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We're looking for your thoughts on Saturday night's UFC Fight Night as well as Sunday night's TNA Slammiversary, 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 live from Saturday night's WWE Smackdown house show in Saginaw, MI, the ROH TV tapings on both Friday night as well as Saturday night in Philadelphia, as well as yesterday's WWE shows, which are Raw in Kalamazoo and Smackdown in Dubuque.

Smackdown and ECW will be taped tonight in Milwaukee.

TNA will be taping all the Impact shows leading to the next PPV from Tuesday through Thursday in Orlando.

We have another double issue of the Observer coming on Monday with part one of a two part feature on the life of Mitsuharu Misawa, the heyday of All Japan Pro Wrestling, the formation of Pro Wrestling NOAH, the end of the glory days of Japanese wrestling and a lot more.

We also look at the WWE with Donald Trump as a new character in the show, the gimmick of the commercial free Raw, the next PPV, some funny stories about what went on at the show and full coverage of a PPV level edition of Raw.

We also have notes on the Tim Sylvia-Ray Mercer debacle, the UFC Mirko Cro Cop debacle, how things went down, as well as a look at the business of UFC 99 and full coverage of the show.

We also look at the lawsuit filed by Nancy Benoit's parents, TripleMania and what happened the next night, Ring of Honor leaving PPV, Dragon Gate getting PPV and what is the same and what is different about the deals, the Ric Flair-ROH situation that went down on Saturday night, the lawsuit against Big Show and WWE on breach of contract and the latest boxing legend to do a stint in pro wrestling.

The issue is available right now for web site subscribers, and you can get a mail subscription to the Observer with information below.

A look back at the life and the tragic death of Mitsuharu Misawa is our lead story, as we look back first at one of the biggest pro wrestling events ever held, the beginning of Japanese pro wrestling and how it has changed. We look at the death of Giant Baba, the ascension of Misawa as the top star in All Japan, the last few months of Misawa's life, his all-time business record, why he won the title for the final time, what had and hadn't been talked about regarding him retiring, as well as his last match and the aftermath.

We look at what exactly happened, the decision to keep the tour going and what happened at the next few shows, coverage of the death and how it varied, Jun Akiyama's vacating the GHC title, the ascension of Go Shiozaki, Misawa in ROH, the end of the glory days of All Japan Pro Wrestling, as well as how Misawa first got into the business.

We also look at what was covered after his death as his most famous match, the background of the match and the match itself, his days as Tiger Mask, the beginnings of Pro Wrestling NOAH and the first two nights. We look at the height of the Pro Wrestling NOAH promotion and the two biggest shows in its history.

We also look back at the Misawa vs. Kawada story, their final match and the last great emotional match of Misawa's career.

The Wrestling Observer ranges from 25,000 to 40,000 words covering pro wrestling and MMA all over the world.

Each issue has coverage and analysis of all the major news, plus every issue breaks major news stories before the Internet sites and has the most complete look at the business as a whole anywhere.

The Observer is now in its 27th year of being the leading insider pro wrestling publication in the world. The biggest and most influential names in the pro wrestling industry as well as the MMA industry, from bookers, to promoters to Hall of Fame wrestlers and fighters to the biggest current names, both on camera, and behind the scenes, along with thousands of readers in all 50 states and 30 countries subscribe. Many have subscribed as long as 20 years or more straight. They get the most detailed and inside coverage of what is going on all over the world and an accuracy from having the most inside sources that can't be found on the web. Everyone from Wall Street to the major offices to the TV networks in U.S. and Japan turn to the Observer for what is going on in the business. If you are a new subscriber ordering 24 or more issues, you can get one free classic issue of your choice sent to you today. With a 40 issue subscription, you can get two free classic issues sent to you today. Just send your Visa or Master Card order with your name, address, phone number, Visa or Master Card number and an expiration date to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or you can order by faxing that information to 408-244-3402. You can also subscribe via paypal at www.paypal.com and using the This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it address or subscribe via check, cash or money order, as well as credit card, by mail, by sending to Wrestling Observer Newsletter, P.O. Box 1228, Campbell, CA 95009-1228.

We also look at the return of Donald Trump, The Bash PPV, the Sylvia-Mercer deal, a look at what is and isn't in the lawsuit filed by the family of Nancy Benoit, as well as what was said about the steroids by Dr. Gary Wadler as well as the letter Dr. Phil Astin gave to authorities after Benoit's death.

We also look at TripleMania, the AAA vs. WWE battle, the arrest of three AAA personalities and coverage of the show.

We also look at an update on Ric Flair in ROH, where it stands, the future of the relationship and what happened on Saturday night.

We also look behind the Big Show being sued, Big Show's boxing career, why it never happened, as well as coverage of the finals of the 2009 Super Junior tournament.

We have an update on Gerald Brisco, WWE's new ideas regarding PPV, more on the releasing of Umaga, an update on the Rey Mysterio front, a house show match people were raving about, more on the farewell of Vickie Guerrero, best selling DVDs, background of two more third generation wrestlers in WWE and notes on the weekend house shows.

We also have our usual weekly features including ratings for all the major national shows, broken down with demo numbers, as well as results from the major league arena events held around the world, and the major TV show reviews.

Also in this week's issue:

--More on CMLL's tournament of champions

--Next big New Japan show

--A look at the death of ref Ted Tanabe

--Some upcoming legends matches

--Hulk Hogan lives his life in court and on the Bubba the Love Sponge show

--Hogan divorce getting uglier

--The oldest feud in wrestling, still going strong after almost 35 years

--A look back at the 1970s and how the FCC changed how matches were being promoted

--How changes in TV ended regional wrestling

--Notes on funeral of John Tolos

--Legends of the arena update

--Longest woman's match in history

--Newcomer to ROH

--Future of Sting as a pro wrestler

--World X Cup 2009 talks

--Victoria talks leaving WWE and going to TNA

--TNA TV tapings and house show news

--Business advances for the upcoming major UFC events

--Plans for the annual year-end show

--Official sales figures of the UFC video game are in

--UFC injuries

--Masato's career closing

--More on Gina Carano vs Cris Cyborg

--Jake Shields challenges Frank Shamrock

--Update on the two proposed biggest boxing matches this year

--Daughter of pro wrestler starts MMA career

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.

-- Sad to report the death of Billy Red Lyons after a battle with cancer. SLAM! has an article up on him here.

-- Setanta in the UK went into administration today and UFC is officially finished on the station. It is believed UFC 100 will be carried on Bravo, and it will be interesting to see what decision Sky makes. Phil Lowe has an article on the situation here. It is expected that UFC will make an announcement of a new home soon.

-- There is another article here with a look at the loss of jobs involved.

-- Raw did a 4.2 first hour and 4.8 second hour last night with 6.8 million viewers, which gives you an idea of the toll that commercials take on the show every week.

-- As noted on the front page, ROH has canceled the July 17th and 18th TV tapings. They're claiming they have enough footage taped in advance, and also want to give the Philadelphia fans a break so they'll be hotter for the next set, still scheduled for August 28th and 29th.

-- Pretty much zero mainstream publicity today for WWE giving back the gate for last night's Raw. There were a few articles in the local Green Bay press, but nothing I saw nationally.

-- WWE also sent out a "Donald Trump Fired" press release which also hasn't been picked up anywhere.

-- Another article about PN News. I have seen more of these than I have mainstream articles on Vince giving away the Raw gate.

-- Oh wait, here's some. Sorry that's actually about how pissed a guy was to have fallen for WWE's press release last week. He concludes with this line: "Since USA no longer can be trusted, I will ignore all USA releases in the future--it is now a non-network to me." So much for the one about the Raw gate or Trump being fired.

-- The TNA Wrestling Facebook page has a Taz FTW video up here.

-- Jeff Cohen writes: Bubba the Love Sponge had Ted DiBiase on last week to promote some Fathers Day event for FCW. They were going over his career and his favorite matches/opponents and of course discussed working with Hulk Hogan. Someone on the show asked about why Hogan never seemed to work a program with Jake Roberts. In fact, Bubba recounted a story he'd heard that Hogan did one test match with Roberts at a house show, then went and told McMahon, "I'm never working with that guy again." DiBiase stated that he had no knowledge of whether or not the story happened as Bubba recounted, and they went on to another subject. Hogan was on later that morning (Wednesday) and gave his side: Apparently he was willing to work with Roberts so they did the match. It was going according to the "Hogan script" except Hogan couldn't hear the crowd reacting to anything: the heel working him over, the cut-off comeback attempt, and the final Superman hulking up and leg drop. In Hogan's mind, that just meant that Roberts wasn't over enough as a heel to work with him in a main event program. I'd actually like to hear Jake's version of that story.

-- WWE has officially changed the name of Priceless to Legacy, and that is how they are to be referred to on TV from now on.

-- Todd Martin has a great interview with Joe Rogan here as part of a UFC retrospective series

-- JR's latest blog is here

-- Lance Storm has an awesome story about working under a mask as a surprise this past weekend up here. We'll talk a lot more about this on Thursday's Figure Four Daily.

-- The latest on the B. Brian Blair assault story is up here with a lot of sad details about the issues going on with the family right now.

-- Brock Lesnar says he's never taken steroids, that you can thank God for his physique, and that he is "built like a black man" here

-- Warrior looks at turning 50 here

-- Candace Michelle is now available for autograph signings, bookings, etc. through wrestlingbookings.com

-- Ringside with Demolition was released today by Kayfabe Commentaries at this link. You can always see what's new by clicking the Kayfabe Commentaries ad on the left side of this page.

-- Carolina indie workers Mikael Judas and Phill Shatter will be debuting as Mick Foley's security guys at tonight's tapings.

-- Wrestler's Rescue has a new auction up here to help raise $20,000 to get a hands-free voice box for Dr. Death Steve Williams.

-- For those who love the Dave's Leather Jacket thread on our board, I can confirm that Dave as The Fonz did in fact make the newest issue of Fighting Spirit Magazine.

-- I Believe in Wrestling Saturday June 27, 2009 - Bell Time 7:30pm, Downtown Recreation Center (Next to Amway Arena), 649 W. Livingston Street, Orlando, Florida 32801

-- PWG's The Secret of Guerrilla Island takes place this Sunday, June 28 at 5:00PM at American Legion Post #308 in Reseda, CA with Necro Butcher vs. Joey Ryan headlining.

-- September 26, 2009, NWA New Jersey is proud to present the 2009 Dennis Coralluzzo Invitational. This event will take place at the PAL, located in Wayne, NJ.

-- HPW Wrestling - JD Byrider Fundraiser: "Fill The Shelves", June 27th, 2009, Belltime 4:30PM, JD Byrider Lot- 2645 N National Rd, Columbus, IN. Admission is six cans of food.

-- Results from Sunday 6/22/09 Price of Glory Wrestling in Coldwater, MI: Josh Raymond d. CJ Otis, Jimmy Jacobs d. Money Mike, Noah Lott d. Dollar in a chain match, Money Mike won a 10 man Battle Royal, Jimmy Shalwin d. Christin Abel in an I Quit match, The Clash d. Kosher Klub to win the POG Tag titles, Jamie Eternal d. Money Mike, Dan Severn d. Johnny Dynamo to with the POG Title in a Loser Must Retire match. Thanks to Scott.

-- Pro Wrestling Eklipse, Friday, June 26th, 2009, JoBob's ELITE Fight Club, 4797 Allen Rd, Zephyrhills, FL 33541. Doors open at 7:30 pm and show starts at 8 pm. All tickets are $5