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        We're looking for your thoughts on last night's Armageddon PPV as well as Saturday night's Ultimate Fighter finals on Spike, 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'll also be doing a poll on Armageddon from WWE tomorrow.

 

        We're also looking for reports on the WWE TV tapings tonight in Pittsburgh and Tuesday in Baltimore, as well as the TNA tapings tonight and Tuesday night in Orlando which will be for the shows that air on both Christmas night and New Year's night.

 

        Between coverage of the JBL/Joey Styles situation in Iraq, in depth, as well as the ramifications, updates on PPV numbers of Lesnar vs. Couture, De La Hoya vs. Mayweather, Wrestlemania, and WWE, UFC and HBO with differing beliefs on how the economy will affect PPV in 2009, the death of Steve Bradley and coverage of traditional end of the year major shows in Mexico and Japan and a huge history piece on how UFC started and all the UFC records, we will have two issues of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter coming out this week.

 

        Both issues are available today to premium members of the web site and you can order with a web site membership, which includes about 10 issues per month, usually six new ones and four or five back issues, as well as access to 15 or more radio shows per week including Wrestling Observer Radio and Figure Four Daily.  You can also order a print subscription with the info below.
 
        We have a Christmas season special good until 12/25 where you can get a free month of premium service on the web site, or a free month of print Observers if you order a three month or longer subscription for a friend who has never subscribed in the past.  You can order as many gift subscriptions as you like and get as many months free for all subscriptions.  You can order a one year subscription for a friend and get four months free for yourself.  If you are ordering a premium subscription, make sure to put your friend's e-mail address  and when you get your purchase receipt, contact Admin Tony at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it and include a note in the body of the e-mail or subject line noting you've ordered a gift subscription.

 

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        We look at the details of what happened with JBL and Joey Styles and what led to it from reports from those in Iraq when it happened.  We look at the varying reactions at television, JBL's background in hazing as well as a comment from one of his friends on that incident as well as other incidents well known in the past.  We look back at situations like this in the past, including when a wrestler came up short in a fight with another wrestler and it took months for Vince McMahon to be convinced to give the wrestler a planned title run.  We also look at the value structure in pro wrestling in the past regarding wrestlers and fights, including why promoters often fired wrestlers if word got out they lost a fight. 

 

        We have a look at the biggest PPV shows of 2008, including numbers UFC claims for Lesnar-Couture and how much Couture would be earning if the number was accurate.  We also figure in what major UFC record was set, as well as a comparison to the biggest WWE show in history.

 

        We have comments from Dana White, Ross Greenburg as well as a WWE look at the economy and the PPV business in 2009.  We also have my take on how it will be affected, as well as a compare and contrast attending big events from UFC, boxing and WWE.  We also look at the cities UFC 91 was hottest in, as well how wrestling does one thing when it comes to promotion better than UFC when it comes to big events.

 

        We also have updates on WWE on PPV including a show that did better than expectations and a show that did shockingly bad, as in one of the worst numbers in the history of the company.

 

        We have a history piece on the birth of UFC 15 years ago, why it was so popular at the start, how the reaction was at first when the idea came across, early rules and a look back at the first few shows.  We look at why UFC succeeded where others failed, the first truly huge UFC events on PPV, turning points for the promotion  and how it got turned around.

 

        We also look at the number of UFC fighters since its inception that have at one time or another, worked for a pro wrestling organization, as well as the number of champions who have done so.  We look at the pro wrestling connection with UFC, as well as a special feature with an all-time UFC record book, listing every champion and records in many different categories for both the fighters and business. 

 

        We've got a huge story on the life and times of Steve Bradley, the former WWE wrestler who was found dead this past week.  We look at his background, his WWE developmental tenure, why he didn't make it, what happened to him after his death and major opportunities he turned down.  We have comments from several who worked with him, as well as the Hall of Fame wrestler who flatly stated he learned more from Bradley early in his career than anyone.

 

        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 have a look at the Tokyo Sports annual awards for Japanese pro wrestling, including details on the voting for MVP, Match of the Year, Tag Team of the Year and all the regular honors.

 

        We also have a feature on the WWE Slammy Awards and the three-hour Raw, as well as notes on where WWE is going.

 

        We've got coverage of the TNA Final Resolution PPV, with match-by-match coverage with star ratings as well as poll results from the show, plus the top matches for Genesis.  We also have coverage of Pro Wrestling NOAH's last major event of the year at Budokan Hall, the K-1 World Grand Prix, the All Japan Real World Tag League tournament and AAA's Guerra de Titans shows.

 

        We also have an update on Celebrity Championship Wrestling, its future, as well as talks of a promotion coming out of it, as well as more on the firing of Bruce Prichard by WWE.  We also have WWE web site business numbers and an interesting lesson these numbers show.

 

        We also have our usual weekly features such as TV ratings rundowns, results from the major league arena events around the world and major TV show rundowns.   

 

        Also in this week's issues:
 
--Problems with a promotion and some of its biggest stars that are about to come to a head

 

--Debut of Perro Aguayo Jr's Perros Del Mal promotion and how CMLL has countered

 

--Promotion throws in the towel when it comes to its usual big year-end show

 

--Nostalgia show for one of the great promotions of the 70s and 80s bringing back the top draws of that period

 

--Update on TV ratings from Mexico with WWE vs. AAA

 

--Cibernetico talks about why he left AAA

 

--Promotion tries to get wrestlers kicked out of the country who left the promotion

 

--Angle leading to the retirement match of Abdullah the Butcher

 

--Huge mainstream woman celebrity signs to do a pro wrestling match

 

--Update on Kenta Kobashi

 

--The New Japan Tokyo Dome show including two major matches not yet announced that they are working toward

 

--Reid Flair's debut and Hulk Hogan does his first indie show

 

--Ric Flair talks about the first Starrcade

 

--Updates on Crockett stars

 

--One of the current top names in wrestling talks retirement this past week

 

--More news on the TNA videogame

 

--Mick Foley talks about his tenure in TNA

 

--TNA and WWE weekend house shows reports

 

--Notes on the next few weeks of TNA television

 

--UFC ticket sale updates

 

--UFC star signs new contract

 

--Future of TUF winners for this season

 

--New WWE TV deal

 

--Updates on top star contract negotiations

 

--What newcomer is getting rave reviews on house shows

 

--Characters in the Legends of Wrestlemania videogame

 

--Matt Hardy talks about Jeff and the title picture as well as current relationship with Edge and Lita

 

--What MVP has been told about why he's doing the losing streak

 

--Update on Big Daddy V

 

--New Japan major show news

 

--A match that would have been gigantic in the past takes place over the past week with little notice

 

--More award nominations for "The Wrestler"

 

--More on the death of Charles Buffong

 

--Movie starring two members of WWE Hall of Fame

 

--ROH weekend notes

 

--Lashley and Lesnar comparisons in MMA

 

--Original ideas for Lashley in WWE

 

--De La Hoya fans vs. MMA fans

 

--WEC payoff numbers

 

--More on Japan New Year's Eve shows

 

--Fighter risks his career in the U.S. to take Japanese date

 

--Best selling DVDs

 

--Notes on background of Kizarny

 

--Two second generation wrestlers signed by WWE

 

        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.

 

 

--We heard from a few people at the HBSC Arena who said there were "Joey Styles" chants when JBL came out.  They weren't loud enough that I could hear them on TV.  There were no reports of them confiscating signs, but I was surprised not to see any. (thanks to Martin Dasko and others)

 

--Rey Mysterio was fine after the show so he didn't suffer a broken nose in the match with C.M. Punk when he took a nasty Go to sleep for the finish.  He was out in public after the show with no sign of an injury. 

 

--Affliction has a press conference on Wednesday at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel at Noon with Josh Barnett, Matt Lindland, Renato Sobral, Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou, Chris Horodecki, Vladimir Matyushenko and more which is not necessarily huge news.  What is interesting is that the notice of the press conference came from Showtime.

 

--Travis Tomko and Kevin Fertig, who were once a team in OVW, have been brought to WWE television this week.  Jimmy Snuka was also brought to Pittsburgh.

 

--TNA is adding a new television show for syndication called TNA Epix, which will be similar to the UFC syndicated show that almost nobody talks about.  It'll be a one hour show using old matches.

 

--Who is Canada's all-time greatest pro wrestler

Bret Hart 58.3%

Chris Benoit 13.3%

Chris Jericho 5.6% 

Edge 5.3%

Killer Kowalski 4.6%

Roddy Piper 3.5%

Gene Kiniski 3.0%

Abdullah the Butcher 2.3%

Whipper Billy Watson 1.9%

Mad Dog Vachon 1.4%
Yvon Robert 0.6%

Earl McCready 0.3%

        While Hart was certainly a bigger worldwide star and probably a better pro wrestler, Watson's showing really emphasizes just how little pro wrestling history survives.  This was also the single biggest one-day poll in the history of the web site.

 

--Who will get cheered more in the Mir vs. Nogueira match

Nogueira 63.5%

Mir 22.2%

Depends on how the match plays out 14.3%

 

--Who will win the match

Nogueira 83.6%

Mir 16.4%

 

--UFC on Spike this week has two hours of Unleashed from 9-11 p.m. tomorrow night featuring Wanderlei Silva vs. Keith Jardine, Tito Ortiz vs. Lyoto Machida, Josh Koscheck vs. Dustin Hazelett and Anderson Silva vs. Dan Henderson

 

--Dick "Destroyer" Beyer, who lives in the Buffalo area, was at the Armageddon show at ringside, wearing his mask.  He was taking pictures with fans who knew who he was.

 

--Howard Stern talked about the movie "The Wrestler" this morning, saying he saw it over the weekend, said it was great, that Mickey Rourke was both fantastic and disturbing, that Marisa Tomei looked amazing in her nude scene. (thanks to Jeff Cohen)

 

--Saturday night's Ultimate Fighter final will replay from 9 p.m. to midnight on Wednesday night and again 1-4 p.m. Saturday afternoon.  There will also be a replay of the Kenny Florian vs. Joe Lauzon fight night show from April on Friday night from 9 p.m. to midnight.    

 

--Raw on 2/16 in Spokane, WA, the day after No Way Out in Seattle, has a presale starting on Wednesday at 10 a.m. at ticketwest.com with the code "Cena"

 

--CNN has a story on the WWE videogame at http://wcitech.blogs.cnn.com/2008/12/11/videogame-wrestling-is-back/

 

--Bill Behrens at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it is now taking bookings for Paul London, Bill DeMott, Larry Sweeney and Team Macktion

 

--Phil Strum of the Poughkeepsie Journal has notes on the death of Mike Bell at http://pojoslam.blogspot.com  Bell grew up in the Poughkeepsie area 

 

--Bruno Sammartino's original autobiography written in 1990 has been re-released at http://www.rasslinriotonline.com

 

--Vanguard Championship Wrestling from Saturday night in Virginia Beach, VA before 250 fans:  Krotch & Chatch b Marc Anthony & Ray Storm, Tonic b Gamble, Assault & Battery b Phil Brown & Ido X, Q-Sic b Landon Thomas, Mike Booth b Preston Quinn, Damien Wayne b Chris Escobar, Chip & Biff b Lance Lude & J-Sinn, Sean & Marky Denny b Ross Hall & 6D6 (thanks to Tim Noel)

 

--Total Wrestling Federation on 1/17 in Sacramento at the Colonial Theater

 

--Donny Laible will have Larry Zbyszko as his guest on Sports Extra at www.movaradio.com on 12/20

 

--Coastal Championship Wrestling from Saturday night in Coral Springs, FL before 312 fans:  Patriot b Mikhail Koloff, Alex G & Anthony Michaels & Alex Chamberlain b Shane McLane & Matt Bateman & Ram Man, Jessika Haze b Sybil Pageant, Warlord (original) b Kaotic Romeo, Tommy Vandal won three-way over J.T. Flash and Scott Passion, Heavenly Bodies b Pablo Marquez & Chasyn Rance, Phi Delta Slam b Dok Rivers & Kahagus and Syrian Slasher & American Taliban in a hardcore Christmas tree match. (thanks to Paul Kacprzak)

 

--I fear a Hardcore Christmas tree match at the Impact tapings tonight

 

--CHIKARA Pro from yesterday in Philadelphia before 300 fans:  Icarus & Chuck Taylor & Gran Akuma b Lince Dorado & Chivas II & Angel del Fuego, Hallowicked b Grizzly Redwood, Ophidian & Escorpion  Egipcio b Player Uno & Player Dos, Hydra b Ultramantis Black, Fire Ant & Worker Ant b Jagged & Shane Matthews, Eddie Kingston b Drake Younger, Mitch Ryder & Buck Hawke b Claudio Castagnoli & Larry Sweeney, Vin Gerard DDQ Equinox (Young Lions Cup held up), Mike Quackenbush & Jigsaw b Colin Delaney & STIGMA (thanks to Mark Coale)

 

--USWO on Friday night in Nashville before 80 fans:  Jason Xavier b Convict, Jeremiah Plunkett b Travis Starr, Saint & Tim Renesto b Psycho Medic & Jason Xavier, Damien Payne b Petey Wright, Shane Eden & Steven Green b Damien Payne & Josh Crowe, Mitch Ryder b L.T. Falk, Michael Jablonski b Nazi Terror-DQ (thanks to Jimmie Daniel)

 

--IWA from Saturday night in Bayamon, PR:  Joseph RPM & El Niche b Revolucion Dominicana Eli & Balbuena, La Cruz del Diablo b Joe Bravo & Bacano, Savio Vega b Dr. Krush, Los Arebs b Miguel Perez & Bison Smith (NOAH tag champ), Amazona b Black Rose, Noel Rodriguez b K.C. James (James Curtis, former ECW job guy), Chicano b Dennis Rodriguez in a GoldMine match

 

IPW from Saturday night in Auckland, New Zealand before a sellout 300 fans:  Lil T & Evie & Alita Capri b Danny Jacobs & Britenay & JPE, Joseph Kinkade b NZ Dream, Alfred Valentine b A Class, Pirates & Ninjas & Emerald Justice b Jon E. King & Machine & Saint Chaos, Mischa Ivanoff b Fire Ant, Dal Knox over Jordan Invincible, Vinny Dunn and Davey Deluxeo (thanks to Steve Ogilvie)

 

--Impact Zone Wrestling on 12/20 in Lawton, OK at the Impact Arena 

 

--Ring Wars Carolinas from Saturday night in Raeford, NC:  Old School & Skittlz & Tex Mex b BD Productions & Andrea the Giant, Andy McDaniels b Angel Kross and Nathan Lane, Devious Tre b Pop Da Klown, Ken Shirt b Simply Delicious, Ash b Hangtyme, Eddie Brown b Anthony Shawn Sharp 4-3 in Iron man match (thanks to Matthew McKoy)

 

--Rampage Pro Wrestling from last night in Warner Robins, GA before 250 fans:  Rob Adonis b Ron Stalker, Chip Day b Frankie Valentine, Genni Right b Tracy Taylor-COR, J-Rod b Sal Rinauro, Micah Taylor b Orion Bishop, Cru Jones and A.J. Steele (thanks to Dustin Robinson) 

 

--Rikidozan, who you can make a hell of an argument for as the most influential pro wrestler of the 20th century, passed away 45 years ago today.  Brady Boone passed away ten years ago today, and Russ Haas, the brother of Charlie, passed away from a heart attack seven years ago today.

 

--Rich Tate's Atlanta wrestling nostalgia

82 years ago today:  Joe Stecher beat Dick Daviscourt before a full house of 5,000 fans at the old city Auditorium to keep the world title

81 years ago:  Stanislaus Zbyszko beat Jack Washburn

58 years ago: Southern champ Art Nelson beat Nick Carter

47 years ago:  Ray Gunkel & Dr. Jerry Graham beat The Assassins via DQ

41 years ago:  Mr. Wrestling beat Oki Yama in a mask vs. mask match, revealing him as Butcher Vachon

38 years ago in Macon:  The Assassins beat Bob Armstrong & Paul DeMarco

36 years ago:  Bob Armstrong beat Buddy Colt to win the Southern title

30 years ago:  Dusty Rhodes beat Georgia champ Masked Superstar via DQ and Thunderbolt Patterson beat Ole Anderson

28 years ago in Augusta:  The Freebirds beat Robert Fuller & Stan Frazier and Georgia champ Tony Atlas beat Kevin Sullivan via DQ