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We're looking for your thoughts on Sunday night's TNA Genesis PPV, so you can leave a thumbs up, thumbs down or thumbs in the middle along with a best and worst match to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

We're also looking for reports on the Saturday night WWE house show in Rochester, MN and last night's show in Springfield, MO, as well as the Friday night TNA show in Wilson, NC.

There will be another Impact taping tonight in Orlando as well as two weeks worth of Smackdowns taped in Omaha. As always, we are looking for reports from both of those events as well.

ECW tonight has:
* DJ Gabriel & Alicia Fox vs. Paul Burchill & Katie Lea Burchill
* Boogeyman vs. a jobber
* Matt Hardy vs. Jack Swagger for the ECW title in what was said to be a long and really good match

A note if you are not a subscriber, all both print and web site subscriptions that start today will include our special awards double issue that is coming out in a few weeks, which is traditionally our best selling issue of the year.

This coming Monday's issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter features the most in-depth coverage anywhere of the interviews with Vince McMahon, Stephanie McMahon-Levesque, Dixie Carter Salinas, Linda McMahon and others by the staff of Congressman Henry Waxman. We go through all the major points in the interviews, go through the reality of what it means, who stumbled, who contradicted each other, and run down facts, figures and cases when it comes to drug testing in both WWE and TNA. We've already gotten strong feedback that this is one of the best issues in several months because of the lead story.

Who looked good? Who looked bad? Who said what? Who was dishonest? Who skirted dishonesty? And the real story behind a lot of the questions and answers. This issue is available today to web site premium members along with usually 10 issues per month of the Observer Newsletter, both past and present.

We look at why this report was just released and from a political standpoint, what it is all about. We look at the results, in detail, of both WWE and TNA drug testing.

We look at Carter's reaction to be called "a refuge for WWE failed drug users and a safe haven for drug users," and the hiring of Pacman Jones and Kurt Angle. We look at the unique benefit pro wrestling has in being pro wrestling. We look at the questions of failed tests without suspensions.

We look at what the WWE's own doctor said about the number of positive tests as compared to any other drug program in the world.

We look at similarities and differences between the WWE program and real sports. We look at Vince, Linda, Stephanie and their own doctor's different individual reactions to the number of failures. We look at the failures as compared to the first round of testing in 1992 and with the World Bodybuilding Federation and the different reactions.

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 look at how the business has changed in the last 17 years, what happened to cause the deal of allowing wrestlers to continue working while suspended, and what caused it to stop.

We look at Dr. Black's reaction to performers continuing to work while suspended, as well as one who was made world champion shortly after his name came out, as well as his reaction to wrestlers publicly defending the policy, saying they are clean, and it being a lie in some cases.

We look at WWE's hiring practices, including a rundown of wrestlers hired after failing drug tests before signing their contract and what it says, including eight in a four month period reviewed in a case-by-case basis.

We look at what drug, by far, gets the most positives, and how it contradicts most claims within the business regarding what drugs are the most popular. We look at what Vince McMahon said about hiring practices and how in actuality, the results are pretty much the opposite.

We look at the Chris Benoit drug testing results and case in detail, as well as how the man often pushed as the biggest star on television is never tested and the reaction by the doctor to that question.

We look at Vince McMahon's defense of his company and claimed reasons for testing that contradicted what everyone else said about the same question, as well as why he said they dropped testing.

We look back at drug testing in WCW, including a story on why the program fell apart at the start and why companies simply can't be trusted to police themselves.

We look back at the case of D.H. Smith, Vince McMahon's tirade against Henry Waxman, and a background of WWF's first two drug testing programs.

We look at Dixie Carter's defense of her own companies position.

We look at huge differences in WWE in recent years, Dixie Carter's description of the public perception of wrestling due to WWE, as well as her perception of her base audience.

We look at subtle policy changes and an explanation as to why. We look at differences in opinions between the guy who is supposed to be heading the program and Vince McMahon and suspensions that didn't happen because of it. We look at a lot of naivete that will startle people.

We look at the subject of testing for pot and where it stands. We look at wrestlers who have tried to cheat on tests and what has happened.

We look at wrestlers who have paper trails showing purchase of certain steroids during the period in question that never tested positive.

We look back at the case of Dr. George Zahorian, as well as the 1994 trial of Vince McMahon.

What explanation from what prominent wrestler as to why his name came up on the Signature pharmacy list did Vince McMahon contradict.

What former company tag team champion did Vince McMahon claim to have never heard of?

What program that Vince McMahon was praised for doing did McMahon himself claim it was for public relations reasons.

Two people who worked directly for Stephanie McMahon talk about her interview and knowledge of wrestling.

Former WWE employees give specific examples contradicting Stephanie McMahon's claim that she never witnessed anyone talking about steroids or illegal drugs in wrestling.

Dixie Carter talks TNA revenue, revenue streams, audience they are aiming for, ratings theories, Samoa Joe, differences with WWE and hiring people with known drug issues.

12 different drug cases that came up for review by the WWE program and how ruling were made.

We also have an update on Christian Cage, more details on the WGN deal and why WWE had to take it even though the last thing they need right now is another hour of television to produce each week. We also look at a company working with WWE in a financial bind and why it's gotten WWE behind in a category. We also look at stats from 2008 including most appearances, wins and losses, as well as Chris Jericho talks about the inspiration for his new character.

We also have more on the WWE PPV schedule for 2009, and have coverage of the weekend WWE house shows.

We also have full coverage of the 20th annual Tokyo Dome, with a look at why everyone came out of the show encouraged, the real attendance, key moments on the show, the New Japan/TNA relationship and what was talked with All Japan and NOAH during the week about how to strengthen the industry in 2009. We also look at notable celebrities at the show, as well as a look back at the first pro wrestling show ever at the Tokyo Dome.

We've also got detailed match-by-match coverage.

We also have the final ratings news from New Year's Eve, both the good and the bad, and what person ended up being the ratings champion this year as well as who didn't do as well.

We've got a review of the 1/16 ROH PPV, the first major event from the company since Adam Pearce replaced Gabe Sapolsky as booker.

We also look at the surprises of the biggest show of the Sengoku promotion, as well as the ramifications of Antonio Silva going through with his fight.

We've also got all of our usual weekly coverage with notes on the ratings, results of the major league live events over the past week as well as major TV show reviews.

Also in this week's issues:

--Major promotion loses its U.S. TV

--A gimmick that resulted in turning thousands away at a Monday night house show and why it's bad for the long term

--Former U.S. stars in negotiations with AAA

--A look at the first major events of the year in Puerto Rico including several U.S. stars on the shows

--All-Asia tag team title tournament

--Several wrestlers talk retirement and have retirement matches

--MMA fighter and former boxer wants to get into pro wrestling

--Former WCW star wants to come out of retirement

--Lots of new UFC matches made over the pats week

--UFC lets go of one fighter and brings back a former title contender

--TV announcer gets a network show

--Bobby Lashley's second fight

New subscribers ordering 24 or 40 issues have to let us know what major story (ies) of the past 11 years you are most interested in and we'll send the issue with the best coverage of that story. We've got coverage of every major PPV event and world wide spectacular, every major star switching promotions, histories of companies like FMW, Rings and New Japan, retirement and obit issues of every major star who fits into those descriptions over the past 11 years, as well as our biggest issue every year, the annual awards issue, and our most controversial issue of every year, the Hall of Fame issue. Our most requested issues in our history are:

*November 17, 1997 (full details of everything leading to the most famous wrestling match finish of modern times at the Survivor Series plus a history of in-ring double-crosses)

*December 21, 1998 (the complete Vince McMahon-Bret Hart conversation right before the Survivor Series match so you'll know exactly what was said

--the conversation played in edited form both on the inaugural broadcast of Confidential as well as in Wrestling with Shadows, but everything that was said between the two about the match that was going to take place that same night)

*August 1, 1994 (the most detailed coverage anywhere of the Vince McMahon steroid trial, an issue praised in numerous newspaper article and Sex, Lies and Headlocks)

*March 26, 2001 (death of WCW and history of pro wrestling on the Turner networks)

*October 22, 2001 (why the adult audience has left pro wrestling in such great numbers and what needed to have been done to save them)

*July 8, 1991 (Ric Flair leaves WCW as world champion/Zahorian steroid trial)

*February 8, 1993 (the life and times of Andre the Giant)

*May 13, 2002 (the life story of the most incredible pro wrestling career ever, a look at Lou Thesz, in one of the largest issues of our history)

*January 27, 2003 (part one of the two-part series covering the career and life of The Sheik)

*February 3, 2003 (Part two on The Sheik including thoughts from people who worked with him and where he stands historically)

*March 24, 2003 (history of the WWWF title, inside behind the Sammartino, Backlund and Backlund era)

*April 21, 2003 (history of WWF continues with the expansion nationally, the death of the regional territories and the rise of Hulk Hogan)

*May 12, 2003 (The life and death of Elizabeth, and the rise of fall of Lex Luger)

*June 9, 2003 (Part 1 of history of WWF vs. WCW wars and what many say was the greatest year in U.S. wrestling; plus a look at Fred Blassie)

*June 16, 2003 (Freddie Blassie through the eyes of his biggest rivals and friends)

*July 28, 2003 (Part 2 of the history of the WWF vs. WCW war and the plans to make new superstars in the early 90s, what happened, and the night where the three biggest wrestling companies in the world combined for a joint show and what happened)

*August 25, 2003 (2003 Hall of Fame issue with huge profiles on the controversial career of Shawn Michaels, Chris Benoit as well as historical features on Earl Caddock and Francisco Flores)

*September 22, 2003 (Part 3 of the history of the WWF vs WCW war with the seeds that caused the collapse of the industry in the 90s, Zahorian trial, Gulf War controversy, Flair leaves WCW while holding world title and much more)

*October 27, 2003 (The fascinating life of Stu Hart plus the story of Road Warrior Hawk)

*January 19, 2004 (2003 Awards issue)

*February 2, 2004 (History of Toronto wrestling, Jack Tunney life story, Royal Rumble and Battle Royal history)

*February 23, 2004 (History of Guerrero family with Eddy's win over Brock Lesnar)

*March 1, 2004 (History of WWF continues with the period that brought the company down in early 1992, the mistakes, the real stories and how the business changed)

*March 8, 2004 (History of Wrestlemania, its greatest matches and best and worst shows as voted both by wrestlers and non-wrestlers and Wrestlemania history books)

*July 5, 2004 (A look behind the scenes and Ric Flair's book and his background with Eric Bischoff and Hulk Hogan)

*July 12, 2004 (A look at more on Ric Flair's book and his comments on Bruno Sammartino, Bret Hart and Mick Foley)

*August 16, 2004 (History of the Olympians in pro wrestling)

*August 23, 2004 (2004 Hall of Fame issue and biggest issue of the year with huge profiles on Kazushi Sakuraba, Undertaker, Bob Backlund, Masahiro Chono, Ultimo Dragon, Kurt Angle and Tarzan Lopez

--this counts as one issue if you are asking for a free issue, but ordered separately, due to size, is $6 in North America and $7 overseas)

*October 4, 2004 (the life and times of Big Bossman; as well as details of the life and times of one of the most influential men world wide in pro wrestling history, Jim Barnett)

*November 15, 2004 (the full story of what happened between Kurt Angle and Daniel Puder, plus coverage of the most important week in the history of TNA)

*January 24, 2005 (2004 Awards issue, Rock and WWE part company)

*March 14, 2005 (the 50 biggest money players in the history of WWF and a look at their Hall of Fame)

*May 9, 2005 (the life and times of Chris Candido)

*June 20, 2005 (The full story behind Paul Heyman and the death of ECW, as well as coverage of One Night Stand, Hardcore Homecoming and behind the scenes of both shows)

*July 18, 2005 (death of Shinya Hashimoto and his records with a look at the fall of New Japan, the Matt Hardy angle, tons of WWE firings, Cornette firing in detail as well as problems of a WWE developmental territory in our biggest news issue of the year which is a double-sized issue and would be $6 on its own and $7 overseas)

*August 24, 2005 (2005 Hall of Fame issue with career profiles of Paul Heyman, HHH and Freebirds plus debut of MMA Hall of Fame)

*September 12, 2005 (History of Mid South Wrestling)

*October 10, 2005 (Life and Times of the Ultimate Warrior)

*November 21, 2005 (Life and Times of Eddy Guerrero and Crusher, double issue $6 on its own and $7 overseas)

*December 5, 2005 (The Eddy Guerrero special issue, double issue $6 on its own, $7 overseas)

*January 9, 2006 (The life and times of Superstar Billy Graham, plus New Year's Eve 2005 coverage)

*January 16, 2006 (2005 Awards double issue, $6 or $7 overseas)

*April 3, 2006 (Story of Ann Calvello and the history of Roller Derby

--many called this the best issue of the Observer ever)

*April 10, 2006 (Behind the scenes at the 2006 Wrestlemania/Hall of Fame week)

*July 24, 2006 (The History of the Von Erichs and World Class Championship Wrestling

--the most unreal story ever in wrestling)

*September 4, 2006 (The Rise and Fall of Kurt Angle; 2006 Hall of Fame inductions of Eddie Guerrero, Paul Bowser, Masakatsu Funaki, Aja Kong and Hiroshi Hase including tons of wrestling history around the world from the 20s through the 60s, the evolution of working to not working in Japan, and a look at Guerrero in hindsight, double issue $6 or $7 overseas)

*October 9, 2006 (A look back nine years later at the life and legacy of Brian Pillman with tons of inside information about what made him tick as his real objectives)

*November 15, 2006 (History of WCW part one, Eric Bischoff's book and how the industry was changed forever)

*November 20, 2006 (History of WCW part two, Why Jim Ross left WCW, How Bischoff changed the company, signing of Hulk Hogan, Beginning of Nitro, Jesse Ventura, Brian Pillman, Chris Jericho and signing Wrestlemania planned celebrity away)

*November 27, 2006 (History of WCW part three, When Bischoff challenged McMahon to fight; Truth and fiction around Bret Hart signing with WCW and why it didn't click)

*December 6, 2006 (details behind Pride's offers to sell promotion and Part four of History of WCW part four, Hogan-Goldberg match and why there was no rematch, WCW loses NBC network deal in 1999 and the real reasons the company fell apart)

*January 22, 2007 (2006 Awards issue, double issue $7 on its own, $8 overseas)

*February 14, 2007 (Life and Times of Bam Bam Bigelow)

*March 5, 2007 (WWE begins plans that will change the business)

*March 12, 2007 (Life and Times of Mike Awesome)

*March 19, 2007 (Life and Times of Ernie Ladd)

*April 4, 2007 (Life and Times of Badnews Allen Coage

--which many are calling one of the best issues in history)

*July 2, 2007 (Part one of the Benoit double murder-suicide)

*July 5, 2007 (Part two of the Benoit double murder-suicide)

*July 10, 2007 (Part three of the Benoit double murder-suicide)

*July 19, 2007 (Part four of the Benoit double murder-suicide)

*July 23, 2007 (Part five of Benoit double murder-suicide)

*July 25, 2007 (Part six of Benoit double murder-suicide)

*August 15, 2007 (The legend of the God of Japanese wrestling and his influence on MMA, Karl Gotch)

*October 15 (2007 Hall of Fame double issue, $7 on its own, $8 overseas including inductions of The Rock, Tom Packs and the original Strangler Lewis)

*November 12, 2007 (Life and times of Fabulous Moolah and history of U.S. women's wrestling) .

*December 31, 2007 (History of Ric Flair and the heyday of wrestling at the Greensboro Coliseum)

*January 21, 2008 (2007 Awards issue, double issue $7 on its own, $8 overseas)

*March 17, 2008 (Life and times of Johnny Weaver)

*March 24, 2008 (Life and times of Gary Hart)

*April 10, 2008 (Farewell to Ric Flair; My thoughts, Shawn Michaels talks of Flair's meaning to him; Hall of Fame; Wrestlemania double issue, $7 on its own, $8 overseas)

August 11, 2008 (Ric Flair leaves WWE; Updated history of pro wrestlers and MMA fighters who went to the Olympics)

September 8, 2008 (2008 Hall of Fame double issue, $7 on its own, $8 overseas; part one of Killer Kowalski bio)

September 15, 2008 (Life and Times of Evan Tanner)

September 22, 2008 (The amazing career of Killer Kowalski, one of our most in-depth bios)

You can also order any of these issues on their own for $4 in North America or $5 overseas.

Rates are:

For the United States, it is $12 for 4 issues, $29 for 12, $55 for 24, $91 for 40 and $118 for 52. In Canada and Mexico, rates are $13.50 for 4, $33 for 12, $61 for 24, $101 for 40 and $131 or 52. In Europe, you can get the fastest delivery and best rates by sending to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it For the rest of the world, rates are $15.50 for 4, $41 for 12, $78 for 24, $126 for 40 issues and $163 for 52 .

If you order by mail with a check, cash or money order (P.O. Box 1228, Campbell, CA 95009-1228), you can get $1 off in every price range.

We now have available personally autographed copies of Tributes II, our latest book, as well as a DVD that comes with it talking more about the subjects in the book. The book covers the life stories of Lou Thesz, Wahoo McDaniel, Elizabeth, Fred Blassie, Road Warrior Hawk, Andre the Giant, Curt Hennig, Johnny Valentine, Davey Boy Smith, Terry Gordy, Owen Hart, Stu Hart, Gorilla Monsoon, The Sheik and Tim Woods. To get all of those biographies as back issues of the Observer would be a $60 value today. This is a collection of some of the best Observer articles of the past several years in a hardcover, full-color format that is 239 pages. There is also a foreword by Bret Hart. The book price is $12.95 plus $3.50 for shipping costs in the U.S., $10 for shipping costs to Canada and $12 for shipping costs outside North America. You can order the book the same way you order the newsletter.

-- WWE is doing a Hall of Fame pre-sale starting tomorrow at 10:00 AM CT and running through Friday at 10:00 PM CT. The password at toyotacentertix.com is STUNNER. Tickets officially go on sale Saturday morning. Of course, as noted on Raw last night, Steve Austin will be the main inductee.

-- Loretta Hunt reported today that Antonio Silva and his attorney Howard Jacobs have filed a civil suit against the California State Athletic Commission. They're looking to postpone the Commission's hearing in early February where they are expected to strip Silva of his license as a result of him fighting in Japan while under suspension for a steroid failure last year. The article is up here.

-- WWE's Starrcade Collection was officially released on DVD today. Click here for more details including a match listing

-- There is an article here about Linda McMahon being appointed to the State Board of Education. There is also an article here about Jared Bartie, the new general counsel of WWE.

-- There is an audio interview here with Richard Siegel, the screenwriter of The Wrestler.

-- The January 9th Smackdown did 3.9 million viewers, which would make it the most-watched show in the history of MyNetworkTV.

-- For those who have not seen the CBC piece on pay disputes in MMA, the link is here. Thanks to Ryan Pike.

-- As noted on last night's Wrestling Observer Radio, as part of the kid-friendly direction of WWE these days, the FU is now called the throwback, and the STFU is now just he STF.

-- ROH's Rising Above PPV, which features an awesome Bryan Danielson vs. Nigel McGuinness match, debuts this Friday on PPV. More information is up here

-- Final Impact rating for last Thursday was a 1.06, which is pretty damn good given the competition.

-- In a shocking turn of events, the proposed Hijo del Perro Aguayo vs. Hijo del Santo mask vs. hair match is off. Santo blamed Perro for making a grandstand challenge he has no desire to follow through with. Thanks to Kris Zellner.

-- The Fight Network has confirmed that Bao Quach has been tagged as the replacement for Mark Hominick to fight L.C Davis on the January 24th Affliction "Day of Reckoning" card in Anaheim, California. Hominick had to be taken off of the card due to bronchitis. Thanks to John Pollock.

-- Don't forgot, on tomorrow's members-only Wrestling Observer Radio we'll be joined by the legendary Bruno Sammartino to talk his new book and a number of other subjects. You can post questions on the board or email them to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

-- The Cornwall Civic Complex is advertising these matches for the WWE house show in Cornwall, Ontario, Canada on February 27th, 2009: Jeff Hardy & Triple H vs. Vladimir Kozlov & Edge, Mr. Kennedy vs. The Big Show, and R-Truth vs. Shelton Benjamin for the United States Championship. Card as always subject to change, especially that far in advance. Thanks to Devin Cutting.

-- WWE returns to the Ector County Coliseum in Odessa, Texas on March 13th, 2009. Tickets go on sale January 31st, 2009 at 10 AM. This will be the first WWE event in Odessa since the spring of 2006.

-- Chris Lisanti writes: Just a note that the UFC 93 Countdown special is available on Time Warner in NYC for free on the Events on Demand Channel. The show was not picked up by Spike TV so it won't be airing on that network prior to Saturday's PPV.

-- Stephen Gray writes: This match was posted on WWE.com's Legacy service today: "Thunder - 41-Man Battle Royal, May 3, 2000. Approx. run time: 25 mins. This will go down as one of the most dysfunctional, unorganized and confusing battle royals in wrestling history. And for those reasons alone this is a must see match!" During the match, Tony says the following line: "Everything logical you can think about over the past few years in WCW, throw it out the window!" Ah, the days of Thunder.

-- And here's one you don't hear every day. Terry Fiero has a podcast up here talking with David Harris of the Church of Satan about openly Satanic wrestlers including Balls Mahoney and James Mitchell.

-- Ed in San Antonio has an interview with Claudio Castagnoli up here

-- Friday night February 6th, NWS at the Middletown, NJ VFW Hall, 1 Veterans Lane (at Route 36, minutes from the Parkway), with all the action getting under way at 7:45pm. Joining Bushwacker Luke & Jay Lethal will be WWE alumnus Salvatore Sincere, and much more. Tickets are only $19 for adults and $17 for kids & seniors. Saturday night February 7th, NWS holds their annual spectacular at Edison, NJ's St. Matthew's Parish Gym, 81 Seymour Avenue (just off Routes 1 and 27), with all the action getting under way at 7:35pm.