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We're looking for your thoughts on Sunday night's TNA Turning Point 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

We're looking for reports on Saturday's WWE shows in Minehead, England and Luxembourg, as well as Thursday night in Nice, France and Friday night in Brussels, Belgium.

They are taping two Smackdowns tonight in Manchester. The first Smackdown has Undertaker vs. Jeff Hardy in an extreme rules match and Michelle McCool vs. Maria for the Divas title.

TNA also has TV tapings tonight in Orlando.

WWE's European vacation continues with a Tuesday night Raw show in Birmingham, England. Wednesday has Raw in Nottingham, England and Smackdown in Newcastle, and Thursday has Raw in Belfast and Smackdown in Zurich, Switzerland.

As always, we are looking for reports from all of these shows 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

We've got a huge feature in this coming Monday's issue of the Wrestling Observer looking at the most successful and durable main event draws in the history of the McMahon promotions, dating back to 1955. We list the top 54, using a ranking system based on numbers of main events and how successful they did as a big show main event draw. We also look at some of the biggest names that aren't in either the WWE or Wrestling Observer Hall of Fames, and a look at why and whether they should be. We look at where modern stars like John Cena and Edge rank, as well as where Undertaker, HHH and Shawn Michaels appear along with people like Hulk Hogan, Bruno Sammartino, Bret Hart and many others. We'll note some major surprises who aren't even close to the top, as well as surprises who are. We also look at the future of the WWE Hall of Fame, with probable, possible, unlikely and those who headlined who have zero chance of being in for a number of reasons.

This issue is available right now to web site members.

You can sign up for a web site membership which includes more than a dozen audio shows per week, as well as Figure Four Weekly. You can also get a print subscription to the Observer by following the instructions below.

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.

We also have full coverage of the 806th episode of Raw, including the top matches for Survivor Series, the McMahon family battle that seems to be impending, details on the ratings for the show, what did and didn't work, and what the highlights packages showed that made the current product look bad. We also look at the conceptual change for the company and why what it most doesn't want to be, is probably the main reason it is still in the position it is in.

We also have a look at yet another MMA promotion starting out and where ESPN stands right now when it comes to MMA. We look at the direction of the new group, as well as where the Elite XC fighters contracts stand right now, as well as look at all the different MMA reality shows on the books for 2009.

We also look at a huge story involving one of the biggest drawing cards in the modern wrestling business and why he is suddenly on the outside looking in. It's a look at two companies where locker room issues have resulted in a top star in his prime who now may end up either being a free agent, or going with a promotion that he has expected to never work for. It's an interesting look at wrestling elsewhere in the world and how the politics are currently.

We also have notes on this year's Tribute to the Troops show, Chris Jericho talking about the background of his feud with Shawn Michaels and how it was put together, including the reaction of Rebecca Hickenbottom to the fat lip. We also have more on WWE's attempt to change the perception of pro wrestling. We also have a look at the new Smackdown vs. Raw 2009 videogame and changes that have been made to reflect the perception change. We also look at a star from the past who is being looked at to be brought back as a regular, as well as the reasons behind Super Crazy leaving the company. We also have thoughts from people who know both him and the situation, over who is likely to become the next Chris Harris, as well as Low Ki in WWE. We also have notes on a wrestler under contract who figures his tenure may be on borrowed time, and the face most probably wouldn't even know he was still with the company indicates it, and friends of his trying to open new doors for him.

We also have a story on the WWE's latest drug crackdown and how some wrestlers who have failed recent tests are, coincidentally, getting pushes diminished. We also have thoughts of pot usage in pro wrestling.

We also have notes on Undertaker's career on PPV, upcoming Smackdown direction, Chris Jericho talking in detail about his incident years ago with Bill Goldberg, as well as a recent WWE tag team championship team and what wrestler was originally to be on the team that was replaced. We've also got more on Stevie Richards' new career, best selling pro wrestling and MMA DVDs, and a note about pro wrestling and its current appeal to kids as compared with last year.

We also have a look at this year's version of the oldest annual event in wrestling without a break, the All Japan Real World Tag League tournament, and its 32nd straight year-end addition, including for the first time ever, someone with less than three weeks experience, teaming with the biggest star in the promotion, Keiji Muto.

We also have the story behind Chris Leben's steroid test failure.

We also have our usual weekly features with ratings from all the major television shows of the past week, as well as results from the major league arena events and major TV show reviews.

Also in the issue:

--Update on the return of Mistico

--What main event star starts filming a made-for-TV movie next week that bears his name

--Tribute show coming next month for one of the world's most successful promotions of the 70s and 80s

--Former Olympic silver medalist named figurehead president of a regional office

--Celebrity who did a wrestling angle as a heel is now uncomfortable with his portrayal and pressuring for an angle change

--Former TNA star expected to start with a new promotion and why it just fell through

--A look at the All Japan show at Sumo Hall

--First sign of financial issues plaguing what has been one of the most stable pro wrestling groups

--A look at KENTA vs. Marufuji

--What happened with Ric Flair and New Japan

--Update on a nostalgia show that will even include a famous 60s tag team returning for one night

--The return of the NWA to television and who will be part of it

--Battle of Los Angeles coverage

--Update on Perry Saturn

--Major local news story about the death of an independent wrestling promoter at the hands of local police

--Eric Bischoff's nest TV show project

--Return of Rob Van Dam

--Update on case where the son of an 70s star is on charges of rape and trying to disfigure an actress

--Newcomers to ROH

--Complete Turning Point lineup

--Story behind a new behind-the-scenes hire by TNA

--Story behind the letting go of Pat Kenney and Glen Gilbertti from TNA

--How TNA is expected to build the Main Event Mafia

--A feud idea in TNA that sounds hideous

--More fallout of the TNA show in Las Vegas

--Celebrity talks about an involvement with TNA

--TNA weekend house show rundowns

--Dana White talks women in UFC

--Why it's probably doomed even if they do it

--Live matches for 12/27 show

--Update on injury being kept secret for one of the main eventers in an upcoming UFC show

--TNA signs Denis Kang

--Update on Josh Koscheck

--Schedule between now and March

--Randy Couture in another dispute with a business partner

--Notes from the training camps of Couture and Brock Lesnar

--Ultimate Fighter tryout notes

--Dana White rips on his own show

--New fights just signed

--More on Satoshi Ishii's MMA career

--Seth Petruzelli vs. Kimbo Slice rematch update

--Coverage of the last Sengoku show

--Tape library purchase of company out of business

--Former IFL fighter fighting for his life

--John McCarthy returning as referee

--Pat Miletich coming out of retirement

--Newspaper ties MMA into a gangland style murder in a city with the fourth most interest in MMA in North America

--Update on K.J. Noons

--U.S. Olympic hero talks about entering MMA, and we don't mean Kurt Angle 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.

-- Tickets for UFC 94 on January 31st at the MGM with Georges St. Pierre vs. BJ Penn go on sale this week. It is described on the poster as an EPIC BATTLE. Only St. Pierre's Welterweight title is on the line, so if BJ wins he'll be the first fighter in UFC history to hold two UFC titles in two different divisions simultaneously (Dan Henderson held two PRIDE titles).

-- Being Veteran's Day, Mary Ann wrote in with this: The November-December issue of DAV, the magazine of the Disabled Veterans of America, features an article entitled "DAV Gets Extreme," with photos of UFC Champion Randy Coutre and MMA star Karo Parysian. It talks about Coutre inviting past DAV National Commander James Sursely, and a group of disabled veterans, to participate in the Xtreme Coutre G.I. Foundation's fundraising golf outing on September 25th. Coutre, himself a veteran, founded XCGIF to raise money and awareness for American veterans injured in Iraq and Afghanistan.

-- NBC New York has a story here calling Lesnar vs. Couture the biggest sporting event of the month. For those that didn't see the one-hour Countdown show, it will be airing Thursday night at midnight on Spike, followed by All Access Randy Couture and All Access Brock Lesnar (repeats). It also replays at 6 EST and PST Saturday night, just before the fight.

-- Results of our Lesnar vs. Couture poll: How many buys do you expect Couture vs. Lesnar to get?
701,000 to 800,000 26.7% 801,000 to 900,000 20.2%
901,000 to 1 million 16.1%
More than 1.1 million 12.4%
601,000 to 700,000 9.9%
1,001,000 to 1.1 million 7.9%
Less than 600,000 6.8%

-- TNA has issued an open invitation for Sarah Palin to appear at the Impact Zone. I'm not making this up. Between this, the Main Event Mafia booking and the Scott Hall wackiness on Sunday, I just don't know what to say. They're claiming they will personally fly her from Alaska for a ceremony on the December 7th PPV where she will be inducted into the Beautiful People, and will also give her a $50,000 check for the charity of her choice or the "youth hockey association in her native Wasilla, Alaska". No joke. They will officially offer the invitation on Impact this Thursday.

-- The main Hogan show airing and the 2:00 PM "sneak peak" both did 0.2 ratings, which is now exactly in line with the network average and half of what they did on week one. Can I officially say this sucks now without Bischoff getting mad?

-- Elijah Burke posted the following on his website today: My time is at hand. Do not weep, nor mourn, for I am gone but 4(up) a while. Hold on to that which I gave you, share it in laughter with those around you. For I have landed but for a brief refueling, for the course YOUR Pope takes is far far away. Your Pope smiles as he writes this knowing that peace is filled within, to all within the Congregation, NOW the true test begin! And remember, MY COMEBACK SHALL BE GREATER THAN MY SETBACK!~ The Pope Has Spoken!

-- A positive story on the Smackdown ratings

-- Ivan Trembow has a very detailed look at the minute-by-minute ratings of UFC 89 here.

-- ROH's Driven PPV debuts this Friday night on PPV. Patrick Lennon has a big article up about Nigel McGuinness here

-- WWE Renamed SVOD Service

-- Jim Ross has a new blog up here

-- A bunch of website notes. We have installed our new server and some people are still reporting problems logging onto the board. If you cannot access it, please click here. If you notice any other weirdness, email Admin Tony at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

-- Dave Meltzer and I will be joined by Gina Carano on Wrestling Observer Radio tomorrow, so if you have questions for her please email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or post questions in the radio show section of the board.

-- There will also be a Wrestling Observer Live relaunch on Sirius Satellite Radio, Sports Byline USA and this website on Sunday. I have some really big changes planned for the show, and we'll have more information on that in the next few days.

-- Eastern Wrestling Alliance, November 9th, 2008, Parkville, MD: Big Art "The Samoan Tsunami" defeated The Varsity in a handicapped match, Cole Calloway defeated The Baltimore Butcher, EWA tag team champions n.E.s. defeated The Christian Academy, Adam Carelle defeated Jimmy Starz to become the new EWA Cruiserweight Champion, Eagle defeated Derek Frazier, The Rehoboth Beach Crew defeated Link Kory & Adam Flash, DJ Hyde defeated Greg Excellent, Ryan McBride & Teddy Stigma defeated The Best Around in a Coward Waves the Flag match (USA vs Canada)

-- Collector's Realm in Poughkeepsie will have Big Daddy V signing autographs from noon to 2 on December 7th, and Kevin Nash from noon to 2 on February 1st.

-- AAW: Professional Wrestling Redefined presents The Windy City Classic IV on Friday, November 28th at 8:00pm at the Berwyn Eagles Club with Tyler Black headlining.