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        TNA Impact at 9 p.m. Eastern tonight has:

*Taylor Wilde & Roxxi vs. Angelina Love & Velvet Sky with Traci Brooks as ref

*Rhino vs. Lance Rock

*Chris Sabin vs. Sonjay Dutt in the X Division tournament

*Matt Morgan & Abyss vs. Scott Steiner & Booker T

*Consequences Creed vs. Kiyoshi (Akira Raijin) in the X Division tournament

*ODB & Christy Hemme vs. Raisha Saeed & Rhaka Khan

*Samoa Joe & A.J. Styles vs. Kevin Nash & Sting in a cage match

        The focal point are interviews building the Kurt Angle vs. Jeff Jarrett match and a confrontation between the two 

 

        This week's huge shock of the impending death of the longest running pro wrestling show in the history of television (and it's absolutely not Raw) is the headline story of this coming Monday's issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.

 

        We look back at the show, the reasons for the death, its heyday and fall from grace, and how it affects the future of the industry.  We look at a rival promotion that faced this same situation and still survives and a blue print for what will have to be done to change, and how it is one more step in the steep downgrade of what at one time was considered an impenetrable industry.

 

        We also have a note on the economy internationally and how both UFC and WWE are going to be substantially affected when it comes to revenue by something that has just taken place.

 

        We also have a feature looking back at the ups and downs of the life and career of Jeff Hardy in this jumbo-sized issue, including the exclusive story on the background of how he got his first WWE title run.  We talk about what the plans were, who made the call, how the call was received, current plans including what is the big blow-off plan they are, at least this week, building toward.

 

        This is an interesting look, looking back at Jeff Hardy's title quest over the past year, as to how WWE world championship booking is done, changed, as well as the thoughts on the controversial issue of Jeff winning and the message it sends to the locker room.  We look at Vince McMahon's past doctrines regarding the drug issue and the championship, where it stemmed from, and his thoughts on the issue today and where Jeff fits in.  We also have Matt Hardy's thoughts on where he and his brother stand in history, a number of firsts for Jeff Hardy as champion as well as the brothers, along with complete coverage of the Armageddon show.

 

        The issue is 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 have our usual big show coverage of Armageddon, Fight for the Troops and the Ultimate Fighter finals, with match-by-match coverage, star ratings for Armageddon, poll results and more.  We look at the Michaels angle with JBL.

 

        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.
 

        In our coverage of Fight for the Troops, we update all the injuries that happened on the show, as well as an update on the money raised by the promotion and where the money is going, celebrities involved and for both UFC shows, we have the most detailed breakdown of who watched, what matches people turned on to say and what matches they turned off, and how the audiences on Wednesday and Saturday differed.

 

        We also have an update on how the wrestling business is doing in Puerto Rico, a look back at the heyday of Puerto Rican wrestling and the career of Abdullah the Butcher, who was the focal point of the last big show of the year, including whether or not Abdullah is really retiring.

 

        We have backgrounds on Ryan Bader and Efrain Escudero, their wins in the Ultimate Fighter finals, how the show did head-to-head with De La Hoya vs. Pacquiao on HBO and other boxing shows, as well as a look at how boxing did this weekend on Showtime and Versus as compared to MMA events.  We also talk about what members of this season's cast have the best chance of sticking with UFC and those who are likely never to be seen again.

 

        We also have a feature on Bobby Lashley as an MMA fighter, talking with him about his career and goals, a look at his first fight, a detailed look at his training, as well as lots more about his pro wrestling career, who he still talks with, and his thoughts of going back at some point.

 

        We have a story behind the tag team title change at the house show, what happened to Lilian Garcia on the trip to Iraq, a lesson involving the use of Steve Austin going forward, and the firing of Snitsky. 

 

        We have a look at the life of Mike Bell, a former ECW regular, best known to people who saw the movie, "Bigger, Faster, Stronger," talking about his life, career and what exactly happened.

 

        We also have notes on perhaps the most athletic female newcomer WWE has signed in years.

 

        We also have what may be the answer to the 2009 trick question of what will be the most watched pro wrestling match of the year on television.  While not a sure thing, the most likely answer will shock you, particularly because it will involve one of three wrestling Hall of Famers who have not wrestled in more than a decade, and a look back at the career of one of the most influential wrestler/promoters who ever lived.

 

        We also have the major TV show reviews from the past week.

 

        We also have our 2008 awards ballot.

 

        We also have our detailed look at the weekly TV ratings of the major pro wrestling shows.

 

        Also in this week's issues:

--Update on the promotional war in Mexico and where Los Perros Del Mal fit in

 

--L.A. Park talks about which side he's leaning toward and why

 

--Belts with 50 years of history are now disputed and may be recalled

 

--Attempts to do nostalgia shows going forward in Mexico

 

--TNA stars working for both sides of a promotional war

 

--Hustlemania main event

 

--Dragon Gate tournament update

 

--Keiji Muto faces a female senator in the main event of All Japan's last show of the year

 

--Update on Kenta Kobashi

 

--ROH stars heading to NOAH for the new year

 

--Official announcement of what is likely to be the top drawing match at the Tokyo Dome show

 

--Pro wrestler entering world submission fighting championships in Switzerland

 

--Popular TV actor in highly rated drama show set to make a pro wrestling debut

 

--Tons of news on "The Wrestler"

 

--Mick Foley talks the movie

 

--Wrestler honored with a non-wrestling international Hall of Fame induction

 

--Bill Goldberg back on television

 

--Update on Paul London

 

--ROH booking situation updated and how things are changing

 

--Philosophical changes expected to be implemented in 2009

 

--Biggest crowd in history expected soon

 

--Updated TNA Genesis lineup

 

--Update on plans to tape Tokyo Dome show

 

--Kurt Angle in a major movie role

 

--Identity of international newcomer who is being plugged for TNA

 

--Former Undertaker rival in WWE signs with TNA and will debut shortly

 

--Update on Suicide character

 

--Lots of news on TNA videogame

 

--Dixie Carter interesting info

 

--Update on Al Snow in TNA

 

--When Lesnar vs. Couture will air on Spike TV

 

--Zuffa event draws poorly

 

--Update on ticket sales to all the upcoming UFC events 

 

--Notes on betting odds for upcoming big shows

 

--Notes on possible UFC return to Canada

 

--Fighter who was in line for title shot in a coma

 

--Olympic gold medalist says he wants to fight MMA for UFC or WEC in 2009

 

--Update on the next season of Ultimate Fighter

 

--Frank Mir complains about Junie Browning's treatment and why he wouldn't let his son watch him on TV by the end of the season

 

--Other fighters talk Browning and if it's a work or shoot

 

--Couture in movie role

 

--More new UFC fights signed and several fighters signed to new deals

 

--U.S. Olympic team wrestlers about to start in MMA, and one nearly was set to debut at the New Year's Eve show in what would have been a gigantic match, and why it fell through

 

--Update on the New Year's Eve show in Japan

 

--Update on the Affliction PPV show

 

--Final numbers for De La Hoya vs. Pacquiao

 

--Notes on the return of Pat Miletich

 

--Ken Shamrock announces taking another fight

 

--Former Olympic gold medalist who recently lost to TNA star in shoot match announces retirement

 

--Olympic bronze medalist announces debut in January

 

        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 have another update on the Justin Levens case.  The autopsy results are in and as expected, Levens death was due to a gunshot wound to the head.  Sara Levens' death was from a gunshot wound to the heart.  The gun was found next to him.  "If it's a murder/suicide, he's the shooter," said Jim Amormino of the Orange County Sheriff's department.  The autopsy estimated the time of the deaths to be this past Sunday.  Of the police department's two calls to the home in recent weeks, one was for an overdose, but they would not specify who had overdosed.  The other was because smoke was coming from the home.  The fire department investigated but couldn't find a source of the smoke and there was no fire in the home.

 

--Regarding Travis Tomko, the story that Vince McMahon blew up at John Laurinaitis because Tomko was out of shape (apparently due to a torn right pec) in his Monday night dark match is true.  What Tomko's future is or isn't in WWE isn't confirmed.

 

--Frankie Kazarian's hard luck continued.  After returning after surgery due to a torn triceps, he tore his biceps Monday night at the Impact TV tapings and underwent another operation this week.  Usually that would mean he'll be out close to six months.

 

--UFC announced the TV lineup for the 2/7 Ultimate Fight not from Tampa as:

*Joe Lauzon vs. Hermes Franca

*Mac Danzig vs. Josh Neer

*Cain Velasquez vs. Denis Stojnic

*Amir Sadollah vs. Nick Catone

 

--A few more names at "The Wrestler" premiere Tuesday night not listed yesterday were Lex Luger (walking with a cane), Joanie Laurer and Christopher Daniels.  Also spotted were 50 cent, Matthew Perry, Jared Leto and Oliver Stone.  The wrestler who makes the biggest impression in the movie is Necro Butcher.   (thanks to Owen Ellickson)

 

--Darren Aronofsky on Howard Stern today said he always wanted Mickey Rourke to star in the movie but the studio wanted Nicholas Cage.  They argued about it, and finally he got what he wanted, but they cut his budget from $19 million to $6 million in the process.   (thanks to Ron Schineller)

 

--Mickey Rourke was nominated for Best Actor by the Screen Actors Guild for their awards.  The movie did not get a best picture nomination.

 

--Spike will be airing the Ultimate Fight Night from April tomorrow night from 9 p.m. to midnight headlined by Kenny Florian vs. Joe Lauzon

 

--Iron Sheik will be at the Raw/Smackdown tapings on Monday night in  Toronto, but not to be on the show.  An area company is taking a group of guest to Raw in a corporate box and is flying in Sheik as a guest (thanks to Gary Will)

 

--My friend Jeff Siegel saw The Wrestler a few days ago.  His response:  "What can I say that hasn't already been said?  Forget about the fact it's a wrestling movie.  It's one of the most riveting pieces of film work I've seen in years and years.  And Mickey Rourke's performance transcends anything I've seen in even longer.  Who would've thought we'd ever see something like this come to life?"

 

--Vince McMahon is supposed to have a private screening with Darren Aronofsky tomorrow in Connecticut

 

--A three-disc best of Saturday Night's Main Event is being released by WWE with these matches

Hulk Hogan vs. Bob Orton (main event of the first show ever on 5/11/85)

Uncle Elmer's wedding

Roddy Piper vs. Paul Orndorff 10/5/85

Hulk Hogan vs. Terry Funk 1/4/86

Mr. T vs. Bob Orton boxing match 3/1/86

Ricky Steamboat vs. Jake Roberts 10/4/86

Randy Savage vs. Jake Roberts for IC title 11/29/86

Hulk Hogan vs. Paul Orndorff cage match 1/3/87

Battle Royal 3/14/87

Bret Hart & Jim Neidhart vs. Dynamite Kid & Davey Boy Smith 2/3 falls 5/2/87

Honky Tonk Man vs. Randy Savage for IC title 10/3/87

Randy Savage vs. Bret Hart 11/28/87

Ricky Steamboat & Mike Rotunda & Barry Windham vs. Iron Sheik & Nikolai Volkoff & George Steele 5/11/85

 

--WWE The Music Vol. 9 will be released on 1/27 with themes both old and new including Demolition, Brutus Beefcake, Chris Jericho, Steve Austin, Eddie Guerrero, Undertaker, Mankind, HHH, LOD, Jim Duggan, Rick Rude, The Rock, Randy Orton, Vladimir Kozlov, Maryse, Santino Marella, Ted DiBiase Jr., Kelly Kelly, Kung Fu Naki, Natalya, Evan Bourne, William Regal, Boogeyman, John Cena, Jack Swagger and Tommy Dreamer.  They will also have the original Saturday Night's Main Event theme, the original Prime Time Wrestling theme, theme from Raw and Wrestlemania 10 theme. (thanks to Paul Clay) 

 

--Todd Martin reviews books by Tito Ortiz, Randy Couture and Jonathan Snowden at http://www.sportsline.com/mma/story/11178234/2  He also has a story on Andrei Arlovski at http://www.sportsline.com/mma/story/11180081

 

--Lance Storm does not like the Shawn Michaels angle on Raw because it makes no sense at http://www.stormwrestling.com/121708.html  Well, if you look at it if it should make sense, there are enough holes to drive Big Daddy V through some of them.  I believe Lance Storm would have loved Sam Muchnick's promotion.

 

--Poll on Tuesday's ECW TV show

Excellent 18.3%

Good 48.9%

Average 16.8%

Fair 5.3%

Poor 10.7%

        45.9% of those responding didn't see the show

 

--Will the movie "The Wrestler" make a difference in wrestling's popularity in 2009

Increase it 22.8%

Make no difference 75.9%

Hurt it 1.3%

 

--The Las Vegas Sun had a story on a huge crowd attending a Lucha Libre show in the Vegas outskirts to see Rey Mysterio.  Yeah, but they got Rey Misterio.  Story is at http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2008/dec/16/amid-body-slams-amor/    

 

--Jon Moxley vs. Chance Prophet for Mad Pro Wrestling on 1/8 in Chillocothe, OH

 

--There is a story on Jerry Lawler at http://www.pjstar.com/entertainment/x1089344114/Pro-wrestler-slapping-backs-not-faces talking about his angles with Andy Kaufman and William Shatner.  He, Jim Duggan and Koko Ware are signing autographs Friday night at 6 p.m. at the Peoria Riverman's hockey game with the Iowa Chops.  He put over that Sid Vicious is as good as ever (wow, that's praise) and could come back and make a big splash in WWE.  He also compares J.R. to Michael Cole.  Basically he says J.R. takes it seriously and Cole is like himself, I guess that he doesn't.  "It's not life or death.  It's wrestling."

 

--There was an incident reminiscent of the death of Owen Hart nearly ten years ago.  Last night at the Crossroads Community Church in Cincinnati, Keri Shryock, 23, a Xavier graduate student, fell after her harness unlocked during a Christmas play at her church.  She was pronounced dead this morning (thanks to Brian Henke)

 

--Versus has announced a two-hour special on 12/28 from 9-11 p.m. called Best of WEC 2008 with Miguel Torres vs. Yoshiro Maeda, Urijah Faber vs. Jens Pulver, Carlos Condit vs. Hiromitsu Miura and the TV debut of Donald Cerrone vs. Razor Rob McCullough.  Seriously, that's four matches of the year candidates right there.

 

--NWA Main Event on Christmas night in Nashville at the Fairgrounds

 

--New York Wrestling Connection on 12/27 at Center Island Sports in Ronkonkoma, NY featuring the annual Psycho Circus, a weapons match with far too many stips to list here and with every promotion title at stake, plus a Joker's Wild Battle Royal where the winner gets a title shot of his choosing at some time in 2009.

 

--NWA Underground from Saturday night in Niles, MI:  Young Gunn b Jeff King, Ryan Epic & Brian Skyline b Kenny Kage & Seth Magavin, Erico b Chris Xion, Santa Claus & Gregory the Gorilla & Gary The Freak & Gameboy b Kosher Klub & Jack Verville & Jamie Eternal, Brutus Dylan won Battle Royal, Doink the Clown b Capt. Spaulding, Hardcore Harry & Colin Troy b Brutus Dylan & Jimmy Shalwin (thanks to Blackjack Parsons)

 

--Craig Ferguson last night did his monologue on wrestling, mostly on the movie "The Wrestler," but talked about some current WWE wrestlers as well

 

--The 10th annual Grapplers Quest no gi submission grappling and BJJ competition takes place 3/21 and 3/22 in Del Mar, CA at the Fairgrounds and there will also be a Fight Expo that weekend with Brandon Vera, Joe Stevenson, Vinnie Magalhaes, Eliot Marshall, Jake Shields, Nick Diaz, Nate Diaz, Keith Jardine, Diego Sanchez, Dean Lister, Kurt Pellegrino, Greg Jackson, Eddie Bravo and Robert Drysdale appearing.  

 

--Ring of Fire 33 on 1/10 in Broomfield, CO at the Events Center features former UFC fighter Alvin Robinson vs. Keith Bach and Joe Doherty vs. former TUF fighter Noah Thomas  

 

--M-1 Global will have its awards ceremony at the 12/26 show at the Emerald Queen Casino near Tacoma as part of the M-1 Challenge championships with Team Russia vs. Team Holland.  They will award Most Outstanding Fighter (nominees are Jessie Gibbs of Holland, JarnoNurminen of Finland and Daisuke Nakamura of Japan), Most Exciting Fighter (Bogdan Christea of Holland, Mikail Malyutin of Russia and Maktar Gueye of France) and Most Promising Fighter (Kiril Sidelnikov of Russia, Jake Ellenberger of U.S. and Juan Manuel Suarez of Spain).

 

--IWF has a two-day 16-man tournament on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. an Sunday at 4 p.m. at the IWF Centre in West Paterson, NJ

 

--Great Championship Wrestling tonight in Phenix City, AL at the Gr8 Sk8plex

 

--Steve Austin turns 44 today while Rob Van Dam turns 38 and Trish Stratus turns 33.

 

--Rich Tate's Atlanta wrestling nostalgia:

74 years ago today:  Jim Londos retained the NWA world title beating Orville Brown in 45:00 in two straight falls before 4,000 fans

49 years ago:  Ray & Dickie Gunkel beat Fred Blassie & Angelo Poffo (Randy Savage's father)

44 years ago:  Lou Thesz retained the NWA title beating Ray Gunkel in  a no DQ and no time limit match plus Fred Blassie beat Tony Baillargeon

38 years ago:  The Assassins beat Great Ota & Mr. Ito

32 years ago in Griffin:  Bill Dromo beat the Mongolian Stomper

 

--Velocity Pro Wrestling on 12/20 in Philadelphia at the Alhambra has Jerry Lynn vs. Elijah Burke and Jay Briscoe vs. John Walters vs. Bobby Fish vs. Derek Frazier, Claudio Castagnoli vs. Hallowicked and Amazing Red vs. Christian York