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        There is no new episode of Ultimate Fighter tonight on Spike.  Instead, from 8 p.m. to midnight they will replay the last four weeks episodes of the show, and the season will finish a week from tonight with two episodes from 10 p.m. to midnight featuring the semifinals in both the light heavyweight and lightweight classes.

 

        We look at the fallout of the Survivor Series as well as a feature on the history of Starrcade as the two lead stories in Monday's issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.  The newsletter, as well as a classic issue from 1991, were just put up today on the web site and can be accessed with a web site membership.        

 

        You can sign up for a membership which includes more than a dozen audio shows per week, usually ten different issues of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter each month as well as Figure Four Weekly.  You can also get a print subscription to the Observer by following the instructions below.

 

        We look at the Survivor Series, including what happened, people's reactions to it, the business numbers, what WWE did and didn't do with the show, and more on the Jeff Hardy angle.  We also have match-by-match coverage with star ratings and poll ratings on the event.

 

        We also look at the history of Starrcade, which debuted 25 years ago this week in Greensboro.  We look at the match that inspired Starrcade, lessons learned by that program and the ironic end one of the most forgotten but most successful babyface tag teams of the modern era.

 

        We look at the history that led to Starrcade, the angle that built the first show, the business of the first show, the history of pro wrestling and closed-circuit prior to Starrcade, and the match that was supposed to happen coming off a Starrcade that would have gotten national publicity for Crockett Promotions when it fell through.  We also look at one of the best matches in Starrcade history that seems to have been forgotten.

 

        We look at the politics behind Starrcade expanding to Atlanta and what was happening at the time in wrestling.  We look at the final years of Crockett promotions and which Starrcade historically played the most important role in the end of the company, largely due to actions by Vince McMahon.

 

        We look at how Vince McMahon destroyed what would have been the most important of all the Starrcades up to that point in time, and the story of how he tried to sabotage the first Starrcade even before there was a wrestling war that had started, Ric Flair's version of what killed the Carolinas, what did kill Chicago as well as memories of some of the most important matches in the 18-year history of the event, with some behind-the-scenes stories of what led to the matches, what came out of them, and why several of them almost didn't happen.

 

        We look at the decisions being made regarding taping two Smackdowns in one night, the reasons behind them, and the business notes on how it affects company expenses as well as how it will affect the pay of the Smackdown crew.  We've got early notes on the Armageddon matches.

 

        We also look at Vince McMahon going on the warpath against a wrestling TV show and what he has said in recent weeks as well as the legal actions he's threatened and Eric Bischoff's reaction.  We look at some of the legal arguments on both sides, as well as the first true victim and how this ended up being completely unfair to him.

 

        We also have exactly how much Vince McMahon earns annually in stock dividends, as well as the total dividend payout that the company's goal is to achieve in profits.

 

        We also look at the status of several former TNA wrestlers and WWE, including several who have signed and others who are in serious talks.    

 

        We also have some interesting comments by Ric Flair as he rips on several people that he worked with in WCW.

 

        We also have a look at Vince McMahon's new philosophy when it comes to announcing wrestling, an update on Jeff Hardy, as well as Bret Hart talking about the only things left he would do on WWE television, and why one of them is unlikely to happen.  Hart also talks about the wrestlers he wishes he could work with.  

 

        We also have more business numbers on the Brock Lesnar vs. Randy Couture fight, as well as a look at the 15 most lucrative live events in pro wrestling and MMA history in North America.  We also look at the only shows on the list that had to be papered to get a full house, as well as who has headlined the most shows of the big 15.

 

        We also have a look at the ROH PPV taping in Chicago, as well as news regarding ROH negotiations to get television, notes on the current storylines, the current business and the first major event since the booking change.

 

        We also have the 2008 Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards ballot in this issue.

 

        We also have ratings of all the national shows over the past week including details behind who is watching.

 

        We also have our regular features including results and attendances of the major league arena events over the past week and reviews of the major TV shows. 

 

        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 this week's issue:

 

--Update on Pierroth's fight for his life

 

--New prices being charged for biggest names in Mexico

 

--New promotion trying to run a huge show in a few weeks at a 15,000 seat arena

 

--Wrestler returns his version of the world title so he can go to WWE

 

--Cibernetico talks leaving AAA

 

--Next AAA big show and final major show of the year

 

--Update on Abdullah the Butcher retirement show

 

--Two Olympic medalists visit big pro wrestling shows this week

 

--First ever meeting of 80s Hall of Famers in a singles match held quietly

 

--Wrestling's longest lasting annual event starts off sadly this year

 

--Updates on New Japan Tokyo Dome show regarding Mistico and Kevin Nash

 

--First ever battle of the first two Tiger Masks

 

--A one time thing for a promotion where all but two headline wrestlers are over the age of 50

 

--Another popular MMA fighter does an angle on a major wrestling show this past week

 

--Former WWE star nominated for TV award

 

--Former WWE developmental wrestler now a major market TV news anchor

 

--Hulk Hogan and Ric Flair together and what is behind all this

 

--More on "The Wrestler"

 

--Wrestler gets legal threat forcing a name change

 

--Notes on a recent election in which a famous pro wrestler ran against a guy whose campaign manager was a not so famous former pro wrestler

 

--ROH future shows

 

--Update on TNA Final Resolution PPV

 

--TNA updated thoughts on the Christian Cage situation

 

--TNA cutbacks being made

 

--More on TNA wrestlers and contracts expiring

 

--Behind the change of names to TNA Front Line

 

--Angelina Love rips on WWE's talent evaluation

 

--Next few weeks of TNA television

 

--Shakeup in the booking at Zuffa, what happened, what changes will be made

 

--Huge night of television for Zuffa with big shows on competing networks

 

--Updates on tickets sales to upcoming UFC major events

 

--Notes on the start of the next season of Ultimate Fighter

 

--Preliminary notes on UFC 91 buys

 

--Where Lesnar stands on all-time one year draws

 

--Update on Randy Couture and his career

 

--Talk of different matches for Couture's future

 

--More frustrations among fighters in regard to UFC management and allowable sponsorships

 

--Tons of new matches being made for the next several shows

 

--Another reason UFC is so strong on getting sponsorships signed

 

--Update on UFC in Germany

 

--Why UFC has decided against running in the market where their TV ratings are the highest and where they once planned on running a gigantic event in 2009

 

--Another MMA book coming from a Sports Illustrated reporter

 

--Lots of Brock Lesnar news

 

--Mike Brown's first WEC title defense

 

--Name to watch out for

 

--Booking logic and stupidity

 

--More on the decision to cut Fabricio Werdum

 

--Lots more MMA on free television in 2009 with a new deal that starts up next week

 

--Update on Cung Le and his fighting future

 

--Coverage of the last Strikeforce show

 

--Fedor agrees to a new competition 

 

        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.

 

 

--For those who read the Smackdown spoilers last night, we've got a correction.  The Undertaker vs. Big Show cage match was not a dark match, but will be the main event on the 12/5 edition of the show.  We've got more details up on the site now.   

 

--WWE has a Holiday Bash at the studios of The Score Network in Toronto on 12/21.  Batista, Shelton Benjamin and Mickie James appear for a 30-minute TV special that airs that night at 6:30 p.m. and the next afternoon at 1 p.m.

 

--Ric Flair's interview on Comcast last night was a mess.  The live feed was preempted by a Philadelphia Flyers game, and an 11 p.m. replay had no audio

 

--Meredith Whitney, the wife of JBL, was heavily praised in today's New York Times in Tom Friedman's column, talking about her being the first to predict the disaster that was to befall Citigroup due to mismanagement (thanks to Ken Hesser)

 

--For last week, ESPN was tops in cable with a 2.2 prime time average to 2.1 for USA.  Sci-Fi was No. 16 at 1.0 and Spike was No. 19 at 0.8.  The two hours of Raw last week were No. 10 and No. 18.  Besides Monday Night Football, there were multiple episodes of SpongeBob and NCIS beating it out.  It was No. 6 and No. 10 in 18-34 and No. 4 and No. 5 in 18-49, and No. 2 and No. 3 in 25-54

 

--Next week on Spike will have two hours of Unleashed in prime time on Tuesday night and four hours on Wednesday night (head-to-head with WEC) leading into the final two episodes of Ultimate Fighter.  There will also be three-and-a-half hours of prime time programming on Friday night from 8-11:30 p.m. including a replay of the finals of season three of Ultimate Fighter where Michael Bisping and Kendall Grove both won  

 

--For the 12/6 show in Charlotte with Ric Flair managing Reid Flair in his first pro match, Reid & David Flair vs Nasty Boys with Hulk Hogan as ref, tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door.  VIP are $100 in advance and $125 at the door which includes a meet and greet photo-op and autograph with Ric Flair, Nasty Boys, Jimmy Hart, Stan Lane, Bobby Eaton, Ricky Morton and Robert Gibson.  There will also be a drawing where the winner goes out in the limo after the show with Flair and Hogan.

 

--THQ and Jakks Pacific announced today that the cover of the new WWE Legends of Wrestlemania videogame that comes out in March will have Andre the Giant, Hulk Hogan, Steve Austin, The Rock, Bobby Heenan and Jimmy Hart.

 

--WWE stock has rebounded today up to $11.33 at the time of this report

 

--Should Vladimir Kozlov stay in the Smackdown title picture

Yes 28.1%

No 71.9%

        I guess the man with the key vote voted no

 

--Who was the biggest home town wrestling star of the last 40 years

Jerry Lawler in Memphis 47.2%

Ric Flair in Charlotte 21.7%

Kerry Von Erich in Dallas 12.3%

Bruno Sammartino in Pittsburgh 5.1%

The Sheik in Detroit 3.6%'

The Crusher in Milwaukee 3.2%

JYD in New Orleans 2.2%

Fred Blassie in Los Angeles 1.1%

Ray Stevens in San Francisco 1.1%

Dusty Rhodes in Tampa 1.1%

Bill Watts in Tulsa 0.7%

Lonnie Mayne in Portland 0.7%

        We got more response to this than any two-day poll question except Lesnar-Couture winner ever       

 

--Paul Heyman ripped WWE for the Jeff Hardy angle at http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/wrestling/heyman/article/1975272.ece and praised John Cena for his promo on Monday night at http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/wrestling/heyman/article1975101.ece

 

--The Winnipeg Sun talks with Chris Jericho on coming back to the city he grew up in for a 1/9 show at the MTS Centre at http://www.winnipegsun.com/News/Winnipeg/11/26/7537401-sun.html  He said that even though he wants to be a heel there he recognizes on that show it may not be possible 

 

--Brian Elliott of Slam Wrestling on the Jeff Hardy angle with a good story at http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/MatMatters/2008/11/25/7536136.html

 

--The Miami Herald at http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/wrestling/story/788061.html has a feature on D.H. Smith winning the FCW tag title with T.J. Wilson

 

--Vito LoGrasso (Vito formerly in WWE) sent out a press release that he won an MMA fight in the Dominican Republic, a three round fight winning via decision.  He said he had thought about taking a fight for a year, and noted he doesn't have the amateur wrestling background that pro wrestlers who have switched to MMA like Ken Shamrock, Dan Severn, Bobby Lashley and Brock Lesnar have had.

 

--Linda Bollea's boyfriend, Charlie Hill,  filed and was denied a protection order against Hulk Hogan.  Story is at http://blogs.tampabay.com/breakingnews/2008/11/protection.orde.html

 

--Joe Lauzon, Jorge Rivera and Heath Herring just got back from a 12-day trip to both Iraq and Kuwait visiting the troops.  Lauzon said "It was one of the happiest 12 days of my life."  The group visited 14 camps, doing MMA demonstrations as well as posing for photos and autographs.  Lauzon noted that because of the time difference, the troops overseas there are watching UFC shows at 3 a.m., then starting their day at 6 a.m. when the show ends.  

--For those in San Francisco, KOFY Cable 13 (TV 20) will have a Thanksgiving day special all day tomorrow including Fog City Wrestling at 10:30 a.m. and Bay Bombers Roller Derby at 11 a.m.

 

--WEC officially announced prelim matches (not on TV) for the 12/3 show from Las Vegas.  Main matches are on Versus.  Bouts are Shane Roller (All-American wrestler) vs. Michael Budnik, Hiroyuki Takaya vs. Cub Swanson, Bart Palaszewski (former IFL star) vs. Alex Karalexis, Diego Nunes vs. Cole Province, Mark Munoz (NCAA wrestling champion at Oklahoma State) vs. Ricardo Barros and Johny Hendricks (two time NCAA wrestling champion at Oklahoma State) vs. Justin Haskins

 

--C.M. Punk appears tomorrow morning in Chicago at the McDonalds Thanksgiving Day Parade that airs on WGN       

 

--IWF runs its 9th annual tournament of champions weekend on 12/20 and 12/21 in West Paterson, NJ at the IWF Centre.  It's a two-day single elimination tournament  

--WSU on 11/29 in New Brunswick, NJ at the NWS Wrestling Academy headlined by Mercedes Martinez vs. Portia Perez and also appearing are Missy Hyatt, Gorgeous George and Traci Brooks

 

--Pro Wrestling Phoenix on 12/20 in Council Bluff, IA at the National Guard Armory

 

--Rampage Pro Wrestling TV tapings from Sunday in Warner-Robins, GA before 250 fans:  J-Rod b Kurosukaji, Iceberg b Travis Sawyer, A.J. Steele b Micah Taylor, Orion Bishop b Shawn Schultz, Dr. Johnny Gayton b Sal Rinauro, Jason Cross b Vordell Walker in a street fight.  Next show is Sunday with J-Rod vs. Rinauro in a cage match (thanks to Dustin Robinson)

 

--Sunday AAA in Monterrey:  Rey Cobra b Arquero, Los Jorobados I & II b Ejecutor & Mr Secuestro, Espectro de Ultratumba & Monje Negro Jr. b Arquero & Picudo, Angel Mortal & Mr. Condor & Gallego b Karis La Momia & Relampago Azul & Pimpinela Escarlata, Jack Evans & Teddy Hart b Silver King & Chessman

 

--Friday night at the Auditorio in Tijuana has Dr. Wagner Jr. & Ultimo Guerrero vs. Los Villanos IV & V

 

--All-Star Wrestling has a Bodyslams for Toys show benefiting the Surrey, BC Christmas Bureau on 12/5 at Bridgeview Hall headlined by Vance Nevada vs. Mikey D  

 

--Steeltown Pro Wrestling on 12/6 at Doubles Fun Club in Winnipeg

 

--Chris Masters, Too  Cold Scorpio, Andy Douglas and Chase Stevens appear for AWA Worldwide on 12/6 in Ozark, AL

 

--After selling out their game in Pleasanton on Saturday night, the Bay Bombers Roller Derby faces the Brooklyn Red Devils on 12/6 at Alameda High School in Alameda, CA

 

--NWA All-Star Wrestling on 12/6 in Lebanon, VA at the Middle School featuring former WCW and ECW wrestler E.Z. Money

 

--A correction from yesterday's report. Bryan Danielson vs. Jerry Lynn takes place on the 12/26 ROH show in Philadelphia

 

--In Your Face Wrestling on 2/21 in Rutland, VT at the Holiday Inn

 

--Pro Wrestling live on 11/29 in New Brunswick, NJ at the NWS Wrestling Academy has Jimmy Rave vs. Delirious, Alex Shelley vs. Rob Eckos and John Walters vs. Azrieal, plus Shannon Moore, Rhett Titus vs. Daizee Haze, Vin Gerard and more

 

--Exodus Wrestling Alliance from last night in Charlotte:  Shane Matthews b Scotty McKeever, Bobo Brazil Jr. & Kid Kaos b Rex Rumble & Jimmy Jack Funk Jr., Charlie Dreamer b George South Jr., D.L. Kool & Mike Lee & Eric Darkstorm b Dillon Eaton & Jerry Saggs Jr. & Caleb Konley, Ricky Steamboat Jr. b Bobby Eaton to keep Missouri State title, George South Sr. b Jake Manning, Greg Davidson b Masked Destroyer (thanks to Michael Carpenter)

 

--Monday night results from Puebla before 4,000 fans:  Blue Center & SWAT b Mr. Rafaga & Sauron, Legionario & Asturiano & Centella de Oro b Toro Bill Sr. & Toro Bill Jr. & Karissma, Maximo & Pegaso Extreme & ? b Virus & Shigeo Okumura & Police Man, El Terrible & El Hijo del Texano & Dragon Rojo b La Mascara & Mascara Dorada & Hijo del Fantasma, Negro Casas & Mr. Niebla & Rey Bucanero b La Sombra & Shocker & Mistico

 

--Tonight in Acapulco is headlined by Lizmark Jr. & Head Hunter & Mr. Niebla vs. Shocker & Rey Bucanero & Toscano (thanks to Steve "Dr. Lucha" Sims)

 

--Sal Corrente talks about Ric Flair and Hulk Hogan doing the indie show on 12/6 in Charlotte featuring what may be the final matches of the career of Stan Lane and the debut of Reid Flair at http://rasslinriotnews.blogspot.com/2008/11/piece-of-my-mind-special-edition-nov.html

 

--Wrestlezone tomorrow night in Aberdeen, Scotland at Harlow Academy headlined by a TLC match   

         

--The usual WWA4 show tonight in Atlanta won't be taking place due to the holiday.  It returns next Wednesday (thanks to Dave Wills)

 

--Chaotic Wrestling on 11/29 from Noon to 2 p.m. has a free Toys for Tots autograph signing at West Real Estate in Wilmington, MA

 

--Koko Ware has a seminar on Saturday for NWA Pro Wrestling at Bodyslam U in Hasbrouck Heights, NJ  

 

--Blackjack Mulligan turns 66 today, while Lisa "Ivory" Moretti turns 47.  That can't be right, can it?  I know she's in her mid-40s but that sounds a year or two old.  Today is also the 20th anniversary of the death of Baron Michele Leone, one of the big stars of the early days of television, whose match with Lou Thesz drew the first ever $100,000 house

 

--Rich Tate's Atlanta wrestling nostalgia

82 years ago today:  Dick Daviscourt beat Pete Sauer, who later became world champion as Ray Steele

79 years ago:  Paul Jones, who later became promoter, beat George Zaharias, who later became famous because his wife was one of the greatest female athletes who ever lived, Babe Didrickson Zaharias

60 years ago:  NWA champion Lou Thesz beat Don McIntyre in 24:00

43 years ago:  Eric & Karl Von Brauner beat Mario Galento & Chief Little Eagle

37 years ago:  The Assassins beat Bill Dromo & Bob Armstrong in the finals of a tournament for the Georgia tag team titles

34 years ago in Macon:  Jack Brisco went to a 60:00 draw with Mr. Wrestling II while Rocky Johnson & Danny Little Bear beat Gene & Ole Anderson

30 years ago in Savannah:  Blackjack Mulligan beat Baron Von Raschke in the main event while Ken Patera beat Tony Atlas in a lumberjack match

27 years ago at the Omni:  Bob & Brad Armstrong beat Mr. Fuji & Mr. Saito to win the annual Thanksgiving day tournament and the National tag titles while Masked Superstar beat Tommy Rich in a death match to win the National title.  Among the other teams in the tournament were Ray Candy & Buzz Sawyer, Rick Martel & Mr. Wrestling II, Ray Stevens & Super Destroyer Scott Irwin, Kevin Sullivan & Honky Tonk Man Wayne Ferris, Sheepherders, Terry Gordy & Austin Idol and Michael Hayes & Big Red Reese

 

--UFC has a Thanksgiving offer with a $100 merchandise offer they are giving away a DVD of the Liddell vs. Couture trilogy

 

--GCW on Sunday at 2 p.m. at the Royal Canadian Legion with a women's tournament