan/Linda Hogan divorce trial. If it goes down he'll be deposed on October 1st. A webcast of the show is up here. Thanks to Jeff Cohen.

-- UFC made it official today that Rachelle Leah will be on the cover of November's issue of Playboy with a nude spread inside.

-- I'm about halfway through the Gorgeous George book and am enjoying it. We should have author John Capouya on Figure Four Daily shortly after I finish. You can check the book out here.

-- Comcast has a 25 Toughest Fighters list up here. Anderson Silva is ranked number one.

-- The annual PWG Battle of LA show, which is always fun, will be taking place October 31st, November 1st and November 2nd in Burbank, CA at the Armory, and they've announced the participation of Dragon Gate. Interestingly, TNA is running head-to head with shows on November 1 at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim and November 2 at the Bakersfield Dome in Bakersfield. Thanks to Daniel Short.

-- Rey Bucanero vs. Sean Waltman in Waltman's CMLL debut on the 75th anniversary show was axed this week, and Bucanero was very upset saying nobody told him about it and he had to find out by reading the magazines. Welcome to WWE.

-- A more positive look at TNA iMPACT! via the gamespot review is here

-- Inside MMA tonight has Bas Rutten telling some of his favorite stories about Frank Trigg.

-- Titans in Toronto 3 on September 27th at the Galleria Shopping Mall with Chris Masters, Highlander Robbie and more.

-- BSE Pro Wrestling runs Timmins, ONT on November 8th with Matt Morgan and Traci Brooks among others

-- Tulalip Championship Wrestling runs Saturday night at the Tulalip Boys & Girls Club with myself versus Wildcard in an epic battle, plus matches involving Buddy Wayne, Pete Storm from Buddy's school, Richie Magnett, Chris Ryseck, Caden Matthews and more. Eugene is heading in next month.

-- Alex Marvez has a look at Danny Davis and OVW up here

-- The IHW Show Originally set for 9/13 in Ft Worth has been postponed until 10/4 due to Hurricane Evacuees in the Fort Worth Community Centers. Bill Mercer will be appearing on 10/4 along with Skandor Akbar. Chico Toress will have his farewell match. www.ihwenow.com. Thanks to David Farmer.

-- IWE Wrestling runs Hamilton, ONT on Saturday September 13 at the Studio at Hamilton Place with Al Snow vs. THE ASIAN NIGHTMARE KWAN CHANG headlining.

-- Ultimate Championship Wrestling will be in Halifax, NS (Spryfield Lion's Rink) on Sept. 19 and in Berwick, NS (Berwick Arena) on Sept. 20 - Featuring Wrestling Reality stars Brody Steele and Kowboy Mike Hughes (1st show only), plus 'Lumber' Jack Johnson will be in action. Thanks to Brad Dykens

-- Bill DeMott guests on Inside the Pit today

-- Squire David Taylor is now available for seminars, wrestling booking and autograph signings through Bill Behrens at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

-- 3XW presents the "Clobberpalooza Classic" tonight at the phenomenal inPlay ballroom in Des Moines. Featuring three title matches, the return of Arya Daivari (Sheik Abdul Bashir's very talented brother) and Mike Sydal (Evan Bourne's also very talented brother). The Northstar Express are in their 20th month as tag team champions, but face their toughest challenge to date in the undefeated team of Jeremy Wyatt and Tyler Cook. Doors open at 7:30 p.m.

-- Peachstate Wrestling Alliance runs tonight at the VFW Fairgrounds in Carrollton, GA with Consequences Creed vs. Sal Rinauro, Ricky Morton vs. Bobby Eaton (!!!) and Mike Jackson vs. Ultimate Dragon in a title vs. mask match.

-- FTW runs Blitzkrieg 2 (Jack Evans?) on September 26th a the Yonkers PAL Building on 127 Broadway in Yonkers at 7:30 PM. Main event is an ambulance match to declare PWS Champion with Devon Moore defending against Necro Butcher, who is also apparently the COMMISSIONER of FTW. That's money.

-- Scott Staples has two 2nd row tickets for Ring Of Honors debut show in the St. Louis area for sale if any of our readers may be interested in them. He's looking to get his money back out of them ($35 a piece) as he lives a lot closer to Nashville and have decided to go to the Nashville show instead of the St. Louis show. If anyone is interested they can contact him at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

-- Velvet Sky will be at Omni Comics and Cards on September 20th at 732 Silas Deane Hwy in Wethersfield, CT from 11 AM to 1 PM, and if you buy three or more boxes of TNA trading cards you get to have lunch with her.

-- Rubber Guard Radio has an interview with F4Wonline.com's Audio Guru Cutrer here

-- Batista to Mumbai

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