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We're looking for your thoughts on Sunday night's Bound for Glory PPV, so you can leave a thumbs up, thumbs down or thumbs in the middle along with a best and worst match to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it This is the final day for this poll.

TNA tapes tonight in Orlando, and what a show. Apparently Mick Foley is going to say goodbye to all the loyal TNA fans who have supported him during his three-week career. Apparently the greatest acquisition in TNA history was only acquired for less than a month. How people can write such bad storylines is beyond me. Kevin Nash works the show, facing Consequences Creed. He'll also explain why he turned on Samoa Joe. Booker T faces Hernandez, Roxxi faces Raeesha Saed, and The Sheik & Sonjay Dutt face Motor City Machine Guns. If you go, please send us reports to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it and This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

WWE also tapes Smackdown and ECW in Las Vegas, so we're looking for reports from that show as well. We're also looking for reports on the weekend Raw show in Reno.

All the fallout of one of the most important weekends of the year for news, given both the future of Elite XC and the level of popularity of Smackdown were both up in the air, is discussed in the lead story in today's jumbo-sized issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.

You can read the issue right now with a premium subscription to the web site by going to the home page and clicking on a subscription to the web site. You can also get the Observer delivered to you weekly with ordering information below.

We also have an early look on how the economic problems have definitely affected one of the major promotions, and how they will likely affect others.

The story has the most detailed look at the business of the Elite show, CBS, CW Network, MyNetwork, and Smackdown. We look at where the CBS show finished, the story behind everything that went on in more detail than probably anywhere else on Saturday night. We look at who Seth Petruzelli was, how Ken Shamrock got hurt, questions asked about the injury, what Shamrock did, the whole Frank Shamrock and Seth Petruzelli situation and who made what calls to where things ended up as they did.

We look at exactly when the deal was finalized, how much money everyone got, how people live and on TV were told about it, as well as a look at the Seth Petruzelli radio comments, reactions from Elite XC officials and athletic commission officials.

We look at the ratings and future for Elite XC, as well as what lessons regarding ratings, Kimbo and Elite XC were shown on Saturday night. We look at the big questions coming out of the fight, a take on Kimbo's future and if he can draw, as well as thoughts on other fighters on the show. We've got an update on the sale of the company.

We also look at the Smackdown move to MyNetwork TV as well as compare it to other WWE television moves. We look at where they lost viewers and the big questions going forward.

We also look at Elite XC in comparison to the other major sporting events, as well as the most recent show, as well as who really added the most viewers and who those viewers were that were added.

We also have a look at the Elite audience vs. UFC audience with some things that will shock a lot of people regarding who watches the shows and the realities of the MMA audience.

We also have full coverage of the No Mercy PPV, with match-by-match coverage, poll results and star ratings.

We also have more business notes on Elite XC, coverage of the weigh-ins, match-by-match coverage including what news story from a few month ago ended up being confirmed and how much all the fighters got paid.

We also look at what celebrity got the biggest reaction of any celebrity I've ever seen at a live MMA show.

We also have a look at the escalating promotional war in Mexico with WWE involvement, including the head of WWE Mexico talking about raiding talent and the first person saying that he's going and how that affects the CMLL world heavyweight championship, and how little the Mexican promotions understand about how WWE operates.

We also have full coverage of the first Smackdown show on MyNetwork.

We also have more on aspects of WWE's philosophy in training new wrestlers and how they want to product to evolve.

We also have more on Cyber Sunday, Steve Austin, this year's voting process has the show been a success.

We've got updates on DVD sales for the four biggest WWE DVD's of the year, as well as merchandise numbers.

We talk about second-guessing the priorities on Raw and what wrestler sort of disappeared in the fallout. We've got notes on February's No Way Out PPV, why the Colons were put together, Jeff Hardy talks about his issues and what happened in Nashville at the airport, as well as comments from Vickie Guerrero and Edge.

We also have more on UFC's show in Dublin and an update on the Affliction promotion, including thoughts on exactly who and what Golden Boy may have to offer.

We also have an update on Raven's lawsuit regarding independent contractor status of WWE wrestlers. We look at Jerry McDevitt's attempt to get the suit thrown out, and what grounds in his motion he's completely avoided discussing. We look at how the famous Fed-Ex case applies here, as well.

We also look at what percentage of WWE wrestlers are expected to top one million in earnings this year and the number will probably surprise a lot of people.

We also have more on one of the biggest sports stories in Japan, the attempt to recruit gold medalist in judo, Satoshi Ishii, to MMA.

We also have full coverage of the K-1 Max World Grand Prix tournament.

We also have a feature on the buy rate of SummerSlam and how it compares with SummerSlam shows in the past, and what can be learned from it, as well as a comparison between SummerSlam and the UFC show held the week before.

We also have our usual regular weekly features including the most detailed rundown of TV ratings, including the story behind UFC's record lows, how many new viewers the DX reuniting brought in, as well as what show did a record high and what show did a record low this past week. We have results from the major league arena events around the world as well as the major television show reports.

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.

Also in the issue:

--Update on the business in Mexico

--First look at plans for a former WWE star to face a second generation Mexican legend in a hair match on the year-end spectacular

--Look at AAA's Antonio Pena Memorial show including one of the craziest angles of all-time

--Hustle looks to sign a former Olympic gold medalist

--Return of Cima

--Debut of the biggest rookie in the history of Japanese wrestling

--Update on KENTA vs. Marufuji at Budokan Hall

--Update on the 1/4 Tokyo Dome show

--Among the most famous matches in Japanese history has both members of the match forming a tag team on an upcoming big show

--What TNA stars are going to Japan in a few weeks for shows at Sumo Hall

--What DVD of matches 25 years ago or longer is about to come out

--Terrible news regarding one of the biggest stars of the 90s

--Former ECW champ talks retirement

--A new TV series based on wrestling

--Eric Bischoff talks about what it would need to get a promotion started

--Notes on the release of a movie about the life of Bruno Sammartino

--Bobby Lashley's MMA debut

--Newcomers to the St. Louis Wrestling Hall of Fame

--Major milestone for a current world champion

--Longest world title reigns in recent years

--Why TNA stars were pulled from ROH show

--New TV deal for TNA

--Kevin Nash update

--Former world champion being talked about for a TNA appearance in a few weeks

--Upcoming TV schedule

--A look at TNA house show business

--Wrestlemania record broken by UFC

--UFC star involved in a gunpoint robbery

--One of UFC's most enduring names talks about returning

--Update on the next season of Ultimate Fighter

--Injuries and matches that have been changed, including a match being talked about on the Internet that isn't happening and never was happening

--Update on Tito Ortiz

--Elite XC's final major show of the year

--Update on Elite XC heavyweight title situation

--Next Strikeforce show in San Jose

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)

September 8, 2008 (2008 Hall of Fame double issue, $7 on its own, $8 overseas; part one of Killer Kowalski bio)

September 15, 2008 (Life and Times of Evan Tanner)

September 22, 2008 (The amazing career of Killer Kowalski, one of our most in-depth bios)

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.

-- I knew Lance Cade was in deep trouble the moment he had that bad performance on Raw in a tag match with HHH, Shawn Michaels and Chris Jericho. That's a recipe for doom.

-- Johnny Devine is also gone from TNA after requesting his release.

-- Another three-hour Raw will take place on 12/8 from Philadelphia.

-- The WWE Best of the Ladder Matches DVD was released today.

-- The UFC 87: St. Pierre vs. Fitch replay on Spike on Saturday night did a 1.4 rating and 1.8 million viewers.

-- If you didn't hear last night's Wrestling Observer Radio with Dave Meltzer and I, make sure you go out of your way to see the UFC Countdown special playing this week on Spike. The Leben/Bisping stuff is fantastic.

-- MWF Soul Survivor V runs November 15th at the Memorial Hall in Melrose, MA with Bob Orton & J-Busta vs. Beau Douglas & Jackson Blue, and they're playing up the John Cena/Randy Orton rivalry by having John Cena Sr. work as special referee.

-- Wildcat Belts, one of our advertisers on this site, has created the championship belt for Hulk Hogan's Celebrity Wrestling, which debuts this Saturday on CMT. You can check it out here.

-- In regards to that show, which I literally cannot WAIT to watch, Anthony Pape adds: I just want to let you know that CMT is also showing "Celebrity Wrestling" at 2PM on Saturday and it replays 10AM, 4PM, 8PM, and 11:30 PM on Sunday.

-- From Jake Koch: Bret Hart was on the local Fox 2 morning show in studio for about five minutes promoting his book. He told anchor Kam Carmen that he wrestled about 300 days a year for 23 years and he never hurt anyone in the ring. He said he wishes people would have had "the same consideration" for him in return. Carmen was amazed at how thick the book was. Hart said he carried a tape recorder with him most of his career and he kept audio diaries. He said he feels this is the most complete and honest book ever on wrestling. He added that Mick Foley's book was very good as well. Bret will be signing copies of the book in Dearborn at Border's Book tonight at 7pm.

-- Ian Hamilton has some UFC 90 info for those in the UK: Because the US and Canada don't put their clocks back until Sunday November 2, the time difference for the UK (and Europe) will change, with the difference between EST and GMT going to four hours for a week. As a result: UFC 90 will be airing live on Setanta Sports 1 at 2am (not 3am, as 10pm EST = 2am GMT) Sunday October 26/Saturday night October 25 Cyber Sunday will be airing live on Sky Sports at MIDNIGHT on Sunday October 26/early Monday October 27. The same will go for the live Raw on October 27 - that'll air 1-3am late Monday October 27/morning of Tuesday October 28.

-- More from Michael Wilbon on his claims that Kimbo vs. Seth was fixed to favor Petruzelli -- yes, that Kimbo took a DIVE. This is one of the top stupid statements of the century. It's up here.

-- There is an article on Marcus Davis and his stint with TNA up here.

-- There is an article here on Michael Bisping by the BBC.

-- Todd Martin of this website and CBS Sportsline has a story on Chris Leben up here.

-- TNA makes the Chicago Sun-Times here. Have you ever read YOUR MOVIE SUCKS by Sun-Times columnist Roger Ebert? One of my favorite books of all time. I wonder what he would think of your average Impact?

-- Stacy Kiebler is on the cover of this month's Maxim Magazine.

Latest polls:

Who is the best wrestler of these Hall of Famers?
Undertaker 44.7%
Ray Stevens 36.6%
Whipper Billy Watson 5.1%
Cowboy Bill Watts 3.9%
Mad Dog Vachon 3.9%
Joe Stecher 2.9%
Ray Steele 1.6%
Sandor Szabo 1.2%

Why do you think so many people stopped watching Smackdown?
People knew but didn't care enough anymore to look for the new station The difference was people who switch around, and may see wrestling on CW but never switch around to MyNetwork,. so this will be the new ratings level 63.3%
Even though the ads played for months, people that watch WWE programming don't pay close attention to the show and didn't know, but will figure it out and ratings will be to near normal in a few weeks 36.7%

-- An awesome Bloodsports Mentos commercial. Thanks to Mark Coale.

-- SHIMMER Women Athletes runs their latest DVD taping Sunday, October 19, 2008 at the Berwyn Eagles Club (6309 26th Street) in Berwyn, IL, just outside Chicago. Bell time for this Sunday taping is 2pm.

-- Ed in San Antonio of Observer Live fame has an interview with WWE superstar Evan Bourne up here.

-- World Championship Fighting is featured in this month's The Improper Bostonian magazine and Real Fighter magazine. Their next show is November 14th at the Aleppo Shriners Auditorium in Wilmington, Mass.

-- Latest full listing of BOLA participants for the November 1st and 2nd shows in Burbank, CA at the Armory: Davey Richards, Chuck Taylor, Masato Yoshino, Generico, Kenny Omega, Brandon Bonham, Austin Aries, Chris Hero, Necro Butcher (~!), and Scott Lost. I've attended the last two years in a row and the shows are always awesome.

-- AWA at the Indianapolis Speedrome before approximately 3700 fans saw Ricky Landell beat Larry Zbyzsko in the main event.

-- Keystone State Wrestling Alliance runs Fan Fest/Toy Drive 2008 at 7:30 pm on Saturday, December 6, 2008 at the Lawrenceville Moose, 120 51st Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15201. Ticket & Event Information: 412-726-1762 {plug}