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        Two hours of UFC on Spike tonight.  First hour at 9 p.m. is Unleashed with Wanderlei Silva vs. Keith Jardine in a don't blink match, Yoshiyuki Yoshida vs. Jon Koppenhaver, Thiago Silva vs Antonio Mendes and Tito Ortiz vs. Lyoto Machida.  Ultimate Fighter is at 10 p.m. with John Polakowski vs. George Roop.  The storyline is Roop is going into tonight's fight hurt.  They also announce the semifinals which start next week.

 

        We not only have a major feature on Brock Lesnar's UFC title win, what it means, where it's going, a look at the heavyweight division, potential style match-ups with Lesnar and future challengers, but also a history piece about people in the past who have dominated pro and amateur wrestling as well as amateur wrestling and MMA over the next week in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.  We look at some of the all-time American wrestling legends.  We also look at the biggest stars in one of the top promotions leaving and a balance of power change in the dressing room and how the product has changed.  We look at the highlights of Brock Lesnar's pro wrestling career and the politics behind the title changes he was in.

 

        Our lead story goes back to UFC I, and how this was the antithesis of the first show.  We analyze the fight and what it did and didn't prove.  We look at the reaction, the size difference, comments by Lesnar about the key moment in the fight, a look at Couture's future.  We've got early business notes on the show, pay records for the show, more on the WWE reaction and the match by match coverage.

 

        We have two issues coming out over the next week.  The first issue will be available today for those on the web site and the second issue will be available later this week.

 

        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 an update on Pierroth as he fights for his life, as well as a look at the craziness regarding the Couture family the week before the show, as well as two of the key people in the MMA business taking a major fall, with the departure of Affliction head Todd Beard and the SEC going after Mark Cuban.

 

        We also have more on the WWE's European tour, one of the most lucrative two-week house show periods in company history.  We look at the business for the week as well as highlights of the shows, as well as look at TNA's next trip to the same market and plans being made for that tour. 

 

        We also have our regular weekly coverage with a look at the ratings of every major show for the past week, results of the major league arena shows as well as TV show highlights.

 

        We also look at the good and the bad of WWE stock during the market crash, questions the Matt Hardy situation asks, update on this year's Survivor Series business, WWE released wrestler talks his future, his feelings after being cut and TNA, as well as more notes on Wrestlemania ticket sales and what percentage of Smackdown viewers these days are watching live vs. tape.

 

        We also have an interesting note regarding WWE's attempt to change the classification of the shows to "scripted entertainment."  We also look at a backup plan at Cyber Sunday, an update on Dos Caras Jr. and WWE, as well as a look more at the WWE stars of the future in Florida, talking about new names, new gimmicks, who is progressing, and how so many wrestlers are being characterized based on stars from another generation.  We also have notes on new WWE movies.    

 

        Also in this week's issue:

 

--1/4 Tokyo Dome main event official

 

--What TNA wrestlers are being talked about for the 1/4 Tokyo Dome show

 

--New Japan's final major shows of 2008

 

--NWA tapings

 

--What all-time legend the NWA has talked with and where things stand

 

--What challenges the NWA faces

 

--NWA's creative team for the tapings including well known names from different worlds

 

--New major ROH bouts

 

--Gabe Sapolsky talks about his departure from ROH

 

--Major TNA charity event goes well

 

--More news on next TNA PPV show

 

--More on the Sting characterization and what it is based on

 

--Update on Christian Cage

 

--More bad news from the TNA videogame side

 

--More Kurt Angle media interview greatness

 

--Talks about an international name for the next TNA PPV

 

--A look at the TNA U.K. tour

 

--Update on a proposed scripted TV series starring a TNA major name

 

--What major MMA star are they trying to get on an episode

 

--What 1981 match was studied for the backdrop of a TNA PPV match

 

--Update on Angle vs. Jarrett

 

--Foreign TV star signed by TNA

 

--A look at TNA weekend shows

 

--Ticket price changes for the first major UFC show in Las Vegas

 

--Buys in for Silva vs. Cote

 

--Notes on record setting UFC media coverage

 

--Notes on Fertittas casino business

 

--Dana White updates UFC on network TV

 

--What international MMA superstar was in Las Vegas over the weekend to talk with UFC

 

--Dana White changes his tune on women fights

 

--What White is most concerned with and how this affects international expansion, particularly Japan

 

--ESPN and UFC and where it stands

 

--Yet another new show added over the next two months

 

--German media comes to UFC, major magazine editor hates the show

 

--Update on New York legislation

 

--Ricky Hatton talks his UFC experience

 

--Couture talks Lesnar vs. Fedor

 

--New UFC big show matches

 

--Fedor's loss

 

--Documentary on major MMA star seemingly based on Wrestling with Shadows, who is Bret?  You know who is Vince.

 

--Cung Le update

 

--Bobby Lashley MMA update

 

--New Japanese group gets prime time network special and main event is announced

 

--A look at a new booking office and what they are charging for a Mexico dream match

 

--Horrible news when it comes to CMLL and Mistico's return

 

--A masked golfer

 

--Konnan takes over AAA in storyline, and when it comes to television, what moves are being done, changes made

 

--Pro wrestling gets New Year's Eve TV special going against K-1

 

--Dragon Gate has one of years biggest shows

 

--All Japan has major success outside Japan

 

--A look at upcoming NOAH tournaments

 

--Update on Japan legends show next month

 

--One of America's wrestling legends passes away

 

--Perry Saturn update

 

--Details of Hogan/Bischoff business that Linda Bollea is fighting

 

--The savior of Japanese MMA gives him timetable for a debut and timing is of the essence

 

--Latest on K-1 New Year's Eve show

 

--Scary PPV numbers

 

--Reports that MMA superstar is even more serious about doing pro boxing

 

--WWE star is 2005 champion in another sport

 

--Bill Watts to WWE TV

 

        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.

 

 

--WWE sent out two press releases today.  The first noted the launch of its next generation video player on WWE.com, saying since the launch, video viewing is up 77% and video ad impressions up 95%.  They note the features like The Dirt Sheet, Word Up and Santino's Casa.  The second was the formation of the WWE Universe on-line social networking site at wwe.com  They are trying to have more interaction with fans and wrestlers as well as live blogs and live commentary during WWE shows.

 

--M-1 Global last night sent out a media release with Fedor Emelianenko issuing a 1920s pro wrestling like grandstand challenge to Brock Lesnar.  Jerry Millen read it on our audio show with the Emelianenko interview on the site last night, and Bryan and I talk about it afterwards.  I thought it came off so cheesy. 

 

--WWE is changing its refereeing policies.  Referees will no longer be Raw, Smackdown or ECW brands, but will be assigned independently of brand.

 

--The new WAMMA ratings came out (Todd Martin and Mike Sawyer from this site are voters as is Alex Marvez and Fight Network's John Pollock along with many others in the MMA media) with Brock Lesnar moving up to No. 4 contender in the heavyweight division behind champ Fedor Emelianenko, Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira, Andrei Arlovski and Josh Barnett.  Remainder of the top ten is Tim Sylvia, Randy Couture, Gabriel Gonzaga, Fabricio Werdum, Frank Mir and Alistair Overeem.  These ratings don't mean anything in practice because UFC is separate, but they are Affliction's sanctioning body right now.  All the other No. 1s are from Zuffa, Forrest Griffin as light heavyweight, Anderson Silva as middleweight, Georges St. Pierre as welterweight, B.J. Penn as lightweight and Mike Brown as featherweight

 

--The Kevin Burns vs. Anthony Johnson rematch from 7/19 (the match where Johnson got the worst finger in the eye imaginable, needing surgery, but the fight was ruled a win for Burns instead of a no contest because ref Steve Mazzagatti was in the wrong spot and thought it was a punch that did the trick) has been added to the Ultimate Fighter final on 12/13.  The show will also feature the finals of the two tournaments going on this season of the show.

 

--In ratings for last week, ESPN was No. 1 in cable at 2.6 with USA at 2.0 for second place.  Spike was No. 18 at 0.9 and Sci-Fi was No. 21 at 0.8.  The two hours of Raw were no. 8 and No. 10.  Second hour was No. 8 in 18-34 and in 18-49, the hours were No.3 and No. 7

 

--Polls on the most memorable matches in history

U.S. pro wrestling

Hulk Hogan vs. Andre the Giant 46.3%

Bret Hart vs. Shawn Michaels 20.9%

Rock vs. Steve Austin 12.2%

Hulk Hogan vs. Ultimate Warrior 5.4%

Ric Flair vs. Kerry Von Erich 3.0%

Hogan & Mr. T vs. Roddy Piper & Paul Orndorff 2.6%

Hogan vs. Iron Sheik 2.5%

Frank Gotch vs. George Hackenschmidt 2.3%

Bruno Sammartino vs. Larry Zbyszko 2.0%

Bruno Sammartino vs. Buddy Rogers 1.1%

Trump's hair vs. Vince's hair 1.0%

Pat O'Connor vs. Buddy Rogers 0.6%

 

Japanese pro wrestling

Antonio Inoki vs. Muhammad Ali 29.1%

Tiger Mask vs. Dynamite Kid 15.0%

Lou Thesz vs. Rikidozan 12.4%

Inoki vs. Hulk Hogan 11.7%

Royce Gracie vs. Kazushi Sakuraba 7.9%

Rikidozan vs. The Destroyer 7.1%

Funks vs. Sheik & Abdullah the Butcher 4.4%

Funks vs.  Bruiser Brody & Jimmy Snuka 4.2%

Keiji Muto vs. Nobuhiko Takada 3.0%

Vader vs. Takada 2.4%

Shinya Hashimoto vs. Naoya Ogawa 2.1%

Rikidozan & Masahiko Kimura vs. Sharpe Brothers 0.5%

         

 

UFC

Brock Lesnar vs. Randy Couture 23.5%

Randy Couture vs. Tim Sylvia 22.7%

Tito Ortiz vs. Chuck Liddell II 13.2%

Royce Gracie vs. Ken Shamrock II 13.1%

Frank Shamrock vs. Tito Ortiz 6.7%

Randy Couture vs. Tito Ortiz 5.0%

Royce Gracie vs. Kimo 4.7%

Matt Hughes vs. Royce Gracie 3.5%

Georges St. Pierre vs. Matt Serra 3.4%

Matt Hughes vs. Frank Trigg II 2.6%

Mark Coleman vs. Maurice Smith 1.1%

Randy Couture vs. Pedro Rizzo I 0.6%  

 

--Nigel McGuinness talks ROH, Gabe Sapolsky, Pro Wrestling NOAH and how the concussion from last year and fan reaction really did hurt his feelings at http://blogs.southtownstar.com/entertainment/2008/11/a-conversation-with-ring-of-ho.html

 

--TNA's Kurt Angle DVD goes on sale this coming Tuesday, featuring seven hours of matches, interviews, rare footage and an interview with Bruno Sammartino.  TNA is making a big push for this release.

 

--Today's New York Daily News at www.nydailynews.com/sports/more_sports/2008/11/18/2008 has a story on boxing facing its biggest challenge from MMA, but the story really talks more about boxing being in real trouble once Oscar De La Hoya is out of the picture.  

 

--Sonny Siaki noted he wanted to thank Dixie Carter and TNA for the contribution to the fund for the kidney transplant of brother Bernard Siaki.  He said it meant a lot to his brother.    

 

--Bill Goldberg appears on Saturday's Hulk Hogan Celebrity Championship Wrestling show on CMT.  The first airing of next week's show, usually at 2 p.m. (which was the highest rated episode last week) will be at 1:30 p.m.

 

--Hulk Hogan, Ric Flair, Bryan Clark, Virgil, Tito Santana and King Kong Bundy appear at Magic Moniker II at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Secaucus, NJ on 12/14

 

--The 12/30 WWE Raw house show in Portland, ME is advertising John Cena & Batista vs. Randy Orton & JBL as the main event

 

--Former USA wrestling star Mike Van Arsdale has been announced as a new instructor at the Lion's Den in Scottsdale, AZ

 

--Jereme Warneck notes that when Matt Striker last night was talking about playing the videogame as Hornswoggle and beating Todd Grisham as Great Khali, that he was making the story up, because Hornswoggle is not a playable character in the game, only a manager.  Apparently THQ didn't like the idea of letting players beat up on a midget.

 

--More on the movie The Wrestler at http://blogcritics.org/archives/2008/11/17/205728.php

 

--The Boston Herald has a story on Marisa Tomei playing a stripper in the movie at http://news.bostonherald.com/track/inside_track/ 

 

--Orlando Jordan appears for Pro Wrestling Holland on Saturday night in Lelystad, Netherlands (thanks to Devin Cutting)

 

--IWA Mid South on 11/28 in Bellevue, IL at the Bellevue Plaza features Dingo vs. Sami Callihan falls count anywhere and Ian Rotten vs. Trevor Murdoch.  11/29 in Joliet, IL at the Hartman Rec Center has IWA Tryouts.  They are doing a strong style tournament on 12/5 in Joliet, IL with Trevor Murdoch, Roderick Strong, Nick Gage, Sami Callihan, Michael Elgin, D.J. Hyde, Jon Moxley and Trik Davis.  On 12/6 in the same arena they are doing a 12-team Chris Candido Cup tag team tournament with Lance Cade & Trevor Murdoch as the headline team.

 

--IPW from Saturday night in Auckland, New Zealand:  Alf Valentine b A-Class, Alita Capri b Britenay, Emerald Justice b Saint Chaos, Jordan Invincible b Fire Ant, Lil T b Danny Jacobs, Les West b Davey Deluxeo, Dal Knox NC Vinny Dunn (thanks to Steve Ogilvie)

 

--There is a show on 12/14 in Houston at the El Portal de la Fantasia Disco with L.A. Park & Hijo de L.A. Park & Super Parka vs. Pentagon Black & Maniaco & Antifaz del Norte on top

 

--Mr. Texas (TNA's Hernandez) & Super Parka vs. Maniaco & Samoan Monster headline on 11/30 for a Lucha show in Beaumont, TX

 

--On 11/30 in Monterrey they have Volador & Volador Jr. vs. Misterioso & Misterioso II with the loser of the fall losing his mask or hair

 

--In Monday's update when we talked about The Soup and the reference to the Randy Orton, Manu and Cody Rhodes being the most homoerotic thing host Joel McHale said he'd seen on television in 30 years, the actual statement is it was the most homoerotic thing he had seen watching pro wrestling on television in 30 days. (thanks to Mark Tyler)

 

--Golden Voice promotions has canceled both the Lucha Va Voom and Kaiju Big Battel shows scheduled for this week in San Francisco. (thanks to Kevin Gill) 

--FCW Mexican wrestling on 12/6 in Cudahy, CA at the Clara Street Sports Complex is doing a Lucha Libre show featuring Dos Caras Jr., El Hijo del Rey Misterio, Hijo del Sicodelico, Damian 666, Mr. Aguila, Super Parka and minis

 

--High Profile Pro Wrestling debuts on 12/2 in Kissimmee, FL at the Beach Night Club headlined by Scotty Too Hotty.  It will be taped for Internet broadcast and you can get in for $5 if you bring an unwrapped toy to donate to the Toys for Tots drive

 

--NWA Mexico from Sunday night in Mexico City before 500 fans:  Spyder Black b Pendulo, Katana b Tarasco, Turbo b Magic Man, Skayde b Coco Rojo, Hijo del Anibal & Mascara Ano 2000 Jr. b Hijo del Diablo & Hijo del Cien Caras, Blue Demon Jr. & Super Astro b Shu El Guerrero & Veneno

 

--Sunday in Monterrey for AAA before 4,000:  Aguila Extrema & Baby Fox b Sicario & Vendetta, Ejecutor & Monje Negro Jr. b Chiva Rayada I & TDN, La Parkita & Mascarita de la Muerte b Mini Chessman & Mini Kenzo Suzuki, Joe Lider & Karis la Momia & Nicho b Dark Cuervo & Dark Escoria & Dark Espiritu, Chessman & Kenzo Suzuki b Cibernetico & Silver King (thanks to Kris Zellner)

 

--PGWA's tribute to Penny Banner on Saturday night in Nashville before 75 fans:  Sassy Stephie b XTC, Sarah Lynn b Scarlett Rose, Tasha Simone b LaLa, Scarlet Rose & Sassy Stephie & Mia Martinez b Sarah Lynn & Josianne & Angel Dust, Arrick Andrews & Gary Valiant b Hammerjack & Kid Kash, Mia Martinez b Angeldust, Su Yung b Josianne, Jamie D b Molotv, Tracy Taylor b Nikki Roxx (Roxxi) in 2/3 falls to win the PGWA title (thanks to Jimmie Daniel)

 

--Sunday AAA in Ciudad Juarez:  Hermes Jr. & Ramon b Rey Halcon & ?, La Perucha & Magico & Samurai b ?, Rocky Starr & Chucky & Bello Armando b Maquina 45 Jr. & Los Peluchines I & II, Gran Apache & Fabi Apache & Mary Apache b Oriental & Cinthia Moreno & Sexi Star, Psycho Circus b Brazo de Plata & Aerostar & Gato Eveready, La Parka & Alan Stone & Elegido b Mesias & Electroshock & Guerrero Escarlata.  Zorro no-showed for the third straight time he was supposed to be in the city.  Mesias fought with his partners (thanks to Albert Cerda)

 

--Luchamania on 11/23 at Arena Mexico in El Paso features L.A. Park & Tinieblas Jr. vs. Angel Blanco Jr. & Profeta plus the Juarez Mistico billed as Mistico

 

--Greg Valentine, Koko Ware and April Hunter appear on 12/6 and 12/7 for an autograph show at the Derby Park Flea Market in Louisville from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. both days.  There will be an OVW show the second day.

 

--DWA on Saturday night in Wittorf, Germany before a sellout 620:  Shaka & Roberto Lequimez b Bushwhacker Luke Williams & Mot Van Kunder, LuFisto b Alpha Female, Bad Bones b Big Van Walter, Crazy Johnny Tiger & Craig B.C. b Hate & SigMasta Rappo, Bernd Fohr & Machine b Rob Raw & Emil Sitoci, Lazio Fe b Michael Knight, Tatanka b Cannonball Grizzly.  Next show on 2/7 in Uelzen has Terri Runnels (thanks to Sebastian Klussman)

 

--3X Wrestling on 11/28 in Des Moines at InPlay

 

--NWA Impact Zone Wrestling from last night in Tempe:  Lucha Reigns b Paid Daily, Nick DeMichael b Johnny Manson, Ryan Lynch b John Williams, G.Q. Gallo b Sergio Vega, Tyson Tyler b Mike G, Lawrence Tyler b Lars, Dread Pirate Bernie & Mike James b Marty Murphy & Jacob Herzberg

 

--Luchamania on 11/21 in Odessa, TX at the Far West Event Center has Mil Mascaras, L.A. Park Tinieblas Jr., Hijo de Rey Misterio, Angel Blanco and Incognito

 

--MCW Holiday Hell on 12/27 in Dundalk, MD at the New Green Room is headlined by Christian York defending the title against Sugarmask

 

--Ian Hamilton and Adam Firestorm are joined by Brutus Beefcake on Friday night at 7 p.m. at www.theringsidelive.com and can be downloaded from the site after that point.