By Dave Meltzer This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

        On Fuel tonight, UFC Tonight airs at 6 p.m. Eastern, Ultimate Insider at 6:30, Countdown to UFC 147 (that's a PPV this Saturday) airs tonight at 7 p.m., and prelims from UFC 146 air at midnight. 

 
        We've got thoughts on an MMA Hall of Fame, who definitely belongs in, who should be considered, and who shouldn't be in, as one of the lead stories in the new issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.  The issue also includes an update on WWE after No Way Out, full coverage of the show, New Japan PPV coverage and the career of its top star, Hiroshi Tanahashi, two of the biggest promotions in the world combine for a show in two weeks, what moved the Raw ratings, as well as plans for an annual tradition that will be the MMA equivalent to WrestleMania.          

 

        The issue will be on the site today if you are a web site member.  We also have a new back issue on the site from 1995 which covers the fallout of WrestleMania that year, the aftermatch of Ken Shamrock vs. Royce Gracie II, which at the time was the biggest non-boxing sports PPV of all-time, the 1995 Champion Carnival tournament, TripleMania build for that year and more.

 

        The Wrestling Observer ranges weekly from 35,000 to 50,000 words covering pro wrestling and MMA internationally. Each issue has coverage and analysis of all the major news, plus every issue breaks major news stories before the Internet sties and has the most complete look at the pro wrestling and MMA business anywhere, plus history pieces available nowhere else.
 
        The Observer is now in its 29th year of being the leading insider pro wrestling publication in the world.  The biggest and most influential names in the pro wrestling and MMA industry, from bookers to promoters to Hall of Fame wrestlers and fighters to the biggest names on camera and behind the scenes, along with thousands of readers in all 50 states and more than 30 countries subscribe.  Many have subscribed for 20 years or longer consecutively.  They get the most detailed and inside coverage of what is going on all over the world.  Everywhere from Wall Street to the major offices to television networks in the 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 sent your Visa or Master Card order with your name, address, phone number, card number and expiration date to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or you can order at www.paypal.com and use the This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it address.
 
        You can also 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 a number of questions regarding an MMA Hall of Fame, how it would differ from a UFC Hall of Fame, the weakness of the UFC Hall of Fame, who is in the UFC Hall of Fame, who are the most talked about people who could be in that aren't and why, questions regarding Brock Lesnar, Tank Abbott, Gina Carano, Bob Sapp and other notable attractions of the past.

 

        We also break down various candidates and put them into five different categories regarding who should and shouldn't be in.  We also speculate on the future of the UFC Hall of Fame, and also ask questions regarding two key issues that would keep most candidates out of a sports Hall of Fame that are uniquely different in MMA.

 

        We also look at WWE's No Way Out, with full coverage of the show included polls, business, match-by-match coverage with star ratings, stories behind the booking, where things are probably headed next month and more.

 

        We also have more on Randy Orton's drug test failure, what he actually failed for, how WWE changed plans greatly because of it and what Orton wants.

 

        We also have an update on the Linda McMahon campaign, including how wrestling was brought up in political debates, reactions and policy.  We've got an update on Ric Flair's status, what Vince McMahon wants regarding new signees to the company, plans for blueprint of the three hour Raw shows, Vince's new philosophy on announcers behavior, what happened to Eve Torres, and Chris Jericho talks future.

 

        We also have notes on the new WWE video game, who is in charge of booking house shows, Randy Savage in the WWE Hall of Fame, Brock Lesnar returning and WWE Raw in Mexico.

 

        We also look a lot at WWE developmental, Vader's reaction to WWE, the future of NXT, why it's no longer on the Internet, as well as notes from the last taping.  We've got updates on Ted DiBiase and Cody Rhodes, viewership of Raw on DVR, as well as WWE business notes from the past weekend and house show highlights.

 

        We also cover the New Japan Dominion PPV, look at the records when it comes to the IWGP title, the title reign of Kazuchika Okada, and full show coverage.

 

         We also have a look at the ratings of all the major shows and complete details on the this week's Raw and Impact.  We also look at how the time slot move and going live has affected TNA numbers.
 
        We also have results from all the major arena events around the world over the past week, as well as reviews of all the major television shows.
 
Also in this week's issue:
 
--A web site streaming live overseas matches every week

 

--New Japan star to challenge for CMLL heavyweight title

 

--TNA star in a TV feud in Mexico

 

--A look at the reality show premise CMLL is doing on its shows

 

--Updated Mexico TV ratings

 

--Changes in AAA booking explained

 

--A look at the angles leading into TripleMania along with new major matches added to the show

 

--What American stars are scheduled on the show

 

--Notes on All Japan's annual junior heavyweight tournament

 

--Mitsuharu Misawa Memorial show notes

 

--What wrestler from the past got carried away on that show and ended up hurt

 

--Notes on NOAH's next big show

 

--Update on Davey Richards in Japan

 

--Notes on 2012 Fire Festival tournament

 

--Shinjiro Otani anniversary show

 

--Lots more on tape collections not owned by WWE including what is left in one of wrestling all-time best markets

 

--One of the best in-ring wrestlers explains why he is retiring next year and his disappointment with wrestling

 

--Notes on the Best in the World show from ROH

 

--ROH upcoming dates

 

--Notes on the weekend ROH combined show and TV taping

 

--Does TNA have momentum

 

--Early Slammiversary numbers

 

--Update on Chris Sabin and Matt Morgan in TNA

 

--Notes on the Bound for Glory tournament

 

--What is different from last year

 

--What still doesn't make sense from the tournament

 

--Thoughts on TNA's X Division title and what it's worth right now

 

--Who TNA should make a push to get

 

--Notes on Eric Young's new TV show

 

--Notes on TNA female star competing in a national bikini contest

 

--Update on King Mo

 

--Notes on weekend TNA house shows

 

--A major UFC tradition they are looking at starting

 

--Behind the Feijao suspension and how that screws up the Strikeforce light heavyweight title picture

 

--Notes on the weekend UFC shows

 

--The controversy over Clay Guida's hair

 

--Alistair Overeem talks his return and what he said that doesn't make sense

 

--Notes on how other sports are now doing on Saturday nights

 

--Health update on Demetrious Johnson

 

--News on lots of UFC special TV programming

 

--How FOX is going to help promote the upcoming major shows

 

--Why there is an extra PPV match at UFC 148

 

--Lots more UFC card changes

 

--U.K. ratings for UFC

 

--Thoughts on the latest judging snafu

 

--More on drug testing in UFC

 

--Former trainer files suit against Anderson Silva

 

--Notes on UFC's return to the U.N.

 

--New Bellator signees

 

--Pacquiao vs. Bradley business notes

 

--International group with a long-term TV deal

 

--Updating the Bob Sapp career

 

        New subscribers ordering 24 or 40 issues have to let us know what major stories 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 spambots. 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.
 
Wednesday's News Update

 

--TNA has filed a lawsuit against Scott Steiner for his remarks on Twitter on Eric Bischoff and Hulk Hogan.  The company's claim is that Steiner's last contract, which expires at the end of last year, had a clause that stated as a contract provision Steiner could not "make any statements or provide information, written, verbal or otherwise, which directly or indirectly disparages or casts in a negative light any TNA officers, employees, representatives, affiliates, shareholders, licensees and/or past or current TNA talent."  It comes down to a few things, notably whether this clause applies to a period after he is no longer under contract, and what provisions TNA officer Bischoff, who insulted Steiner (admittedly in response) is under.  They noted tha they contacted him on 5/10 and told him to stop, but he has continued.  They are also looking for a permanent injunction from the court to order Steiner to stop saying bad things about them.  Story is at http://nashvillecitypaper.com

 

--The lawsuit states, "In blatant disregard of the parties' Agreeement, Steiner has engaged in a concerted effort to disparage TNA, its wrestlers, and other talent and cast hem in a negative light."

 

--It noted after being warned, Steiner continued to Tweet negative things about Brooke Hogan and Eric Bischoff.   Steiner's contract paid him

$2,000 for each TV date and each house show and $2,500 for each PPV show.

 

--Kenn Doane did an interview at www.SEScoops.com saying that John Cena was the Tiger Woods of WWE (not meaning he was the best golfer, but a womanizer), and saying Cena broke up his engagement to Mickie James years ago and once tried to get Randy Orton fired.  This came on the heels of a TMZ story where Liz Cena is trying to get evidence of John cheating on her for her divorce case, and this morning, John doing all kinds of media because he did his 300th wish.  The Cena story is at http://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/tv.wwe-superstar-john-cena-becomes-record-wish-granter-with-300th-make-a-wish/2012/06/20/gJQAviwbgV-story.html

 

--Want to make mention we've got a very interesting interview currently up on the site with Matt Hardy done earlier today.  It is probably a lot different than you would have expected with a lot of thoughts in retrospect about a long-term wrestling career and the toll it takes on you.  We've got tons of audio coming up over the next few days including Terry Funk on Friday, as well as Observer radios every day except tomorrow between now and Monday. 

 

--Disney was No. 1 for the week in the cable ratings with a 3.0 average to 2.6 for USA and TNT.  FX was No. 9 at 1.3, Syfy was No. 17 at 1.1 and Spike was No. 23 at 0.8.  The three hours of Raw last week were No. 7, No. 8 and No. 14 for the week.  In 18-34, the second hour was No. 6 and third hour was No.3  In 18-49, the second hour was No. 3 and the first hour was No. 1. 

 

--The weigh-ins for Friday's UFC show in Atlantic City take place tomorrow at 4 p.m. Eastern time and will be on the site live.  Weigh-ins for Saturday's PPV from Brazil will be at 3 p.m. on Friday.

 

--Chris Cruise talked with Mike Tyson  at http://learningenglish.voanews.com/pawn-shops-mike-tyson-las-vegas/791693.html

 

--We're looking for someone in Canada who can cover the M-1 show that airs at Noon tomorrow on The Fight Network headlined by Fedor Emelianenko vs. Pedro Rizzo, as well as someone who can cover Friday night's Bellator show.

 

--Eve Torres will be back on Raw on Monday.

 

--Brian Ebersole, who faces T.J. Waldburger on Friday night's UFC show, said on Ariel Helwani's MMA Hour earlier in the week that he's looking at dropping from 170 after this fight to 155 and talked about wanting to face Nate Diaz or Jim Miller.  He also said he'd like to face Nick Diaz.

 

--Ovince St. Preux vs. T.J. Cook looks to be added to the 8/18 Strikeforce show in San Diego which is headlined by Ronda Rousey vs. Sarah Kaufman for the women's bantamweight title.

 

--Added to the 9/29 Fuel show from Nottingham, England is Jason Young vs. Robert Peralta.  Peralta has won eight in a row, including beating Dream star Hiroyuki Takaya in San Diego last year.

 

Gray Maynard 55.9%

Clay Guida 44.1%

 

Afa & Sika 33.9%

Sandman 14.3%

Satoshi Kojima 11.0%

Yoshihiro Takayama 9.2%

Angelo Mosca 8.4%

Hector Garza 5.8%

Cibernetico 4.0%

Mighty Igor 3.8%

Mascara Ano 2000 3.2%

Bull Ramos 3.0%

Latin Lover 2.2%

Manabu Nakanishi 1.0%

 

Chief Jay Strongbow 38.3%

Haystacks Calhoun 15.8%

Gino Hernandez 10.6%

Bob Orton Sr. 7.2%

Boris Malenko 6.6%

Dick Hutton 6.6%

Tojo Yamamoto 4.8%

Brute Bernard & Skull Murphy 3.1%

Leo Nomellini 2.8%

Lonnie Mayne 2.6%

Primo Carnera 1.5%

Bobby Bruns 0.2%

 

Excellent 4.4%

Good 22.2%

Average 28.5%

Fair 14.4%

Poor 30.5%

        13.5% of those responding didn't see the show    

 

--Yesterday was the 10th anniversary of the very first TNA show, a PPV show from Huntsville, AL (thanks to Jacob Burnett)

 

--Mick Foley appeares on 7/12 in Ocala, FL doing a comedy show as part of the BANG event, called "A Night of Comedy and Wrestling."

 

--AAW on Friday night in Berwyn, IL at the Eagles Club features Silas Young & Irish Airborne vs. Jimmy Jacobs & Arik Cannon & B.J Whitmer, plus Michael Elgin vs. Kyle O'Reilly and Sami Callihan vs. Davey Richards, as well as Colt Cabana and Samuray del Sol.

 

--C4 on Saturday night in Ottawa before 240 fans:  Sebastian Suave b Player Uno, Alex Vega over Sexxxy Eddy, Jagger Mile and Abe Jackson, Cicil Nyx & Chaz Lovely b 3.0 & Ethan Page, Michael Von Payton b Eddie Kingston, Christopher Bishop by himself over Aeroform and Brent B & Jae Rukin to keep tag tiltes, Mathieu St. Jacques & Thomas Dubois b Kevin Steen & Frankie the Mobster, Twiggy b Vanessa Kraven in an inter gender match, Josh Alexander over Stu Grayson, Mike Bailey, Tyson Dux, Scotty O'Shea and Michael Elgin to win the C-4 title.  Next show is 9/29.

 

--Grapplers Quest has its 2012 Toronto championships on Saturday in Brampton, ONT at the Brampton Soccer Stadium.  More than 1,000 competitors are expected.

 

--Lucha Xtreme airs every Saturday night at 8 P.M. on KAIL-TV (Comcast 13/713, DirecTV Ch. 53) in Central California.

 

--Empire Wrestling on Friday night at the Academy Theater in Avondale Heights, GA.

 

--Infinity Pro Wrestling on 6/30 in Bloomington, IN at the National Guard Armory with Austin Aries, Sugar Dunkerton and others in a One-night tournament.  There will also be an Austin Aries clinic with four hours of instructions, promo class, TNA scouting and more that afternoon at 1 p.m.  Sign-ups are $50 at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

 

--Corey Hill, the former TUF fighter known for his nasty broken leg in 2008, has signed a long-term contract with the XFC.  XFC has a show on Friday night from Nashville on HDNet.

 

--NWA Smoky Mountain Wrestling on 6/30 in Kingsport, TN at the Civic Auditorium with a cage of death match WAr Games style, Ricky Morton appears plus a four-way match for a shot at the NWA jr. title.

 

--The wrestling book all or nothing, about the 1PW promotion in the U.K. and its history, is avaialble on Kindle at http://amazon.com/dp/B008CFWEJ0 all over the world.

 

--Dennis Haskins, who played Principal Belding on "Saved by the Bell," and is a big wrestling fan, will be appearing on the 9/14 Pro
Wrestling Syndicate show in the role of commissioner for the show in Rahway, NJ at the Rec Center.  The show will be an iPPV headlined by Demolition vs. Powers of Pain, Matt Hardy vs. Anthony Nese and Shockwave the Robot vs. The Goon (80s star Bill Irwin).  Saved by the Bell, Demolition, next thing you know, they'll be bringing back J.R. Ewing.

 

--CMLL on Sunday in Guadalajara:  Astral & Meteoro & Azteca de Oro & Electrico & Ultimo Dragoncito b Demus 3:16 & Spark & Nitrito & Pierrothito & Metatron in an elimination match with Ultimo Dragoncito beating Demus 3:16 in the final, Vangelis & Niebla Rojo & Demonio Maya & Puma King b Dragon Lee & Triton & Sky Kid & Smaker, Atlantis & Delta & Guerrero Maya Jr. b Mr. Niebla & Felino & Sangre Azteca, La Mascara b Mephisto to retain the Mexican national light heavyweight title

 

--CMLL on Monday in Puebla before a near sellout crowd:  Siki Ozama & Ares El Guerrero b Millenium & Dinamico, Sensei & Leono & Metalico b Bobby Zavala & Hooligan & Taurus, Amapola & Lady Aphrodita & Seductora b Marcela & Luna Magica & Dalis la Caribena, Atlantis & Blue Panther & Angel de Oro b Psicosis & Olimpico & Black Warrior-DQ, Marco Corleone & Rush & Maximo b Rey Escorpion & Ultimo Guerrero & Dragon Rojo Jr. to keep the CMLL trios titles. (thanks to Steve "Dr. Lucha" Sims and Kris Zellner)

 

--The official Ric Flair sushi at The Cowfish restaurant in Charlotte notes at http://www.thecowfish.com/events/

 

--The new UWC TV show is at http://www.youtube.com/UWCWrestlingVideos

 

--Steeltown Pro Wrestling on 6/30 in Selkirk, Manitoba at the Friendship Centre 

 

--In Your Face Wrestling on Saturday night in Whitehall, NY at the Whitehall Athletic Club headlined by J.P. Black vs. Bobby Fish.

 

--Hoosier Pro Wrestling on 6/30 in Columbus, IN at JP Byriders in the parking lot.  Admission is six cans of food per person to help stock up the local food bank for the needy, and bring your own lawn chairs to watch.

 

--Dr. David Reiss talks addictions to prescription painkillers among wrestlers at http://www.go386.com/jawbreaker/2012/06/addiction-prescription-painkillers-and-chronic-pain-management-in-pro-wrestling.html

 

--Pro Wrestling EVO on 6/30 in Concord, NC at the Cabarrus Arena & Events Center has a $1.99 iPPV headlined by Zack Salvation vs. Cedric Alexander   

 

--Lucha mania on 8/19 in El Paso a the County Coliseum featuring Blue Demon Jr., L.A. Park and Latin Lover.

 

--Progress Wrestling on Sunday is Islington, England at The Garage headlined by Nathan Cruz vs. Marty Scurll.

 

--An interview with Nicole Matthews of Shimmer is at http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2012/06/11/19861976.html

 

--A story on A.J.'s angle in WWE is at http://www.grantland.com/story/_/id/8077091/wwe-diva-aj-brings-depth-cm-punk-daniel-bryan-kane-feud-female-characters-pro-wrestling

 

--Chaotic Wrestling on Friday night in Lowell, MA at the Polish American Veterans Club, Saturday night in Littleton, NH at the Opera House and Sunday in Hudson, MA at the Elks Lodge.  Among those wrestling in Lowell are Tommaso Ciampa, Eddie Edwards and Matt Taven.  

 

--Ed and Cutrer and Craig are joined by Brian Fritz at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/cutrer/201...rian-fritz

 

--Sunday results from El Paso:  Marcela & Baby Star b Rossy Moreno & Princesa Guerrera, Cobarde & Cobarde Jr. b Kenish & Galactico, Dr. Wagner Jr. & Magno b Pirata Morgan & Rey Escorpion (not the CMLL wrestler of the same name).  Cobarde has said he is going to retire after his next match. (thanks to Albert Cerda)